A Cold House For Politicians
Maybe not, on the face of it, the best of timing, but Sinn Fein is discussing global warming today in snowy South Belfast. Bairbre De Brun is joining environmental campaigners for a discussion of climate change linked to the Cancun summit.
However another republican group, eirigi, has been forced to change its plans, postponing its annual conference due to take place in West Belfast tomorrow. General Secretary Breandán MacCionnaith said: "Some of our activists, including those in Wicklow, Offaly, Sligo, Waterford, Dublin and Donegal are in areas that have been worst hit by the snow and going ahead with the Ard Fheis would probably have entailed holding it without them, something which we were not prepared to do."
So I decided to check in with the Ulster Unionists to see if their gathering, also due to take place in South Belfast tomorrow, might be delayed. A party source said they fully intend to press ahead, and are even now hitching their sledges to their huskies (actually he didn't say that last bit but agreed when I put it to him).
So no Flash Harry, but otherwise UUP business as usual.
UPDATE: Sinn Fein has also now cancelled a rally against cuts they were due to be holding in Dublin tomorrow because of the weather. However they are keeping themselves warm by basking in the glow of
P.S. Earlier in the week, whilst picking the children up from school, I pirouetted gracefully on an icy footpath before ending up on my backside. Fortunately I was wearing so many layers I looked like No injury ensued, although I did contribute greatly to the mirth of Devenport junior and other assorted onlookers. I only mention it because it's given me a real sense of personal involvement every time I have heard the Roads Service and the local government association NILGA batting back and forth the responsibility (or lack of it) for clearing ice. Could an enterprising MLA not start preparing a private member's "Snow Clearing and Indemnity Bill" to try to sort out the matter and maybe assist private citizens who endeavour to clear the way near their own properties?
I'm 
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