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The DUP didn't show up, Sinn Féin say they didn't walk out. What happens now?

The two largest parties in the North are pointing the finger at each other, after talks broke down.

Ulster Assembly election 2017 Michelle O'Neill and Gerry Adams. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

THE DUP AND Sinn Féin are blaming each other, after the latest attempt to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland spluttered to a halt yesterday.

In the wake of this month’s election, a deadline of 4pm today had been set for the nomination by the two largest parties of a First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

However, today’s Assembly meeting to carry out that process has been cancelled.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire now faces three choices. He can either:

  • Play for more time, in the hope that a deal can be reached
  • Re-impose direct rule from Westminster
  • Call fresh elections

Some commentators in the North think both the DUP and Sinn Féin may want another election: the UUP – the main rival unionist party – is currently without a leader, and Sinn Féin may be hoping for an increase in support, in the wake of the death of Martin McGuinness and in-depth coverage and analysis of his role in the peace process.

However, with Brexit looming large, it’s unlikely the electorate will relish a third election in the space of 12 months.

The DUP didn’t show up for talks yesterday, and Sinn Féin called a halt to the process yesterday afternoon, with Gerry Adams taking aim at the unionists for failing to move on a range of issues.

“The DUP’s approach thus far has been to engage in a minimalist way on all of the key issues, including legacy issues; an Irish Language Act; a Bill of Rights; and marriage equality,” Adams said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster insisted that there was “little to suggest” that Sinn Féin wanted to secure an agreement.

Throughout the course of Saturday Sinn Fein behaved as if they were the only participants whose mandate mattered. This cannot and will not be the basis for a successful outcome.

Sinn Féin has previously said it would not agree to Foster being First Minister until an inquiry into the ‘cash for ash’ controversy has concluded.

However, the DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson told the BBC that the republican party had not raised the issue of Foster’s position during talks so far.

Mary Lou McDonald, the Sinn Féin deputy leader, insisted this morning that her party had not ‘walked out’ or ‘pulled the plug’ on talks, saying the negotiating team had simply come out yesterday to give an update on their position.

“There is no option available to any of us but to arrive at an agreement,” she told Morning Ireland today – saying it was time for the DUP, the SDLP and other parties to “wake up and smell the coffee”.

The DUP haven’t commented on why they weren’t at yesterday’s talks.

There’s been speculation they declined to show up due to strict religious views within the party about working on a Sunday (the party has its roots in Ian Paisley’s Free Presbyterian Church). In her statement, Foster indicated her party’s mind had been made up after Saturday’s proceedings went badly.

Ulster Assembly election 2017 Arlene Foster. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

Sinn Féin finished with 27 seats in the wake of this month’s election, which arose after the party called time on the last power-sharing arrangement due to Foster’s stance on the ‘cash for ash’ controversy.

The DUP remain the largest party – but only just –  with 28 seats. The SDLP have 12 seats, the UUP 10 and the Alliance eight. The remaining five seats are divided between the Greens (2), smaller parties and independents.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged both parties to return to the talks table.

“This is a critical time for Northern Ireland,” he said. “We are on the cusp of the triggering of Article 50 by the UK Government.”

Read: ‘Words cannot express our appreciation’: Family of Martin McGuinness touched by support >

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117 Comments
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    Mute gowfc@yahoo.com W
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:32 AM

    An emergency occurring and all the Unionists can say is “It’s Sunday”. Does this not reveal the utter hopelessness of their stance? This is government, sometimes things happen that demand a response from government, that’s the job. It also demamds working with people of other persuasions. They should ditch Foster and get on with it…she shows no willingness to work with Sinn Fein.

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    Mute Brendan McGill
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:36 AM

    @gowfc@yahoo.com W: it’s absolutely laughable to think in this day and age that a government party won’t bother working due to religious views. (Yes I know they’re not CURRENTLY in government, but if they bothered to engage in talks productively they would be)

    142
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    Mute Rory
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:58 PM

    @gowfc@yahoo.com W: DUP never turn up for anything on a Sunday except church. Always been that way.

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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:42 PM

    @Rory: what about the Norn Iron match on Sunday. There were plenty of DUP supporters at that and a good few had clearly sampled the devil’s buttermilk on the way. A bit like not liking Catholics has nothing to do with religion, man. Same as loyalism has nothing to do with loyality to the Queen. They slagged everybody who sympathised with Martin McGuinness’ family but conveniently ignored the fact that the Queen did too. Mixed up people.

    12
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:40 PM

    Shinners showing once again they have zero respect for the Protestant tradition in the north.

    Oh well, hope they enjoy giving power over to the Tory Brexiteers in London.

    1
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    Mute Gearoid Mag Leannáin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:39 AM

    Keep the sabbath day holy and don’t let the queers and Irish speakers have rights! That’s the DUP summed up! Better direct rule than give these bigots platforms!

    317
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:06 AM

    The DUP dont work on Sundays. Shows how our media and the 2 governments are behaving when they report that sinn fein walked out. Fake news. Sf sent emails yesterday to its members to say that the DUP didnt turn up yet the media still gets it wrong.

    258
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    Mute Fox in the Box
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:19 AM

    @Seamus Og:

    Ah the little petals don’t work Sundays, sure that’s ok then!

    99
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:23 AM

    @Fox in the Box: yeah fox i think its something to do with not working on the sabbath and dont get me started on those gays or that foreign irish language thing.

    82
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:50 AM

    Sinn Féin may be hoping for an increase in support, in the wake of the death of Martin McGuinness and in-depth coverage and analysis of his role in the peace process.
    Jesus journal.i.e. it was heading this way before he died.

    120
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    Mute Paul
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:06 AM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: its actually very true on paper, an election as potential to benefit SF and DUP. .

    9
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:12 AM

    @Paul: I can understand that but this has been on the cards well before Martins death

    47
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:22 AM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: The cynic would ask why they had a SF branded podium at the grave of McGuinness for Adams oration. I have never ever seen this at the grave of any politician.

    19
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    Mute The Risen
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:00 AM

    @Honeybadger197: Is it hard to type and clutch at straws at the same time?

    37
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:08 AM

    @Honeybadger197: thought it odd myself tbh, but then I thought sinn fein was Martin’s life anyways I cant say for sure why they did that.

    15
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    Mute jane
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:11 AM

    @Honeybadger197: I thought it looked fairly tacky but then if it was something the family wanted that’s fair enough.

    16
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:34 AM

    @jane: Ive no idea if the family wanted it or not. Ive never seen political party insignia at a graveside on the day of a funeral anywhere. Horses for courses I suppose.

    8
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:49 AM

    @Honeybadger197: Has it really anything to do with you. apart for an excuse to moan.

    24
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:57 AM

    @Just Me: I hope you have realised the irony in what you just said.

    2
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:57 AM

    @Just Me: Are contrary opinions forbidden now?

    6
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:07 PM

    @Scundered: oh the irony of you talking about irony! Hilarious stuff

    14
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    Mute Nash
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:27 PM

    @Honeybadger197: Martin McGuinness was SF through & through. Nothing was done that the family wudnt have been okay with. The funeral was handled very well, 40k people from all over Ireland & the world, it shows how highly he was regarded.Proud to have attended. In these troubled political times in the north i felt Adams oration was very fitting.

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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:59 PM

    @Nash: Ive looked up attendance figures and can find no mention of 40k anywhere. Ive no doubt he was held in high esteem by those who shared his political ideals. He ran for president and got 13% of the vote. Nobody wants a return to violence, equally few viewed him as president material.

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    Mute TomTraubert
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:47 PM

    @Honeybadger197: They’ve always been forbidden on here.

    1
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:53 AM

    I don’t see why southern politicians are involved in these talks, Mary Lou should look after her own Dublin constituency and not be poking her nose in the north. How would we like unelected northerners involved in the Dail politics…not likely.

    109
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    Mute Paul
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:05 AM

    @Chris Kirk: the children in NI need babysitting…

    42
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    Mute Brendan McGill
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:40 AM

    @Chris Kirk: Sinn Féin is an All-Ireland party, like it or not, Mary Lou is the Deputy leader, of course she’s going to be involved!

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:14 AM

    @Chris Kirk: not sure why Chris reads these articles. What happens in the North has nothing to do with him.

    52
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    Mute Mark Gearey
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:28 AM

    @Chris Kirk: Yeah, it’s a weird one alright, running one political party in two separate states. Maybe Erdogan or Putin should try it ;)

    7
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:42 AM

    @Chris Kirk: You do know that SF are an all Ireland party and as such have every right to comment on happenings in the north, or do you think that its just you that can comment.

    46
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:10 PM

    @Paul: The children in NI are taught not to speak to strangers….

    6
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:12 PM

    @Cal Mooney: Somebody has to speak up for the truth and leave NI to get on with its own business.

    4
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:16 PM

    @Just Me: That is total nonsense, southern politics stays in the south. Next we will see Jeremy Corbyn dictating to the Labour party in Dail Eireann….

    7
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:59 PM

    @Chris Kirk: When you find yourself in a hole you should stop digging. If southern politics or politicians should stay in the south, how come you comment a lot about the north. It would’nt be a hypocritical view by any chance ?

    29
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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:03 PM

    @Chris Kirk: TD’s are not supposed to look after their own constituencies. They’re elected in their constituencies to make policies for the nation.

    26
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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Mar 27th 2017, 5:19 PM

    @Chris Kirk: Hi Chris, you have a few elected northerners in the Dail already. SF is an all Ireland party. Get used to it, pal. You will soon be back in a 32 county Ireland again.

    8
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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Mar 27th 2017, 5:21 PM

    @Chris Kirk: wheres NI??? That uneconomic and small truncated province of Ulster. Needs to be reunited with the rest of the country again. Come lend a hand Chris.

    7
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 5:43 PM

    @Larry Doherty: when Brexit kicks in a united Ireland will be even further away so the ‘all Ireland party’ better get used to it and stop interfering.

    3
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 5:47 PM

    @Brendan McGill: She would be better talking to Bus Eireann workers to get a solution to the strike than poking her nose in other people politics.

    3
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:33 AM

    the north would be so much better off if they would ditch these two extremist parties.

    And whats the point of setting these deadlines, does anyone actually think that if they miss it that things are eternally set in stone and “well you had your chance”? Of course not. Let it take as long as it takes.

    56
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    Mute Gearoid Mag Leannáin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:58 AM

    @Scundered: what’s extreme about Sinn Fein?

    122
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:04 AM

    @Gearoid Mag Leannáin: A track history for extreme violence, bombing, shooting, extortion, drug dealing, arms trading, punishment beatings, bank robberies, Garda killings, the disappeared…

    Plenty of other parties to choose from who don’t have a criminal record like theirs.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:14 AM

    @Mark Murphy: Yeah it does, if you wish to exclude reality from the picture.

    20
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:22 AM

    @Scundered: think your mixing up sinn fein with something else. Dont ever reading about sinn fein beibg involed in anything like that

    46
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:31 AM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: It would pretty much be impossible not to know about any of the things I mentioned… unless:

    you moved into a deep cave with lead walls, had no contact with the outside world since 1960s, and singing la la la la la with your hands over your ears ever since. Is that the case?

    23
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:06 AM

    @Scundered: just never see a headline sinn fein attacked British patrol ir anything like that. Thinks its you whos in la la land dude. Or maybe you have alternative motive, dont know you so cant say for sure. But tellme have you ever aeen a headline stating siin fein attacked anybody?

    41
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:15 AM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: It’s no surprise that their followers mostly come from the areas deprived of many things but mostly education.

    12
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:24 AM

    @Scundered: insults now man would you ever grow up. Your being a hypocrite!

    38
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    Mute Mark Gearey
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:51 AM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: Sinn Feinn is like the political wing of the republican movement ir something like that. With the IRA being the military wing (now defunct- fingers crossed). But some people worked both wings. So Sinn Fein would be seen as part of the group that did all the killing and such. I think you knew this already but just in case.

    15
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    Mute Mark Gearey
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:56 AM

    @Scundered: I’m sick of people on here picking on the uneducated. Education does eff all for a lot of people except increase their level of blinkered arrogance. Carry on debating with Sinn Fein ers though. Another crowd with a massive excess of confidence.

    9
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:59 AM

    @Scundered: Scuttered how about FF or FG, The last I heard was they evolved from violence. Or maybe the DUP. or the UUP, or TUV, who all championed loyalist violence. Democracy is not all about you, it’s about the people and they decide the parties they want to support.

    23
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:03 PM

    @Scundered: you dont come across as too educated yourself. Wonder have you taken all your evidence to the gardai?

    19
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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:05 PM

    @Mark Gearey: seen by who?

    9
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:08 PM

    @Mark Gearey: the poster above doesn’t appear to realise the connections between Sinn Fein and their history with the IRA, that is down to being uneducated on the subject.

    Education kills ignorance, this is why schools are important.

    4
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:13 PM

    SEAMUS OG Scuttered hate for SF springs from the fact his wife ran off with a Republican.

    19
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:14 PM

    @Seamus Og: So you think the thousands of instances over the years related to the above were all made up? You should get on a stage, a career in comedy beckons.

    3
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    Mute Eileen Roche
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:37 PM

    @Scundered: ” plenty of parties, no criminal record ” Only because our systems protect the ‘ untouchables’. Instead of Tribunals which cost millions and NO convictions, we need judge & Jury, then you can tell us which party has No criminal record.

    13
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:45 PM

    @Eileen Roche: there is a bit of stretch between bombing and shooting people at will, and fiddling the taxes… yes they are criminals too.

    3
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:06 PM

    @Just Me: You might reflect on the content of your comments. All you’ve done so far is prove that scundered is correct in their assessment..Name calling and acting like a petulant teenager might make sense in your own head but it simply highlights the vacuous nature of your contributions. SMH

    2
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:05 PM

    @Honeybadger197: I took your advice and reflected on my comments. and guess what, i’ve concluded that yourself and scundered are not only fools but may be the same person,

    14
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    Mute Mark Gearey
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:29 PM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: Me and a lot of other people. I think you must also be aware of this, no? I’ll have to stop engaging with you if I can’t believe your posts are sincere. Maybe explain why me and some other people would be wrong to see things this way. Or don’t.

    2
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:37 PM

    @Just Me: Awwww diddums, did more than one person disagree with you so now you think they all must be the same person?

    1
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    Mute Dave Doyle
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:56 PM

    @Scundered: Education done nothing for yours, except to reinforce it.

    5
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:20 PM

    @Dave Doyle: maybe next time you’ll actually address why you think that way instead of throwing vague insults with no substance.

    1
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:48 PM

    @Scundered: I don’t know how many disagreed with me, without the red thumbs I can’t say. It’s interesting when I engage with you, Honeybadger 197 answers and when I engage with him, you answer. It would’nt be that you are one an the same caught out in your duplicity.

    6
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 7:20 PM

    @Just Me: there are quite a number of people responding in this thread alone yet I wouldn’t for a second think that’s you each time. You don’t seem to be able to grasp that other people can disagree with you too. Stop smoking the funny stuff, the paranoia doesn’t suit you.

    1
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 7:42 PM

    @Just Me: Don’t forget the UK Tories and Labour parties also have a violent past from delivering peace and economic prosperity after two world wars. There is nothing our politicians can teach them.

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    Mute Pádraig Ó Braonáin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:25 AM

    The DUP need to think…and think hard…they should cut themselves the best deal possible, because no matter how much they try, there’s no going back to the cosy little apartheid statelet…The “dirty bog filth” now insist on full equal rights and status.

    78
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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:11 AM

    @Pádraig Ó Braonáin: The opinion that most DUP supporters see nationalists as “dirty bog filth” and not “equal” is both delusional and part of the problem, it is you who is spreading the hatred and stoking that fire with your ignorance of the matter, Nigel Farage was exactly the same. It suited him to divide people as much as possible, than to do things which helped. Hatred solves nothing, it only breeds more hatred and fear.

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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:21 AM

    @Scundered: Id look at yourself before comments on hate, seems you have a little resentment, hate to deal with yourself. Think its funny how some posters on here do nothing but attack people for their political views, yet spout utter nonsense about the north about hatred and hatred does nothing but spread hate. Like guys come on, read your posts on anything to do with sinn fein and you will see you are part of the problem.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:28 PM

    @Donnchadh Cassin: Well why on earth wouldn’t anyone with decent morals support a party who has a background in all mentioned above, you sound like you’re surprised by that?

    You have mistaken hatred for facts. Then playing the victim card. Pathetic.

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    Mute Dave Doyle
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:41 PM

    @Scundered: You have a hate for SF, no matter how much you try and disguise it. You’re not alone. The only facts you deal in are ones that suit your hate filled agenda.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:50 PM

    @Dave Doyle: Take your blinkers off Dave, read a bit, do your research. This has nothing to do with hatred, if it did I wouldn’t be a citizen of the Republic and have a great love of Ireland.

    You sound surprised that I wouldn’t support criminals. Tell me why I should so. Be constructive for once.

    3
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    Mute Just Me
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:11 PM

    @Scundered: Playing the victim card that’s a good one. You’ve constantly played that card on numerous occasions on here, Hypocrisy comes to mind.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:28 PM

    @Just Me: If discussing victims of violence in the north yes I probably did stand up for them, and for both sides, you see I condemn both sides equally unlike some who feel wrong can only be done by one side, are you denying there were any victims in the troubles?

    If you wish to state your point clearer and i will address it specifically.

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    Mute Dave Doyle
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:01 PM

    @Scundered: My blinkers were taken off many years ago. Yours still seem to be orange coloured.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:14 PM

    @Dave Doyle: Do they indeed, is this how you feel about anyone who disagrees with criminality?

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    Mute alphanautica
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:39 AM

    Sinn Fein’s plan to blackmail the DUP into submission on key issues in advance of agreement to move forward could backfire.

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    Mute Fred
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:24 AM

    @alphanautica: oh yes because demanding equal rights for LGBT and Irish Language speakers is sooooo terrible and the worst kind of blackmail…

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    Mute alphanautica
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:52 AM

    @Fred: they can debate that and whatever of items they have bundled into their redline issue list, such as Irish Language democratically, when they have formed an administration. Putting up a list of demands in advance is disingenuous, irresponsible theatre.

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:22 AM

    @alphanautica: How well did that work out during the last administration. Doesn’t look like the DUP or even the UUP are interested in facilitating Gay marriage, Irish language acts. They are too set in their ways.

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    Mute Dave Doyle
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:38 PM

    @alphanautica: Unionists were never and will never be interested in sharing power with nationalists. That’s the crux of the matter.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 7:22 PM

    @alphanautica: let’s hope they don’t put guns to heads, like the last time.

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:14 AM

    If there is another election the sittiashun will become more polarized rather than less. SDLP support might migrate enough to Sinn Féin just enough to make them the largest party and therefore Michelle O Neill would be in a position to be First Minister. Conversely the Ulster Unionist Party voters might migrate to the DUP. If this happens and the result is a draw or a narrow win the whole problem will become more fractious.
    The time, I think, has come for a new solution. A federal United Ireland. The Unionists’ loyalty is to the Queen of England not the Parliament of Great Britain. Within a federal Ireland they would be enabled to retain their loyalty to her. On the other hand as part of a federal Ireland Northern Ireland could remain in the EU just as the former East Germany entered on reunification. There would be no border. Northern Ireland could retain the electoral system that is already in place. Munster, Leinster and Connacht/Ulster would be the other constituents of the federation each with their own Assembly. Each would retain their taxation regime and contribute an amount to the central government based on the proportion of population. The Parliament of A United Ireland would located alternately between Leinster House and Stormont on a yearly basis. Each federal assembly would control its own budget like the Scottish or Welsh Assembly. Each federal government would elect 30 TDs to the Parliament with 11 nominated by the President of the United Ireland.

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:58 AM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: And where is the money going to come form to pay for such a venture? (considering Trump is pulling everything back, and Brexit about to hit the fan)

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:17 AM

    @Scundered: yes it will cost. We all might have to have a reduced standard of living, just as Germany did for their reunification for a period of time. We either want a United Ireland or we do not. It is rather hypocritical to want it and then not be prepared to endure some sacrifices if we get it. Or should we all crawl back to the embrace of Mammy England!!!!? It would seem that we want reunification but then want it on a plate, the reality is not so palpable. So let’s take it on being at least aware of the sacrifice otherwise simply forget it. If we are not prepared for sacrifice then is it not worth it?

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:40 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Yeah I wouldn’t care either way whether it unites or not, but I do agree it would cost the taxpayer deeply, a large bill and I doubt the public have given that part much thought.

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    Mute Peter Mc Hugh
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:05 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Why on Earth would Ulster be given such an important position in your federal dream? And why would Leinster only have 30 TDs?

    Federal Ireland…my word, what an idiot you are.

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    Mute Nam Oosh
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:14 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Good idea but who is going to pay for it all Leinster?

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:40 PM

    @Peter Mc Hugh: if your problem is an equal number in the Parliament from each province consider also that each state in the American system has two members in the Senate irrespective of the density of population.

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:47 PM

    @Peter Mc Hugh: Argumentum ad hominem never wins an argument. The intention is to facilitate a smooth transition. If any other federal assembly wanted to have its own election system then that should not be a problem. But at National Parliament level each federal assembly should have equal representation. With the President choosing a further eleven members. But I would like you to outline a more viable system which you could confidently subscribe to.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Mar 27th 2017, 6:02 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: The problem of who subsidises the north will remain in whatever kind of government there is. Even if there is direct rule the DUP have the upper hand because they have MP’s at Westminster and will always lend support to the Tory’s undergoing Brexit negotiations. Brexit will create a complete new dimension to how the north is governed in future. Sinn Fein can whinge all they like about being an all Ireland party but pretty soon they will be half in and half out of Europe and things will have to change. People living in the north want certainties about their future, something which Sinn Fein cannot provide.

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    Mute Séa Graham
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:29 AM

    All the foot stomping an throwing toys out of prams is starting to get a bit silly. Put the pair of them on the naughty step, or better again go back to old school parenting and slap the ar$e off the lot of them and tell them to cop on.

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    Mute William T Smith
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:09 PM

    DUP…a problem for every sollution.

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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:00 PM

    The DUP can’t blame anyone as the people voted and the DUP lost votes because of the cash for ash, full stop. Time for Arelene to step down.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:50 PM

    @Alois Irlmaier: Who would replace her? Unionism is seriously lacking in vision and leadership.

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    Mute Brendan McGill
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:22 PM

    @Jamie McCormack: In my opinion Ian Paisley Jr. would be the right person to lead them.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 27th 2017, 3:38 PM

    I agree Brendan but I don’t think he has the support of the party elders.

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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    Mar 28th 2017, 2:32 AM

    @Jamie McCormack: Unionism is lacking Christianity and democracy?

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    Mute Maire
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    Mar 27th 2017, 9:32 AM

    They need their Heads banging together and take Responsibility!

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    Mute Ray Dunne
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:47 PM

    They need to replace Arlene Foster with someone less staunch and with less baggage. She was the cause of the election in the first place so until that changes and she moves on it is very difficult to see how any agreement can be reached.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:56 PM

    @Ray Dunne: look at the list:

    Dodds, Campbell, Poots, Donaldson, Nelson…

    Only one I can think of might be able to work with SF is Paisley Jnr, although the DUP largely froze the family out in recent years, because of the compromises made. DUP needs a change of mindset as much as a change of leader.

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    Mute Jimmyjoe Wallace
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    Mar 27th 2017, 10:36 AM

    @Gerry Adams, it’s Sabbath not Sabbeth.

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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:27 AM

    @Jimmyjoe Wallace: its bull! Days of the week are man made, if god exists, well time would have no meaning to him/her/it.

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    Mute filthypete
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:23 PM

    Secretary of State Brokenshire. He really couldnt have been better named. It’s like an episode of Blackadder.

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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:58 PM

    Is the answer more cash for ash?

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    Mute Paddy
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:03 AM

    Dup’s way of getting back at SF for collapsing the government real petty from them! Expect direct rule from London, now SF won’t be on government north or south

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    Mute BERTIE
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:26 PM

    Those west brits in RTE showing only the DUP side on the one o clack news

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    Mute Irish big fellow
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:06 PM

    Two dysfunctional political parties not able do business like normal business people. Then May Lo (SF)goes on about politics on the Republic. At least we have a government warts and all.

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    Mute Shane Murphy
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:28 AM

    What happens now, they play Ring a Rosie

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    Mute Donnchadh Cassin
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    Mar 27th 2017, 11:31 AM

    @Shane Murphy: hahaha can’t see them holding hands, but would be an awesome sight

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    Mute Paddy Hackett
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    Mar 27th 2017, 2:16 PM

    The current crisis in the north is a manifestation of the failure of the GFA. It is a sectarian agreement that has pushed two sectarian parties, Sinn Féin and the DUP, to the top of the pile. It is an agreement that cannot solve the problems of the working class. These two sectarian parties constrain political problems within the narrow paradigms of nationalism.

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    Mute keith mahon
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    Mar 27th 2017, 4:07 PM

    How can northern ireland move forward with a load of old people who are to caught up in the past . Old people in northern are bitter and twisted after a life time of war and oppression on both sides. The old guard are crying out for change but im afraid only death will silence their out dated control and lack of unity.

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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Mar 27th 2017, 5:15 PM

    @keith mahon: “only death will silence their out dated control and lack of unity. ”

    Now now, Keith. What are you proposing – a return to war?????

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    Mute Scundered
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    Mar 27th 2017, 7:29 PM

    @keith mahon: you’re right though. The political parties today have realised it’s much easier to gain support by spreading fear and hatred. Humans are mostly gullible that way. Look at how they play football over every little issue instead of trying to work with each other for the best interests of everyone.

    Years ago we had Trimble and Hume working well together, people voted for softer parties, but now there is little chance of things working when people keep voting in the extremist parties up to their necks in criminality, and neither prepared to give an inch.

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    Mute David Kennedy
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    Mar 27th 2017, 12:00 PM

    DUP….a problem for every sollution.

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    Mute James Grant
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    Mar 27th 2017, 1:06 PM

    Arlene foster has some neck on her after the amount of public money she wasted and her previous comments towards sinn fein and the people living in certain areas in the north
    Im no sinn fein fan but this is something i for once agree with them on

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