BBC Blog Network

User Profile

Reluctantexpat

Listed below are comments made by Reluctantexpat between Friday, 25th July 2008 and Friday, 7th August 2009.

«Newer
Older»

"I offend therefore I am" 1:45pm on 07 Aug 2009 We may not always agree with what he says but don't we need someone to say these things if only to start the debate?
Should we bring back grammar schools? 10:42am on 21 Jul 2009 I thankfully grew up in Northern Ireland where grammar schools are still the norm, although some are desparate that this cease which has lead to the scrapping of the 11+ with no alternative and the setting up of individual school entrance exams. I had a fantastic education, the teachers cared, the pupils wanted to learn and I ended up at Queen's university getting a good degree. For those that want to do that it should be available but also those not academically inclined should not feel that they have to go to university. Vocational apprenticeships should be just as highly thought as universtiy degress. Everyone can't be a Dr or a lawyer, we need plumbers and joiners as well and right now they can name their price. The education system needs to be suited to all individual students. The academic ones should be allowed to shine in streamed education and the kids that want to do more vocational jobs should have the oppurtunities of apprenticeships, and will probably in the short term anyway earn much more!!
Murder at Massereene 1:24pm on 09 Mar 2009 I was probably being very naive but I did think that the days of people being shot at army barracks was over. I am willing to accept that the RIRA is not the same as the IRA but I have no doubt that many people within the republican movement will know who is in the RIRA and who organised and took part in these horrific murders.

I pray they are caught and brought to justice.
The Ballroom of Dissonance 4:54pm on 28 Jan 2009 The sad thing about the Eames report is that some of his true and thought out arguments are going to be ignored due to the 12 grand issue.

I would give my views on the payment to families of those who maimed and murdered but I have no doubt that my comments would be censored, so lets just say that I don't agree, one little bit.

The thing about growing up in Northern Ireland is that we are all victims of the troubles, we all know people who were hurt and killed, are they going to give all of us a "sorry for the troubles" payout?

I think the money earmarked for the payouts could be put towards reconciliation work with community groups and towards integrated education so the wounds of the past do not scar the next or the next generations
Hippo Bags and Rainwater Harvesting 10:47am on 09 Jan 2009 Susie I completely agree and feel that if Jr cannot accept what was really fairly mild criticism delivered in humourous form then just what is he doing trying to get into Nothern Ireland politics, which is after all the biggest farce of them all
Having it both ways 10:49am on 12 Nov 2008 RJ

Very impressive

Just a wee question - now that I don't live in Northern Ireland anymore (although I was there at the weekend - it rained - but it was great)

What is the craic with the 11 plus and what will happen next year instead?

There doesn't seem to be any definitive information.

Thanks
Abortion Filibuster? 10:53am on 20 Oct 2008 As much as I want to see the act extended to Northern Ireland I don't believe it will. Looking at the petitions both for and against the bill on the No 10 website show 4 times as many people have signed the No petition than the yes.

I of course also wonder how many of those names are men........

It seems that this is such an emotive issue that all the "christian right" get involved and the moderates who are for change seem to get drowned out.

The liberals need to mobilise as well if the bill is ever to be extended to Northern Ireland.
PSNI and RUC 10:47am on 12 Sep 2008 I wholehearedly agree that it is a complete disgrace the way the many sacrifices of RUC men and the stress and worry their families had to go through, has been so conveniently swept under the carpet.

I am sure, like all professions, there were bad RUC officers and some that abused their power but the majority were hardworking men and woman who sacrificed a great deal for their jobs

As the daughter of a RUC officer I have nothing but pride and admiration for the force and feel the difficult job they did in an impossible situations should be praised
Woodward on the up? 1:51pm on 12 Aug 2008 As much as it pains me to agree with the Tori's I do feel that as yet there is still a need for the NIO. Stormont must do better before we can get rid of all the civil servants currently working ever so hard in the NIO.

As glad as I am that your back Mark, you have to admit that Martina showed herself a more frequent blogger than your good self...but then it's not quantity it's quality and all that.
Jeux Sans Frontieres 2008 3:19pm on 25 Jul 2008 When I was flying to Belfast last week via Ryanair I had to take my passport as driving licence was not enough. It seems to be getting harder and harder to travel within the UK just because of the sea whereas a quick hop over the border to another country remains easy (as it should be). The climate of distrust and fear is making the UK a more divided entity that ever

«Newer
Older»

^ Back to top

BBC MMVI

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

BBC.co.uk

BBC Blog Network

Find and talk to the BBC's bloggers.

User Profile

Reluctantexpat