Typically Spanish

Ever since I started learning Spanish at age 15 I have had a keen interest in the land of sun, sea and Sangria. From August 2008 until October 2009 I lived in Algeciras in the southern region of Andalucia. Since returning to Northern Ireland I have not really been able to keep in touch with events in Spain the way I would like to...until now!

I just today discovered the Typically Spanish website http://www.typicallyspanish.com/ which not only has news from Spain but also flights, weather reports and other bits and bobs. The quirky article http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_33645.shtml that has caught my eye is about the town of Chiclana about halfway between Algeciras and Cadiz. The article tells of a man who on buying a bag of potatoes got rather more than he bargained for. He found a petrified hand grenade from the Second World War amongst his "spuds". Fortunately no one was hurt and naval bomb disposal experts made sure it was safe. You never know what you might pick up when you go grocery shopping!

Out of the closet!

Initially when I had the idea of doing this blog I decided I would do it anonymously but now I have decided to be a big boy, come out from behind the protection of blogger's anonymity and take whatever flak comes my way! I suppose I better develop a thick skin very quickly...

Bedside vigil for Paisley

Love him or loathe him no one can deny that Ian Paisley has been a gargantuan figure in the recent history of Northern Ireland. His prophetic zeal spilled over from his pulpit into the political arena and has shaped the face of our wee country.

As someone who has recently had an elderly relative take a dramatic decline in health my full sympathy is with the Paisley family at this time. May they know God's blessing and peace as well.

The Square One.

The DUP or the Landed Gentry Party

First we had Paisley Jr and his cushy wee friendship with land tycoon Seymour Sweeney. (Wee Ian: But we only went lobster fishing, honest!) Next we had Robinsongate with Iris receiving money on wee Kirk's behalf from Ken Campbell and Fred Fraser. (Iris: They were gifts! It didn't occur to me that when I later lobbied on their behalf they might accuse me of accepting bribes!) We also had all that shenanigans about the First Minister's £1 land deal. (I know they said he did nothing wrong but that still smells fishy to me!) Now the DUP have fielded (pun intended!) David McIlveen Jr in North Antrim (more DUP/Free P dynasty building!). Guess what his job is? He is an estate agent! Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled. These DUPers have an obsession with land and property!

 It also gets my hackles up that this is another parachute candidate. We don't need another blow-in representing North Antrim who doesn't live here, doesn't know the constituency and will not be here half time.

One good thing I will say about McIlveen is at least he is a bit younger. Stormont is generally full of fifty-plus crusties. We need more people like Steven Agnew who are young and dynamic and willing to think outside the box. The Orange and Green paradigm is so old hat.

More soon.

The Square One!

Greetings

Hi folks!

I am a 30something with an avid interest in the politics of my region, Northern Ireland, but cannot find a party which represents my views. I feel I need to air my opinions somewhere but often am concerned to do so because people where I live want to put me into a box. Too many people in The North/The Six Counties/Northern Ireland/Ulster feel threatened by someone like me who does not define himself as either Orange or Green. So I figure that if I do it here anonymously they can rant and rave all they like without getting in my face about it! I hope to also reach out to others who feel the same as I do.

All the Geordie Best!

Square Peg.