Quirky News
Tory MP in 'Northern Island' gaffe
A Tory MP was left red-faced over a Twitter gaffe when he tweeted his delight over his appointment to 'Northern Island'.
Alec Shelbrooke was trying to express his pleasure at being appointed parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to new Northern Ireland minister Mike Penning.
But the Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell tweeted: "Delighted to have followed Mike Penning to Northern Island as his PPS."
The post to his 3,000 followers was quickly retweeted across the micro-blogging website, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Mr Shelbrooke, who lives in North Yorkshire, described it as a "simple mistake" before making another spelling error while attempting to dismiss the blunder on technology.
He blamed "auto correct", a function on iPhones, writing: "Dam (sic) you auto correct. Northern Ireland not Island!!!!"
He then added: "Interesting to note so many retweets over a simple mistake, I think that's the most I've ever had. Just goes to show the level of debate!!!!"
what do you think?
denis parsons
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
chris
Ireland came from Eire which is the Ireland's traditional Gaelic. Eriu was one of three goddesses' sisters who were the patrons of pre-Christian Ireland. Ireland is not an ordinary common first name in Ireland; far more popular is Erin, which is derived from the Gaelic Eirinn, the dative form of Eire. Kim Basinger's daughter and Alec Baldwin are named Ireland. Well if I could look it up so easily so should he have done! I have never bothered before.
denis parsons
5:41pm on 11/9/2012
It is a bloody Island
Paul Walsh
6:59pm on 11/9/2012
But its not called Island. Its Northern Ireland! How would you like this country being called Western Europe?
movvi
8:08pm on 12/9/2012
It is but the point is that this is not its name!