Northern Ireland plans tri-partite approach to UK Culture Minister?
February 23, 2009
Answer given in Northern Ireland Assembly
Devolution of Broadcasting
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has any plans to raise the issue of the devolution of broadcasting with his counterpart in the UK Government.
(AQO 2099/09)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Broadcasting responsibilities and powers remain a reserved matter. However, I am committed where possible, to ensuring that the specific characteristics and needs of Northern Ireland are fully considered in the development of broadcasting policy.
I do not have any plans at present to raise the issue of the devolution of broadcasting with my counterpart in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
However, I have agreed to a joint meeting with my counterparts in the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly, to discuss the future of broadcasting and how the needs of our nations are fully taken into account by the UK Government. A suitable date for this meeting is being arranged.
My Department has also responded to the consultation process on the Ofcom Review of Public Service Broadcasting. I am pleased to advise that Ofcom has listened to our representations and subsequently amended the original proposals for Northern Ireland in its final recommendations to the UK Government. The recommendations were published on 21 January 2009.
IR Result: Venezuelan vote to end term limits
February 20, 2009
Venezuelans on Sunday voted by 54.8% to 45.1% to change the Constitution by ending term limits and allow elected officials, including President Hugo Chavez, to run for re-election indefinitely.
More.
2009 IR Result in Wales says “no” to school plans
February 20, 2009
A reminder that local referendums usually advisory are still used in the UK and there is a long standing right in England for individual voters to conduct one.
BBC NEWS | Wales | South East Wales | Referendum ‘no’ to school plans.
LettEd Times Nov 1998
February 19, 2009
Professor Hazell’s warning yesterday that Devolution will transform the British state and release powerful dynamic forces beyond the Government’s control should be widely heeded. As Chairman of the ‘Yes’ Campaign during the Scottish Devolution referendum, I would add my view that if the reforms do not have these effects they will have failed Britain.
The People’s Machine
February 15, 2009
Arnie Schwarzenegger
An exciting account of Arnie’s use of referendums in his rise to power and as Governor of California. We see the tremendous advantage that a well known face and name has in getting coverage in a political race.
Worth remembering how the Republicans used the Reagan name in California and the Democrats Hillary Clinton’s. In contrast Obama an unknown face had to raise a fortune to get himself to the starting line.
The same trends are present in the UK with the rise of Boris Johnston to be the new mayor of London.
Frost/Nixon – a must see film for those too young to remember
February 13, 2009
I watched this film with a contemporary who like me, was old enough to remember the days when the leader of the Westren world was toppled. We agreed it good account with Nixon superbly acted making it seem like yesterday
Irish plan to run Lisbon referendum with an Election
February 13, 2009
This is an old trick. Refendums on major issues split across party lines so this is an attempt to dragoon their supporters in behind the Party line. There are difficulties for broadcasters who one moment represent parties for the general election then a moment later have to find a 50:50 balance between the two sides in a referendums often with participants changing sides.
Roseanna Cunningham is the new Minister for Campsie Glen Forest Park
February 12, 2009
Mike Russell has been recalled to Alex Salmond’s side and his old job at Enviroment where he was responsible for the Forestry Commission in Scotland goes to Roseanna Cunningham.
Alex Salmond and Mike Russell made a formidable referendum team
February 12, 2009
Alex Salmond - campaigning in the 1997 referendum
I know. I worked closely with them during the 1997 referendum. Apart from Alex who is an energetic campaigner who goes down well with voters on all sides, Mike ran a tight office behind him. They were at least as good as the Labour Party who were on a high after their General Election landslide and an injection of Mandelson magic. Now with a bigger party, more experience of campaigning besides a long spell of Government, I take the recall of Mike to indicate serious intent for the 2011 referendum. Opponents should not underestimate them.
US Voters make more decisons than British voters
February 12, 2009
Vote for the US President, local officials and 14 referendums on one ballot paper in Colorado and California. Try it.
