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A UKIP European election billboard is displayed in the Vauxhall area of London Matt Dunham/AP/Press Association Images

UKIP: The Irish are our 'kith and kin'

Irish people living in the UK are not considered immigrants by UKIP.

THE IRISH ARE the “kith and kin” of British citizens and are not considered immigrants, according to the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

A spokesman for the British political party said the “shared history between Ireland and the UK” meant the Irish were not considered foreigners.

He added: “I do not anticipate any suggestion that the Irish would be expected to join the work permit scheme for immigrants – the Irish are simply not immigrants but our kith and kin. 

“I could mention at this point that Parnell is regarded as something of a hero by Mr Farage, and that we have an Irish Press Officer in Brussels as well as many friends in the Republic from the days of the ‘No’ campaign against the Lisbon treaty.”

UKIP has launched a controversial campaign featuring a British construction worker sitting on the pavement with a cup for donations beside the caption ‘EU policy at work’.

Another poster features the Union Jack being burnt from its centre, with the EU flag coming through the gap.

The UKIP spokesman said the party was not anti-immigration but favoured controlled immigration through work permits that would “ensure the correct quality and quantity of workers”.

Under its proposals, Irish immigrants would be exempt from the permits.

Earlier today, the party’s leader Nigel Farage made headlines for an exchange with BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson.

During the interview, the MEP said that he did not believe his wife was taking a British job by being his secretary.

Natasha Browne is an Irish journalist living in London. See more here. 

‘Was your wife taking someone else’s job?’: It got a bit awkward for UKIP’s Nigel Farage today 

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156 Comments
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    Mute Barry O Mahoney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:33 PM

    Thanks UKIP, we’re very grateful!

    771
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    Mute SamEire
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:27 PM

    The establisment are getting very worried about UKIP. This must be the 2nd or 3rd story Ive seen in an Irish rag about UKIP in the last few days. At least the Brits are getting it. EUSSR we want out!!!

    252
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:33 PM

    Gonna miss you Danny boy! What eussr sir?

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    Mute SamEire
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:04 PM
    99
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    Mute jimmy haribo
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:30 PM

    The red thumbs didn’t look at your link I take it

    65
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    Mute paulanthony
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:36 PM

    Does the ‘kith and kin’ include the Indian and Pakistani along with the Paddy in UKIP’s estimation ?

    100
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    Mute SamEire
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:39 PM

    sarcasm lost on some !! UKIP are not racist !!

    87
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    Mute Mercurial Manchester
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:41 PM

    The guy standing by Farage’s right shoulder is a Mr. Black I believe, first name … Token! :D

    73
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    Mute paulanthony
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:25 AM

    There is, My friend a stark void exists between racism and ignorance, Unfortunately we as a collective suffer from the latter.

    21
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    Mute Colin Kavanagh
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:42 AM

    The guy on the left got in as he hates gays and women.

    32
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    Mute SinAssist
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 2:38 AM

    And he ‘on the left’ of such political beasts of burden!!

    4
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    Mute Nicole McCormack
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 6:45 AM

    UKIP are racist.

    39
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    Mute Pol O Misteal
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    Oct 26th 2015, 3:29 AM

    Thats what Enda thinks too

    2
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    Mute Ronan Stokes
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:45 PM

    I have worked with people from all over the UK all my working life and don’t consider them foreigners.

    340
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:51 PM

    I do
    If you weren’t born in Ireland and you move here you are a foreigner …. I’m not anti-foreigner but there are 80k on the live register long term I think they should be deported.

    223
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:54 PM

    I think you are anti-foreginer Glen. Deporting someone because of their nationality pretty much says ‘hello, I’m anti-foreginer’.

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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:55 PM

    I didn’t say that I guess you can’t comprehend what I’m saying, probably on purpose.

    96
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:56 PM

    You said 80k unemployed foreigners should be deported – not that hard to comprehend. Am I incorrect?

    171
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:57 PM

    But people like me so harney
    Are ok with people coming here and exploiting our liberal welfare laws
    Question
    Are you even Irish ?

    112
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:00 PM

    Yes you are incorrect
    I have no problem with people coming to Ireland and working I myself have worked overseas
    I do have an issue with those who come here and exploit our country.

    187
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:03 PM

    Yes I’m irish (not that it is relevant). You haven’t answered my question, are you not proposing that unemployed people be deported on the basis of their nationality whilst also stating that you are not anti-foreginer?

    110
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:06 PM

    I’m saying that if people come here for the sole purpose of exploiting our welfare laws, which so many have they should be deported.
    .
    .
    What part of that have you got an issue with?

    200
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    Mute Martina Wynne
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:11 PM

    You need 2 years living and paying tax before you can expect anything

    123
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:12 PM

    But that’s not what you said Glen. You clearly said that there are 80k on the live register and they should be deported.

    That’s different from saying that only those who came here to exploit the welfare system should be deported.

    The first is clearly anti-foreginer Glen.

    Now, all you have to do is go down through all foreign people here, find the ones who have worked in the past and allow them to stay and then find a way of identifying the others … good luck.

    116
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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:13 PM

    I could think of a few Irish we could deport to balance things up?

    167
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    Mute Straighttalker
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:14 PM

    @martina

    wrong,check it out

    25
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:16 PM

    Incorrect again
    I said 80k long term
    Long term as in not looking to work
    Try reading the comments correctly read them twice if you have to

    At the end of the day as a tax payer that is my position and no matter what you or anyone else says that’s that!!!!

    93
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:18 PM

    Martina
    Irish people returning to Ireland must be back in the country 2 years before they get assistance.
    That’s someone who was born here that’s a disgrace.

    117
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:20 PM

    Long term is simply over 12months – in a 6 year recession. It does not necessarily mean not looking to work.

    P.s. – you forgot to take your ball with you seeing as you seem to be going home …

    72
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:24 PM

    Me so harney
    I have seen you come on here time and time again and twist people’s comments in order to start an argument as you are not capable of debating what has been said
    You are a childish troll cop on

    92
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    Mute Kugel Berg
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:27 PM

    @Glen; I consider yourself, myself and everyone else commenting here to be earthlings…

    36
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:32 PM

    I didn’t twist anything at all Glen – I simply quoted your comments. Maybe you should be a bit more careful about what you say.

    87
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:36 PM

    You misquoted my comments
    Go troll someone else your boring me now.

    63
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    Mute Sean Linda Conlon
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:49 PM

    Glen when your in a hole the smart thing to do is stop digging.

    96
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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:51 PM

    Sean
    If I am ever in a hole I will take your advice under concideraton

    40
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:57 PM

    How can I misquote you when your quotes are above in black & white for everyone to read Glen?

    By the way, it’s consideration – with an ‘s’ as in ‘s’ for shovel ;)

    80
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    Mute paulanthony
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:36 AM

    Glen ! Unmask yourself… Sir !

    27
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    Mute edward smith
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:59 AM

    There are too many foreigners signing on, I would have no hesitation deporting them.

    60
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    Mute Bee Shop
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 1:00 AM

    Idiots.

    People are so naturally greedy in this world. If you come here because your own place is a shit hole and you are happy to live off the dole which means extremely basic living then be my guest. If your own home is that bad then go for it. Even though I’ve to work that bit harder, at least I know that some people on this planet are at least living a happier existence.

    I think most people don’t realize that most of this planet are dirt poor. I mean horrifically. Look at you, complaining about other human beings ‘scrounging’ off ‘our’ system. Open your god damn eyes… Their is no ‘our’ system. We’re a rock floating in the middle if fcuking space at 44,000km per hour. We all eventually die in the end and never really truly own anything. This man mad moronic system has warped the human race into a slave like being, who because of the lack of this man made currency in the ‘system’ has evolved to become more selfish, more greedy and hold more negative views on eachother. We label eachother. We have ‘nations’, ‘race’ we even label our sexuality…

    Complain all you want about each other, but know this. The only way we are going to evolve as a fcuking race is by using all our knowledge to help each other. You idiots… Such a poor time I was born in. We haven’t even evolved much further than the bloody Ape.

    132
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    Mute MarMacRua
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 2:37 AM

    BeeShop, very well said! Puts that whole thread in perspective…

    37
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    Mute John Bawn
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 4:10 AM

    Bee shop, have you forgotten that you are not supposed to post ANY printed words when you have been drinking. Your rage is plain to see.
    Worse than a tattoo, it is there for ever.

    14
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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:04 AM

    Glen. Give up. Harney has your number. Just put the shovel down.

    21
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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:17 AM

    Really Glen? What about people born in the UK / USA/ Australia to Irish parents who then returned here during various boom times from Lemass’ 1960′s up to the Celtic Tiger years. Where would you deport them to?

    17
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    Mute Kugel Berg
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 9:36 AM

    @Well said Bee Shop, primitive nationalism and peoples’ greedy egos cause so much problems. Imagine being an alien passing by earth and looking at all of the disparity, governmental internecine, racial, ethnic and cultural conflict etc., they’d have such contempt for us.

    14
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    Mute Bee Shop
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 9:44 AM

    @john bawn

    I’m actually in the middle of working full time and completing my final college examinations at night at the moment. I haven’t had a drink in a good while, can’t wait to if I’m being honest. I guess sone people like yourself like assume a lot, assumptions like the one you have about me make no relevance to what I actually said and make you look like grumpy freak.

    18
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    Mute Bobby
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:43 PM

    Irish people are not seen as immigrants in Britain. English, Irish, Scottish & Welsh all the way. Great islands, Great people.

    330
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    Mute Robert Zombies
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:43 PM

    They are right about one thing. Immigration /integration within the EU has been far too quick and too soon.

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:07 PM

    Of course we’re their kith & kin. We’re the only immigrants in the UK to have full voting rights and one of the largest in numbers. As far as UKIP are concerned, every little helps.

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    Mute Róisín Ní Dhonnaḃáin
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:57 PM

    Exactly, was just about to post this! It’s canvassing of the only immigrant population with voting rights, nothing more.

    98
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    Mute simon shewster
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:15 PM

    Since recently moving to the UK as an Irishman I must say I haven’t once felt anyway lower class or discriminated against, which is great,Just treated totally normal and with respect. Australia on the other hand in some ways was a different kettle of fish.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:27 PM

    Not for European Parliament elections.. any EU citizen resident in another EU Member State can vote in that Member State’s European Parliament elections.

    31
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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:38 PM

    Exactly. White, english speakers. The rest of them can f**k off back to Bongo Bongo Land, eh Nige?

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    Mute Eoin Walsh
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    May 5th 2014, 4:52 PM

    I think it’s more a fact that Bulgarian and Romanian workers etc. will work for low wages, so they take British jobs or undercut their wages. Irish workers don’t do that as we’re arguably used to a higher standard of living than even the Brits and so we demand fair wages. On the face of it it might look like racism and I’m sure it is as simple as good old-fashioned racism for a good many of their voters, but not for the top people in the party.
    I still don’t like them though.

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    Mute The Green Monkey
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:34 PM

    They are no kin of mine……….

    231
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    Mute Irish Names
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:39 PM

    Controlled immigration ala America, Australia and Canada is a good proposal, but UKIP’s problem is that they want to apply it to certain states within the EU like Romania, I agree the EU expanded too far too fast and that’s caused an upswing in anti immigration sentiment but you can’t cherry pick which eu citizens you admit

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    Mute Sean Linda Conlon
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:45 PM

    Yes we’re in…feck the rest of them!

    51
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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:49 PM

    It’s also probably best not to assume that everyone from Romania is a gypsy.
    The gypsies in Romania are not of European descent. They are Roma gypsies from the Indian sub-continent. The fact that they are called “Roma” and live in Romania is just a coincidence.

    If people want to stop Romanians from travelling throughout the EU because of gypsies, then they might as well look at the Irish in the same way.

    Yes, that’s right. What I’m saying is that the Travelling community does not represent the people of Ireland. The Roma community does not represent the people of Romania.
    Sometimes you have to be condescending so that stupid people understand what you’re saying.

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    Mute Tara Lynch
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:43 PM

    Jeez I’m honoured…fu#k Off
    UKIP

    161
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    Mute Martin Bishop
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:47 PM

    Hang on,
    So Irish are considered ok because of their shared history?

    The shared history comes from a occupation of the Island of Ireland, if we apply the same logic to former “British Empire” lands then its also ok for….

    - Residents in Hong Kong
    - Australians
    - Canadians
    - Indian’s
    - Pakistani’s
    - Jamaicans
    - Numerous countrys in Africa that were former colony’s
    - People from numerous other islands and colony’s’

    These all very much have a shared history with England and it would be an awful shame to ignore those very strong links to the former British Empire “masters”. in fairness its the least the English can do for years of slavery, oppression etc

    Come on UKIP, what do you say. Its either all or nothing on this one. If you don’t accept these places then please don’t accept Ireland….I for one want nothing to do with UKIP.

    154
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    Mute aaron wheatley
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:50 PM

    he only accepts ireland because he still considers us to be part of britain

    150
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    Mute alpha_chaarlie
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:50 PM

    They’re our closest neighbor and largest trading partner. The Irish have went there and actually integrated unlike most other nationalities. As a consequence Irish people and people of Irish descent are in high profile and influential positions. The culture of our countries is similar.

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    Mute simon shewster
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:27 PM

    exactly charlie nail on head.

    41
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    Mute Archie
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 3:53 AM

    @alpha_chaarlie – integration wasn’t required, we’ve been indistinguishable from our closest neighbour for a long time now. They made sure of that when they destroyed our very different native culture.

    32
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    Mute John Bawn
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 4:29 AM

    Britain cannot sustain any further immigration , too many already.
    Have a look at the subcontinent. No room on the trains, on the roads, streets or footpaths . And worldwide
    forests cleared faster today then yesterday, not enough fresh water , Islands of rubbish growing in the seas, no room for wild Animals, even the Bees are in decline, single species crops won’t sustain pollinating insects,
    There are simply too many people, 90 years ago the population was less then 2billion today it has jumped to 7 billion plus. All want a car a house a washing machine bin collections food in wrappers plastic bags an bottles, not to mention a bin collection. And why not- every child’s a winner.

    20
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    Mute alpha_chaarlie
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 7:02 AM

    @Archie

    You need to build a bridge. Much better to have the UK as an Allie rather than an enemy. What are you suggesting we do, start some fresh bombing campaigns? Constantly reminding the current establishment of what their predecessors did hundreds of years ago will achieve nothing good. And just to back up my earlier point, I bet you were unaware that current PM David Cameron and a previous prime minister, Tony Blair both have Irish mothers.

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    Mute edward smith
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:10 PM

    The Irish speak English, work hard, and dress like the native people of Britain.

    7
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:46 PM

    I hear you’re an A la carte racist now Father …

    146
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:54 PM

    Finally a relevant and not overused Ted quote.

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    Mute R H Beige Lark
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:39 PM

    I’m British, lived hear 15 years and I have no problem with the fact that I am, in fact, a foreigner. I have always felt welcome to this wonderful country despite the small number of 4rsehol3s who have a problem with me being here, or British, or both. UKIP? *shudder* I dread to think that they might ever consider me one of THEM.

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    Mute Brian Rochford
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:03 AM

    I lived in the UK for 10 years and was made feel very much at home there. I often heard the sentiment “one of us” meant in the context of a fraternal bond born of nothing but respect and kindness. I hope you continue to experience kind here RH

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    Mute Donal Costello
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:42 PM

    UKIP: A great bunch of lads

    129
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    Mute Michael Connors
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:51 PM

    I remember when they used the Irish flag as a beermat. They seem to consider Ireland to be part of the UK, I hope they never get into power.

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    Mute Straighttalker
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:57 PM

    We need an equivalent to ukip in this country the way things are going , the indigenous Irish are being pushed out of their own country, foreign nationals everywhere

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    Mute Jamesy Carr
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:08 PM

    And what’s wrong with foreigners? I’m a foreigner here in Spain and I’ve been treated with the utmost respect, I just hope you and your ilk have the decency to treat foreigners in Ireland as such. It wasn’t the foreigners who pushed us out but our own people Don’t Forget That.

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    Mute Straighttalker
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:13 PM

    @jamesy

    Good be sure to stay in Spain you arrogant tool

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    Mute Jamesy Carr
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:29 PM

    well with people like yourself in Ireland with your inward looking, sheltered aswell as narrow mindedness sure why would I come home?

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:30 PM

    Eamon de Valera was a foreigner. So was Wolfe Tone through descent. As were Connolly, Markievicz, Hyde, Childers, and anyone with the surnames Fleming, Jones, Williams, Walsh, Doyle, Burke, Fitz(insert ending), Redmond, Stewart, Davies, Fallon, McAuliffe…

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:35 PM

    @straightalker

    If you want to see an arrogant tool, just look in the mirror

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    Mute Aran Fitzpatrick
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:36 PM

    Brian, you are right about everything except the surname Fitzpatrick is native to Ireland, the rest are Anglo-Irish.

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    Mute Straighttalker
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:42 PM

    @justin

    well judging by the head on you i would`nt say its too pleasant looking in the mirror!

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:52 PM

    @Brian Ó Dálaigh Straighttalker doesn’t know who those people are.

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    Mute Seamus McKenzie
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:54 PM

    Fitz Patrick is not native. It is a Norman name. Sorry about that.

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:54 PM

    Who gives a shit whether people are foreign or not? We are a financial basket case. We are not attractive to anyone that wants to come here in search of a better economic life. All you have to do is look at the massive drop in refugee numbers since the crash if that’s your concern.

    Personally, I don’t care who comes here provided they obey the law and want to work hard (and it helps if they are friendly too).

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:55 PM

    @Seamus, correct Fitz is Norman.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:59 PM

    True, Aran. FitzPatrick is the only Fitz- surname that is of Irish origin. The rest are not all Anglo-Irish, however. De Valera is of Hispanic origin. Markievicz is Polish (the original was Markiewicz). Hyde is English. Childers is English. Fleming is Belgian. Jones, Walsh (originally Welsh and spelled as Walsh, Walshe, Welsh, Welch, Wallace, etc.) and Davies are Welsh. Williams is English. Doyle was originally Dubhghall meaning dark foreigner – a reference to Norsemen/Vikings. Burke is Norman. Most Fitz- names are Norman (Fitz being an earlier rendition of modern French Fils, meaning son of) Redmond is English, Stewart is Scottish. Fallon is German. McAuliffe is Viking (from Mac Olafr, or son of Olafr – Olafr being the contemporary version of the name we know today as Olaf). And those are just the ones off the top of my head. Foreigners have always come to these shores. Sometimes they came in mass waves (such as the arrival of the Vikings, the Normans, the Planters, etc.). Other times they came in dribs and drabs (the English, Welsh and Scottish during the 19th century). It has always been the same and it will always be the same.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:02 PM

    All Fitz- surnames, with the exception of FitzPatrick, are Norman. FitzPatrick is the only native Irish surname with the Fitz- prefix. Originally it was Mac Giolla Phádraig, or son of the servant of Patrick. In the Isle of Man it became Mylepherick. In Ireland it became either Gilpatrick or FitzPatrick. The Fitz- was added at the time of the Norman invasions, but the families themselves were not Norman, but native Irish.

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:27 PM

    Interesting, Brian. Good stuff.

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:29 PM

    And I accidentally gave you a thumbs down btw.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:38 PM

    Does anyone really care about the thumbs? ;)

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    Mute Tribes Man
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:06 AM

    Ireland’s population today is a homogenous mix of Gaels, Vikings and Normans. Three great ingredients.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:20 AM

    Ireland’s population today (excluding those who arrived in the last 20 years) is a mix of pre-Gaelic, Viking/Norse, Norman, Flemish, Welsh, Scottish, English, German, French, 19th century Polish, early 20th century Russian, and a lot more. We’re a lot more diverse than you might think. And, I don’t think you know what the word homogenous means. Using the word homogenous followed directly by the word mix is a bit of an oxymoron. Either the population is homogenous or it’s heterogenous. In Ireland’s case our population is very much heterogenous.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:23 AM

    The use of word “homogenous” directly followed by the word “mix” is an oxymoron. Either we are homogenous or heterogenous. And before the arrival of immigrants over the last 20 years, Ireland was still very much a heterogenous country. We are a mix of pre-Gaelic, Gaelic, Viking/Norse, Norman, Flemish, English, Scottish, Welsh, French, German, Polish, Russian, etc. (the latter two in the late 19th and early 20th centuries).

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:24 AM

    Ugh, sorry about the (almost) double post. It wasn’t showing two minutes after posting for some reason.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:46 AM

    The surname Moran for example is pre-Celtic and is one of the oldest names in Ireland. A surname like my own could be considered Gaelic, but there were people in Ireland for 5000 years before the Celts arrived.

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    Mute Tribes Man
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 2:08 PM

    That’s is incorrect I am well aware of the meaning, a homogenous mixture is a well used scientific term. In this case meaning many of us today have “the same” composition of genes derived from a number of primary sources namely (Gaels, Vikings, Normans (who were also Vikings originally ) and many of our cities today where Viking settlements. We of course have other contributors but I was only naming a few groups who as one can see with our surnames etc are amongst the chief contributors.

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    Mute Goldberg
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:59 PM

    Ukip wouldn’t my cup of tea but probably have to admit Britain made the right call on opting out of the euro – plus it’s going to be fastest growing big Eu economy – the demographics point to them overtaking Germany – that’s why they can call the shots in the coming years

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:33 PM

    The UK is and has been suck in a fiscal rut for years with no real sign of exiting on the horizon. I too agree they were right not to enter in the euro first day. I don’t think their reasons for it were economic at the time though. More to do with ideals of sovereignty (which by default turned out to be true if compared to us, though likely not their initial reasoning).

    I agree with your sentiments, but demography, as an indicator of future financial growth in this case, I just can’t see the connection.

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    Mute Goldberg
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:41 PM

    It’s a much younger country in demographics than France or Germany though old compared to Ireland – and while not a superpower as nation it has London which is a superpower city that only possibly new york could rival in terms of a financial centre

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:50 PM

    London as financial capital of the world (which it is, superior to NY in fact) cannot sustain 60 million people. Also, once the UK exits, France and Germany will target it and make sure the financial Capital ends up somewhere in Germany within 20 years.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:36 PM

    Think you’re confusing Germany and France.. Germany has 16 million people and about $1 trillion in GDP on the UK..

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    Mute edward smith
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:08 PM

    Germany’s population is 82 million.

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    Mute Pierce2020
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:35 PM

    Anyone for a Irish Republican Independence Party?

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    Mute Barry O Mahoney
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:39 PM

    No

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    Mute aaron wheatley
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:40 PM

    sounds good too me

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    Mute Jamie
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:42 PM

    Why not, parties get funds from the government anyway and can draw away expenses. Nothing to lose!

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    Mute Pierce2020
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:46 PM

    All those lovely expenses, yummy

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:25 PM

    Just leave it at Republican Independent Party for the initials alone.

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    Mute SinAssist
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:47 PM

    West Brit Defence League…..kindred spirits, twice removed!!

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:54 PM

    Are you going to join and then kill people in a fight for the 6 counties?

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    Mute Pierce2020
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:34 PM

    Meeting at 9pm in Flowing Tide, I’ll be the smoking garden.

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    Mute Michelle Rogers
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:39 PM

    Friends like that, who needs enemies? Peace and love guys is what we need more of on this planet – not hatred and emphasising our differences – we are all human beings under the skin sharing the beautiful blue planet!

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    Mute Edward Malone
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:53 PM

    Let’s stop beating around the bush and call out these right wing parties for what they are.. Ultra nationalistic racists , who need to be opposed at every turn. I hope people haven’t forgotten how fascism grew unchecked in Europe in the 30s..

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    Mute Ian Walsh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:20 PM

    UKIP has black and asian members, hardly racist. Don’t confuse then with the BNP, they are fascists.

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    Mute Sean Linda Conlon
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:53 PM

    The “I” in UKIP represents their core constituency; Ignorance.

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    Mute Inntalitarian
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:36 PM

    I know who I’d be voting for if I were a Brit. Farage is the only one with the balls to stand up to the EU.

    Good luck UKIP.

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    Mute Robin Pickering
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 11:43 AM

    You don’t have to be a Brit. You just have to be registered to vote in the UK.

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    Mute Cian Ó Móráin
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:07 PM

    Screw UKIP. Screw Farage. That is all.

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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 9:58 PM

    “UKIP: The Irish are our ‘kith and kin”

    Why do I not feel reassured by that statement/headline?

    These guys are riding on the back of British anti EU sentiment. I would really hate to see them get into power in the UK.

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    Mute john williams
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:30 PM

    Well don’t let the unionists in Northern Ireland hear you say that ukip. They will be up in a heap!

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    Mute John Molloy
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:36 PM

    I think UKIP get a bad press.Look at the options we have in Ireland when it’s time to vote.

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    Mute edward smith
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:12 PM

    If I were in England, I would certainly vote for them. I wish we had an Irish nationalist party.

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    Mute David Burke
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    Apr 25th 2014, 1:57 PM

    Here is your race based politics. Go nuts.

    http://www.nationalindependentparty.ie/

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    Mute Oisín Ross
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:11 PM

    We r not British so thanks but feck off

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:54 PM

    u r dum

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:22 PM

    These boys are dangerous, they’re no friends of ours. We should shun them. British National Front in disguise.

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    Mute Edel Ball
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:21 PM

    The British right wing have completely changed their tune since the days when we were considered subhuman.ah,the 80s.

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    Mute Tina Murphy
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:18 PM

    I think it might be because Pat Rabbitte refers to Britain as ‘the mainland’. It doesn’t help when the Irish Government can’t be clear which country they were elected in.

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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:21 AM

    I have heard Englishman referring to Britain as “the Mainland” – but he was quickly put in his place by a Dutchman who politely pointed out that it as just a reasonably big island off a continental land mass – which IS the mainland.

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    Mute Devileire
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:58 PM

    UKIP, like the BNP and EDL before them, go after and get the support of second generation Irish in Britain, many of whom are right wing, xenophobic and perfectly suited to the UKIP manifesto. It also helps that we can vote in all UK elections unlike other migrant groups. They quickly forget how the far right treated previous generations who arrived in the UK in the 60s and 70s and the cycle of racist abuse continues.

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:44 PM

    “No blacks, no dogs, no Irish” indeed!

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:42 PM

    Faraj (pronounced Farage) is Malasian for vagina.

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    Mute SinAssist
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 2:45 AM

    Nibble Faraj!

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    Mute Colin Kavanagh
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:14 PM

    BNP said the same thing a couple of years back.

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    Mute Cian Twomey
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:50 PM

    If we have a look at who conquered / invaded Britain over the centuries – the Romans (Italy); the Saxons (Germany); the Vikings (Scandinavia); and the Normans (French) – what “pure-blood” British race are UKIP representing? Or is it just darker-skinned or those from Eastern Europe that they have a problem with?

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    Mute R H Beige Lark
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:22 PM

    You forgot the Angles, the Jutes, the Belgic Gauls, the Irish, the Scots, the Picts..

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    Mute nialls
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:53 PM

    Why because we look and sound the same? Idiots!

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:30 PM

    Yeah, we love the Irish. Well…apart from the ones from Connaught. They might have a bit of Spanish blood in them, and that blood may be tainted by the Moors. The Spaniards used to have fair skin like us, don’t ya know.

    We’re also going to have to ask you to leave if you’re a fan of Thin Lizzy. That Lynott fella’s skin was a bit too dark for us.

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    Mute Tribes Man
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:15 AM

    That’s why the Connacht men have a little extra joie de vivre, splash of Spanish seasoning on top of (Gael, Norman,Viking) :-)

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    Mute Caoimhghín Ó Tuama
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 12:52 AM

    What about Irish Muslims, are they as open to them?

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    Mute Robin Pickering
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 11:42 AM

    If they’re Irish, yes. Otherwise they’re no different to, for example, British Muslims/Christians/Sikhs/etc of Pakistani origin.

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    Mute Padraic Ivers
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 4:44 AM

    So what they are really saying is they still think we are part of the british empire and want to continue using us as cheap labour to build their country.

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    Mute Dhakina's Sword
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 1:46 AM

    Just for fun, It would be interesting to see the reaction from other countries, if Britain threatened to leave the planet.

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    Mute Martin Grehan PBPA
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 2:11 AM

    Of course they only really mean the white Irish people who look and sound pretty much like them. They wouldn’t fancy Irish people who are black, or have funny accents, or any of that malarkey. I can safely say that I don’t want no kith nor kin with UKIP you big bunch of racists :)

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:00 PM

    I live next door to English people, and they don’t send their kids to the local Catholic school.
    They might be Protestants. Should I shun them?

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    Mute George Hogan
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:26 PM

    Time for bed Terry, you’re overtired!

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    Mute Tom White
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:54 PM

    UKIP – The Bankers and corporations party – pushing the idea of free trade deal and investor state dispute resolutions. Don’t be fooled, they are the Right wing, Tory, white middle class, with sound bite politics –
    A UK version of the Tea Party, including some swivel eyed loons and have only regard to court the Irish vote.
    Look at their ramblings against what they consider the EU social model, and think how would Ireland have faired under such an arrangement. They are only interested in keeping the rich rich, and pulling up the draw bridge behind them.
    They also continuously confuse the EU with the European court of Human Rights in discussions.
    But its a simple message – them foreigners is bad.. and all our laws is made in Europe and we can’t make no laws ourselves. They must have some money behind them – they sent me a leaflet this morning and it looks like a standard house drop to everyone. .. thats everyone in Northern Ireland ?

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    Mute Chris Barr
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:07 AM

    As a non EU immigrant ( Canadian of Scottish descent ) I rally don’t understand the system here, then someone told me something that maede it clearer for years Irelands biggest export was their people, and the system isn’t set up for people immigrating into the republic who don’t need any benefits from the state, I my own health plan, my own pension etc, and they lumped me in with refugees etc . its madding at times.

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    Mute Paul Hayes
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:21 AM

    I don’t believe ukip are racists however I’d imagine that the agenda they’re pursuing, (removing Britain from the European union) appeals to many folk that are. There are a sizable amount of people in Britain would like to see that happen. Both from the left and right of the political sphere.

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    Mute sean de paore
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 7:03 AM

    We’re people of the British Isles more so than Europe. The Man U – Moyes sacking story as lead on all modes of media in Ireland says mire about the true situation than Nick Farage ever could.

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    Mute Jack Bowden
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 1:11 AM

    I think if Britain left the EU, it would be bad for Ireland, bad for Britain, bad for Europe and bad for the world.

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    Mute Sean Linda Conlon
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 8:36 AM

    They been recalcitrant since day one, goodbye and good riddance I say, it’ll be a mere ripple in the pond and the sun will still rise in the morning.

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    Mute Hominibus Mortuis
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 4:16 PM

    Sorry, none of my kith or kin are multimillionaire, antiworker, inbred toffs that have to post awkward photos in a sad attempt to hide the fact that they’re very racist.

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    Mute Ben Brown
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    Apr 24th 2014, 12:55 AM

    the media hate ukip ..

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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 10:56 PM

    Thank god!

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    Mute Dhakina's Sword
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    Apr 23rd 2014, 1:37 AM

    Why?.

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    Mute Tony O Leary
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    Apr 22nd 2014, 11:39 PM

    When you think about it, people could still come to Ireland and just cross the boarder and be in the uk and from there travel to England Wales or Scotland ..I can’t see this being very much a success .

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