Ulster Unionist Strategy
| 15:06 UK time, Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Just been passed what is titled a summary of the outcome of the UUP MLA's special meeting at Stormont on August 7 and 8. The document, which arrived in my email basket, lists items discussed and what was agreed. Not alot by the looks of things, as many items seemed to be deferred to consultation or further discussion, including the party's approach to the National Stadium, education and the devolution of policing and justice. It was agreed however among the UUP MLAs that the party's performance in the assembly had dramatically improved, although more effort was needed in getting articles into the local press (does this item count?)
One can however expect an initiative regarding the environment. The UUP may launch a campaign for an Environmental Protection Agency via a Private Member's Bill or a Committee bill. There's also a possible assembly motion forthcoming on the Irish language act. It might suggest that arrangements have already been made for Irish language provision in the Belfast Agreement and that this latest Act, through the St Andrew's Agreement, is an attempt by republicans to use the language as a cultural weapon.
As for party reform, the leader will report in due course. Further discussion is needed on MLA's contributions.
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Hold the press - an Ulster Unionist gathering that produced nothing more than the need for further discussion. Even when we though McNasty was going to drive through the options for strong capable opposition, they came up with a damp squib. I would mark that particular email as JUNK
We burned so the Union earned! Paisley and Co just played on the fear of the rise of Sinn Fein. We'll be back.
Nice to hear the UUP have tried to develop a strategy. They haven't had one since the time of Molyneaux and have been losing votes ever since
Just to clarify, in case I didn't make it clear, when I said burned I mean the response we received from other Unionists following the brokering of the Good Friday Agreement. We bit the bullet in going into power-sharing with Republicans, but without it NI would not be where it is today!
Marvellous analogy UUP supporter - don't suppose you were at the strategy meeting?
I would'nt say you soo much as bit the bullet but allowed those with the guns into government without demanding decommissioning first
We live in a democracy. SF/IRA recieved support from the electorate. Somebody had to lead and the UUP did that. We brought the Republicans to a position where violence was no longer an option.
"We live in a democracy."
No we don't. Democracies are places where parties can be kicked out of government by the electorate - not where everyone is in the executive as long as they get 1 in 10 people to vote for them.
But you are right to an extent UUP supporter - the DUP are following Trimble’s lead. Paisley’s greatest crime is his hypocrisy.
Oh, well done pal. No violence after 1998 then. No murders, kidnappings etc. No Direct Action Against Drugs and the removal of the threat of violence had nothing to do with 9/11 or better still Columbia. John Reid took the provo threat seriously until at least Feb 2002, so again UUP supporter, great analysis.
I think you'll find 'Big Gabh' that I did not state that things were perfect from 1998. It was a start that had to be made and was.upwards of 70% of the population voted for change. And i stick by my view that after 1998 violence was no longer an option towards the goal of a United Ireland for republicans. Do you believe that republicans have gained anything through their violence since 1998? If so, what?
The term 'the Irish language' is often used, or is it misused.
Ireland has in fact two lanmguages, both imported and neither can be said to be completely native to Ireland.
One is Gaelic and the other is English.
I believe that I am correct in saying that English is the most widespread.
In a Democratic world, would this not place English as 'the Irish language'?
Adam
The DUP have a superb strategy. Say anything you have to to get power and then throw in the towel.Its a wonder Big Ian didnt join the truth march. By the way, when are we going to get decommissioning. Cant wait for the photos. I am fed up with photos of Gery and Ian wedding