Keithblog

If agreement cannot be reached between Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fáil and the right of centre Progressive Democrats in Dáil Éireann then Direct Rule may be imposed by London.

“BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 29 (UPI) — The president of Northern Ireland, Mary McAleese dissolved parliament Sunday as Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announced an election next month.

The move came after Ahern met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, Sky News reported.

However, in a joint statement issued in London, Ahern and Blair said the proposed May 24 vote could be called off if a power-sharing agreement wasn’t reached by Ahern’s Fianna Fail party and the right of center Progressive Democrats in the 166-seat parliament known as the Dail.

“If at any point it became clear that parties were unwilling to fulfill their commitments … and support for policing, it would be unreasonable to expect the people of Northern Ireland to continue with an election to an assembly which would not exist,” the statement said.

Ahern is seeking a third term in office, and a report said the race is expected to be close.”

- United Press International via The Washington Times

Keithout

In the best advertisements you never really know what the hell’s going on until the very last moment. Unusually for this kind of advert the music doesn’t just set the mood, it really fits in with the video. The music is by the Swedish band “Oh Laura“, the song is called “Release Me”. It has been made available free at download from www.saab.co.uk.

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Microsoft have announced that it will be providing a discounted version of its software applications to “qualifying governments” beginning later this year for around US$3.00. The package is called the “Student Innovation Suite“. It will include a range of Microsoft software including;

• Windows XP Started Edition,
• Office Home and Student 2007 (Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Including learning essentials) ,
• Math[s] 3.0,
• and an email application.

The move is undoubtedly an aim to maintain Microsoft’s position as the number one software provider which has been coming up against competition, not least from open-source alternatives which are available for (next-to) nothing.

The software will only be available selected countries with the qualifying governments, these will most likely only be less developed countries in Africa and Asia.

• Microsoft Press Release

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Summer 2007 exam timetable. This post really has more to do with me forgetting my printer card than anything else.

Day\Date
Friday 18-MAY-07

Start
09:30

Duration
3hrs0mins

Module
Systems Applications

Location
Sports Hall, Seat 130

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“He was a remarkable man who saw the need for democratic and economic reform and in defending that reform he played a vital role at a crucial time in Russia’s history.” - Prime Minister Tony Blair

Our elected representatives discussing the socio-economic benefits of an inter-governmental institution consisting of the United Kingdom (and associated constituents) the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.

COMMITTEE ON THE
PREPARATION FOR GOVERNMENT

[...]

Mr P Robinson: I propose that further consideration be given to an overarching British Isles council.

Mr P J Bradley: Or Celtic Isles.

The Chairman (Mr Molloy): Could we have consensus on a name?

Dr Farren: If I proposed calling it comhairle na n-Oileán, would that be acceptable?

Mr P Robinson: Is that the Ulster Scots for it?

[...]

The Chairman (Mr Molloy): Do we have consensus on the proposal?

Mr Murphy: What was it again?

Mr P Robinson: That further consideration be given to the overarching British Isles council.

Mr Ford: The bullet point on the agenda says, “Council of the Isles”, which would avoid some of the difficulties that might arise.

Dr Farren: It is all in the phraseology.

Mr Ford: You put it in Irish.

Mr P Robinson: The bullet point says, “New Council of the Isles”.

[More...]

• Northern Ireland Assembly - Preparation for Government Committee Tuesday 29 August 2006

NorthernIrishblogs.com seems to have made a come back, although it’s still undergoing some ’serious reconstructive surgery’. Hope it doesn’t miss any follow-up appointments.

Keithout

“…the Assembly recognises the exceptional courage and bravery shown by individual members on November 24 last year and their tremendous professionalism and commitment to the safety and protection of members, staff and the general public.”

- Eileen Bell Presiding Officer of the Transitional Assembly

The Parliament Buildings security personnel who stopped Michael Stone were honoured today by MLAs. Stones plan (or performance art as he would have us believe) was to enter the Northern Ireland Assembly with a gun, knife and suspect devices in a bag. Whatever happened to paint on canvas?

It would have probably gone fine, if it wasn’t for the security guards at Stormont. Peter Lachaundis held Mr Stone in the revolving door while Susan Porter wrestled the gun from his hand. She then preceded to smack Stone over the head with his gun (nice touch I think). Stone was then dragged outside and unceremoniously laid upside down on the steps awaiting the police.

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“His kidnapping is detrimental to our nation and our national cause” - Mustafa Barghouti, Palestinian Information Minister

From Random Phone Pictures

Remember large chocolate eggs are not for life, they’re just for Easter. So eat up!

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