Maskey To Stand Aside in South Belfast

[5intheface]

Sinn Féin election candidate in South Belfast, Alex Maskey has decided decided to withdraw from the Westminster poll to assist SDLP incumbent Alasdair McDonnell to retain the seat.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politi...nd/8632730.stm

Maskey has said the decision is to ensure a Nationalist victory in the constituency. It will now put pressure on the SDLP to reconsider its position in Fermanagh South Tyrone. Mind you, anyone who had the misfortune to witness Fearghal McKinney's woeful performance against Gerry Kelly on The Politics Show might wonder why someone so obviously clueless about the game is standing in the first place but that's just my take on it.

So, is this the same sectarian head-count policy that the Unionists were condemned for last week and should the SDLP stoop to conquer in FST?

[Sam Lord]

Why don't the Shinners just merge with the stoops .... i can't really see what separates them at this stage...

[truth.ie]

Why don't the Shinners just merge with the stoops .... i can't really see what separates them at this stage...

I've asked Shinners this question many times.
The only difference they can identify is that "Sinn Fein is the only All Ireland Republican party" (which they're not of course).
Ideologically there is no difference.
National Question? No difference.
Historical baggage is the main difference I would see. But thats history.
I'm guessing, like all potential mergers, it a clash of egos.

[Sam Lord]

I've asked Shinners this question many times.
The only difference they can identify is that "Sinn Fein is the only All Ireland Republican party" (which they're not of course).
Ideologically there is no difference.
National Question? No difference.
Historical baggage is the main difference I would see. But thats history.
I'm guessing, like all potential mergers, it a clash of egos.

The new entity could All Ireland. Why not?

It could be called the All Ireland Social and Democratic Labour Party (Sinn Fein).

Could even give them boost in the 26 from those who would never trust the Shinners on their own and consider them not long enough disinfected.

[Kid Ryder]

I've asked Shinners this question many times.
The only difference they can identify is that "Sinn Fein is the only All Ireland Republican party" (which they're not of course).
Ideologically there is no difference.
National Question? No difference.
Historical baggage is the main difference I would see. But thats history.
I'm guessing, like all potential mergers, it a clash of egos.

If they merge now, SF has to pay some kind of bride-price to the SDLP relics. Much better to wait a little while and pick up all the remaining Stoop electoral assets for free. That'd be my take on it.

[electionlit]

So Sinn Fein are calling the SDLPs bluff in FST.
If the SDLP dont withdraw will Shinners still vote for McDonnell in South Belfast?

[mutley]

So Sinn Fein are calling the SDLPs bluff in FST.
If the SDLP dont withdraw will Shinners still vote for McDonnell in South Belfast?

I don't think anyone is expecting SF voters to vote for the SDLP in South Belfast.

[Cáthasaigh]

The stoops won't stand aside in FST, why should they? People will be surprised by the vote that McKinney gets.

[moss]

I don't think anyone is expecting SF voters to vote for the SDLP in South Belfast.

The only reason there is a stoop MP in south Belfast is because of SF votes.

Do you honestly believe that SF only have 2500 odd votes in south Belfast ? Seriously ?

If AMcD holds his seat it will be because of republican votes. No ifs no buts.

The stoops and me Fein are pathetic compared to the republican/nationalist strategic voting in the constituency.

[moss]

The stoops won't stand aside in FST, why should they? People will be surprised by the vote that McKinney gets.

McKinney is a tube. I'd rather vote Connor tbh.

[Pat De Baker]

The only reason there is a stoop MP in south Belfast is because of SF votes.

Do you honestly believe that SF only have 2500 odd votes in south Belfast ? Seriously ?

If AMcD holds his seat it will be because of republican votes. No ifs no buts.

The stoops and me Fein are pathetic compared to the republican/nationalist strategic voting in the constituency.

Lower Ormeau & Markets is about the only areas of South Belfast which you could call SF turf.....

I'd be very surprised to see alot of these areas even go out and vote SDLP come election day. I wouldn't be comfortable with a safe SDLP seat yet.

DUP & UUP fighting a great election here. Paula Bradshaw working tirelessly in getting round everyone. She'll be hindered by being not known and actually from Jordanstown.

[moss]

Lower Ormeau & Markets is about the only areas of South Belfast which you could call SF turf.....

I'd be very surprised to see alot of these areas even go out and vote SDLP come election day. I wouldn't be comfortable with a safe SDLP seat yet.

DUP & UUP fighting a great election here. Paula Bradshaw working tirelessly in getting round everyone. She'll be hindered by being not known and actually from Jordanstown.

Pat that area has changed big time.
SF have votes all the way up to Carryduff. Not massive amounts but growing. The writing is on the wall..........literally. As far as Forestside is now a nationalist ward.
Sunnyside St ? Top of the Ravenhill ?

I stand by the fact that AMcD only got his seat through tactical voting.
Unionists use pacts. Nationalists use tactics.

In no way am I saying that it's a safe SDLP seat but if they do hold it, it will be because of SF votes (and an apathetic unionist vote)

[Pat De Baker]

In no way am I saying that it's a safe SDLP seat but if they do hold it, it will be because of SF votes (and an apathetic unionist vote)

Forgot about Boundary changes....

But come on - I'm just afte talking to one of the biggest SF members in the Markets and he will give his vote to Lo. He'll be working North Belfast on the day getting the SF vote out.

I cann't see McDonnell getting much of the SF vote. Alot of anger that they didn't work together on FST

[moss]

Forgot about Boundary changes....

But come on - I'm just afte talking to one of the biggest SF members in the Markets and he will give his vote to Lo. He'll be working North Belfast on the day getting the SF vote out.

I cann't see McDonnell getting much of the SF vote. Alot of anger that they didn't work together on FST

There's your mistake.

You think a senior sinner will tell you he's voting stoop ? He'd rather stick pins in his eyes.

The SDLP got in last time because of nudge nudge wink wink.
No sinner admits to voting stoop.

Tactical voting not honest voting. We've been at it for years.

[mutley]

There's your mistake.

You think a senior sinner will tell you he's voting stoop ? He'd rather stick pins in his eyes.

The SDLP got in last time because of nudge nudge wink wink.
No sinner admits to voting stoop.

Tactical voting not honest voting. We've been at it for years.

Have you any proof of this is SB?