THERE were two attempts to silence local journalists over the week: one involved yet another threat of violence against Patricia Devlin, while the second – although more veiled, in the shape of an online petition – aimed to censor by demanding BBC Northern Ireland cancel The Stephen Nolan Show.
Let me be clear from the outset, I have only spoken to Stephen Nolan twice, once when I courteously refused an invitation onto his show, the second time in a lift travelling between floors in Broadcasting House in Belfast. I say this to clarify I have no personal interest when it comes to Nolan or his shows – what I write is what I believe.
The main accusation of the petition against Nolan is that his show is responsible for fuelling divisions within society. This is a perfect example of shooting the messenger because you don't like the message. It's ludicrous to blame the media for our problems and conveniently ignores the fact we're about to commemorate 100 years of division.
An alternative view is his show on Radio Ulster may act as a form of societal pressure valve, allowing the airing of resentments which would otherwise fester.
The second claim is he gives a platform to Loyalist paramilitaries or those "close to their thinking"; this only proves how short our collective memory seems to be. But for the courage of BBC NI journalists who defied Margaret Thatcher's ban on Sinn Fein, we may not be enjoying the peace we have today. And where will those who threatened journalist
Patricia Devlin most likely be held to account? My bet is on the Nolan Show.
Underlying the attacks on Nolan, what I pick up most is the twittering of the chattering class, for this is as much about class as it is politics or religion. What many don't like is the fact ordinary people are allowed a voice on the radio, speaking in their Ulster patois with poor grammar and abysmal elocution. Well, you know what, the people of the Shankill and Bogside pay exactly the same amount for their BBC licence as those on the Malone Road or in Holywood. Those people have a right to be heard and that is what the Nolan Show facilitates.
What's always baffled me is this: nobody is forced to listen to Nolan; all you need do is turn over or turn off. I find it hilarious that those complaining loudest have to be Nolan's most ardent listeners, helping him remain 'the biggest show in the country'. Go figure.
***
I DON'T think anyone was particularly surprised when Donald Trump escaped unscathed after his second impeachment trial last week. The only President to be impeached twice, Donald will, no doubt, be using this in upcoming speeches: "Nobody got as impeached as much as me, nobody. I'm the most impeached President in history, that's right, number one, always number one".
Even though Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell admitted Trump had been "morally responsible" for the storming of the Capitol on January 6, leading to the deaths of five people – one of them a police officer – he didn't vote to impeach. This has left the Grand Old Party (GOP) hostage to Donald and as morally bankrupt as one of his many failed companies.
The seven brave Republican senators who did break rank by voting to impeach faced immediate retribution, with Trump Jr tweeting "Let's impeach RINOs from Republican Party", using the insulting acronym 'Republicans In Name Only'.
Trump has made no secret of his intention to run again in 2024 and therefore will haunt the Republican party for the next three years. He will figure in every decision made by GOP politicians in both the Senate and Congress as they will forever be looking over their shoulders, worried equally about his validation or condemnation.
Having come within a whisker of usurping power, if re-elected, a re-invigorated Trump may prove even harder to dislodge from office – and that is a worry not just for the US, but the world.
***
AND finally, in an attempt to pre-empt rumours I've died, I'm announcing that after many happy years, I've decided to step down from The Blame Game on BBC NI. I wish Tim, Colin, Neil and the team every success going forward.
I will be spending my time annoying local politicians online and doing what I've always loved best – live comedy.
So, with a bit of luck and a vaccine, I'll hopefully see you at a local theatre next year, if not before.
