::andrew muir online::

When I ask others who know me to describe me in three words they often choose words such as interesting, driven and humorous.

I enjoy undertaking voluntary work and am politically active. I am a member of The Alliance Party for Northern Ireland's North Down Association Executive Committee (serving as Press Secretary), Vice Chair of Liberal Democrats Northern Ireland Local Party.

I am also a member of Amnesty International North Down group and Friends of the Earth North Down and Ards local group. I am also a member of The Campaign for Better Transport.

I am Board Member of The Rainbow Project founder and now Vice Chair of Gay and Lesbian across Down.

I like visiting the gym and cycling. My biggest interest is people.

I live in Bangor, love North Down and enjoy being part of the local community.

To find out more about me browse this site and visit my FaceBook profile or contact me.

Andrew

blog

This is a static replication of my interactive blog at http://andrewmuirdotnet.blogspot.com/

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

Ulster Titans Logo 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

Time for an end to the circus

I have just realised that I haven’t blogged for a while so here goes.

Over the last week a few issues have caught my attention.

John McCain’s surprise choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate for Vice President is amazing. As Mark Devenport notes on his blog entitled “Sarah Palin MLA” her views seem to be very well aligned to DUP politicians such as Iris Robinson and Jim Shannon.

Sarah Palin’s views are so extreme that Obama might now be seen as “the establishment”.

Talking about Obama, his recent pledge to end US reliance on oil from the Middle East is refreshing but bizarre. Most nations are looking to reduce their carbon emissions to address the fear of global warming whilst, for the USA, their move to reduce carbon emissions is being driven by pure self interest rather than for global good.

On the subject of the DUP, their position with regards to the IRA Army Council now appears to be completely farcical. What do they want? Army Council to meet in order to agree not to meet? It’s about time they stopped looking over their shoulders to the TUV and arranged for the devolution of all local issues including Policing and Justice by the end of 2008.

Whilst we are discussing local politicians it seems apt to mention my concerns relating to a circus in Dundonald, home of the NI Assembly. The circus in question isn’t the NI Assembly but rather the “Australian Super Circus” which opens on 10 September 2008 on Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.

I am not aware whether local politicians will be appearing as the clowns but regardless as to whether they will appear I am strongly opposed to this circus.

The “Super Circus” will feature elephants, kangaroos, emus, horses, dogs and ostrich.

Animals used in circuses are captives who are forced to perform confusing, uncomfortable, repetitious, and often-painful acts.

They often endure cruel training methods, suffer cramped confinement, unacceptable travel conditions and poor treatment.

I therefore call on the public to boycott this circus when it comes to town.

Friday 5 September 2008

Worst floods in 50 years?

I went to visit my grandparents yesterday in Newcastle, County Down with my mum and step dad. Luckily he was driving the new BMW Estate Car rather than my Getz!

We had a lovely dinner and stayed until 5pm. When we left it was still raining. Tried to travel to Belfast via Newcastle but Shimna river had burst it's banks and road was impassable. Tried to get to Dundrum via Bryansford but road was also blocked with lots and lots of water. Then tried to get to Belfast via Newry but Hilltown was impassable as river had burst it's banks. Then went to Rathfriland and onwards to Banbridge. One mile from Banbridge road was impassable with river all over the road. Turned back and tried another route via Dromore and, thankfully, we managed to get onto A1.

Some really close shaves with water over bonnet, roads washed away etc. Eventually got to Belfast but then struggled to get through water in Dunmurry.

If we hadn’t a good geographical knowledge of South Down we would have been stranded.

Got home at 9.30pm when usually get home at about 6pm! Mum and I needed to use a toilet and had to ask some lady living near Hilltown whether we could use her toilet and she obliged. The generosity of people is amazing, with some out trying to clear water when they could have easily sat back and not offered assistance.

My mum is 50 and says she has never seen floods like what we experienced yesterday.

It was, however, the first time I have seen how chelsea tractors can be useful!

When I got home I was able to view scenes of floods across Northern Ireland via BBC News, Flickr and YouTube.

The scenes at Broadway underpass are simply breath taking.

As Wesley Johnston states in an extensive explanation of the Broadway disaster “It could be that this is not the first time we see the Broadway underpass submerged in water and the ensuing chaos”

The ongoing scandal of homes and roads repeatedly flooding must stop with Bangor’s Gransha Road again closed yesterday due to river bursting its banks.

I don’t however hold out much hope with the Environment Minister a self confessed climate change denier who feels these are one off events.

Sunday 17 August 2008

Omagh, ten years on

Ten years since the Omagh bombing my heart is full of sadness, love for those affected and anger towards those who killed twenty nine people, two unborn children and the physical and mental suffering endured by many others.

Two quotes seem to summarise how I feel today;

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

Leave Derry for London?

The Conservatives’ favoured think tank, Policy Exchange, today recommended “There is no realistic prospect that our regeneration towns and cities can converge with London and the South East. There is, however, a very real prospect of encouraging significant numbers of people to move from those towns to London and the South East.” The regeneration towns in question are, for example, Liverpool and Sunderland.

Whilst the report has generated lots of headlines with David Cameron describing it as “insane” it has had one positive impact by triggering a discussion on regional development and urban regeneration.

In Northern Ireland towns West of the Bann and Derry / Londonderry have historically been ignored in favour of Belfast.

Recommending people from Derry move to London is plainly daft with society moving towards a knowledge based digital economy.

Now is the time to develop all of Northern Ireland and stop the environmental consequences arising from the daily commute done by many people from Omagh, Bangor, Enniskillen, Lisburn and Derry to Belfast.

The NI Executive can take a lead and start decentralising government from Belfast to other areas across Northern Ireland.

Wednesday 13 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

History made at Belfast Pride 2008

Yesterday’s Pride Parade was the culmination of the week long Belfast Pride Festival.

As Northern Ireland develops it seems that Pride gets bigger and bigger year after year.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to attend a number of really good events. These ranged from the Queerspace Underexposed photographic exhibition on Thursday 24 July, Festival launch on Saturday 26 July, Peter Tatchell Amnesty International Lecture on Monday 28 July and Queerspace Life after Queens Play on Wednesday 30 July.

All were fantastic, especially when Baroness Blood spoke at Underexposed. Her determination and sheer zeal for achieving gender equality was truly inspiring.

By participating in yesterday’s Parade I feel I have made a small contribution to creating a better society where diversity is celebrated and difference accepted not just tolerated.

Research conducted by the Equality Commission in 2006 stated that 29% of Northern Irish people would mind if a relative or friend was in a relationship with a lesbian, gay or bisexual person.

A Scottish Government survey in the same year discovered that people who don’t know a gay person are twice as likely to say that same sex relationships are wrong.

I am therefore quietly confident that yesterday’s parade chipped something off the 29% with many spectators afforded the opportunity to celebrate diversity and come into contact with lesbian and gay people.

As noted by Patrick Corrigan on Amnesty International’s Belfast and Beyond blog the attendance of so many politicians was fantastic. It clearly demonstrates that Northern Ireland is evolving, especially with the attendance of two Ulster Unionist MLAs and the leader of the Alliance Party. Basil McCrea and John McCallister should be congratulated for attending yesterday and taking the lead in redefining Unionism.

Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Tom Hartley also made history by attending the parade and sending out a message that Belfast is a city for everyone, including lesbian and gay people.

It is regrettable that some chose to protest against the parade citing religious objections. The extent of the opposition should however not be over emphasised. A YouGov survey in 2006 finding that 84% of people identified as religious disagreed with statement ‘homosexuality is morally unacceptable in all circumstances’ (YouGov 2006).

A day after the parade and a number of weeks after the Iris Robinson controversies August 2008 should be used to reflect, take a breath and for government and the LGB sector to continue delivering quality services for the lesbian and gay community.

Looking forward to Pride 2009 already.

Sunday 3 August 2008

Iris Robinson faces second police complaint

The controversy concerning Iris Robinson’s intolerant attitudes of lesbian and gay people continued today when I made another formal statement to Police concerning her most recent comments made to the Belfast Telegraph when she stated “I cannot think of anything more sickening than a child being abused. It is comparable to the act of homosexuality. I think they are all comparable. I feel totally repulsed by both”.

I allege Iris Robinson, wife of Northern Ireland’s First Minister, has contravened the Article 9 of the Public Order (NI) Order 1987 by using threatening, abusive or insulting words which have the likelihood to stir up hatred and arouse fear.

It is with great regret that I have felt it necessary to make another police statement concerning the MP for Strangford. Freedom of speech is important but people must respect rather than abuse this Human Right. I feel threatened, abused, insulted and fearful because Mrs Robinson compared homosexuality to child abuse which is illegal and, I believe, grossly offensive and fundamentally wrong.

Whilst Mrs Robinson has subsequently moved to distance herself from comments attributed to the Strangford MP at a House of Commons Committee on 18 June 2008 she hasn’t sought to clarify or disown those made directly to the Belfast Telegraph. I have therefore deemed it necessary to make yet another police complaint. History is littered with examples of how people accused of child abuse have been treated by others. Only recently was an Edinburgh resident kicked unconscious because his attackers wrongly thought he was a paedophile. The father-of-two lost two pints of blood after a brutal attack by a gang of thugs. To align homosexuality with child abuse is both reprehensible and extremely dangerous.

I call for Mrs Robinson to unconditionally withdraw and apologise for her comments made over the last few weeks where she has aligned homosexuality with child abuse and described homosexuality as disgusting, nauseous and something people can rightly have a physical disgust towards.

I am shocked that Iris Robinson still remains Chairperson of the Assembly’s Health Committee. Such intolerant and homophobic views are clearly incompatible with such an important post. The fact that she hasn’t resigned as Health Committee Chair nor been removed merely provides that homophobia is the last acceptable prejudice”.

Thursday 31 July 2008

Newtownards to be twinned with Tehran?

Cllr Iris Robinson MP MLA again appeared on BBC Radio Ulster Nolan Show this morning and stated;

“the government has the responsibility to uphold god’s law’s morally”. Asked to clarify her comments by Stephen Nolan, Iris stated “the government are there to represent the morals of the scriptures”.

If Northern Ireland is going to be subject to "god's law" then Iris should reflect on the serious consequences that would result. For example, Exodus 35:2 clearly states that people working on the Sabbath should be put to death.

Genesis 2:18 states "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Surely Iris should resign and withdraw from politics with immediate effect if she really means what she says and dedicate herself to helping Peter?

If Iris really means what she says maybe she should also call for Ards Borough Council to twin Newtownards with Tehran?

Iran has lots of experience of ensuring religion dictates government policy and actions with disgraceful results.

It is however very unlikely that Iris will resign or call for Newtownards to be twinned with Tehran because she is a hypocrite.

She picks bits from the Bible which suit her in her crusade against difference and diversity.

It's about time she reflected on the ridiculous and offensive nature of her crusade and take a vow of silence rather than continuing to prove that homophobia is the last acceptable prejudice within the DUP.

Thursday 17 July 2008

Same sex parenting

Yesterday I appeared on BBC Newsline 6.30 to discuss the issue of same sex parenting.

You can view the article and interview on YouTube by clicking here.

The key issue in relation to same sex parenting is, of course, what's best for the child.

Instead of saying that gay people aren't good parents the focus should be on addressing the homophobia in society that dissuades many good gay people from bringing up children.

Gay parents are just as good as straight parents.

Barnados do not exclude adopters on grounds of race, gender, age or sexual orientation. Barnardo's policy for some years has been to assess all potential adopters or foster carers exclusively on their ability to provide a loving, stable and secure childhood for a child, or children, who are often disadvantaged and sometimes have had an inadequate upbringing.

American Psychological Association stated in 2004;

“there is no scientific evidence that parenting effectiveness is related to parental sexual orientation: lesbian and gay parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children".

Wednesday 16 July 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

Homophobia in sport

On Tuesday 19 February 2008 Northern Ireland’s DUP Sports Minister accused the Ulster Titan’s Gay Rugby team of attempting to “develop an apartheid in sport”.

Mr Poots stated that “it would be unacceptable to produce an all-black rugby team or an all-white team or an all-Chinese team. To me it's equally unacceptable to produce an all-homosexual rugby team and I find it remarkable that people who talk so much about inclusivity and about having an equal role in society would then go down the route of exclusion."

After Alliance Party Executive Director rightly exposed the Minister’s comments as nothing more than a homophobic rant designed to distract attention from current DUP difficulties I felt it was important to ascertain hard facts as to why Ulster Titan’s exist.

During the next few months The Rainbow Project undertook research concerning Homophobia in Sport which as released last weekend.

The research findings are startling but not surprising.

Three-quarters of respondents stated that they thought there was homophobia in sport, in particular in team sports, in NI that might stop gay or bi-sexual people from taking part and only four per cent said there was not.

Over three-quarter of the respondents who played team sports were not out to any or only out to some of their team mates.

Half of the respondents stated they had wanted to play a sport but had decided not as they were afraid they would not be accepted because of their sexual orientation.

Forty-one per cent had stopped playing a sport because they had experienced homophobia directed towards them or found the general attitude to be homophobic.

As Mark, one of the men who took part in the research stated: “I love watching and playing football and support Rangers. I am a member of a Rangers Supporters’ Club but only a few people know I am gay and if someone makes an anti-gay comment I just laugh and pretend it doesn’t matter. I did play for a (football) team in the past, but left when someone found out I was gay and I started to get bullied. Maybe I should wait for someone to set up a gay football team instead!”.

In the current climate in NI the need to have clubs where people who are gay or bi-sexual can get involved in sport without having to hide a large part of their identity or be fearful of homophobic comments is clear.

It also has to be noted that this research did not investigate the homophobia that exist in professional sports where homophobic chanting from the terraces is quite common, very few fans are openly gay and where in the mid-nineties the only openly gay professional footballer, Justin Fashanu, committed suicide after being subjected to ongoing and vicious homophobic abuse from fans and team mates.

As Jim Crawford, Physical Health Development Officer for The Rainbow Project states:

“Mr Poots was wrong when he made those comments; it is not the people who set up sports clubs for those who are gay or bi-sexual who create apartheid in sport. Our research has clearly shown that apartheid in mainstream sports is already alive and kicking and the ball, so to speak, is now firmly in Mr. Poots’ court. As Minister for Sport in NI he should take responsibility for commissioning further research and initiating actions to address this apartheid in sport in NI which is responsible for the exclusion of a substantial part of our society.”

Wednesday 28 May 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

The Secret Garden and the bubble car

Yesterday I was given the opportunity to see work underway to restore the Walled Garden in Castle Park, Bangor.

I was extremely impressed at the work being carried out by North Down Borough Council to open up what was previously a very Secret Garden.

On my way to the garden I was amazed to see a bubble car, resembling the image above. After attending the Irish Transport Trust Bus Rally at Cultra the day was truly special. It seems that the car was manufactured by Peel Engineering.

27 April 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.

Launch of GLAD

Earlier this week I had the pleasure to attend the launch of Gay and Lesbian across Down (GLAD) on Monday 10 March 2008 at Betty Blacks.

I am really proud to have worked with others to establish North Down and Ards LGBT group in January 2007.

Over a year later it was amazing to celebrate our First Birthday and launch a re-branded group now known as GLAD with a new name, wider remit and enhanced range of services.

Monday night was one of the proudest moments in my life, for the reason I detailed on the night.

“Back in 1996 when I came out as a gay man I was living Bangor. It was a completely different place than today. I felt excluded, isolated and alone. Today in 2008 I am now again living in Bangor. I feel valued in a part of Northern Ireland which embraces diversity and provides hope of the future.

I am truly impressed to have so many local Councillors and MLAs present here tonight. Your support for us is greatly appreciated.”

To have Mayor of North Down Councillor Doctor Stephen Farry MLA, North Down Ulster Unionist MLA Alan McFarland, Ulster Unionist Councillor James McKerrow and Chief Superintendent Graham Shields present meant the world to me.

To receive endorsement from such a wide range of people sent a strong message to me and other lesbian, gay and bisexual people that being gay is okay.

It was also great for Betty Blacks to openly welcome us to their premises.

I look forward to the future with lots of hope and tons of enthusiasm.

Wednesday 12 March 2008

Victoria Square, a celebration and challenge

I decided to visit the Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Belfast yesterday. Two words immediately came to my mind when I viewed the new centre. Celebration and challenge.

Victoria Square is a fantastic celebration of the economic success Northern Ireland has enjoyed post ceasefires.

Victoria Square is also a massive challenge. A challenge to society to reach out and include those who have been left behind by the economic progress that has occurred. Those who continue to live in poverty and those excluded due to the intolerance and ignorance of others.

The opening of Victoria Square should provide the impetus to everyone across Northern Ireland to work together to create an inclusive shared society.

Saturday 8 March 2008

First Alliance Party event

Attend my first official Alliance Party event today in South Belfast. Annual General Meeting and quarterly Council meeting.

A warm welcome was again extended and already feel at home with friends.

Got the opportunity to speak and was warmly received. It's clear now that The Alliance Party are the only vehicle for a Shared Society.

Delivered the following speech:

Alliance Party Council 1 March 2008, Andrew Muir speech

Council, fellow Alliance Party members, some of your may be aware that I recently left the SDLP to join Alliance.

The reasons why I left the SDLP have been well reported.

Today I want to talk about why I joined Alliance.

I want to talk about the future, not the past.

My decision to join Alliance was, like most people, driven by my heart and my head.

In my heart I dream of a Shared Society.

In my head I know that without a Shared Society we cannot have the strong economy and sustainable environment that Northern Ireland urgently needs.

But why do I dream of a Shared Society.

The answer is simple.

“Separate but equal is not an option. Parallel living and the provision of parallel services are unsustainable both morally and economically”

Not my words but the words of “A Shared Future”.

No wonder Sinn Fein and the DUP want to get rid of it.

Without parallel living their own future as political parties is in doubt.

We all know the economic costs of division. Spending £1.5billion each year on segregation cannot continue. A strong economy and sustainable environment cannot be built whilst we waste 20% of our budget every single year.

The lack of a Shared Society frustrates me intensely.

Day after day I see, feel and taste division and discrimination.

I see an economy struggling to compete on the world stage.

I feel my own pain when I recall the lives lost of friends through suicide, caused because of the intolerance of others.

I taste it when my own stomach churns after I recall the worlds of a former Junior Minister who described me a repulsive, offensive and obnoxious simply because I am gay.

For Northern Ireland to have a truly Shared Society political parties such as the DUP and Sinn Fein need to contemplate their own demise.

Until they make that decision it’s up to Alliance to help them along.

Thus far I think we have been doing a very good job.

But what does that Shared Society look like?

In some ways its uncomfortable reading, even for me.

In the New Northern Ireland diversity is embraced.

That means that everyone, yes everyone, is treated as equal citizens.

Members of the travelling community, people with disabilities, lesbian and gay people, foreign nationals, transsexual people, even Ian Paisley Junior are welcomed and embraced.

For the last number of years Alliance has shown that they are the only political party capable of delivering that New Northern Ireland.

It is for that very reason that I joined Alliance.

Alliance have the courage to dream beyond today.

It’s time for a strong economy

It’s time for a sustainable environment

It’s time for a Shared Society

It’s time for Alliance

Saturday 1 March 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.

This page was last updated Wednesday, 24 September 2008 21:46:31