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Philip Smith Profile
Philip Smith

@1PhilipSmith

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Councillor for Comber DEA. Former MLA for Strangford & Mayor of Ards. Community activist. Pro-Union. Ulster Unionist.

Killinchy
Joined February 2012
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 months
My article in today's @News_Letter making the case for unionist realignment
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
@Channel4 Brexit poll shows a 6% swing to Remain across UK.43% now support @peoplesvote_uk . Another referendum seems the only way forward.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
A safe, family friendly community/cultural celebration in Killinchy tonight. No hassle, no headlines. All welcome. Well done to the organisers.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@JoeBrolly1993
Joe Brolly
2 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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'?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 months
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?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@simoncoveney
Simon Coveney
2 years
Todays Sunday ⁦ @Telegraph ⁩ - “Peace in Northern Ireland can only be protected with partnership and pragmatism.” 🇮🇪🇬🇧🇪🇺
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 👍
@Think32_
#Think32
3 years
Unionists know Britain will eventually withdraw from North too. - Brian Feeney's Irish News column. #Think32
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
9 months
Are Sinn Fein now standing with the Houthis? A regime that has reintroduced slavery. Never mind its indiscriminate attacks on civilian shipping
@ChrisHazzardSF
Chris Hazzard MP
9 months
Millions of people have taken to the streets in #Yemen demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza Despite British & American bombs their defiant determination to stand up for #Palestine is remarkable #StopBombingYemen 🇾🇪 #CeasefireNow 🕊️ #FreePalestine 🇵🇸
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@AnnTravers6
Ann Travers
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@DarranMarshall
Darran Marshall
3 years
. @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."
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
Alliance trying to do a reverse ferret on their policy of 'rigorous implementation' of the NI Protocol & being rightly called out by @SJAMcBride
@SJAMcBride
Sam McBride
3 years
@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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
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
@BelTel
Belfast Telegraph
5 years
EXCLUSIVE: Just 29% in Northern Ireland would vote for unity, major study reveals
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@BBCNewsNI
BBC News NI
3 years
The UK is to tell the EU that it will take unilateral action if fresh agreement is not reached on Northern Ireland protocol. @JP_Biz
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
Winning hearts & minds for a 'new Ireland'? 🙄 Keep it up. It repels the middle ground & maintains the Union. You're doing a great job👍
@cjhumanrights
Colin Harvey
2 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
I don't think so. A Sinn Fein led Republic makes a border poll even less attractive to most people in Northern Ireland
@KevinPMeagher
Kevin Meagher
3 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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?
@dfatirl
Irish Foreign Ministry
6 years
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.”
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 👏👏👏
@healthdpt
Department of Health
3 years
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 👇
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
9 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
"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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 🤔
@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
Sinn Fein building an Ireland of equals 🙄 Petty & pathetic.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@SharedIreland
Shared Ireland Podcast Team
2 years
"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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
Whoops! Thought I had a rush of blood to the head 🤯 #AE22
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
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
@News_Letter
Belfast News Letter
5 years
Monday's News Letter!
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
Beattie Bounce gains momentum as @uuponline moves into 2nd place in latest @LucidTalk poll. @BeattieDoug most popular leader & @RobinSwannMoH by far the most popular Minister. UUP now the lead unionist party for first time in over 20 years #UnionOfPeople
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
Hard to have credibility when you are a Finance Minister who couldn't produce a budget.
@sinnfeinireland
Sinn Féin
6 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 👍
@sinnfeinireland
Sinn Féin
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
9 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@Ireland_Votes
Ireland Votes
2 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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 👍
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 👍
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
10 months
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 🤔
@IrelandsFuture
Ireland's Future - Todhchaí na hÉireann
10 months
“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.”
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
Unionism needs to win converts not constantly hunt for Lundys. Engage, reach out, sell. That has to be the way forward to maintain & grow the Union
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
7 years
Sitting on bus going up Ormeau Rd and at least 5 languages being spoken. How Northern Ireland has changed & in a good way
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@Ireland_Votes2
Ireland Votes | Secondary Page
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 years
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?
@JoeBiden
Joe Biden
4 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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 👍
@SharedIreland
Shared Ireland Podcast Team
3 years
"The north of Ireland has everything to gain and almost zero to lose economically from a united Ireland said economist David McWilliams this weekend" - @davidmcw - @IrelandsFuture #IrelandsFuture #SharedIreland #DareToDream
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
Sinn Fein continue to do their bit to ensure NI stays in the Union. Thanks Mary Lou. Keep it up.
@sinnfeinireland
Sinn Féin
6 years
No explanation needed. @MaryLouMcDonald #StPatrickDay Parade #NYC
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
8 months
Northern Ireland, part of the 3rd most influential country in the world, that continues to punch above its weight 🇬🇧👍
@TheGlobal_Index
Global Index
8 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
11 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@SJAMcBride
Sam McBride
3 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
It's official! Nominated at Bangor Castle today with @mikenesbittni for #AE22 . A second seat for @uuponline in #Strangford is definitely in our sights #UnionOfPeople #NIDeservesBetter
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
@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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 months
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
@UnitingUK
Uniting UK
4 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
1 year
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?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
Poor decision. It was a simple way of sending a positive message of inclusion. That opportunity is lost - for the time being.
@BelTel
Belfast Telegraph
6 years
DUP-led Ards Council votes down proposal to light up town hall in Pride colours
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
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?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 months
Canvassing with @TimCollinsND in Holywood & this happens. Must be a positive sign 😉 #ProudToBeBritish @rafredarrows
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@columeastwood
Colum Eastwood
2 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
I would stop election posters but until they are banned apologies for my big baldy head around Strangford for the next few weeks 👨‍🦲
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
@RBlackPA
Rebecca Black
2 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
1 year
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
10 months
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?
@IrelandsFuture
Ireland's Future - Todhchaí na hÉireann
10 months
🚨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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
9 months
. @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."
@BelTel
Belfast Telegraph
9 months
The DUP’s boycott is not about a nationalist First Minister and claims to the contrary are acutely dangerous ✍️: @SJAMcBride
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
1 year
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
@BelTel
Belfast Telegraph
1 year
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. ➡️
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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.
@StephenNolan
Stephen Nolan
3 years
This is Extra ordinary .
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@Think32_
#Think32
3 years
The Union is a sham and it's time to face the truth - Tom Collins in today's Irish News. #Think32
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
@TheSundayLife
Sunday Life
3 years
Latest poll reveals 49% back Northern Ireland remaining in United Kingdom
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 years
Help needed, help offered, help accepted. Thanks is really all anyone needs to be saying.
@DefenceHQ
Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧
4 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
A difficult decision no doubt for Claire as she is SDLP through & through. But its SDLP/FF's loss as Claire is their main & best media performer.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
Others parties talk about Health but only @BeattieDoug makes the commitment to build on the great work by @RobinSwannMoH & retake @healthdpt to finish the job #UnionOfPeople #NIDeservesBetter #AE22
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
4 years
Like the Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs is impartial. Aye, right!
@CArchibald_SF
Caoimhe Archibald MLA
4 years
Brandon Lewis has an obligation to be ‘rigorously impartial’ but like previous British Secretaries of State shows no regard for either nationalists or agreements.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
2 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
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.
@SJAMcBride
Sam McBride
5 years
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.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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
@sinnfeinireland
Sinn Féin
6 years
"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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
7 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
'Their wee statelet,' says Mary Lou McDonald of Northern Ireland. More unionist outreach from Sinn Fein! Not much 'New Ireland' on view here.
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
5 years
Sinn Féin paying the price in RoI for refusing to re-start devolution in NI?
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
11 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
10 months
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
@newsoncool
Cool FM News
10 months
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 .
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
3 years
First the Party Broadcast now the conference. Another positive step forward #UUP21 #UnionOfPeople
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
7 months
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
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@1PhilipSmith
Philip Smith
6 years
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.
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