It's the DUP vs. Science again. Wells bangs on about Wifi.

Given that my preferred outcome for the DUP is that it should go away, its mindset forever consigned to Northern Ireland’s dark and ignorant past, I’m aware that it is rather presumptuous to add to Fair Deal’s list of communications ‘does and don’ts’. Still, I offer just one amendment, for the good of society, rather than the party political benefit of the Democratic Unionists.

Do gather the best scientific advice available and, as a rule of thumb, use it to develop public policy, unless there are very compelling overriding factors.

Don’t react to the scientific community as if they pedal some manner of dangerous voodoo and treat with innate suspicion every aspect of modernity, whilst backing up your contentions with, at best, the most threadbare evidence.

For the latest instance of a DUP representative, blinking with confusion in the modern world, attempting to crawl back into his cave and drag the rest of us with him, step forward Jim Wells.

This cretin has been campaigning, since at least 2007, against wireless internet!

Not that the MLA has the least proof that Wifi poses any risk to anyone. He is opposed to the ‘wireless smog’ on a ‘precautionary basis’.

Wells appeared on Radio Ulster this morning. A relatively enlightened decision on his part. One wonders that he’s prepared to encourage a ‘smog’ of invidious radio waves penetrating our brains.

His purpose was to spread the idea amongst the parents of primary school age children that wireless internet in the classroom carries (unspecified) health risks.

Although, the World Health Organisation advises that there is ‘no evidence’ that Wifi does any harm whatsoever.

This trifling fact he pooh poohed with the rejoinder ‘people have concerns’. Oh yes. That’ll be you Jim and a small cadre of neurotic parents who will no doubt take succour from your encouragement of ignorance.

Scientists aren’t worried (you know, the people who study such things) and nor are the school principals who view wireless technology as an indispensable part of a modern education.

Scratching away the surface of Wells’ campaign we can uncover the following underlying principle - every new thing is suspect and dangerous unless it is proven to me otherwise.

Thank god, for the progress of humanity, few people follow this precept. Regrettably a high proportion of them seem to live in Northern Ireland. Hence the DUP’s status as our largest political party.

I'll confess an interest here. I love wifi. Don't let the DUP stop society becoming wireless!