A pointless election?
25/04/2019
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna suggests that the forthcoming European elections will be a pointless exercise that will have no impact on the Brext debate in Westminster.
Brexit to trump local issues in poll?
25/04/2019
This week Jim previews next week’s major round of local elections in the North. There are many important issues facing our Town Halls but, more than is usually the case, this contest will be dominated by national politics. It could be a rough night for the Tories in their rural heartland.
The fading authority of the Referendum
11/04/2019
Jim looks at the new Halloween Brexit deadline. He thinks it could lead to the pressure being taken off until another crisis in the autumn. However there is a chance Mrs May could use the threat of European elections to force her deal through after Easter.
You say extension, we say flextension – let’s call the whole thing off?
11/04/2019
‘You say extension, we say flextension, let’s call the whole thing off’ Frank McKenna’s latest take on the Brexit saga.
The invalid referendum
04/04/2019
Jim marvels at the Tories cheek in expecting Labour to bail them out of their Brexit mess. He says Corbyn must insist on a second vote. He has changed his mind on a new referendum as Vote Leave finally accept their fines for law breaking in 2016.
If they can U-turn, why can’t you?
04/04/2019
After another tumultuous week in parliament, Frank McKenna argues that only a people’s vote can truly define what the ‘will of the people’ is – and he suggests our ‘special relationship’ with the States may not be that special in the future.
May’s last chance?
28/03/2019
This week Jim contemplates the dramatic constitutional developments that are likely to accompany Mrs May’s last days. The Prime Minister may be nearly finished but according to Jim, Donald Trump could be on course for a second term.
Did Tigger bounce too soon?
28/03/2019
Timing is everything in politics. Frank McKenna asks did the Independent Group launch too soon? He also reflects on the latest Brexit shenanigans in his latest Downtown blog.
From “Letter Box” to Christchurch
21/03/2019
This week Jim urges populist politicians to curb the rhetoric after the dreadful events in New Zealand. He also reflects on turbulent times exactly forty years ago.
MIPIM 2019
21/03/2019
Downtown in Business attended MIPIM 2019 in Cannes. The property festival was celebrating its thirtieth year and over 25,000 delegates descended on the south of France.
Answer my question Mr Farage
14/03/2019
As the Brexit crisis reaches a climax at Westminster, Jim challenges Nigel Farage to answer a question he dodged from him in Chester. Would he have accepted a decision to Remain? He also suggests the Chancellor is on borrowed time despite a strong economy.
Women in Business – Happy international Women’s Day
08/03/2019
Downtown Director, Chris McKenna, celebrates International Women’s Day by reflecting on a few of the women who have inspired him throughout his nine years at Downtown.