Antagonistic. That’s the only way I can describe the Northern Ireland Executive’s decision to roll out the red carpet for the Muslim Council of Britain.
This is a deeply controversial organisation that successive UK governments have refused to engage with for years, yet Stormont has chosen to give it official recognition.
Northern Ireland’s Muslim population is less than 1% according to the 2021 census……So why is this such a priority? What level of immigration are they planning for that this has become an Executive-level meeting?
Then there’s the statement itself. Once again, they talk about “tackling racism” and building a society where everyone feels “safe, respected and valued.”
Who is racist?….. they are labelling the people who elected them….. there is no respect for them… they don’t feel safe and valued.
The thousands of ordinary residents who have raised concerns about immigration, housing, public services and the City of Sanctuary agenda have been repeatedly smeared as racists or “far right” instead of being listened to.
Where is the commitment to making them feel safe, respected and valued?
This Executive seems far more interested in signalling virtue to lobby groups than engaging with the concerns of its own constituents.
Democracy means listening to the people you represent—not dismissing them.
"Lucky Man" is from The Verve’s 1997 album Urban Hymns. The uplifting, anthemic track written by Richard Ashcroft became one of the band’s biggest hits, especially in the UK. Its soaring melody and reflective lyrics about life and fortune made it a staple of Britpop and alternative rock radio.
💥Sinn Féin, you said democracy depends on debate. This Is Your Invitation to One.💥
Stand by Your Words: An open invitation to a public debate with the people you claim to represent…… the invitation extends to SDLP and Alliance.
Debate, scrutiny and accountability are fundamental to democracy.”
Those are Sinn Féin Councillor Mary O’Dowd’s words.
I agree.
So let’s have that debate.
When residents of NMD raised concerns about joining the City of Sanctuary network, there was no meaningful public debate. Instead, many people were dismissed with labels such as “far right” and “racist” rather than having their questions answered.
Locals First Initiative invited every councillor to attend a public meeting to address residents’ concerns about Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s proposed City of Sanctuary status. Not one councillor from Sinn Féin, Alliance or the SDLP came to answer questions.
When that meeting was cancelled it moved to a public rally, every councillor was invited again. Once again, they had the opportunity to stand before the public and defend their position. Only DUP representatives attended.
Earlier this year Locals First Initiative held a public meeting at the Canal Court Newry which was attended by over 350 residents….. again all councillors were invited…. Again they failed to attend ignoring the concerns of the public they claim to represent, the public who pay their wages.
So here’s another opportunity.
I am publicly inviting Mary O’Dowd—or any Sinn Féin, Alliance or SDLP councillor—to a live public debate at the Canal Court Hotel.
You choose the date.
No press releases. No social media soundbites. No labels.
Bring your evidence, and I’ll bring mine. Answer the public’s questions, and I’ll answer theirs. Then let the people decide whose arguments stand up to scrutiny.
You said democracy depends on debate.
Here’s your opportunity to prove you meant it.
If you’re willing to stand by your own words, contact Locals First Initiative and let’s make it happen.
https://t.co/z29EsApXPC
I left my Quorn at the checkout at Tesco so I went back and asked the cashier “Have you seen my vegetarian mince?"
She said "No, but if you walk up and down I'll give you my honest opinion."
Morning!
@EmployRightsIE SF is not much better, they also helped destroy Ireland with open borders, also they can go down as an opposition that doesn’t oppose anything and goes along with FFG in the destruction of the family life and children’s innocence
Ireland 🇮🇪 BREAKING: #PAC
RTÉ TV Licence bombshell.
If your TV gets channels via broadband you are NOT liable for the TV Licence.
“That’s the law of the land.”
13 seconds @kevinbakhurst and #RTEBias will be desperately hoping this disappears. Too bad, too late!
#EndTheLicenceScam