"The Mighty Bush"
That was the label the children at Loughview Primary School put on one of the plants they have grown which they showed to the US President when he dropped in for his last stop on today's flying visit. POTUS, as he is known to the US Secret Service, bought the plant for the US Consulate.
After meeting the children, President Bush shot a few hoops together with the "Peace Players" a group who use basketball as a way of breaking down barriers around the world.
Conspicuous by her absence was our Education Minister Caitriona Ruane. Sinn Fein deny that she was boycotting the visit, but so far there's no explanation why she couldn't be at the school, in contrast to the SDLP minister Margaret Ritchie, who accompanied Laura Bush at another project. Could it be something to do with Caitriona's views on US Foreign Policy, especially in Latin America?
Apart from the school house plant (a marigold?) there have been plenty of pressies exchanged between the Paisleys and the Bushes. Also our new Culture Minister Gregory Campbell gave the President a book in Ulster Scots. I shall have to consult Jim Shannon on how you might translate "don't misunderestimate me" into Ulster Scots.
I'm 
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From yesterday?s events I have several messages.
1. Anti Bush protesters were pathetic. The only people this could be is either the unemployed or the employable!!
2. Where was Ruane? David McKay spoke on the BBC News special after his protest yet minutes later Martin McPint (Guinness) welcomed Bush with open arms?
3. Why was it left to Margaret Ritchie to welcome the first lady? Surely Arlene Foster would have been a better person.
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Stormontspy, such a withering display of caustic humour. Or not.
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