Jeffrey Donaldson

[Cafog]

Is there a thread yet that I haven't found? Shocked to hear this news this morning about the recently knighted MP and leader of the DUP being charged with historical sex offences along with his wife. And disgusted at all those in a froth on social media who haven't even spared a thought for his potential victims.

The mother of the groom was dressed in what appeared to be a very pale silver but could also be mistaken for a shade of white.

Maybe it's a thing in their circle?

I move in similar circles and never heard of presbyterian weddings having all white bridal parties. Maybe a black and white theme for the wedding

Yes but are your circles varying degrees of hard/moderate line unionist political party presbyterians? But yeah, maybe they had a black and white themed wedding, in which case the other of the groom was a bit off-theme.

Don’t know any Free Ps just ordinary middle class Presbyterians not far from Dromore and all relatively moderate. Not sure if Jeffrey and wife are Free Ps who may have some weird thing about dressing in white lol

I've heard the PSNI were asked to sit on it until after Stormount was installed.

So much speculation you wouldn’t know what to believe.

I remember reading when I got married that traditionally the mothers were the only ones allowed wear white. Maybe it is the norm in some circles still.

Judgey old me : I wish Presbyterians would stop being so dour.

Chilled new me : OK Presbyterians can be dour again if they like.

I saw Gerry Kelly there too once, the TV presenter one, not the politician!

They’re Presbyterian apparently not Free Pee.

You are probably right. Just sad in one way that our little part of the UK means so little to our compatriots.

@Treesinmygarden I'm really sorry you feel like that. I'm English and I'm interested in all parts of the UK, I read threads about Northern Ireland but I don't comment on them because I don't feel it's my place. I do find them hugely educational though.

I have always felt like we are barely tolerated. I know that not everyone feels that way. I remember watching something on TV years back when Edwina Currie spilled her guts about how much she resented the money spent on NI. I lived in London when Gow was assassinated and I felt as if I was personally responsible.

On a lighter note Jeffrey was adjacent to me in church resplendent in his council robes on Remembrance Sunday when my then small son for reasons only known to him declared “boobies” and whacked mine 🙄

Asked by whom I wonder.....Deep State eh? 😉I wouldn't be the least surprised if JD agreed to the reactivation of Stormont because there was a threat over his head. Possible I suppose, but maybe not probable. I dunno.

The PSNI released a statement saying that they received a complaint in early March.
Stormont reconvened on 3rd February.
That indicates that the PSNI were not asked to sit on it.

I just hope n pray the truth comes out....what a desperately sad and utterly tragic situation.

No matter the outcome.....I think Jeffrey Donaldson's place in public and political life is over

He's finished, no question, no matter what happens.

From what I have read on tattle, he is most definitely over.

If he’s staying in London, how does it actually work for him in practical terms? How does he go out and buy food/groceries or is he likely to have an assistant who does that for him? I wonder if he’s allowed a mobile phone to keep in touch with people ? Just was curious

He probably buys his own messages and I have no doubt he can use his mobile phone. IIRC his bail conditions are that he has no contact with his wife and is unable to leave the UK.

I suspect most people in London wouldn't recognise him so it wouldn't interfere with his life from a practical perspective. Not that I would object to his life being disrupted from a practical perspective...

I'm wondering how he is going to get back from London! Whoever is on that flight with him is going to be photographing and filming him. Maybe even hurling abuse at him as he queues for airport security checks etc. I do hope he isn't given special treatment and let through some vip door or flown back on a private plane or military helicopter 'for his own safety'.

Wasn't there some incident with him on a plane recently ?

He would have a personal protection officer so presumably they're with him and assisting.
I'm assuming he'll need to return for his court appearance at the end of the month and regard will need to be taken for his personal safety.

Well would he still have a ppo if he's resigned from everything? That's my point- he is a private citizen now to all intents and purposes and we wouldn't get special protection if we were travelling to court so why should he?

And re the recent incident of him being verbally/ physically? assaulted on a plane, there has been a suggestion it was linked but I can't see how. The only people who knew this was coming were the 'alleged' victims and the police/pps and I can't see any of them heckling him on a flight.

I’m not sure he is a private citizen? He is still a sitting MP. He only resigned as DUP leader and isn’t currently a member of that party but he is still a sitting politician