David Shiels (@dcshiels) header
David Shiels (@dcshiels) profile picture

Interests in political history, biography, Parliaments, home affairs, British-Irish relations. Previously NIO and think tanks.

Joined November 2013
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David Shiels retweeted
Yesterday the King of The Bahamas visited the Parliament of The Bahamas (of which he forms a part) and later received his Governor-General and Prime Minister in audience
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David Shiels retweeted
This afternoon in Nassau, The King held an audience with the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Hon. Philip Davis.
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I requested space on the agenda for a proper discussion on the workings of @BritishIrishPA along with further discussion on British-Irish relations and North-South relations. I was delighted with the response from @Fiona_Kildare that this will aim to be achieved. #bipa
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I was pleased to be involved in discussions in the last number of days alongside my colleagues at the @BritishIrishPA in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. North-South issues were discussed as well as East-West British and Irish issues. #bipa
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The 69th plenary meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly concluded in Sheffield, South Yorkshire today. #BIPA 🇬🇧🤝 🇮🇪
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David Shiels retweeted
On Sunday evening we had Committee Meetings of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Sheffield. The Sixty-Ninth Plenary Conference of BIPA commenced on Monday morning and concluded at lunchtime Tuesday. Among the Guest Speakers at the Plenary were Minister Hamish Falconer MP, Minister Sarah Owen MP, Ambassador Kara Owen and Ambassador Sonja Hyland. At a time of global uncertainty we had wide ranging discussions on the opportunities to strengthen relationships across our islands through further dialogue, co-operation and mutual understanding for the benefit of all communities in our respective legislatures. Read more: brendansmith.ie/.../uk-inter… @BritishIrishPA @theanglocelt @NewsonNS
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David Shiels retweeted
The October 1974 general election took place on this day - result: - Labour 319 (39.2%) - Conservatives 277 (35.8%) - Liberals 13 (18.3%) - SNP 11 - UUP 6 - Plaid Cymru 3 - Vanguard 3 - SDLP 1 - DUP 1 - Ind Republican 1
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Dear people of the UK, this Prize is for you! In 1946, the British founded the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. 80 years on, NRW says "Thank you", presenting its highest award, the State Prize, to the people of the UK, recognising the deep friendship between the state & the UK.
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David Shiels retweeted
Sir William Heseltine, who served as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary from 1986 to 1990, has died aged 96. The “untweedy” Australian helped make the royal walkabout a fixture of overseas visits and played a key role in organising the BBC’s landmark 1969 Royal Family documentary. Read the full obituary ⬇️ telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2…
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One of the most humbling tasks the Lord-Lieutenants perform is to take part in citizenship ceremonies. This week I was delighted to present certificates to 44 new British Citizens @HillsCastle in such a beautiful setting. @ukhomeoffice @lisburnccc
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This essay is worth a bit of time.
Interesting piece that relitigates the naming of this state as ‘Ireland’ - something that you might imagine would have been more contentious (à la north Macedonia), when the state of Ireland is not coextensive with the country ‘Ireland’ muse.jhu.edu/article/1001422
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“There are some older heads in the Chamber who bear the lessons and scars of the past and don’t want them repeated.” NI Assembly Speaker @edwinpootsmla urges politicians not to inflame tensions or ramp them up further. #Drumcree
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#OTD 1976. As Chancellor Healey is on his way to the airport for meetings in Hong Kong and Manila, news reaches him by car that the pound has plunged to a new low against foreign currencies. He later went to Conference to call for spending cuts and an IMF bail out.
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David Shiels retweeted
The 1906 election produced over 200 Nonconformist MPs -- the highest since the days of Cromwell, and not surpassed ever since. – at Faringdon, England
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David Shiels retweeted
Just in case anyone should need a quick refresher course on constitutional matters in Northern Ireland, I attach key parts of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. I hope that’s helpful.
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David Shiels retweeted
Planned changes to Irish citizenship requirements will ensure that new citizens have an “understanding” of the country and its values, the Taoiseach has said. jrnl.ie/7154915
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