How low can they go??!!

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How low can they go??!!

12/11/2015

The antics on the hill get more and more embarrassing by the day. This Armistice day, a day of reverence and solemnity, the event seemed to point to cross community progress with the noticeable and, it has to be said, admirable attendance of Sinn Fein, in what has been considered in the past a unionist event. The occasion however was sullied by Sam Morrison of the TUV singing the National Anthem at the end - something that was not on the program and was obviously concerning for nationalists. This 'stunt' illustrates the bitterness of some on the hill and certainly makes people despair. The only good element was the apologies from Mike Nesbitt of the UUP. Something which was caught on camera and was admirable and progressive for once. Listen to the Stephen Nolan Radio program of 12//11/2015 for a full and fiery debate on this issue.

National Anthem controversy at Stormont

3 Comments

Josh

13/11/2015 10:33:31 am

Addressing the Mike Nesbitt point first of all, its ironic that weeks ago, he and his party left the executive because of the discovery of the modern link between sinn fein and the ira but yet here he is apologising to the same 'party' for the singing of the national anthem of the country they take residence in, what hypocrisy, the reaction from Unionists surrounding Mikes latest actions are not positive ones for his party.
Also, its important to note that the National Anthem was and has been on the agenda in recent years, yet it has been removed to accommodate SFIRA, surely that creates divisions, SFIRA can't sit through the anthem yet Unionists have to accept them in a devolved system of government with devolved British powers, that should be the story, we have forgotten the report released weeks ago, the IRA is still alive and advises at a high level in a 'democratic' system of government in the United Kingdom.
Unionist politicians sit through SFIRA and their use of politicised Irish while bringing forward motions and amendments etc. So, if Unionists politicians can sit through this embarrassing use of 'longkesh' Irish then I think Marty and his mates can sit through the national anthem of the government of the country they live in.
Come the end of the month, Marty and his comrades will receive their wages, paid for by the British government and taxpayer with Her Majesty's head and approval, so if he can happily collect his wages, then he can sit through 30 seconds of the national anthem of the country that pays his electric bill.
'Bitterness' is not the singing of the National anthem, bitterness is the fact that some could not sit through it without accepting that in 1921, Northern Ireland remained British and part of the United Kingdom, therefore retaining our National Anthem, and its use in a political institution should not be making headlines. SFIRA and their reaction to this harmless act of singing compared to their murderous acts that butchered hundreds of people, should be what is making the headlines. SFIRA should respect a Unionist politicians right to sing the British National Anthem at the closing of a remembrance service, just like we are forced to respect SFIRA and their mandate even though we have evidence that proves they are still what they always have been, the IRA.

alex

13/11/2015 11:22:06 am

completely agree josh

Mr J Wishart

14/11/2015 06:44:50 pm

Josh - you are right that the format this year was different but do you not think it is time for this to happen. The fact that Sinn Fein were at the ceremony is, I believe, a progressive step for them as they have neglected the fact for years that thousands of Irish men of all political persuasions and backgrounds died in the two world wars. They have tried to airbrush that out of history until now. SF members like Tom Hartley, have been commendably instrumental in revising this history. The fact they were there, I believe, was brave and a step forward. The actions of the TUV were the absolute opposite - They were backward and insulting. It turned a poignant event into a political fiasco. It sullied the memories of thousands who died and yet again it made the Assembly a laughing stock. Yes, you are of course right that the anthem is important in many events. I do believe that the National Anthem should be sung in certain environments and events but only in the right context and with the right audience. If we are to get anywhere in future in Northern Ireland we HAVE to learn to respect each other, share events peacefully and respectfully and understand the other side of the coin. Just my view - But I am very wise :-)

How low can they go??!!

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