Albans Close Shave by Pudsey

Well done to SDLP North Belfast MLA who today had his moustache shaved off for BBC Children in Need. Donations are still welcome - by calling Catherine on 028 9052 1319.

Alban without Moustache (courteousy of Photoshop)

Exclusive (to my knowledge)

With Children in Need fast approaching the Chair of the SDLP Assembly Group, Alban Maginness MLA, has agreed, with a little persuasion, to shave off his moustache in the name of charity.  This decision has not been taken lightly by the esteemed member – the moustache has been an integral and longstanding part of Mr Maginness’s makeup.

Alban hopes to hold a shaving ceremony on Thursday of this week and photographic evidence of this particular piece of decommissioning will be provided!  Speaking today Alban said:

“This is a decision I have not taken lightly.  My moustache has been a close friend to me over the years, through good times and bad, through thick and thinning!  It was present at the birth of my children and during many election campaigns walking the streets of North Belfast.  The thought of being without it, for even a short while, fills me with both fear and trepidation.

On a serious note though, the moustache can grow back, I may even prefer life without it, but through the small efforts of many fundraisers throughout the North every year, Children in Need provides hope for many of the most needy and most overlooked sections of our society.

The truth is that we all can make a difference, however small.  We can all work alone or with others to, to draw attention to the event, raise funds for Children in Need, and take part in the knowledge that we are taking part in something bigger.  My moustache may have been a major part of my life, but it is only one small story among thousands that are told every year when raising money for Children in Need.”

Here is a cracker of an article which was published in today’s North Belfast News. It’s the SDLP’s European candidate Alban Maginness summing up the current situation with the NI Executive.

SINN FEIN’S GERRYMANDER  OF JUSTICE MINISTRY IS BLATANT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE SDLP

Banks are crashing, fuel prices are rocketing, mortgages are disappearing and dole queues are lengthening, and still the Executive is being prevented from meeting. We face a hard winter when the elderly and the vulnerable will be forced to choose between heating and eating, but three months have been wasted and soon it will be four. We need to cut through all the spin and lay the blame squarely where it belongs – at the door of Sinn Fein and nowhere else. They are in a mess of their own making. (more…)