Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 8m

Yes indeed, a significant treaty breach in quite a chain.

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 13h

...a different country entirely (in the commonly understood meaning of the term i.e. an independent sovereign state) that neighbours the UK.

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 13h

Ireland isn't part of Britain.

There are three constituent parts of Britain - England, Scotland, Wales. Confusing referred to as 'countries' by the British but not countries in the commonly understood meaning of the term.

The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.

Ireland is..

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 19h

It's the "but NATO are warmongers" part that follows the condemnation of Russia that I'm particularly ill at ease with.

I would liken it to saying "of course Israel shouldn't be committing genocide but they were attacked by a terrorist organisation".

Both are irrelevant points.

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 19h

I'm a bit on the fence re: second preference. Trying to decide whether I dislike Connolly's prevarication over Ukraine more or less than Humphreys being Humphreys.

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

Yes Ireland isn't part of the UK or Britain - and it isn't in the 'British Isles'.

The government of Ireland doesn't recognise that term as a description of the whole archipelago inclusive of Ireland.

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

Ireland isn't in the 'British Isles'.

1 2

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

But now you get to support Leinster 🤷 #COYBIB

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

It's strange times - but the race for the Áras has been a great disappointment.

I'll be voting for Gavin 😂

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

Ah! The Connolly criticism of Germany. Yes indeed. One of the things I find myself in agreement with her on.

1 2

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

I'm not sure if that's a rhetorical question or a question directed to me for some reason?

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

Well Ireland yes - but Northern Ireland only yes depending on what part of Northern Ireland you're in i.e. more extreme support, but for either Palestine or Israel depending on whether you're in a Nationalist or Unionist part of NI.

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

That's ok thanks.

Ireland to the UK on social media most of the time 👇

2

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 1d

Well at least you'll have an appreciation for how shite Guinness is outside of Ireland 🤷😀

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

Governments across Europe are seizing their "fire at the Reichstag" moments.

The UK government plans to introduce legislation to ban peaceful protests when the government dislikes the topic of protest.

If you're a European and you're not deeply concerned, then you aren't paying attention.

Police to get broader powers to crack down on repeated protests

The move is not a ban on protests but

www.bbc.co.uk

7 10

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

🤔 Scotland is part of Britain.

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

German police assaulting members of the Bundestag as they peacefully protest.

There is a dangerous lurch to the extreme right taking place in many of Europe's largest states.

Turning a blind eye or actively supporting injustice and extremism beyond Europe's borders simply brings the cancer within.

ultras-antifa @antifa-ultras.bsky.social · 3d

#Germany - At the pro-Palestine demonstration in Berlin, Die Linke Party MP Lea Reisner was punched by the police.

16 23

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

You mean 'Northern Ireland'.

There's virtually no fascism in the north of Ireland (that would be across the border in a neighbouring country, which fortunately has escaped the worst of the rising European far-right tide so far).

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

Great infographic - thanks!

1 2

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

Yes I think Slovakia negotiations began in February 2000 and became a Member State on May 2004.

1 2

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

... preferred outcome this time around though - so I will be giving my first preference to Gavin.

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

I'm not sure if this was your meaning - but just to clarify, a vote for Gavin wouldn't be a spoiled vote.

But yes indeed, if your preference is to have a conclusive election with either Connolly or Humphreys taking office then you shouldn't be "voting for Gavin".

None-of-the-above is my...

1 1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

...take place. And with the benefit of our PR-STV system I can express my first preference for 'none-of-the-above' (i.e. by voting for Gavin) and then express the second preference of my choice (my least worst option).

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 2d

One important point of clarification, it wouldn't be spoiling a vote. Votes for Gavin will be counted as normal, expressed preferences redistributed (under the normal procedures etc etc).

So, if like me, you don't like either of the remaining options - you can in theory force another election to...

1

TheSecretDiplomat @thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social · 3d

Support for "Gavin" polling at 12%.

Hopefully support we can build in the coming days - remember a vote for "Gavin" is a vote for none-of-the-above.

#Speirghorm #Election2025 #VótáilGavin

www.breakingnews.ie/president-el...

www.breakingnews.ie

2 1