Last night I sat in the Guildhall Square in Derry chatting with my friend and NUJ comrade Darach MacDonald.
We are discussing the artificial boundary that I had just driven over.
Specifically the absolute unreality of the Broth position on the Partition line.
Before the Brexit vote two years ago discussions on the Border were near to non-existent on this part of my island among ordinary folk.
With the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, life on the Donegal side of the Border had become a simple matter of noticing the changing road signs and having sterling coins for the parking meter!
Then two years ago Middle England decided to get all imperial and exceptionalist about their place in the world.
Consequently, life on the Farage Frontier is now in danger of becoming a tad more complicated
Therefore, Darach’s new book Hard Border is very timely indeed
What neither of us thought of last night, as we sat under the blue skies of Ulster, was that the Brits would come up with something as daft as a buffer zone.
If this report today is true then Britain is truly becoming the Sevco of Europe.
The Six Counties will be devastated by a hard Brexit and the Republic will not be unscathed by this economic lunacy.
However, we in the 26 counties can call on the solidarity and assistance of the other EU nations.
I’m afraid that the good folk of Northern Ireland are relying on the Bullingdon chaps in London who know little of them and care even less.
Now, if only there was a neighbouring EU state that the people of Northern Ireland could unite with.
Now, that’s an idea…
Discover more from Phil Mac Giolla Bháin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Phil,
You still don’t get it. Despite all the efforts of elitist sabotage the democratic vote should stand.
Guessing you also approve of fascist way Madrid & EU dealt with Catalonia? Or making Ireland vote twice on Lisbon treaty until got it right and consequently suffered recession.
Centralised undemocratic plutocracy is a very slippery slope.
I see none of the Sunderland fans grieving the loan deal for Ejaria coming to an end.
Of course there will be no negativety in the Scottish media if his loan move to Ibrox goes ahead.
No mention of a poor first touch, erratic finishing and a lack of bottle, some of the kinder comments made by the Sunderland fans.
If this is the best Gerrard and co can come up with then the finances must be stretched to breaking point.
Looks as if ‘Operation Gut The First Team Squad’ is on hold so that Stevie G can see first hand what he’s inherited.
Of course it could be the difficulty in moving on players with substantial contracts that’s slowed down the anticipated exit.
It’s telling that no actual fees have been paid yet and the ill fated pursuit of must have Skrtel, who is on mega bucks in Turkey plus a transfer fee , would seem to indicate that Gerrard’s thoughts on what monies are available to him are not in line with the actuality of the situation.
Bringing in some youth players to blend in with a settled, successful squad is fine but throwing them into a dressing room of failures and fans with unrealistic targets and short in patience doesn’t appear to be a recipe for immediate success.
The current wage bill has to be trimmed to make way for new blood. The players have all the power and many of them will have to be incentivised to move on.
Pena, Herrera, Alves and Cardoso alone will be drawing down £400/500k a month between them without making a contribution on the park.
There are many others, too numerous to name, in the same boat.
Mark Allen’s got his work cut out to offload the deadwood before the required upgrade in player can be made.
Will be an interesting next few weeks seeing how he and Stevie G gel and who makes the trip to Spain in a fortnight.
Perhaps by then we will know if Stevie G and McAllister have the required UEFA licences to take there places in the dugout?
The reunification of Eire has always been a matter of simple demographics. The catholic population of Norther Ireland has long been significantly more fecund/prolific that the protestant element. As such it is only a matter of time until there are enough votes to enable a successful referendum on the matter. My understanding from friends in places like Coleraine is that a fair few Protestants don’t have strong feelings on the matter and could vote for re-unification. As I say, it seems a done deal, probably within my lifetime.
Phil
Please disregard my comment about gerrard and transfermarkt – got my facts wrong – he is listed as TheRangers manager – possibly due to very slow wifi and aging ipad – cheers
We don’t need no stinkin badges!
To follow up John James’ latest on StevieG not being within twelve months of a Pro Licence to officially manage TheRangers – check out TransferMarkt.com
Lampard shown as retired player and manager of Derby County
StevieG shown as retired player and manager of nobody.
Shirley some mistake!
TransferMarkt.com is an enormous global database so I assume they tap into official sources such as UEFA and national associations rather than reading local back pages – oops
Slightly off topic…I ordered a copy of The Squad on the 25th May it hasn’t arrived yet are we waiting on a published date… have others received their copies… thanks in advance for any replies.
Hello.
Many thanks for that.
The published state (as per the publisher’s website) is June 22nd.
We are in an unprecedented era.
Celtic sit at the top table with an experienced manager promising more to come.
He has the full support of the board and what Brendan wants they deliver.
Splitting from joint sponsorship with the other lot has been a bonus and financially a great move.
What sponsors want to be involved with a client constantly fighting court cases, led by a Chairman with criminal convictions.
Apart from unsubstantiated accusations about the conduct of the SFA/SPFL King has hee haw to offer.
In reality they can only look at the Celtic board and wish.
This time next year 9 IAR will be in plain sight. The panic levels will be at new heights, if Stevie G is still in charge the pressure will be at Defcon One.
£29m turnover, £25m in debt, £20m minimum required to bring in players to challenge Celtic with no prospect of that kind of money being available.
Of course when it all goes tits up it will be the haters/SFA/SPFL/Vatican/media, ha, ha, Lawwell, SNP, UK gov, that did it, not SDM the man who single handedly poisoned and caused the death of Rangers FC.
Yep Dave, lets go and get it all out there.
You missed out the dirty, taig, fenian bastarts! Or was that covered by the Vatican. Whatever, you’re bang on. It will be ANYONE and EVERYONE’S fault other than their own.
One more thing, I don’t like the way that red line/buffer is on the Irish side of the border, WTF!
Ok, how is this supposed buffer zone proposed to work. It will take in the border crossing points and use unmaned technology, perhaps. This will be placed in nationalist/republican areas at the major crossing points (Derry (3), Strabane/Lifford, Newry at least one, plus a railway line). It will also be utilised in rural crossing points such as Auchnacloy, Pettigo numerous other crossing points some of which were previously unauthoridsed by the British authorities. Some, no, all of these will be vandalised on a regular basis, probably by the younger generation pished out of there heads and whatever else at the weekends, others by older citizens who maybe “should no better” but are having a momentary lapse in reason. What happens after this, security forces having to protect the installations/equipment or those repairing them. And some people still want to be ruled by these eejits in London, AFFS!
Gerrard was in Toulouse because he is studying for his UEFA Pro Licence. He doesn’t have that crucial qualification yet, and he still has a year to go. Big deal, some will say. But actually, it is a big deal as anyone who has knowledge of football regulations would be aware.
A UEFA Pro Licence is required for anyone who wishes to manage a football club in the top tier of any European nation’s league system on a permanent basis, i.e. more than 12 weeks (the amount of time an unqualified caretaker manager is allowed to take control). Such a licence is also required to manage in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.”
Phil don’t let this sfa away with granting them a euro licence, or I give up altogether with Scottish football. It cannot happen the rules state so.
Well said brother it surprises me how intelligent people can be blind by European propaganda. If we live in a democratic world then the democratic process should be followed regardless.
Talking of frontiers is there any more on a certain Irish billionaires mood today ?
A Buffer Zone you say, presumably patrolled by Michael and Bruce ranting “Let’s get ready to rumble!” and “It’s time!”, well it makes as much sense as anything else.
Phil, the “Dear Green Place” is looking well. However my main point is “Where is the Messiah?” In the immortal words of the best “YouTube” snap “whit’s the Manager daen Tam.” It’s a no show. According to our intrepid Media he is scouting under 21 English talent in Toulon, Really? That would be all of the under 21 England talent that are tied up on long term contracts. Now if I didn’t show on my first day in a new job questions would be asked. Not in Scotland eh!
Not a question asked on “conflict of interest” by BFDG in tonight’s Evening Ranger. Apart from BFDG being elected as a “Sevco Ambassador” last week, “Conflict of Interest,” they don’t know the meaning of the word.
Rumour has it the Parkes want their money back and have an outstanding Missive, that’s the one for the money the Lying King borrowed to buy his shares. That’s in front of Johnstone and the 3 Suppliers who are being palmed off with excuses, not to mention Close Brothers. As for the “Lying King” challenging the SPFL, I do believe he is the Chairman of the “Holding Company” and not the “Football Club. Now this is a man who supposedly knows his way around Company Law.
Stevie G, ya nugget. Who are your advisors?
As for a United Ireland, having been educated in the Emerald Isle in the late 70s this was always on the cards. I was involved in the early sampling as a Student in the North and the numbers said this. The Prods went to the mainland and never came back, the Catholics got access to education and remained. It was just a matter of time and education. HH and stay safe.
I’ve just read an article by James Forrest…concerning Sevco and their potential Orange strips for the forthcoming season.
Unlike James, however, I have absolutely no problem with this course of action.
As far as I’m concerned …the more this Club reverts to type…then the further it gets itself away from a world which is trying to be progressive, accommodating and inclusive.
So yeah…let them strut around in their “Supremacist”King Billy gear…while potential sponsors look out which barge pole they wouldn’t touch them with.
They hivnae got a brain in their heid.
Oh dear, Arlene to walk with her Cowdenbeath brethren. Wow, will she go full matching sash and bonnet?
Must be great to get a wee holiday from the 6 County’s and leave the scandals behind.
Oh what a mess Brexit will be. Apart from the fundamentalists reducing the number of immigrants many more jobs will be lost as a result and the same Little Englanders who won the day will be the first to complain.
As some one who voted for Brexit… purely on ideological grounds…. I voted to fuck up the elites…. I’m not anti Europe… I love Europe far more than I love…. “the best wee dump…sorry….cuntry in the world”… where I was unfortunate enough to see my first light of day.
I voted for Brexit to give all the little Englanders a whole mouth full of angry wasps to chew on.
People like me were I guess, a very small cadre of voters on Brexit day… we might even have swung the vote…. but…. if the Tory party splits… then we will have done more to put back this green and pleasant isle this other eden…etc..etc…etc… on the road to sanity …ie …back to what it was before Henry VIIIand all his imps wrecked it…. if we get there then we will have struck a mightier blow than Bonnie Prince Charlie…. de Vallera…and Michael Collins combined to put the grotesque monster UK PLC…British Empire to the sword….
Viva Europe…Viva Charlemagne….Viva Christendom….
“Waiter…. another bottle of Dom Perignon….por favour.. ..!!!
I don’t for a second claim to have a whole lot of knowledge of Ireland (N&S) and the various issues/problems that face them. They need to be solved by the people living there who understand those issues and can devise solutions to them.
One thing I know though, if it comes down to it, and it will, those fine upstanding politicians in WM will sell out the unionist in the North in a nanosecond and not even pause to reflect. If anyone in the unionist cause thinks that they will always be backed by WM, then they deserve whatever form of hell comes their way.
The silly billy boys continue to report Stevie/Rangers are showing interest in anyone with a pulse who has attempted to play football. The follow up remains the same…”we offered 2 million for him”
“Yeh, but he’s valued at 10 million”.
“Wouldn’t have wanted him anyway”
Sweet Jesus and his blessed mother.
Meanwhile, day one of the coming of the Messiah………..
Wit? Wit? Nil anseo?
Brexit equals democracy. What’s your problem Phil? The EU is certainly not democratic if a referendum result doesn’t suit the remoaners within it. Let’s get on governing our own country.
Sounds like a plan that is written on the sands of time. I never thought I’d see the day but it’s coming alright KTF
Phil, a serious question; why on earth would people in the ROI want to unite with NI?
I understand the historical cause and underpinning all that is the idea that Ireland was artificially divided etc., but looking at what exists now, the political, cultural, and social character of NI, I just don’t see what would be in it for the ROI.
If I lived in the ROI, I wouldn’t want anything to do with the place and I would probably want a wall.
I think you can also put it the other way round.
Why would someone in Derry, unless they had a medical card, want to pay 50 or 60 euros to see a GP in Donegal?
Given the total wonderfulness of the EU, it’s surprising that those who work in the public sector, like teachers in the 26 counties, are not more grateful for seeing their salaries and pensions slashed because the EU insisted that Ireland feel the pain.
You have obviously no idea of Ireland or it’s people.We are all Irish whether living in N.Ireland or the R.O.Ireland, we were separated at the birth of both states against the will of the majority of Irish people, so what you are advocating is that we just abandon the idea of reunification.
Well, you would need to first comment on my two points.
And I do have an intimate knowledge of life in the Republic.
And I am Irish.
Partition was a terrible thing as was the civil war, but we are where we are.
The last poll that I know of was in 2017 and found just over a third in NI in favour of a united Ireland.
That is in spite of the fact that there is probably a Nationalist/Catholic majority now.
However, nothing stays the same. And now the Republic has turned away from being a reactionary theocracy, who knows.
However, NI gets about £12 billion from the UK government.
And that is one reason why you don’t have to pay to see a GP there.
Whether that’s a burden the Irish government wants to assume is another story.
Living in Scotland I want nothing to do with NI either. In fact If I was the Scottish Government I would ban the waving of the Saltire at Orange marches in the province. That image truly makes my blood boil.
Good luck wi’ the Scottish Government doing ANYTHING to offend the PEEPUL.
In a balanced society there would be a statement from Nicola perhaps suggesting that the DUP Learder should just stay away from Cowdenbeath.
Will that happen…?? I seriously doubt it.
Scotland is what it is…and its not good.
If you looked a bit harder at the north of ireland at the political, cultural and social character you would see it is very different than the picture the DUP paint.
After 800 years of oppression I think the Nationalist people of the occupied 6 counties deserve their freedom.
The ROI, which abandoned them nearly 100 years ago, should welcome the north with open arms to make amends.
It’s the historical cause. If Boko Harram turned up tomorrow and stole one of your sons/daughters would you not
want them back. “I had 4 green fields…..”
As an Englishman living in deepest UKIP-land (Essex) I barely know where to begin with this.
Most importantly I want to say that the strand of English exceptionalism that runs through many of the Brexiteers and their arguments is as appalling to me as it no doubt is to yourself. England at the moment is a deeply divided country, my rough guess 60/40 between those who are backward looking small c conservatives who buy into the myth of Empire and those who do not.
Brexit itself encompasses so many contrary expectations that that is undeliverable in a form that will ultimately satisfy more than a few people, whatever is tried. Hence today’s article in the Sun that is floating an idea better described a Magical Realism than as a serious attempt to deliver Brexit in a manner that solves the border issue.
May and particularly Davis simply don’t have the intellect to tackle a project as complex as Brexit. They are out of their depth and thanks to their outstanding general election campaign now held hostage by the DUP to boot.
The upshot is that there will be plenty more crap where today’s came from before the dust settles on this unholy mess. Please know that there are many here who, (in a state of almost permanent embarrassment), will be speaking up against the mindset that has created this fiasco and seeking to somehow find a way out.
Good luck wae that ‘Tincks’,luck is gonna be required in ABUNDANCE.
Brexit is like a sideshow for the sevco fiasco.
And you don’t need a feqn tv ‘lie’cense to revel,not REBEL,innit,innit.?
Cracking laugh Phil,dare I say encore,for your reaching ‘prolific output’ again and I don’t want your wordmines work being neglected.TOTALLY appreciated though.
I saw you are,sorry, will eventually be getting ‘The Sqaud’ onto kindle too,All in good time.
The ‘left unsaids’ were too numerous too mention,great stuff.BRAVO
Ecosse for instance Phil?.
10 mile “buffer zone” wtf?? Are they taking advice from the Don? Ejiits!!
Since when did all nationalist people forego the Tricolour for the flag of the EU ?
When they realised they had ‘mays government’ by the baws,that’s when.
Unionism/Nationalism(UK) became one in the same,predictable,but sad too.
Coz for me anyway the peeps,flegmen,speak in tongues,forked,poisonous ones.
The benefits of unity within the EU will become more and more apparent to northerners as the malign impact of Brexit takes root. Already, the previously unmentionable is being quietly discussed in places where such Lundy-like treason would have led to a loyalist bullet in different times.
The North’s farming community will be the first to be hit but international, especially US, investment won’t be long in following. How far, and for how long, will the £11bn per annum subvention from England the North receives go then?
But not to worry. Arlene will be marching in Fife. What was it Churchill said about the steeples in Fermanagh and Tyrone? The hits will keep on coming!
The people of Britain decided by majority decision to exit the EU. You may hate the result but should be willing to defend to the last drop of blood the democratic process that determined it.
Ireland is now governed by an unelected Taoiseach who even lost the vote to be leader by his own party.
Ireland and her childrens children were enslaved at 9pm on a Friday night by an unelected bureaucrat called Jean Claude Trichet. He told our finance minister that if he didnt borrow the billions required to bail out the UNSECURED bondholder billionaires he would pull the plug on the country. And as Pearce Doherty stated in the Dail, there isn’t so much of a shed of paper or a signature to verify the transaction.
The same Trichet arrogantly refused to even appear at the Irish government inquiry. Ireland’s children’s children will be paying the interest back on this monstrous evil enslavement loan.
I would be surprised Phil if you could name the unelected ministers in Europe who govern us.
As Pearse Doherty said we should take down the flag of freedom our forefathers died for We are now enslaved to a bigger monster…
The uk doesn’t have a democratic election process. Hence may bojo snarlene and lord snooty!
A little long but well worth a watch: https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=UTMxfAkxfQ0
Any other craic?
My link not allowed? Look up, Youtube: Brexit the full movie film. Well worth a watch when you see how much money these un-elected clowns are getting. Huge shopping center with all the top designer gear and only they are allowed in.
Something like SEVEN presidents!
It will open your eyes to the huge waste.
Phil an interesting thought, but wait. Can I direct you and your readers to yesterday’s revelations at the RHI enquiry.
The candidate in the hot seat has the prefix of Dr to his name. He was a former well paid SPAD with connections to a Snarlene woman from the province. Let’s just say this dignified, upright and loyal son of Ulster finished well behind in the “brightest tool-in-the- box competition.
It would appear he was unaware that deleted e mails could be retrieved, and further appears to have a very poor memory of his actions and the reasoning for them.
For some reason I’ve been unable to get terms like buffoon, Coco the ? clown, gobshite and incompetent arsehole out of my mind.
This same individual I understand now advises a certain Mrs Dodds in her European exploits.
But the buck must stop with Peter Lawell. This ineptitude was under his Parkhead watch. Brendan Rogers and others from Co Antrim are also to blame. You, Phil, with your public allegiance to Celtic should be questioned. Then of course there’s the Lisbon Lions. Guess you all are sqeezing on the sphincter muscle as did the Wizard of Oz when the curtain fell.
Oh I love being an upright, staunch, dignified, loyal, tax-paying subject.
Hail Hail.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Simon and Garfunkel.
“I’d rather be a Fenian than a Hun, yes I would…………”Nurse”
Now I, as one who in the past has been know to …. well rant..!!!… could you rephrase some of that to give us a clue what your on about…???