Wednesday 9 February 2011

Spotlight on Northern Ireland Water

The recent BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme examined the crisis at Northern Ireland Water.

Items which should have been of interest to BBC NI are:

  • The appointment of Sinn Fein/PIRA member Mairtin O’Muilleoir to the board (he was interviewed, but no mention of his political connections) along with a Republican trade union member;
  • The appointment of Padraic White - husband of Fianna Fail member Mary White who co-founded Lir Chocolates and also visited Colombia seven times during the trial of the Sinn Fein/PIRA terrorists in Colombia. Senator White hasn't shown the same interest in human right abuses by Sinn Fein/PIRA;
  • The confidence Sinn Fein/PIRA Minister Murphy had in the interim board; convicted terrorist Murphy said at the time: "The new interim board members have a great depth and breadth of experience which will enable them to meet the challenge of their future roles."

When the BBC has reported on other scandals, they have pointed out such political connections. Yet, silence about them in this programme. And the questions towards Minister Murphy were soft to say the least.

Murphy can continue on in his role as a result of the Belfast Agreement/St Andrew's Agreement form of Government in Northern Ireland. In any true democracy, he would be sacked.