However, "any tunes without reserve" is being just a little too optimistic I fear, as I have no doubt that some 'song airs' will remain off limits ........ for a wee while yet!
And bless 'difference', that we allow that without serious risk to health or sanity... The 'North' will always be an entity in itself, unique, as it has for centuries... My prayers have always been there and will continue...
Geoff, if he does come back in his 80s, he will still look just the same. Have you noticed that he hasn't aged one bit in the past ten years!!!!! .... he has a painting in his loft, you know!
Certainly the makings of a triumph for humanity over ideology... and even if selfish agendas remain then they have a political system in which to be kept under check.
I think its worth remembering Trimble here. He risked most, and lost most politically, to get us to this point. The DUP were never going to jump until they had the clout of the UUP vote, now they're kings of the castle.
Re. Tunes. Yes, they are inextricably linked to politics and broader political/ cultural realities... you hear traditional music increasingly as a backdrop in new places, but it will take some time yet for people to untangle and free up some accepted boundaries in the confusion that are the entrenched cultural identities of the North of this wee island.
BTW, when I hear the tune of the sash I don't hear the famous Orange anthem (although I must say I never found the words particularly offensive), I hear the hilarious 'alternative' version (to the same tune) as written by a certain Northern singer/ writer: its a humorous, revisionist version debunking several popular myths about the events which, bizarrely, became so associated with the North, its called "King Billy was a Humped Backed Queer".
All carefully and ruthlessly stage managed for nearly 20 years to get us to here, with big parts from Trimble, Hume and others, but the end game was always to have the "extremes" in Government, thereby marginalising the few extremeists left on both sides.
A great day, apart for those who were considered to be expendable, and now everything I said in 1994 has come to pass.
I think I shall compose an Irish concerto to celebrate.
It was pointed out in the Guardian the other day that almost the only person remotely to do with any of the protracted negotiations over the past thirty-plus years NOT to be credited by Bliar was the late Mo Mowlem. Never mind Norn Iron, political enmities still run deep in the Labour Party, even for those dead and gone !
I too hope for peace and better things to come.
Drums? God no, the words say it all! It is a time for dialogue after all.
Yeah, I remember Maggie, you knew who you were dealing with where Maggie was concerned... no fluffy PC rhetoric or heart wrenching dramatic pauses. She was just like Tony (US Lapdog, war monger etc.) but with more balls.
It was ironic today watching King Bertie and King Ian re-trace the steps of two foreign 17th century kings at the Battle of the Boyne site to advance their political fortunes in 21st century Ireland. Although in fairness the one from the South has more to gain from this act, his date with destiny on 24th May fast approaching. Overall there's cause for hope here as at least it's two Irish men who are in the driving seat rather than those foreign monarchs with their mercenary European armies three hundred years ago - must get back to practising the Boyne Hunt and a Nation Once Again!
I like the way TheTrolls off that radio prog in the South refer to him as "The malevolent Ian Paisley"
It's been interesting to watch the transformation of the Labour party from self-styled champions of the working man to neo-cons in red ties, a process begun by John Smith and Kinnock, let's not forget.
There was a famous quote from some British Prime Minister which went something along the lines of: "In America there are two political parties. The Republican party is very much like our Conservative party. And the Democratic party is very much like our Conservative party."
Conán, the same now applies in the 26 Counties where the so called Labour Party is offering 2% off income tax rather than championing the improvement of public services!
Great news for Norn Iron
Great news for Norn Iron
Congtats from Oz .May we at last recognise we have so much in common & be able to play any tunes without reserve
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by black
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Thanks Black.
However, "any tunes without reserve" is being just a little too optimistic I fear, as I have no doubt that some 'song airs' will remain off limits ........ for a wee while yet!
Northern Ireland's New Government:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qhsUmGaIkg
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
And bless 'difference', that we allow that without serious risk to health or sanity... The 'North' will always be an entity in itself, unique, as it has for centuries... My prayers have always been there and will continue...
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Just as long as Bliar doesn't get any ideas of coming back in his 80s (or stopping until then)
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by geoffwright
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Geoff, if he does come back in his 80s, he will still look just the same. Have you noticed that he hasn't aged one bit in the past ten years!!!!! .... he has a painting in his loft, you know!
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Good on ye, Black.
Certainly the makings of a triumph for humanity over ideology... and even if selfish agendas remain then they have a political system in which to be kept under check.
I think its worth remembering Trimble here. He risked most, and lost most politically, to get us to this point. The DUP were never going to jump until they had the clout of the UUP vote, now they're kings of the castle.
Re. Tunes. Yes, they are inextricably linked to politics and broader political/ cultural realities... you hear traditional music increasingly as a backdrop in new places, but it will take some time yet for people to untangle and free up some accepted boundaries in the confusion that are the entrenched cultural identities of the North of this wee island.
BTW, when I hear the tune of the sash I don't hear the famous Orange anthem (although I must say I never found the words particularly offensive), I hear the hilarious 'alternative' version (to the same tune) as written by a certain Northern singer/ writer: its a humorous, revisionist version debunking several popular myths about the events which, bizarrely, became so associated with the North, its called "King Billy was a Humped Backed Queer".
Regards,
Harry.
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by Harry B
Re: dorian mode
i think blair has aged quite noticeably.
but he still does n't need a portrait.
btw,i see two men were jailed today over a memo.
no-one has been jailed as yet for prosecuting illegal wars.
that just about sums it up for the uk.
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by biggus dave
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
All carefully and ruthlessly stage managed for nearly 20 years to get us to here, with big parts from Trimble, Hume and others, but the end game was always to have the "extremes" in Government, thereby marginalising the few extremeists left on both sides.
A great day, apart for those who were considered to be expendable, and now everything I said in 1994 has come to pass.
I think I shall compose an Irish concerto to celebrate.
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
It was pointed out in the Guardian the other day that almost the only person remotely to do with any of the protracted negotiations over the past thirty-plus years NOT to be credited by Bliar was the late Mo Mowlem. Never mind Norn Iron, political enmities still run deep in the Labour Party, even for those dead and gone !
I too hope for peace and better things to come.
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Excellent point Pete. I remember the good old days of Maggie.......
# Posted on May 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Sounds a good song Harry , any drums to go with it ?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Drums? God no, the words say it all! It is a time for dialogue after all.
Yeah, I remember Maggie, you knew who you were dealing with where Maggie was concerned... no fluffy PC rhetoric or heart wrenching dramatic pauses. She was just like Tony (US Lapdog, war monger etc.) but with more balls.
Regards,
Harry.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Harry B
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Maggie Thatcher, milk snatcher.
Responsible for the calcium deficiency that has blighted this Northern land!!!!!
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by iwerzon
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Tony didn't prove much of a wet nurse.
Regards,
H.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Harry B
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
It was ironic today watching King Bertie and King Ian re-trace the steps of two foreign 17th century kings at the Battle of the Boyne site to advance their political fortunes in 21st century Ireland. Although in fairness the one from the South has more to gain from this act, his date with destiny on 24th May fast approaching. Overall there's cause for hope here as at least it's two Irish men who are in the driving seat rather than those foreign monarchs with their mercenary European armies three hundred years ago - must get back to practising the Boyne Hunt and a Nation Once Again!
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Does the Revt Ian call himself an Irish man?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Can't remember where, but I recall reading that he did, some months ago in one of the newspapers.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
I like the way TheTrolls off that radio prog in the South refer to him as "The malevolent Ian Paisley"
It's been interesting to watch the transformation of the Labour party from self-styled champions of the working man to neo-cons in red ties, a process begun by John Smith and Kinnock, let's not forget.
There was a famous quote from some British Prime Minister which went something along the lines of: "In America there are two political parties. The Republican party is very much like our Conservative party. And the Democratic party is very much like our Conservative party."
We can probably add the Labour party now.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Conán, the same now applies in the 26 Counties where the so called Labour Party is offering 2% off income tax rather than championing the improvement of public services!
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Great news for Norn Iron
Have they not learnt anything from the PDs? Rich people don't pay any tax, so no point in getting 2% off.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bodhran bliss