Saturday 29 September 2012

Dilettante on Open Unionism: 'Loyal' is the hardest word

Two posts in one day! My OU piece today is a response to an article in the Irish Times (once a unionist paper, it reveals) on Ulster Day and the Covenant. Specifically, a section where the author tries to explain the Covenant (and one feels, by extension, unionism) without reference to the working classes, the union or British identity. Read it here.

Dilettante on The Student Journals: A Halfway-Foreign Fresher's


In my first TSJ contribution since returning to university, I branch out a little and offer an account of my experiences as a second-time Fresher and first-time Irishman. Please read it here.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Dilettante on Open Unionism: Never let evidence contradict a good narrative

In my next Open Unionism contribution, I take a look at a Guardian article offering a 'just you wait' response to the Mail on Sunday poll showing strong support for the Union amongst Scottish under-16s. Read it here.

Saturday 22 September 2012

Dilettante on Open Unionism: ‘One Ireland, One Vote’ displays a chauvinist nationalism that all democrats should oppose

In my latest Open Unionism contribution, I take aim at the James Connolly Society's 'One Ireland, One Vote' campaign and the chauvinist strain of nationalism that underpins it. Read it here.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Dilettante on HuffPost UK: No need for a post-Union Jack

My first article for the Huffington Post UK went up today, offering my thoughts on the apparent dilemma about what to do with the Union Jack in the event of Scottish independence. Please read it here.

Sunday 9 September 2012

Dilettante on the Nolan Show: Private Schools and BUPA

I took part in a debate on the Nolan show last night, responding to Lord Adonis' suggestion that Education Secretaries should not use private schools, nor Transport Secretaries cars. Predictably, I thought this was utter nonsense and had great fun saying so. Listen here.