Tim Cairns

Former DUP SpAd. One third of @stormontsources - I frequently block people. Any views I express are my own and no one else’s

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

Latest @StormontSources is out. We look at the BelTel poll and popular leaders, Starmer (who isn’t popular for some reason) and Executive finance!

Here https://t.co/KjBSyVvqd1

Or wherever you get your podcasts and all that!

[Stormont Sources @StormontSources]

This week the panel discuss whether the party is losing voters on both the left and right, if mixed messaging on issues like immigration could become a problem, and what the future holds for figures like Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald.

Plus, a look at unionism, leadership battles and whether personality politics can really survive without party backing.

#IrishPolitics #NorthernIreland #SinnFein

@dmcbfs @timcairns

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

It’s not “what” people believe it’s communication and it needs a much longer response than I can do here or have time to do! But basically it’s the effect evangelicalism/fundamentalism has had on how someone communicates and that could be someone who has no religious views at all. It’s a major factor in unionism communication style. I need to do an essay on it!

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

Over the past few days what is abundantly apparent is people in NI don’t know what left and right wing politics is.

“Liberal Unionism” is basically just saying what other unionists say in a way that’s a bit nicer.

“Right wing Unionism” is basically holding a position and saying under absolutely no circumstances will you change your mind.

[Cllr. Pete Wray @PeteWray11]

Some of the commentary from small sections of the media on the UUP been ridiculous recently.

The party is too left, then it's too right. We make policy based on what is right for the people of NI. Labeling it left or right is lazy to be kind, and disingenuous to be cynicle.

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@windsorrocker @arleneseesit @FightHypocrisy1 I don’t mean the “what” it’s more communication style - needs a much longer response!!

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@BLD1992 @KeithJBailie @SJAMcBride You’ve missed them! Hull city congratulated recently too

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@arleneseesit @FightHypocrisy1 One for a longer response but the issue of religion and how it factors into what is liberal and what is right wing unionism is much deeper in terms of substance than what first appears

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@MatthewTaylorNI @StormontSources @dmcbfs Thursday - although we seem to be making cameo appearances on talkback - tune in at 12:30 or so and you may hear preliminary views! Also David had his say yesterday!

[Choyaa @Choyaa13]

This thread from @JimGamble_INEQE is worth a read.

[Jim Gamble @JimGamble_INEQE]

1/ Northern Ireland is debating whether to raise the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) from 10 to 14.

That debate matters. But policymakers are IMO facing a false choice:

Keep 10, or move to 14?

There is a better middle course.

[Paul Givan @paulgivan]

The role of inspection is vital for school improvement & ensuring effective child protection measures are in place. School inspections exist in England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland. SF FM put it on the Executive agenda and it was approved to proceed with NO dissent.

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@Choyaa13 @JimGamble_INEQE @richardtgarland Well if that happens it’s going nowhere and will simply be the liberal version of the NI unionist party.

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@Choyaa13 @JimGamble_INEQE @richardtgarland There is absolutely no room for another unionist party Claire Sugden would be mad to go anywhere near it

[Doug Beattie @BeattieDoug]

Today I wrote to the leader of @uuponline to resign from the party with immediate effect.

I wish the party well for the future.

[Sam McBride @SJAMcBride]

Edwin Poots is refusing to explain a highly irregular decision which makes little sense & has tens of millions of pounds riding on it. Stormont's Speaker says we've no right to know why he acted as he did. Amid growing questions, this may end up in court.
https://t.co/TTE40Qe1QW

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@FionaQuigs Sorry I thought you said that a word was egregious. I would imagine that would meet the standard of a complaint. MLAs have a system of investigation for language, witnesses are held to account by the chair. You seemed a little confused so glad thats not now the case 👍

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

I don’t care who the MLA is, that a witness comes to an assembly committee and shows such disrespect to an MLA and the chair does nothing, is absolutely outrageous. This would not happen in any other legislature and just shows how amateur stormont actually is

[TUV @TUVonline]

Interesting exchanges this week on immigration & the Roma community at the TEO Committee #TUV #TimothyGaston

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@FionaQuigs Sorry you seemed to be saying you had issues with an MLA and felt he had used language that overstepped the mark, was just letting you know you could complain. Just giving you the info! You seemed quite exercised given the amount of tweets

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

There is a system for holding MLAs to account - you can make a complaint here https://t.co/ylx8aU0iQq

If you think language has fallen below the standards set in para 4 here https://t.co/m6h9lAWzPt

You send an email here mailto:[email protected] setting out your reasons

Hope that helps

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

@FionaQuigs All true, but, doesn’t get passed the fact a witness used totally unacceptable language and should be forced back to the committee and apologise or be held in contempt. The integrity of the assembly rests on it

[Tim Cairns @timcairns]

Well done Phillip. The committee system is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy. I have huge concerns about the TEO committee. That it is an almost weekly source of news and controversy is concerning. I have noticed an increased lack of respect from witnesses that should not be tolerated, well done for raising it