Bloggers

A Message From the Editor:

The Comment Space prides itself on delivering opinion, analysis, and news which provides something for everyone. As part of this, we have a diverse team of writers to make sure that there is something for every political persuasion to agree with; from Socialist thought, Conservativism, Feminism, to Libertarianism, as well as clued in International Affairs, The Comment Space provides a truly rounded perspective. Short profiles of each blogger, including myself, can be found below.

Patrick.

Patrick English - (Europe and Economics Specialist)

A student of Sheffield University coming from a rural area of East England and of Irish ethnicity, Patrick was baptised an Irish Catholic, and is now a practicing Liberal Christian. Patrick is editor-in-cheif of The Comment Space and the primary brain behind the Think Tank. A current member of the Liberal Democrat party with a Liberal approach to social policy combined with responsible left wing economics, Patrick takes tolorance, respect, fairness, and freedoms very seriously. His writing style is more analytical than expressive, and specialises in current affairs and the 'method behind the madness' by looking at the philosophy and motives behind political events or movements, and coming up with potential conclusions or solutions. Coming from a background now well entwined with the EU back in Ireland, and from a family to be considered living evidence of the presence of social mobility in our society, Patrick also takes great interest in the EU, and macro-economics.

Ben Mackay (Constitutional Affairs Specialist)

Ben is a Politics and Philosophy student at Sheffield University, living in London with his family. He is a member of the Liberal Democrats and has special interest in ethics, the relationship between Church and state, liberalism and Asia, as well as being The Comment Space's specialist on Constitutional Affairs. Ben has always been seen as the most controversial of The Comment Space's writers; not afraid to take on a touchy subject or write on issues he has particular attachment to. Although supportive of the free market system, Ben is a true believer in wealth redistribution whether it be through the Welfare State, or high foreign aid spending and therefore fairness to those who need it most. Holding views on tolerance very seriously, he is an atheist. His own blog is at www.benrossmackay.blogspot.com.

Sam Neagus (US and International Relations Specialist)

Sam is an undergraduate Politics student at Sheffield Univeristy and is The Comment's specialist writer on American Politics. His analytical writings on the Mid-Terms brought great praise during the course of the elections, and is often regarded as the most informative of The Comment's writers. Sam also takes the lead on International Relations for The Comment Space, and provides a solid base of knowledge on the topic for all reader. He holds a Labour Party membership and believes deeply in tax and spend policies, combined with freedom and equality for all. Living with his family in Essex, Sam is a member of the Jewish faith with great respect for all people, irrespective of race and religion.

Siobhan Bligh (Gender and Equality Specialist)

Siobhan is The Comment's only female writer, and fittingly therefore specialises in Gender and Equality issues. She is a member of the Labour party, and lives in Lincoln. Siobhan has studied briefly at Aberswyth University, Scotland, and worked in retail for a year of her life, before then moving on to Sheffield University to study Philosophy. She describers herself as a Social Democrat, and a Liberal Feminist.  Despite lack of Politics in her degree, she has an indepth and up to date knowledge of politics. Siobhan believes strongly in a moral guidance to politics and current affairs, and is currently well at the heart of the "Cuts are Nuts" campaign in Sheffield. Siobhan is also The Comment's leading UPDATE blog writer, due to her intense involvement in politics at ground level.

Joe Ahern (Civil Liberty and Social Policy Specialist)

Joe is an undergraduate at the University of Sheffield studying Politics and Sociology He hails from Harrogate in North Yorkshire where he has been a member of the Conservative Party both nationally and locally since the age of 15. His political views are ultimately from a more Libertarian swing, and he is apathetic from religion. His views are somewhat tangeble however, and he enjoys a thorough debate with people from all political perspectives. He also enjoys election politics and thoroughly enjoys all forms of debate and campaigning, as well as the politics behind each of them. Joe considers himself to be well knowledged in British politics and in particular parliamentary goings on, and a keen follower of the development of civil rights and liberties in the UK and beyond.