RHI

Effects of the Stormont crash on bedroom tax mitigations…

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One of the notable features of that interview with the ‘naughty ministers’ on Newsline a couple of nights ago was Paul Given’s reference to the effect of forestalling of a functional budget, which follows Sinn Fein’s hasty (and unplanned) withdrawal. Here’s Digital View on the bedroom tax: A screening report published by the Department for Communities found that around 34,000 households could be affected by the policy, with average losses reaching up to £20.42 per week. Ms McCauley added: “Housing …

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O’Neill “We will not be re-nominating a Deputy First Minister before the election”

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A very declarative response to Arlene Foster has been issued by the Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill tonight; This is an act of desperation by the DUP. “If the DUP were serious about addressing the political crisis then Arlene Foster would have stepped aside a month ago as Martin McGuinness suggested privately to her. They refused to do so and arrogantly attempted to brazen out the public anger. “Arlene Foster did not remove herself from office, Martin McGuinness removed her to …

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Foster “While at this moment in time it may seem all hope is lost I still believe we can work to achieve better and brighter days ahead”

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The DUP Leader, Arlene Foster spoke today about launching an inquiry into the RHI scheme I indicated last evening that I am disappointed that Martin McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister.  Today the consequences of what has happened is that it is much more difficult to deal with the RHI problems which I want to see resolved in a way that restores public confidence. I very much regret that as politicians we have been unable to find a way through …

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“a strategy which now views the very presence of devolved government in Northern Ireland as a bargaining chip with the Government and with the DUP.”

| Readers 1990

In the News Letter, Sam McBride provides an astute assessment of the “profound consequences” of Sinn Féin’s decision to resign Martin McGuinness from the Northern Ireland Executive Office.  From the News Letter article   Mr Adams now appears to envisage yet another round of ‘crisis talks’ in Belfast in attempt to extract further concessions from the DUP and the Government, which Sinn Fein can then sell to its supporters in order to justify its continued position in a power-sharing arrangement …

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#ae17 in numbers

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SEVEN DAYS before institutions collapse; 5 MLAs per constituency means a minimum of 18 MLAs not returning to the Assembly; 30 is still the magic PoC number; £85,000 still the estimated daily cost to the tax payer of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Foster “Let me make it clear the DUP will always defend unionism”

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The now former First Minister, Arlene Foster has issued a brief response to Martin McGuinness; I am disappointed that Martin McGuinness has chosen to take the position he has today. His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our Government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI problems. It is clear that Sinn Fein’s actions are not principled they are political. Let me make it clear the DUP will …

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Sinn Fein lodge motion of no confidence in the Speaker

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The Sinn Fein Chief Whip, Carál Ní Chuilin has announced that the party has lodged a vote of no confidence in the Speaker of the Assembly, Robin Newton. Outlining the party’s rationale she says; We have lodged our motion of no confidence in Speaker Robin Newton. The performance in the Assembly on 19th December was a shambles and totally compromised the independence and integrity of that office. The Speaker should be above reproach and independently accountable to the political institutions. However, he …

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A Little Analysis of RHI Costs

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One of the significant publications that has been analysed, since the RHI issues have come to light, is the NIAO report.  One of the outputs of this report is a comparison of incentive payments from NI and GB RHI schemes for boilers that are operating under the following scenarios: Based on a 99kw biomass boiler running for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week and achieving 93% efficiency. Based on 99kw biomass boiler running 24 hours/day, 7 days/week achieving …

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“The whole issue has, unfortunately, become party political…”

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In the Belfast Telegraph, Conservative MP, Laurence Robertson, who chairs the House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs, asks some pertinent questions about the ‘crisis’ over the RHI scheme. What would [Arlene Foster’s] resignation achieve? Who would take over? Would this stabilise the workings of the Assembly and the Executive, or throw it into turmoil? If some parties want an inquiry held into the RHI, then fine. But by way of an analogy, if an inquiry were held …

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“Sinn Féin will bring this ongoing and totally unacceptable state of affairs to an end.”

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This is the latest statement from the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams… “The DUP leader has thus far refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report by an independent investigation into the RHI scandal. “If the first minister does not take the actions that society desires and deserves and which a sustainable process of change requires, then Sinn Féin will bring this ongoing and totally unacceptable state of affairs to an end.” Newton Emerson also noted this little detail… …

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D-Day brought forward? Inquiry or Investigation? Will it matter?

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After the First Minister gave an initial curt ‘No’ to Sinn Féin’s draft paper for an Independent investigation she has now given a more detailed and lukewarm response to the proposals: “However, with the exception of the issue of stepping aside, we believe that the proposals provided to us by Sinn Fein on Thursday and published by them today provide a basis for taking an investigation forward.“Officials have raised a number of technical issues in relation to the proposals, however …

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So just what the hell was the whole of last week all about?

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For Arlene, the patina of competence has fallen. Mike had a reasonable war. Colum started well but was eclipsed by Naomi. Without Martin, Sinn Fein gave the impression of individuals jostling for his succession. An independent investigation takes politics of the matter out of the hands of the Opposition. It won’t have power to compel witnesses. Mission complete.

“the two main parties are reverting to party politics and feathering their own nests”

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Looks like Daithi’s got an answer to his question for Clare Sugden. And it’s a pretty straight one: Claire Sugden said she favoured an independent probe into an initiative that has left Stormont with a £490 million bill but said she did not support calls for Ms Foster to step down while that investigation takes place. Ms Sugden also ruled out quitting her pivotal job – a move that would likely force the collapse of the Democratic Unionist/Sinn Féin led coalition. …

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Sinn Fein release proposed terms of reference for RHI investigation

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Sinn Fein released their proposed terms of references for an investigation into the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. The Opposition Parties were critical on Talkback with Naomi Long and Mike Nesbitt voicing concerns about the proposals While @mikenesbittni point about LCJ appointing chair rather than AG makes more sense still can’t see @duponline agreeing to terms — Allison Morris (@AllisonMorris1) January 6, 2017 The DUP response <blockquoteclass=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”> Asked by my colleague @FermanaghJulian if she’d accept @sinnfeinireland terms for inquiry @DUPleader …

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Light not heat should come as a result of RHI scandal

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As the clamour increases for the rolling of heads, even from those who find themselves within the proverbial glasshouse, it’s important to see what can be salvaged from the mess which is rapidly escalating on the Hill of Stormont.    The disintegration is underlined by the bellicose line from Arlene Foster who is trying to distract attention from her own mishandling of the RHI scheme and, in particular, the latest fall out, with bogus claims of ‘misogyny’ and a rather …

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“It might not take much to expose this as a vulnerable sort of robustness.”

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Missed this yesterday, which I’ll put down to a bad dose of man flu. It’s Newton Emerson in the Irish Times: In financial and administrative terms, RHI is hardly an unprecedented failure. Its loss is currently estimated at £490 million (€577m), spread over 20 years. Comparable sums have been squandered on other Stormont schemes and projects since devolution, with official reports revealing similar levels of incompetence. The annual loss from RHI, at just under £25 million (€29m), is mundane by …

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“[Women] need to be held accountable for their actions, just like any man. “

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Let’s just remember we’ve not seen the terms of an inquiry (remember, it’s not a line I’m in favour of) never mind the detail of what Ms Foster may be culpable for, but for now, I’m just putting this here: …you know what isn’t sexism? Facing valid criticism after overseeing a calamitous failure. It all reminds me of the Emily Thornberry debacle in September. The shadow foreign secretary was asked a relatively obscure but still relevant question in a Sky …

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#RHI: Finance Minister hints we need to buckle down for a fortnight (so bring popcorn)

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Here, go out and get the popcorn in. We’ve another two weeks of this free entertainment since Mairtin O Muilleoir confirmed to UTV’s Vicki Hawthorn tonight that he doesn’t like the cut of Simon Hamilton’s jib (even though he’s not even seen it yet): Finance Minister @newbelfast also says he doesn't think there is any chance the assembly will be recalled next week. @UTVNews — Vicki Hawthorne (@Vicki_Hawthorne) January 5, 2017 The most charitable conclusion about what’s going on at …

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An opportunity for Claire Sugden

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In yet another excellent piece for the Newsletter  Sam McBride highlights the fact that Claire Sugden, it appears, has the ability to call a public inquiry on RHI under the Inquiries Act 2005. Up until this point the East Derry MLA has managed to avoid much of the media focus that has engulfed other Executive parties. With the Attorney General’s Office making it clear that he cannot set up an investigation into the ‘Cash for Ash’ scheme it does appear …

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Has Simon Hamilton found a magic wand to make the RHI ‘deficit’ go away?

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So the misogyny line from Arlene this morning. I don’t want to spend too much time on it, because I’m with Jim Allister that it is just the latest in a line of distractions. It will take more than a self-serving Telegraph interview to clear Arlene Foster of RHI culpability https://t.co/sAOEys975N — Jim Allister (@JimAllister) January 4, 2017 But you only have to search twitter with the FM’s name and the sort of gross language most women politicians have to …

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