Robinson has 'claws' for thought

By Jim Fitzpatrick
BBC NI Politics Show

Peter Robinson is set to meet the Prime Minister at Stormont

As a child, I didn't care much for crabs. I used to spend time splashing about in Strangford Lough and the place was full of them.

One day I was attempting to go for a swim. I was on my own.

I waded into the water, my feet squelching through the grey mud.

Then I stopped. I was sure there were crabs nearby and I didn't want to encounter them.

I stood, frozen, looking ahead through the murky water searching for them. If I could see where they were I would know where to avoid. So I continued to peer ahead of me with purpose.

A few minutes later as I scoured the water beneath I felt a gentle tap upon my foot.

Giant Crustacean

I looked straight down and was greeted with the sight of a giant crustacean waving hello - his big claw caressing my big toe.

My search for crabs was over. So, too, was my attempt to go for a swim. I ran from the water, legs and arms rotating with cartoon speed.

Nowadays I quite like crabs. I've even managed to buy them live and cook them, though there's a whole other horror story attached to that

But that little moment of fear in Strangford and my encounter with the subject of my fear is a scene that returns to me on occasion when I'm faced with a big decision.

If I'd only jumped in and started swimming all those years ago, rather than delayed, all would have been fine. By stalling, my fear had become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Koi Carp

I don't know if Peter Robinson likes crabs, or not, although we know he keeps koi carp, but his critics think he's a man paralysed by fear.

Whether it's the nipping claws of Jim Allister, or the scuttling manoeuvres of DUP sceptics, Sinn Fein says Peter's running scared.

They want him to jump into the water and swim with the tide on policing and justice. That's the way to avoid a nasty encounter with the political bottom feeders, they say.

The British Government seems to agree. Secretary of State Shaun Woodward says that delay will encourage instability and therefore deter investment.

Tactical Advantage?

But Peter Robinson is unmoved. Is he paralysed by fear, or merely stalling for tactical advantage?

Find out on Sunday when he joins me on The Politics Show ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to Stormont on Monday.

We'll also take a look at the fallout from the Lisbon Treaty referendum result in the Republic and hear from the Conservative Party conference, with Yvette reporting on the fun process of selecting Westminster candidates for the Conservative/Unionist ticket.

See you Sunday

Jim

PS - With all this talk of politicians on the take, it's nice to see one with a giving heart

Basil McCrea took a tour of Lisburn market with Yvette this week. During his walkabout he forked out nine quid on a bunch of flowers and promptly handed them to a surprised female constituent.

The grateful recipient planted a kiss on his cheek and told Yvette that Basil might even get her vote.

Could this be a secret strategy to win the Westminster seat?

With at least 15,000 votes needed for a win at Westminster that's £135,000 worth of flowers. This suggests a novel, but potentially expensive, strategy for success.

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