sluggerotoole--2020-12-03--Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival, 7th – 11th December 2020…

The festival will run from the 7th-11th December and continues to offer a wide variety of more than 30 free online events and on-demand content focussed on aspects of human rights from home and abroad .
2020 has been an unbelievably challenging year for everyone across the world .
The Covid-19 global pandemic has created a massive public health emergency , extensive loss of life and has also exposed and deepened many inequalities in our society .
Rights continue to connect us and to protect us in these uncertain times .
Now more than ever we need to celebrate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguards .
Given that most of us continue to be in lockdown and isolated from family and friends we have decided to take this year ’ s festival events entirely online .
The internet will allow us to be connected virtually and the festival will help us explore how in the current circumstances we continue to be interconnected by rights as well .
With webinars and discussions on responses and reactions to COVID , Brexit , the Bill of Rights , feminism , disability , the LGBT+ community , domestic violence , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty to keep you busy from Monday the 7th to Friday the 11th of December .
We also have an amazing collection of activities and entertainment , including a photography exhibition from the artist in residence Bernie McAllister , family-friendly and fun activities for kids , a virtual Pub Quiz on Thursday evening , with live comedy and music , and a wide range of free films and exclusive documentaries exploring human rights across the world .
Let ’ s hope that moving forward we can continue to discuss , debate and explore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to emerge from tough times and dedicate ourselves to fighting even harder for a better future based on human rights .
Visit www.nihrf.com or find us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram at # NIHRF to sign up and learn more .
Disability , sport and human rights with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Disability Sport NI When : 12:30pm About : The Northern Ireland Sport & Human Rights Forum is delighted to host its first-ever event at the NI Human Rights Festival , which will focus on disability access to sport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords and Broadcaster , and a representative of Disability Sport NI .
Big Conversations , Little People : Raising ‘ Woke ’ Kids When : 13:00pm About : We ’ re hoping this event will be the start of a conversation about navigating social-justice-oriented parenthood .
So , make yourself a sandwich and a cuppa and join us to talk out some big things and try to put the world to rights .
Littles lurking in the background ( or on parental knees ) absolutely welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Everyone Equal is a collaborative campaign from four human rights organisations – CAJ , Human Rights Consortium , PPR and the PILS Project – to bring the message of fairness and equality to all people living in Northern Ireland .
Join us for this webinar discussion on the focus of the campaign and its impact .
Education is a Right When : 16:00pm About : Join NUS-USI for an interactive session focusing on the need for publicly-funded third level education in Northern Ireland !
Help us explore how the 2020 student experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that relies on tuition fees .
All are more than welcome !
We JUST want the EARTH When : 17:00pm About : The best time to start our transition to a low-carbon future was decades ago , but the next best time is today .
So , what does a truly Just Transition to a life-sustaining society look like both at home and globally ?
Join Friends of the Earth as we talk to leading voices about local solutions to global problems .
A Seat at the Table : Capacity Building for Diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 18:00pm About : Northern Ireland deserves more diverse , inclusive , and representative public , private , and charity sectors .
Building on a model of applied cultural competency , facilitators from MCNI ’ S LAVA Project , this workshop presented by Migrant Centre NI is to help you make a plan to play a part in that goal .
Life Behind the Lens When : 20:00pm About : Artist in residence , photographer Bernie McAllister , who is usually behind the scenes at our festival is now moving centre stage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and experiences as a photographer .
Join Bernie for an evening discussing her work , her passions and sharing some of her favourite pictures .
When it ’ s good to poke your nose in someone else ’ s business : NICCY & Children ’ s Rights Cases When : 10:00am About : This seminar will examine how the role of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People ( NICCY ) can be beneficial to solicitors and counsel acting in Judicial Review actions regarding children ’ s services and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Child is/can be invoked .
Amnesty International Annual Lecture : The Crackdown on Human Rights in Hong Kong – Gwyneth Ho When : 14:00pm About : Pro-democracy activist and former journalist , Gwyneth Ho , whose video footage of a violent attack on pro-democracy protesters at the Yuen Long train station went viral around the world , will speak on the state of human rights in Hong Kong following a crackdown on freedoms by the Beijing-backed government .
Ensuring a ‘ Race to the Top ’ for human rights in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With speakers from all regions of the UK we will explore the positive human rights developments in each part of the UK , how similar developments can be enhanced and replicated in the other jurisdictions and what civil society and the public can do to help support a race to the top for human rights .
Humans and their Law When : 18:00pm About : In partnership with Beyond Skin , BuildaBriidge Philadelphia & OpenNet4.0 Zambia , special guest speakers will discuss current topics such as : how the ideals of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context ; gun law ; public health , rights of the vulnerable , and the law of us and them .
Inclusive Story Time with HERe NI When : 18:00pm About : Bring a teddy , get comfy and join HEReNI online to listen to some stories which celebrate diversity and promote inclusion !
This is What a Real Emergency Looks Like : What the response to Coronavirus can teach us about responding to the planetary emergency When : 19:00pm About : Despite the right to a safe , clean , healthy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 150 nations , could it be that declarations of ‘ climate emergencies ’ are just that ?
Join Professor John Barry from Queens University as he discusses how responses to Covid-19 can help shape our response to the planetary emergency .
Deprivation of Women ’ s Freedom – Legislation , Gaslighting and # FreeBritney When : 10:00am About : This panel discussion will examine Clause 12 of the Domestic Abuse Bill , other current examples of women being deprived of freedom – including the # FreeBritney movement- and the long history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ for their own good ’ .
Domestic Abuse Awareness Workshop When : 11:30am About : This workshop from Cara-Friend and HERe NI marks the Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign and identifies some of the barriers to accessing help , the heteronormativity of society , and the underlying fear of homophobia biphobia or transphobia that those from the LGBT community face .
Sex Worker Rights Are Human Rights When : 13:30pm About : Learn about the issues experienced by sex workers in Northern Ireland and how to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this workshop by The Rainbow Project .
All welcome !
Have your say : Human Rights in Northern Ireland When : 16:00pm About : Community Dialogue , in conjunction with the Human Rights Consortium are hosting a dialogue session in order to get your views , listening to what you think and help you to participate in the Northern Ireland Assembly ’ s survey regarding the creation of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland .
Consent in Media : From Doris Day to Normal People When : 18:30pm About : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come a long way from “ Doris Day ” but is it enough and what we are doing about it ?
Join Raise Your Voice , a project to tackle sexual harassment and violence , and Common Youth to examine consent in the media .
Celebrating Rights – Right to Celebrate When : 19:00pm About : The NI Commissioner for Children and Young People ( NICCY ) and her Youth Panel are hosting an online discussion exploring how the protections found within the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to confidently celebrate their identity and their culture .
Tenx9 : Connections When : 19:30pm About : A live storytelling event where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life on a particular theme .
Started in 2011 by Pádraig Ó Tuama & Paul Doran , tenx9 has now moved successfully to Zoom and attracted a whole new international audience to add to an existing homegrown following .
‘ Know Your Rights ’ Human Rights Day Video Launch About : Victim Support NI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights victims of crime are entitled to in law thanks to the Victim Charter NI .
It will raise awareness of the existence of the Victim Charter and gives people an overview of the rights they have in Northern Ireland as a victim of a crime and how to access support .
Women ’ s Rights , Brexit and the Bill of Rights : Challenges and Opportunities 20 years on from UNSCR 1325 When : 10:00am About : Join the Women ’ s Policy Group and Covid Conversations on International Human Rights Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNSCR 1325 , and as we stand on the precipice of the end of the Brexit transition period , and look at not only the threats to women ’ s rights , but also the opportunities to protect and fully realise these rights .
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission 2020 Annual Statement Launch When : 12:30pm About : Addressing major civil , political , economic , social and cultural issues , the Annual Statement marks the publication of the Commission ’ s annual review of human rights in Northern Ireland and sets out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK Government , NI Executive or relevant public authorities in response to the issues .
Bill of Rights Campaign – Launch Event When : 14:00pm About : Join us for the launch of a campaign that seeks to ensure that the protection of rights finds its proper place within our society , that sees a Bill of Rights as a foundational and transformative document for everyone in Northern Ireland , and sets us on the pathway to building back better and securing a fair future for everyone .
Children ’ s Yoga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Relax and wind down with yoga for children .
This includes games and a story with gentle yoga positions suitable for children .
Assisted conception for same-sex couples ; Rights , regulations and realities When : 19:30pm About : Join the Fertility Network and Here NI for a discussion on assisted conception for same-sex couples .
Hear more about the criteria to access treatment , what rights you may ( or may not ! )
have in the workplace and as prospective parents , and about the support available while trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Festival Pub Quiz When : 20:00pm About : Join us for an online social event where you don ’ t even need to dress up , look fancy , or leave the comfort of your own home .
Through the magic of technology , we will be hosting a live Zoom call where you can join us for a super fun and highly interactive Quiz including professional live music and comedy !
Organic Agriculture , Fairness and Human Rights When : 10:00am About : With approaches to the stewardship of the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our planet increasingly being linked with the protection of human rights , how do the principles of organic agriculture and human rights overlap and how can they work in harmony to create a fair and just society ?
Sign up and find out !
About : BROKEN– A Palestinian Journey Through International Law is a compelling documentary about international law , its broken promises , the ICJ , Israel ’ s Wall in Palestine , and the international community ’ s duties and omissions ; a tangled web of law , politics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn the page .
Domestic Abuse in LGBTQ+ Relationships When : 13:00pm About : Join HERe NI and Cara-Friend to watch and discuss ‘ LGBTQueering the Narrative of Sexual Violence ’ and to find out more about upcoming consultations on Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence .
As part of the NIHRF this event is open to all open to all .
Free to Think : Launch of the Scholars at Risk Annual Report 2020 When : 14:00pm About : Marking the launch of the Scholars at Risk Annual Report Free to Think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute and QUB Human Rights Centre are delighted to welcome Serdar M. Değirmencioğlu , who was a professor of psychology before being banned from public service for life and facing the penalty of ‘ civil death ’ in Turkey .
Nothing About Us , Without Us – A human rights agenda for persons with disabilities When : 15:00pm About : Join a range of Disabled Persons Led Organisations ( DPLO ’ s ) as they discuss and analyse how persons with disabilities have been excluded from decision making affecting their lives and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic action to address those barriers .
Plus , On-Demand content including a photo exhibition , documentaries , a letter-writing campaign and a comic from organisations such as Trócaire , Front Line Defenders and the Queerspace Collective to keep you busy in between events !

The festival will run from the 7th-11th December and continues to offer a wide variety of more than 30 free online events and on-demand content focussed on aspects of human rights from home and abroad.
2020 has been an unbelievably challenging year for everyone across the world. The Covid-19 global pandemic has created a massive public health emergency, extensive loss of life and has also exposed and deepened many inequalities in our society. Rights continue to connect us and to protect us in these uncertain times. Now more than ever we need to celebrate and continue to protect those fundamental values and safeguards.
Given that most of us continue to be in lockdown and isolated from family and friends we have decided to take this year’s festival events entirely online. The internet will allow us to be connected virtually and the festival will help us explore how in the current circumstances we continue to be interconnected by rights as well.
With webinars and discussions on responses and reactions to COVID, Brexit, the Bill of Rights, feminism, disability, the LGBT+ community, domestic violence, the planetary emergency and much more we have plenty to keep you busy from Monday the 7th to Friday the 11th of December.
We also have an amazing collection of activities and entertainment, including a photography exhibition from the artist in residence Bernie McAllister, family-friendly and fun activities for kids, a virtual Pub Quiz on Thursday evening, with live comedy and music, and a wide range of free films and exclusive documentaries exploring human rights across the world.
Let’s hope that moving forward we can continue to discuss, debate and explore the value of human rights as we continue to emerge from tough times and dedicate ourselves to fighting even harder for a better future based on human rights.
Visit www.nihrf.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at #NIHRF to sign up and learn more.
List of events…
Monday 7th December:
Disability, sport and human rights with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Disability Sport NI
When: 12:30pm
About: The Northern Ireland Sport & Human Rights Forum is delighted to host its first-ever event at the NI Human Rights Festival, which will focus on disability access to sport. Hearing from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – Paralympian, Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords and Broadcaster, and a representative of Disability Sport NI.
Big Conversations, Little People: Raising ‘Woke’ Kids
When: 13:00pm
About: We’re hoping this event will be the start of a conversation about navigating social-justice-oriented parenthood. So, make yourself a sandwich and a cuppa and join us to talk out some big things and try to put the world to rights. Littles lurking in the background (or on parental knees) absolutely welcome!
Everyone Equal
When: 14:00pm
About: Everyone Equal is a collaborative campaign from four human rights organisations – CAJ, Human Rights Consortium, PPR and the PILS Project – to bring the message of fairness and equality to all people living in Northern Ireland. Join us for this webinar discussion on the focus of the campaign and its impact.
Education is a Right
When: 16:00pm
About: Join NUS-USI for an interactive session focusing on the need for publicly-funded third level education in Northern Ireland! Help us explore how the 2020 student experience has highlighted the dangers of a system that relies on tuition fees. All are more than welcome!
We JUST want the EARTH
When: 17:00pm
About: The best time to start our transition to a low-carbon future was decades ago, but the next best time is today. So, what does a truly Just Transition to a life-sustaining society look like both at home and globally? Join Friends of the Earth as we talk to leading voices about local solutions to global problems.
A Seat at the Table: Capacity Building for Diverse, Inclusive, and Representative Leadership
When: 18:00pm
About: Northern Ireland deserves more diverse, inclusive, and representative public, private, and charity sectors. Building on a model of applied cultural competency, facilitators from MCNI’S LAVA Project, this workshop presented by Migrant Centre NI is to help you make a plan to play a part in that goal.
Life Behind the Lens
When: 20:00pm
About: Artist in residence, photographer Bernie McAllister, who is usually behind the scenes at our festival is now moving centre stage and curating a wonderful collection of her own work and experiences as a photographer. Join Bernie for an evening discussing her work, her passions and sharing some of her favourite pictures.
Tuesday 8th December:
When it’s good to poke your nose in someone else’s business: NICCY & Children’s Rights Cases
When: 10:00am
About: This seminar will examine how the role of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) can be beneficial to solicitors and counsel acting in Judicial Review actions regarding children’s services and how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is/can be invoked.
Amnesty International Annual Lecture: The Crackdown on Human Rights in Hong Kong – Gwyneth Ho
When: 14:00pm
About: Pro-democracy activist and former journalist, Gwyneth Ho, whose video footage of a violent attack on pro-democracy protesters at the Yuen Long train station went viral around the world, will speak on the state of human rights in Hong Kong following a crackdown on freedoms by the Beijing-backed government.
Ensuring a ‘Race to the Top’ for human rights in a post-Brexit UK
When: 15:00pm
About: With speakers from all regions of the UK we will explore the positive human rights developments in each part of the UK, how similar developments can be enhanced and replicated in the other jurisdictions and what civil society and the public can do to help support a race to the top for human rights.
Humans and their Law
When: 18:00pm
About: In partnership with Beyond Skin, BuildaBriidge Philadelphia & OpenNet4.0 Zambia, special guest speakers will discuss current topics such as: how the ideals of the US bill of rights translate in a societal context; gun law; public health, rights of the vulnerable, and the law of us and them.
Inclusive Story Time with HERe NI
When: 18:00pm
About: Bring a teddy, get comfy and join HEReNI online to listen to some stories which celebrate diversity and promote inclusion!
This is What a Real Emergency Looks Like: What the response to Coronavirus can teach us about responding to the planetary emergency
When: 19:00pm
About: Despite the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment being given legal effect by over 150 nations, could it be that declarations of ‘climate emergencies’ are just that? Join Professor John Barry from Queens University as he discusses how responses to Covid-19 can help shape our response to the planetary emergency.
Wednesday 9th December:
Deprivation of Women’s Freedom – Legislation, Gaslighting and #FreeBritney
When: 10:00am
About: This panel discussion will examine Clause 12 of the Domestic Abuse Bill, other current examples of women being deprived of freedom – including the #FreeBritney movement- and the long history of gaslighting women and depriving them of freedom ‘for their own good’.
Domestic Abuse Awareness Workshop
When: 11:30am
About: This workshop from Cara-Friend and HERe NI marks the Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign and identifies some of the barriers to accessing help, the heteronormativity of society, and the underlying fear of homophobia biphobia or transphobia that those from the LGBT community face.
Sex Worker Rights Are Human Rights
When: 13:30pm
About: Learn about the issues experienced by sex workers in Northern Ireland and how to be an ally in eliminating discrimination against sex workers in this workshop by The Rainbow Project. All welcome!
Have your say: Human Rights in Northern Ireland
When: 16:00pm
About: Community Dialogue, in conjunction with the Human Rights Consortium are hosting a dialogue session in order to get your views, listening to what you think and help you to participate in the Northern Ireland Assembly’s survey regarding the creation of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland.
Consent in Media: From Doris Day to Normal People
When: 18:30pm
About: How women are represented in the media has come a long way from “Doris Day” but is it enough and what we are doing about it? Join Raise Your Voice, a project to tackle sexual harassment and violence, and Common Youth to examine consent in the media.
Celebrating Rights – Right to Celebrate
When: 19:00pm
About: The NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and her Youth Panel are hosting an online discussion exploring how the protections found within the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child can provide a framework for children and young people to confidently celebrate their identity and their culture.
Tenx9: Connections
When: 19:30pm
About: A live storytelling event where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life on a particular theme. Started in 2011 by Pádraig Ó Tuama & Paul Doran, tenx9 has now moved successfully to Zoom and attracted a whole new international audience to add to an existing homegrown following.
Thursday 10th December:
‘Know Your Rights’ Human Rights Day Video Launch
About: Victim Support NI is launching a short animation highlighting the rights victims of crime are entitled to in law thanks to the Victim Charter NI. It will raise awareness of the existence of the Victim Charter and gives people an overview of the rights they have in Northern Ireland as a victim of a crime and how to access support.
Women’s Rights, Brexit and the Bill of Rights: Challenges and Opportunities 20 years on from UNSCR 1325
When: 10:00am
About: Join the Women’s Policy Group and Covid Conversations on International Human Rights Day, in the 20th anniversary year of UNSCR 1325, and as we stand on the precipice of the end of the Brexit transition period, and look at not only the threats to women’s rights, but also the opportunities to protect and fully realise these rights.
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission 2020 Annual Statement Launch
When: 12:30pm
About: Addressing major civil, political, economic, social and cultural issues, the Annual Statement marks the publication of the Commission’s annual review of human rights in Northern Ireland and sets out the actions taken by or required from the UK Government, NI Executive or relevant public authorities in response to the issues.
Bill of Rights Campaign – Launch Event
When: 14:00pm
About: Join us for the launch of a campaign that seeks to ensure that the protection of rights finds its proper place within our society, that sees a Bill of Rights as a foundational and transformative document for everyone in Northern Ireland, and sets us on the pathway to building back better and securing a fair future for everyone.
Children’s Yoga with HERe NI
When: 18:00pm
About: Relax and wind down with yoga for children. This includes games and a story with gentle yoga positions suitable for children.
Assisted conception for same-sex couples; Rights, regulations and realities
When: 19:30pm
About: Join the Fertility Network and Here NI for a discussion on assisted conception for same-sex couples. Hear more about the criteria to access treatment, what rights you may (or may not!) have in the workplace and as prospective parents, and about the support available while trying to conceive and after.
Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival Pub Quiz
When: 20:00pm
About: Join us for an online social event where you don’t even need to dress up, look fancy, or leave the comfort of your own home. Through the magic of technology, we will be hosting a live Zoom call where you can join us for a super fun and highly interactive Quiz including professional live music and comedy!
Friday 11th December:
Organic Agriculture, Fairness and Human Rights
When: 10:00am
About: With approaches to the stewardship of the environment, agriculture and the finite resources of our planet increasingly being linked with the protection of human rights, how do the principles of organic agriculture and human rights overlap and how can they work in harmony to create a fair and just society? Sign up and find out!
Broken Documentary
When: 12:00pm
About: BROKEN– A Palestinian Journey Through International Law is a compelling documentary about international law, its broken promises, the ICJ, Israel’s Wall in Palestine, and the international community’s duties and omissions; a tangled web of law, politics and power, and how history refuses to turn the page.
Domestic Abuse in LGBTQ+ Relationships
When: 13:00pm
About: Join HERe NI and Cara-Friend to watch and discuss ‘LGBTQueering the Narrative of Sexual Violence’ and to find out more about upcoming consultations on Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence. As part of the NIHRF this event is open to all open to all.
Free to Think: Launch of the Scholars at Risk Annual Report 2020
When: 14:00pm
About: Marking the launch of the Scholars at Risk Annual Report Free to Think 2020, Ulster’s Transitional Justice Institute and QUB Human Rights Centre are delighted to welcome Serdar M. Değirmencioğlu, who was a professor of psychology before being banned from public service for life and facing the penalty of ‘civil death’ in Turkey.
Nothing About Us, Without Us – A human rights agenda for persons with disabilities
When: 15:00pm
About: Join a range of Disabled Persons Led Organisations (DPLO’s) as they discuss and analyse how persons with disabilities have been excluded from decision making affecting their lives and how they, in turn, have taken strategic action to address those barriers.
Plus, On-Demand content including a photo exhibition, documentaries, a letter-writing campaign and a comic from organisations such as Trócaire, Front Line Defenders and the Queerspace Collective to keep you busy in between events!


sluggerotoole--2020-12-03--Provisional vaccine schedule released for Northern Ireland…

Well , where are you in the queue for the vaccine ?
I reck0n I ’ d be scheduled for phase seven… This afternoon , the BBC reports that priority groups one and two will be targeted this month , one being care home residents and staff , and… …in priority group two , there will be more than 71,000 health and social care workers , and about 82,000 people aged over 80 , who don ’ t live in care homes .
In January and February 2021 , Phase two will cover Priority Groups three to seven .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and vulnerable people under 65 who have underlying conditions – those who are extremely vulnerable ( 95,000 ) and those at a moderate risk ( 130,000 ) .
Phase three concerns groups 8 to 10 – the over-50s who have not already been vaccinated by then .
Altogether , there are about 366,000 of them – over-60s ( 106,000 ) , the over-55s ( 125,000 ) and the over-50s ( 135,000 ) .
If you are not sure which group you are in , here ’ s the department ’ s schema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come with this , but as noted here on Slugger back in March… …international collaboration is fast-forwarding testing techniques so we will get more precise information about who has the virus and who has had the virus now in the short to medium term and then a vaccine in the longer term .
Of course , innovation will still play with the current plans .
As new vaccines roll out they may continue to change the pace and the timing .
Mass vaccination won ’ t be in place next year , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 2021 .
And there will be research needed to look out for side effects .
It ’ s been a good year for scientific collaboration and open and international collaboration between research based public sector and otherwise academies and big Pharma .
Let ’ s hope we can put these new habits to other uses too ( like exploring how to tackle climate change , in the most effective way ) ?
“ A hospital corpsman prepares a flu vaccine dose aboard USS John S. McCain ( DDG 56 ) .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under CC BY

Well, where are you in the queue for the vaccine? I reck0n I’d be scheduled for phase seven… This afternoon, the BBC reports that priority groups one and two will be targeted this month, one being care home residents and staff, and…
…in priority group two, there will be more than 71,000 health and social care workers, and about 82,000 people aged over 80, who don’t live in care homes. In January and February 2021, Phase two will cover Priority Groups three to seven. That takes in the over-65s (233,000), and vulnerable people under 65 who have underlying conditions – those who are extremely vulnerable (95,000) and those at a moderate risk (130,000). Phase three concerns groups 8 to 10 – the over-50s who have not already been vaccinated by then. Altogether, there are about 366,000 of them – over-60s (106,000), the over-55s (125,000) and the over-50s (135,000).
If you are not sure which group you are in, here’s the department’s schema:
Now, all sorts of caveats come with this, but as noted here on Slugger back in March…
…international collaboration is fast-forwarding testing techniques so we will get more precise information about who has the virus and who has had the virus now in the short to medium term and then a vaccine in the longer term.
Of course, innovation will still play with the current plans. As new vaccines roll out they may continue to change the pace and the timing. Mass vaccination won’t be in place next year, and currently is not expected at all until September 2021. And there will be research needed to look out for side effects.
It’s been a good year for scientific collaboration and open and international collaboration between research based public sector and otherwise academies and big Pharma. Let’s hope we can put these new habits to other uses too (like exploring how to tackle climate change, in the most effective way)?
“A hospital corpsman prepares a flu vaccine dose aboard USS John S. McCain (DDG 56).” by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under CC BY


sluggerotoole--2020-12-04--Derry and Strabane council reneges on its earlier promise to “give recognition to diverse narratives

Derry and Strabane council reneges on its earlier promise to “give recognition to diverse narratives…”

Start out wrong , fail to address and you will end up in the same place .
Is the current acrimony within Derry City and Strabane District Council a case in point as the Derry Model muddles its way towards the Equality Commission ?
The YouTube recording of its meeting on Thursday November 26 , does not make for comfortable viewing .
At the previous ‘ zoom ’ meeting , the following proposal which when tabled was not complete in wording before Councillors rushed to voice their support , produced inter-party acrimony and considerable unease across the community : This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to deliver a solution as the parties and independents single – mindedly gravitated to their chosen voters and preferred narrative .
One councillor showing greater empathy than others has intimated that this ‘ one ’ was always likely to be a problem .
People sometimes make problems for themselves .
A vacuum cleaner approach was adopted towards any alternative views .
Any aspect of participative and inclusive governance was dismissed .
The politically loaded and motivated proposal is described by the Mayor as a ‘ corporate policy.
’ In addition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unionism the rancour is shaping what seems like an attempt at political damage limitation .
Following a ‘ call-in ’ signed by eleven Councillors , the muddle has continued and issues of previously Good Relations and ethically shaped practice , procedural adherence and parity of esteem remain unresolved .
It is all paving the way back to old quarrels and echoes of a troubled past as ideological pursuit and what is seen as exercise of power in the interests of communal supremacy with lack of respect for others , has re-emerged .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels inside and outside Council .
Trust is fractured In 2015 , DCSDC adopted a motion , part of which is provide below : In addition , guidance materials issued to applicants for funding advised the following ; This approach worked from 2016 onwards but has been set aside if not abandoned on this occasion for the sake of promoting a particular narrative .
It has created problems but instead of taking these on , the politicians in forfeiting a ‘ fitting and dignified manner ’ and ‘ diverse narratives ’ are keener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Decade of Centenaries , the Council adopted the corporate position of not organising any events directly but facilitated community and cultural groups to do so .
However , it also avoided taking any corporate political position linked to one narrative or political ideology .
This time , as the motion indicates , it has adopted a narrow political stance with regard to the NI Centenary and identified this as the corporate view of Council .
This runs counter to the policy and guidance issued in 2015 and also shows that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but being stronger does not mean that you are right .
There is a lack of equality and parity of esteem .
Council needs to revisit the meaning and governance implication of the words At the meeting where the ‘ call-in ‘ was tabled , the Council refused to rescind the previous proposal and instead , at the behest of mainly nationalist or republican members , the matter is being referred to a Business and Culture Committee for referral to the Decade of Centenaries and then back to Council .
The Business and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no legal or equality issues pertaining .
Ethical is not addressed .
Listening to the debate and the comments of Sinn Féin and Social Democratic and Labour party members a strategy has already been determined whereby funding will be made available to groups wishing to organise events and , in an attempt to clarify whether or not Council staff will be available to assist , there will be an indication that the previous prohibition inferred by the proposal , will be clarified .
The outcome is prescribed already in a choreographed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ Derry Model ’ of the city as a site of inclusion and parity of esteem .
But , the issue is not just about funding and resources , human or otherwise .
The actions as decided upon are futile .
Procedurally , the Council has not acted in accordance with its own previous practice when an inclusive process allowed for nationalist and unionist involvement .
Now , in respect of a celebration and commemoration seen as a mainly unionist occasion , equality of treatment and parity of esteem in political and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political view linking the NI Centenary to ‘ injustice ’ .
This is a departure from before .
Labels are being used not just as a means of designation but definition as those who give their political allegiance to Northern Ireland are told that their place in the city is as a result of ‘ injustice.
’ Ethical remembering is set aside in the interests of ideology .
A paper presented by a high profile Cultural and Heritage Organisation in the city to all of the political representatives and seen by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminishing the legacy of those , many of whom would have been relatives of the present population , who believed that it was their right to petition to opt out of Home Rule and were prepared to accept , in the interests of peace the compromise of a separate parliament for NI……… The NI Centenary is being nullified and treated as being of no importance or value .
This is being visited on the community which holds a different view .
• Council has bowed to a factional and collective nationalist/ republican ideology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority preference for the Union and taking the opportunity to show that it does not recognise NI .
This is referenced as a corporate stance but it has taken the Council into political terrain .
Council is taking a position on the right of NI to exist and fails to show any empathy with pro-Union individuals and/or groups who reside in the Council area .
The document further argues that the attitude of Council is • Taking the Council into territory where it can no longer be seen as pluralist in action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breach of Section 75 , Good Relations and it is therefore the case that Council needs to conduct an EQUIA as to the effects of this decision on rights , community relations , the GFA and New Decade , New Approach .
• Rejecting the values and vision of a ‘ shared community ’ the supreme irony being that two of the parties who voted in favour en bloc , Sinn Fein and SDLP , speak of an and , respectively .
• Challenging the legitimacy of the state and by inference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give it their loyalty and allegiance ; • Inferring that those who engaged in violence and insurgency to de-stabilise NI were justified .
The points being made seem valid and sit uncomfortably alongside the history of the Council avoiding any such political positions in 2016 .
Free Derry , is seems , is only free for some .
In Good Relations , T : buc , Section 75 and New Decade , New Approach talk of breaking down barriers between communities ; building equality , reconciliation and an appreciation of diversity ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between communities are writ large .
The speaks of achievement of reconciliation , tolerance , and mutual trust , the protection and vindication of the human rights of all , partnership , equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships .
DCSDC has signed up to this but actions and attitudes are the true test .
These are the standards against which its decision is measured and this applies to any Council anywhere regardless of political profile .
Is it too unkind to suggest that some of the members may speak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other ‘ but are careful , in the interests of the party mantra , to make sure they do not fit ?
Ironically , as is reported in the , Dec 1 , a Sinn Fein Councillor on Fermanagh and Omagh Council is calling for ‘ clarity on alleged censoring of a motion proposing to create space for planning constitutional change in Ireland as the centenary of the Government of Ireland Act approaches.
’ When the shoe fits !
To suggest that the situation will be solved through funding is condescending , insensitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regret is expressed at the movement of population particularly during the years 1969-75 when many unionists as a result of violence and civil unrest left the West bank for the East bank of the river Foyle .
Little was done at the time to prevent it ; little has been done since to reverse it .
To make a mistake once is excusable but to repeat it when the consequences stare you in the face is not .
Ethical leadership needs to emerge soon as the community begins to wonder how after 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acclaimed progress of the Derry Model is presenting as more limited than claimed .
Does the Peace and Reconciliation model itself need fresh analysis and evaluation ?
“ “ Hands Across The Divide ” peace statue by sculptor Maurice Harron in Londonderry ” by brookscl is licensed under CC BY-ND

Start out wrong, fail to address and you will end up in the same place. Is the current acrimony within Derry City and Strabane District Council a case in point as the Derry Model muddles its way towards the Equality Commission?
The YouTube recording of its meeting on Thursday November 26, does not make for comfortable viewing. At the previous ‘zoom’ meeting, the following proposal which when tabled was not complete in wording before Councillors rushed to voice their support, produced inter-party acrimony and considerable unease across the community:
“That given the injustice of partition, that this Council will not celebrate and commemorate in any event in relation to the centenary of NI2021.”
This is in evidence again. Passionate rhetoric failed to deliver a solution as the parties and independents single – mindedly gravitated to their chosen voters and preferred narrative. One councillor showing greater empathy than others has intimated that this ‘one’ was always likely to be a problem. People sometimes make problems for themselves.
A vacuum cleaner approach was adopted towards any alternative views. Any aspect of participative and inclusive governance was dismissed.
The politically loaded and motivated proposal is described by the Mayor as a ‘corporate policy.’ In addition to the predictability of an overly impassioned reaction from unionism the rancour is shaping what seems like an attempt at political damage limitation.
Following a ‘call-in’ signed by eleven Councillors, the muddle has continued and issues of previously Good Relations and ethically shaped practice, procedural adherence and parity of esteem remain unresolved.
It is all paving the way back to old quarrels and echoes of a troubled past as ideological pursuit and what is seen as exercise of power in the interests of communal supremacy with lack of respect for others, has re-emerged. It is prompting challenge and questions on different levels inside and outside Council. Trust is fractured
In 2015, DCSDC adopted a motion, part of which is provide below:
“That Derry City and Strabane District Council mark the decade of 100th anniversary from 1913 – 1923 in a fitting and dignified manner, by giving recognition to the diverse narratives of the period, including the 1916 Easter Rising, the Battle of the Somme and other significant events by putting in place a working group that will compile a commemorative programme ……..”
In addition, guidance materials issued to applicants for funding advised the following;
To be mindful of the importance of the principles from Ethical Remembering to Ethical Doing: remembering the context,
remembering the whole decade,
remember the future,
remembering ethically
remembering together.
This approach worked from 2016 onwards but has been set aside if not abandoned on this occasion for the sake of promoting a particular narrative. It has created problems but instead of taking these on, the politicians in forfeiting a ‘fitting and dignified manner’ and ‘diverse narratives’ are keener to take on each other.
Moving through the Decade of Centenaries, the Council adopted the corporate position of not organising any events directly but facilitated community and cultural groups to do so. However, it also avoided taking any corporate political position linked to one narrative or political ideology.
This time, as the motion indicates, it has adopted a narrow political stance with regard to the NI Centenary and identified this as the corporate view of Council. This runs counter to the policy and guidance issued in 2015 and also shows that a majority may have the strength of numbers but being stronger does not mean that you are right. There is a lack of equality and parity of esteem. Council needs to revisit the meaning and governance implication of the words
At the meeting where the ‘call-in ‘was tabled, the Council refused to rescind the previous proposal and instead, at the behest of mainly nationalist or republican members, the matter is being referred to a Business and Culture Committee for referral to the Decade of Centenaries and then back to Council. The Business and Culture Committee has met and concluded that there are no legal or equality issues pertaining. Ethical is not addressed.
Listening to the debate and the comments of Sinn Féin and Social Democratic and Labour party members a strategy has already been determined whereby funding will be made available to groups wishing to organise events and, in an attempt to clarify whether or not Council staff will be available to assist, there will be an indication that the previous prohibition inferred by the proposal, will be clarified.
The outcome is prescribed already in a choreographed attempt to cool the situation and protect the ‘Derry Model’ of the city as a site of inclusion and parity of esteem. But, the issue is not just about funding and resources, human or otherwise. The actions as decided upon are futile.
Procedurally, the Council has not acted in accordance with its own previous practice when an inclusive process allowed for nationalist and unionist involvement. Now, in respect of a celebration and commemoration seen as a mainly unionist occasion, equality of treatment and parity of esteem in political and heritage terms is absent with Council adopting a political view linking the NI Centenary to ‘injustice’.
This is a departure from before. Labels are being used not just as a means of designation but definition as those who give their political allegiance to Northern Ireland are told that their place in the city is as a result of ‘injustice.’ Ethical remembering is set aside in the interests of ideology.
A paper presented by a high profile Cultural and Heritage Organisation in the city to all of the political representatives and seen by the author asserts that:
Council is diminishing the legacy of those, many of whom would have been relatives of the present population, who believed that it was their right to petition to opt out of Home Rule and were prepared to accept, in the interests of peace the compromise of a separate parliament for NI……… The NI Centenary is being nullified and treated as being of no importance or value . This is being visited on the community which holds a different view.
This is being visited on the community which holds a different view. Council has bowed to a factional and collective nationalist/ republican ideology by distancing itself from any acceptance of the majority preference for the Union and taking the opportunity to show that it does not recognise NI. This is referenced as a corporate stance but it has taken the Council into political terrain. Council is taking a position on the right of NI to exist and fails to show any empathy with pro-Union individuals and/or groups who reside in the Council area.
The document further argues that the attitude of Council is
Taking the Council into territory where it can no longer be seen as pluralist in action or values; that this is discrimination and breach of Section 75, Good Relations and it is therefore the case that Council needs to conduct an EQUIA as to the effects of this decision on rights, community relations, the GFA and New Decade, New Approach.
Rejecting the values and vision of a ‘shared community’ the supreme irony being that two of the parties who voted in favour en bloc, Sinn Fein and SDLP, speak of an Agreed Ireland and A Shared Ireland , respectively.
Challenging the legitimacy of the state and by inference, the right of pro-Union people to give it their loyalty and allegiance;
Inferring that those who engaged in violence and insurgency to de-stabilise NI were justified.
The points being made seem valid and sit uncomfortably alongside the history of the Council avoiding any such political positions in 2016. Free Derry, is seems ,is only free for some.
In Good Relations, T:buc, Section 75 and New Decade, New Approach talk of breaking down barriers between communities; building equality, reconciliation and an appreciation of diversity; and developing commitment to better relationships within and between communities are writ large.
The Good Friday Agreement speaks of achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust, the protection and vindication of the human rights of all, partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships.
DCSDC has signed up to this but actions and attitudes are the true test. These are the standards against which its decision is measured and this applies to any Council anywhere regardless of political profile. Is it too unkind to suggest that some of the members may speak of walking in the shoes of ‘the other ‘but are careful, in the interests of the party mantra, to make sure they do not fit?
Ironically, as is reported in the Impartial Reporter , Dec 1, a Sinn Fein Councillor on Fermanagh and Omagh Council is calling for ‘clarity on alleged censoring of a motion proposing to create space for planning constitutional change in Ireland as the centenary of the Government of Ireland Act approaches.’ When the shoe fits!
To suggest that the situation will be solved through funding is condescending, insensitive and patronising. The same applies when regret is expressed at the movement of population particularly during the years 1969-75 when many unionists as a result of violence and civil unrest left the West bank for the East bank of the river Foyle. Little was done at the time to prevent it; little has been done since to reverse it.
To make a mistake once is excusable but to repeat it when the consequences stare you in the face is not. Ethical leadership needs to emerge soon as the community begins to wonder how after 20 years of Peace and Reconciliation funding the acclaimed progress of the Derry Model is presenting as more limited than claimed.
Does the Peace and Reconciliation model itself need fresh analysis and evaluation?
““Hands Across The Divide” peace statue by sculptor Maurice Harron in Londonderry” by brookscl is licensed under CC BY-ND


sluggerotoole--2020-12-04--Derry City and Strabane District Council reneges on its earlier promise to “give recognition to dive

Derry City and Strabane District Council reneges on its earlier promise to “give recognition to diverse narratives…”


sluggerotoole--2020-12-06--Growing up in Northern Ireland – An Odyssey…

Sixty odd years gone and there ’ s still life ( I think ) in this old dog .
It was great to sing “ When I ’ m sixty four ” at the time , now I ’ m looking forward to “ Never thought I ’ d live to be a 100 ” by good old prog rockers The Moody Blues .
However in this article I ’ m going to look back .
When was I first aware of “ themmuns ” ?
Sometime I think between 7 and 10 .
I remember thinking “ Catholics are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on , why ?
” You see I grew up on a newly built mixed estate , 70:30 Protestant I would guess .
My friends were all Protestant except for one .
Within my group of friends there were never any anti Catholic sentiments but we all knew who the Catholic families in the area were .
My Protestant friend next door explained the significance of the last Saturday in August to me and my Catholic friend told me all about confession as I accompanied him there one day .
A good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no misdemeanours or impure thoughts to unburden !
Of course there was a lot simmering beneath the surface back then .
Years later when I was old enough to understand , my father who was an active trade unionist , told me that a rumour had deliberately been put about that me and my siblings were being educated at the local Catholic primary school .
Even more mysterious was the policeman who moved in next door for about a year and was known to ask a lot of questions about us .
Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over on my Da when he was paid off from the Shipyard and blacklisted , a situation that he dealt with and overcame .
Through hard work he prospered in life .
Being at grammar school in the sixties was a happy time .
I remember a school friend telling me once about an incident from years back when a member of the public was dragged off a bus and shot dead .
I can remember being very shocked by this , thinking “ could you imagine something like that happening today ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody , know what was in store for us .
Towards the end of the sixties I became aware of news stories of a minister marching round places like Cromac Street and stirring up trouble .
Me , a well educated lad , hadn ’ t a clue what it was all about .
My ignorance of local politics betrayed me again in August 1969 .
I had just finished a summer job in Kent and was leaving on the Saturday .
The landlady where I was staying told me that there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before .
I told her that I didn ’ t really understand why as I thought that all their ( Civil Rights Association ) demands had been met .
Boy had I a lot of learning to do !
Another uncomfortable history lesson came courtesey of a student colleague from Ardoyne in my first year at university .
A bit of a history discussion got heated and he let me have it with both barrels !
He countered my arguments with stuff that I was totally ignorant of and left me speechless and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am I licked my wounds , realised that there was more learning to be done and ( kind of ) forgave him .
Whose fault was it that I had been so hijacked by what he had to say ?
Well I had never been exposed to any of those opinions before .
It wasn ’ t out there , if you were a Prod you simply didn ’ t hear about it , read about it or watch it on TV .
In the years since I have done my learning on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve lived and breathed the troubles and tried to make sense of it .
I believe that most people who lived through the troubles have suffered trauma .
I have been lucky , the Troubles were largely a working class conflict .
The working classes suffered disproportionately but very few of us have not been affected in some way .
I remember one Friday afternoon looking out my window at work towards the centre of Belfast wondering what the clouds of smoke were rising in the distance at regular intervals .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a bus home from the centre of Belfast .
The fear was palpable .
I know what it means to say you could cut the atmosphere with a knife .
Living through the Troubles takes its toll I believe .
So many bad things , they build one on the other , year after year .
I still have dreams about being in Belfast in vaguely perilous situations , yet I know I was one of the lucky ones .
I am thankful for being brought up in a family that did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future holds for us .
I have my own thoughts .
It ’ s an imperfect place we live in but preferable to where we have come from .
“ Belfast , Northern Ireland | June 10 , 2017 ” by _ferloz is licensed under CC BY-SA

Sixty odd years gone and there’s still life (I think) in this old dog. It was great to sing “When I’m sixty four” at the time, now I’m looking forward to “Never thought I’d live to be a 100” by good old prog rockers The Moody Blues. However in this article I’m going to look back.
When was I first aware of “themmuns”? Sometime I think between 7 and 10. I remember thinking “Catholics are somehow different and are sort of looked down on, why?” You see I grew up on a newly built mixed estate, 70:30 Protestant I would guess. My friends were all Protestant except for one. Within my group of friends there were never any anti Catholic sentiments but we all knew who the Catholic families in the area were. My Protestant friend next door explained the significance of the last Saturday in August to me and my Catholic friend told me all about confession as I accompanied him there one day. A good lad, straight in and out, no misdemeanours or impure thoughts to unburden! Of course there was a lot simmering beneath the surface back then. Years later when I was old enough to understand, my father who was an active trade unionist, told me that a rumour had deliberately been put about that me and my siblings were being educated at the local Catholic primary school. Even more mysterious was the policeman who moved in next door for about a year and was known to ask a lot of questions about us. Well the powers that be finally got one over on my Da when he was paid off from the Shipyard and blacklisted, a situation that he dealt with and overcame. Through hard work he prospered in life.
Being at grammar school in the sixties was a happy time. I remember a school friend telling me once about an incident from years back when a member of the public was dragged off a bus and shot dead. I can remember being very shocked by this, thinking “could you imagine something like that happening today”. Little did I, or indeed anybody, know what was in store for us. Towards the end of the sixties I became aware of news stories of a minister marching round places like Cromac Street and stirring up trouble. Me, a well educated lad, hadn’t a clue what it was all about. My ignorance of local politics betrayed me again in August 1969. I had just finished a summer job in Kent and was leaving on the Saturday. The landlady where I was staying told me that there had been serious trouble in NI the night before. I told her that I didn’t really understand why as I thought that all their (Civil Rights Association) demands had been met. Boy had I a lot of learning to do! Another uncomfortable history lesson came courtesey of a student colleague from Ardoyne in my first year at university. A bit of a history discussion got heated and he let me have it with both barrels! He countered my arguments with stuff that I was totally ignorant of and left me speechless and embarrassed. Being the gentleman that I am I licked my wounds, realised that there was more learning to be done and (kind of) forgave him. Whose fault was it that I had been so hijacked by what he had to say? Well I had never been exposed to any of those opinions before. It wasn’t out there, if you were a Prod you simply didn’t hear about it, read about it or watch it on TV.
In the years since I have done my learning on the job you might say. I’ve lived and breathed the troubles and tried to make sense of it. I believe that most people who lived through the troubles have suffered trauma. I have been lucky, the Troubles were largely a working class conflict. The working classes suffered disproportionately but very few of us have not been affected in some way. I remember one Friday afternoon looking out my window at work towards the centre of Belfast wondering what the clouds of smoke were rising in the distance at regular intervals. It was Bloody Friday. I had to get a bus home from the centre of Belfast. The fear was palpable. I know what it means to say you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. Living through the Troubles takes its toll I believe. So many bad things, they build one on the other, year after year. I still have dreams about being in Belfast in vaguely perilous situations, yet I know I was one of the lucky ones.
I am thankful for being brought up in a family that did not preach intolerance. Who knows what the future holds for us. I have my own thoughts. It’s an imperfect place we live in but preferable to where we have come from.
By John Pike
“Belfast, Northern Ireland | June 10, 2017” by _ferloz is licensed under CC BY-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-12-06--For health advice it’s not 111, it’s “Phone First”…

There ’ s an important transformation happening to our emergency health care .
You might have heard about it on the local news/radio but it ’ s possibly been drowned out by the sheer volume of other headline-grabbing news .
It ’ s not deliberately in the background or being introduced by stealth .
It ’ s just got a lot of competition like the vaccine and Brexit innit .
This change is something called “ Phone First ” , part of No More Silos , an initiative borne from how our health service came together in an unprecedented way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the huge challenge of COVID-19 .
The concept is that instead of always calling 999 , in some cases we are being asked to phone first ( geddit ? )
and get advice on what is the most appropriate course of action to take .
It ’ s not region-wide yet , it ’ s being rolled out in the Northern Trust area & Southern Trust area .
This handy infographic is from The Northern Health and Social Care Trust website , I ’ m using this as an example so please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local area .
Eyes down , look in , read and digest .
No , it ’ s not just NI ’ s version of 111 , your call will be triaged by a medical professional and you ’ ll be directed to the most appropriate place for treatment .
Still not sure ?
Read the infographic again .
Search online and on social media to see what ’ s happening .
Keep going until you get it .
This is such an important change and needs our close attention .
We collectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and file this crucial and perhaps confusing information away for speedy retrieval , should a medical crisis arise .
So , are you with me so far ?
Are you any the wiser , or is it as clear as mud ?
I didn ’ t make the policy up , I ’ m not implementing it , I ’ m just a middle-aged woman sitting writing this piece , who is starting to regret ever thinking she could explain this , asking you to notice this , do your research and figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the impression that a blind man on a galloping horse could spot a medical emergency .
Actually it isn ’ t always glaringly obvious and unless you ’ re a medical professional you may not necessarily recognise an emergency without the theme tune to “ Casualty ” playing in the background .
I have personal experience of this and without the advice of the GP on the Out Of Hours phone line I wouldn ’ t have known how serious it was .
It was before the days of Phone First and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phoned the Out of Hours service .
The conversation went something like this , GP : GET THEE TO THE HOSPITAL PRONTO QUICKO .
So we got there , emergency surgery was needed and a few hours later we were back in the ward .
All hail the HSC !
( This is your regular reminder that we don ’ t have the NHS in NI . )
Here ’ s an “ Phone First ” explainer taken From the Northern Trust online , “ Head of General Medical Services at the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Brien , explained why the roll out of the Phone First service was so important .
Dr O ’ Brien said : “ With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our community , it is more important than ever that patients who need emergency treatment aren ’ t asked to wait in crowded waiting rooms where they may be exposed to the virus .
The ‘ Phone First ’ service aims to keep our over stretched EDs for emergencies , whilst ensuring rapid access , assessment and treatment on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care.
” Dr Mark Jenkins , an Emergency Medicine consultant at Antrim Area Hospital added : “ The rollout of the Phone First service will improve patient safety in terms of preventing overcrowding and reducing long waits in our EDs and Minor Injuries Service .
It will also help reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and transmission .
“ We need your help at this extremely difficult time and I encourage patients to please ‘ Phone First ’ if your condition is not life threatening .
However , if it is an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life threatening then please always ring 999 immediately.
” Emergency Department Consultant from Belfast Trust , Dr John Maxwell , who is co-chairing a major drive to enhance emergency and urgent care , alongside Dr O ’ Brien said : “ No one working in an Emergency Department wants to see overcrowded waiting rooms full of sick and injured people many of whom could be treated elsewhere in a more appropriate setting .
That is particularly true right at this minute when everyone is so aware of the need to maintain infection control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs and budgets .
This is a new service , which obviously costs money , so will other services be reduced due to having to cut costs ?
Is this the end of A & E as we know it ?
Well , I don ’ t know but it would appear that this move is to try and streamline emergency services , not to close them down .
So what about the GP Out of Hours service ?
Again , this is from the Northern Trust , “ What ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new service ?
The Phone First service is available 24/7 for people with conditions that may cause them to consider travelling to the Antrim Area or Causeway Hospital Emergency Departments EDs or the Mid Ulster Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.
” Don ’ t ask me , I didn ’ t write it .
I ’ m biased so without shame I ’ m going now to share with you what ’ s happening in my local area , The South Eastern Trust .
In particular my local doesn ’ t-have-an-accident-and-emergency-hospital , The Downe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an Urgent Care Centre , that you phone first .
*SOUNDS THE KLAXON OF CONFUSION* ….THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AS “ PHONE FIRST ” AND YES , I AM SHOUTING !
!
“ The Emergency Department is currently closed due to Covid-19 .
From 19 October 2020 , a consultant-led Urgent Care Centre will open in the Downe Hospital ’ s Emergency Department .
This will operate from 8am-6pm , Monday – Friday on an appointment only basis , with nurse-led minor injuries services continuing at weekends from 9am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Urgent Care Centre is ( 028 ) 4483 8091 .
Those contacting the service will be triaged and offered an appointment within the urgent care service or directed to the most appropriate service .
Access is by the same entrance , clearly marked and to the right of the main entrance .
Medical patients can be admitted to the Downe Hospital by doctors staffing the Out of Hours service .
If you are seriously ill , phone 999 for an ambulance , as normal .
The ambulance will take you to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been more aware of this initiative due to my involvement as a service user/punter on various Health and Social Care groups .
In my last piece about this type of work I mentioned how one of the current soundbites is to “ unmute the voice of the service user ” .
It might surprise some Slugger readers that unmuting the voices of service users is at times only acceptable if those voices are ones of superficial compliance .
A churlish/fun behaviour would be for me to change my Zoom/Webex/Teams profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hidden disability to an image of me in a box with a big tick over my face .
But that would be childish , right ?
Despite my cynical approach I do have hope , I wouldn ’ t be involved if I didn ’ t think it was worth it .
Involvement is developing and growing and we all have the opportunity to help shape and support our local and regional health care facilities .
I didn ’ t write this to confuse or bamboozle anyone .
If I have inadvertently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send you back to your internet search engine of choice and wish you luck , you ’ ll need it .

There’s an important transformation happening to our emergency health care. You might have heard about it on the local news/radio but it’s possibly been drowned out by the sheer volume of other headline-grabbing news. It’s not deliberately in the background or being introduced by stealth. It’s just got a lot of competition like the vaccine and Brexit innit.
This change is something called “Phone First”, part of No More Silos, an initiative borne from how our health service came together in an unprecedented way just a few short months ago to face the huge challenge of COVID-19.
The concept is that instead of always calling 999, in some cases we are being asked to phone first (geddit?) and get advice on what is the most appropriate course of action to take. It’s not region-wide yet, it’s being rolled out in the Northern Trust area & Southern Trust area.
This handy infographic is from The Northern Health and Social Care Trust website, I’m using this as an example so please check what’s happening in your local area.
Eyes down, look in, read and digest.
No, it’s not just NI’s version of 111, your call will be triaged by a medical professional and you’ll be directed to the most appropriate place for treatment. Still not sure? Read the infographic again. Search online and on social media to see what’s happening. Keep going until you get it.
This is such an important change and needs our close attention. We collectively somehow have to understand the new system and file this crucial and perhaps confusing information away for speedy retrieval, should a medical crisis arise.
So, are you with me so far? Are you any the wiser, or is it as clear as mud? I didn’t make the policy up, I’m not implementing it, I’m just a middle-aged woman sitting writing this piece, who is starting to regret ever thinking she could explain this, asking you to notice this, do your research and figure it all out.
You may be under the impression that a blind man on a galloping horse could spot a medical emergency. Actually it isn’t always glaringly obvious and unless you’re a medical professional you may not necessarily recognise an emergency without the theme tune to “Casualty” playing in the background. I have personal experience of this and without the advice of the GP on the Out Of Hours phone line I wouldn’t have known how serious it was. It was before the days of Phone First and it happened in the evening so I phoned the Out of Hours service.
The conversation went something like this,
Me: lists symptoms
GP: questions
Me: answers
GP: GET THEE TO THE HOSPITAL PRONTO QUICKO.
So we got there, emergency surgery was needed and a few hours later we were back in the ward. All hail the HSC! (This is your regular reminder that we don’t have the NHS in NI.)
Here’s an “Phone First” explainer taken From the Northern Trust online,
“Head of General Medical Services at the Health and Social Care Board, Dr Margaret O’Brien, explained why the roll out of the Phone First service was so important. Dr O’Brien said: “With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, it is more important than ever that patients who need emergency treatment aren’t asked to wait in crowded waiting rooms where they may be exposed to the virus.
The ‘Phone First’ service aims to keep our over stretched EDs for emergencies, whilst ensuring rapid access, assessment and treatment on a 24/7 basis for patients who need urgent care.” Dr Mark Jenkins, an Emergency Medicine consultant at Antrim Area Hospital added: “The rollout of the Phone First service will improve patient safety in terms of preventing overcrowding and reducing long waits in our EDs and Minor Injuries Service. It will also help reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and transmission.
“We need your help at this extremely difficult time and I encourage patients to please ‘Phone First’ if your condition is not life threatening. However, if it is an emergency, if the situation is critical or life threatening then please always ring 999 immediately.” Emergency Department Consultant from Belfast Trust, Dr John Maxwell, who is co-chairing a major drive to enhance emergency and urgent care, alongside Dr O’Brien said: “No one working in an Emergency Department wants to see overcrowded waiting rooms full of sick and injured people many of whom could be treated elsewhere in a more appropriate setting. That is particularly true right at this minute when everyone is so aware of the need to maintain infection control standards.”
You may be wondering about costs and budgets. This is a new service, which obviously costs money, so will other services be reduced due to having to cut costs? Is this the end of A&E as we know it? Well, I don’t know but it would appear that this move is to try and streamline emergency services, not to close them down.
So what about the GP Out of Hours service? Again, this is from the Northern Trust,
“What’s the difference between Out of Hours and this new service?
The Phone First service is available 24/7 for people with conditions that may cause them to consider travelling to the Antrim Area or Causeway Hospital Emergency Departments EDs or the Mid Ulster Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.” Don’t ask me, I didn’t write it.
I’m biased so without shame I’m going now to share with you what’s happening in my local area, The South Eastern Trust. In particular my local doesn’t-have-an-accident-and-emergency-hospital, The Downe. But wait, we have this-it’s an Urgent Care Centre, that you phone first. *SOUNDS THE KLAXON OF CONFUSION* ….THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AS “PHONE FIRST” AND YES, I AM SHOUTING!!
From the SE Trust website,
“The Emergency Department is currently closed due to Covid-19. From 19 October 2020 , a consultant-led Urgent Care Centre will open in the Downe Hospital’s Emergency Department. This will operate from 8am-6pm, Monday – Friday on an appointment only basis, with nurse-led minor injuries services continuing at weekends from 9am to 5pm. The telephone number for the Urgent Care Centre is (028) 4483 8091. Those contacting the service will be triaged and offered an appointment within the urgent care service or directed to the most appropriate service. Access is by the same entrance, clearly marked and to the right of the main entrance. Medical patients can be admitted to the Downe Hospital by doctors staffing the Out of Hours service.
If you are seriously ill, phone 999 for an ambulance, as normal. The ambulance will take you to the Ulster, or another appropriate hospital.”
I’ve been more aware of this initiative due to my involvement as a service user/punter on various Health and Social Care groups. In my last piece about this type of work I mentioned how one of the current soundbites is to “unmute the voice of the service user”. It might surprise some Slugger readers that unmuting the voices of service users is at times only acceptable if those voices are ones of superficial compliance. A churlish/fun behaviour would be for me to change my Zoom/Webex/Teams profile photo with its handy reference to having a hidden disability to an image of me in a box with a big tick over my face. But that would be childish, right? Despite my cynical approach I do have hope, I wouldn’t be involved if I didn’t think it was worth it. Involvement is developing and growing and we all have the opportunity to help shape and support our local and regional health care facilities.
I didn’t write this to confuse or bamboozle anyone. If I have inadvertently done that I can only apologise, send you back to your internet search engine of choice and wish you luck, you’ll need it.


sluggerotoole--2020-12-07--What next after the interim report on Irish referendums?

It ’ s a remarkable fact about the working group on Unification Referendums that it took an initiative led by London academics to start the process of setting rules for a possible outcome that has been the Irish obsession of centuries .
The initiative was in part a reproach as to how politics particularly but not only in Northern Ireland is serving the public , partly an acknowledgement of the complexity of the issues where intensity of feeling can prevent people seeing the wood for the trees .
The working group now invite responses to their questions based on impeccable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In discussion afterwards there was talk of “ the continuing debate ” and “ thrashing things out ” in the future .
But any hope that debate by itself will somehow spontaneously reach rational conclusions is a fond one , given the habits of history and the turbulent nature of politics facing all of us over at least the next decade .
The broad brush strokes of the interim report are likely to be answered by a furious pointilism of mixed determinism , vision , evasion and outright denial centring on mutually contradictory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entirely in the same vein as the report , it means it ’ s being ignored by people who most immediately matter .
Many responses will reflect the undoubted Clausewitzian nature of the issue .
In the North , although there may be an expanding middle ground to be won over by one side or the other , when it comes down to it most protagonists are more interested in victory than the rules of engagement .
From now on it will be increasingly difficult to separate the conduct of referendums from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , real content is needed before politicians can decide what is presented to the people as a model of unity in advance , or some elements of it before and some after the referendum votes .
Consider now the present positions in the three centres involved .
In today ’ s Irish Republic , respect and reconciliation with unionists are currently superseding traditional irredentism and assumptions of inevitability .
But how can the pursuit of reconciliation alone avoid handing the unionists a veto on unification ?
It doesn ’ t help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lacking a response .
The present taoiseach ’ s hold on the Fianna Fail leadership is precarious .
His challengers keep open the possibility of coalition with Sinn Fein , thus promoting a more active approach to unification .
In Northern Ireland , unionists are caught between cleaving to traditional notions of British sovereignty under strain and the nakedly obvious practical need to acknowledge and forge closer economic , social and cultural ties with the south .
They fear that southern “ reconciliation ” could become the formula for unity at a click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hard border , or at the very moment that a Catholic voting majority is reached in the North .
No Irish government can deny those possibilities .
As a community , unionists are some way from accepting the proposition obvious to many observers , that the best means of “ saving the Union ” is to operate fully in the spirit and the letter of the GFA .
In London will any campaign to “ save the Union ” include Northern Ireland or remain studiedly neutral , the better to concentrate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes of Brexit and Covid ?
The way ahead – with a fork in the road Do not despair .
Pathways exist to smooth the way ahead .
While they finally diverge at the prospect of unification , they are to be found in operating the institutions and the aspirations of the GFA to the full and to common benefit .
Even though faced with pressing needs within their own borders , the acid test of Dublin ’ s commitment to a shared island would be about turning the “ all island economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from agribusiness , promoting foreign direct investment in the north perhaps at some expense to the south , paying for a significant programme of infrastructure north of the border and cross border development such as joint government support for a University for Derry .
These would demonstrate to all including unionists that Dublin is serious about an all island strategy compatible with both unification and the constitutional status quo .
It would be fanciful to believe that unionists could be easily won over ; but it would further reduce their objections to unification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – admittedly in a big leap – to accepting unification if that were the will of the majority .
Frankly what other approach is available to them ?
Westminster has no suspensory veto .
A wrecking strategy in the Assembly or mass disruption would only increase majority support for unification that could not in the end be denied .
Alternatively while many Catholics will always continue to subscribe to the attractions of unification , they might conclude the game is not worth the candle if unionists comply with anything like their idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equality ” is one of the most complex and contested ) .
In some circumstances one can easily imagine Dublin urging patience on a restive pro-unification majority .
And while it stretches reality at the moment , it is just possible to imagine that after a rocky beginning Northern Ireland might one day achieve “ the best of both worlds ” in harmony with the Republic and Great Britain in the post Brexit world .
How does the working group avoid getting bogged down in complex scenarios and mere speculation ?
• By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by identifying themes to bring some coherence to the ongoing debate .
Party positions can to some extent be set against promises in manifestoes and in negotiations which led to the largely failed Stormont House Agreement , Fresh Start and the still partly pending New Decade , New Approach .
• Auditing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive delivery and the state of public opinion about proposed internal reforms .
• Constantly reviewing the state of the British- Irish relationship with its European dimensions .
• Commissioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review the quality and range of political polling in both parts of Ireland and GB on political futures in both parts of the island ; and reappraising the criteria used in the Northern Ireland Life and Times surveys .
• Focusing closely on both the qualitative and quantitative range of opinion throughout Ireland towards the choices of unification and the status quo .
• Partly in the light of the above but also on merit , to require transparency over calling a border poll including the role of the Assembly .
• Reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape and character of a united Ireland and consequent links with the UK .
• Developing policies on parallel lines , both for a shared island without constitutional conditions and as preparations for unity .
Under what political conditions north and south do they diverge ?
• Focusing particularly on NI ’ s special status with the EU and its impact on the unification debate and the development of the border region .
• Examining the development of the financial case for unification set against continuing UK subvention and Northern Ireland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets .
• Reporting on the consolidation of human rights affecting citizenship , justice and culture under the status quo and possible unification .
• What do events and public reaction marking the centenary of Northern Ireland , the continuing Decade of Commemoration in the Republic and the developments in the state of British Union tell us about the state of identity politics and approaches to the Troubles legacy throughout these islands ?
These are themes that matter .
Their exploration cuts across the unification theme while allowing us to assess its prominence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report suggests an expert review panel to assist the Secretary of State in deciding the conditions for a border poll .
I submit that this idea be adapted to embrace the wider themes of the referendums themselves .
The working group might themselves expand their expertise to monitor and make periodic reports on the themes , or make recommendations for an entirely new exercise .
This would take the form of a standing review commission to include economists , historians and representative civil society as well as political scientists , continuously to review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foster structured debate .
Three characteristics of the working group are beyond price and must be preserved : independence recognised and valued by governments , parties and the public ; their objectivity ; and their three centred membership in London , Dublin and Belfast capable of reaching agreement among themselves .
Its output would fact check claims made in support of policy and press for answers to questions that were being evaded .
Among the range of skills required would be the ability to communicate easily with all sections of the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sophisticated inter-communal dialogue is well practiced in Northern Ireland .
There are if anything rather too many official commissions and committees whose work has run into the sand .
But the experience is there , ready for independent deployment .
The Republic has of course a notable tradition of citizens ’ assemblies .
Deliberative debate should begin not only within the separate jurisdictions but on an all-Ireland basis .
It is perfectly feasible .
And there are British-Irish governmental , parliamentary and other forums ready to be recruited to the task .

A surprising initiative
It’s a remarkable fact about the working group on Unification Referendums that it took an initiative led by London academics to start the process of setting rules for a possible outcome that has been the Irish obsession of centuries. The initiative was in part a reproach as to how politics particularly but not only in Northern Ireland is serving the public, partly an acknowledgement of the complexity of the issues where intensity of feeling can prevent people seeing the wood for the trees. The working group now invite responses to their questions based on impeccable principles of procedure and good conduct. In discussion afterwards there was talk of “the continuing debate” and “thrashing things out” in the future. But any hope that debate by itself will somehow spontaneously reach rational conclusions is a fond one, given the habits of history and the turbulent nature of politics facing all of us over at least the next decade.
The broad brush strokes of the interim report are likely to be answered by a furious pointilism of mixed determinism, vision, evasion and outright denial centring on mutually contradictory objections and outcomes. If the responses are entirely in the same vein as the report, it means it’s being ignored by people who most immediately matter. Many responses will reflect the undoubted Clausewitzian nature of the issue.
In the North, although there may be an expanding middle ground to be won over by one side or the other, when it comes down to it most protagonists are more interested in victory than the rules of engagement.
From now on it will be increasingly difficult to separate the conduct of referendums from the substance of what they might deliver. Moreover, real content is needed before politicians can decide what is presented to the people as a model of unity in advance, or some elements of it before and some after the referendum votes.
Precarious positions
Consider now the present positions in the three centres involved. In today’s Irish Republic, respect and reconciliation with unionists are currently superseding traditional irredentism and assumptions of inevitability. But how can the pursuit of reconciliation alone avoid handing the unionists a veto on unification? It doesn’t help that this is so far a gesture lacking a response. The present taoiseach’s hold on the Fianna Fail leadership is precarious. His challengers keep open the possibility of coalition with Sinn Fein, thus promoting a more active approach to unification.
In Northern Ireland, unionists are caught between cleaving to traditional notions of British sovereignty under strain and the nakedly obvious practical need to acknowledge and forge closer economic, social and cultural ties with the south. They fear that southern “reconciliation” could become the formula for unity at a click, if No Deal was to create a hard border, or at the very moment that a Catholic voting majority is reached in the North. No Irish government can deny those possibilities. As a community, unionists are some way from accepting the proposition obvious to many observers, that the best means of “saving the Union” is to operate fully in the spirit and the letter of the GFA.
In London will any campaign to “save the Union” include Northern Ireland or remain studiedly neutral, the better to concentrate on the Union with Scotland and absorbing the outcomes of Brexit and Covid?
The way ahead – with a fork in the road
Do not despair. Pathways exist to smooth the way ahead. While they finally diverge at the prospect of unification, they are to be found in operating the institutions and the aspirations of the GFA to the full and to common benefit. Even though faced with pressing needs within their own borders, the acid test of Dublin’s commitment to a shared island would be about turning the “all island economy” into more than a slogan apart from agribusiness, promoting foreign direct investment in the north perhaps at some expense to the south, paying for a significant programme of infrastructure north of the border and cross border development such as joint government support for a University for Derry. These would demonstrate to all including unionists that Dublin is serious about an all island strategy compatible with both unification and the constitutional status quo.
It would be fanciful to believe that unionists could be easily won over; but it would further reduce their objections to unification to matters of constitutional preference and perhaps – admittedly in a big leap – to accepting unification if that were the will of the majority. Frankly what other approach is available to them? Westminster has no suspensory veto. A wrecking strategy in the Assembly or mass disruption would only increase majority support for unification that could not in the end be denied. Alternatively while many Catholics will always continue to subscribe to the attractions of unification, they might conclude the game is not worth the candle if unionists comply with anything like their idea of equality. (The theme of “equality” is one of the most complex and contested). In some circumstances one can easily imagine Dublin urging patience on a restive pro-unification majority. And while it stretches reality at the moment, it is just possible to imagine that after a rocky beginning Northern Ireland might one day achieve “the best of both worlds” in harmony with the Republic and Great Britain in the post Brexit world.
Monitoring the agenda
How does the working group avoid getting bogged down in complex scenarios and mere speculation?
By persisting with their established agenda on procedure and by identifying themes to bring some coherence to the ongoing debate. Party positions can to some extent be set against promises in manifestoes and in negotiations which led to the largely failed Stormont House Agreement, Fresh Start and the still partly pending New Decade, New Approach.
Auditing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive delivery and the state of public opinion about proposed internal reforms.
Constantly reviewing the state of the British- Irish relationship with its European dimensions.
Commissioning a panel of international polling organisations to review the quality and range of political polling in both parts of Ireland and GB on political futures in both parts of the island ; and reappraising the criteria used in the Northern Ireland Life and Times surveys.
Focusing closely on both the qualitative and quantitative range of opinion throughout Ireland towards the choices of unification and the status quo.
Partly in the light of the above but also on merit, to require transparency over calling a border poll including the role of the Assembly.
Reviewing developing opinion north and south on the shape and character of a united Ireland and consequent links with the UK.
Developing policies on parallel lines, both for a shared island without constitutional conditions and as preparations for unity. Under what political conditions north and south do they diverge?
Focusing particularly on NI’s special status with the EU and its impact on the unification debate and the development of the border region.
Examining the development of the financial case for unification set against continuing UK subvention and Northern Ireland’s access to the UK and EU single markets.
Reporting on the consolidation of human rights affecting citizenship, justice and culture under the status quo and possible unification.
What do events and public reaction marking the centenary of Northern Ireland, the continuing Decade of Commemoration in the Republic and the developments in the state of British Union tell us about the state of identity politics and approaches to the Troubles legacy throughout these islands?
These are themes that matter. Their exploration cuts across the unification theme while allowing us to assess its prominence in the ongoing analyses.
An independent commission on good governance
The interim report suggests an expert review panel to assist the Secretary of State in deciding the conditions for a border poll. I submit that this idea be adapted to embrace the wider themes of the referendums themselves. The working group might themselves expand their expertise to monitor and make periodic reports on the themes, or make recommendations for an entirely new exercise. This would take the form of a standing review commission to include economists, historians and representative civil society as well as political scientists, continuously to review developments over the coming years and to foster structured debate.
Three characteristics of the working group are beyond price and must be preserved: independence recognised and valued by governments, parties and the public; their objectivity; and their three centred membership in London, Dublin and Belfast capable of reaching agreement among themselves. Its output would fact check claims made in support of policy and press for answers to questions that were being evaded. Among the range of skills required would be the ability to communicate easily with all sections of the public.
To return to the matter of debate. Sophisticated inter-communal dialogue is well practiced in Northern Ireland. There are if anything rather too many official commissions and committees whose work has run into the sand. But the experience is there, ready for independent deployment. The Republic has of course a notable tradition of citizens’ assemblies. Deliberative debate should begin not only within the separate jurisdictions but on an all-Ireland basis. It is perfectly feasible. And there are British-Irish governmental, parliamentary and other forums ready to be recruited to the task.
..ends