Author Archives: Stephen Shellard

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About Stephen Shellard

I am a retired College lecturer, having worked originally in supported programmes but latterly having taught social science subjects, Psychology and Politics, though my degree was in Sociology. I am from Newry in Northern Ireland, but now live in Dumfries in South West Scotland. https://carruchan.wordpress.com/about/

The Liberal Democrats and the Art of the Impossible

“I think I am quite different to the other leaders.”  So said Jo Swinson at the launch of the Liberal Democrat manifesto. [20N0v2019] “They’ve all got an outlook which is very much harking back to the past, whether that’s the … Continue reading

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Boris versus Jeremy

There are I think moments when a leader should stand on principle. There are however other moments when they should listen and be led; this is such a moment.
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Public control of a full fibre network and the implications for our freedoms

I have just been listening to Claire Fox of the Brexit Party on Any Questions [15Nov2019].  She strongly opposes  Labour’s Policy to take BT Open Reach into public ownership and embark on a plan to roll out a full fibre … Continue reading

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Conservatism – A Hopeless Case

I am certainly not a fan of those citizenship tests widely advocated by conservatives for new migrants. Just let them get on with it, I say, and by the time the second generation has matured they will be as distinctively British in their own way as Grayson Perry or Punk Rock Continue reading

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The Unborn will not be Celebrating

“The unborn will not be celebrating.”  So said Arlene Foster as legislation permitting abortion was introduced to Northern Ireland.   It is unsurprising that people who hold religious beliefs should argue against abortion:  however the implication that the unborn might have … Continue reading

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The Uncertainties of Climate Forecast

It would appear that Boris Johnston does not share the sense of emergency regarding climate change as  felt by the youthfully inspired Extinction Rebellion, who he shrugged off early this week as “Uncooperative crusties!”     His father Stanley, by … Continue reading

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The Production of Money: How to Break the Power of Bankers

This book by Ann Pettifor is a clearly written explanation of how the financial system can be used, to activate or redirect the resources of the state in favour of whatever great project may be deemed important. Her arguments are … Continue reading

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Letter to Alistair Jack MP

My MP, Alistair Jack, recently wrote to me, and other constituents,  explaining why it was his intention to support Teresa May’s deal.  The full text of his letter may be found here. In his letter he argues  against a second … Continue reading

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Brexit, Confusion, Fanaticism and Democracy

Having previously advocated a second referendum on the Brexit deal, it is gratifying to see growing support for the idea; yet something concerns me:   enthusiasts for a second referendum seem more concerned with overturning the 2016 vote than with achieving … Continue reading

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Brexit – A way out of the impasse.

On March 11th 2017 I suggested that, following the finalisation of a Government deal on Brexit, there should be a preference based referendum offering choices between deal, no deal and remain.  At the time of posting this suggestion I was … Continue reading

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