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“LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ” in France, “Unity in Diversity” in South Africa, “In God We Trust” in the US.
Country mottos have long been a way to marry patriotism and idealism.
Today, the 2014 Better Together campaign launched their national motto competition, searching for a motto for Ireland.
Twitter users can enter using the hashtag #mottoforIreland and the top 20 motto writers will be invited to a banquet in Dublin Castle.
The criteria is that your motto be no longer than 60 characters and be “relevant, respectful, clear and positive”.
But, which way should Ireland go?
While most declare a belief in unity or strength, many declare a fidelity to the inherent greatness of their nation – Austria’s is (possibly) “It is Austria’s destiny to rule the world”.
Brazil and Ivory Coast keep it pragmatic, if staid: “Order and progress” and “Unity, Discipline, Labour”, respectively.
Fiji attempts to scare citizens “Fear God and Honour the Queen”, while Luxembourg is happy just the way they are “We Wish to Remain What We Are”.
However, Ireland’s most appropriate has already been taken by Botswana whose motto is simply the Tswana for “Rain”.
Over to you – what should Ireland’s national motto be? Let us know in the comments.
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The man has the intellect and complexion of a can of Fanta.
@Diarmuid: Thats desperately unfair to fanta .
@Diarmuid: you would have a better chance of getting run over by a submarine whilst crossing the road than this guy sorting the mess out.
@Diarmuid: In fairness that has given me a great laugh. Nicely put Diarmuid.
Why make Iran out to be the bogey man?Most of the problems in the area are caused by American plans to destabilise the middle east for the good of Israel.
@Paul Mc: Isreal would have much preferred Assad in Syria than Sunni Jahadi groups there now….Iran proxy army is much more powerful now because of Syria..Hezbollah….If was at behest of Sunni Saudi Arabia and Qatar that Obama armed the moderate Jahadis in Syria not Isreal…
@John003: thank you. A bit of balance around here is welcome.
The Jews are not behind every world conflict as some like to make out.
Save it? Not a chance. Accelerate its demise, most certainly.
Its very doubhtful considering he is more likely to cause a war.
*2 hours later*
*The remains of Jerusalem smoulder as the nuclear ash falls”
NOBODY KNEW PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WAS HARD. NOBODY.
Think maybe he will want to build a hotel and golf course there instead.
Ehhh NO
That’s akin to asking can Bell Enda solve Irelands problems.
Well many US presidents have failed before him so no disgrace if his name is also added to the list.
But there again, Donald thinks outside the box so who knows.
Bloody amazing if he did.
Can’t see the Palestinians supporting an alliance against Iran….HAMAS which would win a Palestinian election if there ever is one …..Have big Iranian support….Also Hezbollah is fighting on behalf of Palestinians with Iranian support…..Isreal would not want to get involved in Sunni /Shia religious wars….They have enough problems of their own….
I’d love to see the odds from PaddyPower, accumulator; Trump secures peace in Middle East & Mayo wins All-Ireland. Worth a quid maybe.
Just like Tony blair…
@Dave Thomas: Tony Blair the great Middle East Peace Envoy you mean?
Not if he’s involved.
Sure Tony Blair has it all sorted out already.
What a likeable guy!
According to himself.
You’re asking can this fool sort out the middle east crisis?are you serious?
Can he fack!
I’m sorry , but that is just the wrong question to be asking. Seriously ? He can’t even help himself.
Nope…
Hell no
have your say