Part of the Union 2
Further to yesterday's comment on Gordon Brown and the union, Downing Street has pointed out that whilst the paper version of the article didn't mention Northern Ireland, page 2 of the online version did, referring to continuing reforms here. Questioned at today's PMQs by Nigel Dodds, Mr Brown pointed this out. But unionists don't appear convinced - Gregory Campbell has tabled a question asking about the geographical criteria used in framing the article.
In an exchange yesterday with Jack Straw over new rules on the flying of the Union flag which won't apply to Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson claimed the government treated people here as "children of a lesser God". So more trouble may be brewing there.
In Northern Ireland Questions, David Simpson asked Shaun Woodward about President McAleese's comments linking a Royal visit to Dublin to the devolution of justice. The Secretary of State said the timing of a royal visit would depend on contacts between Buckingham Palace and the Irish government and would be "at a time of her choosing". Methinks the Irish government will have a rather large say on that timing.
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At PMQs, was it just me, or did Paisley ask for a commitment that Abortion wouldn't be legalised in NI by amendment to the embryology bill, and Gordon said "no"?
1) The DUP use PMQs to appease Unionists, usually along the lines of the lines of strengthening the Union, much of the time they make little positive or useful contribution; although today I must commend Paisley for flagging the implications on the Embryo testing to abortion laws.
2) The DUP make much of the East-West Axis from the GFA, but I think much of it should be seen for what it is, an exploitation of cheaper labour and a means for international companies to line their pockets at a lower VAT rate then in the south. This is not strengthening or protecting the Union in the spiritual or patriotic way Unionists want, but its the only way the remaining tolerant Britons will accept it.
What gordon said on abortion was,Members would probably not be keen to impose a change as it was a free vote then its a matter for each MP.