It’s all politics. Not actual politics, in the strict definition of the word, but clubs’ dealings with the SPFL and SFA is mostly about politically manoeuvring in the direction to win your argument.
Experienced political operators will tell you not to fight the same people on too many points; pick the important areas to win and take a few defeats on the chin. Box the SPFL into a corner by not charging season ticket holders for entry into play-off matches, and you’re onto a sure win. But all SPFL clubs are members of the SFA.
They all like being given their place. If I wanted something important from the SFA, like exemption from the rule prohibiting directors of a liquidated club from subsequently becoming a club director, I’d concentrate on that and ask politely for permission to let season ticket holders into games.
But I realise there are different types of political animal. The consensus political animal is effective in certain times, then there are those who have a self-righteous tone to rules. It’s their way or the highway. To paraphrase Bob Shankly, pure, athletic, Thatcherism. Britain wasn’t ready for Thatcherism 30 years ago. She won in 1979 and lost lots of votes second time around in ’83, but the Labour vote split. The 80s were lean. For some.
Scottish football is in for a period where a self-righteous entity will muster its forces. The media coverage will reflect what we saw in politics in the 80s. The consensus operators must stand firm and unite.
Thanks to all who entered the Magners completion for premium tickets to the Dundee game tomorrow night, the winner will be notified within the next 30 mins, so check your email!
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Ard macha
Inheritance tax cuts for millionaires, and regional pay for public sector workers didn’t happen.
And probably much deeper cuts, as are now being promised, though not identified, in their manifesto, were avoided.
Not having a majority definitely curtails them to some extent at least.
ernie lynch,
I think SF’s position is to call for a cross-border poll and re-unification would be achieved through a majority of people both north and south voting for it.
In relation to the union, I think we in Ireland in time will see the link broken whatever happens in Scotland. I’m not advocating voting for the SNP, however, if the union was weakened as a republican I could live with that.
I think unionists in the 6 counties realistically know that the sands of time are not with them, but they take comfort in the union not least from their Scottish brethren and to a lesser extent British culture.
The business community will vote where it makes economic sense. At the minute Ireland does not look attractive.
However, should things change with Scotland leaving and the economy in Ireland improves, unionists in that business community would feel no longer tied to the union and vote with their wallet.
I accept it’s not imminent, but I’m forever hopeful, regardless of whether Scottish people leave the union or not.
Long Game CSC.
Árd Macha
Tricoloured Ribbon
Ah…..a pint in the Dungloe Bar sounds the best thing in the world right now. Sadly I’m too far away……one day though…….
Enjoy your beer in Lovely Derry.
beatbhoy,
Fair enough. I guess they have been curtailed, but the last 5 years have been really tough.
I think in the north of Ireland our disposable income is about 1/3 of that in Britain. Fuel, and basic commodities are more expensive etc.
Árd Macha
A great article on The component parts to ‘fixing’ our game.
http://www.matchfixinganalytics.org/
HH
Árd Macha
11:10 on 1 May, 2015
The last time I read Republican News was at the height of the boom and I specifically remember the point being made in one of the articles that the unionist business class was looking across the border with some envy. I thought then 2016 might be a realistic date for reunification. Well, we all know what happened next.
As for Scotland’s place within the Union, I just can’t see it being a factor in the decision making process of the unionists. If anything I would have though Scotland leaving the UK would make them more resolute.
Ard macha
Well,I hope, like you, that this election doesn’t throw up a result that makes the next 5 years even tougher for people than they’ve been in the last 5.
I wasn’t aware of that disparity in disposable income.
Hail Hail!
tully57
11:10 on
1 May, 2015
Tricoloured Ribbon
Ah…..a pint in the Dungloe Bar sounds the best thing in the world right now. Sadly I’m too far away……one day though…….
Enjoy your beer in Lovely Derry.
i agree Tully,spent a hazy night in there a few years back,great wee pubs in that spot:-)
HH
I see the political stuff has started earlier than usual. Hail Hail Hebcelt
Árd Macha
11:13 on
1 May, 2015
========================
“I’m not advocating voting for the SNP, however, if the union was weakened as a republican I could live with that.”
You advocate the break up of one country yet the unification of your own???? I’m a republican too but have much much more in common with outwardly looking socialists the length and breadth of the UK than the inwardly looking SNP mate.
In other news, I’ve been dragged in to do a leg of the Belfast marathon on Monday, due to an injury. Of course it’s the longest (7.1 mile), but the worst thing is missing a Donegal weekend.
Ok lads it’s the start of the summer (Tús an tsamhraidh).
Enjoy.
Árd Macha
Friday night here……tunes time :)
TCR and proudbhoy
http://youtu.be/oE1CmgqYaOU
HH
The essential guide to Norwegian etiquette, in case Ronnie invites you to his log house.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/norway-country-profile.html
A view of what is going on in Baltimore at the moment.
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2015/04/29/david-simon-on-baltimore-s-anguish?ref=hp-1-121
HH
It’s the time of year that we all call for Celtic to get rid of the “deadwood” in the squad… Was there ever a time when we didn’t have any players surplus to requirements?
Bawsman,
I’m not advocating the breaking up of any country. I’m saying if the democratic wish of the Scottish people was to leave the union, from a selfish point of view, our objective in Ireland might be com more achievable.
If Labour do well, then hopefully that will keep the Tories out and I would happy with that.
I’m looking at the positives from my perspective on either outcome. An outcome we have little if any say in.
Árd Macha
HebCelt
how you doing? you down for the game tonight? a few i believe are gathering in the Blane Valley if you are around.
HH
Celtic manager Ronny Deila has no fresh injury worries for the Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee at Parkhead on Friday night.
Midfielder Charlie Mulgrew has made a good recovery from his hamstring tendon injury but is not quite ready and right-back Mikael Lustig (ankle) is still out.
The Hoops will become champions with a victory if Aberdeen fail to beat Dundee United on Saturday.
Dundee are without suspended striker Greg Stewart for the visit to Celtic Park following his red card against St Johnstone.
Midfielder Paul McGowan is unavailable because of his court-imposed curfew.
But Gary Harkins, Gary Irvine and Simon Ferry are all back from injury.
Teams:
Celtic (from): Gordon, Denayer, Matthews, Izaguirre, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Tonev, Bitton, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Johansen, Brown, Forrest, Commons, Scepovic, McGregor, Stokes, Wakaso, Griffiths, Guidetti, Fisher, Zaluska, Tierney.
Dundee (from): Bain, Konrad, McPake, Clarkson, Dyer, Thomson, Ferry, Gourlay, McBride, Wighton, P McGinn, S McGinn, Black, Gadzhalov, Harris, Heffernan, Davidson, McAlister, Harkins, Tankulic, Irvine, Letheren.
I see the political stuff has started earlier than usual. Hail Hail Hebcelt
Bawsman
11:24 on 1 May, 2015
Árd Macha
11:13 on
1 May, 2015
========================
“I’m not advocating voting for the SNP, however, if the union was weakened as a republican I could live with that.”
You advocate the break up of one country yet the unification of your own???? I’m a republican too but have much much more in common with outwardly looking socialists the length and breadth of the UK than the inwardly looking SNP mate.
___________________________________________________________
So Bawsman, from what you are saying you advocate independence for a country you don’t live in but not for the one you do live in? (I’m guessing you live in Scotland but if I am wrong apologies in advance). How does that work then?
ernie lynch
10:39 on 1 May, 2015
Árd Macha
10:30 on 1 May, 2015
As I understand it SF have accepted that Ireland will
only be reunited when a majority of people in the
north vote for it.
……
The problem for SF is 45% of the population are
Catholic, but just 25% regard themselves as Irish only ..
Even though people like to portray Scotland as religiously divided, especially Glasgow and the SW … Those figures illustrate the danger of trying to equate someone’s religion with political ideology.
Many Happy Returns to my favourite ever Celtic player.
Drumchapel’s finest son.
Daniel Fergus McGrain.
Delighted ratboy McCann bagged by Dunfermline
An Tearmann
It is indeed.
Took my Dad there a couple of years ago and we had a 1 night stop in Derry on way to West Donegal. Watched a Celtic game in there.
The old fella was taken back in time…..when he used to come over to Scotland to work in the 50’s, they got the Derry Boat. It was all West Donegal men from the Rosses & Gweedore.
Of the 2 establishments in Waterloo St, the Rosses men would go to one and the Gweedore men to another…..not sure of the respective names at that time but over time this custom led to the bars being called Dungloe and Gweedore!
tully
Brilliant part of the town which oozes character & history.
An Tearmann good thanks won’t make it tonight but my ticket has gone to a top CQNer. Will be down for the ICT game maybegrab a wee Rioja with you. Hail Hail Hebcelt
AT
Hope to catch you later. Be in toon at 3.30.
Tom McL
You and your family will be in my thoughts tonight.
God bless.
coolmore mafia
11:30 on 1 May, 2015
The essential guide to Norwegian etiquette, in case Ronnie invites you to his log house.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/norway-country-profile.html
###
Interesting. Is there an equivalent version for Scotland?
I notice it doesn’t mention the etiquette of using the word Quisling to describe your political opponents. Perhaps they use the word Donaldson instead.
Despite another 30 years of progress, I still haven’t seen a better full back than Danny McGrain.
These Brazilian full backs, Alves, Carlos etc – just about fit enough to clean his boots.
God bless you Danny.
I fancy Celtic to put on a show tonight.
The big question is: Wine or beer?
Árd Macha
BB
Hate to see anyone lose their job.
I will make an exception for McCann the snake.
When was the last time we faced an opponent who couldn’t field one of their first-pick players because he was under police curfew? Great stuff!
:-)))))
Just for you Mr Lynch.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/03/japanese-visitors-scottish-guidebook-etiquette
The Wakes……….The Myth of Return (live acoustic version)
https://youtu.be/HHX2j-AMhSk
HH
Árd Macha
11:33 on 1 May, 2015
Does anyone over there ever mention SF’s policy of abstentionism in relation to the implications for NI of another Tory government?
Read on Keith Jackson’s twitter page that the decision on the G & SL has been put back to next week. Any bets on the result coming on election day or when some woman has a baby ?
coolmore mafia
11:52 on 1 May, 2015
Just for you Mr Lynch.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/03/japanese-visitors-scottish-guidebook-etiquette
####
‘It implores readers not to approach “men in green or blue football tops”
Yeah because Celtic fans are going to give Japanese tourists a hard time.
What a fecking country.
ernie lynch,
The issue has had a good airing this election, moreso than any for a while. The SDLP have questioned the value of electing a SF MP because of their abstention policy.
SF have steadfastly refused to accept they should change it.
Árd Macha
Afternoon hoops
Here we go again
BV for quarter to five then on to paradise.
HH