Seen Elsewhere 02/01/2011

• Psychology of the No Campaign

  ""Conservative party No campaigners are especially angry that their members in the Assembly are not representing their views. A few weeks ago, at the south Wales launch of the campaign in Newbridge Rugby club, I asked one prominent west Wales Conservative Henry Lloyd Davies why this was so. He answered bitterly, “Because they’re on the gravy train. They’ve got their noses in the trough.”"

• "Multiculturalism, Britishness, and Muslims":Tariq Modood

• Welcome to the crazy world of Norn Iron politics

  "After the statutory prayers today (Monday) there are such vital items for discussion as the Dogs (Amendment Bill) and the Second Stage of the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill. Both worthy and necessary pieces of legislation; but if you were to look round the chamber you’d likely find a paltry show of MLAs.There is also the wonderfully obtuse section of Assembly jargon with an item proposed that “this Assembly takes note of the Draft Budget announced on 15 December” by the venerable Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.Take note – or randomly disagrees about everything that the DUP and Sinn Féin will agree on before deciding to pick on UU Health Minister Michael McGimpsey again.On Tuesday things really hot-up with the Welfare Animals Bill, and the Consideration and Further Consideration, respectively of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill and the Transport Bill"

• "Even the Aussies want to bend the knee to the Queen": Boris Johnson

• SNP growth boast 'not proven' warn experts

  "ALEX Salmond's claim that the granting of full economic powers to Scotland would significantly boost the economy has been dealt a severe blow by a group of leading academics"

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.