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I Vote

[b]Tiocfaidh ar la, et cetera [/b]

Today is a good day for Irish politics.

The northern Irish First Minister, Arlene Foster is the devil incarnate. Being as she is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that wouldn't exactly be a surprise to anyone with any sense... unfortunately there are a lot of people here who very much disagree with me on that.

But the gap is closing, & today I am a very happy girl.

Last year Arlene was found to have been embroiled in the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme scandal that cost the Northern Ireland tax payer £490m. She was asked to step down. When she refused the Republican Party, Sinn Fein pulled out of government & demanded another vote, which took place on Thursday just gone.

I was glued to the television last night, watching a somewhat beautiful (I think) Sinn Fein majority. However, the count went on into the night & this morning I woke to the news that the DUP had kept their overall majority at the final tally. But I still danced around my living room because it's only by one seat (DUP twenty-eight, Sinn Fein twenty-seven.) Not only does that mean a more equal standing in parliament, this time the DUP failed the get at least thirty seats which means they don't have veto power, & things like the Irish language act, & the legalisation of gay marriage in Northern Ireland now have an actual chance.

Suck on that you evangelistic christian whack-job!! *gives Arlene Foster the finger (like a proper lady)*
SW-User
I agree entirely. I can't see her stepping down though, I think it might end in direct rule for a while.
Sonnet · 41-45, F
@Onecharmingman: safety first. You have to remember that we were brought up during a war. Hard to wrap your head around sometimes I know, but that the truth of it. Loose lips sink ships, & all that.
SW-User
@Sonnet: I know, it's hard to believe how much things have changed since I first went over there, 1988 I think.
Sonnet · 41-45, F
@Onecharmingman: the young'uns have no idea, which is pretty dang wonderful
Crusher69 · 61-69, M
Sounds hopeful - should be an interesting year for you lot!!
Sonnet · 41-45, F
We're not out of the woods yet. There's a big chance she'll hold on regardless & the northern Irish parliament will continue in jeopardy. But small victories, the DUP are on the ropes.
Crusher69 · 61-69, M
Yes - unless her own party forces her to fall on her sword (that sounds too noble but you know what I mean)
Sonnet · 41-45, F
@Crusher69: possible yes, certainly. But they could also stand behind her because the alternative could imply (in their warped minds) that Sinn Fein had a hand in choosing their leader.

They're like children.
Crystal9 · 26-30
I haven't a clue about NI politics but if they're going to introduce marriage equality then I guess it's a good thing 👍
Sonnet · 41-45, F
We'll see. At least it has a chance of going through now. Best not to count are chickens & all that.
MartinII · 70-79, M
Surely the Roman Catholic Sinn Fein will not support gay marriage?
MartinII · 70-79, M
@Sonnet: Interesting. What do the bishops think? And what's the position in the Republic?
Sonnet · 41-45, F
@MartinII: gay marriage has been legal in the republic for a couple ills of years. Couldn't tell you about the bishops though.
MartinII · 70-79, M
@Sonnet: Presumably they put up with it, at least, if it's legal in the Republic. Thanks for the information.
lov2smile · 36-40, F
Wow!
Informative message...But the last line changes everything.
Sonnet · 41-45, F
For the better, or worse?
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Sonnet · 41-45, F
I see

 
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