Matthew Shanks
@matthew_shanks1
21│Politics Graduate│@duponline│Views my own
“The world is in revolt. Soon there will be only five Kings left: the King of Clubs, the King of Diamonds, the King of Hearts, the King of Spades, and the King of England” - Farouk I of Egypt. God Save the King! 🇬🇧
POLL: ‘Do you think the monarchy should remain in place or be abolished?’ Percentage of people who said ‘remain in place’ by age group: 18-24: 55% (+8) 25-34: 52% (+3) 35-44: 53% (-7) 45-54: 66% (+6) 55-64: 76% (+5) 65+: 82% (+5) Via @JLPartnersPolls.
Fair play to Alanna for expressing her views. There are, thankfully, ways around paywalls (I’ve said before that the Bel Tel isn’t worth a subscription anymore). That aside, my school taught such things from when I started at 11. Nobody was interested bar myself.
So proud of my 17-year-old daughter Alanna who has her first newspaper article published today. She writes in @BelTel that if 16-year-olds are to be able to vote, then political education must begin in our schools at 11. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/commen…
Ogra Sinn Fein are an absolute hoot. Every time they pull off this kind of nonsense they interview their own people. They did it before when they asked questions to the QUB Sinn Fein chair, and at the end of this video they ask questions to Pat Sheenan, one of their own MLAs!
We were out today at Belfast City Hall asking people their opinions on Irish unity and a citizens’ assembly. Tá sé in am anois ag Rialtas na hÉireann a bheith dáiríre faoiathrú bunreachtúil. We call on the Irish Government to establish a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish Unity.🇮🇪
The SDLP Deputy Lord Mayor taking part in an un-notified parade and sit down protest causing disruption to the City showing disregard for those going about their business. The SDLP’s audacious behaviour and hypocritical stance knows no bounds.
Joined tonight’s protest at Erskine House and up to City Hall as the people of Belfast came together to demand an end to government complicity of genocide in Gaza. It was a wall of noise 📢 We will not be silent while children are bombed and starved. 🇵🇸✊ #EndTheGenocide
Took part in an un-notified parade? Seems to be a habit with the SDLP lately but they have the audacity to complain about a legal, notified community parade led by children in North Belfast because it was apparently intimidating. 🤷🏻♀️ Tonight’s protest culminated in a sit down…
Joined tonight’s protest at Erskine House and up to City Hall as the people of Belfast came together to demand an end to government complicity of genocide in Gaza. It was a wall of noise 📢 We will not be silent while children are bombed and starved. 🇵🇸✊ #EndTheGenocide
The Belfast Telegraph/Sunday World reporting that the displaying of a Palestine flag at my Ulster University graduation “drew thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.” Wrong! It was a loud and tiny minority making hollow noise! A sad attempt at ‘protest!’
An insightful article detailing the increasingly hostile attitude of media outlets towards unionists. Many young unionists will know very well the vitriol directed towards them for simply expressing their views. The question remains, why aren’t others calling it out?
Orange Order and unionists generally have faced 'deeply unfair' treatment in the media says MLA: newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/…
Our Deputy Leader, Michelle McIlveen MLA, is right to highlight this. Frequently lambasted for doing so, the DUA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that our voice is heard on Queen’s University campus. Where unfair criticism is levied, we’ll call it out.
Orange Order and unionists generally have faced 'deeply unfair' treatment in the media says MLA: newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/…
The commentary surrounding Portrush’s annual band parade was deeply disappointing. Enjoyed by all - it was a fabulous display of unionist culture! 🇬🇧
Beautiful scene in the Northern Ireland town of Portrush last night at its annual band parade 🥁🇬🇧 Wonderful to see so many tourists attending @TheOpen come to watch the talented musicians and have a good time - immersed in the heritage & culture of this special place ☘️
🤔Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, recently made some false claims about a ‘United Ireland’ on UK television. 🦄Much like the rest of those advocating for such constitutional change, this shows she is engaging in fantasy politics. ⬇️See her claims being broken down below!
The Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, is trying to fabricate her way to a ‘United Ireland’ on British TV. Let’s break down some of her claims on Northern Ireland 👇
This is a very interesting article that adds to the debate around votes at 16. It is always positive when young unionists make their voices heard! Have a read… ⬇️⬇️⬇️
.@JackSteele_ is a young unionist currently studying at QUB. He has penned an interesting essay on the voting age. Jack is a really capable young man with a big future in unionism. unionistvoice.com/news/jack-stee…
.@JackSteele_ is a young unionist currently studying at QUB. He has penned an interesting essay on the voting age. Jack is a really capable young man with a big future in unionism. unionistvoice.com/news/jack-stee…
Big questions for Mike Nesbitt to answer. Is this really the best use of public money? Surely there are more important things to address within the health service? Why focus on gender issues? Very important that there is rigorous scrutiny of this. belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-…
While others demonise, mock, and criticise our culture, here are a few reasons why you shouldn't listen 👇 Now is the time to stand proud. Get involved. Join your local Band or Lodge today!
While the media mocks Bands & the Orange, here’s why you should get involved: 1. Celebrate your culture 2. Build real friendships 3. Grow your confidence 4. Boost your mental health 5. Learn discipline & pride 6. Be part of something bigger
While the media mocks Bands & the Orange, here’s why you should get involved: 1. Celebrate your culture 2. Build real friendships 3. Grow your confidence 4. Boost your mental health 5. Learn discipline & pride 6. Be part of something bigger
Never forget 🌹
On the 21st July 1972, the IRA detonated 22 bombs within 80 minutes across our city, killing 9 innocent people and injuring over 130. This evening I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the @duponline as we held our annual commemoration service, alongside council…
On the 21st July 1972, the IRA detonated 22 bombs within 80 minutes across our city, killing 9 innocent people and injuring over 130. This evening I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the @duponline as we held our annual commemoration service, alongside council…
I am glad to have been a part of the @GBNEWS team that delivered a joyful programme on the sights, colour and pageantry of the 12th to not just the local audience but the wider UK family. #ProudofNI
The Institution has responded to recent media coverage following the Twelfth. Read our full statement here: goli.org.uk/post/the-orang…
It seems another thing the intolerant can’t stand is someone who actually knows their history. Doesn’t it surprise me the same ones will tell you the Gaels were the first settlers on these islands 🤣 But if you know your history…
🏛️ From Council Chambers to Stormont to Westminster - Present, Engaged, Connected ✅ The DUA has a track record of real engagement from across every level of our party: councillors, MLAs, MPs, Lords, party leaders & First and deputy First Ministers. See for yourself! ⬇️⬇️⬇️