“The reality is…” Coined in 1997 and used mostly by republicans. Close your eyes. Think of the Talkback music starting all those years ago and David Dunseith skilfully interviewing politicians on the peace negotiations. Who can you hear spouting in nearly every sentence “David, the reality is..?” Yes, it’s none other than Sinn Fein’s Mitchel Mc Laughlin. Now almost every politico says it. Regularly.
“Yes, but the point I’m making is…” This is normally used to deflect away from a question which the interviewee is uncomfortable being put on the spot about.
“We have to find a way to deal with the past…” Usually used when some new hair brained idea is being courted to the public arena regarding dealing with the past. How many times was this phrase used in the run up to Haass? Vixens lost count!
“At the end of the day…” This phrase is oft accompanied by a whiny superior toned voice. Used to state the obvious.
“Situation” – Used by everybody. Now cannot be used without hearing those Dublin Trolls. Sounds better when spoken by a Derry politician.
“Lets be clear about this.” You can be sure that when a politician uses this phrase, they haven’t a clue what they’re talking about either.
“But the point I’m making is” – roughly translates as, “no one understands me”.
‘We made proposals and they went out to a public consultation’… This is a great deflection line – it is either used to back up a politicians stance – and put the responsibility onto the voters – or used when a politician is stalling for time.
“Anti peace process securocrats”… – Vixens believes the reality is that we do not, in this situation, need to explain the type of politician who comes up with such gobbledygook.
“You see (adopt the patronising tone of Gerry Adams here) what you have to do is, you have to view this in the context of….. the people who voted for Sinn Fein deserve our respect…” You can hear him too, cant you?…
And its not just Gerry Adams who uses stock phrases, some of the other Northern politicians have their own little gems.
Nigel Dodds – “the reality is”
Billy Hutchinson – “let’s be clear”
Martin McGuinness – “tremendous” – -usually when he’s not talking about “dissident journalists”.
Nelson McCausland during the DSD inquiry – “I cannot recall”
Theresa Villiers – “That will be a matter for the inquiry”
Jim Allister – “Terrorists, in Government?” (pitch goes up two octaves)
Welcome to a collection of blogs from women who contribute with one aim - simply to write honestly. None of these women shy away from controversy, believing that subjects should be tackled head on, explored, and in some cases even enjoyed. We welcome contributions from anyone who feels they have something to say. Email : honestdigest@outlook.com
Vixens With Convictions! 
Leave a Reply