A woman of substance?
On Monday of this week Hilary Clinton as US Secretary of State arrived in Northern Ireland after her stop off in Dublin with all the usual entourage of security staff and media personnel, the only difference was there was none of the usual razzmatazz that accompanies these visits. As well as her gas guzzling motorcade and the 110 rooms she and her colleagues took over at the Europa Hotel the only notable thing for the citizens of Belfast was the traffic restrictions as she moved about. The great and the good were out in force to back slap, shake hands and generally smile in abundance for the cameras. Did she tell the good people of Northern Ireland anything new? Did she confirm any of the major investments spoken about so glowingly by US organisations last year? Did she confirm any new jobs for the unemployment black spots that are appearing across Northern Ireland day by day? The simple answer is NO. We must never turn our backs on our American cousins, irrespective of their political hue but surely the time has come for some straight talking that goes beyond the usual backslapping and cajoling that was so evident during this recent visit.


Wear it with pride
We are just four weeks away from November 11th when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the nation will stop in silence to remember the sacrifice of both World Wars. Sadly we will also remember the continuing sacrifice in subsequent conflicts including the victims of terrorism here in Northern Ireland.

This Remembrance Sunday many of us will recall the now all too familiar images of today’s heroes whose coffins draped in the Union Flag are flown home to RAF Lyneham. Over the past few years the people of Wooton Bassett have been joined by ever increasing numbers of ordinary folk as they stand shoulder to shoulder, still and quiet as another hero makes that last journey home. They stand alongside the standards of the Royal British Legion as they are lowered in silent tribute.

From the Great War to Afghanistan the Royal British Legion has always been there for those in need, whether it is fighting for a fairer pension, providing a financial grant or adapting an injured veteran’s home. It is at this time of year that the Poppy, the very symbol of Remembrance, is sold to support the work of the Royal British Legion. Please pause for a few moments and reflect on the words of the Kohima Epitaph – When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us and Say, For Their Tomorrow We Gave Our Today. Wear your poppy with pride.