On political body language
On today's Inside Politics, Ian Paisley tells Mark Devenport that he wouldn't meet the Pope if there were to be a papal visit to Northern Ireland, and he wouldn't expect Martin McGuinness to meet the Queen when she next visits.
The FMIW ("First Minister-in-waiting" -- that seems to be the language everyone's using) also explains why he hasn't yet shaken hands with the DFMIM ("Deputy FMIW"). That would, apparently, be a merely "theatrical" gesture. Politics is, of course, a highly theatrical business and Dr Paisley is one of the larger characters on our political stage. Meanwhile, historians of the handshake tell us that this quaint social ritual originated as a gesture indicating that no weapons are held in a person's hands. As theatrical gestures go, I can't imagine a more potent political symbol of the new Northern Ireland than Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness reaching out to each other, across the floor of the Assembly, on Devolution Day.
Comments
Ian Paisley doesn't have to convince me of his Lilliputian credentials as a would be world leader and as a man. I was sold on that a long long time ago. As for what Martin McGuinness would do if the Queen visited, I think Paisley should leave it for McGuinness to speak for himself should he have a mind to do so.
Recently I wrote to Martin McGuinness about the plight of the low paid hospital staff at the Mid Ulster Hospital which is a hospital in his constituency, amongst other hospitals in the Northern Area of the NHSCT who have been waiting for wages to be paid dating back to October 2004. Martin I鈥檓 still waiting for your reply.
At the same time of writing to Martin McGuinness I also wrote to Sammy Wilson and the Rev. William McCrea who are MPs covering the NHSCT area, I received a very comprehensive and detailed response from Sammy Wilson and I also received a personal assurance from the Rev William McCrea who spoke to my supervisor about the plight of the low paid staff of the Northern Area HSC, that he would also act on the behalf of the low paid staff of the NHSCT, I also asked Nigel Dodds to sign a to Tony Blair, his response was most welcomed and appreciated 鈥淚 agree with the point you made in the petition in relation to back pay due to workers and I am happy to let the Prime Minister know of my support for this by way of adding my name to the e-petition鈥.
Martin McGuinness will have to provide the evidence that he is worthy before he can shake the hand of the First Minister. As a NHS worker of the I'm still waiting for that evidence Martin, I challenge you to reach out to the low paid staff who are empolyed by the North of Ireland's NHS.