Northern Ireland: Have your say

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On Sunday 17 June 2007, in Politics Show from Northern Ireland Jim interviewed the ex-Prime inister, John Major about his role in the early days of the Peace Process.

The Ulster unionist MLA for North belfast, Fred Cobain, and Ciaran Mulholland of the 'We Won't Pay' campaign took part in a studio diascussion of the recent floods.

Here are some of your comments...

The people who allegedly couldn't afford house insurance had plasma screens, leather sofas and garden furniture that I can't afford.
Anon

Will this £1000 handout only be given to those who have no house insurance? Ivor,
Maghera.

No-one is looking at a partial solution to flash floods. Make the £1000 contingent on installing a water butt in each of the affected homes.
Anon

We need an up-to-date water system but not run by a private company.
Anon

Major was obstructionist and weak, his policies brought further death and bombings.
Anon

How many people who could not afford insurance at £10 a month have Sky TV at £35 a month?
Anon

What was the money spent on if it wasn't spent on water in the past?
Chris.

The flood disaster still does not justify double charge. The intended tourist fund for Belfast city centre could be redirected.
PJ, Derry.

Canary Wharf changed policy alright. They went begging to the IRA.
Anon

Jim and John have the same suit shirt and tie. Was this arranged in advance?
Philip.

Metering is the only fair way so that people pay for exactly what they use.
Robert, Tobermore.

Blair would be happy to see Major written out of the story altogether.
Phil, Lisburn.

Major was too cold and British to get peace.
Micky

The result of Brit policy is quasi-fascism in Northern Ireland.
Philip.

The Tory government has the blood of thousands on their hands.
Jim, a loyalist.

I'm fairly neutral but mistakes have been made in our past, mistakes that have cost and destroyed lives. We can never forget our past, but don't dwell on it.
Pat.

John Major always asked when republicans would ever learn. When will the British ever learn the IRA were not paramilitaries. They were our defence.
Toirealach.

The Assembly is dead in the water.
Stephen Palmer.

Sinn Fein/IRA kill people. They should not have anything to do with politics then, or now.
Anon

I'd love to go into politics but I've never owned a balaclava.
Tony, Holywood.

We don't need a prime minister, one less wage to pay!
Anon

John Major could have brought peace years ago. Eight years of blood and tears because of his party's arrogance.
Anon

Once again, the British template of divide and conquer has rung true. So-called republicans implementing water rates! United Ireland closer?
Kevin, Warrenpoint.

Where are the LVF's guns?
Billy, Ballymena.

Home insurance should be made compulsory. If people can find the money to pay the TV licence they can afford home insurance.
Anon

The British government has neglected Northern Ireland for decades. The new Executive needs to get Gordon Brown to pay up for years of neglect.
Anon

What nonsense! House insurance can be obtained for £200 a year. I'll bet most of these houses have plasma TVs & all mod cons.
Anon

That mortar bomb was so close. Dungannon republican
Anon

I don't mind paying for what I use but I think it's grossly unfair to pay by the size of your house. Are we going to pay our BT and electric by the rateable value?
Anon

I am just above the borderline, but it would never occur to me not to insure my 12 year-old car, never mind my £180,000 plus home.
Anon

I think it's time for Ireland to be reunited for peace. After all the six counties were Irish and always will be.
John, Strabane.

I notice east Belfast gets payouts for water damage. What about Derry a few years ago?
Anon

Oxygen and water are basic rights of life and should b available to all without charge.
Anon

Major started the peace process and deserves more credit.
Anon

Pity Major wasn't so active in the Balkans.
Anon

It's a pity John Major wasn't still prime minister. At least we wouldn't have terrorists in government now.
Anon

It would be all over now if John Major met McGuinness and Adams.
Joe, Belfast.

£1000 is not enough for flood damage. It would hardly pay for a sweep and mop up The local authorities are always kicking the poor in the head.
Anon

The dogs in street knew it: take the war to the mainland and they will talk.
Anon

The British government never went begging to the IRA. They realised they would never win the war with guns.
Anon

Major is wrong, the IRA fought for 20 years and won.
Anon

The IRA will never change, nor will us Prods.
Anon

The PSNI are a paramilitary group. They are corrupt and dangerous.
Anon

Does it matter how it happened? Just thank God it did.
Anon

The IRA were bullies and when the UVF and UFF hit back they called the ceasefire.
Anon

I wish the general public knew how many PSNI officers are in counselling due to dirty deals they are witnessing at work and the way the force is treating them.
Anon

Ireland shall never be at rest until it is free.
Peter, Dungiven.

Canary wharf could do with another bomb. I'm there most days and I'm sick of the sight of it.
Billy, London

The people of Ireland and Northern Ireland should be ashamed of what has happened.
Andy, Belfast.

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