The interview in the Belfast Telegraph with Jamie Bryson reveals a mind that is at sixes and sevens.
To begin with, Mr Bryson tells us that “mandatory coalition is against democracy.” But a democracy is “a system of government in which all the people of state… are involved in making decisions about its affairs, typically by voting to elect representatives to a parliament or similar assembly.” (Oxford English Dictionary).
This has happened in Northern Ireland, because all parties involved in the mandatory coalition have submitted themselves to the democratic process – on more than one occasion - and is favoured with the support of the electorate. How on earth can this be “against democracy”?
Of course, mandatory coalition is by no means a perfect form of government but given Northern Ireland’s special circumstances and history, it is likely the only one that will work – at least, for the time being. It would work better, of course, if there was a better spirit abroad. This is the great need of the hour and something at which everyone can work.
Then there is the suggestion by Jamie Bryson that Sinn Fein hold their place in government by dint of a threat of a return to violence. When I read what he said, I asked myself – “What about de-commissioning and why is it that if Sinn Fein holds their place in government by threat of a return to violence leading members of the party are the target of violence from within the republican community?” Again, if Mr Bryson is so concerned about the threat of a return to violence, why is it that he stands by previous comments he made about the UVF not being terrorists?
The interviewee was right about one thing, though, when it comes to armed action. Western governments have supplied weapons to armed groups in other countries, most notably to ‘moderate’ rebels in Syria. This, however, has exacerbated trouble and is no endorsement of those who take up arms at home.
There seems to be some delusion of grandeur with Jamie Bryson. While it is true that God is not necessarily on the side of big battalions, it is sacrilegious nonsense for him to draw inspiration for his small, fading cause, from Christ - “Hitler had millions of followers and Jesus had only 12.”
Then, speaking about his being on the run from the police, Jamie declares – “Would they have asked the Jews to hand themselves in to the Nazis?” This is crass and insulting. You would think the man was some sort of a persecuted war hero being chased by the Gestapo. And poor J.B. wasn’t too good at being on the run. For someone who has trouble with allergies, it is not the wisest thing to hide in an attic and wrap up in insulation foam.
To crown it all, he was introduced as a “leading loyalist.” Leading what?
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Poor chap. “Insulation foam” (usually either polystyrene or polyurethane) is fairly inert - but from the description, I have a suspicion it may have actually been fibreglass; and if it was, I’d have some sympathy for the silly bugger. You should wear a fully protective suit, gloves, goggles and a breathing mask if you’re handling that stuff. I’m getting an itch myself even thinking about it. Best handled by an expert, believe me.
In such cases, it’s measurably better to use modern techniques and materials, which are by far more effective, more efficient, and more user-friendly than older ones, and which achieve an acceptable result while causing far less irritation in the short run and environmental damage in the long run.
Now, that’s the kind of advice Mrs Mills (of the Sunday Times Style Section advice column), bless her, might well give to Mr Bryson. I’m sure that, although he clearly faces perplexing challenges in the construction of a coherent ideology, he might be persuaded to agree with the above proposition at the very least.
I think Jamie’s a disgrace, he supports terrorists who murdered innocent Protestants over the 30 years he never experienced. Then continued on killing after their ceasefire in 94, I’m sick and tired of people giving this BOY all the attention he craves. If this were England or anywhere else in the world, he would be being watched or even better in a prison cell! Since you’re going to be involved in this discussion Jamie I have a question for you.
1. What are your experiences of the troubles, why do they claim you’re from Bangor when you live in Donaghdee, how can you represent WORKING CLASS people since your parents are wealthy and own a £2m pound house in Groomsport?
In Jamies head there was no (Protestant) victims of the UVF!
Innocence is a difficult one, isn’t it? Because we’re all human, and we all err sometime, no denomination or class or culture or gender or age has a lien on Innocence (or on Guilt, either).
I don’t really know all that much about the joys of living in Northern Ireland; but I wouldn’t be surprised if I were told there are people there who might think it relevant whether one were a Catholic Innocent or a Protestant one, and to learn that Mr Bryson is one of them.
Innocent means no involvement with Paramilitaries, no involvement in street disturbances and going about your business working and rearing kids!
I was only 6 when my dad was shot dead by the cowards Jamie supports!
I’m truly sorry if you found my remark painful in any way. Please accept my sincere sympathy, though belated, for such a terrible, terrible loss.
Bryson doesn’t represent Protestants, I caught Jamie in a lie 2 years ago on the newsletter chat. Check the transcript of where he slips up about rioting!
Bryson is just a petty criminal with Father and Mother’s money behind him, surprised they have any with all the libel he spouts about barra mcgrory and psni!
I cannot but wonder, despite all his brushes with the law, how he manages to stay out of jail - friends in high places!
But what are the BelTel thinking about giving our Jamie such an interview. Does anyone really want to know the wandering, raving ‘thoughts’ of this leading candidate for bird brain of Belfast?
Surely this once-proud newspaper cannot have ‘dumbed down’ so much since its new editor was appointed!
1st he is not from Belfast, he is from Donaghadee and according to a chat I had at a funeral 2 years ago with a Journalist. Mr Bryson is far from working class and was born into MONEY! The same people he accused in his tweets of being MIDDLE AND UPPER CLASS, I’d rather be represented by the DUP, UUP, Alliance, Green Party than a petty criminal/thug who has always got what he wants!
Jamie will never get into Politics, the good people of Northern Ireland will not allow it!
‘Jamie will never get into politics, the good people of NI will not allow it’ - but what makes you think the ‘good’ people run the country now, did in the past, or will in the future?
Who Catholics or Nationalists vote in is beyond our controls, you just have to hope they vote for the SDLP but in saying that. The GFA was a gun held to the Innocent People of Northern Ireland and the Republic Ireland by both Loyalist and Republican Paramilitaries, both got their prisoners out and Sinn Fein managed to become the Nationalist majority party. Not all of Sinn Fein’s ministers are terrorists just like the PUP and UPRG members aren’t.
‘Not all of Sinn Fein’s ministers are terrorists just like the PUP and UPRG members aren’t’.
You forgot to mention that maybe not all UUP and DUP members are terrorists.
You have picked a bad time to hope the CNR population vote for the SDLP.
That party is entering into a situation of serious turmoil with serious leadership questions.
The present leader may not be leader for very much longer, and there will be a very unattractive atmosphere for aspiring new members.
I actually meant the pup and uprg, the dup and uup are more mainstream. The last pup mla voted in was David Ervine, wonder what David Ervine would say about Jamie.
Example Dr John Kyle GP, Izzy Giles, Julie-Ann Corr.
The uprg don’t do well at the polls.
Government depends on “good people” (we haven’t defined who such people might be, mind you) making logical choices in the voting booth.
They must then hope that those they elect make choices in parliament that advance the people’s welfare (not easily defined either).
In N Ireland there seems to me to have been two entirely separate and even antipathetic sets of “good people”, each prepared by events - not by personal preference - to extend some level of toleration to “their own” not-so-good people, for fear of worse.
On top of this, hindsight is 20/20, so choices made 10 years ago often seem foolish, even disastrous, later. The worst choices are often those motivated by fear, which, no surprises, is generated by politicians and their media allies in order to influence voters. Also, it’s only human nature to be in denial about the bad choices one made in the past, I think, which may be one reason for the two-faced nature of much of politics - everywhere.
Goodness is certainly called for, but often shouted down, don’t you think? And democracy is indeed the worst system of government except for all the alternatives.
That is an oft quoted statement in defence of democracy, but it is not necessarily true.
Think of the Middle East (Arab) countries which have had their own sometimes feudal systems of government for hundreds of years - certainly far from perfect.
But when America, in pursuit of control of the oil supplies of the world, decided to invade them and murder their people, supposedly to bring them the benefits of democracy, the dead and survivors have seen no benefit from this military backed version of democracy.
None of those countries targeted by the US has seen any benefit - they have all been left in utter chaos, as the Americans realise they have set a powder keg alight and are running away as fast as they can, of course denying any responsibility.
So, I would reply: ‘Be careful what you wish for . . .’
No doubt you are mostly right. Does America assume, as a matter of international policy I wonder, that what’s good for America must necessarily be good for the rest of the world too? But of course militaily strong nations have never, throughout history, placed the welfare of weaker or smaller ones they take an interest in, near the top of their political agendas. That’s a very large topic of course, not to be gone into on this thread.
Incidentally, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has an interesting perspective on Islam, the religion of the Middle East, which she says is both a religion and a political philosophy, believed by Muslims to be divinely perfect. Western democracy in this philosophy is therefore contrary to Islam, therefore evil, and must therefore be rejected, where possible.
That belief of Muslims on western democracy is a virtual mirror image of Muslim beliefs by westerners.
Sherdy look at this for excellent Working Class background of Jamie Brysons mother Louise Bryson! http://www.geopii.com/planning/?app=W/2011/0063/F
Application: W/2011/0063/F
For: 8-10 Costguard Lane Orlock Groomsport
Received: Tuesday 1st February 2011
No Street View Available
Proposal
Proposed replacement of 2 no dwellings with new 1 3/4 storey family dwelling and detached 1 3/4 store domestic garage with living space above
http://epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?uri=1233042&ext=PDF
http://epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?uri=1233041&ext=PDF
http://epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?uri=296371&ext=PDF
Looking at Brysons twitter, https://twitter.com/JamieBrysonCPNI/status/598099310811684865
I do wonder what Ian jr will think of Jamie attacking Kyle who is the older twin of Ian, I know that twins will defend each other to the death since I am a brother to twin sisters.
Will be fun to read Ian’s response to this nobody!
His blog is a great read too: http://tinyurl.com/pu854nf
I don’t understand it, I don’t read his blogs as they’re all rants. Maybe the first few lines to see who he is attacking. But I mostly scroll through it, I only read blogs if I’m given the opportunity to give my opinion. Which he never allows you, only reason why he allows twitter users to poke fun at him. Is that it keeps him relevant.
I can understand why he might not want to allow comments considering the pasting he gets from L.A.D.
Anyhow, he seems to me to be self-obsessed, unaware of internal contradictions in his views, and uncomprehending of any alternative viewpoints. This is called in logic, “solipsism”, which literally (and ironically) means “ourselves alone” - or in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, “Sinn Féin”
Do you think he could stand in the ND area for the Sinners?
I’m no judge, God knows, seeing as I’m a native of, er, a foreign country; but I’d safely say neither could stand the other.
However, as we say down here, the man that made time, made an awful lot of it. Mr Bryson is only a young fellow yet; who knows where he may end up? Stranger things have happened.
I meant Sein Fein, you said ourselves alone about Bryson and thought of their nickname.
Wasn’t sure if it was spelt Shinners or Sinners.
Oh, either will do - I know what you’re referring to!! Sure, aren’t we all sinners?
Nope.
“To begin with, Mr Bryson tells us that “mandatory coalition is against democracy.” But a democracy is “a system of government in which all the people of state… are involved in making decisions about its affairs, typically by voting to elect representatives to a parliament or similar assembly.” (Oxford English Dictionary).”
I am no supporter of Jamie Bryson by any stretch and consider him a living caricature if loyalism. I can only assume his antics make good press and like Kyle Paisley I’m mystified why the Belfast Telegraph should want to waste column inches on him. Bryson is however correct when he says mandatory coalition is against democracy. The late Tony Benn a vociferous opponent of the EU and in particular the Council of Ministers devised five tests of democracy, widely available in any internet search. The last of these tests was how we get rid of those in power? He concluded that if you can’t answer that question you don’t live in a democratic system.
As we have just seen in the UK general election democracy is about the will of the people at the time of elections to change their government. The same fundamental cornerstone of a democratic system does not apply in NI. The only government we can form does not change the balance of power. Had the UK government operated a mandatory coalition system all the parties would be back in westminster and even if one party had a majority governing would be on a power sharing basis. Of course their are reasons for NI’s model, where at its core we do not trust either a Unionist or a Republican/nationalist government to assume the mantle of government as in other democracies.
The result of this has not been the power sharing the model was designed to deliver. Instead over the past seven years we have seen the DUP and SF, secure in their power position in perpetuity unless miracle happens,revert to type and produce a politically polarised and dysfunctional government which is bringing the country and the economy to its knees.
Around 50% of people in NI no longer vote and the levels of disinterest in politics within our young people is falling. Mandatory coalition might be a lot of things, but it is not democracy and it is certainly not working.