Odious little man ….

“The Queen”

I wasn’t aware Ireland had a Queen ?

can people start using Queen of England .

also can people start using “US” president Obama as opposed to “president Obama” ,

Ireland does not have a president named Obama or a Queen .

Jeez. These comments bring me back 35 years to college. The more “republican” students in auditing on the Queen being the Queen of England. Like there was another one in the vicinity and there would be tank confusion.
Point wearily taken. We know she’s not our queen!!

Auditing=insisting
Tank=rank

Thanks a lot spellcheck!!!

HM is also Queen of Scots, Queen of Australia, Queen of Great Britain & NI etc.
Dave’s one of these sorts secretly obsessed about England and doing everything they can to differentiate themselves lest they get confused by others.

Your point being ?

Stop living in the past for feck sake. Did she personally kill any catholics. No. And the British Army were only retaliating for their own been killed by the ra
Move on ffs

Cal the vast majority of innocent victims were civilians and the largest perpetrators of violence were Republican terrorists. The Sovereign is Queen for all and it would have given her no joy that people suffered, regardless of their creed or perpetrator.
As a symbol she unites the rest of the people. Republicanism uses this symbol effectively for their own means. Imagine if victims of Republican terror came to associate the Harp as a symbol of oppression and violence.
Do you blame the Pope for atrocities carried out in the name of the Church of Rome? I don’t. She’s a grand lady, respected and cherished.

Shinners prefer to live in the past when dwelling on the violent acts of others.

Shinners prefer to reject the past when asked about their own leadership’s involvement in managing Sinn Fein’s Ministry Of Terrorism, Gangsterism and Criminality.

Look the way it is, it was kill for kill yes it was nasty but it’s in the past time to move on and give the children a better way of living, in harmony regardless of what religion you are.

@Bernard:
“Associating the Harp with oppression and violence”.
Bloody lager louts.
The Guinness and the cider send some people fighting mad as well!

lads, seriously, some of you need to get a grip !. why does any royal family story on the journal always turn into an shinner/ira/loyalist slagging match !

people looking at this site from outside of ireland must think everyone still lives in 1972 !.
Move on FFS !

Just out of interest, let’s see if you can read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provisional_IRA_campaign_1969-1997#Casualties

Originally the British army was called in to protect catholic neighbourhoods. If the British really wanted to move on the queen would publicly and clearly take responsibility for the mess in Ireland that started while the monarchy had real power ruling the empire plus their culpability to the present time.

Wrong Bernard do simple maths and add Loyalist death squads whose victims were 90% innocent whose only crime was being Catholic ever hear the saying? (any taig will do) add that to the British state forces and more people were killed by them than the IRA or any other Republican group.

But you have your ignorant blinkers on with the attitudes Indians bad cowboys good. Where Republicans are the native Americans

Your sort of mentality is north of Ireland is British a separate country than Ireland it was Ireland until 1 day after it was partitioned under a threat of violence against their beloved mother England.

The island was always too small to be partitioned 3 counties of Ulster was only a majority loyalist at time of partition. But they knew 3 counties were too small to be a “country” all of ulster would of left the new masters the minority so they cut it into 6 counties which contained 3 nationalist majority counties and brought them along for the ride to use a better word.

Rugby, the British moved on decades ago. It’s a minority of people on this island that are stuck in the past.

Sean, that’s patent nonsense. Consult the CAIN database. But part of the politicking and propaganda I’m used to reading here. “Your side are worse than my side”! “The most oppressed people on Earth!”
At the end of the day, the problem is Irish people who want to remain part of the UK fighting with Irish people who don’t. Or another viewpoint, British citizens who want to remain part of the UK fighting with British Citizens who want to join an Irish Republic. Blaming the UK is a convenient scapegoat and crutch used to unite one side against another. Differentiation of the two camps is vital for identity. It can only exist with the perpetuation of insular, divisive, rhetoric.

Move on people. It’s 2014 for Christ’s sake.

Bernard, if the British “moved on decades ago”, can you explain why they still refuse to release their files related to the Dublin/Monaghan bombings? (Their latest refusal to do so came the very day after the british queen’s visit to Ireland ended. The “newfound mutual respect” waffle we were force-fed in the lead up to/during that visit didn’t last long there, did it?)

Probably because they’ve moved on decades ago and it doesn’t even register on their political radar. But I wondered how long before the “Dublin/Monaghan” chestnut was rolled out. Why the focus on just this event that happened 40 years ago? What about all atrocities carried out in the name of Republicanism and also those defending against it?
It may surprise you, but Ireland is mostly irrelevant in political terms to the peoples of Great Britain. Ireland’s people however are held in mostly fond regard, 10% of the British population have at least one Irish grandparent, Louis Walsh, Dara O’Briain, Graham Norton et al are all over the TV! It would surprise many there that some like you hold antagonistic attitudes about things that happened decades ago, or dare I say it, beyond living memory (the F word). But that’s the tactic that’s worked until now. Capitalise on atrocity to drive a wedge between people to further your “cause”. It’s time to put your hatred aside. Together we achieve more.

Normal people? Your comment is wrong on so many levels.

You are not trying to tell e that Gerry’s teeth are normal.

He has had some serious work done. I am not fooled!!

Four years of on and off Internment without trail is hard on the teeth. So is getting shot 3 times by a loyalist hit squad.

I’m looking forward to it Declan

BYOT, Barry’s or Lyons though?

33 million a year spent on the queen based on that fact she has ‘royal’ blood.

You didn’t get an invite either? ;)

Has to be Barry’s ….. Go on, Go on. Go on …….

Kevin, the Crown Estate earns hundreds of millions a year. By voluntary arrangement they give this to the Treasury who in turn return a small percentage as the Sovereign Grant for staff wages, building maintenance etc. In that way it’s self funded and actually a money spinner.

Kevin, are you a British taxpayer? No, then it’s none of your business!

The self funded argument is rubbish. If you gave anybody the use of state property and status they could be self funded and give the rest back to the state. Why not give Dublin Castle to some randomer on the street, say he’s royal and he can take a 10 percent cut?

Liam, it’s not rubbish.
The Crown Estate is governed by an Act of Parliament. The property managed is owned by the Crown, but is not the private property of the Queen. The property portfolio covers urban and rural areas, around half of the foreshore and almost all of the seabed around the UK. It owns the entire freehold of Regent’s Street and nearly 50 per cent of the buildings in the St James’s area.
The net surplus (profit) goes to the Treasury for the benefit of the nation.
In turn the Sovereign Grant is paid annually at 15% of the Gov revenues from the Crown Estate, the Grant being £36.1 million for the year 2013-14. This goes partly towards upkeep of buildings held by the Crown on behalf of the nation.
A pretty good system if you ask me, much more cost effective than say the White House administration.

The royals are huge tourist draw for UK. They more then pay for themselves. While I detest the idea of kings and queens its their choice its not imposed on us.

As much as I don’t like a monarchy I do however have great time for

For Liz :)

The White House administration is a series of elected officials and those there to work for the elected officials to run a country. You can’t compare that to a group of people paid to go around shaking hands. Seriously. If you think paying millions for people to shake hands and smile on holiday is good value for money you need your head examined.

The Brits need the royals. Sadly it’s their identity and claim to fame.

Liam, a gross oversimplification. As stated, funding is sourced from their own estate and most goes towards upkeep of the nation’s heritage and official duties of the Head of State.
In comparison the Office of Public Works responsible for the upkeep of Áras an Uachtaráin and other places has a 2014 budget allocation of €273m

So nobody here wants to address the moral issue that one family is better than the rest and privileged as such based on their blood?

But Kevin we’re Irish, why should we care? If the British people like her and they’re happy for her to be “better” than them based on her blood, then so what?

Exactly Kevin. People keep talking about ownership of the royal estate. It’s ownership based on a perception that somebody has ‘royal blood’. Seriously. It would make as much sense to hand over a load of properties to some randomner on the street. Just because it’s an old tradition doesn’t mean there is any logic to it.

33……I wonder where they pulled that figure from….

Kevin, who said they’re “better”? They just occupy and perform a constitutional role that, regardless of your politics, on the whole works incredibly well.
Liam, I keep talking about it because although you don’t like it, it’s the facts. The Crown owns property that earns a tidy profit.
You have to distinguish the “Crown” as a political/constitutional instrument and the persons ho occupies that role.
The system works incredibly well. You’re free to criticise it and to continue living in a Republic.

Why cant any British citizen become queen or king? Why must you have Royal Blood or be married to royalty? Its discrimination and gives the message that one person is superior than the other which is way too 19th century for my liking.

In fairness Kevin, not any Irish citizen can become President, nor American in their land. The possibility that an ordinary citizen can attain the highest office in the land does exist and is lauded, but in practice it doesn’t exist. Society will by necessity and evolution have a division of labour, spread of wealth and hierarchy of organisation. I understand your point and if a brand new country proposed such a system it wouldn’t be adopted. But in the UK and 15 remaining Commonwealth Realms the system of Westminster government with Constitutional Monarchy & Parliamentary Democracy seems to provide stable government and works well.

If you want my opinion there shouldn’t be royalty. Royalty will only ever exist in the absence of equality.

Yeah because the Queen shaking someone’s hand or Prince Harry going to Vegas and getting his kit off are the drivers of stable Government. Or it might have something to do with the first past the post system for elections.

I love the comments about equality and criticism of the royal family brand what’re the hell is there equality in this so called Republic. How you are treated if you commit an offence depends on who you know.How quickly you get hospital treatment depends on how much you can pay.We go nuts about celebs getting married or being pregnant.Celeb(anyone who does AA road watch or above)And we still have Debs party’s first instagated by British Royals until the present Queen got rid of them in the early fifties as outdated and irrelevant .O yes all is well in our plastic Republic

Liam, that makes no sense. What individuals do has little to do with Constitutional Democracy and stable government. You’re confusing the institution with individuals.

Kevin, It may look good when you look at the annual reports for the Crown Estate or other estates controlled by the aristocracy like Cadogan Estates, the truth is that within their portfolios they have properties that are in such a state of dilapidation, brought about from lack of investment, they now pose a serious risk to the general public. Buckingham Palace is falling to wreck & ruin & will need close to £60 million to refurbish, St James’s Palace is no better, & on close inspection, looks very grubby indeed. Kensington Palace recently underwent a £12 million refurbishment, which in terms of conservation is good news, however would that have happened if Prince William & Kate were not the new occupiers? Perhaps the estate would have let it sweat for another couple of years? The grant you refer to in your above post of £36 million would go towards operational costs for the day to day running but definitely not towards upkeep in maintaining the actual properties.

So are you saying it makes no difference who is in the job? Are you actually suggesting someone without ‘royal blood’ would be able to shake hands or go on holiday with the same level of professionalism as a royal? I’ll believe it when I see it.

The UK has stable government because of the way it elects politicians. Not because there is a monarch.

Sorry that should be to Bernard not Kevin

Hi Joney. Yes, that’s true, a large one off capital investment (larger than the Grant) is needed for refurbishment and restoration.

Liam. We get it. You’re against Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy. But you’re missing the point about confusing the institution with the individuals. But there are opportunities that some Royals, working in their roles and not as glorified celebrities, can perform in an apolitical way that is not possible to politicians or others. Should you not be thankful you live in an Irish Republic? Given the dire state of politics here, I’ve never heard any criticism of the office of President (who generally do a good job)?

Back to the point, the head of state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland is hosting a function to honour the valued contribution Irish people have made, prior to the state visit of the head of state for Ireland. That’s good news, regardless of your political persuasion.

Is it good news? It’s actually something that’s organised for good PR.

You’re a bit of a sour puss aren’t you Liam? Didn’t you read the headline; Louis is going! One queen meets another :)

Not at all. Good luck to them. It is just for PR though. These events are not for the benefit of the people invited.

You have to ask? Don’t worry I’m sure the fishmonger will bring some cracking tea with him

You too mr Lawless, Im sure by the time we reach that age the EU committee will have their death panels well set up so we shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.

I knew that’s what you were talking about Donal and I just don’t buy your argument. It falls into the “Irish are somehow different from other nations”, “nobody knows the troubles we’ve been through” argument that fails to take into account the historical and political realities of hundreds of years ago. Do you seriously expect someone in the 21st century to be accountable for Normans (Danish Vikings settled in France) invading the island of Ireland at Mac Murchada’s request 845 years ago? Occupation of the Pale? etc etc The peoples of the island of Ireland were never united and warring with each other. The period 1169 – 1536 wasn’t that bad, the Normans integrated etc. etc
Britain has endured more invasions, massacres, rebellions, immigrants, unrest etc and come out on top. It’s time for Ireland to let go of the one eyed view of the past and look forward with both eyes open.

I never implied that Ireland was different to other nations or any bit special. Where did you get that from?

I don’t expect her, the woman, to take personal responsibility for what happened a hundred years ago. I do expect her, as monarch, as head of state, to take responsibility for the actions of her predecessors in that role. She’s accepted her title and is fully aware of its history, I’m sure.

That’s why I supported Ronan O Gara when he didn’t shake her hand. There’s more history between that monarchy and our country than I’m willing to black out.

Think of it like this, the 3rd Reich was never defeated, and it was maintained as the 3rd Reich (in whatever form, diminished or not). Fuhrers came and went, decades or centuries passed. Would you think the French or the Jews or you British would gladly forget about that “Fuhrerships” legacy?

But you do by listing historical events. I could list significant events that occurred within “these islands” as well. What makes a massacre here more terrible than one in England or Scotland?
HM has NO responsibility for the actions of her predecessors. Ronan O’Gara’s actions were immature and childish. “There’s more history between that monarchy and our country than I’m willing to black out.”? Why zone in on just the Crown? It’s just a symbol you’ve chosen to direct your misplaced angst.

Your 3rd Reich reference is spurious and is tending towards Godwin’s Law. The German people have made peace with their past and the French, Jews and British don’t hold the current generation accountable for things that happened before they were born.

The Irish and British have more in common than they do differences. History happened and Ireland got its butt kicked while its own people were disunited. The legacy continues and unfortunately you’re still screwing yourselves over. Sorry mate, not my fault.