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Auschwitz

On Wednesday 20 May 2009 I visited Auschwitz as part of my trip to Krakow, Poland. I have always wanted to visit Auschwitz since learning about the Holocaust in an effort to better understand the genocide which occurred during the 1930s and 1940s.

I was profoundly effected by the visit and found it difficult to absorb what I saw and learnt for many days.

Some things were simply appalling, including seeing vast amounts of human hair and some of the cloth they made using the hair which was cut off prisoners prior to gassing. It was also shocking to learn that when prisoners were gassed and cremated they then used their ashes within the foundations of roads.

I will forever remember what I saw, including the living conditions for prisoners, torture methods used and how millions of people were executed in such a methodical manner with gas chambers operating like production lines.

A few days after my visit one thing is clear. The battle to safeguard Human Rights must continue. People continue to be denied basic Human Rights, over 64 years after the liberation of Auschwitz.

As Martin Luther King stated “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.

Propelled by what I saw and learnt at Auschwitz I will continue to speak out and work with the variety of organisations I am involved with, advocating for lesbian and gay equality and fundamental Human Rights for everyone through organisations such as Amnesty International.

Whilst it can sometimes be difficult to speak out, the words of Martin Niemöller, Pastor (held in Dachau) are particularly relevant;

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not protest;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me

Sunday 31 May 2009

Holocaust Memorial Day – time for a change?

"The recent Hurricane Katrina descended on New Orleans and took many people suddenly into eternity. However, the media failed to report that the hurricane occurred just two days prior to the annual homosexual event called the Southern Decadence Festival which the previous year had attracted an estimated 125,000 people. Surely this is a warning to nations where such wickedness is increasingly promoted and practised." 

As if this wasn’t enough, I was then astounded to hear Bruce Robinson substituting sexual orientation with the word lifestyle when listing the people affected by the Holocaust.

For those who are unaware, lesbian, gay and bisexual people don’t choose their sexuality like choosing what clothes to wear. Any implication that sexuality is a lifestyle choice is extremely offensive since it implies that it is something that can be changed, giving credibility to blatantly homophobic opinions adopted by people such as Iris Robinson.

After visiting tonight’s event it is increasingly obvious to me that some people involved in the government and politics of Northern Ireland often preach tolerance and acceptance only to then add a BUT when it comes to some minorities such as lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Since the return of devolution I am now increasingly of the opinion that we need a fresh approach from the Community and Voluntary Sector to deliver a new Northern Ireland which accepts everyone.

I am currently pondering the exact nature of this new approach and whether it should be of a gradual or more radical nature.

I have however already formed an opinion in relation to two matters, namely that people like Maurice Mills shouldn’t be welcomed to preside over such ceremonies without withdrawing their prejudicial comments nor should the Head of Civil Service be allowed to go unchallenged after stating that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is a lifestyle choice.

28 January 2009

Realisation of a dream?

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'

The battle ahead is to ensure that everyone enjoys true equality including minorities such as lesbian, gay and bisexual people who still experience marginalisation and blatant discrimination across the USA in 2009, 45 years after MLK's "I have a dream" speech

Monday 19 January 2009

A nation of lonely hearts

The BBC yesterday published a report entitled “Changing UK”  focusing on Community Spirit across Great Britain.

The report and associated video coverage can be viewed by clicking here.

Whilst I have a few concerns about the accuracy of some statistics I strongly agree with the overall message that “UK is a nation of lonely hearts, with traditional community life fading away”

The breakdown of community life is, I believe, one the biggest problems currently facing society. It is affecting many aspects of everyday life and inhibiting the development of a safe, inclusive and sustainable society.

Individualistic concerns often mean that people are now more concerned with their own selfish concerns rather than the greater good e.g. burning fossil fuels and continuing to contribute to Global Warming via driving Chelsea Tractors whilst the threat of Climate Change increases.

Many different approaches have been advocated to deal with the breakdown in community life and its effects e.g. gated communities to prevent crime, return to moral values of the 1950s to tackle the rise in divorces.

I, not surprisingly, advocate a different approach which encourages people to focus more on well being rather than purely on wealth. This can be achieved through an array of means ranging from hard to soft options such as financially incentivising collaborative action and softer options were people are "nudged" to choose better options.

Whilst I intend to outline possible solutions to address the problem at a later date the BBC report serves as a timely reminder that the breakdown of community life is a significant and important issue that needs to be addressed.
 
2 December 2008

North Down Alliance Insight
In a new departure I now intend to provide a monthly insight into The Alliance Party in North Down.

October 2008: North Down Alliance reflect on successful Party Conference

A few weeks after The Alliance Party held it’s Annual Conference in Bangor the party’s North Down Association Executive Committee met on Monday 13 October 2008 with all in agreement that the Conference had been a resounding success.
 
Many members of the Committee expressed their delight that former Party Leader and MEP John Cushnahan had attended and delivered such an interesting speech.
 
It was generally felt that the mood had been extremely positive and that the Leader David Ford MLA had delivered a strong and clear speech especially when he remarked “We will play a constructive part in any way we can. But we will not be used to apply a sticking plaster over a serious fault line within the Executive. There must be fundamental reforms. I care too deeply about the future of this society to prop up a failing sectarian and sectional Executive.”
 
During the meeting the Executive Committee also made preparations for a number of future fundraising events including the opportunity to hear a speech in late November 2008.
 
Members were delighted to learn from Association Chairperson Neil Dickey that party membership had increased with Committee Treasurer reporting that finances are in an extremely healthy state.
 
The meeting received a briefing from local Alliance MLA Dr Stephen Farry who informed those present that the party was continuing to work in a constructive manner to break the ongoing deadlock at Stormont.
 
Concerns were expressed at the possible loss of 700 nurses which were seen as a direct consequence of Peter Robinson’s budget.
 
Members also received an update from Alliance Alderman Marsden Fitzsimmons who briefed the meeting on successful efforts by North Down Borough Council to promote Christian Heritage within the Borough and ongoing work by the Council to foster good relations amongst people of different race, religion and political opinion.
 
A brief discussion took place with regards to the proposed Boundary Changes to enable merger between North Down and Ards Borough Councils with agreement that the party should recommend that a number of proposed boundaries be amended.
 
The recently arrived circus in Bangor prompted discussion on the use of animals in circuses and the meeting concluded with agreement that the Association was opposed such abuse of wild animals.

22 October 2008

Another fine PPS mess

Today’s news has been dominated by the story that the case against the only person charged in relation to the Northern Bank Robbery has collapsed after the prosecution decided not to provide any further evidence.

This revelation provides yet more evidence that the Public Prosecution Service isn’t fit for purpose.

Shambolic events such as the trial which collapsed today only serve to further erode public confidence in the criminal justice system whilst those who perpetrated the robbery and subjected the McMullan family to disgraceful personal trauma continue to walk the streets freely.

As has been proven in recent months and years, the PPS seem to be incapable of carrying out their main duty to develop coherent cases and then professionally conduct prosecutions.

Whilst it’s important that the PPS is able to independently make decisions whether to prosecute without political interference it’s about time they were subjected to a greater degree of scrutiny.

They could start by adding accountability and transparency to their list of organisational values which currently omit such important values.

Representatives from the PPS could also start by appearing on the media and publicly answering the questions that many people now want answered.

Thursday 9 October 2008

'Go on then, jump'

Whilst listening to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday morning I heard the story of Shaun Dykes who was goaded by onlookers to jump off a multi story car park in Derby. You can listen to The Today Programme’s article about Shaun by clicking here and read about the story by clicking here.

Since listening to the story on Saturday I have been trying to work out how such an incident occurred.

Whilst it is clear that the police should have moved the onlookers away the fact that people goaded a man to take his life shines a light on the serious problems that now exist within society.

During the years of economic success I feel we have developed a society were people and politicians are “seriously relaxed about people becoming filthy rich” to the extent that many people have become concerned with themselves alone without any regard for others.

The general economic slowdown now being experienced across the world will hopefully encourage a move away from greed and an individualistic society towards one which is about inclusive communities and supporting each other, including those facing difficulties in their life such as Shaun.

Monday 6 October 2008

Spending more time with the family

I found today's news that UK Cabinet Minister Ruth Kelly has decided to quit as Transport Secretary to spend more time with her family rather interesting.

It seems to be a convenient excuse to hide her apparent discontent with Gordon Brown.

When I heard that she was leaving to spend more time with her family it conjured up memories of when Norman Fowler left Thatcher's Conservative Cabinet in 1990 to 'spend more time with his family'. Within two years he was back as Chairman of the Party, this time under the leadership of John Major.

Perhaps we will see Ruth Kelly back when a new leader eventually takes over to replace Gordon?

24 September 2008

Yes we can

Bangor today hosted The Alliance Party’s 2008 Conference at The Marine Court Hotel.

Our Party Leader David Ford MLA delivered an excellent speech remarking “I want to bring our agenda into government and deliver in the long-term where the tribal parties have failed”.

Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA stated “The sad reality is that as Sinn Fein and the DUP continue to battle daily with each other, the biggest losers in those battles have been the people of Northern Ireland and the biggest casualty has been public confidence in politics”

Dr Stephen Farry MLA remarked “In another sense, there is growing evidence that those societies that are able to attract and sustain a mixed population tend to be more successful in that talented people are nourished. This truism illustrates the folly of the homophobia from the Iris Robinson's of this world”

Following the conference I managed to watch part of the match between Northern Ireland’s gay friendly rugby team The Ulster Titans and Bangor RFC thirds at Uprichard Park, Bangor. It was a great end to the conference which was about making the case for a Shared Future where everyone is valued and allowed to reach their full potential regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation etc.

During the morning session of the Conference I was given the opportunity to speak on a motion calling for publication of the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy. Below is the speech I delivered.

Conference, it gives me great pleasure to speak to you in support of this motion at what is my first Alliance Party Conference.

Everywhere I go in Northern Ireland I hear the same message. We want change.

The people of Northern Ireland are fed up with bickering and bigotry and want a government with ambition that dares to hope.

We live in a region where only 3% of people would object to having a person of the opposite religion as a neighbour. A region where over 70% of people wouldn’t mind if a relative or friend was in a relationship with a gay person.

But yet we have an Executive with Ministers and a First Lady preaching intolerance and prejudice.

People want a change. People want a political system which reflects the new Northern Ireland.

At the heart of the New Northern Ireland must be a society which embraces and celebrates diversity.

Government can help deliver this by providing leadership and a strategy for a Shared Future.

When devolution returned last year we were promised a new bigger and better strategy for a Shared Future but we are still waiting. It’s no where to be found.

Maybe CSI should be put onto the case to find the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy because it seems to be unlawfully at large.

Whilst the Executive dithers and delays The Alliance Party need to continue making the case for diversity.

We need to outline not merely the costs of segregation but rather the opportunities of diversity.

Recent research has proven that cities, towns and regions which embrace and celebrate diversity attract high value knowledge based industries. We need to continually remind people and other political parties that intolerant and prejudicial attitudes don’t just harm minorities but also the economy we all thrive off.

We need to end the poverty of aspiration where people fail to hope beyond today, neglect to look to tomorrow and forget that bigotry and division not only damages lives but deters investment and consumes public expenditure.

We must continue spreading  the Alliance message of hope and aspiration at every opportunity, whether it be in Council chambers, at the Assembly or maybe at the Executive table.

The people of Northern Ireland are increasingly looking for leadership, hope and change.

Day after day they ask the Executive parties whether they can deliver and the answer is a resounding no.

The only future the Executive parties offer is a mirror image of the past.

To those who ask whether Alliance can deliver my answer to you today is Yes we can.

Saturday 20 September 2008

An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind

Yesterday I visited a number of historic buildings as part of the European Heritage Open Days. I visited Crumlin Road Gaol (HMP Belfast), Freemason’s Hall in Arthur Square, Cornmarket Belfast and then Stranmillis House and grounds.

Photos of Crumlin Road Gaol at http://flickr.com/photos/21622229@N00/sets/72157607291996879/

Part of the tour of Crumlin Road Gaol involved viewing the condemned man’s cell, the execution chamber and the graves of the people executed at the prison.

I found these parts of the tour particularly disturbing. Human life is, I believe, sacred. For the State to take a citizens life is, I believe, fundamentally wrong.

Some argue that execution for murder is necessary in order to ensure appropriate punishment is enacted. The words of Martin Luther King adequately summarise why such an approach is flawed when he stated that “an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind”.

Sunday 14 September 2008

XL have excelled in causing misery and chaos

Early on Friday 12 September 2008 morning at about quarter past midnight a friend who works at Belfast International Airport sent me a text message informing me that another airline had went bust, this time XL.

I quickly realised this was the company who my mum and step dad were on holiday with. They had left over a week earlier for a Caribbean Cruise and were due to dock in Florida on Saturday 13 September to then spend a week in Florida before returning home on Friday 19 September 2008.

I quickly tried to research whether they would have somewhere to stay in Florida and be able to fly back but was confronted with loads of mixed messages.

Whilst getting ready for work on Friday morning I sent an exasperated text message to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme commenting “Looks like XL have excelled in causing misery and chaos My mum & dad are stranded in the USA What an awful end to a holiday Andrew Bangor”. Within twenty minutes I was on air talking about the situation.

You can listen to my interview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGcBKHWol8

I also spoke on Citybeat and appeared in the Newsletter concerning my parents predicament.

As an update I can inform people that the hotel has allowed them to remain in Florida for the remaining week of their holiday and the Civil Aviation Authority are organising their return flight to the UK later this week. Some of their tickets to Theme Parks purchased via XL haven’t however been accepted.

As I stated on the radio people go on holiday to relax and enjoy a hassle free break not to worry about how to get home.

With more airlines and holiday companies likely to go bankrupt in the next few months it’s about time government reviewed the arrangements that are in place if companies go into administration. Arrangements should be simplified so that everyone is given the same support, regardless as to whether they booked with a credit or debit card or through ABTA bonded companies.

Sunday 14 September 2008

Helping charities at the press of a button

On Monday evening I listened to an interesting article on BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme where people withdrawing money from cash machines in Columbia are given the opportunity to donate 30p, 60p or 90p to charity at the press of a button.

Matthew Parris spoke about the scheme which allows people to press a button before finishing the transaction. A small amount of money is then transferred from your Bank Account to a nominated charity e.g. a Children’s Charity.

As Matthew stated, it’s a simple idea which could result in an awful lot of money for needy causes with many people often not refusing to make such a  small donation.

Maybe something banks in Northern Ireland and the UK should consider introducing?

10 September 2008

Friday 5 September 2008

Omagh, ten years on

We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the positive affirmation of peace.

At the centre of non-violence stands the principle of love.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Friday 15 August 2008

Countdown to China Olympics

In a few hours the 2008 Olympics will commence at Beijing, China.

China’s appalling Human Rights abuses are well documented and often publicised by organisations such as Amnesty International. I’ll therefore spare readers with the disgraceful details of the abuses committed such as their sale of organs taken from executed prisoners.

Some argue that countries should not send their athletes to the games because of the abuses but I disagree. Taking such an approach deprives athletes of a chance to participate and has proven ineffectual when you consider previous precedent e.g. Moscow Olympics in 1980 which were boycotted by 62 nations led by USA.

Presidents and Prime Ministers from participating countries can however show their opposition to China’s Human Rights abuses by refusing to attend the ceremonies and supporting peaceful non violent protests.

It was therefore with great regret that I watched President Bush arriving in China last night to attend the opening ceremony. His mere attendance was stomach churning, compounded by his smiles and waves to the awaiting public as he left Air Force One.

I look forward to watching the games over the next number of days in awe at the sporting excellence of the participants and the courage of those who will use the event as an opportunity to highlight the Human Rights abuses inflicted by the Communist Government on its citizens.

Now is the time to pile on the pressure for change before the Olympics are over and the spotlight dims.

Now is the time for an end to executions, fair trials for all, respect for human rights defenders and freedom from censorship.

Friday 8 August 2008

No spin please

On Saturday Twelfth of July I visited Belfast City Centre to watch the annual Orange Order parade at Shaftesbury Square.

Whilst I was impressed by the colourful nature of the parade and the accompanying music I was startled to see many people openly consuming alcohol in front of police officers. I was even more startled when I noticed that this was occurring in front of the Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde.

If this occurred on any other day of the year the police wouldn’t flinch from taking swift action to enforce Council bye-laws which expressly prohibit consumption of alcohol in Shaftesbury Square.

We were informed by Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland that on-street drinkers met with a "robust approach" on the Twelfth. If being allowed to drink in front of the Chief Constable is “robust” I dread to think what “softly softly” looks like.

Whilst I welcome the lack of violence and confrontation experienced and congratulate the police and community workers for making this possible it’s about time to the police stopped spinning and injected a degree of sincerity into the issue of on street drinking.

If the new “normalised” policing arrangements don’t cater for mass on street drinking on one day a year please tell us. Then we will be able to adjust our lives to the fact that enforcement of the bye-laws is temporarily suspended on the Twelfth.

Monday 14 July 2008

Disgusting, loathed, physical disgust, nauseous, shamefully wicked, vile, an abomination

These are the words used to described homosexuality by Cllr Iris Robinson MP MLA on Friday 6 June 2008.

The wife of Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Councillor for Castlereagh Council, MP, MLA for Strangford and Chairperson of the NI Assembly’s Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee also used the Stephen Nolan Show to state;

"I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

This is despite the fact that the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 with the Royal College of Psychiatrists immediately clarifying that homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder.

In their statement the Royal College remarked “The Royal College of Psychiatrists holds the view that lesbian, gay and bisexual people should be regarded as valued members of society who have exactly similar rights and responsibilities as all other citizens.”

During the interview Mrs Robinson made the following statements which I found extremely disturbing;

Stephen Nolan: Do you think for example that homosexuality is disgusting?

Iris Robinson: Absolutely

Stephen Nolan: Do you think that homosexuality should be loathed?

Iris Robinson: Absolutely

Stephen Nolan: Do you think it is right for people to have a physical disgust towards homosexuality?

Iris Robinson: Absolutely

Stephen Nolan: Does it make you nauseous?

Iris Robinson: Yes

Stephen Nolan: Do you think that it is something that is shamefully wicked and vile?

Iris Robinson: Yes, of course it is, it’s an abomination.

As a consequence I visited Bangor Police Station on Friday 6 June 2008 evening and made a statement alleging that the comments stir up hatred and arouse fear, as per Article 9 of the Public Order (NI) Order 1987, as reported by UTV, Irish News, Newsletter and Sunday Times.

Article 9 of the Public Order (NI) Order 1987,provides:-

"9.—(1)  A person who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, is guilty of an offence if—

 (a) he intends thereby to stir up hatred or arouse fear; or

 (b) having regard to all the circumstances hatred is likely to be stirred up or fear is likely to be aroused thereby."

Article 8, as amended by Article 3 of the Criminal Justice (No 2)(NI) Order 2004, provides:-

8.    "In this part— "fear" means fear of a group of persons in Northern Ireland defined by reference to religious belief, sexual orientation, disability, colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins;

I await notification from the police on the outcome of my complaint.

Sunday 8 June 2008

Inefficient efficiency savings

Like some others, I woke this morning to hear the Irish News story concerning Belfast Health Trust’s plan to cut almost 3,000 jobs.  Included within this total are much needed Nurses! These cuts are being sought under the guise of the Gerson efficiency savings demanded by the Department for Finance and Personnel of all governments departments, Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies.

Whilst I accept that efficiency savings can be made within the public sector I am increasingly worried how they are being effected.

Instead of facing up to hard decisions and making the cuts where they should be made it’s increasingly obvious that Senior Management and Ministers are taking the easy option and letting the axe fall on front line services.

Instead of taking such an approach I would urge them to follow the approach adopted by Michael Heseltine when Secretary of State for the Environment in the 1980’s by personally carrying out a detailed review of their departments and letting the axe fall in the right direction.

Monday 19 May 2008

Shared communities are sustainable communities

"Shared communities are sustainable communities". Not my words but the words of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Chairman Gerry Millar.

As reported in today's Irish News, the RICS have launched their three year manifesto.

Commenting, Gerry Millar confirmed my belief that a Shared Society is the only way forward to deliver a successful economy with a sustainable environment when he stated “Addressing division is without doubt one of the biggest and most pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland today”.

“Massive expense is incurred by paying for duplicate facilities to serve our divided community and division causes inefficiencies and waste that increase Northern Ireland’s ecological footprint and are impeding the economy’s ability to reach it’s potential”

“It has been recognised that social inclusion is the bedrock of civilisation and shared communities are sustainable communities”.

“This means greater efficiency and cost savings, enhanced quality of life and healthier local and global environment”.

Wednesday 16 April 2008.

Martin Luther King forty years on

Today marks the fortieth Anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jnr.

Since my childhood I have considered MLK to be my idol.

MLK passionately believed in human rights and equality and was able to convey this passion to the public in a clear motivational manner.

Despite the challenges he remained opposed to violence, choosing dialogue and non violence protest instead of the cowardly and fundamentally wrong option of bombs and bullets.

Whilst I believe in a secular society where no one religion is imposed on others MLK was right to be driven by his Christian beliefs. Christianity can have an enormously positive impact when properly interpreted. God put us on earth to love not hate.

Forty years after his murder many people continue to distort gods message in order to justify discrimination and intolerant attitudes.

On this day I urge everyone to review Martin Luther King’s correct interpretation of Christianity and follow the example set by MLK, best described when he stated “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend”.

Friday 4 April 2008.

My first blog

The past week has been a momentous one for me.

I announced my decision to leave the SDLP and join Alliance on Monday 11 February 2008.

More information on my move can be found at Alliance Party web site and Slugger O'Toole thread.

BBC Stormont Live accidentally promoted me to MLA on Monday, as per photo!

When the SDLP were made aware of my decision to move to the Alliance Party they condemned me for having ambition.I am not ashamed to admit that I do indeed have ambition.

Ambition for a Shared Society.

Ambition for a strong economy.

Ambition for a sustainable environment.

Ambition for the Alliance Party.

Ambition for Northern Ireland.

Friday 15 February 2008.