It is remarkable that Rishi Sunak seems to have saved the United Kingdom in the last three weeks! First defenestrating Sturgeon by blocking her GRR act and then by fixing the NI Protocol and (probably) getting Stormont back in session.
Indeed. Despite my misgivings due to his fixed-grin approach to his failed leadership campaign, he may just be starting to – if not turn the tide – at least stop it from encroaching further up the beach (and over the Red seawall?)
The securing of this agreement with the EU regarding NI may just be his own “Good Friday” moment, which consolidated Tony Blair (at the time, in 1998) as a political leader who could get things sorted in a diplomatic way.
The Opposition brayed in the Commons yesterday when Sunak praised his predecessor (without naming Boris) for his work over Brexit. I see that process as it stood with regard to NI as a necessary step to achieve the initial Brexit breakthrough, upon which Sunak is now able to build in a different style.
The initial noises coming from the DUP do appear to be stage-managed. They won’t want to be seen to be outflanked by either the Right or by Sunak, but it seems inconceivable they won’t eventually head back into Stormont, with the Brake in their pocket and perhaps another fixed grin for us to countenance.
I hope you’re right. However I fear the main reason the DUP refused to sit is because Sinn Féin will have the First Mininster role and playing second fiddle to SF is too much for the DUP to swallow.. dodo diehards that they are.
I hope you’re right. However I fear the main reason the DUP refused to sit is because Sinn Féin will have the First Mininster role and playing second fiddle to SF is too much for the DUP to swallow.. dodo diehards that they are.
Quite a bit in that MM and a good observation. Think Sturgeon defenestrated herself as much though. Regardless of how Sunak reacted she’d lost the confidence of the Scottish public with that crusade.
Yes she brought it on herself (and may have been looking for an opportunity to bail anyway) but Sunak’s blocking of the legislation was instrumental. He was advised against doing so by lots of perfectly sound commentators but did it anyway. Ditto with this NI Protocol renegotiation. So he has gone up in my estimation both in terms of his judgement and his political skill.
Who knows, maybe the next GE is not yet such a foregone conclusion.
Always believed it would be much closer than many think, or thought, if he got given the time and space by some on his side who were less supportive or never supported his elevation. And like any PM they need a bit of luck too, and the mild winter and lower fuel costs/crisis just perhaps a sign his luck isn’t all bad.
Always believed it would be much closer than many think, or thought, if he got given the time and space by some on his side who were less supportive or never supported his elevation. And like any PM they need a bit of luck too, and the mild winter and lower fuel costs/crisis just perhaps a sign his luck isn’t all bad.
Yes she brought it on herself (and may have been looking for an opportunity to bail anyway) but Sunak’s blocking of the legislation was instrumental. He was advised against doing so by lots of perfectly sound commentators but did it anyway. Ditto with this NI Protocol renegotiation. So he has gone up in my estimation both in terms of his judgement and his political skill.
Who knows, maybe the next GE is not yet such a foregone conclusion.
He also seems to have outmanoeuvered Boris Johnson with this deal – and may even end up stealing the label “got Brexit done”. Pretty impressive. I wasn’t at all a fan of Rishi Sunak and didn’t think him very smart as a politician. But perhaps we’ve all underestimated him.
Sunak is bound to get all the help going from the worldwide political and financial establishment and the supranational WEF/Davos mob. He is after all their candidate, coercively imposed as UK Prime Minister by a gerrymandered Tory party agreement.
I’m glad of the promising results that this appears to be providing for the UK. But it won’t for one moment make me vote Conservative again. They won’t get my support again as long as they’re stuffed with Liberal Left Greens.
So I’ll just take their favours and happily kick them in the teeth at the next election anyway. Reform UK will get my vote.
Indeed. Despite my misgivings due to his fixed-grin approach to his failed leadership campaign, he may just be starting to – if not turn the tide – at least stop it from encroaching further up the beach (and over the Red seawall?)
The securing of this agreement with the EU regarding NI may just be his own “Good Friday” moment, which consolidated Tony Blair (at the time, in 1998) as a political leader who could get things sorted in a diplomatic way.
The Opposition brayed in the Commons yesterday when Sunak praised his predecessor (without naming Boris) for his work over Brexit. I see that process as it stood with regard to NI as a necessary step to achieve the initial Brexit breakthrough, upon which Sunak is now able to build in a different style.
The initial noises coming from the DUP do appear to be stage-managed. They won’t want to be seen to be outflanked by either the Right or by Sunak, but it seems inconceivable they won’t eventually head back into Stormont, with the Brake in their pocket and perhaps another fixed grin for us to countenance.
Quite a bit in that MM and a good observation. Think Sturgeon defenestrated herself as much though. Regardless of how Sunak reacted she’d lost the confidence of the Scottish public with that crusade.
He also seems to have outmanoeuvered Boris Johnson with this deal – and may even end up stealing the label “got Brexit done”. Pretty impressive. I wasn’t at all a fan of Rishi Sunak and didn’t think him very smart as a politician. But perhaps we’ve all underestimated him.
Sunak is bound to get all the help going from the worldwide political and financial establishment and the supranational WEF/Davos mob. He is after all their candidate, coercively imposed as UK Prime Minister by a gerrymandered Tory party agreement.
I’m glad of the promising results that this appears to be providing for the UK. But it won’t for one moment make me vote Conservative again. They won’t get my support again as long as they’re stuffed with Liberal Left Greens.
So I’ll just take their favours and happily kick them in the teeth at the next election anyway. Reform UK will get my vote.
Matt M
1 year ago
It is remarkable that Rishi Sunak seems to have saved the United Kingdom in the last three weeks! First defenestrating Sturgeon by blocking her GRR act and then by fixing the NI Protocol and (probably) getting Stormont back in session.
Dermot O'Sullivan
1 year ago
The article starts off with the challenge the DUP is facing from those to their right (“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.“) and concludes with the growth of the liberal left-centre. I’m not saying that is inaccurate in any way, but it comes across as written in haste.
Last edited 1 year ago by Dermot O'Sullivan
Dermot O'Sullivan
1 year ago
The article starts off with the challenge the DUP is facing from those to their right (“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.“) and concludes with the growth of the liberal left-centre. I’m not saying that is inaccurate in any way, but it comes across as written in haste.
Last edited 1 year ago by Dermot O'Sullivan
Albireo Double
1 year ago
“.. Yet it was so far to the Right — for example, it is coy about whether it would like to recriminalise homosexuality …”
I see nothing “right wing” in this view. It’s just a view, probably held by some people of all political beliefs.
The easy “jump-to” by the writer speaks volumes about his own likely political position though.
Albireo Double
1 year ago
“.. Yet it was so far to the Right — for example, it is coy about whether it would like to recriminalise homosexuality …”
I see nothing “right wing” in this view. It’s just a view, probably held by some people of all political beliefs.
The easy “jump-to” by the writer speaks volumes about his own likely political position though.
It is remarkable that Rishi Sunak seems to have saved the United Kingdom in the last three weeks! First defenestrating Sturgeon by blocking her GRR act and then by fixing the NI Protocol and (probably) getting Stormont back in session.
Indeed. Despite my misgivings due to his fixed-grin approach to his failed leadership campaign, he may just be starting to – if not turn the tide – at least stop it from encroaching further up the beach (and over the Red seawall?)
The securing of this agreement with the EU regarding NI may just be his own “Good Friday” moment, which consolidated Tony Blair (at the time, in 1998) as a political leader who could get things sorted in a diplomatic way.
The Opposition brayed in the Commons yesterday when Sunak praised his predecessor (without naming Boris) for his work over Brexit. I see that process as it stood with regard to NI as a necessary step to achieve the initial Brexit breakthrough, upon which Sunak is now able to build in a different style.
The initial noises coming from the DUP do appear to be stage-managed. They won’t want to be seen to be outflanked by either the Right or by Sunak, but it seems inconceivable they won’t eventually head back into Stormont, with the Brake in their pocket and perhaps another fixed grin for us to countenance.
I think I’ll wait to see the Budget before revising my opinion of Sunak even slightly.
What are the chances you’ll see a significant wealth tax do you suppose?
What are the chances you’ll see a significant wealth tax do you suppose?
I hope you’re right. However I fear the main reason the DUP refused to sit is because Sinn Féin will have the First Mininster role and playing second fiddle to SF is too much for the DUP to swallow.. dodo diehards that they are.
Got it in one. Most DUP supporters would be hard-pressed to spell “Protocol”, let alone understand it.
Got it in one. Most DUP supporters would be hard-pressed to spell “Protocol”, let alone understand it.
I think I’ll wait to see the Budget before revising my opinion of Sunak even slightly.
I hope you’re right. However I fear the main reason the DUP refused to sit is because Sinn Féin will have the First Mininster role and playing second fiddle to SF is too much for the DUP to swallow.. dodo diehards that they are.
Quite a bit in that MM and a good observation. Think Sturgeon defenestrated herself as much though. Regardless of how Sunak reacted she’d lost the confidence of the Scottish public with that crusade.
Yes she brought it on herself (and may have been looking for an opportunity to bail anyway) but Sunak’s blocking of the legislation was instrumental. He was advised against doing so by lots of perfectly sound commentators but did it anyway. Ditto with this NI Protocol renegotiation. So he has gone up in my estimation both in terms of his judgement and his political skill.
Who knows, maybe the next GE is not yet such a foregone conclusion.
Always believed it would be much closer than many think, or thought, if he got given the time and space by some on his side who were less supportive or never supported his elevation. And like any PM they need a bit of luck too, and the mild winter and lower fuel costs/crisis just perhaps a sign his luck isn’t all bad.
Always believed it would be much closer than many think, or thought, if he got given the time and space by some on his side who were less supportive or never supported his elevation. And like any PM they need a bit of luck too, and the mild winter and lower fuel costs/crisis just perhaps a sign his luck isn’t all bad.
Yes she brought it on herself (and may have been looking for an opportunity to bail anyway) but Sunak’s blocking of the legislation was instrumental. He was advised against doing so by lots of perfectly sound commentators but did it anyway. Ditto with this NI Protocol renegotiation. So he has gone up in my estimation both in terms of his judgement and his political skill.
Who knows, maybe the next GE is not yet such a foregone conclusion.
He also seems to have outmanoeuvered Boris Johnson with this deal – and may even end up stealing the label “got Brexit done”. Pretty impressive. I wasn’t at all a fan of Rishi Sunak and didn’t think him very smart as a politician. But perhaps we’ve all underestimated him.
The main factor was to overestimate Lord Frost perhaps?
The main factor was to overestimate Lord Frost perhaps?
Sunak is bound to get all the help going from the worldwide political and financial establishment and the supranational WEF/Davos mob. He is after all their candidate, coercively imposed as UK Prime Minister by a gerrymandered Tory party agreement.
I’m glad of the promising results that this appears to be providing for the UK. But it won’t for one moment make me vote Conservative again. They won’t get my support again as long as they’re stuffed with Liberal Left Greens.
So I’ll just take their favours and happily kick them in the teeth at the next election anyway. Reform UK will get my vote.
Look on the bright side: tinfoil will be cheaper under this deal.
Look on the bright side: tinfoil will be cheaper under this deal.
Indeed. Despite my misgivings due to his fixed-grin approach to his failed leadership campaign, he may just be starting to – if not turn the tide – at least stop it from encroaching further up the beach (and over the Red seawall?)
The securing of this agreement with the EU regarding NI may just be his own “Good Friday” moment, which consolidated Tony Blair (at the time, in 1998) as a political leader who could get things sorted in a diplomatic way.
The Opposition brayed in the Commons yesterday when Sunak praised his predecessor (without naming Boris) for his work over Brexit. I see that process as it stood with regard to NI as a necessary step to achieve the initial Brexit breakthrough, upon which Sunak is now able to build in a different style.
The initial noises coming from the DUP do appear to be stage-managed. They won’t want to be seen to be outflanked by either the Right or by Sunak, but it seems inconceivable they won’t eventually head back into Stormont, with the Brake in their pocket and perhaps another fixed grin for us to countenance.
Quite a bit in that MM and a good observation. Think Sturgeon defenestrated herself as much though. Regardless of how Sunak reacted she’d lost the confidence of the Scottish public with that crusade.
He also seems to have outmanoeuvered Boris Johnson with this deal – and may even end up stealing the label “got Brexit done”. Pretty impressive. I wasn’t at all a fan of Rishi Sunak and didn’t think him very smart as a politician. But perhaps we’ve all underestimated him.
Sunak is bound to get all the help going from the worldwide political and financial establishment and the supranational WEF/Davos mob. He is after all their candidate, coercively imposed as UK Prime Minister by a gerrymandered Tory party agreement.
I’m glad of the promising results that this appears to be providing for the UK. But it won’t for one moment make me vote Conservative again. They won’t get my support again as long as they’re stuffed with Liberal Left Greens.
So I’ll just take their favours and happily kick them in the teeth at the next election anyway. Reform UK will get my vote.
It is remarkable that Rishi Sunak seems to have saved the United Kingdom in the last three weeks! First defenestrating Sturgeon by blocking her GRR act and then by fixing the NI Protocol and (probably) getting Stormont back in session.
The article starts off with the challenge the DUP is facing from those to their right (“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.“) and concludes with the growth of the liberal left-centre. I’m not saying that is inaccurate in any way, but it comes across as written in haste.
The article starts off with the challenge the DUP is facing from those to their right (“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.“) and concludes with the growth of the liberal left-centre. I’m not saying that is inaccurate in any way, but it comes across as written in haste.
“.. Yet it was so far to the Right — for example, it is coy about whether it would like to recriminalise homosexuality …”
I see nothing “right wing” in this view. It’s just a view, probably held by some people of all political beliefs.
The easy “jump-to” by the writer speaks volumes about his own likely political position though.
“.. Yet it was so far to the Right — for example, it is coy about whether it would like to recriminalise homosexuality …”
I see nothing “right wing” in this view. It’s just a view, probably held by some people of all political beliefs.
The easy “jump-to” by the writer speaks volumes about his own likely political position though.