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David McCann

@dmcbfs.bsky.social
2.9K followers 272 following 349 posts

Lecture, Write & Commentate about Politics & Elections. Columnist with @irish_news All musings are my own.

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Reposted by David McCann
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 7h
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty and Crossmaglen councillor Pete Byrne will go head-to-head for their party’s Assembly election nomination in Newry and Armagh on Thursday night.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Justin McNulty faces showdown with Crossmaglen councillor at SDLP Newry and Armagh selection convention
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty and Crossmaglen councillor Pete Byrne will go head-to-head for their party’s Assembly election nomination in Newry and Armagh on Thursday night.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 9h
Was on #BBCRedLines discussing the potential electoral implications of Drumcree with @sjamcbride.bsky.social @markcarruthers7.bsky.social and Gareth Gordon www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Red Lines - Drumcree: The Winners? - BBC Sounds
Who are the political winners and losers from the Drumcree dispute?
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Reposted by David McCann
UK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"The crisis underscores the precarious nature of the power-sharing settlement in Northern Ireland". @conorjkelly.bsky.social and @colinmurray.bsky.social consider how the recent events at Drumcree could impact the functioning of the Executive in Northern Ireland. ukandeu.ac.uk/what-happens...
ukandeu.ac.uk
What happens next if power sharing at Stormont collapses over Drumcree? - UK in a changing Europe
Conor J. Kelly and Colin Murray discuss what would happen next if one of the major parties pulled out of the Stormont...
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 19h
25% of voters have already cast their ballots in Quebec ahead of polling day next week. Another example of why making it easier to vote work.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
If this does come about it could have a transformative impact on WM elections in NI. The conversations about Unionist pacts would be totally altered and it could mean quite different results from what ppl are forced into under FPTP.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Quebec heads to the polls in a few days. Parti Québécois looks set to return to power as the final polls are released.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The 12th will be a holiday in a United Ireland. Not sure why anyone would realistically oppose it, even if you don't agree with the outcome of the event.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I have watched tense, difficult debates in the Assembly chamber, but the matter of the day on Drumcree is up there. I haven't seen the DUP and Sinn Féin at each other like that in a long time. It's hard to see how these parties can govern together until May.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If the Executive collapsed and the SofS were minded to call an election. What potential dates could there be? Looking at dates (depends on when it would collapse). 26th Nov 3rd Dec 10th Dec
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Reposted by David McCann
The Journal @thejournal.ie · 27/09/2026
'Too much is at stake'. The Armagh Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops have jointly urged that an inclusive resolution to the 'crisis' in Drumcree be found jrnl.ie/7175074
jrnl.ie
Catholic and Protestant archbishops jointly urge resolution to Drumcree 'crisis'
The two Armagh archbishops, Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell, released a joint statement.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This Act might be getting re-read over the coming days if a collapse of the institutions is on the cards www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/4...
legislation.gov.uk
Northern Ireland Act 1998
An Act to make new provision for the government of Northern Ireland for the purpose of implementing the agreement reached at multi-party talks on Northern Ireland set out in Command Paper 3883.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzZt...
youtube.com
UUP Leader Jon Burrows on Unionist Unity, DUP Talks & Reforming Stormont
YouTube video by Stormont Sources
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Looks like the Parti Québécois is heading back to power in Quebec. Could be just shy of a majority. www.thewrit.ca/p/the-writs-...
thewrit.ca
The Writ's Quebec Election Tracker
Tracking the polls and projecting likely outcomes of the Oct. 5 election in Quebec
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
SDLP have not held this seat since 2011. The constituency is a really interesting one becoming more commuter belt and diverse. www.irishnews.com/news/norther...
irishnews.com
SDLP selects former UUP councillor Linzi McLaren as South Antrim Stormont candidate
The former policewoman quit the Ulster Unionists and her council seat just a year ago
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
SDLP are on just over 0.6 of a quota in Newry and Armagh. They cannot afford a divide in that vote www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politic...
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Justin McNulty digs in after SDLP leadership pushes Upper Bann move
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has rejected a leadership offer to abandon his Newry and Armagh constituency and run in Upper Bann in next year’s Assembly election.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
@grobinsondup.bsky.social had to give the speech of his life at the DUP conference today. This was by far his best leadership performance. Relaxed on stage, and the delegates were clearly engaged.
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Reposted by David McCann
David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Can the SDLP Win Back Voters From Sinn Féin?| Live from the SDLP conference" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=8TcW... Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen
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Reposted by David McCann
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 18/09/2026
A former UUP councillor will contest North Antrim for the DUP in May’s Assembly election in a bid to reclaim the seat it lost to Alliance in 2022. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politic...
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Can the SDLP Win Back Voters From Sinn Féin?| Live from the SDLP conference" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=8TcW... Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The DUP is in the fight of its political life. Has Gavin Robinson got a plan? www.irishnews.com/opinion/davi...
irishnews.com
David McCann: The DUP is in the fight of its political life. Has Gavin Robinson got a plan?
DUP leader doesn’t need the party’s greatest hits to recapture the agenda – he needs a new album entirely
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Would add, I think Burrows doing this is incredibly smart. Looks on the front foot, proactive and confident and I say that as a Nationalist. If O'Neill accepts she shows confidence in her own position. The status quo can always sit back, the change argument always has to seize opportunities.
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Reposted by David McCann
Plaid Cymru @plaidcymru.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Our nations have the right to determine their own futures ✊ Today, Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin commit to working together to build a fairer future for our nations and the communities we represent ❤️
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
At the SDLP conference today, hosting Stormont Sources with @otoolematthew.bsky.social @sineadforfoyle21.bsky.social
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
@clairehanna.bsky.social "change is happening, whether some parties here want to acknowledge it or not. Presidents change. Governments change. The world changes."
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Reposted by David McCann
Virgin Media News @virginmedianews.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Donald Trump says he would “love” to see a united Ireland. Speaking alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House, the US President added: “I don’t want to cause any problems.” More on Virgin Media PLAY and #VMNews
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Reposted by David McCann
Wiseabap @wiseabap.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Closes tomorrow- 5 PM! www.communityni.org/job/campaign...
communityni.org
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
An Assembly reform: Members ' statements should be limited to once per week.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Stephen was such a decent and warm person. He had a great depth of knowledge about politics and history. Always helpful and encouraging. Condolences to his family and his many friends. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Former BBC NI Political Correspondent Stephen walker dies
During a high-profile career at the BBC for three decades, he was an investigative reporter on the Spotlight programme, as well as being both London correspondent and political correspondent.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
I walked the relatively newly opened Newry to Carlingford Greeenway today. During the 1990s, I holidayed there as a child, and what a transformation of that part of the island.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Stormont, Hospital Closures & Parades Commission: Claire Sugden Interview | Stormont Sources" Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/davi...
irishnews.com
David McCann: It’s time to end the ‘neverendum’ and set rules for an Irish border poll
If Northern Ireland is staying in the UK or on the way out of it, it would be good to know how a vote is actually triggered
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Reposted by David McCann
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 01/09/2026
The Executive is running out of time to pass key legislation before the Assembly dissolves ahead of next year’s election, it has been warned, with nine flagship policies still awaiting to be tabled.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Executive running out of time to deliver on key priorities, new report warns
The Executive is running out of time to pass key legislation before the Assembly dissolves ahead of next year’s election, it has been warned, with nine flagship policies still awaiting to be tabled.
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Reposted by David McCann
David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
sluggerotoole.com/2026/08/15/j...
sluggerotoole.com
Join us for the Slugger Big Day Out in Cushendun on the 26th of Sept…
Slugger is leaving the city behind and heading to the picturesque seaside village of Cushendun. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Glens of Antrim, our venue for the day will be the historic Old Chu...
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Reposted by David McCann
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 31/08/2026
A former DUP councillor has joined the Ulster Unionists and will run for the party in South Belfast and Mid Down in next year’s Assembly election.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
‘I see it as coming home’: Former DUP councillor joins UUP in big boost for Burrows
Dr Kathryn Owen will run for the party in South Belfast and Mid Down in next year’s Assembly election
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
One Day, Two Elections: Why Northern Ireland’s 2027 Council Elections Matter www.brownoconnor.com/news-insight...
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I would have been more shocked if he had said he was open to ideas about it. 30-plus Labour seats in Scotland. He cannot be open to this in NI and deny it there. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham says a united Ireland poll is 'off the table' during first NI visit
Andy Burnham said "we need to fix the things right in front of us in the here and now".
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Upper Bann is one of the most competitive constituencies in NI. The last two seats are all within a few hundred votes of each other.
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Reposted by David McCann
Siobhán McElduff @siobhanmcelduff.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I am looking for someone to go or who is planning to go to the Irish National Archives in Dublin and take a photograph of some records they hold in the outrage papers. Not urgent at all, and I will pay, of course. #spéirghorm #speirgorm
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Reposted by David McCann
Dr Adam Evans @a-b-evans.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Interesting piece by @dmcbfs.bsky.social on Sinn Féin’s polling decline, the difficulties they’ve faced in implementing their policy agenda and the importance of choosing ministries carefully at Stormont #Stormont #Devolution
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/davi...
irishnews.com
David McCann: Sinn Féin need to learn lesson of choosing wrong Stormont departments
Michelle O’Neill’s party made strategic mistakes in this mandate
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The next Health Minister will be the 9th person to hold the office since 1999. Also, the 4th from the UUP to hold the role (should they pick it again).
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
sluggerotoole.com/2026/08/15/j...
sluggerotoole.com
Join us for the Slugger Big Day Out in Cushendun on the 26th of Sept…
Slugger is leaving the city behind and heading to the picturesque seaside village of Cushendun. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Glens of Antrim, our venue for the day will be the historic Old Chu...
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Reposted by David McCann
Gavan Reilly @gavreilly.com · 14/08/2026
With both the Fleadh and Féile last week, Belfast was hopping – and the nationalist community there feeling more empowered vibrant than ever. So why hasn't that fed through to its politics – and why is there open touting of Stormont being pulled down again? This week's column for @thejournal.ie:
thejournal.ie
Gavan Reilly: 37% of the time, Stormont hasn’t existed
Stormont is stuck in a malaise, with both lead parties ebbing in the polls, and new fears of another collapse. How has it come to this?
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Is Stormont Heading For Collapse? Live In Derry | Stormont Sources Podcast" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=MOrz... Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen
youtube.com
Is Stormont Heading For Collapse? Live In Derry | Stormont Sources Podcast
YouTube video by Stormont Sources
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Reposted by David McCann
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 06/08/2026
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn has been selected by the party to run in the 2027 Assembly election in North Down. He said the “Alliance surge” of 2022 played a part in the Greens being wiped out in the Assembly, but the party was “very confident” of winning in North Down next year.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Green Party candidate hits out at Alliance as he says ‘surge’ has been ‘squandered’
Belfast councillor Anthony Flynn claims frustrated voters now ready to embrace his party after being consistently let down at Stormont
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Today's @irishnews.com column As the debate around reform of the institutions gathers momentum, this is an issue that, no matter your preferred constitutional destination, everyone has a stake in contributing to. Read here: www.irishnews.com/opinion/davi...
irishnews.com
David McCann: The warning signs of another Stormont collapse are there
We need to rethink how we govern ourselves and how we can make it fit for purpose
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Reposted by David McCann
Gavan Reilly @gavreilly.com · 03/08/2026
With so much going on in Belfast today - across both the Féile and Fleadh - great to have not alone a full house but an overflow room in St Mary’s
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Great to chair the Let's Talk Politics panel at Féile an Phobail again this year with such a great crowd. We had a great panel:Chris Donnelly, @gavreilly.com & @saraita101.bsky.social going through the big topics in politics, border polls, the performance of the Executive & the Irish government.
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David McCann @dmcbfs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Doug Beattie: Leaving the UUP, Toxic Politics & Running as an Independent" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=aGzLy3… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen
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