4th Olympic Gold for athletes from Northern Ireland in
@TeamIreland
&
@TeamGB
Puts us in the top 10 in the medal table 😉
Tremendous talent from this wee place
These allegations about Sinn Fein need a full investigation. Otherwise how could any other party in the Republic allow them to form part of a national government?
Latest poll once again highlights continued strong support for the Union at all age groups. The critical centre ground is still very much pro-Union if not politically unionist
I'm no Brexiteer nor an apologist for
@duponline
but the delays at Dover today are clearly due to a lack of French border officers.
@JoeBrolly1993
, why let facts get in the way of a good rant? An offensive one at that
The Brexit disaster unfolds. The
@duponline
and
@J_Donaldson_MP
would rather destroy NI than serve under a taig. The protocol, according to Sir Jeffrey, presented us with opportunities & did not affect the constitutional arrangement, until the polls showed the taigs winning.
Gerry Adams says there'll be a border poll in 3 years 🙄
In 2000 he said there'd be a united Ireland by 2016. In 2017 that there'd be a border poll in 5 years. The inevitability theory of Irish unity based on wishful thinking just results in disappointment
Just heard
@BeattieDoug
on
@BBCNolan
. Difficult listening but Doug has rightly owned his mistakes & publicly apologised.
His positive vision for NI & the programme for change he advocates is needed more than ever. He has my support as
@uuponline
leader
If Sinn Fein take power of a sovereign state, what impact would it have on Ireland? Unless Garda & PSNI revise their view that the Army Council is still in overall control, then would that govt be seen as falling outside democratic norms ie a 'rogue state'?
Why? With only 35% of voters supporting pro-United Ireland parties in the latest poll there is zero evidence that NI's place in the UK will change in the foreseeable future.
Better for Michelle's constituents if time was spent making NI a better place
Ireland has outsourced its defence to the UK, according to this analysis.
Time for Ireland to end its neutrality & contribute some of its budget surplus to defending Europe?
Surprised that the 53/30 support for the Union in the latest NI Life & Times Survey is being ignored by many who are usually very interested in polls 🤔
Also 75% value being part of UK, 97% the NHS & 89% the financial support we get from UK
#unionofpeople
@uuponline
Who is risking 'the peace'? It's funny how majoritarianism can be cited when it suits. Bottom line Simon is the current Protocol must change. A landing zone is clear. The lesson from the GFA is that both communities must buy-in. That is currently missing hence the need for action
Latest poll underlines
@BeattieDoug
comment that there will be 'no united Ireland for generations'. Support withers even more if voters fear extra tax or health charges. Let's stop the border poll rhetoric & focus on improving public services for all our people
#NIDeservesBetter
Once again Irish government on
@BBCr4today
talking up 'danger of instability', 'lead to disaster', 'protect peace & GFA'. No understanding nor interest in unionist concerns. Just more hard ball approach. Disappointing, divisive & does nothing to get deal
Wishful thinking from Brian Feeney with his sneering colonial analogy. NI is, and will continue to be, a full part of the UK. There is zero evidence that this is up for change & Feeney's attitude will not win over a single unionist or 'neither' to his cause.
Keep it up Brian 👍
We now have both an Irish Sea border & a border on the island of Ireland. So much for the EU protecting the GFA!
Door now open for the UK Government to get rid of the harmful NI Protocol barriers to internal UK trade.
Is this for real?
A disgusting parody that must be highly offensive to the PIRA's thousands of victims.
"They haven't gone away you know."
Well they should have & for good.
This is nothing more than gaslighting victims. Sick
This man is depraved. He was in Donegal when my sister's murder was carried out in April 1984. She never got to celebrate any further Christmases and it was never the same for us. Just like thousands of other families Anybody who thinks this is funny lacks emotional intelligence
I see Sinn Fein aren't missing an opportunity to ramp things up too. Rank hypocrisy from them when they were content to tumble the institutions for 3 years when it suited their agenda
#NIdeservesbetter
.
@MaryLouMcDonald
"Let me be clear. The Protocol is essential. The Protocol is a consequence of Brexit - a Brexit the DUP campaigned vigorously for. The Protocol is here to stay."
@naomi_long
Are you denying you said those words? They remain on your party website (calling for "rigorous implementation of the Protocol" - ). The protocol bans these GB products from NI; you called for that to be implemented rigorously - the opposite of lightly.
Celebrations with traditional beacon in Killinchy tonight. Great community event, family friendly, inclusive & an advert for all that is best in unionist/loyalist culture. Well done to organisers.
Funny how those who trumpeted previous polls that showed growing support for Irish unity now say that polls shouldn't be trusted. I wonder why?
#UKunity
#Union
A £15bn bridge to Scotland is economic nonsense, impractical & a distraction from the real issues. How about fewer potholes & a public transport system in Belfast that works as maybe less ambitious goals? And maybe a functioning Govt?
3 vets to approve a sandwich. 48 hour delays causing full wagons to be destroyed. M&S Chairman Archie Norman is 100% right to describe the NI Protocol as "Byzantine and pointless". Good luck to those who supported the NIP in explaining empty shelves & higher prices to consumers
Unionism appears to have little grasp.
Of the brutal, oppressive, humiliating and heartless wee place.
It crafted here.
Ireland’s present and future must be different and better.
Poll shows a clear desire for NI to remain within the UK. Pro-Union campaigners must now focus on winning the undecided 18% to make the thought of any destabilising Border Poll unnecessary.
NI is here for the long term. Let's make it work for us all
As a Remain voting Unionist who supported the GFA & is against a No Deal Brexit I also strongly oppose an undemocratic Backstop that potentially places NI in a constitutional limbo & introduces barriers to our main market
#NoBackstop
Further evidence of how the southern Irish political landscape is now radically different.
It means that a switch to an Irish Government that actively makes the case for Irish unity is now just a matter of time.
A privilege to sit next to
@BeattieDoug
tonight as he gave his acceptance speech as new leader of
@uuponline
. 20 mins of passion, vision & leadership. And all without one note. Hugely impressive. I have no doubt that Doug will bring positive change to unionism & NI politics
Nationalist FM would spell disaster for unionism, says Donaldson.
Then why did the DUP facilitate this scenario when they negotiated St Andrews & changed the process for the election of FM?
Yet another strategic error for short term electoral gain
Is
@simoncoveney
saying unionists must accept the backstop or risk the GFA and peace? Whatever the Brexit outcome unionism is threatening neither the GFA institutions nor peace. And I say this as a unionist who voted Remain. So maybe Mr Coveney can tell us who is?
Tánaiste
@simoncoveney
writes in today’s Sunday Times:
“The Irish & British governments have travelled a difficult - and sometimes tragic - road together but have found a way to build a peace process based on honest partnership.
Let’s not take risks with our precious peace.”
Is joint authority in the absence of devolution now Alliance policy?
Any move towards joint authority or even an Irish Govt role in internal NI government would be entirely contrary to B/GFA.
Mary Lou’s turn to continue the
@sinnfeinireland
politicization of
#coronavirus
Their relentless application of the Adams mantra of “never waste a crisis” is sickening
@uuponline
After 2 years in a job that no other party wanted, not knowing that a pandemic lay around the corner,
@RobinSwannMoH
has been an exceptional Minister at
@healthdpt
. A measure of the man is that he uses the anniversary to rightly recognise the heroics of our health staff
👏👏👏
On the second anniversary of his appointment, the Health Minister has reflected on his time in office.
In this first short video, Minister Swann has thanked NI’s health and social care workforce 👇
What is it with the younger generation across Ireland and this chant?
Is it a lack of education about the past or because fortunately they didn't experience the trauma of the IRA's sectarian murder campaign?
Whatever the root cause, it needs addressed
DUPs reputation for competence?
Red Sky, RHI, Brexit, Foster/Poots leadership, Boris, NI Protocol, no NI Executive & now tonight's slow motion car crash.
NI & the Union can't take much more of their 'competence'.
Unionism needs change
@uuponline
"We are confident unionists, we are positive unionists, we are inclusive unionists, we are welcoming unionists.
We are the Ulster Unionist Party and we are back."
Greatvend to a very successful conference.
Well done
@BeattieDoug
#UUP21
#UnionOfPeople
If you thought Sinn Fein had peaked with their attitude today, Pearse Doherty on
@bbctheview
says hold my beer 🍺
Apartheid South Africa apparently equates with Northern Ireland in 2021 🤔
Research clearly shows that people in RoI only want to absorb NI if it has no impact on the South's economy, politics & culture. The South is not willing to change which is understandable. Surely it is therefore better that all our efforts get behind making NI work for all
"If this government were genuine about building understanding, breaking down barriers North and South and including Northern voices, then one might expect to see unambiguous efforts to boost representation and inclusion"
-
@EmmandJDeSouza
Why are the DUP so frightened of electoral competition? You would think their disastrous Brexit strategy had weakened the Union, that they had failed to deliver devolution for 1k + days & been embroiled in endless scandals. But yeah, it's all
@SteveAikenUUP
fault 😂
#rattled
Responding to the British government's budget announcement, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said no matter how the British government try to spin today's proposals it is a continuation of austerity cuts.
#Budget2018
@newbelfast
Who are
@sinnfeinireland
trying to kid? The prospect of NI being absorbed by the Republic is as likely as Santa Claus 🎅 coming down my chimney or seeing the fake snow ❄ from the video.
But it's Christmas, so if it makes them feel good 👍
All we want for Christmas is a united Ireland. Watch and share these messages of support for Irish Unity from across the world 🇮🇪 🎁 🎄
#Time4Unity
#UnitedIreland
#ÉireAontaithe
#IrishUnity
Great to see
@TimCollins4ND
launch his campaign tonight to become the next MP for North Down.
Tim has served his country with distinction, has national & International credibility & will effectively represent the constituency & NI at Westminster
#gamechanger
@uuponline
A 'united Ireland' is only a romantic fantasy for most down South. Any change to lifestyle or how the country is run & then it's no thanks.
Totally understandable.
But a bit of a reality check for those at the
@3ArenaDublin
yesterday
Poll - Ireland Thinks / Sunday Independent
Q: "Would you be prepared to pay increased income tax to fund a United Ireland?"
No: 52%
Yes: 35%
Unsure: 13%
October 2022
Called GP Surgery at 10.30am. GP calls back at 10.40am. Prescription to be collected at 2pm. Can't get better than that 👏👏👏
I know our Health Service has many problems & needs to be rebuilt but a free to all service of this quality has to be protected.
Thanks NHS 👍
Not bad
@BeattieDoug
for less than a week in office! Highest scoring Unionist leader already with potential to improve further as 42% still to form their view.
@uuponline
definitely on the up 👍
In the 1998 Assembly election, the combined nationalist vote was 39.85%.
In the latest Assembly election in 2022, it was 39.2%.
No change in 24 years 🤔
“With opinion polls & surveys proving contradictory and the British Government refusing to outline their understanding of the criteria under which a border poll would be called, elections are currently the only credible method to measure public opinion.”
Not only is there no poll support for Irish unity in Northern Ireland it now seems there is barely a majority for it in the Republic!
Those getting excited about a border poll should maybe focus on making NI work better instead as it's going nowhere anytime soon
Poll/Pobalbhreith:
How would you vote in a united Ireland Referendum?
Conas a vótálfá i reifreann ar aontacht na hÉireann?
In Favour/I bhFábhar: 51%
Against/I gCoinne: 29%
Unsure/Éiginnte: 20%
Via
@ireland_thinks
19 June/Meitheamh 2021
S: 1,274
#Ireland
#Poll
Who is threatening peace? As that definitely breaches the GFA. Hugely disappointing from
@JoeBiden
. Shows that either a). He doesn't really get the GFA. Or b). He is happy to make a highly partisan point in the hope of a few votes. Any comments on an Irish Sea border?
We can’t allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit.
Any trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period.
Maybe 30 years of terrorists targeting the economy may have had a bit of an impact? 🤔
Even so, the standard of living in NI is at least the same as RoI.
So thanks, but no thanks David.
We're good 👍
Top 25 most influential countries in the world, 2023:
1. USA 🇺🇲
2. China 🇨🇳
3. UK 🇬🇧
4. Germany 🇩🇪
5. France 🇫🇷
6. Russia 🇷🇺
7. Japan 🇯🇵
8. UAE 🇦🇪
9. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
10. Italy 🇮🇹
11. Israel 🇮🇱
12. Canada 🇨🇦
13. South Korea 🇰🇷
14. Spain 🇪🇸
15. India 🇮🇳
16. Australia 🇦🇺
17. Turkey
As I say in my article in
@News_Letter
, unionism must stop sawing off the branch we're sitting on.
The Union is a success, it's here to stay & is capable of attracting even more support.
But we need to make Stormont & NI work better
Voters should ask 3 questions of unionist parties in the run up to next year's election:
1. Who can make NI work best?
2. Who can widen the appeal of the Union?
3. Who can best sell the Union in NI, GB & internationally?
I think there is only one answer
@uuponline
#UnionOfPeople
What if Jim Allister becomes the leader of unionism? It’s still unlikely, but no longer absurdly impossible. If the TUV dramatically overtakes the DUP & UUP in next year’s election, Sinn Féin's reaction to Mr Allister's key demand could be surprising.
@Kelmba
Nothing to do with your gender Kellie. I just think it was bad form to use this issue to make a point at another party.
Let's not detract further from the more important issue at hand.
The Ireland's Future narrative that 'RoI good, NI bad' is wrong on many levels.
Despite our many challenges - from decades of terrorism, continued paramilitarism & political instability - NI is a success, it's our home &, like it or not, our shared future
What Ireland’s Future won’t mention - 3/15
🚨Since 1998, no other UK region has experienced such high levels of growth (36%) in the UK.
🚨Since 1998, GDP in NI rose from £19.8 billion to £43.7 billion - an increase of c120%.
🚨OECD forecasting predicts growth in NI at c50% over
Robinson is correct. There is no historical inevitability for a united Ireland. Yet unionism needs to be more pragmatic & outreach to the 'middle ground' & non voters to grow support for the Union.
Perhaps he could have a wee word with his former party?
This was an opportunity for the
@niexecutive
to come together & show joint leadership for all the people of NI. Why are Sinn Fein so determined to destroy this unity of purpose? It cant be to promote political strategy. Surely not in this crisis?
Wise up Colum. This attempt for relevance & to out 'green' Sinn Fein isn't going work 🙄
You'd be better pushing for a negotiated solution to the NI Protocol & a return to working devolution
In the absence of a devolved government at Stormont, I’ve written to other party leaders in the North to propose Joint Authority between the London and Dublin governments if devolved government isn’t restored to oversee significant decisions on governance.
If this proposed deal isolates NI & diminishes the Union as the DUP fears then they need to take a long look in the mirror as their strategy & tactics over the past 2 years have led to this position. Both accountable & responsible.
What we've learnt this week:
1. Sinn Fein were willing to implode Stormont for their own selfish political goals - again - despite the impact on the people of NI (& are closet fans of Direct Rule);
2. The DUP are an omnishambles & no longer fit for purpose
Strange how this wasn't proposed when Sinn Fein collapsed Stormont for 3 years🤔
Joint authority isn't on the agenda. But we need to make devolution work
Sinn Fein President Mary-Lou McDonald says there will be no return to direct rule if the Stormont Assembly collapses, but instead a joint arrangement between the Irish and British state.
The historical inevitability of Irish unity is just a myth. But unionism needs to get Stormont back, make NI work & build a broad pro-Union support base to maintain our long term place in the UK
A so called 'united Ireland' is sold as a quick fix to all our problems. A Shangri-La solution that is always another 10 years away.
Surely it's better to focus on solving the 'here & now' issues to improve life for everyone in NI.
Or is tilting at windmills easier?
🚨What we currently have is highly divisive
🚨A united Ireland has the potential to end the divisive nature of society in the north
🚨In fact the longer we persist with our current arrangements the less likely we are to ever break free from division
🚨Let’s unite, not divide
In today's
@News_Letter
, why Sinn Fein's recent 'go it alone' approach has been a strategic error on their behalf & why the
@niexecutive
now needs unity of purpose to tackle the unprecedented economic challenges ahead
@uuponline
Latest poll shows that a majority in the Republic are against paying more tax to fund a 'united Ireland', with only 12% willing to pay significantly more
Paisley interprets apathy as endorsement. I fear that the DUP may now think that they are electorally immune from scandal & incompetence. I hope for the sake of NI's future they are wrong. We will see post RHI.
.
@SJAMcBride
seems to have annoyed alot of people. Which means he's probably not far wrong.
This quote from him sums up the DUP's approach:
"The party’s tactical desire to save as many votes as possible took precedence over the strategic interests of unionism."
The grant is to support mandatory functions that the council must do.
The only decision was to take £55k from the UK Govt or put the cost on ratepayers.
Every other council in NI has taken the grant.
To do otherwise would have been a stunt at the ratepayers expense
Ards and North Down Council is to accept a £55,000 Stormont grant which facilitates Brexit Irish Sea border regulations after the UUP decided not to oppose it.
➡️
Having sadly lost 2 relatives to Covid 19 I can tell Van that it is coronavirus that is dangerous. Sad that such a talented man has come to this.
Ian Paisley just adds to the woes of Edwin Poots. Beyond parody.
Hi
@Kelmba
, I've signed it & Ryan McCready was 1 of the 1st elected reps to do so. Others will join us I'm sure. But i don't think this is an issue to make party political points on.
Not a good look.
Another wishful thinking article following Brian Feeney's yesterday. A few points:
1. The majority here want NI to remain in the UK;
2. There is no evidence that is changing any time soon;
3. Despite the Republic's more successful economy, NI has a similar standard of living
In case you miss the sub-headline it's 'Slight increase in support for Union'.
Pro-Union up 2% as pro-United Ireland stays same. Also, no majority support for a border poll within the next 5 years.
So, no change in foreseeable future.
Let's make NI work.
#UnionOfPeople
Following a request from Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 110 military medics will deploy to support Northern Ireland's health and social care staff in the fight against the
#COVID19
pandemic.
@healthdpt
@NIOgov
Brandon Lewis has an obligation to be ‘rigorously impartial’ but like previous British Secretaries of State shows no regard for either nationalists or agreements.
Highest population ever in NI with over 1.9 million now living here. This 5% population growth since 2011 shows that despite all our issues NI is still a great place to live, work & raise a family
A great summary of how the DUP's hubris, arrogance, ignorance of detail & strategic ineptitude have delivered this flawed Brexit & a weakened Stormont. A 4 year long masterclass in how to erode a strong Unionist position. Only now is the penny dropping about the damage done.
Arlene Foster had more power over the government than any unionist leader since Lord Carson. Yet in myriad senses Brexit has loosened the ties that bind Northern Ireland to Britain – & none of those responsible are yet prepared to accept their role in that.
Apart from the £10bn subvention to NI every year, the ongoing protection of Irish airspace & seas, full access to the rights & benefits of UK citizenship for Irish citizens since founding of Irish state etc etc
#whathavetheromanseverdoneforus
"Westminster has never served Irish interests. It's not constituted or designed to do that. Irish interests are protected in Dublin, Belfast and by our partners in the European Union" -
@MaryLouMcDonald
on abstentionism
#Marr
To paraphrase Peter Robinson, unionism is better served by seeking converts rather than searching for Lundys. Whoever was responsible for the idiotic poster tonight on Lurgan should reflect on that & wise up.
#IstandwithDoug
#HopeNotFear
#UnionOfPeople
DUP prioritise short term tactics for party benefit once again. Remember that the ONLY reason that Sinn Fein can become First Minister is because the DUP changed the rules at St Andrews. And the NI Protocol is the outworking of their approach to Brexit
You break it, you own it
Study finds that the cost of Irish unity could be 20bn a year or 10% of Irish national income.
Research continuously shows that Irish voters don't want Irish unity if it costs them money & changes their state. It's a non-starter
62% support remaining in the UK (excluding 'don't knows'). Funny that isn't the Irish News headline😉
Although it is clear that the continued collapse of Stormont has the potential to damage the Union
I want a functioning Executive, but Alliance is wrong to suggest it can be at the price of jettisoning a key principle of the GFA.
Furthermore, why is Alliance ok with majority rule at Stormont but not in
@ANDborough
, where they are blocking democratic decisions?
Hypocrisy
NEW🚨
@allianceparty
Deputy Leader
@StephenFarryMP
wants Secretary of State to step in to allow Stormont to function without the DUP if power-sharing isn't restored by 18th January.
He says at the start of 2024 things look "grim."
He spoke to Political Reporter
@jamesgould23
.
Last night's
@TimCollinsND
'town hall' meeting in Holywood showcased why Tim would be a tremendous advocate for North Down & Northern Ireland at Westminster. He provides an influential & experienced pro-Union voice that can win
@uuponline
I'm appalled at Nuala O'Loan's comments. Of course the atrocity could have been prevented - if the Real IRA hadn't planted a bomb in a busy town centre. By all means review the investigation but let there be no equivocation about where the blame lies.