Climate denial - not yet extinct

It's true, the dinosaurs are not yet extinct and it appears that Sammy Wilson is their elected representative in the northern bit of Ireland. Mr Wilson is the environment minister who has refused to broadcast a series of ads which he describes as “insidious New Labour propaganda” because they suggest ways people can cut their electricity bills - which also helps the fight against climate change.

He also appears to believe he can ban anyone else from discussing the issues when he said "that future ecological messages could only be promoted in Northern Ireland with his permission". That sounds like a challenge and I notice that students at his old university via the Queens Student Radio Station are playing the offending ads on the hour every hour. Good stuff.

He has been accused by the Ulster Unionists of "effectively [making] a Unilateral Declaration of Independence against Her Majesty's Government", interesting that a DUP politician should do so, don't you think? Maybe he's not guilty of climate denial (although he is), perhaps his sin is Republicanism?

Stormont Assembly members have voted no confidence in the erstwhile Minister. "Tommy Gallagher, SDLP, accused Mr Wilson of "political sabotage of an important public awareness campaign"." However, it's hardly the first time he's got on the wrong side of the green movement as he's in favour of Heathrow expansion, in favour of nuclear power, opposes the creation of an environmental protection agency, in fact he seems an all round odd choice to be an environmental Minister at all.

Irish left blogger Splintered Sunrise notes that even(?) page three models seem to have a better understanding than the minister with her tips on having an eco-friendly valentine's day (which manly consist of staying in bed). Unfortunately Wilson is not so unusual nor unpredictable that some people can't play climate deniers bingo.

You can sign the petition to give him the boot here.
You can watch the “insidious New Labour propaganda” that attempts to help people cut their fuel bills here. Scary stuff.
Further reading: Marcus Brigstocke - brilliant stuff.