Ciarán O'Sleibhín

you've got the words to change a nation, but you're biting your tongue

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Some thoughts on #NorthernIreland
Having lived in both Dublin and now London, I can't help but conclude that those elected to represent us present the worst image of us. It does a disservice to the ordinary person I recognise from home.
We are so much more.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

A new blog on substack, looking at:
- Bali
- Wellness culture
- Self-improvement
- Social Media
- Has it all gone too far?

All critique welcome, as ever.

https://t.co/DL8iQO0wle

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Started a Substack when on my travels. Please have a read here for those interested:

On Difference: https://t.co/1OEttQNVC8

On Faith: https://t.co/9Q6709B2lO

All feedback appreciated!

#ireland #substack #travel

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Mícheál Martin, of the "Republican Party", claims the Troubles was a "terrible war imposed by the provisional IRA. I'd be careful about saying both sides".

A vacuous and vindictive man that should never again be welcomed in the northern communities he has just slandered.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Neoliberalism > rampant inequality > feeling of hopelessness > charismatic tyrant >

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Unionism simultaneously claiming NI is a normal society that works for all whilst it's Education minister consults with drug-dealing, loyalist-paramilitary thugs for decisions about kids going to school #NorthernIreland

[Belfast Telegraph @BelTel]

Loyalist representatives tell Minister to end Irish language school plan for east Belfast

➡️ https://t.co/OEoqnCwtdv https://t.co/OEoqnCwtdv

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Another nail in the coffin to the idea that Northern Ireland works.
Every other part of these islands will benefit from the Euros in the year we celebrate 30 years of the GFA.
The short-sightedness of those celebrating most about this terrible decision is beyond irony #Casement

[Suzanne Breen @SuzyJourno]

A state-of-the-art stadium in a working-class nationalist area was a step too far for some here. They foolishly celebrate the Casement decision. Hosting Euro 2028 on GFA 30th annivy would have sent a powerful message that NI works.The opposite is true now
https://t.co/r1APN8uHg9

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

No way to guarantee a seat ? Do these people just have to wait for another hour plus the inevitable delay for the next bus ?
Expensive, unreliable, inefficient, archaic.
No wonder people just take their cars everywhere.
@Translink_NI

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Public transport in Ireland 🧵
Planned to get the Omagh-Belfast bus at 11am. ETA 12.45.
10.45: Arrive at Omagh bus depot. Station open, no staff, office not open to buy tickets. Go outside to ticket machine to buy tickets- "Out of Service".
...

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

11.22: Leave omagh only 22 minutes after scheduled time. Note- this was the first stop!
Add in the fact that at every stop beyond Dungannon, the bus driver had to refuse access to approx 30 people all waiting at various bus stops, as the bus was already full.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@REDTICKETSYNWA_ Still looking too thanks

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Any spares today ? @Lfcsalesinfo @LFC_FanTickets @REDTICKETSYNWA_ @REDticketMenIRE

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@ryanhackett3 Fact!

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

Some thoughts on this that I put together at the end of last year. A credible, all-island, social democratic party could transform lives in Ireland.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@ryanhackett3 Waiting on FGFF to prepare for unity, it could be a while yet Ryan 😂

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@ryanhackett3 At least if you have an alternative group pushing the agenda alongside SF, that undecided voter could internally reconcile voting for unity, if that voter can trust those advocating for it.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@ryanhackett3 However, in reality those getting most airtime will be big political parties, and mostly SF. Any small U unionist on the fence, already uneasy, could easily be put off taking the chance if it's seen mainly as a SF project. Which it obviously isn't, but perception is everything.

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@OisinDonn Thanks a million @OisinDonn , much appreciated

[Ciarán O'Sleibhín @CiaranSlevin_]

@dmcbfs @irish_news @SocDems @labour @SDLPlive @dmcbfs Wrote a few thoughts on this about 6 months ago. Looking forward to reading your take tomorrow!