From the "Northern Irish psyche" to fake news, Andrew Madden takes a closer look at some of the more unusual things in the Assembly and further afield this week.
During question time in the Assembly, there were some odd statements from the DUP's Paul Frew, who hit out at Stormont's Covid restrictions - which his party's ministers agreed to - as "draconian and undemocratic".
Given the draconian nature of the emergency powers and the undemocratic harm they are doing, the brutal impact of lockdown measures on mental health, suicide, self-harm, on isolation of our people, what work has the Executive undertaken to establish the true cost of the Executives undemocratic decisions? he asked.
The irony was not lost on deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who said as much, adding: I mean, the Executive has taken democratic decisions the whole way through the pandemic, the Executive has sought to work together to protect lives and livelihoods, the Executive and every minister sitting around that table is there to do right by the public which we serve."
During a sobering debate on gambling legislation, there were a few moments of levity. When Europhile MLA Matthew O'Toole revealed he placed a bet on Europe on the team's ill-fated Ryder Cup bid, he admitted: "Europe let me down - that is the first time that I will use that phrase in the Assembly chamber."
Meanwhile, when speaking about concerns over the Northern Ireland Protocol, Sinn Fein's Declan Kearney told the Assembly that negative portrayals of the impact of the protocol are "fake news". He said much of the narrative presenting the protocol as a bad thing "flies in the face of reality", adding that many business here were benefitting from the mechanism's dual access provision that enables Northern Ireland traders to sell goods unfettered in both the UK internal market and the EU single market.
TUESDAY
Tuesday saw Ulster Day 2021 and with it, a joint unionist statement outlining their opposition to the NI Protocol. Among the signatories were TUV leader Jim Allister and PUP leader Billy Hutchinson. Curious, as less than a week ago Mr Allister tabled a Bill which sought to ban political appointees with serious convictions from sitting on public bodies - specifically aimed at Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly due to his convictions for IRA activity. Curious, because Mr Hutchinson received a life sentence for his part in the UVF double murder of two Catholic workmen in 1974.
As Alliance leader Naomi Long put in a tweet: "That can't be Jim Allister with Billy Hutchinson after all his pontificating about former terrorists last week, can it?? So, let's see: not okay to serve on boards, but fine with Cllrs and sharing joint platforms. Before you @ me, I've no issue with Hutchinson.
The Assembly chamber was the scene of heated exchanges between the SDLP's Pat Catney and Health Minister Robin Swann, over a statement Mr Swann released in which he said parties advocating a vaccine passport scheme had, until recent days, shown no actual interest in the issue. One of those parties was the SDLP.
I have to say that I was extremely disappointed by the statement issued in your name today which appears to me to question the sincerity of my party on this issue and you may want to take this opportunity to reconsider your comments," Mr Catney said. In response to a written question on July 5, the minister said his department estimated 10.5m was needed for, amongst other things, features to support an Executive policy on domestic use of the Covid passport. Can you provide an update on the work that has taken place over the last three months?
Mr Swann replied: I am not sure where his anger comes from, but I will say, when I saw some commentary last night it reminded me of a line from a poem.
"Yesterday, upon a stair, I met a man who wasnt there."
Deputy speaker Roy Beggs had to intervene several times before things calmed down.
WEDNESDAY
Rising fuel prices were on the agenda, following chaotic scenes at the pumps across the water, however Northern Ireland was seemingly unaffected. Why might this be? Well, according to John Martin of the Road Haulage Association, it has something to do with the "Northern Irish psyche" that is allowing the region to escape the panic buying seen elsewhere in the UK.
When asked by the News Letter about the disparity, Mr Martin said: : Its maybe the Northern Irish psyche were just slightly more laid back... I dont think theres any other explanation.
There is no shortage of fuel in GB just there was a shortage of drivers. I think there was an issue in relation to a small number of filling stations.
That was picked up by the press and the public just went mad in buying more fuel than was needed, exacerbating the whole situation.
Wednesday also saw the announcement of long-awaited reforms of our archaic licensing laws, with venues now able to stay open later and rules relaxed over the Easter period. Cheers to that - it only took us 25 years to catch up with the rest of the UK.
Speaking of the rest of the UK, during the Labour Party conference in England, party leader Sir Keir Starmer had some choice words for the difference between him and PM Boris Johnson.
"Ive spent my entire working life trying to get justice done, Mr Starmer told delegates.
"In 2003, when I was working with the Policing Board of Northern Ireland, while I was learning up close how hard it is to make split-second life-and-death decisions in a riot. As I worked with the police to create a lasting institution in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement.
"Boris Johnson was a guest on Top Gear where, in reference to himself, he said to Jeremy Clarkson: you cant rule out the possibility that beneath the elaborately constructed veneer of a blithering idiot, lurks a blithering idiot.
THURSDAY
Thursday was a big day for the DUP, with its 50th birthday celebrations set for that evening at a Belfast hotel. One person who decided to turn down the invitation was former party leader Arlene Foster.
Asked about the news Mrs Foster will not be attending the event, also-former-leader (albeit for three weeks), Edwin Poots did not seem too bothered.
"It is entirely up to every individual as to what they choose to do. I'll be there and I'm certainly going to enjoy a celebration with very many good friends that I have built up over many years," he said. Was that a slight dig at the end?
Thursday morning also saw an interesting comment from the Health Minister at the Health committee. UUP MLA Alan Chambers spoke about the Covid vaccine, saying: Anybody has the right not to take the vaccine... I have no difficulty with that."
He added: I cant understand why so many people feel the need to actively campaign against vaccination.
Mr Swann responded: What concerns me is not just the level of opposition but its also the level of threat of violence that is actually being insinuated and targeted against a number of people both working in the health department and the vaccination programme.
Were now seeing a different level of antagonism."
The Health Minister should know, he was speaking after the police told him to review his security arrangements due to threats from anti-vaxxers.
FRIDAY
Friday is generally subdued in terms of politics in Northern Ireland, with the Assembly not sitting, however a decision by the Parades Commission to ban a district centenary parade from entering the Kilcoole area irked many unionists. None more so than the TUV, with party secretary Ron McDowell saying: "The Parades Commission have only ever served to be a tool utilised by republicans and there can be no place for the Commission in a Northern Ireland representative of all our citizens.
"It therefore comes as no surprise to hear this decision being welcomed by Gerry Kelly of Sinn Fein and Nichola Mallon of the SDLP. I am happy to go on record and state that the removal of the Parades Commission is a personal goal of mine going forward.
He urged everyone to protest against this ludicrous decision peacefully."
Read the original:
- [Webinar] #FreeSpeech: Perspectives from the UK and the US on Social Media Liability for Fake News, Damaging Content and Censorship - July 29th, 9:00... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Wake up, America; discount the fake news - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- People are injecting themselves with bleach because of fake news, says senior MP - Telegraph.co.uk [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Turning Fake News on its Head: Stalin Lives Again to Reveal Deep Truth - Canada NewsWire [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- MHA says migration during COVID-19 lockdown was triggered by fake news about its duration - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Fake news of Rafale crash circulated in Pakistan using bogus handles - THE WEEK [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Election fake news weekly report to monitor New Zealand campaigning - RNZ [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Think more, share less: How to avoid falling for misinformation, disinformation and fake news - KING5.com [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- 'The Social Dilemma': Netflix's documentary and what it means for startups - EU-Startups [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- With the election campaign underway, can the law protect voters from fake news and conspiracy theories? - The Conversation AU [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Technology has given amazing possibilities of communication but fake news remains a concern - India TV News [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Man falsely accused of shooting deputies received threats - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Letter: No need to rely on fake news and ignore good Trump news - Thehour.com [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Conspiracy mentality linked to the acceptance of fake news about science - PsyPost [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- We're launching an election-season ad campaign to fight fake news, and we need your help - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Investigative journalist will address 'fake news' in virtual talk - Ripon Commonwealth Press [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Misinformation Is Hyperlocal. Attempts to Counter It Should Be, Too. - Foreign Policy [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Beware of Fake News On City Council Races - Odessa American [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- 'Manipulated and fake': NTA rubbishes news claiming topper in ST category was given wrong 'failed' result in NEET - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- REFILE-'Not fake news:' COVID-19 cases surge in Wisconsin ahead of Trump campaign rally - Reuters [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Trump duped by fake news story of Twitter going down to protect Biden - Global News [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Poor numerical literacy linked to greater susceptibility to Covid-19 fake news - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Mboweni responds to reports of hard lockdown in SA: 'Fake news' - Briefly [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The steady growth of unreliable news sites is an addition to the list of terrible things that happened in 2020 - Digital Information World [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Problem posed by disinformation online increasingly serious, says BBC boss - The Independent [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Congress trolls trying to shield Rahul Gandhi left red faced after party confirms Wayanad MP is on vacation - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Hitting two birds with one stone: China develops fake news factories to fill the information vacuum and curb - DNA India [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The Hindu journalist accused of publishing fake news because his wife was not given insurance business: Details - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- A Tale as old as Time: Proliferation of 'fake news' may have even preceded the birth of Christ | Recto Mercene - Business Mirror [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The FBI, Comic Pros and the Fake News Controversy of the 1964 Election - Bleeding Cool News [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Actor Sushant Singh continues to share fake news, this time lies about the release of suspended cop DSP Davinder Singh - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- @RealSanta: Perfect Christmas expected at N. Pole, all that other stuff is 'Fake News' - KCAW [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- FAKE NEWS | SANDF denies claims that members' leave is cancelled due to Covid-19 surge - News24 [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Totally Not Fake News: Texans Stars Punished for Violation of COVID Protocols, Filing Appeal - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Alternative facts, witch-hunt, bigly: the Trump era in 32 words and phrases - The Guardian [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Conservative Twitter users dominate the discussion of fake news about the coronavirus, study finds - PsyPost [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Fake News Buster: Vaccines have only helped to save lives - Bangalore Mirror [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Covid fake news can be fatal, govts need to step in: Study - The Tribune India [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- CBSE Board Exam 2021: Only those passing Pre-Board to get admit card? Here's the truth - India TV News [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- The Ferguson Report: Fake news you can trust - The New Daily [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Media reports on closure of All India Radio stations are fake news: Prasar Bharati - Northeast Now [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Church cautions constituency not to be misled by fake news over Covid-19 vaccine - Independent Online [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Fake News Alert! The Viral Picture Of Anushka Sharma With Her Newborn Is A Stock Image - Mashable India [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Lena urges to stop spreading fake news; shares that she hasnt tested positive for COVID-19 - Times of India [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Why fake news is here to stay - Washington Times [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Fake US leg band gets pigeon a reprieve in Australia - ABC News [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Alarm in UK over fake news prompting non-whites to reject Covid vaccination - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- RRC commissioner vents at France, fake news and the woke [Opinion] - Houston Chronicle [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Totally Not Fake News: The Burning Question of Our Time - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Anyone can fall for 'fake news,' conspiracy theories: The psychology of misinformation - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Level 4 lockdown message on WhatsApp slammed as fake news - IOL [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- "The suggestion street races will not take place are completely wrong"- F1 calls Monaco GP cancellation... - The Sportsrush [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Ravish Kumar apologises for spreading fake news about paddy procurement by govt after letter to NDTV by PIB: Here is what he said - OpIndia [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- NAACP says Viral Warnings About Threats of Violence is "Fake News" - caribbeannationalweekly.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Rob Lowe on Whether That Prince Harry Ponytail Story Was 'Fake News' - Extra [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- On the Record, Jan. 16, 2021: Media and fake news - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Fake news and science denier attacks on vaccines. What can you do? - DocWire News [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- How will the EU's new act deal with online lies and fake news? law - RTE.ie [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake News and Kashmir Media - Brighter Kashmir [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Pupils will learn how to spot fake news on Safer Internet Day - On The Wight [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Andy Farrell dismisses predictions of Ireland canter in Cardiff as fake news - Irish Mirror [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- DNA exclusive: Prakash Javadekar`s first reaction on fake news - Zee News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion: QAnon, conspiracy theories are no joke - DW (English) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- TikTok adding new features to stop fake news and misinformation spreading - Dexerto [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- DNA exclusive: Anurag Thakur`s first reaction on fake news - Zee News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion: Fake news, pandemic, evolving job market a liberal education is needed more than ever - Calgary Herald [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Gangland criminals spreading expensive fake news, garda warn - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake news and conspiracy theories risk to vaccine roll-out in Dudley - Stourbridge News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- LIVING IN THE AGE OF FAKE NEWS - DAWN.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake news? No, it really is Macquarie Dictionarys word of the decade - Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion | Social media sites need to monitor fake news - UI The Daily Iowan [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Journalist identities hijacked to spread fake news - Axios [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Verified Twitter Users Shared an All-Time-High Amount of Fake News in 2020 - PCMag [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Totally Not Fake News: The Great Debate Within the Houston Texans Front Office - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake: Govt is not giving Rs 1.2 lakh to employees who have worked between 1990-2021 - Oneindia [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Himansh Kohli Opens Up About His Angry Reaction to the Fake News of Apologising to Ex Neha Kakkar - Yahoo India News [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news about train ticket fares being doubled: Here is the truth - OpIndia [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Is Facebook responsible for launching the concept of "fake news"? Film Daily - Film Daily [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Min cautions against fake news after 'assault' - The Shillong Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Opinion | Dont Go Down the Rabbit Hole - The New York Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]