The SDLP Mask Slips ...

The mask that tries to hide sectarianism within the SDLP has slipped ... Declan O'Loan has called for a single party that would combine the SDLP with a gang that is unrepentant of its murderous past. The SDLP under Hume did form a Pan-Nationalist Front while the Provisional IRA were murdering and torturing people. So perhaps Mr O'Loan feels he is carrying on that tradition?

Mr O'Loan is of course married to Nuala O'Loan the former police ombudsman. She also struggled to hide her sectarianism when she was in that office as she tried to blacken the good name of the RUC over the actions of a small minority.

While Mr O'Loan has now withdrawn his suggestion, the original statement shows his line of thinking: he doesn't have a problem being in a joint party with Provisional IRA gang members who were guilty of the most heinous crimes. Perhaps the SDLP stands for the Sectarian Double-standards Liberation Party?

Jim Shannon at Westminster ... or not?

The media are reporting that the new MPs arrived at Westminister today to take up their places and have the customary photo shoot. However, the new MP for Strangford was missing and will turn up later in the week. I assume that Mr Shannon has a good reason for not turning up on his first day of work in the House of Commons?

Ulster Conservatives and Unionists

As the UCUs didn't win any seats in Northern Ireland, some are suggesting that the link between the UUP and the Conservatives be abandoned.

This seems very short sighted. If the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is to survive in the long term, we need to move away from the constitutional question and onto everyday bread and butter issues. The economy is in a mess. Many people are without jobs. We need a voice in our national parliament to secure the best interests for all the people of Northern Ireland.

Bringing national politics into Northern Ireland was never going to be easy due to the history of the local parties. However long term it's a goal worth pursuing and I look forward to the UK Labour Party putting up candidates at the next election. Perhaps they won't leave the selection of candidates to the last minute!

All this of course doesn't stop Unionists working together to maximise their strength. There is nothing sectarian about Roman Catholic Unionists, Protestant Unionists and others trying to ensure that Irish or Ulster Nationalists don't succeed in their aims.

Unionism needs to be flexible. Given the journey that both the UUP and DUP have travelled, they should set up a Unionist task force to examine how to maximise the Unionist vote. This task force should also include members of the Conservatives, Labour, LibDems etc - any party interested in promoting the Union.

Fermanagh Fraud?

The Provisional Sinn Fein/IRA organisation have held onto the seat in Fermanagh & South Tyrone. That constituency suffered a lot at the hands of the Provos, so it's disappointing that once again the vast majority of Roman Catholics there voted for a blood stained party.

There is also a very serious issue regarding voter fraud. Apparently more ballot papers were counted than were issued. Sinn Fein/IRA have a history of "voting early and often". The Unionist parties should start a legal action to remove Gildernew.

Rap your way to No.10 ...

Some well needed humour regarding the leaders' debate.

Alliance and the Lib Dems

What relationship do the Lib Dems have with the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland?

Nick Clegg has urged voters in NI to vote for Alliance candidates. And the Belfast Telegraph article says that they have "fraternal links" with the Alliance Party.

Besides members of the Alliance Party attending Lib Dem conferences, there doesn't appear to be much substance between the links. Why don't the Alliance Party become part of the Lib Dems and offer people in Northern Ireland a real choice to take part in non-sectarian UK wide politics?