Well that's stupid.
Just adding to the uncertainty of the date.

He's known this was coming.
He's had more than enough time to set the date.

He's one of the few Cabinet Ministers left in place.
Why is near everything with this government, no matter who leads it, more about procrastination than firm decision making.

Ridiculous.

Yes taking it slow,
as if he can unite them?


But yes Joey
nothing has changed.

You may not agree with me here.

However in my view it's time the UK government stopped only considering the extreme DUP and running after them.

While only irritating more, as well as N Irish voters, also annoying Sinn Fein and the Alliance Parties.

Sinn Fein are no better. Do you forget that they refused to sit in Stormont for 3 years, 2017 - 2020 and refuse to this day to take their seats at Westminster.

Michelle O’Neill, the Sinn Fein leader, attended a massive IRA funeral DURING LOCKDOWN, despite her own law leading to thousands of people not attending their families and friends’ funerals…and she refused to apologise. I know that is something you would never forgive from your postings regarding Boris Johnson.

The best party we ever had here was the SDLP, but the great days of a leader like John Hume are long gone.

Yes, but the DUP are old mates
of the Conservatives.


So we are Stuck in this position

Therein lies the bigger problem.
This government has run after the extreme DUP this last few years.

Largely dismissing the concerns of Sinn Fein and also now the Alliance party who are both in dismay at the current state of affairs.
After the pandemic and the growing issues plus now the cost of living crisis.
Following the May elections one wonders why the DUP dared ask for voters votes.
Wasting the voters time.

Of course they fell to 2nd which may be more the reason for the current mess there.

Also to jet.
It saddens me strongly that Sinn Fein don't take their Westminster seats.
As they too would be likely votes against this shambles of a government in place now.

HOWEVER,
I understand why they don't.
I think it both hypocritical and wrong that ALL MPs once elected HAVE to swear an oath to the Monarch and its heirs just to be able to take the seats at Westminster.

The only oath should be after election BY the people, to swear allegiance to the service of their constituents and constituencies.

It's ridiiculous because the ONE place in the UK the Monarch is NOT and never allowed to just enter or have anything to do with the proceedings of is the House of Commons.
Not allowed to even enter the Commons.

So why those who object to swearing an oath to the Monarch should be barred from taking their seats is an insult to the voters who elected them.
Elected them knowing they won't take their seats for the reason stated.
There should be an alternative oath.
Although I'd scrap the oath to the Monarch and its heirs for ALL MPs.
To me it's not appropriate for the direct elections to the commons.
An OATH only to the people far more appropriate.
In my view.

I don't think allegiance to the Monarch should be scrapped. I think those that want to do so should have the choice, and if you don't, you can still sit.

On the other subject I mentioned, it is very hypocritical of Sinn Fein to be all over the news blasting the DUP for not sitting at Stormont due to their concerns when they themselves refused to sit for 3 years because of concerns they had at the time.

N. Ireland politics is in a mess, like in the rest of the UK. :bawling:

I answered your other point when I said largely the government has dismissed Sinn Fein's concerns over the last few years.
More in favour of the DUP., so the point was answered.

Plus in parliament.
No MP can take up their elected seats there until they have sworn an oath of allegiance to the Monarch and its heirs.
That is why Sinn Fein won't take their seats.

I repeat the House of Commons should not have to swear allegiance to the Monarch.

It's fine for the House of Lords but not for the elected by the people MPs to Westminster in the House of Commons.
Which hypocritically the Monarch us barred from.

I know that, and as I said they should be allowed to sit without showing allegiance - it should be a choice whether you want to or not, imo.

But that is a different matter from Sinn Fein blasting the DUP for not currently taking their seats at Stormont due to their concerns when Sinn Fein also didn't take their seats at Stormont for 3 years 2017 - 2020 due to their concerns. It's hypocritical.
I'm not sure you are getting my point on this? :conf:

the point is they are playing games, and like the political parties here, they are more concerned about their own political ambitions than looking after the people

Your first paragraph above says they have a choice to take the oath and if they don't they can still sit.

In Westminster they cannot sit if they won't take the oath to the Monarch.
If MPs don't take the oath in the Commons.
They can't sit, take part in debates or vote.
That's the law.

Very sadly that's true of politics and politicians across the UK bots.
I agree.

I'd start everything all over again if I had my way.
Much more accountability if it's now near impossible to have integrity.

Sorry, my mistake, I meant to say SHOULD have a choice, I'll edit.

Thank you.
Now I agree.

Personally though I'd still remove the oath to the Monarch in the Commons myself.
No one elected by the people in a democratic election should have any barriers to them taking their seat other than certain types of criminality.

[Stormont election will not be held in December,
Northern Ireland secretary says

The cabinet minister says he has listened
to "sincere concerns" across the region
about the impact and cost of a fresh poll at the current]


https://news.sky.com/story/assembly-...-says-12737899



Meanwhile, Sinn Féin
are going live in Dublin at midday.

Really, in other words more procrastination rather than a firm decision and sticking to the rules already in place.

Nothings changed under Sunak on that then.

Live in Northern Ireland
But DUP wants to see the full text.


Some Progress made Sunak PM
who has been there all morning


A few hours back, Sinn Féin
were pleased Rishi Sunak PM arrived

https://news.sky.com/story/brexit-de...rties-12813105

i would be very surprised if Sunak get the new deal over the line with everyone onboard

Flying back to London

Yes, he is next to go to Brussels/Munich
for the weekend.


He is making the Effort

Jeffrey Donaldson

has his
https://mario.wiki.gallery/images/th...MK7_Lucky7.png



Tests to be passed
the bugger


https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/16265...png&name=small