Money, Love and Integrity

“One of Britain’s youngest lottery winners has been found dead at his home after apparently becoming a recluse in his secluded cottage in the countryside.”

The above quote is taken from The Guardian newspaper (8th January 2010) and it informs us of the tragic ending to what should have been a life of endless delight. Stuart Donnelly (29) had become reclusive, one of the unhappy aspects to winning the lottery.

By staying in we often become delusional and perhaps self-centred. It’s easy for us to hide inside the home stuffing ourselves with unhealthy food, stretching for the TV remote or spending hours on the internet before drawing the curtains and switching on the heat. The comforts at home fill our heads, in many cases, with a warped understanding of life.

This is not a good pattern to follow. Everyone needs to get out of their cosseted environment for a while each day and this equips us with a truer perspective on life. It’s always simpler to stay static, but is much more beneficial to leave our comfort zones and venture out. By doing this we have a greater likelihood of meeting others of a similar mind. Charity or voluntary work can be of enormous value and helps us realise we’re not alone in this world.

In my own case getting out of the house is vital and may have improved my mental health. Sadly, reclusive people do not have this understanding and that is what may have led to Mr Donnelly’s death at such an early age.

In The Guardian, Severin Carrell reports that the young man died from natural causes. Mr Donnelly had been generous to his family and those around him when he won the lottery, valued at over £1.9m. He is quoted as saying he would do “…anything that involves not leaving the house.”

For him, winning this sum may not have led to happiness and might indeed have caused problems. Ironically, this unselfish fellow may have had a better life if he hadn’t won the lottery prize in the first place. His death should not go un-noted.


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The Revolting Robinsons




Throughout the 1980s, along with the vicious terrorist activity, Peter Robinson was often seen on television venting anger at each and every outrage perpetrated by the paramilitaries.

Mr. Robinson was known for his hard-line attitude and always had the backing of trenchant unionist opinion, which came to the fore whenever an atrocity was committed in Ulster. This impression of the DUP leader has remained through thick and thin, despite recent news of his wife’s mental health.

However the full picture is now emerging and the Robinson family, hitherto quite puritanical, find themselves embroiled in a scandal that could have a perilous outcome to the First Minister’s career.

He may not be directly involved with his wife’s financial mistakes but by standing by her, Mr. Robinson may have damaged his credibility among his, and his party’s, supporters.

With a general election, perhaps only weeks away, Mr. Robinson will have plenty to contend with. Whether he likes it or not, the voters will have the final say and the veteran NI politician will have a daunting task maintaining his reputation as a trusted figure in Ulster Unionism.

As an impartial observer it is interesting to note that Mrs. Robinson was even allowed become an MP, despite having problems surrounding her mental health. It is known that having a psychiatric condition bars one from taking a seat in the House of Commons.

Another example of pulling the wool over the eyes of those in authority – Iris Robinson has made a mockery of politics. The big question is: will this deceit infect her husband’s career?