RTE News

[New Ireland and Wales]

General Election Spells Defeat for National Conservative Party

Elections in New Ireland and Wales were held on October 27th, 2016. In what was originally seen as an easy victory for the National Conservative Party early in the election season it became apparent that the fight would be a tough one and one of the most earth shattering in the nations history. The NCP's policy on gay marriage, abortion, social welfare, education, and healthcare had already caused a drop in their popularity starting in 2009 when the President, George Frank, signed the Fair Budget Act which cut welfare programs by 50% and increased the defense budget by nearly 20%. However the NCP still pulled off a win in the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections. 

But from this falling popularity rose the Nation's first progressive left-win party, The Progressive Union. In the 2012 elections they managed to get 43% of the vote and gained 70 seats in the National Congress(up from 7). The biggest benefit to the Progressive Union so far was the economic crash in 2014. At first the government promised reforms but none came except a 5% tax cut to people earning over 100,000 a year. President Frank's approval ratings fell from 47% to 31% within a span of only 2 months. This brings us to the 2016 elections. 


Presidential: 


7.5 Million people voted. The largest turn out ever. Incumbent President George Frank was up for reelection against the Progressive Union's candidate Ted Edwards, a two term Representative from the capital district of West Dublin. In a devastating defeat President Frank lost his bid for reelection. Only getting 2,717,645 votes or 36.24% of the vote while Edwards got 4,782,355
or 63.76% of the vote.


Franklin won the states of: West Mooreland(2 D), North Wales(6 D), and Munster.(10 D)
Edwards won the states of: Mooreland(32 D), South Wales(35 D), Wales Valley(17 D), Leinster(45 D), Connacht(41 D), and Belfast(35 D)


All of this totalling 18 Delegate votes for Franklin and 205 Delegate votes for Edwards officially securing the title of President of the Federal Republic of New Ireland and Wales for Theodore Michael Edwards(Ted Edwards). 


Legislative:
The legislative elections also proved to be disastrous for the National Conservative Party. In order to have a majority in Congress a party must get 112 seats. Before the election the National Conservative Party sat at 140 seats, Progressive Union sat at 77 seats, Traditional Union sat at 6 seats. Now, however, the National Conservative Party sits at 58 seats, Progressive Union sits at 157 seats, and Traditional Union sits at 8 seats

---

President-elect Ted Edwards addressed crowds after being declared the winner

 

"I just received a call from President Frank where he conceded defeat and congratulated me on my win. I want to thank him for his leadership over the past 16 years while many of his policies failed in the eyes of many he did what he thought was best and did so for 16 years. I want to thank the resilient people of Ireland and Wales. You are proof that we are a changing nation. For the past 32 years we have been a nation gripped with conservative policies. For a while we thought these policies worked. We supported these ideas because of that. But it has become evident that these policies no longer work, and has become evident that the people of Ireland and Wales want real change and a real future. 

Today is a historic one because we really did prove that we are the successful democracy we fought to be nearly 40 years ago. We prove that no man no matter their office should just expect reelection. If you do not fight for the vote of the people you do not deserve the vote of the people. I began this campaign months ago not thinking I would actually get anywhere. My family told me "Ted, you're running against a 4 term incumbent don't expect to get far." at the time I believed that myself but I kept running. As time progressed and I kept campaigning I saw that true blight of the people and how they wanted real change. They are poor, sick, hungry, and tired of the same politics that has been going throughout the nation for years. The people of this country have seen their jobs go away and their money become worthless. The sick of this country have seen their health care be taken away. The poor of this country have seen all sources of social welfare go away. While this has happened the rich have seen their personal wealth skyrocket. This is not how a nation such as ourselves should be.

If we seek to continue to last and if we ever wish to prosperous as a nation we must make the people the center of the workings of our government. We must bring jobs back to our country. We must provide for the sick and poor. We must look towards the future. That is what I can promise as your President. I will wake every day and be ready to work on setting New Ireland and Wales back on the right track. We must progress forward not regress backwards. I am truly honored that you selected me as your President. I have only been in politics for just under a decade but during that time I never felt entitled I felt as if I was a simple employee and the people of this nation were my bosses. That is how every politician should work. Not as above the people but of the people. This is the type of service you can expect from your government while I am President. Thank you and God bless our wonderful nation." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

President Edwards Sworn In

Inauguration Day, where the President-elect is sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of New Ireland and Wales. After only three Presidents in 30+ years the affair has become boring for many. But this was a particularly historic inauguration day. Edwards is the first non-National Conservative President and the first President to have defeated an incumbent. Across the nation over 10 million people were tuned in to watch the ceremony with many more expected to have watched from around the world. At noon precisely power was handed over peacefully from President George Frank to President-elect Ted Edwards.
"One of the greatest things about a true democracy is the aspect where power is handed over peacefully." said Representative Edward Johnson the presumptive leader of the Progressive Union in Congress.

After being sworn in President Edwards gave his inauguration speech which called for a new era in Irish and Welsh history and laid out change for the future. 

"I truly am grateful to be standing here. When I was growing up I was growing up at a time when we weren't a democracy. The military and their generals ran everything. Many of us remember those times and many of us don't. But this system ran our country for nearly 80 years. There were no freedoms for our people, there was no money, there wasn't anything. What we did have was that passion in our eyes. That passion was change. We had a passion for change and we acted upon it. After a 5 year war we overthrew the military government and established what we now have, but the systems seemed to have slowed. I see that passion once again in the eyes of the people. They want to see real change that benefits them. Unlike 30 or 40 years ago the people have a way to enact change without violence, they can do this through elections. That's why I am here. The people wanted change so they voted for change. 

This passion for change caused them to elect the most progressive government in the history of the nation. A progressive Congress and a progressive President which shall work towards change. Not small change that affects no one and does nothing. But real change. This is a new era in our history. Unemployment is at 15%, wages have fallen, welfare has been slashed, our people are sick there are many problems we face and we together will work to fix these. We will lower unemployment. We will raise wages. We will reform and restore welfare. We will enact changes to healthcare in this country. These are just some of the changes that a progressive government will work towards. We will bring the government back to the people and make it work again. I ask all the people of this nation to come together. Put aside partisan differences and look at your neighbor. Give them a hug. Nothing will happen, nothing will change if we remain a divided country. For the next 4 years I will be your servant. Thank you for putting me here and God bless this great country."


President Edwards enters office with an approval rating of 85%. 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Government Reform Amendment Passes In Referendum

At the beginning of November shortly after being sworn in as President, President Edwards presented the Government Reform Amendment to Congress. This is a constitutional amendment that would put in place "many changes that our political system needs for the betterment of the people." The amendment creates a national court, the Supreme Court, it reforms the delegate system in which the delegates are spread out by number of votes in the House of Representatives, it puts in place term limits for President, Representatives, and Senators, it creates a Senate as the Upper House of Congress, it creates the office of the Vice-President which shall be an elected office along with the President, and bans the ability of corporations to donate to political campaigns. 

The amendment upon being presented to Congress faced much opposition from the NCP their leader, Michael Cox, stating "This amendment would complicate our system of government which is already complicated in many senses. This is nothing more than the President trying to secure a second term as President. It creates a Supreme Court which would endanger many of the rights we as Irish and Welsh people hold dear. It creates a Senate massively growing the size of Government, and creates the office of the Vice-President which does nothing. I condemn this bill and I condemn the President for proposing this bill." The statement caused such as ruckus with many members of the Progressive Union booing the leader and the Speaker having to call the House back to order. The bill eventually passed 157-66 just barely reaching the two-thirds majority needed for the passing of the Amendment. 

Upon the signing of the amendment by the President a referendum was called by the National Elections Bureau for November 22nd. On the second of November over 7 million people went to the polls to vote on the amendment, a simple majority being needed. Out of  7,261,517 votes 5,631,821 voted in favor of the amendment while 1,629,696 voted against it. The President released a statement in which he said he was very pleased with the results and will be mang appointments to the Supreme Court soon.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Speaker of the House Resigns

Speaker of the House Harold Newman has resigned as Speaker of the House after being diagnosed with lung cancer. This was announced at 9 PM in a speech from the Chair of the Speaker in the House Chambers just before the House was adjourned for the year. 


"Majority Leader Noland, Minority Leader Cox, Fellow Members of the House, and People of Ireland since the Progressive Union's victory in October I have served as Speaker of the House of Representatives. In this short amount of time we have accomplished much. We reformed the Government, we passed a jobs bill, and much more. In my time as Speaker I have tried to ensure that what happened in this House was orderly. While encouraging debate between both sides of this House I have tried to keep the debate civil and for the most party I believe I have succeeded in doing so.  It has been an honor to serve as the Speaker of this chamber. However, this past weekend I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. The doctors estimate I have perhaps a year maybe two to live. My first concern outside of my personal health and family was this House. After much thought I have decided that I can not and will not hold the workings of this chamber hostage as I go through treatment. President Edwards has already been informed on the matter but effective immediately I resign as Speaker of the House and I have asked the National Elections Bureau to hold elections for my congressional seat in which I shall not stand for reelection. It has been an honor to serve as Speaker and an honor to serve in this House. Thank you, Happy New Years, and God Bless Ireland."

Harold Newman has served in Congress since 1992. He was originally elected as a member of the National Conservative Party but switched to the Progressive Union shortly after it's founding in 1997. In 2000 when the party got 10 seats he was elected Leader of the Opposition holding that role until 2008 when the party lost seats and became the smallest party after the Traditional Union went from 3 seats to 20 seats(its highest number ever)and the party sacked him as Leader. From 2009-2011 he served as Party Whip but was sacked again when the Party chose a new leader to lead the party through the 2012 elections. After Edwards was elected leader in 2013 he was promoted to Official Opposition Whip where he served until 2016 when he was elected Speaker upon the Progressive Union's victory in the 2016 elections. 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Domestic Affairs Secretary Resigns, Agreement Passes Congress, New Speaker Selected

In a non-surprising vote both houses of Congress have passed the agreement with Austerain officially opening up the alliance between the two nations. The vote comes not long after the National Congress in Austerain voted almost unanimously to pass the agreement. The House passed it with 184 votes in favor and 39 votes against with a significant number of NCP members voting in favor of the bill and all Traditional Union members voting against it. In the Senate, in a session chaired by newly sworn in Vice-President Aeronwen Baron, the same agreement was passed 38-8 with all Progressive Union and Democratic Socialists Senators voting in favor of it and all National Conservative and Traditional Union Senators voting against it. 


Afterwards the Vice-President addressed the press assembled outside Leinster House, the place where both houses of congress meet, and said "This is truly a momentous day for our country and I was proud to be a part of it. I've only been Vice-President for two days and this was the first session of the Senate I've chaired and for it to be so historic makes it that much better. I look forward to a strong working relationship with Austerain and hopefully other nations as well." 

However, not everyone was delighted by the passage of the agreement. Secretary of Domestic Affairs Christiana Polacco, who also used to serve in the National Congress in Austerain, resigned after the passage of the treaty. The President, who was rumored to be close to firing her, quickly accepted the resignation. Later in a speech to the press Polacco revealed she is running as a Traditional Union candidate for Governor of North Wales, which is one of the three provinces that did not go for President Edwards in the election. Many speculate that she will get the nomination and most likely the Governorship. The government has already expressed concerns with Press Secretary Michael Oliver saying "It is concerning that one of the most controversial figures in global politics and certainly our politics wants to run for Governor. I do not believe she is mentally stable enough to be Governor and I hope the people of North Wales see the same."


Polacco's short speech can be found below 


"People of New Ireland and Wales, upon the passage of this agreement with Austerain it has become apparent that President Edwards is just as libtarded as Chancellor Asher. I can not serve in the cabinet of a libtard such as Theodore Edwards. He is a shame on this nation. With his progressive policies and globalist world order desires. I have called Theodore Edwards and told him I'm resigning which he quickly accepted. I am ashamed and appalled by how this "President" has acted. So my fight for freedom and justice does not end here. I am officially for Governor of North Wales and seeking the Traditional Union nomination to do so. Someone must fight and that person must be me. Someone must stand up to the liberal policies of President Edwards and his Progressive Union. There must be opposition in this country. We can not let Edwards take over this country. We must not and we will not."


Later on in the day the House of Representatives also voted on a new Speaker with the young firebrand Representative Malaki Duncan of the Progressive Union being elected Speaker. The 32 year old has been in Congress since his election at the age of 20 in 2004. He is a fairly popular figure around the country who has travelled around and spoken about many issues such as gender equality and worker protection. 

The newly elected Speaker thanked the House of Representatives calling it "the honor of my life" and promising to make the House "a more efficient and intelligent chamber." President Edwards called Rep. Duncan to give him congratulations. 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times 

Supreme Court Rules on Marriage Equality, Intelligence Investigation Completed

 

Back in early December the Fair Equality Association sued the federal government over the years old National Marriage Act passed in 2002. The act, which struck down all marriage laws across the country, implemented a national ban on same-sex marriage and also implemented a €5000 fine on any same-sex couple that applied for a marriage license. Some provinces, like North Wales, instituted jail time for any same-sex couple that applied for a license. Until recently, there was no Supreme Court to go to to get the law struck down and Congress had refused to repeals it. When the FEA sued the government the Justice Department announced "We will fully cooperate with the FEA and in the Supreme Court we will offer no defense for this law. If Congress wishes to appoint someone then they may do so." Congress did not do so, though NCP and TU lawmakers did try to press for the appointment of one. The court heard the case om January 9th and deliberated until January 13th. The prolonged deliberation had worried both the FEA and the government who had began drafting a repeal in case the Supreme Court didn't strike the law down.  

On January 13, 2016 the 7 member Supreme Court filed back into the hearing chambers to announce their decision. In a 7-0 decision the Supreme Court struck down the National Marriage Act.


"This law, having been implemented in 2002, only allows for the suppression of the rights and liberties of LGBT citizens. The government's job whether it be national, provincial, or local is to defend the rights and liberties of all citizens not just a few. Having found a constitutional argument and logical argument against this bill this court has voted unanimously(7-0) to strike down this law and all provincial laws related to it. We do hereby advise the government to instruct the Justice Department to sue any provincial or local government who refuse to adhere to this ruling and advise the Congress to pass a law to protect the rights of all citizens against the suppression of  their rights based on their nationality, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or creed. This court is not a politically biased body but we are a constitutionally based body. Public opinion or the personal opinion of the justices here do not matter, only the constitution does."



Many around the country praised the decision such as Speaker of the House Malakai Duncan  "I believe it is well past time that this decision was made. We are looking at a more open and equal nation. A nation that works for everyone. A nation that is united behind progress and making New Ireland and Wales a better place for generations to come. The Supreme Court made the right and constitutional decision today."


President Edwards tweeted out "#LoveWins in New Ireland and Wales as Supreme Court strikes down archaic National Marriage Act. Here's to a better New Ireland and Wales!" 

However, not everyone was happy. Candidate for Governor of North Wales, Christianna Pollaco at a campaign event attacked the decision. 

"This decision by the Supreme Court of New Ireland and Wales, a body pushed down our throats by the Social Democratic Alliance and libtard Theodore Edwards, shows how immoral Dublin has become and how useless they are in the governing of this country. We used to be a Godly country and a country with morals. Where has that gone? It has gone no where it is still in the souls of the people but the liberal supremacists have oppressed religion so much! They say they want a more open and inclusive society so what do they do? They demand we teach about ALL religions in school! They demand that we don't go around preaching our faith! They steer the government away from GOD! I say enough is enough. It is time we get our nation back on track to being a Godly nation. If I am elected Governor of North Wales I will oppose this decision and ask the provincial legislature to pass a law that nullifies the decision. We should not have to adhere to such ungodly decisions!"

The speech being seen as so radical it earned her criticism from the NCP Congressional Leader Michael Cox "This lady seems like a nutjob. She's a danger to our national security and should go back to Austerain."

---

In other news the Justice Department also finished their investigation into the 8 intelligence agencies to ensure no illegal activities were going on. In their final report the Justice Department described the results of the investigation as "Damning and shocking" The Spokesperson for the Justice Department, Nathan Shatter, announced the results

"Good morning, today the Justice Department  finished it's investigation into the 8 intelligence agencies of New Ireland and Wales. This investigation was ordered was ordered by President Edwards after meeting with officials in Austerain. The department swiftly carried out the investigation and we are now ready to announce the results. Which can only be described as damning and shocking. Since June 2008 our intelligence agencies have spied on government officials in New Ireland and Wales and around the world including the Grand Chancellor of Austerain, Giorgio Asher. The agencies have collected over 230,000 emails, 50,000 texts, and 14,000  phone calls. We want to let the world know that this government does not condone these activities and strongly condemns them."

The announcement has sparked outrage across the country with the Senate planning to fast track the Intelligence Reform Act which was proposed by the President. The House of Representatives has also drafted a proposal to remove the directors of the agencies and all involved employees from their jobs at the respective agencies. Vice-President Baron denounced the intelligence agencies saying "Our nation can not stand by these actions. If we wish to expand relations with other countries we must trust them and they must be able to trust us as well." It has also been revealed that  the agencies have placed spies near the Grand Chancellor of Austerain including a top aide. 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Election Night

Across the nation Irish and Welsh citizens went to the poll booths in each province to elect a Governor and Provincial Legislature. In what was originally thought to be a close election night proved to be quite interesting. Let's go to Jennifer Mason and Jackson McGinty for the report. 

Jennifer: "Good evening it is 12 AM here in Dublin and we are ready to finalize or atleast predict the election results for Governor in each province. The votes for Provincial Legislatures are still being counted so please stay tuned for that as well."


Jackson: "The first race we are ready to call is North Wales where Former Domestic Affairs Secretary and Austeren Congressional Leader Christiana Polacco of the Traditional Union went up against Provincial Representative John Kleinbeck. It's comes as no surprise that Christiana Polacco has won the election and will be the next Governor of North Wales."

Jennifer: "However, the percentage of which she was elected is surprising. It seems Kleinbeck saw a last minute surge or perhaps polling did not correctly predict this but Chirstiana Polacco has received 64% of the vote in North Wales. This is done from her polling of 90% taken a few days ago. It seems that the Traditional Union will also gain a supermajority in the North Wales Assembly as our predictions are putting them at having 101 out of 110 seats. It seems this last minute surge for Kleinbeck did not spill into the Assembly."

Jackson: "For the first time in Irish-Welsh history an incumbent Governor has been defeated as we are calling the race in Mooreland for Mayor Elizabeth Beck of the Social Democratic Alliance. This was however a contentious election as no candidate received over 50% of the vote and the polls showed the tide of the race shifting from side to side. We now go back to North Wales as Governor-elect Polacco is about to give her victory speech."

"The government's worse fear just happened. Dublin's worst fear just happened. President Edward's worst fear just happened. Chancellor Asher's worst fear just happened. The news has just declared me the next Governor of North Wales!" *loud applause* "The political cronies in Dublin and around the world didn't think we could do it or rather didn't want it to happen. Today we stood up! We stood up for freedom! We stood up for a smaller government! We stood up against Dublin! One by one we will take this country back to God and it begins here! Thank you for your vote. I am truly honored to be given this chance to serve. You wanna know my first action as Governor? It will be to nullify that disgusting Supreme Court decision telling provinces how they should legislate and what they should legislate. This decision and many like it shows how this nation is straying from God and how Dublin is straying from this nation. For my time as Governor I will defend your rights and defend this province agaisnt tyranny! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" 

Jennifer: "The crowd seems to be loving Polacco as she delivered her victory speech. Please join us later for more election coverage." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Election Night

Jackson: "Good morning, it is 6 AM here in Dublin and electoral coverage continues. Over 20 million people voted in yesterday's election and it seems this high turnout has had some major political effects."


Jennifer: "Last night, we called the provinces of North Wales and Mooreland. In North Wales, Traditional Union candidate, Christiana Polacco won in an surprising victory. In Mooreland, Mayor Elizabeth Beck defeated incumbent Governor Raymond McCarthy. A gain for the Social Democratic Alliance. This trend did continue as we are now calling the race in Munster where Mayor Raymond Mulligan of the SDA defeated incumbent Governor Cheryl Thompson of the NCP in a 54-38 result."

Jackson: "This is certainly an interesting election. I think anyone could have predicted that the SDA was going to gain governorships but this seems more like a sweep. The election in Munster is surprising as President Edwards lost that province back in November. Perhaps we are seeing a change in politics there too. It now seems that the SDA will retain their Governorships in Leinster with Christina Douglas being reelected with 67% of the vote and in South Wales with Donn Lehmann being reelected with 61% of the vote. The SDA will also gain the Governorship in West Mooreland with Representative Narcisco Vacarro has defeated incumbent Governor Ronald Key getting 53% of the vote versus Key's 33%. "

Jennifer: "Just in. NCP Chairman Nathan Blythe will resign after 14 years on the job. Blythe was appointed by President Frank in 2003 after the death of Chairman Frank Columbus who was killed in a car accident. Blythe has been seen as a mildly controversial figure under attack by many people for "playing rough politics" but he was often accredited with maintaining the party's image and before this election many people believed his strategical politics would keep the party in a majority of Provincial Legislatures and Governorships. There is speculation that the National Committee of the NCP told Blythe to resign or he would be removed. This can not be confirmed."

Jackson: "It also seems that the SDA will take a majority in every provincial legislature except for North Wales. What was seen as the NCP's last fight might now be seen as the day the NCP died."

Jennifer: "Election offices in Connacht, Wales Valley, and Belfast have confirmed the results there and we will not bring these results to you.  In Connacht Governor Harry McDaniel has been defeated by former Agriculture Secretary Lloyd Moore with Moore getting 64% of the vote. In Wales Valley, it was a very close election and a surprising one as Democratic Socialist Dr. Edward Collins has narrowly won the popular vote getting 43% versus Lt. Governor Jason Hall of the SDA who got 41% of the vote. Due to election laws in this province as runoff will be held eliminating Governor Matthew Wilson of the NCP and Former Provincial Representative Jessie Carson of the Traditional Union. Our final result of the night is Belfast where Lt. Governor James Oliver, son of incumbent Governor Edson Oliver III, defeated incumbent Governor Edson Oliver III 47%-25% respectively. That warps it up for this election. Thank you for joining us." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Banking Executive Elected NCP Chairman

Benjamin FitzGerald, the former President of Ireland Global Investment Bank, has been elected Chairman of the National Conservative Party.  FitzGerald has never held political office in New Ireland and Wales, though he ran for President in 2000 and for Governor of Leinster in 2013 both times failing to secure his party's nomination. Seen as a populist right-wing person he has brought controversy both with his campaign for the Chairmanship of the NCP and outside of politics. Since leaving the IGIB in 2009 he has been head of the Nation for Action Organization, a far-right organization that has lobbied NCP Representatives, Governors, Provincial Legislators, and City Councillors. After the party's embarrassing defeat in November, FitzGerald took to Twitter calling the NCP "A corrupt party lead by truly stupid people." Since then, he has called for reform within the party saying it needs to merge with the TU and form a right-wing populist movement. 

"Being beat by the Progressive Union, or Social Democrats as they call themselves now, was truly an embarrassing moment for the party. Edwards and his party were boring, stupid, and inexperienced. What we saw in November wasn't a victory for the left-wing God forbid this nation actually go to the dogs. It was the defeat of the NCP and it's incredibly stupid leaders. Let me tell you, it was so sad. This party needs some serious change and we need to take back our country."

Many people have already expressed concern such as Speaker Duncan. "His election as Chairman is actually quite scary. Not for the Social Democrats but for our nation. The NCP is seeing a surge in populist authoritarian support. They used to be a moderate centre-right party but now they've seemed to go all the way to the right. Anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, etc. I'm not sure where this party could go that could get them more support."

However many pollsters have said that the NCP under FitzGerald shouldn't be overlooked as the nation has never seen a populist resurgence and he might be able to strike the right chord with many voters if he is succesful.

[New Ireland and Wales]

VP Baron Becomes Acting President

After the shooting in Austerain where President Edwards and Governor Bellevue were wounded and Grand Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox were killed the Council of State voted unanimously to declare President Edwards temporarily unfit for office. Per the constitution the Vice-President, Aeronwen Baron , was sworn in as the Acting President. She will remain in the position until the Council votes declaring Edwards fit for office, which if such does not happen within 60 Days Congress will vote on whether to extend the period or call for new elections for President.


Shortly after being sworn in as Acting President she addressed the nation



"My fellow Irishmen and women. At 3:05 PM today the Council of State voted unanimously to declare President Theodore Edwards temporarily unfit for office. This was at my direction and perhaps the hardest decision I have had to make. This is in response to the vile attack in Austerain where Secretary Cox and our dear friend Chancellor Asher were killed and President Edwards was wounded . I hope to soon be able to vote to declare President Edwards fit for office. But we must not be weakened by terror. We must fight it. We may be scared but we will still fight. We hope in days and weeks to come we will learn more about what happened and react accordingly. I will soon be meeting with advisors to discuss the best way to keep our people, our nation, and our markets safe during these troublous times. If we do find those responsible for this may God have mercy on their soul for we will have none. I will pray for the nation of Austerain and its people. I will pray for the family of Chancellor Asher. I will pray for New Ireland and Wales. I will pray for the family of Secretary Cox, a dear longtime friend of mine. I ask you to do the same. I also ask that you remain calm. Anger and hatred gets us nowhere. Other people may be angry and hate us. They may hurt our people and hurt what we stand for. But they will not hurt the soul of this nation. If we get angry and destroy our cities and hurt other people these terrorists get what they want. We can not give them what they want. We are New Ireland and Wales and we will not be defeated. Thank you."


North Wales Governor Polacco also responded to the attack


"Well, well, well. This is where globalism gets us. We try and reach out to the world and this is what happens. I hope President Edwards learned his lesson. If Edwards hadn't gone to Austerain he wouldn't have been shot. I am, however, glad Chancellor Asher is dead. Maybe Austerain will grow and prosper like it never has before. Thank God the globalist scum is out." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Education Secretary Resigns, Polacco Drives Up Tensions

The Secretary of Education and Skills, Nathan Earnest has resigned to become the Lieutenant Governor of North Wales after being nominated by Governor Polacco and being confirmed by the Provincial Legislature 37-17. Earnest, an independent, has always been seen as a moderate politician but a successful one. He has always been willing to work across the aisle to get things done. He served as Mayor of Cardiff, North Wales from 1986 to 2004. In  2004 he resigned as Mayor to seek election to Congress as an independent representing the district of Cardiff North, an election he won easily beating incumbent Representative Mark Goldman 66%-34%. In Congress he fought for an expansion on Education and skills training eventually becoming one of the people that helped found the Department of Education and Skills in 2009.


Polacco has called him "An ardent patriot and freedom fighter with massive support." Earnest does have massive name recognition and support across the nation before 2016 he was considered a leading candidate to run against President Frank but he eventually endorsed Edwards' bid for the spot. He also endorsed Polacco's opponent in 2017 but congratulated her when she won. He delivered his resignation on February 14th to the Acting President and announced it publicly the next day. "I have the upmost respect for President Edwards and he still has my support as President. However, I think after 13 years in Dublin it is time to return home. I am 63 years old and have been involved in politics since 1980 and my 13 years in Dublin have been quite long. I want to thank President Edwards for giving me this opportunity to serve."


His resignation comes at a time when tensions between the federal government in Dublin and the provincial government in North Wales are increasing due to Polacco's ascension to the Governorship. Just days ago she signed as bill that implemented a Poll Tax and closed many polling stations in predominantly minority areas. The Justice Department announced that they would sue Polacco and the Provincial Government and sent 10 officials up there to meet with the Governor. However, things took a turn for the worst. Polacco signed an executive order banning all federal officials from entering North Wales shortly before the officials arrived. When they arrived at the airport armed guards were waiting for them. Chaos soon broke out as 4 of them were killed and the other 6 arrested after being beat severely. This isn't the first time Polacco has done controversial things since taking office. She has changed the Provincial flag to protest Dublin, her Chief of staff was arrested, she praised the death of Asher, built up the Provincial Militia, and more. 

Acting President Baron condemned the killings and arrests "Polacco has crossed the line with this and shown herself to be unfit for office. She was involved in the death of Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox and now she has killed Justice Department officials. Enough is enough." Congress is now considering voting to strip her of power as Governor and install a federally appointed Governor to the position.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Prime Minister Edwards?

At the 1st annual Ard Fheis, the official conference other political parties have each year, newly elected Chairman of the Democratic Socialists Sen. Jonathan O'Flaherty called for political reform in the country via a new constitution this new plan would completely reform the Government. The main points of the plan are


-Reform the Congress into a Parliament
-Change number of seats from 223 to 365(roughly 1 seat per 250,000 citizens)
-Change Head of Government to Prime Minister officially called the Taoiseach 
-Make President the Head of State
-Have President elected via convention of all provincial legislators
-Change House of Representatives to Tionól Náisiúnta(National Assembly) where the Prime Minister(Taoiseach) will sit
-Abolish the Federal Senate
-Adopt semi-proportional representation in elections for Congress
-Combine the provinces of North Wales, Wales Valley, and South Wales into one province which will be in a union with Ireland 
-Change name of country to Union of Ireland and Wales
-Limit size and power of provincial legislators
-Constitutional universal suffrage
-Constitutionally ban corporate money in politics
-Official Bill of Rights


A proposal of any sort of this topic has not be presented to Congress yet as the proposal is still being written. However it is expected to get bipartisan support across the nation. Especially in Wales where combining the three provinces would give them more political power. Support from the liberals will come because of universal suffrage, ban on corporate money in politics, support from conservatives will comes from the weakening of the executive. It is unclear at this point whether the proposal would pass congress with the needed two-thirds majority and pass in a referendum. But if it were to pass another General Election would be set for most likely a year after the change to help foster a safer transition. If polling were to hold up the SDA would have a supermajority and Theodore Edwards would most likely become Taoiseach. Sen. O'Flaherty has long since admired the parliamentary form of government calling it  "The most accountable form of government out there."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
North Wales Secedes

After a long campaign the people of North Wales, under the leadership of its nationalistic foreign born Governor, went to the voting booths to vote on the Articles of Secession passed by the North Wales Legislature. The nation tuned in to watch the results trickle in and by 10:30 PM the results were obvious. Out of 2.7 million voters on rosters with the IWVA(Irish-Welsh Voting Agency) only 1.9 million voted. Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Higgins is in Cardiff, Wales where the results were first announced.

Michelle: "Polls closed at 7 PM after a tough day of voting where an expected 350,000 were turned away from polling stations. Many of these people included Muslims, people of color, and by the looks of it some poor people. The first results were released at 8 PM from the more mountainous region of North Wales. The results were unsurprising. Out of 82,000 voters  79,250 voted to secede from New Ireland and Wales and just over 2,000 voted to stay with New Ireland and Wales. By 10 PM results from all over the rural areas were in and the vote sat at 1,050,000 voting to leave and only about 50,000 voting to stay. This was before the results or Cardiff came in but at 10:30 PM they finally came in and the remain side picked up a whopping 700,000 votes versus the leave side gaining roughly 100,000 votes. The final results sat at 1,199,250 voting to leave and 750,750 voting to stay or 61.5% voting to leave and 38.5% voting to stay and I'd like to add that if those 350,000 hadn't of been turned away then this referendum might have failed. The question now is what the President will do. "

Shortly after the results were announced Gov. Polacco gave a speech declaring the "Christian Republic of Wales" to be independent and declaring herself Supreme President "by the grace of God"

"I can tell you the President is seething right now. We the people sent him a message. A message that we do not tolerate his liberal global elitist agenda. We are the first but I doubt we are the last to send a message like this. Today we form our own country. One that won't be infected by that cancerous liberalism anymore. We won't be infected by anti-religious fervor anymore. This is a new era. A new country. The Christian Republic of Wales. I am more than honored to serve as Supreme President by the grace of God himself."

Spokesman to the President Arnold Friedman said "NIW will not stand by and let this happen. This means war. I don't like saying this but Polacco needs to get the hell out of our country and go back to her own."

President Edwards gave a short address to the nation and the world

"Fellow citizens and friends around the world. What we have seen in North Wales today is scary to say the least and we will fight this. A country has been formed on the principles of discrimination and if that doesn't show how disgusting the alt-right movement is I do not know what does. A government's job is to protect and provide for all people no matter what their color, gender, religion, sexuality, etc. this traitorous state hasn't even began governing and they've already failed that test. The test of governance. The following days, weeks, months, or perhaps even years will be hard for our nation as we fight this. But we will fight it. It is my duty as President to inform you that I have order the Army of New Ireland and Wales to begin a campaign to reclaim Cardiff and put it back under our control. We are at war. This is not something I take lightly and I am already grieving for the lives yet to be lost but sometimes this is where hate gets us. Thank you and God bless New Ireland and Wales."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
President Resumes Power Announces Possible Resignation, Congressional Vote

With Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Aaron O'Neill, witnessing President Theodore Edwards reassumed office in the public ceremony. Though he had legally resumed power when he returned home. After the President signed the papers the band that was gathered in the large ballroom for the ceremony began playing the national anthem and then Hail to the Chief while the crowd broke out in thunderous applause. All Congressmen, Senators, and all 9 Governors(Government appointed Governor of North Wales was in attendance) were in attendance. After signing the papers Edwards had a press conference his first one in over a month. 


"Mr. President, Sarah Hatfield, Dublin Local, can you tell us what went through your mind when the referendum results were announced?"


"Who do I need to bomb and when do I need to do it"


"Mr. President, Landon Webb RTE News, Congress recently passed a new draft for a Constitution which will go to a referendum on April 29th. Can you tell us it you support this or not?"


"Thank you Landon. Yes indeed I do support it and I have confidence it will pass."


"What will you do if it does pass, sir?"


"If on April 29th it does pass I have already made plans to resign as President on May 2nd in order to run for Taoiseach in the elections for the TN that will take place in June after the referendum."

The press conference ended after that. Many were surprised to here that the President will resign if the new constitution passes but the Press Secretary, in a statement, said "The President is highly dedicated to finishing what he started and he cold better do that as head of government than head of state."

After the Austeren Secretary of Defense announced that the sell of nuclear weapons to New Ireland and Wales was possible if it's High Court holds up the decision of the legislature in Austerain, Congress sprang into action and the House soon passed Resolution #237 which bans the federal government from buying nuclear weapons from a foreign country. Secretary of Defense, Dominick Malone viciously attacked Congress telling them to "Mind your own d*** business and sit down."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Former Education Secretary Assassinated, Cardiff Falls

Former Education and Skills Secretary and Lt. Gov. of North Wales, Nathan Earnest, was assassinated outside the City Hall Building in Chainvillage, North Wales. Earnest was expected to publicly announce his resignation as Lt. Governor of North Wales citing "Severe disagreements with Gov. Polacco and a failure to represent the interests of all people of North Wales. As he stepped to the podium a gunman rushed on stage putting two bullets in Earnest's chest and one in his neck, killing him almost immediately. Irish-Welsh Intelligence authorities have named the suspect as Jason Bush, a Captain in the North Welsh National Guard. He, nor any other suspect, has been arrested or taken into custody. President Edwards expressed his sadness and anger over the assassination and said "This is more reason to fight against North Wales and Gov. Polacco." 


Catholic Democrats Chairman Benjamin FitzGerald caused much uproar when he expressed little emotion and said of Earnest "Another liberal pawn of Edwards. Good job Polacco!" in a tweet. This comes at a time when NIW is close to heading to a general election, which will be the last for the next 5 years as determined by the constitution, and the Catholic Democrats are polling at 1%. Leaders of Fine Gael, Sinn Fein, and Fianna Fail have called on FitzGerald to resign but congressional Catholic Democrats were quick to come to his defense calling FitzGerald "One of New Ireland and Wales' most respected leaders" Which caused the majority of the House of Representatives to break into laughter.

---

Not long after the surrender of Cardiff to New Ireland and Wales all rebel forces were driven from the city. In the first battle of the NIW Civil War, the Battle of Cardiff proved to be a deadly one. 1,250 New Irish and Welsh soldiers were killed along with 2,800 Welsh Rebels and 73 civilians. After rebel forces fled the city NIW forces pushed them nearly 20 miles away from the city. General Keanu Huey, Commander of Irish-Welsh Forces in North Wales, proclaimed it as "A great, strategic victory." Saying Polacco and others are on the run and "We shouldn't let them be comfortable or rested. Keep them on their toes. Keep them running."


In other news with the war the Speaker of the House ordered all Catholic Democrats and Representatives from North Wales to swear an oath to NIW if they wanted to continue serving. Nearly 10 Representatives refused to swear the oath and were arrested on charges of treason. They currently sit in a holding cell waiting for the Courts to open up so they can go on trial for sentencing. 

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Ireland and Wales Decide

The long awaited date for the constitutional referendum has arrived. 31,920,323 voted between the hours of 7 AM and 8 PM, the highest turnout ever. Polls have now closed and RTE news will be following the results throughout the night. 

Jennifer: "Polls have just closed across the nation and it is 9 PM thank you for joining RTE News for live coverage of Constitutional Referendum 2017. Exit polls have just been released and we are now ready to release those. Jackson?"


Jackson: "Thank you Jennifer and thank you all for joining us. Exit polls are showing a victory for the 'Yes' campaign but we aren't going to officially call it yet. Exit polls show 54% of Irish and Welsh people have voted 'Yes' and of course this will change throughout the night. 37% in the exit poll voted 'No' and the rest voted 'Abstain'."


Jennifer: "Usually the first results come in from the rural areas and seem ready to receive those. Yes here they are. 

'Yes': 128,145 Votes 47.46%
'No': 132,672 Votes 49.13%
'Abstain': 9,494 Votes 3.51%

It seems the 'No' side is taking a slight lead of about 4,527 votes. It will be interesting to see how that lead holds out in the rural areas. Please stay tuned. Later on Former President George Frank where he will give his input on Constitutional Referendum 2017."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Ireland and Wales Decide

Jackson: "Thank you for joining us again as we bring you more results and commentary on the Constitutional Referendum. Joining us is former President George Frank. Mr. President, thank you for joining us."

Pres. Frank: "Thank you for having me Jackson I'm glad to be here."

Jackson: "Mr. President how did you vote today and what do you think will be the impact if this fails and if this succeeds?"

Pres. Frank: "Well, I voted yes. I think these are necessary changes. I know I wasn't seen as a reformer but these are reforms I support. The impact if it fails is interesting. President Edwards most likely won't resign but he most likely won't run for reelection and if he does he'll get defeated by the Fianna Fail candidate. If it succeeds then it seems Edwards will resign to run for the National Assembly and Taoiseach which polling shows he would win such an election."

Jackson:  "If this does pass who would you vote for in a General Election and would you run for the National Assembly?"

Pres. Frank: "I would vote for Fianna Fail or maybe someone from the Independent Alliance. On the factor of running I'm unsure if it would be wise to have two former Presidents sitting in the National Assembly. People might see me as a Leader of the Opposition when I have no desire for that."

Jackson: "So you would vote against your own party, that being the Catholic Democrats?"

Pres. Frank: "The Catholic Democrats aren't my party . Chairman FitzGerald has corrupted the party so bad. When it was the NCP I always tried to keep it as a fairly moderate party. The Catholic Democrats are effectively a bank controlled fascist party led by Chief Fascist FitzGerald. His party has done nothing but spread hate."

Jackson: "Thank you Mr. President. We have updated results. Let's take a look at those now.

'Yes': 831, 665 Votes 54.70%
'No': 571,625 Votes 37.6%
'Abstain': 117,021 Votes 7.7%

That's quite a lead the 'Yes' side has jumped to going from being behind a few thousand votes to being ahead by 260,000 votes. This is turning out to be an interesting night."

Jennifer: "We are here with representatives of each party. Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Catholic Democrats, and the Independent Alliance. We are going to ask them what they think the result will be."

Michelle: "Well at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis we unanimously supported a constitutional referendum like this and polling and these results pouring in show that this might pass so I'm gonna say it will pass maybe 59-41,"

Donald: "Fianna Fail greatly supports this and so do many of our supporters. I expect it to pass but 55-45 or smaller."

Teresa: "The Independent Alliance has no official stance on this but many of our supporters seem to be in support of this and polling shows that it will pass. I expect it to be nail bitingly close 51-49."

Chairman FitzGerald: "The Catholic Democrats are the only party that OPPOSES this referendum. The Establishment is lining up behind this as you saw with Pres. Frank who was very unfair in attacking me. Edwards and his liberal cronies will lose BIGLY. Let me tell you folks, bigly."

Secretary Louie: "Please tell me you're kidding with that? Was that even proper English? I'm only the Labor and Welfare Secretary but I think even the Education Secretary would be confused by what you said. This has nothing to do with President Edwards or liberalism as many conservatives support it too. We all know President Frank was not wrong in attacking you. The polls show a 'Yes' vote on this referendum and that's what I expect too."

Chairman FitzGerald: "I remember in the good old days when the government left people alone and people who said stupid things were beaten. Now we have n****** in the Council of State."


Secretary Louie: "It saddens that that's what you believe and think is good. You truly are ignorant aren't you?"

Jennifer: "Ok that's all we have time for. I hope you'll join us when we have more results which will be when we have results from the cities coming in." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Ireland and Wales Decide

Jackson: "Over 20 million votes have been counted and it seems we have a definite result. Today the people of Ireland and Wales voted to change the future of our nation in one of the most beautiful displays of democracy we have ever seen in this country. In some countries and even in parts of our own country people do not have this right. A critical right to the progress of humanity. Today the people of Ireland and Wales voted 'Yes' on the constitutional referendum.:

Jennifer: "The rest of the nation has come in except for Dublin but exit polls show that up to 80% of Dubliners voted 'Yes' in the referendum. We have those results now

'Yes': 13,565,879 Votes 66.76% 
'No': 5,770,274 Votes 28.4%
'Abstain':  984,146 Votes 4.84%

We will update you when final results are in. We go now to the House of the President where President Theodore Edwards is expected to give an address following the result of the referendum. "

"Good morning. I'm sure, like me, many of you either got no sleep or very little. Never before has something so big been decided so peacefully in this nation. Throughout our history anytime there was a change in how our government operated it most likely was the result of a conflict. Today we showed what giving the power of voting to the people can do. It can literally change how we operate. We voted for serious change and serious progress. I have always been proud to be a citizen of this nation but never have I been more proud. I shed tears of joy at what we have done. Throughout our history we have seen many troubles, this is not one of those troubles. With this change in the constitution the elections for the National Assembly and Taoiseach have been set. Our progress we have done since November is not done. Which is why I am announcing my resignation as President of New Ireland and Wales effective as soon as the state visit with Austerain is over. I will be running for the National Assembly and hopefully with my party's approval running for Taoiseach too. Thank you and God Bless our great nation."

Jackson: "There you have it. President Edwards announces he will resign as President in order to run for a chance to be Taoiseach. While the result of this referendum was not surprising the massive support for 'Yes' was surprising and impressive. From RTE studios in Dublin I want to thank you all for joining us."
 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
New Ireland and Wales Next Taoiseach?

With the election just over 6 weeks away the question many people are still asking is who deserves to be New Ireland and Wales next, or rather first, Taoiseach. Incumbent President Theodore Edwards, who announced his resignation as President just days ago, won in a landslide victory back in November taking over 60% of the vote. However, with the rise of Sinn Fein to the left and the rise of the centrist Fianna Fail any hopes of that have been wiped away. 

While polling wise Fine Gael under the leadership of Theodore Edwards and Fianna Fail under the leadership of Nathan Cox are the closest rivals but everyone's eyes are on Edwards and Catholic Democrats Chairman and Senator Benjamin FitzGerald who have been political rivals since Edwards' term as Governor of Leinster in the 1990s. 4 men are seeking to be able to sit as the country's first Taoiseach but who are they? Fine Gael has Theodore Edwards, Fianna Fail has Nathan Cox, Sinn Fein has Edward Major, and Catholic Democrats have Benjamin FitzGerald.

Theodore Edwards

Theodore Edwards is the incumbent President of New Ireland and Wales serving as such since a landslide election in 2016. His party, Fine Gael, rose to power due to deep economic recession after 32 years with the NCP in power. While his party did cripple the NCP it did little to stop the rise of Sinn Fein from the left and Fianna Fail from the ashes of the NCP. While his party is expected to win the election the question is will Edwards be able to form a coalition government or will a minority government filled with Independents, Sinn Fein, and Fianna Fail be formed?

Edwards has been in politics since the 1970's after the assassination of his father in 1973 Theodore Edwards stopped supporting the military government and joined a resistance movement eventually propelling to a top job in that organizations. He fought in the Revolution of the People from 1975 until its end in 1980. With the establishment of the Confederate Union of New Ireland and Wales in 1980 Edwards was elected to the provincial legislature of Leinster. Shortly after his election he rose to prominence by attacking the Governor, Payton Bennett, as corrupt and simple minded. Edwards was arrested in 1981 after the Governor issued a warrant for his arrest false accusations of corruption and dereliction of duty, he would remain in jail until February 1982 after which he returned to the provincial legislature advocating for a constitutional convention which eventually happened in 1984 at which he served as a delegate, In 1985 choosing not to run for office the previous year he joined Dublin College as a Professor of Irish Heritage and Politics. In 1990 he was nominated by the NCP to run for Governor against Incumbent Gov. Payton Bennett an election he promptly won. Since then Edwards has served as Governor, Secretary of Education and Skills, Congressman, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and President accomplishing much in that time. 

The Fine Gael Party Platform advocates for tax reform, closing up tax loopholes, raising the minimum wage, a new currency, cuts to defense, an increase in infrastructure, health, and education spending, the founding of a Federal Reserve Bank, reform of welfare, and reform of the justice system. 

Nathan Cox

Nathan Cox is the current Leader of the Fianna Fail, a breakaway party from the Catholic Democrats. He has often been seen as a moderate business friendly conservative. He served as House Minority Leader from Nov 2016 to Mar 2017 when he resigned from the Catholic Democrats to form his own party. Since then his party has surged into second place in the polls.


Nathan Cox was first elected to the Mooreland House of Representatives in 1982 where he served only one term before being elected to Congress in 1984 where he served until 1990 when he ran, successfully, for Governor of Mooreland. However he angered Mooreland conservatives by vetoing a Religious Freedom Bill and a Campus Carry Bill in 1993 prompting him to not seek a second term as Governor. He returned to Congress in 1994 serving from 1998 to 2003 as Chairman of the House Justice Committee and from 2003 to 2007 he served as Chairman of the NCP House Conference. Between 2007 and 2009 he did not serve as Chair of any committee after angering the Speaker by voting now on a budget in 2007, 2008, and 2009 saying "This is just reckless tax cuts without spending cuts." However from 2010 until 2016 he served as Chair of the House Budget Committee where he pushed drastic spending cuts along with tax cuts. 

Fianna Fail supports lowering taxes to a flat rate of 15% for people and business, outlawing abortion, passing a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, cutting spending by 25% over 10 years, restrictions on immigration and trade, however they support outlawing the death penalty, stronger alliances with the world, and establishing diversity quotas for government agencies.

Edward Major

Edward Major served in the Ulster Legislature from 1982 until his election to the Federal Senate in 2017. Since then he has served as Senate Minority Leader. Major, a member of Sinn Fein. has often been described as a radical and a mild nationalist. In 2010 he attacked Gov. Bill Nixon for supporting and speaking at a Business Leaders Conference saying "Capitalism has failed all of our people in this country and the world. Gov. Nixon's speech is an endorsement of business as usual for capitalism and spells more hunger and poverty for the working class." However he has promised to abide by the party platform which is less radical. 

Sinn Fein supports a review of the treaty between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales, a universal healthcare system, education reform making all schooling from Pre-K to Grad School public and available to all, raising taxes on the wealthiest and business, a ban on the death penalty, tougher environmental regulations, a minimum wage that goes up with inflation, a pay cap on how much anyone can legally earn in a year, and cutting the defense budget by over 85%. Since Major has taken over the party its numbers have plummeted from 31% to a mere 13% in just under a month.

Benjamin FitzGerald

Benjamin FitzGerald has served as a Senator since 2017, the only political office he's ever held. Before that he was head of one of New Ireland and Wales' largest banks. He made enemies with foreign leaders and domestic ones such as President Edwards. He has often been described as a far-right nationalist and has taken the Catholic Democrats under his leadership to the same position. The Catholic Democrats are polling at 1% even though its predecessor got over 30% in the November elections. 

The Catholic Democrats wants to cut taxes to a flat rate of 10% for businesses and 5% for people with the potential for the richest to pay no taxes, it supports trickle down economics, they want to remove all regulation on businesses, they want to ban Islam and immigrants, they support outlawing abortion, passing a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, cutting spending by 75% over 5 years, tearing up the agreement between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales, abolishing the National Department of Education and Skills, and endorses gay conversion therapy for "sick f******."

A leadership debate will take place May 10 between all 4 party leaders. 

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Debate 2017

Moderator: "Good evening and welcome to the first debate of the 2017 election season I'm George McGinty the moderator for this debate. Now let's introduce our candidates the leader of Fianna Fail Rep. Nathan Cox, leader of the Catholic Democrats Senator Benjamin FitzGerald. leader of Sinn Fein Governor Edward Collins of Wales Valley, and former President and leader of Fine Gael Theodore Edwards. Let's start with opening statements Sen. FitzGerald you are first."

FitzGerald: "Amazing that the fake media let me speak first. Let me tell you you're getting shut down once I am Taoiseach. We are gonna win a great great huge victory. Stupid Edwards won't know what hits him. He's such a light weight loser as it everyone else on this stage. I am the only one that can truly represent New Ireland and Wales against the tyranny of Versace who, by the way, isn't even a 10. Ugly women like her can't be 10s."

Moderator: "Umm ok. Thank you, Senator FitzGerald. Representative Cox you are next."

Cox: "Thank you George. It is an honor to be here. I've dedicated my life to serving the people of New Ireland and Wales I haven't been afraid to stand up to what's wrong as is proven with my resignation as Minority Leader and from the Catholic Democrats-"

FitzGerald: "Wrong! Wrong! You were fired because you were a pathetic loser who didn't want to win."

Cox: "Now you know that's a lie but I'm gonna finish what I was saying. Since the 1990's I've served the people of my province and this nation. During my time in politics I've not adhered to a specific party agenda but an agenda that I think works for all people. I am running to be Taoiseach because past President's including the one on this stage have messed it up. We need real change that won't be delivered by the people on this stage."

Moderator: "Thank you Representative Cox. I'd like to remind candidates to abide by debate rules and not interrupt others when speaking. Governor Collins?"

Collins: "I'm Governor Edward Collins, the leader of Sinn Fein. With this new constitution the people of New Ireland and Wales have a choice to make. Do you want to continue on the failed conservative policies of FitzGerald and Cox, do you want to extend the term of the man who has done nothing or even attempted anything since taking office, or do you want real change with policies that affect real people. Sinn Fein can deliver on this. Our country has potential to stand tall and strong. We can fix our economy, raise wages, save education, protect healthcare, protect our environment, and ensure the most progressive government in the history of this country. Sinn Fein is asking for your vote to do this together."

Edwards: "I guess I'm next. I've been President since November of last year after an astounding 60% of people voted me in. Since then we've established a Supreme Court, legalized gay marriage, slowed the economic crisis, established a strong alliance with Austerain , and reformed the government in a more people friendly way. This is stuff that would have never happened under any of the other parties represented on this stage. With Fine Gael you get a nation that's safer, richer, and fairer." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Debate 2017

Moderator: "Thank you for joining us. Our first question for the leaders will be about security. Cox will go first. Rep. Cox, recently North Wales seceded from New Ireland and Wales under the leadership of Gov. Polacco. Polacco is an Austeren national and was given a platform by Pres. Edwards when he made her Domestic Secretary. Polaco has also proven herself to be a national security threat. What would you do to protect the people of New Ireland and Wales from security threats such as her?"

Cox: "I don't think there's ever been a time where the security of our nation was more unstable than it is now. Now I support alliances with other nations including Austerain but we can't deny the fact that our alliance with Austerain is partly to blame for what happened or rather is happening. If we hadn't of started being so friendly with Austerain this wouldn't have happened. Here's what Fianna Fail will do. Unlike Theodore Edwards and Fine Gael we will actually squash this rebellion in North Wales and we will KILL Governor Polacco. International laws be damned. Polacco is a threat and in New Ireland and Wales we don't treat threats nicely we kill them."

Edwards: "Believe it or not Mr. Cox we are fighting Polacco in North Wales. Her and her army is on the run. It's only been a few weeks since North Wales seceded and we've already taken back the major city of Cardiff. We are bombing her caravans and officers. I don't know what more you can possibly ask for. I'm proud of what we have done. If I am elected that will continue."

Collins: "Neither of you answered the question or said what's really happening. I'll address what both of you said first. What's happening in North Wales is not the fault of Austerain or our alliance with them. What's happening is the fault of President Edwards. He knew the Traditional Union was a hate group yet he still allowed them to chose a cabinet pick because it was "the custom of past President's" well guess what Mr. President? That's not why people elected you. They voted for you because they wanted change. They did not want the customs of past President because those customs had failed them time and time again. You knew what the Traditional Union was and you knew who Polacco was. You knew all that and still gave hate a national platform. You knew how ambitious Polacco was so yes this is your fault. This isn't about alliances this is about submission. You submitted to hate for nothing more than to try and boost your poll numbers. Now the security of this nation is at risk and we've lost so many people. If you, the people, vote for Sinn Fein here's what I promise. I promise that I will not submit to hate. I promise that we will join with the world and expand our diplomatic portfolio. But I will not give hate a platform and we will not submit to anyone. Our country is open to anyone and everyone but we will defend ourselves. We need regulations on things like guns, hate speech, and immigration. By proposing commonsense regulations we can ensure our society is more secure for everyone. We will fight people like Polacco but we will also ensure that they are stopped before they can get as high as Polacco has done."

Moderator: "Thank you, Governor. It seems you ran over your time a bit. Sen. FitzGerald it is your turn."

FitzGerald: "These lightweight idiots on stage with me used this question as nothing more than a platform to attack and my party. Governor Polacco is a patriot who saw a problem and had to fix it in the only way she could think of. She is not spreading hate. She is trying to liberate the people of New Ireland and Wales from liberalism. That is what I will do as Taoiseach. Purge New Ireland and Wales of liberalism."

Collins: "That's only a tad bit scary but I guess that explains why your party is polling at 2%. Liberalism is not the problem. People like you are."

Edwards: "You'll say anything that's politically expedient won't you? You didn't have anything to say about me appointing Governor Polacco until you decided attacking me on such would benefit you politically. You didn't have anything negative about me to say until you started wanting to run for Taoiseach. Let me tell you something about politics. You can't just do things that are politically expedient."

Collins: "I don't quite like how you are speaking to me like I'm some type of child. I've always had problems with you appointing Polacco to your cabinet. You announcing her into your cabinet made me switch from your party to the one I'm in. Only reason it seems like I'm doing this for political benefits is because the media is finally turning their cameras on. This doesn't change the fact that it was you that appointed her Mr. President."

Moderator: "Ok, thank you both. I'm afraid we have to move on to the next question now."

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Irish-Welsh Times
Mixed Reactions to Thorne Comments, Presidential Election

Sinn Fein leader and candidate for the National Assembly Governor Edward Collins

After a rally in Austerain a spokesman of firebrand James Thorne went on the attack strongly criticizing the government's policies on things like civil rights and big money he also attacked Pres. Edwards saying he did nothing to keep people save from violent extremists. This caught many people, especially the media, off guard and was met with mixed reactions among the candidates and parties. Theodore Edwards attacked James Thorne and his party at a rally in north Dublin saying "Thorne and his PDP needs to tread carefully in how they run a campaign and what they say. I'd like to ask Mr. Thorne if he has ever been shot. His comments are a disgrace to the lives of Giorgio Asher and Brandon Cox. They were runs who with outstretched hands sought to do something neither country had done in a long time. They were true patriots. They fought against nationalists and Thorne would love to see Austerain return to a period of nationalism and isolationism. Not only is this stupid it's dangerous. The fight against nationalism isn't a national fight it's a global one. So Mr. Thorne quit being a thorn in everyone's behind and actually run on something positive."

However, Gov. Collins has a less skeptical, almost approving, reaction at a rally in West Carson, Mooreland he stated "Mr. Thorne isn't wrong in any sense. Edwards has not kept NIW safe from the rise of nationalism. It's time to accept the facts Mr. President, you failed at keeping us safe. Our international reputation is destroyed and you gave nationalism a platform. While Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox were great statesmen it's a disgrace to use them to trash a candidate in another country. Mr. Edwards may I remind you it was you, giving Gov. Polacco a federal position that caused all the uproar? You were reckless and opportunistic you created a toxic environment that fostered nationalism and you are a fake liberal. Where is the change we voted for? In between the time you took office and the time you resigned Congress did nothing towards fixing the many economic issues we face today. Nothing. So if you ask if I agree with James Thorne I would say yes, It can not be denied that Pres. Edwards and even Mrs. Versace are reckless leaders. What Ireland and Wales needs is not recklessness and faux progressivism it needs pragmatism and real progressive change."

Fianna Fail gave no comments on the matter except to call caution to foreign leaders attacking NIW. Since this happened and since the debate a new poll has shown that Fine Gael has dropped from 43% to 39% and Sinn Fein/Independent Alliance has risen to 38% from 34% with another poll shows Sinn Fein/Independent Alliance actually leading above Fine Gael. Fianna Fail has stayed a steady 23% in both polls. In a recent interview former pollster for Fine Gael has said "Fine Gael has no way in hell of gaining a majority in the election."

Today, in further bad news for Fine Gael, 5 Council of State Secretaries resigned from Fine Gael and joined Sinn Fein and all have stated their candidacy for the National Assembly. Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Jonathan Wright, Defense Secretary Dominik Malone, Attorney General Isabelle Attwood, Labor and Social Welfare Secretary Louie Gallagher, and Agriculture Secretary Saahir al-Mohamad were the ones to join Sinn Fein.

---

As the nation nears the general election the race to be President is also on. Due to gather in November the Electoral Council is tasked with selecting a new President and many people have expressed interest over it due to Baron's increasing unpopularity. So far 5 candidates have filed proper paperwork to be officially considered for the role. Aeronwen Baron(FG,Not Nominee of Party), Aaron O'Neil(FG, Official Nominee), David Johnson(IA, Nominee of IA and SF), Elizabeth Fitzgerald(CD, Official Nominee), Frmr Pres. George Frank(FF, Official Nominee). Despite her unpopularity incumbent Interim President Aeronwen Baron leads the pack with 33% of people saying they would support her bid to become President, with the closest runner up David Johnson polling at only 19% . This polling is expected to change rapidly in the coming months especially after the election. 

David Johnson is Mayor of East Cardiff, South Wales and has long time been Chairman of the New Ireland and Wales for Democratic Reform Commission, a think tank which was a major push behind the new constitution. 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Election 2017

Donald: "Good evening and welcome to RTE coverage of election night 2017. Polls close in a little under an hour in what is an extremely tight and uncertain race. When polls close we will be able to predict who Clowill control the National Assembly. The last polls released yesterday showed Sinn Fein pulling ahead of Fine Gael for the first time. Here to discuss is Governor Edward Collins himself. Mr. Governor, thank you for joining us. How well do you think your party's chances are in this election?"

Collins: "Thank you for having me, Donald. I think Sinn Fein has a great chance of winning. What's truly amazing is that just 5 weeks ago Sinn Fein was in a downward spiral reaching a low of 7% in the polls. Now we aren't polling at what we once were, which was 45% but we have a better chance now than we did then."

Donald: "What do you think caused this massive turnaround for your party? Just a month ago everyone was writing your party off and many people were expecting Fianna Fail to pose the biggest threat to Fine Gael."

Collins: "Well part of it was my election as leader. I came on board and together with the rest of the party we changed our platform that speaks to all people and proposes real and viable plans for our country. We made ourself a fresh face in politics and a party for the people. I think that's what caused the massive turnaround and what may lead us to victory. The people are hungry for real change and Sinn Fein, in their eyes, can provide that."

Donald: "If your party does worse than expected are you prepared to step down as leader if the people reject your plans for this country?"

Collins: "I'm not prepared to answer that question as of yet. We are confident that we will do well and if we don't do as well as expected people will still rely on us to be a true opposition to the governing party. But I think we've made our message known and I think that message will deliver us to victory."

Donald: "Thank you Governor. We can confirm now that this election spurred the highest turnout in the history of this nation. An expected 87% of registered voters turned out to vote and one has to wonder how interesting will this make election night? Polls close in just 20 minutes and thus begins the long election night. This morning both candidates of the two major parties released videos for a last plea to NIW. Let's see if we can play them now."

Edwards: "Good morning, today you get to vote in one of the most important elections in the history of this nation. I know we are all tired of elections but it is imperative that you vote. I am here asking you, one final time, to vote for Fine Gael. Fine Gael has been in power since November and since then we have brought stability to NIW. We reformed the government and got NIW back on track to prosperity. If you vote for Fine Gael I can promise you this progress will continue and NIW will be a country that represents progress, change, and prosperity. Sinn Fein wants you to believe that Fine Gael has done nothing in power and that the only acceptable change is radical and unviable plans. Fine Gael provides real plans for real people. So today vote for Fine Gael for real change."

Collins: "What kind of nation do you want to live in? Do you want a nation stuck in the past with no progress being made and no changes from our past mistakes? Do you want a nation where you can be denied healthcare simply for having pre-existing conditions? Do you want a nation where poor people living out in the country are denied proper and quick healthcare due to our ambulance services not having the proper roads to get out of the major cities? Do you want a nation where the rich get richer while our poorest citizens face mounting financial troubles? If you're like me this isn't the nation you want. Sinn Fein wants your vote so we can make a government that works for the many not the few. If one person rises we want all to rise. We want everyone to have equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities. Our plans are radical because they challenge a broken system that doesn't want change but our plans are viable. So if you want a government that is responsible to you vote Sinn Fein."

Donald: "Interesting statements from both candidates. Polls close in 10 seconds. *9 seconds later* Ok polls have no closed and we can project that Sinn Fein/ Ind. Alliance will gain a majority in the National Assembly. Sinn Fein earned a projected 43% of the vote giving them 65 of the 150 national proportional seats and we project them to get 257 constituency seats getting them up to 322 out of 597 seats. Please stay with us as we finalize these results throughout the night."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Election 2017

Donald: "Good evening and thank you for joining us for continued election coverage. Not long ago polls closed and exit polls predicted that the Sinn Fein/Ind. Alliance will have a majority in the National Assembly. This comes as a major defeat to Fine Gael and Pres. Edwards who just 8 months ago defeated the NCP to take a majority in the Congress and take the Presidency. We can assure you how the 150 national proportional seats will be distributed. Sinn Fein got 43% of the vote and will get 65 seats, Fine Gael got 35% and will get 52 seats, Fianna Fail got 22% and will get 33 seats.

"We expect this figure to stay about the same throughout the night so we will keep you updated as seats are called. I have here Senior Political Correspondent Henry Ryan. Henry, if these results hold up do you think this is the end of President Edwards?"

Henry: "That's a complicated question especially since this is the first parliamentary elections. Fine Gael is due to make gains of course, but Fine Gael is gonna need to decide if that will be enough. In November they got over 60% of the vote and a majority of seats. Now they are only getting just under 40% and are on track to lose their majority."

Donald: "But do you think Theodore Edwards would still have a mandate to lead Fine Gael if they do not hold a majority of the seats?"

Henry: "I honestly can't say for sure. I could see it going either way. There are leaders who can stay on as much as they want like with Fianna Fail they weren't really expecting a majority and they've already gained 21 seats from what they had before the election so I think Cox is safe. Honestly, if I was a party leader I wouldn't have any plans to resign unless you actually managed to lose seats. But with Edwards he's gonna gain over 100 seats but he's gonna be locked out of government."

Donald: "If Sinn Fein and the Independent Alliance pull off a victory in this election do you think it will affect the Presidential one in November?"

Henry: "That's even harder to say. I'm sure it might change up the polling some but as to whether it will affect who wins is hard to say. Cause Sinn Fein can win today but when it gets to November the electors might not decide to choose the SF/Ind. Alliance candidate."

Donald: "Thank you, Henry. We are now ready to declare that Governor Collins has won his election and will sit in the National Assembly. The current seat distribution is now

Sinn Fein/Ind. Alliance: 68/597
Fine Gael: 59/597
Fianna Fail: 34/597 

We will keep you updated as the night goes on."

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Election 2017 

Edwards Defeated 

The man who once inspired over 60% of the nation to vote for him has suffered defeat in the election. Theodore Edwards, who resigned the Presidency a few weeks ago to run for the National Assembly, has failed to lead his party to a majority in the National Assembly. Instead the party that was polling at 7% just 6 weeks ago managed to pull off a win, of which was unlikely just a week ago. The Sinn Fein/Ind. Alliance Pact won 323/597 seats versus Fine Gael’s 232/597 and Fianna Fail’s 42/597.

In speaking of the election Chairman of Sinn Fein Jonathan O'Flaherty said “I think this is a very embarrassing defeat for Pres. Edwards. He came in expecting a majority, a very large majority I suspect, and he didn’t get that. I wouldn’t be surprised if a leadership challenge happens by the end of the week if he doesn’t step down as Leader of Fine Gael. I can tell you Sinn Fein is very happy about these results.” However, that wasn’t a universal feeling. Deputy Chairman of Fine Gael responded to O’Flaherty saying “I don’t think Edwards failed, compared to the last session of Congress Fine Gael has gained 75 seats. Maybe it’s not the results we originally planned but we still made gains.”

Soon after the results the presumptive Taoiseach took the stage at Sinn Fein HQ to deliver a victory speech

“This is not a victory for me or for Sinn Fein. This is a victory for the people. For the first time in our history the people of our country will have representation in government that stands for them. A people’s party standing for the people in the people’s government. While I want to thank Pres. Edwards for the service he’s given this nation over the years he got a lot wrong and destroyed the potential he had to make true progressive change. When I was travelling around this country talking to people I saw and heard many things that people were worried about. The rise of nationalism around the country like in North Wales, a failing education system that fails to educate and keep our kids safe, a medical system on the verge of collapse because they don’t have the proper equipment, staff, and money, a justice system that unfairly targets minorities, these are just some of the problems happening around our country.

People are worried and now they have a government that we will speak for them and not the special interests. This is long overdue and I am honored along with the rest of Sinn Fein that the people chose us to be their government for the next 5 years. There’s a lot to be done and we are going to do it. I call on all people of this country conservative, liberal; religious, non-religious; white, black; every single person in this country to unite. Unite for change, progress, and country. If this country is not united we can not defeat Polacco, we can not renegotiate the treaty with Austerain, we can not expand our horizons around the world, and we can not fix the problems our country is facing within its own borders. New Ireland and Wales is a great country but we can not remain that way and become greater if we do not unite. I’m not saying unite behind Sinn Fein I’m saying unite as one people, one nation. Together, we can get things done.”

While originally expected to give a concession speech Theodore Edwards’ campaign staff have confirmed he will not be giving a speech but congratulates the new Taoiseach. In the coming days the new Taoiseach, who was just appointed by the President, will announce his cabinet.

[New Ireland and Wales]

Polacco Killed!

Donald: Good evening, reports are coming in from North Wales after a military raid on a compound in North Wales supposedly accidentally resulted in the death of Governor and leader of the rebellion Christiana Polacco. These reports are unconfirmed but we can confirm that 15 NIW soldiers died in the attack up from the original number of 13 we first reported. The Government has yet to say anything other than that 15 soldiers have died but the Taoiseach is soon to hold a press conference on the matter. We go to our Senior Correspondent at the McGuiness Manor Jason Monroe. Jason, what is the feeling in the room. 

Jason: The atmosphere here is one of great confusion. Bosses are calling the correspondents and we see staff running around and just a few moments ago the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister arrived. Donald, if this is true it will be interesting to see how the Government handles it and what will transpire in the coming weeks. 

Donald: Do you think that if these claims are true that it could end with a legal investigation into the Government to see if the killing was intentional? 

Jason: I don’t think you should rule it out but that depends on what happens at the press conference today and if the National Assembly Special Committee on Government Oversight wants to investigate this or not.  

Donald: Thank you, Jason. Here he is now, Taoiseach Collins. 

*Collins walks into the room and up to the podium. * 

Collins: Good evening, at 12 noon today I approved a military mission with the goal of capturing Governor Polacco so she could face justice. The mission was an attack on a compound in the mountains of North Wales that we had been spying on for the past weeks and last night we got solid proof that Governor Polacco was indeed there. During the mission a grenade was thrown by one of our soldiers, that grenade blew up a truck which consequently destroyed much of the compound killing Governor Polacco, her deputy, the Commander of the Welsh National Guard, and 28 rebel soldiers. I will now take questions.  

Jason: Taoiseach, Jason Monroe, RTE News. Was the killing of Polacco a secret hope of this mission? 

Taoiseach: No. The mission was ordered with the intention of capturing Polacco not killing her. 

Jason: So, in no part of the mission was anyone giving the order to try and kill Polacco or was the mission ordered with the knowledge that the chances of Polacco being killed were high? 

Taoiseach: I can tell you that in no part of the mission was such an order given and as for if we knew of the chances that she would die. Yes, we knew, but that’s not why we ordered it. We ordered it because we knew we had a real chance of capturing her.  

Alec: Alec Jones, Common News, did you order the killing of Polacco because she was a conservative and posed a threat to the establishment of the stupid liberal anti-Irish and Welsh idiots. 

Taoiseach: I’m not going to answer that question. Your claims are false. 

Cameron: Cameron Oliver, International Times, Taoiseach are Austeren officials angered by the killing of Polacco? 

Taoiseach: I called President Versace and President-elect Thorne to inform them of the matter but we really didn’t have much of a conversation. I suspect with all that’s happened in Austerain because of Polacco I would expect they aren’t angry.  

Cameron: Do you think that if they are mad it could put negotiations and the alliance itself in danger? 

Taoiseach: I would certainly think it wouldn’t put the alliance in danger. At most they’d be irritated but since it wasn’t intentional I don’t think the alliance is in danger. 

Muhammad: Muhammad Asbath, Cardiff Chronicle, with Polacco dead does that mean the war is nearly over? 

Taoiseach: It’s hard to say. There is certainly some chaos in rebel ranks right now but I can’t expand past that. 

Judy: Judy Michaels, Belfast Daily, how was it confirmed that Polacco was at the compound. 

Taoiseach: Uhh, I can’t currently answer that because of concerns with national security. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, that’s all we have time for.  

Donald: Well, the killing of Polacco might have been unintentional but I highly doubt that the Taoiseach or anyone for that matter will be losing sleep over this. Just seconds ago we received a message from the Leader of the Opposition where he condemned the Taoiseach’s “wreckless military action” saying the blood of all the soldiers are “on his hands” but said nothing of the killing of Polacco. The Taoiseach is expected to address the National Aseembly tomorrow and take more questions from members on the matter.  

[New Ireland and Wales]

Payton Bennet Dead at 87

Donald: "Good evening, we bring you breaking news as it has been confirmed that the long-time politician Payton Bennet has died at the age of 87. Bennet is the longest serving politician in modern history with a political career extending continuously from 1960 until 2014. Bennet has served in many positions in his over 50 years in politics from 1960 until 1968 he served in the Assembly of the Republic as a member of the New Union Party, from 1968 until the death of Chairman Gallagher in 1973 he was Vice Chair of the Central Military Operations Committee, which was also the position the father of President Edwards served in, from 1973 until 1980 he served in the Assembly of the Republic again. During the revolution he was seen as a neutral force by never commenting on the war. In 1980 he was elected Governor of Leinster where he rose to fame, in a negative way, when he jailed then Provincial Legislature Theodore Edwards for his strong criticisms of the Governor. In 1983 after he released Edwards he "repented" in a public apology to Edwards on national tv. He was narrowly reelected in 1984 but would resign in 1986 when he was elected to Congress as an independent where he would serve until 1996 when he was defeated by NCP nominee and then Governor Theodore Edwards, but he would return to Congress just 6 months later when Edwards was made Education Secretary. He would stay in Congress until 2004 where he decided to step down from national politics and ran for Dublin City Council serving there until 2009 where new election laws mandated provincial and local elections to happen a year after every Presidential election. In 2009 he was elected Mayor of Dublin serving in the office until his resignation in 2014 after being diagnosed with liver cancer. As Edwards' brand of politics is retiring his major political opponent throughout his career has died. Here to discuss is former President Theodore Edwards himself. Mr. President, thank you for joining us. What were your thoughts upon hearing this news?"

Edwards:  "Thank you, Donald. Anyone can easily prove that the first 24 years of his political career weren't all that great. He served the military government that oppressed so many people and even after the military was ousted he served as Governor of Leinster where for the first few years he acted like many of the leaders we overthrew in the war. Obviously, our relationship didn't begin in a pleasant manner but after he apologized we developed a friendship. He even introduced me to my current husband in 1990 and even though we were political rivals we had that relationship and respect for each other. Today, we have lost a giant and father of this nation. We may have disagreed with his policies but he has helped build this nation."

Donald: "Do you think that his later actions in life erased what he did at the beginning of his career?"

Edwards: "Honestly, no. Yes he apologized and we all moved on and don't get me wrong that was all good, but he still did it. We should remember him and thank him for all he did in his later years but we should also remember what he did in his earlier years. I'm not trashing him, he was a great public servant, but we do need to remember."

Donald: "The Taoiseach released quite a different statement than what you have said here today he said and I quote "My thoughts are with his friends and family in these times of grief. But, I will not commemorate and praise the life of a man who devoted the earlier years of his political life oppressing our people and spent the later years opposing things such as education reform, labor reform, and so many more critical parts of our society that needed and needs fixing." What are your thoughts on this?"

Edwards: "I'm not going to comment on what the Taoiseach say on this particular issue. People are going to have their different opinions and they are entitled to those opinions." 

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

War Ends! Victory for NIW!

Cathy: "Good morning. In the late hours of the night last night the final battle of the North Wales War ended after the final brigade of the Welsh National Guard surrendered to the New Irish and Welsh Army after days of fighting. This comes days after the Commanding General of the WNG surrendered not long after the death of Polacco. General Benson O'Connor marked the event by speaking to a crowd of citizens in the town of Dewpoint. "We have won! You have won! What we did hear today was prove to the world that dangerous nationalism will not be accepted and that the oppression in any form will not be tolerated. NIW stands tall against nationalism and oppression. What we did here today and these past months is not only defeating a rebel insurgency but liberate the people of North Wales! Oppression no more! North Wales together with NIW will rise! In the coming days, weeks, months, and years we will work on reconciliation and rebuilding. The citizens of North Wales are NIW citizens and we will treat them as such and protect the rights of every single one of them." The speech was met with many cheers but it must be asked why did the national government sit by for decades and not do anything about the oppressed citizens in North Wales? I have President of the Democratic Association here to discuss. Edson, what is a major reason this was allowed to happen?"

Edson: "Well basically every administration was a National Conservative administration and North Wales provided them with about a million and a half votes in Presidential elections and when Edwards was elected President he tried to fix the matter but instead turned focus on "progressive" changes in the rest of the nation. This angered the white voting bloc up there and saying they were the only ones really allowed to vote secession was easy."

Cathy: "So what do you think the government should do from here, now?"

Edson:  "Well there are 1.8 million registered voters in North Wales that's only 38% of the eligible population up there. The government needs to work on getting those other voters registered."

Cathy: "Thank you, Edson. In fact that's what the government has been doing. Since Collins has taken over NIW officials have gone through cities reclaimed by NIW forces and began registering previously disenfranchised people. The Government has announced elections for the North Wales Assembly to be July 23rd with the Taoiseach saying "I have always supported the expansion of democratic participation and it would make no sense to say North Wales has no right to a vote after we fought an army and person who was trying to stop more people from voting." The Taoiseach has been criticized by the Leader of the Opposition with Collins being called "a wimp with no balls." 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Taoiseach Blasts Versace, Federal Reserve Up For Discussion

In an interview with RTE News Taoiseach Edward Collins was asked his thoughts Austeren President Versace and his strong words have many people on both Government and opposition benches taken back.

During the interview Collins was asked "Taoiseach, President Versace is currently in Hermatia where she has been since the election of President-elect Thorne what are your thoughts on this?" Collins sighed a little bit before speaking "It's truly despicable that Austerain elected a new leader from a completely different party and instead of doing what any other leader would have done or should have done rather and returned home immediately and let the new President take office she has dragged her feet and made sure that this meeting keeps going on for as long as possible. She can say it's for the best interests of the nation but it's not it's for her best interests. Not only is she dragging her feet when it comes to the transition of power she's over in a foreign country criticizing the duly elected leader of her country right in front of the leader of another nation. It's selfish really. I can understand a small transition period but this is outrageous the elected leader of a country does not get to decide when they leave office, the people do. But I guess she wouldn't really understand that since she was never elected President or Chancellor before that. If she wants to do what's best for Austerain it needs to happen right now." Collins went on to call Versace "a weak leader" for her refusal to stand up to old antique monarchies "I don't see much use for monarchies in today's society except to uphold an archaic social order that has no place in a progressive society. I'm not calling for all monarchies to be abolished. Some countries don't want to do that and I respect that but Versace seems to be nowhere on the issue."


The next day the Leader of the Opposition Raymond Mulligan said on the Assembly floor "The Taoiseach's comments are both dangerous and disturbing. In what sane society is it alright for the leader of a nation to attack the leader of another nation? The Taoiseach has not only put our potential relations with Austerain at risk but our relations with the rest of the world who might not want to consort with a nation and a leader who so easily attacks other world leaders. Fine Gael strongly condemns these comments and demands that the Taoiseach immediately withdraw them." Comments like these also came in from the Government benches with the Ambassador to Austerain Jack Asher tweeting out "Taoiseach's comments were wrong. We stand with our allies in Austerain and the world no matter what. Monarchies or not they are our allies."

The comments had little effect on polling in NIW with Sinn Fein still on track for a landslide victory in North Wales elections later this months polling at 52% over the nearest opponent at 38%.

---

The day before the Taoiseach made controversial comments about President Versace the Taoiseach proposed to the National Assembly a bill which would start a Federal Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve was originally an institution in New Ireland and Wales but was abolished in 1998 as part of President John Frank's plan to downsize the government in order to "allow for greater freedom of the people." Since the abolition of the bank the economy has been fairly unstable and the Taoiseach calls the creation of the bank "A major step in fixing the economy of this nation. The National Assembly is expected to vote on Friday on the bill and it is expected to pass as it was part of both Fine Gael's and Sinn Fein's platform.    

[New Ireland and Wales]

Sinn Fein Gets Majority!

Donald: Good evening I'm Donald Clarke and you're watching RTE News. On July 26th something the progressive left in New Ireland and Wales never thought possible happened, a left-wing party won an election. Elections for the Assembly of North Wales and for North Welsh seats in the National Assembly brought Sinn Fein to the helm of operation in North Wales.  Elections were called not long after NIW forces defeated the Welsh National Guard in North Wales bringing an end to the months long war. At first it seemed that the centre-right party Welsh Union would take the majority in both the Provincial Assembly and the National Assembly seats in North Wales but the ascension of Andrew Underwood, the Chief of Staff to the Taoiseach, as leader of Sinn Fein in North Wales propelled the party to the top of the polls and two days ago it gave them a resounding victory in North Wales. Perhaps the most surprising factor of this election was Fine Gael only capturing about 2% of the vote in North Wales. We have Joseph Foster here to discuss. Joseph, thank you for joining us What is the most important factor in this election?

Joseph: Thank you, Donald. This election is surprising in many senses Fine Gael only getting 2% of the vote isn't that surprising to me. Many people in North Wales blame them for escalating the situation in North Wales and giving their former Governor a national platform that helped her get elected Governor. Even the people who voted for Polacco don't like them. The most surprising factor is how well Sinn Fein did. Sinn Fein has a majority in the Assembly of North Wales and even more surprising Sinn Fein now has a majority in the National Assembly. If they wanted to they could kick the Independent Alliance out of government and still be able to govern. It just wouldn't be comfortable.  

Donald: I was about to get to that. I think the coalition will hold as it gives Sinn Fein more room to govern but say for example they wanted to do something IA didn't they probably would be able to do that. I have some breaking news. Raymond Mulligan, the Leader of the Opposition, has resigned as Leader of Fine Gael after losing a confidence vote. He was only on the job for 1 month but in that month Fine Gael has plummeted in the polls and just recently performed horribly in North Wales. We go to him now

"Friends, fellow party members, and fellow citizens just a few minutes ago the Assembly Conference for Fine Gael voted through a measure of no confidence in my leadership of Fine Gael. Normally this would mean another leadership election would be called but I have decided that I shall not contest this election and will immediately resign as Leader of Fine Gael. I remain dedicated to this party and will continue to support its mission for all of New Ireland and Wales. Perhaps I was not the right leader of Fine Gael but I always did what I thought was best for the party and the nation and it has been an honor to serve as the leader of this party. Thank you."