Following Ken's Lead
Sinn Fein have long enjoyed a close relationship with Ken Livingstone. Now they want to follow the London Mayor's lead in seeking a special relationship with the Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez. Mr Livingstone has struck a deal with President Chavez which should secure a 20% discount on oil to fuel London buses.
Now Martina Anderson has tabled a motion calling on the Executive to explore the possibility of entering into partnership with the Venezuelan Government, in order to provide low-cost home heating oil to low-income households here.
I am already looking forward to the joint Paisley McGuinness visit to Caracas.
I'm 
颁辞尘尘别苍迟蝉听听 Post your comment
and while martin's in caracas he can ask chavez to get the balance of all that loot the FARC owe to the provos
Mark
CARACAS IDEA IS GOOD, MARTINA, BUT DON鈥橳 FORGET HACKBALLSCROSS
Congratulations to Martina Anderson on her brilliant idea to seek a deal with Hugo Chavez to help poor Northern Ireland families secure a discount on home heating oil. I trust that Martina will bring in Caitriona Ruane to help on this imaginative project. She has wide experience working in South America, particularly in Columbia which is just next door to Venezuela. After all, Caitriona led the campaign in support of the Columbia Three who jumped bail in December 2004 as they awaited a decision from the Columbia Court of Appeal on charges of training FARC terrorists. You can鈥檛 argue with success!
I鈥檝e just had an idea. As it鈥檚 Christmas, I wonder would Martina consider seeking help for deprived families from sources a bit closer to home, namely Slab Murphy鈥檚 home at Hackballscross (I鈥檓 not making this up) in the South Armagh/Louth area. I鈥檓 sure Slab (鈥渁 good Republican鈥), who is a leading fuel supplier in the area, would be more than willing to cut some sort of deal to help the less well-off. [Examine these links for synopses of Slab鈥檚 glittering career, including a glowing testimonial from Gerry Adams. ]
Hang on, I鈥檝e just had another idea. It鈥檚 not widely known but Slab is expanding his property portfolio in Bulgaria, notably in the coastal resort of Burgas. Given Gerry and Slab鈥檚 close friendship, is it possible that the latter could be persuaded to make his properties available at peppercorn rates as a means of providing cheap holidays to Bulgaria for low-income families?
Martina should follow through on my ideas because they present Sinn Fein with an opportunity to show that it is a Party that cares for the most vulnerable in society and not just a Fascistic Criminal Conspiracy.
Right, back to my Plum Pudding!
Susie
Carryduff