Northern Ireland

[johnep]

Actually, I have visited NI after all, Driving from Drogheda, went across border at Monaghan?. Was not very happy to have rifles poked into car at the border. Was just after an incident where number of soldiers killed. Regret forgotten name now.
After that was always careful to route so that did not cross border.
johnep

[culchie82]

True Culchie but the colonisers will only keep paying while they are getting something in return or have a strategic interest.
While most people there do of course pay their taxes some have made it a point of honour to never pay anything, including precription charges or TV licences.

PS johnep, we had our problems long before Cromwell, but he did add a good bit to them!

The thing is, they don't have a economic or strategic interest in the place, Brooke even said so when he was Secretary of State...... I can't imagine it's some sentimental attachment to the place either, so the mind boggles.
It doesn't really matter anyway as the South coldn't afford the place (especially now), and it's too small to fend for itself, so the constitutional issue is dead and buried as far as I see.
In relation to the free meal tickets, this will occur in any country where a welfare state exists - NI is no better or worse than any other country in this regard.

[johnep]

Has been said that someone should pull the plug on NI and let it sink. Another was that all the Irish in the UK should return to Ireland in exchange for those in NI who want to stay with the UK. Ireland could then reunite and terrorism would stop, or would it?
johnep

[Pharmanaut]

Has been said that someone should pull the plug on NI and let it sink. Another was that all the Irish in the UK should return to Ireland in exchange for those in NI who want to stay with the UK. Ireland could then reunite and terrorism would stop, or would it?
johnep

Someone, somewhere will always find injustice.
Look at the current cuts dilemma.

MP : I propose a tax on cream cakes to help fight obesity.
Press : What about all those whose livelihoods depend on making and distributing cream cakes?

Substitute anything you like for cream cakes.

[geordie1]

What is the situation in Northern ireland in terms of the spred of community pharmacies? Are they predominantly Multiples or is there still a singificant proportion of independents?

Is there many pharmacies for sale in northern ireland? I know the job situations is quite poor over there but what about for potential pharmacy owners?

How about additional services? Practice pharmacist contracts? Anticoagulation etc? Or is this all done by the PCTs (or equivalent)?

[Racer]

Actually, I have visited NI after all, Driving from Drogheda, went across border at Monaghan?. Was not very happy to have rifles poked into car at the border. Was just after an incident where number of soldiers killed. Regret forgotten name now.
After that was always careful to route so that did not cross border.
johnep

That must have been a few years back. No one bothers about the border now, the British Army are long gone.

[johnep]

Yes, my last visit to Ireland was 1981. Still keep contact with a business friend in Dublin. Looks as if we may return to the old days when apprentices (pre regs) were not paid any wages and, indeed, their fathers had to pay a premium to the employer. The multiples will love this.
johnep