Will DUP Cronyism hurt them next election?

[Jim]

Second most likely.

Not a lot of people will know about their business deals. Thats normal politics, and normal politics doesnt exist here. Some would stay loyal to their chosen party even if they told them not to vote for 'um.

Maybe its time we all start voting for parties with the interest of the working class at the center

[earl]

Not getting the nod of approval from Irish-America will severely damage U.S. investment into N.I. I was only reading today about a drive within Silicon valley which has gone right across the U.S. where high ranking Irish and Irish-Americans within the technology sector are ramping up to further promote Ireland as the place for R&D. You can't buy ad-space or air-time equivalent to this kind of campaign as it's happening within the boardrooms of these multinationals. NI is missing out on an advantage that they need to rise above other EU countries offering the same package.

[Jim]

earl said:

Not getting the nod of approval from Irish-America will severely damage U.S. investment into N.I. I was only reading today about a drive within Silicon valley which has gone right across the U.S. where high ranking Irish and Irish-Americans within the technology sector are ramping up to further promote Ireland as the place for R&D. You can't buy ad-space or air-time equivalent to this kind of campaign as it's happening within the boardrooms of these multinationals. NI is missing out on an advantage that they need to rise above other EU countries offering the same package.

Just another reason for unification!

[Jim]

setanta said:

well here's some good news. Hopefully this contraversy will remind the Assembly that they are open to public scrutiny these days.

Controversial plans for a privately owned visitors' centre at the Giants Causeway were today ditched by the Northern Ireland authorities.


Environment Minister Arlene Foster, who last year said she was minded to back a bid by private developer Seymour Sweeney, told MLAs in the Stormont Assembly she has now changed her mind.

She said she had decided against the bid over planning concerns. "There are serious doubts that the proposed development would adequately integrate into the landscape and it would add to the spread of development at this sensitive location," the DUP minister said.

"I have therefore concluded on balance and on further reflection that the application should be refused."

Mr Sweeney had been seeking planning permission for a visitor and study centre housed under a grassed circular dome.

This was to accommodate up to 750,000 visitors a year and would include an audio visual theatre, a restaurant and kitchen, a gift and souvenirs shop, visitor services, staff offices and library facilities.

Mr Sweeney had also sought permission for parking for 200 cars - mostly underground.

PA

200 cars underground at that site, your having a laugh, the causeway would fall apart.

It reminds me of the time private investors wanted to remove the ground around stone henge in england and cover it with astro-turf, and have a visitors center right beside it, which would completely ruin the atmosphere of the place.

Anything for money.