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The Daily PollTODAY’S THE BIG day for Kate Middleton and William Mountbatten-Windsor. Thousands have been camping out in central London to secure their place along the route to watch the wedding procession wind its way to Westminster Abbey.
But will YOU be watching the British royal wedding on the TV or internet?
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Enda is not too fond of the vatican or the church at the moment is he ?
And rightly so…
Amen to that
The deCatholicism of dear old Erin’s Isle. Oh! how the tide is turning.
Good!
And guess what ? The sky hasn’t fallen down. Life is moving on. Money saved.
The Moving Statues have stopped dead in their tracks what a catastrophe.
The moving statues haven’t stopped, they’re just “Out Of Order”, for now anyway…
Statues are on a three day week…
One word. Yey!
About time.. What has the vatican ever done for Ireland!!
you mean apart from sanitation they built aquaducts… or is the wrong type of Romans…. :)
The same crowd John. They only have 100 acres left and foreign dependencies are revolting!
well, for one, they were the first state to recognise ireland as a state in 1920′s and send a nuncio. that was a catalyst to US and others opening diplomatic ties… Brush up on your Irish history there Simon
That is not a very intelligent question
Me thinks that Simon and myself have achieved the higher levels of humor.. Monty Pythons Life of Brian.. Just because religious party’s lobbied for it to be banned doesn’t mean it’s evil… Great Film.
Reg: But apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?
The Education system…brain washed generations of kids to live in fear and superstition.
I think the office should be re opened, but only when the lovely people at the Vatican sell off all their wealth to bulid houses for the World’s Poor. Just like that Jesus chap would have done.
Jesus would tear it down. Brick by brick.
They could send father Ted and dougal over there,they would be great ambasadors for the muppets in the clergy we already have
It is the right move. Now time to get the clergy out of the schools.
About time.
Closure enacted by a Labour/Atheist Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Watch Alive! and other Christian fundamentalists have a field day with this one!
Leave them scream and shout, the next step should be to rid ourselves of those ridiculous blasphemy laws. I think there will be rosary beads rattling all over the place.
Surely there’s a few more we can close – greece? Won’t be getting much return on that one for a while. Embassies should be linked to economic o/p
Embassy’s do a lot more than garner trade. In most eu countries, especially Greece, there’s a huge amount of consular work
That may be so Tag, but I’d guess it “yields no economic return” just like the vatican and Iran.
why not accredit the ambassador in Italy instead of a senior civil servant in Dublin? If Ratzinger refuses to accept it then screw him. Irish in Rome can still go to the nearby embassy.
look up the 1929 latern treaty… the one ambasador is precluded from servicing both missions
Finally. who needs an embassy for a cult!!!
I never knew the purpose of an embassy was to provide an economic return. But now that it is – where can I see the figures on the economic return of our other embassies? And what’s the metric – when we compare the US and British embassies’ economic return, do we adjust for population? Where can we see the figures?
There are different metrics for gauging the work of different embassies: multilateral embassies at the UN in NY or Geneva and the EU in Brussels are to ensure Ireland’s full engagement with the policies of those organisations; embassies in places with a large Irish population provide huge amounts of consular assistance; embassies carry out development work etc etc. Trade is only one aspect. Iran would have been a trade focused mission but as trade volumes have been weak it was dropped. As for the Vatican, although zero economic return is given as the reason everyone knows this is just a gloss over the fact that the Vatican treated Ireland like shit and Ireland is giving a little payback
I don’t believe Foreign Minister Eamonn Gilmore when he claims that the criminal acts of the Vatican in regard to the covering up of child sexual abuse by its clergy and its general dishonesty were not factors that influenced the decision. I’m glat with the decision and also certain that most Irish people agree with it. Hopefully, the cabinet is beginning to show that they have balls – even if they are only ping-pong variety.
Wouldn’t it be nice if those of you who think this is a good idea didn’t feel obliged to rant against the Catholic church and insult the Catholics who read this and take part in the debates. And to say that most people agree is presumption on the part of those who say that.
Yes and No, in that order Sheelagh
Next step is to secularize the education system and remove silly superstitions from state funded schools. Teach not preach.
Perverts in pointed hats do not deserve diplomatic immunity. Hopefully more democratic countries will follow this example.
I’m not a Roman Catholic, and don’t agree with the majority of its teachings, but, I get a bad feeling about this, once its gone its gone, and I believe it is a fantastic source of contacts. Also its grave should not be danced on it served a purpose… oh I don’t know….
I’m dancing on the stupid backward, child abusing cretins. Good riddance
Ahh John…give it a few years and it’ll all blow over! The centuary old love in between the Irish State and the Holy Sea will return..
Whatever about the Vatican and East Timor closing the embassy in Iran seems daft. Iran holds the second largest gas reserves in the world and also huge oil fields too There are lots of Irish engineering companies who supply equipment, parts and expertise to the drilling industry and who would kill for a slice of the action.
If anything this will cost potential jobs and contracts Also aren’t we already exporting tons of Irish beef to Iran? And now no embassy to represent us there?
Have the Irish diplomats in Tehran got some forewarning about Americas future plans for all that lovely oil and gas ?
…..but opens another one in Brussels? – one gaping hole closes, another one opens. In order to get pummelled, one must first assume the position.
The Irish Government apparently owns the villa that houses the embassy…can’t wait to see that up for sale on Daft.ie…
It would make an excellent Hotel or casino.
Paying off Altar Boys isin’t cheap!!
Good to see this country is finally taking small steps at growing up. I just heard Fianna Fail were complaining about it on the news. Off to Mass with you Bertie, Brian and company.
That is real easy to understand, the Brown Envelope Party a.k.a. Fianna Fail, birds of a feather and all that.
Cyril, wouldn’t it be nice if people grew up and accepted that there are other people who are equally entitled to a view point as they have. My problem with all of this is that those in favour of this decision have given no reason that it is a correct thing to do other than they dislike or even hate Catholicism and that is racism at it’s worst. Since Eamonn Gilmore took office he has concentrated on ‘reform’. That to Eamonn means getting rid of catholic schools and attacking the church at every opportunity. There are Catholics in this country and they are not all lacking in intelligence. Those opposed to Catholicism, God and religion don’t have a monopoly on intelligence. They sometimes express an arrogance that is frightening to say the least. Jumping on the child abuse issue to put everything about the catholic church down is unfair not just to Catholics in general but also using this issue to insult and further degrade others is totally wrong. A bit of honesty is required and we harangued those running for president, perhaps we should do likewise with Eamonn Gilmore and find out what is his real agenda.
Whilst I agree with cutting diplomatic expenses in principle I think it’s rather vindictive to close the embbasy in the Vatican. There are STILL a large number of practising Catholics in this Country. They could easily cut half of the 75 embassies dotted around the Globe. How about closing the diplomatic offices in Belfast and Armagh?
Surely the All Ireland council could deal with any issues arsing between the two parts of Ireland.It’s just noses-in -the-trough and waste waste waste on this little windswept rock of ours!
You can still practice Catholicism without an embassy in the Vatican. In fact I’d say most people don’t even realise we have one in the Vatican. It’s a cost cutting measure, not a worsening of diplomatic relations.
The “Diplomatic relationship” with the Vatican is of no importance to this country. If people wish to practice their religion then it is their right to do so but why should the tax payer be burdened by this.
You don’t need an embassy to practise a religion, we’d hardly have an embassy in Mecca for all the practising Muslims in Ireland. Fact is it’s not worth maintaining an embassy in a tiny quasi-state just because it happens to be the headquarters of a worldwide cult.
Last time I remembered Vatican City was a State and the Republic of Ireland is a State. On a State level what has this got to do between Irish Catholics and the Pope. My tax should not go to your religion. Even if it was a majority in Ireland. We are a Republic not a theocracy. That means religious neutrality although or daft constitution is anything but, which is why Dana waved it around like confetti.
If you need assistance while Vatican you can always go to the embassy in Rome- about four kilometres away. What’s the big deal?
Good to see the sweet stench of sectarianism at its best with some of the comments here. Makes me so proud to be a 21st century Irishman. In particular the “Fuck ‘em” comments. Deliciously bilious. Take a bow Daniel Doran and Paul Lanigan.
Burned Toast to say we are sectarian is to imply we approve of one religious sect over another. I cant speak for anyone else but for me when it comes to religion I am an equal opportunities ridiculer. The only time I distinguish between any religion is to make concrete observations on the degree of stupidity or violently stupidity or repressive stupidity. Religion is not ethnicity or sexual orientation. It is a lifestyle choice and a determined organised attempt to influence people. The ones who are being arrogant and out of order are those religious who believe that it is out of order to challenge these silly tales. We challenge Fianna Fail and no one accuses them of being an anti Fianna Fail bigot. Religion is dumb and we are not bigots to celebrate its demise.
Cyrril. You sound just like a person who says we don’t care what the colour of their skin is; if it’s not white, it’s not white. You should probably be aware that action against a person or persons on religious grounds is as serious an offence under law as discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity or marital status, yet I am sure you would not treat the homosexual section of society or their representative groups in such a manner and with impunity. To state that religion is a lifestyle choice shows a juvenile understanding and childish disrespect for views and beliefs which people are entitled to hold. Don’t take my word for it, try Bunreacht na hEireann on for size and see that religious freedom is constitutionally enshrined, unless you disagree with that too in which case might I suggest a one-way trip out of Dublin airport for you. I’d even consider paying your upgrade.
burned toast, many are born homosexual, none are born catholic
Burned toast you are an ignorant fool. How dare you suggest that I might be racist because I dont respect points of view that dont respect evidence. How dare you suggest that I would harm or discriminate against anyone. You are the type of person that proves religion turns some people into malevolent sheep. I have never denied religious freedom to anyone. You are free to believe whatever you wish that also goes for David Ike who believes world leaders are reptiles in disguise. Just dont tell me I need to respect them.
QED. (And if you don’t understand why, spend the day reflecting and seeing if you can figure it out. It could well be the most enlightening thing you do).
Breaking news the former Irish Embassy in the Vatican has moved to Clearwater in Florida. The leader of the Church of Scientology stated he hoped it ushered in a new era of understanding between the Church and Ireland. In addition he formally requested tax exempt status and control over the Irish education and health system.
If the sole purpose of Ireland having its own Embassy in another Country, is for Economic Growth between both countries, then there are 27 Irish Embassies or Consulates Abroad that we do not require, that I know of.
Wrong
As a regular church going young catholic i agree that the embassy should be closed. I consider myself a devout catholic but never saw the need for the embassy not sure about closing the Iranian one though. A big population there and an area where there will no doubt be a major war with the west in the future. We could use our neutral stance to negotiate with the Iranians in any future conflict.
Waffled, that statement is NOT a fact, the jury is still out on that.
Sheelagh Im hetrosexual do I have a choice to wish to chase men instead women when Im in the pub? If I did it would mean I was bisexual which would not be a choice either. You have been spending too long in the Michelle Bachman facts versus opinions class.
Sheelagh who told you that David Quinn?
so theres a chance youll turn lesbian sheelagh?
Charming.
The bigger story should be the closing of the embassy in Iran. Surely a sign of impending conflict there which will not be good.
The Yanks blockaded the supply of Ferrero Rocher.
Yipee :))
Don’t agree with closing embassy in Iran or East Timor. How much does the office in Palestine cost when you have an embassy right there in Israel? Then Iran country of 75 million “The government cited trade volumes” yea sure Iran falls way behind Lesotho and Malawi with trade volume. How many offices Ireland has in the US? 5 or 6?
Again it’s not all about trade, African missions carry out important development work and the office in Palestine too
Irish Aid does not need an embassy/representative office to carry out development work. They even said that in the press release regarding the East Timor office closing. If East Timor can get by with an embassy located over ocean 2500km away then Palestine can get buy with an embassy located by road 70km away. Same as any of those tiny African countries.
The reason the Iranian office is being closed is because the Americans and British are planning to bomb the place to fine sand as soon as their troops are pulled from Iraq.
was there not a report in the last year maybe 18 months ago about how much it cost to redevelop the office and accommodation for the suite in Rome.
@burnt toast the catholic church can’t talk about discrimination by others when it is the biggest culprit of discrimination, women are treated like 2nd class citizens and if a teacher in catholic school was found to be gay/lesbian he/she could be sacked on the grounds of their sexuality, so don’t start with us with catholic being discriminated when they themselves practice it everyday!!!
That is not true.
Then go ahead and provide your rebuttal Sheelagh. You’re not ratzinger, you don’t have papal infallibility!
Burnt toast get off your soap box!!
Sorry, that should read Waffler.
€455,820 for an embassy in a region of 800 people? Am I the only one who thinks that is rediculous?
Embassy should have been shut down during the time of the child abuse scandal!
Good riddance, the less Ireland has to do with theocratic pariah states like the Vatican and Iran the better! There’s no real difference between ayatollahs and popes they are both dictators and are both pushing a medieval and bizarre cult upon the free thinking people of the world. The sooner they are both consigned to history the better for human kind!
@hanly sheelagh it is true the church has a special exemption from the discrimination laws as it would affect their ethos, they are one of the biggest culprits for discrimination in this country, so they have no right to call discrimination on people who believe that the Vatican embassy should be closed its a waste of money we don’t need one when the Italian embassy is located less than 4km down the road if we have a Vatican embassy we should have also have an embassy to the church of England
Russia also said yesterday that if their was a attack on Iran they would not stay idle .WW3 beckons.
@Sheelagh Hanly….. If your catholic church is so holy why dos’nt it give it’s wealth to feed the poor and live off this holy faith of their,s
@Sheelagh Hanly….Are you referring to the catholics who support the largest peodephile ring in the world. When they all put money in the box on Sunday they are also financing the largest peodephile ring in the world
Short on vocabulary syndrome!
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