Transparency on Spads
My column from News Letter 25 August 2011.SPECIAL advisers, or Spads as they’re generally known, are a rather unique type of civil servant. Appointed directly by ministers, they aren’t required to go...
View ArticleFour points or bust for Northern Ireland in next two games
Another Northern Ireland match is looming. Last time the team took an early lead against the Faroe Islands, before falling into the old pattern of slow sideways passing. Luckily the introduction of...
View ArticleGuest Post: Rugby, thuggery, and the judge
A guest post by itwassammymcnallywhatdoneitRugby, thuggery, and the judgeManu Tuilagi is an outstanding rugby player and at 20, he is the youngest of six professional rugby playing brothers.His 5 older...
View ArticleBoundary changes in Northern Ireland
If you're one of the chosen few pouring over details of the boundary commission's proposed changes to the electoral map in Northern Ireland, this map will prove useful. We're set to lose 2 out of our...
View ArticleYou don't learn basic honesty at journalism school.
For months now the Johann Hari affair has gripped the political blogosphere. The Independentcolumnist caused consternation when he was caught out embellishing some of his interviews with quotes taken...
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Russia's presidential saga resolved as Duma election takes a familiar shape.
Last Saturday a lengthy political saga finally came to an end at United Russia’s conference in Moscow. Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin announced that the latter will contest next year’s Russian...
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Difficult job for new Northern Ireland manager as Worthington era draws to an...
This blog and Nigel Worthington’s spell as manager of Northern Ireland are about the same age. My first post, way back in May 2007, dealt with the IFA’s search for a replacement for Lawrie Sanchez,...
View ArticleGuest Post: Leave our Alain alone
By itwassammymcnallywhatdoneitAs we know well in Northern Ireland, predicting someone’s views on a range of issues doesn't require a crystal ball, just a clue as to their background - their name, the...
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Oh minister, where art thou?
Sinn Fein reps are quite the culture vultures this week, with the notable exception of culture minister Caral Ni Chuilin. Máirtín Ó Muilleoir is curating an exhibition of ‘political art’ hosted at...
View ArticleAll registered parties will contest State Duma election
Elections to Russia's State Duma will take place on December 4th. Ria Novosti reports today that all of the registered parties will contest the poll and points out that this is the first time that has...
View ArticleHard-line leaders driving trades union members toward strikes
Following Unison’s strike last month, Nipsa, which represents 45,000 workers across the public sector, is urging its membership to vote ‘yes’ in a ballot, aimed at bringing about industrial action....
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Dowie for manager!
I was unsure of who I wanted to succeed Nigel Worthington as Northern Ireland manager, but my mind's now made up. I give you Mr Iain Dowie esq. and his mission statement."we need to get some passion...
View ArticleGuest post: Germany resists British calls for greater European integration.
The following is a guest post from itwassammymcnallywhatdoneit. I should point out that all views expressed in guest posts are solely the opinions of the author, and do not necessarily represent the...
View ArticleNationalism hindering opposition in Belarus
The World Affairs Journal has published a nicely written article by James Kirchick, called ‘The Land of No Applause’. It’s a sprawling account of modern Belarus and well worth reading.The author...
View ArticlePositive case for Britishness as well as the Union
You could be forgiven for missing the poll on Britishness contained in this month’s Prospect Magazine. It’s buried in a series of articles about the UK’s involvement in the European Union. Yougov...
View ArticleThe State Duma elections and their aftermath
A belated word on the State Duma elections in Russia and their aftermath. United Russia suffered a striking decline in support, managing 49.4% of the vote and scraping an outright majority, though the...
View ArticleUlster will fight - but Ulster will (probably) lose
A guest post by itwassammymcnallywhatdoneit, who looks forward to Ulster Rugby's weekend clash with Clermont.The Heineken Cup. If you’re Irish and a rugby fan - don’t you just love it? Unlike the 6N...
View ArticleThe alternatives to Putin are not viable
With the Russian presidential election looming in just over a week's time, Vladimir Putin's supporters held a huge rally yesterday in Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Many newspaper reports went to a great...
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Dalglish has major rebuilding to do in the summer.
Another weekend, another home defeat for Liverpool Football Club. This time Kenny Dalglish’s side managed to lose to West Bromwich Albion at Anfield - for the first time in 45 years. Just weeks ago I...
View ArticleA Return to sense and sanity: a guest post by Dr Phil Larkin
Dr Phil Larkin returns to provide a thoughtful post on the rise of Sinn Fein in the Republic.A RETURN TO SENSE AND SANITY: THE “RISE” OF SINN FEIN IN THE IRISH REPUBLICEvery so often certain sections...
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