Margaret Richie Getting Stuck in To Sinn Fein

Jaap

An interesting speech by Margaret Richie at the SDLP's 39th Annual Conference!

http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/ritchies_speech_to_39th_annual_sdlp_conference/

Some interesting quotes from it slagging off Sinn Fein:

"And we now have the dissidents. And let’s be clear what that is. Dissidents aren’t some new social or political phenomena; they are the direct legacy of Sinn Fein’s failed war. When are they going to admit that what is wrong now was always wrong."

"SDLP Progressive nationalism is more confident, more optimistic, and more ready to engage wholeheartedly across the divide. We are not afraid to say 'Northern Ireland' or to encounter a member of the British Royal family at a function. How ridiculous was it for Martin McGuinness to refuse to go to a function celebrating the grand slam success of our all-island Rugby team - because the Queen was also in attendance! I was happy to go and congratulate our team and I had a very pleasant chat with the Queen. Honestly she’s not the least bit threatening. Well I didn’t think so."

"They have no vision for making the North a better place. Indeed deep down they have no desire to share with people from the unionist tradition."

Words that are so true!!! Fair play Margaret!!

Bottle_of_Smoke

Jaap wrote: »

An interesting speech by Margaret Richie at the SDLP's 39th Annual Conference!

http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/ritchies_speech_to_39th_annual_sdlp_conference/

Some interesting quotes from it slagging off Sinn Fein:

"And we now have the dissidents. And let’s be clear what that is. Dissidents aren’t some new social or political phenomena; they are the direct legacy of Sinn Fein’s failed war. When are they going to admit that what is wrong now was always wrong."

"SDLP Progressive nationalism is more confident, more optimistic, and more ready to engage wholeheartedly across the divide. We are not afraid to say 'Northern Ireland' or to encounter a member of the British Royal family at a function. How ridiculous was it for Martin McGuinness to refuse to go to a function celebrating the grand slam success of our all-island Rugby team - because the Queen was also in attendance! I was happy to go and congratulate our team and I had a very pleasant chat with the Queen. Honestly she’s not the least bit threatening. Well I didn’t think so."

"They have no vision for making the North a better place. Indeed deep down they have no desire to share with people from the unionist tradition."

Words that are so true!!! Fair play Margaret!!

I just wonder to many unionists ever vote for SDLP other than to keep Sinn Fein out.

If you read their document on reunification its kind of like an Irish version of the GFA. ie Northern Ireland becomes part of a united Ireland but remains a devolved assembly. Britain still has a say in its running and east/west bodies remain. Unfortunately I'm not sure this vision will appeal to nationalist/republican youth and SDLP are possibly still running on John Hume's legacy. Furthermore I don't think it is likely unionists would vote for that vision of Ireland unless they were really getting a bad deal staying in the UK.

That said I do have a lot of time for SDLP spirit personally. I very much respect them over their decision not to enter pacts in the Westminister elections.

Margaret Ritchie is a bit petty sometimes. A recent quote was something along the lines of ''I'm glad Sinn Fein have secided to do a U-Turn on this issue....''

Basically Sinn Fein did something she agreed with and she threw a snide remark in just to have a go. There's no reason she can't be cordial in that situation.

PanchoVilla

I hope she loses a lot of support for those insensitive comments. Regardless of what she thinks of SF, there are still a lot of people in the North who suffered greatly because of the occupation and those comments about the Queen were completely unnecessary. I wonder if the silly cow would have said the same if it had been Thatcher at that particular event.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Margaret Ritchie wrote:

We are not afraid to say 'Northern Ireland'

Eh... your website would suggest otherwise!

OhNoYouDidn't

Aside from the fact I had to google MR to see who she actually was, this is the same old same old from the stoops. Whether they like it or not, SF ARE in Stormont sharing with the unionists. Yet here is the SDLP having a go at them for not sharing with the unionists.

Its like a broken record and has been since the 70's. Don't get me wrong, the SDLP are entitled to have a partisan pop, but this particular nonsense is 20 years out of date.

Jaap

Does anybody know why is it that Sinn Fein are calling the dissidents "traitors"?...yet the dissidents are only doing what Sinn Fein/IRA were doing up until about 10 years ago!
Sinn Fein are condemning the dissidents for continuing their (Sinn Fein/IRA's) war!!!

I had to laugh when Martin McGuinness was made to say "Northern Ireland" when he was sworn in as Deputy First Minister a few years ago...priceless!!!

I was very impressed with Margaret's speech...and I would be a non-nationalist! Still wouldn't vote for a nationalist party...but would be happy to share with the SDLP!

Bottle_of_Smoke

Jaap wrote: »

Does anybody know why is it that Sinn Fein are calling the dissidents "traitors"?...yet the dissidents are only doing what Sinn Fein/IRA were doing up until about 10 years ago!

It was a bizarre quote alright. I'd say even he regrets it. They're probably terrified a new abstentionist republican group will emerge and take some of their support.

Sinn Fein are condemning the dissidents for continuing their war!!!

That's why the word dissident makes no sense and is a complete oxymoron when attached to ''republican''. I think the term ''militant republicans'' is a much better description

I had to laugh when Martin McGuinness was made to say "Northern Ireland" when he was sworn in as Deputy FIrst Minister...priceless!!!

I was very impressed with her speech...and I would be a non-nationalist!

That was kind of my point in the last post. Are you actually impressed by SDLP's vision or exclusively over the fact theyre having a go at Sinn Fein?

Notorious97

I think its petty she is having a pop at SF, the SDLP are a nothing party nowadays, never would get a vote from me. The only party in Ulster id vote for is SF. Running on John Humes legacy is right! The SDLP can bang on about peaceful ways forward all they like, at the end of the day if SF and the PIRA were not around, they would still be marching and getting shot at in Derry.

Joey the lips

That women is so stupid....

It would have been less severe if maggie thatcher had of said it...

at least the world now the tyranical looney she is...

Richie is giving the republician cause credability. She should just shut up.

Jaap

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Are you actually impressed by SDLP's vision or exclusively over the fact theyre having a go at Sinn Fein?

The SDLP have always been a party that have condemned violence...whether it be in the present, past or future...even back in the midst of The Troubles...I have always been impressed by that!

The SDLP have always wanted a United Ireland...just like Sinn Fein...but they have been so different in the ways they have been and are still trying to achieve it!

I just don't understand why more people in Northern Ireland don't vote for them...and why Sinn Fein have a bigger support. It is a concern whenever everyone is aiming for a shared future!

Nodin

Jaap wrote: »

An interesting speech by Margaret Richie at the SDLP's 39th Annual Conference!

...............play Margaret!!

Muck slinging and silliness from a party on the verge of utter irrlevance.

Particularily pathetic.....

"They have no vision for making the North a better place. Indeed deep down they have no desire to share with people from the unionist tradition."

Somebody might inform Ms Richie that standing there and indulging in Shinner bashing won't win her any seats. Alternative policies, however, may well be what the doctor called for.

Jaap wrote: »

I just don't understand why more people in Northern Ireland don't vote for them....

For a good deal of it, see above.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Jaap wrote: »

The SDLP have always been a party that have condemned violence...whether it be in the present, past or future...even back in the midst of The Troubles...I have always been impressed by that!

The SDLP have always wanted a United Ireland...just like Sinn Fein...but they have been so different in the ways they have been and are still trying to achieve it!

Open to correction but I'm guessing you're impressed by SDLP but not quite enough impressed enough to vote for them, nor vote how they would like you to vote in a border referendum.

I just don't understand why more people in Northern Ireland don't vote for them...and why Sinn Fein have a bigger support. It is a concern whenever everyone is aiming for a shared future!

Used to wonder about that myself. Though after talking to people I''m not so alarmed.

I have cousins in east Derry and a flatmate from south Derry. They are both nationalists and have contempt for SDLP. When asked they complain SDLP are for middle class people who don't understand the conflict. SDLP concentrate on their popularity hotspots and never call to the door of my cousins/flatmate.

Sinn Fein being a grass roots entity take advantage of this and show up at the doors every election. I also think Sinn Fein spend more on their election budget, though open to correction on that one.

Richard

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Eh... your website would suggest otherwise!

They do both.

Personally I usually like what Maragaret Ritchie has to say, but I don't think she is very competent at speaking without notes. I heard her on Good Morning Ulster this morning and she wasn't great either. I seem to remember her not being great in that election debate either.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Richard wrote: »

They do both.

Personally I usually like what Maragaret Ritchie has to say, but I don't think she is very competent at speaking without notes. I heard her on Good Morning Ulster this morning and she wasn't great either. I seem to remember her not being great in that election debate either.

She's too intense or jumpy or something. Probably something she'll improve on if she stops letting Gerry get to her!

Jaap

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Open to correction but I'm guessing you're impressed by SDLP but not quite enough impressed enough to vote for them, nor vote how they would like you to vote in a border referendum.

I have cousins in east Derry and a flatmate from south Derry. They are both nationalists and have contempt for SDLP. When asked they complain SDLP are for middle class people who don't understand the conflict. SDLP concentrate on their popularity hotspots and never call to the door of my cousins/flatmate.

Sinn Fein being a grass roots entity take advantage of this and show up at the doors every election. I also think Sinn Fein spend more on their election budget, though open to correction on that one.

I wouldn't vote for SDLP...after all I am quite happy for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK...I have no interest in a United Ireland.

Sinn Fein / IRA were a major player in the conflict...they murdered many catholics/nationalists and bombed all over Ireland...if I were a nationalist I would never vote for Sinn Fein. Just as I have never voted for the PUP or UDP...parties aligned to loyalist paramilitaries!

FTA69

Jaap wrote: »

I had a very pleasant chat with the Queen. Honestly she’s not the least bit threatening. Well I didn’t think so."[/SIZE][/FONT]

A very pleasant chat with the commander in chief of the British armed forces? It's hilarious when self-proclaimed nationalists engage in lick-spittle behaviour and then dress that up as "maturity" or "confident nationalism."

They aren't called the Stoop Down Low Party for nothing.

Jaap

FTA69 wrote: »

A very pleasant chat with the commander in chief of the British armed forces? It's hilarious when self-proclaimed nationalists engage in lick-spittle behaviour and then dress that up as "maturity" or "confident nationalism."

They aren't called the Stoop Down Low Party for nothing.

I'd rather vote for SDLP than a party with so much blood on its hands such as Sinn Fein / IRA!!! ...Sinn Fein a party who condemn the dissidents' actions, but were praising the same actions 10 years ago!

I think with the SDLP flooding it's party with new members...can only be good for the electorate in Northern Ireland who are nationalist and wish to vote for people with vision...not those like those in Sinn Fein who wish to keep Northern Ireland segregated!

I'm out of this thread! Think Margaret in her speech has got across my points!

Nodin

Jaap wrote: »

...............
I'm out of this thread! Think Margaret in her speech has got across my points!

Yes - 'yah boo Sinn Fein, Sinn Fein evil'. Which is of course, not the soundest basis for convincing an electorate you're a viable alternative and capable of governing well.

karma_

Jaap wrote: »

I'd rather vote for SDLP than a party with so much blood on its hands such as Sinn Fein / IRA!!! ...Sinn Fein a party who condemn the dissidents' actions, but were praising the same actions 10 years ago!

I think with the SDLP flooding it's party with new members...can only be good for the electorate in Northern Ireland who are nationalist and wish to vote for people with vision...not those like those in Sinn Fein who wish to keep Northern Ireland segregated!

I'm out of this thread! Think Margaret in her speech has got across my points!

Have you ever voted for the DUP? What do you make of them sharing a platform with loyalist terrorists? Do they have blood on their hands also and would that stop you voting for them? What about the proposed DUP/UUP pact?

It's all very well saying this is the SDLP doing a good job from a unionist perspective, but to a nationalist they are not. I have always been a SDLP voter, but the truth is that since John Hume left they have been a shadow of their former selves and they no longer have any idea how to reach out to moderate nationalists who feel threatened by the proposed unionist pact. I no longer vote at all.

dlofnep

That time of the month again for Ritchie is it? She'll bury the SDLP.. (Not that they need any help doing that). Focus more on your own party Mags, instead of worrying about what SF are doing. Sinn Fein carries the largest mandate out of any party in the north, and she's clearly unable to deal with it.

Anytime I've watched her in public discussions, she's come across as a incompetent incumbent.

charlemont

personally i believe some shadowy people are behind the dissidents, with an agenda to split Sinn Fein's vote before the next Assembly elections..

PatsytheNazi

Jaap wrote: »

An interesting speech by Margaret Richie at the SDLP's 39th Annual Conference!

http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/ritchies_speech_to_39th_annual_sdlp_conference/

Some interesting quotes from it slagging off Sinn Fein:

"And we now have the dissidents. And let’s be clear what that is. Dissidents aren’t some new social or political phenomena; they are the direct legacy of Sinn Fein’s failed war. When are they going to admit that what is wrong now was always wrong."

"SDLP Progressive nationalism is more confident, more optimistic, and more ready to engage wholeheartedly across the divide. We are not afraid to say 'Northern Ireland' or to encounter a member of the British Royal family at a function. How ridiculous was it for Martin McGuinness to refuse to go to a function celebrating the grand slam success of our all-island Rugby team - because the Queen was also in attendance! I was happy to go and congratulate our team and I had a very pleasant chat with the Queen. Honestly she’s not the least bit threatening. Well I didn’t think so."

"They have no vision for making the North a better place. Indeed deep down they have no desire to share with people from the unionist tradition."

Words that are so true!!! Fair play Margaret!!

When the Stoppy's have unionists like you praising them, then their alarm bells should be ringing. Obviously many nationalists will be saying SF must be doing the right thing !!!!

PatsytheNazi

Jaap wrote: »

I had to laugh when Martin McGuinness was made to say "Northern Ireland" when he was sworn in as Deputy First Minister a few years ago...priceless!!!

Bet you'll enjoy more it if/when the former leader of the IRA is sworn in as First Minister of what was once reffered to as "a Protestant Parliament and Protestant State ".