British at home, Irish abroad

[joel]

For most of the Troubles the two big British parties followed a bilateral principle. One would back the other up, come what may. So both parties would back the Prevention of Terrorism Act, censorship laws & the like. Both parties would close ranks when the army commited some atrocity or other.

Irish folk certainly weren't voting Labour to get devolution as that was very low down their agenda for most of the period.

I once had an argument with a Roscommon guy (who had republican sympathies) while canvassing about this. He reckoned that we needed a Labour MP so that we 'could get things here'.

Politics of principle at home, but good old gombeen politics was fine for my country.

Thanks a lot pal.

I rather think it was the Irish unwillingness to rock the boat. They didn't feel it was their place to interfere in the internal politics of Britain - after all, the Irish had suffered that from Britain!

And if the Irish had become involved, they would feel that they would only be blamed for this "rocking the boat" - and they were recieving a lot of blame anyway.

I have a feeling this will change as the Irish - and the independence movements - become more confident.

I reckon there is a bit of truth here.

Yes, and I do feel it is the responsibilty of the natives of a country to push hard for devolution and independence if they want it. Scotland, Wales - and Cornwall!

For instance, the Scots had a golden opportunity to push for independence in the 70's - but they didn't take it. I suppose they were conned - told there not much oil and how dear the old Union was!

But its no good casting around to others for blame when your own people are not willing to put their shoulder to the wheel.

And pushing for devolution, independence must involve work and sacrifice.

[Nixey68]

There used to be a feeling that the Catholic, including Irish-descended Catholic, vote in Scotland was discouraged from voting SNP because independence would mean them being a smallish minority in a strongly Protestant, and not just Protestant but Presbyterian, Scotland. Better the devil you know, being part of a bigger only notionally Anglican - and closer to Catholic - UK.

[Jozer]

No mention of the possibility that many Irish people are alienated from the overtly Roman Catholic , and more recently, the 'Oirish' culture propagated by the free state/Republic.

[joel]

No mention of the possibility that many Irish people are alienated from the overtly Roman Catholic , and more recently, the 'Oirish' culture propagated by the free state/Republic.

If you mean the Irish culture of Ireland - why would that alienate Irish people? Are the Germans alienated by German culture, French by French culture?

You're just jealous that "British" culture doesn't exist!, since "Britain" is an artificial state.

[Trefor]

For instance, the Scots had a golden opportunity to push for independence in the 70's - but they didn't take it. I suppose they were conned - told there not much oil and how dear the old Union was!

More Scots voted 'yes' than voted 'no' in 79. It's just that certain 'rules' had been added which made it unlikely for the proposal to pass.

[joel]

For instance, the Scots had a golden opportunity to push for independence in the 70's - but they didn't take it. I suppose they were conned - told there not much oil and how dear the old Union was!

More Scots voted 'yes' than voted 'no' in 79. It's just that certain 'rules' had been added which made it unlikely for the proposal to pass.

Ah, well the boss-men didn't have an Empire for nothing!

[Trefor]

For instance, the Scots had a golden opportunity to push for independence in the 70's - but they didn't take it. I suppose they were conned - told there not much oil and how dear the old Union was!

More Scots voted 'yes' than voted 'no' in 79. It's just that certain 'rules' had been added which made it unlikely for the proposal to pass.

Ah, well the boss-men didn't have an Empire for nothing!

What they've got left of it won't be around for long mind.

[terry666]

What's always struck me about many Irish people is the fact that they're Nationalists at home & Unionists in other Celtic countries.

They generally vote Labour - which is most certainly an Unionist party in Wales & Scotland.

Sorry to burst you nationalist bubble, but to most Irish people Wales is England.

Arriving in Holyhead its normal for people to comment that they are now in England.

Most Irish in Britain vote labour because of its links to the unions, they have no time for petty Welsh or scots nationalism.


In London Irish immigrants even have their own army regiment.

The majority who settle with children are loyal subjects.


As they climb the social/economic ladder some become Tories. There are now even Catholic tory councillors in England born in the republic as well as army officers.

[rockofcashel]

where do you come up with this nonsense Terry ?

Are you even Irish ?

I live and work here, and I've yet to meet a person here who doesn't understand that Wales is separate from England.

The fact that the have a separate soccer team, and more importantly for Wales a seperate rugby team (as rugby is identified more with Wales than soccer), copperfastens this

You talk some ************************e, do you know that

[terry666]

where do you come up with this nonsense Terry ?

Are you even Irish ?

I live and work here, and I've yet to meet a person here who doesn't understand that Wales is separate from England.

The fact that the have a separate soccer team, and more importantly for Wales a seperate rugby team (as rugby is identified more with Wales than soccer), copperfastens this

You talk some ************************e, do you know that

Have you never taken the boat to Holyhead ?

Maybe its just a figure of speech.

London Irish do indeed have their own army regiment.


btw, Wales flag was actually designed by Henry VIII.


The Irish in England .

http://www.londonirishrifles.com/