An Omission
Inexplicably I have not managed to mention Jim Shannon in the blog this week.
This, despite the fact that the DUP MLA for Strangford continued to speak in Ulster Scots in the chamber, most recently on the topic of rural post offices "we ir noo a devolved 鈥楽emmelie at bes fit tae maak a differ an鈥 pley a baag pairt no onie tae houl oantae oor Poast Offaices bit tae mak鈥 thaim betther.".
Not only that, but Mr Shannon sponsored a Games Fair event which saw a Williamite hussar and two white chargers at the bottom of the Stormont stairs, and the Environment Minister Arlene Foster posing with a hawk on her arm. So despite previous insinuations that Mr Shannon might view birds of prey as unfair competition for shooting enthusiasts in their common endeavour of bagging grouse, he has beaten all other legislators in the competition to bring the predators to Stormont.
The last straw, though, and the one which convinced me I had to rectify this omission was a question from Mr Shannon to the Environment Minister on the topic of rotting seaweed. Jim tells me he is hopeful that the Environment and Heritage Service will soon allow people at Ballyferris Beach to clear the seaweed by hand, if not by tractor.
One last plea - I know you've brought the birds of prey to Stormont, Jim, but don't feel you have to bring the rotting seaweed.
I'm 
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Mark
My goodness, the rural Post Offices must be really pleased that Jim Shannon is championing their cause. His use of valuable Assembly time to speak in Ulster-Scots (鈥渢he ultimate DIY language鈥) on their behalf must be so reassuring for the individuals faced with redundancy. Having said that, it is slightly disconcerting that Jim makes more sense communicating in Ulster-Scots than when he鈥檚 speaking in English.
Frank
Carryduff
Those hawks at Stormont are used to catch things and bring them back for their owners' bellies.
Their wild cousins are not looked upon so favourably by the MLA and those who enjoy shooting.