SOBAH

Observing the manner BBC commentators questioning Unionists, one would think they would concentrate interrogating the party in Government that brought so much misery, & still support the no alternative to murder & mayhem.

It’s not just Nationalists on the back foot either. The Alliance Party also appears unable to come to terms with Unionism’s growing momentum. Naomi Long’s recent response to questions about her impaired reputation was a familiar one. Rather than reflecting on her own decisions, she pointed the finger at Unionists for supposedly “demonising” her. In reality, what she calls demonisation is disagreement, and increasingly effective disagreement at that. The problem for her is not Unionism and their method of disagreement, but that more of the public are starting to agree with the very criticisms Unionists are making. Nationalism, alongside Alliance, appears increasingly unsettled by a Unionism that is growing in momentum. When challenged, the response often slips into deflection and empty accusations rather than substance. Just look at the bogus claims of misogyny made against Timothy Gaston and Phillip Brett by Sinn Fein, when they confidently scrutinised Nationalist Victims Campaigner Andree Murphy in Stormont. To his credit, Timothy Gaston of the TUV has been relentless in holding Sinn Féin MLAs to account in Stormont, asking the questions and speaking truths others often tend to avoid. At the same time, new UUP leader Jon Burrows has made an impressive start, setting out a clear and constructive case for a better Northern Ireland. Different styles, but in the same direction of travel. All of it points to a Unionism that is not only growing in confidence, but increasingly willing to lead. In the face of a stronger, more assured Unionism, the usual negative buzzwords and shallow slogans simply don’t cut it anymore. The ground is shifting and it’s moving firmly in Unionism’s favour.

There are very few sure things in life - one is Brian Feeney focusing his weekly column on criticising unionism and unionists. As predictable as it is sad.

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧 Ulster Unionist Leader Jon Burrows MLA has hailed his recent trip to Washington DC, describing it as a vital opportunity to champion Northern Ireland on the world stage. Representing both Northern Ireland and the Party in the US capital, Burrows emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong presence internationally, arguing that “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Jon Burrows MLA said: “It has been the privilege to represent Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionist Party in Washington, the capital of the world’s largest economy. In an increasingly uncertain world, one truth still holds: if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. My focus throughout this visit was to champion Northern Ireland’s interests promoting our skilled workforce, showcasing our world class tourism and hospitality, and making the case for why Northern Ireland remains a strategic partner in defence, innovation, and transatlantic cooperation. From highlighting our UNESCO sites and global golf reputation to underlining the importance of the Union in areas such as energy infrastructure and security, every engagement was an opportunity to put Northern Ireland forward with confidence. “The big events grab the headlines from the White House Shamrock Reception to witnessing the powerful debut of Where Eagles Fly in front of the President and congressional leaders but much of the real work happens in the quieter rooms. At roundtables with British American Business, Invest NI, the NI Chamber, FSB members, and major companies like Galgorm and AstraZeneca, I set out why Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for investment: our talent, our location, and our ambition. I was also honoured to visit Arlington Cemetery to pay my respects, remembering the shared sacrifice of our closest ally and the service of my own grandfather who stood alongside US troops during the Second World War. And at the NI Bureau breakfast, seeing local products showcased so proudly reaffirmed the strength of Team NI working tirelessly behind the scenes. “Ultimately, turning up matters. Showing up in Washington ensures Northern Ireland’s voice is heard, our interests protected, and our potential recognised. That is what leadership demands staying connected to home, standing up for our place in the world, and never missing an opportunity to promote the people and businesses that make Northern Ireland exceptional. Whether engaging with global decision makers or helping resolve a constituency issue from thousands of miles away, I will always prioritise what is right for Northern Ireland. We are a beautiful place to live, a fantastic place to work, and home to some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. It’s time we talked more about what we’re getting right.”

Well since Unionist politicians all went to see President Biden at Ulster University, where he said essentially the same thing, as did @allianceparty a bit of a bizarre point by Danny. Curiously, he didn’t mention Justice Ministers trip to Dublin during CoVID for 5 min photo op…

Surely Enda walked across the Atlantic? Or was his own trip funded by us, the tax paying public? We’re the people who are hostages to the licence fee & are forced to shell out for his inflated BBC salary & expenses - whether we watch the drivel produced or not.

It doesn't matter what your views are on abortion, when it can happen right up to birth, it's without a doubt a baby that is being killed. There are no ifs or buts. It's a baby. It doesn't stop being a baby, just because the killing happened hours before leaving the womb. No amount of wordplay changes that. It doesn't matter why it is done, it's still a baby. If people can't acknowledge that fact, they should ask themselves why they feel uncomfortable about a fact. We shouldn't try and hide the truth about killing, whether it's due to abortion or war. If someone can't be honest about killing, then they should ask themself why they can't be honest about taking a life. If anyone is uncomfortable or angry with what I stated, don't bother complaining to me. If you don't like facts that are uncomfortable, you're following the wrong X account.

@MartinG1492 Sorry Naomi,”Unionist men of a certain age find me a threat & hate me”, this statement sectarianises Unionist men. Do you know all Unionist men & how they rate you? As a Unionist I don’t find you a threat. I do find you loud, aggressive, arrogant, not that bright & a misandrist.

I find it rather immoral that whilst anyone remotely connected with Jeffrey Epstein, the trafficker and abuser of hundreds of girls and women has paid a huge societal price for that connection, but in the case of Gerry Adams and linked associates, the latter being murderers of many, many hundreds of innocent people, those connected are still lauding themselves for such foul deeds, self-supported by their habitual flimsy excuses inherited from the 1920s.

Incredible; this coming from Sinn Fein who have for decades waged legacy lawfare on the basis of innuendo, speculation and allegations made up by the likes of the Pat Finucane Centre and Relatives for Selective Justice.

According to Sinn Fein, Unionists are wreckers. Unionists built Northern Ireland. The place we call home. Sinn Fein have tried and keep trying to wreck the historic and special relationship across the British Isle. Unionists are innovators. Sinn Fein are wreckers.

Alliance blaming Unionists for Naomi’s damaged reputation is the epitome of responsibility avoidance. Rather than look inwardly, reflecting on policy and principle, they look outwardly, pointing at the pesky Prods and implying the public are thick for listening to them. Pathetic.

The Alliance Party is playing a risky game. Many Unionist voters feel exhausted by their constant attacks on Unionism, paralleled with a with a perceived refusal to challenge Sinn Féin. If this leads to a core of unionists deserting the party, Alliance could be in trouble.

I believe in rigorous scrutiny but not personal abuse. However, it’s often Alliance who engage in the personal stuff - referring to my deputy leader Diana Armstrong as another party’s “little sister”. There is work to do - we need delivery & accountability not selective outrage.

I actually agree with Naomi Long here. That political discourse has become increasingly personal and gratuitous. The difficulty for me listening here is that her own party hasn’t always been above wading into those waters particularly when it comes to criticising Unionist politics. Strange though how rarely we hear the same language applied to nationalist/republican politics from Alliance, both spoken and on social media 🤷‍♂️

HOW IT STARTED: "Get Stormont back up to provide the political stability to unleash a tidal wave of foreign direct investment and well paid jobs" HOW IT IS GOING: "US corporate multinational meets Sinn Fein minister and decides to bin 300 jobs from Belfast" 🙄

Seditionists within.

Think @sinnfeinireland dug this hole themselves, who holds the Economy, Finance and FM roles? Infrastructure pretty useless as well. It’s nearly as if they don’t understand what their doing. Who’d have thought that? @PhillipBrett21

Today marks the 22nd annual European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. We will always remember the innocent victims of terrorism and never allow other to rewrite the past. We will remember them 🌹