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Column This is a unique island – and it’s time we regained our pride

Ireland has a heritage that is the envy of the world, writes Jillian Godsil. We should remember that when building our future.

SINCE WE LEARNT we were on an island, we have expended as much time getting off as we have expelling invaders.

Our monks have sailed boats in far flung adventures, while invaders became a part of our lives. When we couldn’t get rid of any influx of unwanted visitors we often resorted to downright low-down tactics and married them. Think of the Normans; more Irish than the Irish themselves. We consumed our invaders while simultaneously sending forth our under-the-radar colonists.

The only difference with our colonising is that we used words and song and music to grab emotional land-banks across the world. A recent comment on WorldIrish.com had one (non Irish) commenter suggest there were 40 million living today on this small island. The sheer weight would of course have sunk our patch of green but it is a testament to the vast emotional imprint of our people over the years.

For an island race we are an interesting mix of conflicting characteristics. For an island race, we don’t really swim that well; we could argue we don’t have the weather. We don’t really eat fish very well; and I’m not including the breaded variety. We often marry our own and while world-renowned for being friendly, that can be closed to people outside our community.

Where we do excel is in carrying our culture, words, songs and stories – with us when we travel and down through the generations. And we have a strong sense of who we are. Moreover the world has a strong sense of who we are.

While some of the adjectives liberally applied to being Irish are not so flattering – such as the drinking and fighting – others are striking. The musical nature of our people, the cultural heritage we assume as our birthright and the energy of a people who have faced much but come back for more.

There are few nations in this global village that have such strong brand. Step back a moment. Think about other countries, both bigger and smaller than ours, and think about how much we know about them. Think of our national day. What other country gets to celebrate their national day on a global basis, in cities and towns across the world?

‘We have exported the best of us and the worst of us’

What other country has exported so many people that have left their mark wherever they travel? Other nations aspire to be Irish in a way that is out of the commonplace, out of the norm.

Over the years, we have exported the best of us and the worst of us.

When I left Ireland to work abroad some two decades ago, there were very few jobs at home. The main difference to 2012 is that my parents were not wracked with debt that threatened to drown them – theirs, or from a toxic bank. I also left a very proud Irishwoman.

We were the darlings of Europe. We had an educated population that was in demand on a world stage. We had positive legislation to encourage inward investment. We had entrepreneurs and thinkers and world leaders. We had world beating sports people, authors, inventors, creators, innovators, dreamers, musicians, poets, filmmakers and scientists.

We still do.

We have let the workings of a few distort the work of the many. We have not changed as a nation. We are still those heady, creative, intelligent, warm and educated people.

What we have to confront is the short but lethal legacy of the banks and developers and politicians and trappings of greed. In two short decades we have been pulled down by cronyism and arrogance.

No island race in the world has the energy and the persistence of ours. That dogged nature and love of natural justice will come back and dominate again. We have been the underdog too long to let the minders of greed take away our pride.

It is time to stop being the underdog. It is time to examine what we have. It is time to build a new future.

Jillian Godsil is on Twitter at @jilliangodsil.

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199 Comments
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    Mute Paddy O Donnell
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    May 7th 2012, 7:38 PM

    We are a great little country.

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    Mute Hitthepotthomas
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    May 7th 2012, 8:07 PM

    It’s not. Eamon Dunphy was right, and lets be honest – this place is a kip. As much as i hate to say it, this country has been ruined and is now a festering dump.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:17 PM

    Why is it a great little country exactly? You mean the one in films?

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    Mute Stray Mutt
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    May 7th 2012, 10:21 PM

    Paddy O’Donnell..
    You better elaborate a little on your comment.
    The way I see it is as follows listing the negatives:
    1) Austerity measures will haunt this country for many years to come
    2) Cost of living compared to other EU countries is exorbitant
    3) Taxation system (overall view) is crippling
    4) Education system antiquated
    5) Health system on it’s knees unless you are able to go private
    6) A government that is far from resolving issues that got us into this mess in the first place
    7) Hounding matters involving the catholic church and abuse
    8) Last but not least. Lousy weather… All year round.

    The positives:
    1) Dublin airport. It is the means of escape to greener pastures.
    2) Have to admire the Irish for being so optimistic
    3) A pint of Guinness in my local with friends
    4) Will let you know when I have thought of point 4

    Seriously though Paddy.
    Regained pride does not feed our familes.
    It does not pay our mortgages.
    It does not absolve us of our fiscal committments etc.

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    Mute Sean Mc Avinue
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    May 8th 2012, 3:43 AM

    As the great Luke said “We are the people, and we shall overcome”.

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 7:51 PM

    The most important sentence of the whole piece is the following ……..
    ”It is time to stop being the underdog. It is time to examine what we have. It is time to build a new future.”
    We have so much here . So much to offer.

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    Mute rodrigo detriano
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    May 7th 2012, 8:31 PM

    Susie face facts! Ireland’s a kip! Ruined by a bunch of lowlife thieving bastards! The same bastards are still at liberty and nothing’s going to change! We the public are too tolerant of dodgy, corrupt bankers and politicians! Even when we catch an elected representative red handed, very rarely do we shout loud enough so as to force a prosecution or even at the very least a resignation! Hey we even elect them again sometimes with an even bigger majority! Look at the huge pensions handed out to some of the most unscrupulous retired politicians and public servants! In how many other jurisdictions would this be tolerated? Eamon Dunphy is right this time!!

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    Mute The Burning bush
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    May 7th 2012, 9:02 PM

    You got to be kidding, I have extended family all over the world. The feed back is not good. We have much to be proud of, but sadly we have more to be ashamed off. This business with Sean Ryan has served to paint us in a rather poor light. They read the articles about this individual and scratch their collective heads at the fact that we choose to tolerate such a low life in his current capacity as leader of what is the largest church in Ireland.

    Our inability to manage an economy that in world terms you could fit on the head of a pin doesn’t bear close examination either. I hate to burst your bubble and spoil the campfire but we do cyclical emigration and unemployment, cronyism, nepotism and corruption to such a high standard that third world dictators look on mouth agape, in envy at how our politicians manage to do it, and do it with impunity.

    I wouldn’t be flying the flag in any ones face, here or anywhere else just at the minute.

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 9:03 PM

    That is why I believe that the 3 sentences I quoted from the article are the most important .
    ”It is time to stop being the underdog. It is time to examine what we have. It is time to build a new future” I would like to add that it is time for all of us to ” grow up” and look at what we can do with what we have …

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 9:27 PM

    Burning Bush
    I have to agree with you that we are not looking good . We are too easily won over by the ”Blarny” of our politicians, and our religious leaders. We have very low self esteem and are always looking for reassurance. When we were going through the ”boom” or celtic tiger we were on top of the world , indestructible.Wow how far have we fallen,,, yet we still have our sense of humor, our art,and culture(well that which was not eroded away by the tiger) our music,our stories and our poetry. We have our own language, and our own sense of right and wrong, but we must start believing in ourselves and the way to do that is to tell the rest of Europe to wait outside the door until we are ready again to go and play with them… If it is not a great Island today , it can and will be in the future :)

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    Mute The Burning bush
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    May 7th 2012, 9:28 PM

    You know something Suzie, I find that pride rather hard to fathom just now. We had and continue to have elected officials that continue to wipe their backsides with our beloved country. They have used the tricolour as a table cloth at the biggest and most expensive banquet table we as a nation have ever had the displeasure to sit at. By the time we get that table cloth back it will be covered in stains that will not easily wash out.

    The sovereignty men fought and died for was sold for a song, with hardly a thought and now we face the prospect of buying it back in installments at a price we clearly cannot afford. That’s a pretty strange way to celebrate and enrich a culture.

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    Mute The Burning bush
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    May 7th 2012, 9:36 PM

    I am not making an attack on what you have said as I see where you are coming from. I agree with your approach…it just seems that we have rivers of shit to crawl through before we start waving that flag around, we don’t even own the flag anymore. It was sold up the river by those employed to preserve the integrity of such and that alone just drives me clear around the f@ucking bend.

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 9:43 PM

    Burning Bush
    Like I said I agree with you , but I am a glass half full kind of girl . Angry as I feel most of the time because of our politicians , economic traitors and the banks , Fiscal /ausrerity/ stability Treaty……The Catholic Church is another piece of crap, etc etc But we have our selves .And if we just stop and draw breath and start over , we have a lot going for us. I wish I could do and say more to boost our confidence

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 10:08 PM

    Burning Bush
    Just so you know I have not red thumbed you once …. I agree with you .Just that if I don’t try and see a positive in all this shit I may never again get out of bed :) …

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    Mute Nigel O'Neill
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    May 7th 2012, 10:11 PM

    Rodrigo, you are 100% correct as I Eamonn Dunphy!
    The fact that your post has gotten so many red thumbs proves how right you are in an ironic way

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    Mute Getard Langslanger
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    May 7th 2012, 10:43 PM

    Well said Susie. A great positive article for once. Shame to see so many negative comments.

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    Mute Feargal Mac Dubhaill
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    May 8th 2012, 2:21 AM

    Well said and honestly, it’s too easy to blame our surroundings for where we are right now. Look across Europe…It ain’t pretty and we have as good a chance as any to make it.
    Two of my friends are involved in startups and I am receiving assistance from EI for my own business. There is still hope. Commerce is still happening out there, the wheels are turning.
    There are obstacles and difficulties in every country but if we focus on them only, it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle of misery that holds no benefit for anyone. Be realistic but stay positive and think about what you need to change to get ahead. Lastly, remember that if you leave you are taking yourself with you.

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    Mute Seamus McDermott
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    May 8th 2012, 2:50 AM

    Rodrigo wrote: “Susie face facts! Ireland’s a kip! Ruined by a bunch of lowlife thieving bastards! ”

    You mean the Vikings?

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 8th 2012, 8:43 AM

    Seamus Mc Dermott
    Lol :) THumbs UP !

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    Mute Samuel Edel Pineda Soto
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    May 7th 2012, 8:00 PM

    I’m not Irish but I love this country :) I work in a hostel and the people always asked me what is the good thing about Ireland I told them that is not as Belgium or Germany, but you can see the history of Ireland in the streets of Dublin most of the buildings and streets have Irish history, the beach is not a sunny paradise but that’s why is so beautiful because is unique a tiny country but with a lot of history and traditions and I always told to the people foreign or Irish if u don’t like it get a f#ck away from here :) EIREN GO BRAGH

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    Mute Dave
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    May 7th 2012, 8:08 PM

    Thank you Samuel, i’m glad you like it!

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:21 PM

    Samuel…the only history on the streets of Dublin are needles and vomit. How long have you lived in Ireland Samuel, few weeks perhaps?

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    Mute Dave
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    May 7th 2012, 8:27 PM

    Hmmm, Ciaran are you from Cork or another of the “irrational dub hating” parts of the country?

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:42 PM

    Samuel is from Mexico. Regardless of the crime rate in Ireland, its still like comparing From Dusk till Dawn to Mary Poppins

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    Mute Mark Larson
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    May 7th 2012, 9:03 PM

    Ciaran im from Dublin and live in London 15 years, every big city has lots of problems, come to London you will see the same. Dublin is a fantastic city, i have brought many friends over from London and they all love it. I love Dublin and the people that live in it.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 9:12 PM

    Good and bad everywhere Mark, very true indeed

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 9:35 PM

    Thank You Samuel . It is a good little country and Dublin is the Best . I was in Dublin City on Friday last and Saw a building with its corner stone carved ” Est’d1770 ”…. Wow . I just love the fact that we can go back in history on our streets…

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    Mute Anne De Croix
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    May 7th 2012, 9:47 PM

    I grew up in northern Ireland but West cork is my home. I’ve had two kids here who have a life and a freedom that is virtually unknown anywhere else. I think we are still very very lucky.

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    Mute Nigel O'Neill
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    May 7th 2012, 10:14 PM

    Samuel, thats great but hat do you love about Ireland so much? The buildings!?
    Are you trying to raise a family here?

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 10:21 PM

    Nigel
    We are all trying to raise a family here….

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    Mute Samuel Edel Pineda Soto
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    May 7th 2012, 8:39 PM

    Ciaran I been living here around two years and I arrived with no money on me, I worked and lived in the worst hostel of Ireland for 10 months i used to work 72 hrs just for my bed and €100, I got my heart broken by a Galway girl I used to live in the city centre, and people sometimes give me hard time because I’m not Irish, so I know the bad side of Ireland, BUT I quit smoking thanks to that girl, I get a job thanks to that hostel I learned two languages here and it wasn’t English, I meet a lot of good people here, real friends and there’s a lot of history here the mail office have bullet holes thanks to the people that fight and believe for this country, as I said I’m not Irish but I love this country if u said that there’s no hope James Connelly said the cause of labour is the cause of Ireland and the cause of Ireland is the cause of Labour.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:52 PM

    The people who put bullets in the poles would put them into Irish people now instead Samuel. You might not know this, but Irish people gave away their country, sovereignty, independence and freedom because their politicians told them it was the best thing to do :-) We don’t have a country anymore and we dont care about our culture. Good to know you stopped smoking though, that woman broke your heart but saved your life…I might write a song about that. The very best of luck to you and to your future in Ireland Sam….be careful of those Galway women though, charmers

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    Mute Getard Langslanger
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    May 7th 2012, 10:48 PM

    Inspiring Samuel. Ciaran you are some whinger. Give it a rest

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    Mute censored
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    May 7th 2012, 10:59 PM

    @Ciara: get over yourself.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:10 PM

    Censored, seriously? Is that all you have? No response or retort or nothing to argue or contradict? Nothing to try and prove my comment as incorrect? No?

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    Mute censored
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    May 7th 2012, 11:42 PM

    I was too disgusted by your comment. Samuel seems like a good example of the kind of hard worker this country needs. You may be right that we should have a better immigration system, but why pick on Samuel?

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:50 PM

    I didnt pick on him, I asked a question and then I followed it up with a point regarding emigration into Ireland.
    You dont even know if he works hard or what he does so maybe its YOU who shouldnt assume anything.
    It seems to be very easy for unskilled migrants from outside the EU to get into Ireland, are you going to contradict that?

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    Mute Declan Noonan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:22 AM

    Samuel, welcome and happy that you have found a life in Ireland. Wish I could buy you a pint and shake your hand.

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 8th 2012, 12:50 AM

    Samuel
    Good for you . I amglad you are enjoying your Irish experiences .
    Do not mind Ciaran , he just loves winding people up ,his words are not true of all of us, he says nice things but his tone means the opposite . He has a different agenda to most of us on here who truely love our country and only want the best for it .

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    Mute Teo O'Keefe
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    May 8th 2012, 12:59 AM

    Ciara, your first comment to Samuel was RUDE. I should hope that you never represent our fine country abroad.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 1:04 AM

    Why do you love your country? What have you ever done to prove your love for your country? How many EU treaties did you vote YES for? Don’t make me sick, with your stupid little protest about household tax…too little and too late, you and the likes of you were part of the rot of this country. Mindless brainwashed morons, you are what makes us all the laughing stock of the world…”Our culture is paramount to our recovery” …. you cant even define what culture is to me, yet your proud of it. You imbecile….As for Samuel, best of luck to him, he knows more about Irelands culture and history than most of you you plastic Irish people. With your ridiculous little no to household tax posters, whoooooo late with paying a bill, so patriotic…I am 100% sure you voted yes in EU treaties )))

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    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
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    May 8th 2012, 6:49 AM

    Jaysus Ciara would ya give over with the visa craic. We have a little organisation here in England called the EDL,should you check out their policies some time. Samuel,you sound like an honest fella who works hard and is enjoying your time here…more luck to ya.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 8:17 AM

    Yeay Anne Marie cos England is a perfect example of of exactly how emmigration ahould be done . No problems there! Plenty of culture there just not the native culture. English people are afraid to fly their own flags for fear of appearing racist!

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    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
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    May 8th 2012, 8:44 AM

    The system here isn’t flawless but any stretch of the imagination. But u find your attitude towards Samuel and migrants annoying. As Tommy Tiernan once put it,the English were very good at colonizing places but weren’t too pleased when their empires subjects followed them home! No one should be embarrassed by their flag but having attended several anti EDL matches in my area around Tower Hamlets,I would be fairly annoyed to see my flag becoming a battling cry for thinly veiled racists across the country. That goes the same of the IRA too just in case you retort with that ol’ chestnut. There is a legitimate movement to tightening up immigration here but you have to see the full picture as to why British colonialism and foreign policy has brought about an even more intense scrutiny on this issue.

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    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
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    May 8th 2012, 8:54 AM

    Argh sorry tons of spelling mistakes in there…these feckin’ smart phones are an absolute nightmare for texting! :)

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 8th 2012, 8:54 AM

    Ciaran Brennan
    I have no idea , nor does any one else, have a clue what your argument is about . You seem over wrought and confused . Your comments are jumbled and confused and make no sense. Give it a rest .

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 11:15 AM

    I see the light now Susie, now I am proud and patriotic like you are. Peace and love and light to you my Earth sister

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:19 PM

    With the greatest of respect Ann-Marie, you live in the UK. Im quite entitled to make comments in regards where Im from and where I live. My fears and concerns are very real. Ive been to London many times and its quite difficult to find any sort of English culture there. There are plenty of areas my English mates feel they cant go in their own country. I would hate to see that here and already its starting to get like that.
    The English set out around the world murdering and trying to impose their way of live so maybe thats why theres an issue with their flags however the Irish didnt do that so you cannot compare the 2. Yes the natives followed the English home but Ireland hasnt invaded india, Pakistan etc.

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    Mute Samuel Edel Pineda Soto
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    May 7th 2012, 8:58 PM

    Ciaran I’m Mexican and proud of it I get an American visa I can live legally over there but I don’t like states, Do me a favour put in Wikipedia or YouTube saint Patrick battalion Irish soldiers that are consider heroes of my country, I paid taxes and my school fees over here I don’t have any help for the government and sometimes I have to take the sh#t of the people because I’m a foreign, IRELAND IS A GREAT COUNTRY There’s hope in this country u just have to believe in it Believe in Ireland

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 9:19 PM

    Sam you are more passionate about Ireland than any Irish person I have ever met. I don’t believe in fairy tales or Bord Failte adverts Sam, but I’m glad you are happy here. The Ireland you love died many years ago, most Irish people don’t care about their country, they gave it away. Enda Kenny is our hero now Sammy..google him and his friends in the EPP

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 10:15 PM

    Ciaran, decent Ireland died years before Sam ever arrived!

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    May 7th 2012, 10:36 PM

    I remember it as a child Ciara. I haven’t seen it in 20 years, its like we have become brainwashed sheep or something. Enda Kenny is considered a patriot and a hero now…where did it all go wrong?

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    Mute censored
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    May 7th 2012, 11:01 PM

    Rubbish. Decent Ireland still exists and Ireland has a lot going for it.

    You two are great examples of the self haters that are trying to do the place in.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 11:08 PM

    hehe…ok

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:11 PM

    Censored, I have already said I love this country, at times but it is slowly but surely dying a death.
    We are becoming like every British town. Nothing to differentiate us from the rest of the world. We should look at some of their mistakes and learn from them.

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    Mute Scott De Buitléir
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    May 7th 2012, 8:24 PM

    Absolutely brilliant article. Personally I’m very proud of our heritage, our history and what we have achieved throughout the centuries in spite of a lot of hardship. I love our sense of humour, our joviality and our resiliance. Our traditional music is exported all around the world – and I’m not just talking about Riverdance. Altan, Clannad, Enya, Cormac de Barra, Moya Brennan, Kíla and so, so many more. Our legends are the source of inspiration and wonder; just look at the award-winning ‘The Book of Kells’ animation and the upcoming Cúchulainn film (which is long overdue IMO). Despite the years of hardship during the Troubles, even the infamous murals of Belfast are now tourist attractions for countless visitors.

    Some have been very quick to be so cynical about this article, but I for one fully agree with Jillian. We are part of a beautiful country and we should appreciate that a little bit more than we normally do.

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    May 7th 2012, 10:28 PM

    You seem lost somewhere between a world of Darby O Gill and Guinness adverts….embarrasing

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    Mute Jonathan Biggins
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    May 7th 2012, 11:45 PM

    “What we have achieved throughout the centuries despite…”

    What are you on about? You haven’t achieved anything “throughout the centuries”. No of us has. Such utter BS.

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    May 7th 2012, 11:46 PM

    *none of us has.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:36 PM

    96 years to sort ourselves out! We had it all handed to us via the Eu and our governments f*cked it up! Greedy, greedy, greedy and not to mention corrupt.
    We got rid of the British and we let the religious take over. We were doomed from the start!

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    Mute Elrat
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    May 7th 2012, 8:37 PM

    I AM A PROUD IRISHMAN !

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:43 PM

    why

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    Mute Martin Mac
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    May 7th 2012, 7:41 PM

    In other words Vote NO. Well said!

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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:16 PM

    Vote no to what? Didn’t read anything in that article about a vote.

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    Mute mcbab
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    May 7th 2012, 9:43 PM

    What a miserable bunch of idiots making comments! This country will come good financially again and there is more to having a good life than having loads of money in your pocket. Grow up and give our young people some pride and encouragement.

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    May 7th 2012, 9:56 PM

    What comments were so wrong and idiotic ‘McBab’?

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:06 PM

    mcBab, the young and educated are leaving! Wheres the hope for them?

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    May 8th 2012, 3:03 AM

    mcbab
    Surprise , surprise ….. We agree on something ! :)

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    Mute Aidan
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    May 8th 2012, 10:41 AM

    Obviously many of you haven’t seen what’s been written in other countries about Ireland and the Irish in recent times

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    Mute Mark Larson
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    May 7th 2012, 7:34 PM

    And look at the country today……

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    Mute Hitthepotthomas
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    May 7th 2012, 7:41 PM

    An island with a water shortage…

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 7:58 PM

    Lets be honest, our culture and heritage is almost gone completely lads. Fair enough, we are still trying to fool the Americans but imagine their shock when they do come here. We gave away our sovereignty and independence in treaties, we gave away all pride in who we are and our once wonderful culture is in the gutter. Ireland’s gone, its just like one big set of Tallafornia now…time we accepted it

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    May 7th 2012, 8:37 PM

    @Ciaran: you say our culture is in the gutter… what part? The comely maidens? The idyllic catholic community? How exactly do you conceive of “our culture”?

    You also dragged politics into this below. Vote No? This article!? Really!?

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    Mute long schlong
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    May 7th 2012, 8:58 PM

    The worst planned yowns and cities in the world.

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    Mute Stray Mutt
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    May 7th 2012, 9:01 PM

    Lol.
    Start from scratch Ireland.
    You messed up big time.
    Regrettably.

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    Mute conor hickey
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    May 7th 2012, 9:40 PM

    A cold, wet island with a water shortage.
    But loads of tax take.
    Unique all right.

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    May 7th 2012, 10:59 PM

    Shhh Ciara, thats being ‘negative. Proud Dave Gormley is wrapping himself in his plastic flag now watching re-runs of Glenroe. Ara sure just be positive and its all ok shhhhhhhhhhh ;)

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    May 8th 2012, 1:27 AM

    @Ciara: Your comment harkens back to “Oileán na Naomh agus na Nollamh”. The saints didn’t turn out too saintly and if people don’t want to speak Irish (despite the continued life-support it’s been given since the founding of the State) then you can’t make them. And how can Irish people find arguments of principle against migration? We LOVE migration! Imagine what sort of world it might have been if other countries hadn’t opened their borders to us in the past? And has that migration not helped spread our “irishness”? There are Nigerian drug dealers, certainly, but there are Irish drug dealers too. As long as there are people like Ciaran around we’ll always have one unique aspect to us anyway: our awesome capacity to beat ourselves up.

    To me there’s no point finding our uniqueness in the cynical. What is unique about Irish people is our ability to see the positive in an often dark world. For much of our history we’ve had to. We channeled our hardships into our wonderful culture – poetry, music and literature. Yes, those things might be seen to be “under attack” in a material sense but the spirit that made us so great at those things is still alive and well.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:13 PM

    Unfortunately we cant get rid of our own drug dealers but we can be more strict about who we let in. Shop keeper and waitress are not on our list of required skills.

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    May 8th 2012, 4:49 PM

    Mark A, I have no issue with people not speaking Irish however it saddens me to see how much people despise it! Language is fundamental to a culture! I agree that money has been ploughed into it but it is taught arseways. Hopefully with the interest in gaelscoileanna this will change.

    I wasnt into Irish myself till i went to the gaeltacht as a teen and then once I realised that i could understand it and speak a bit my confidence grew and Im back learning it again and I love it!
    Welsh has had a resurgence due to all primary schools being welsh speaking only. Hebrew ( I think) had a massive resurgence in Israel too. I think it was all but dead as a language there.

    I think its massively important and would be of huge benefit to us for tourism. There are more Irish speaking yanks and yanks learning Irish than there are people learning it here which is just insane! We look like fools when they arrive and we cant speak any!

    Maybe if more money went into sending kids to the Gaeltacht rather than all the money we spend on English language support teachers our own culture would be better for it. Its dying a death and once its gone its gone forever. Then the rest of our culture will suffer such as poetry, music and Irish dancing. All the things that makes us unique will be gone forever. We have a beautiful culture and we need to protect it. Italians, Spanish and the French are proud of their culture, language and heritage so why arent we?

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    Mute John Kearns
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    May 7th 2012, 9:06 PM

    A lot of interesting and passionate comments, but I do not think that they are that far apart. Because what I hear the positive comments saying is that we are a great people with enormous potential when given the opportunity. Agreed! The negative commentators are picking up on the fact that we seem to have to go elsewhere to realise that potential. Again, agreed! Guys, there is an obvious answer: let’s really take hold of our country. We are badly served by our leaders and by our ‘higher’ levels of society. Far too many get excited when given any power and are only too happy to join the small elite clique who run the country. They then stay loyal to the golden circles in whose company they have always wanted to swan! (Union leaders, hang your heads in shame). Small-minded parochial gombeens – but we elect them or promote them or invite them to speak at seminars etc. etc. If we could only galvanise what I believe is the majority and find real leaders with genuine patriotic motivations, we could bring about a revolution that would be the model for all the other lost countries that our leaders have been looking up to. Change will come and genuine need and demand for change continues to grow (fester?). We need the leaders – come forward; you have a willing country crying out for you. Lead us and we wil be great.

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    May 7th 2012, 9:09 PM

    Most sensible comment here, well said John

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    Mute Sean Hickey
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    May 7th 2012, 9:28 PM

    I agree John. I agree about the unions but the capitalists have also done damage. We run the risk of polarising our country with extremes. The answer to the issue of unions being too militant is not to go to the other extreme. I think we are good at that in Ireland. In answer to the issue of child abuse in the catholic church many want to attack every priest in the country.
    We need to root out the bad and keep the good. It’s never to late to do the right thing.

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    May 7th 2012, 10:03 PM

    Balanced reply John.
    The only way to increase the quality of our representatives is to, as a whole lift up people’s political awareness. We need to be more informed and engaged so gom-bean politicians wont be able to peddle their usual crap and be replaced with quality educated passionate people.
    I think we’re close to starting on that path but needed to go through this wreck to do it.

    @ciaran if you only have negativity to pour over all of us please go somewhere else.

    Personally
    I left in 91 for the US and didn’t leave with a good impression of ROI. Been back a few years now.
    Irish people always excel abroad but don’t here and I never understood why this was until a few years ago.
    People like Ciaran find negativity in everything you do or try to do or fail at doing. The absence in the US of attitudes like Ciaran’s is why people aren’t afraid to give it a go and succeed. This attitude is why it’s more difficult to pull ourselves up by our boot straps.
    I can go back to live in the US anytime and travel often on work but I’m determined to see Ireland do well regardless of the Ciarans out there.
    They’ll see the results and shut up, eventually.
    D

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 10:17 PM

    Its the majority keep voting these gimps in!

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    May 7th 2012, 10:47 PM

    @Dave Enough of the ‘your so negative” BS, I hear enough of that from smirking politicians. I’m speaking about the reality, in the real world, how Ireland is and what we have become as a people. The country is a kip, our culture is almost completely gone, we threw away our country and our society is broken beyond repair. We are not a proud people and have absolutely no patriotism except for football and the x-factor. If its tough for you to swallow fair enough, but don’t make me cringe with your American positivity crap, please.

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    May 7th 2012, 11:05 PM

    I disagree with just about everything you’ve written here Ciaran. You have no idea how good things actually are in Ireland compared to 99% of the world. Now is a good time to get out there and broaden your horizons. You never know, you might learn about the power of positive thinking.

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    May 7th 2012, 11:18 PM

    :D Sure all I can do is laugh at a comment like that….brainwashed sheep living in a parallel universe comes to mind!

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    May 7th 2012, 11:29 PM

    Iv’e done a lot more travelling than you sunshine ;) Precisely why I know Ireland and the Irish have no identity anymore. We threw away our sovereignty, culture and independence like brainwashed morons. Compared to other nations the Irish have no pride, no patriotism, terrible standard of education, health service, crime, litter, drug problems…look at the stats before you get back on your horse :-)

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    May 7th 2012, 11:48 PM

    Where are these fairyland stats you’re on about Ciaran? Ireland has been consistently rated as one of the best countries in the world to live in – objectively (ie based on the facts). Sure, there’s a heck of a lot that can be improved. Start today, and stop wallowing in self pity.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:56 PM

    Yeah probably voted for by people from the third world who live here now!
    You cannot deny any of the points Ciaran has just made!

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    May 8th 2012, 12:10 AM

    I deny them all, and I’m talking about OECD stats Ciara – not the x-factor.

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    May 8th 2012, 12:14 AM

    So theres no problem with health or education? Drugs, litter and crime arent an issue either? Ok, grand so!

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    Mute Alan Bolger
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    May 7th 2012, 10:53 PM

    My God there’s some woeful whingers commenting tonight. If you think it’s a kip leave, it’s a free country. I personally think its a great country with some lovely people, even a few optimistic ones.

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    May 7th 2012, 11:14 PM

    Another Enda Kenny sheep…yeah, positivity will change an entire society and mindset…(cringe)

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    Mute Richard Keogh
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    May 7th 2012, 11:39 PM

    You make other sound so simple. Some of us have familial or financial responsibilities which make leaving impossible. We can but hope that Ireland will change for the better in the future but with a government that cares only about itself and it’s banker and civil service buddies we will likely have to wait a while for a new honest politicians to take power or depend on politicians in other countries.

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    Mute Vinny O'Mahony
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    May 7th 2012, 8:00 PM

    Idealistic….. but still inspiring nonetheless!

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    Mute Murchadh Mór Siorc
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    May 7th 2012, 8:10 PM

    Is deacair cuid mhaith d’Éirinn a aithint thar Shasana/Mheirceá. Ní thuigim an fáth go gceapann an iliomad Éireannachgo bhfuil an chuid eile den domhan i ngrá linn, feictear dom nach bhfuil, is nach drochrud é sin ach oiread. Bí ag caint ar chultúr, leis, tá an chuid is mó den phobal iomlan dall ar an gcuid is bunúsaí/dilse de, seafóid a mhalairt a rá. Tá cultúr i bhfad níos láidre ag an gcuid is mó de thíortha eile, seans nach orainn an locht ach sin mar atá.

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    May 7th 2012, 9:14 PM

    98% will have to translate that on google, just about sums it all up

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    Mute Susie Chester
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    May 7th 2012, 10:25 PM

    Our culture is paramount to our recovery.

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    May 7th 2012, 11:00 PM

    lol @ Susie….you mean pubs?

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    May 7th 2012, 11:14 PM

    Ciaran B
    Well I don’t drink …. So no ,I don’t mean pubs :) but what ever rocks your boat , certainly go for it ….:)

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    May 7th 2012, 11:21 PM

    So what culture are you on about then? Tell me, I’m intrigued? What culture is paramount to out recovery? This should be good….? X-Factor, Plastic green hats on St Patrick’s Day? Eastenders and Corrie? Sport?…what culture is this you speak of?

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    May 7th 2012, 11:50 PM

    Ciaran Brennan
    X Factor is English !
    Corrie is English! ( I never watch it)
    Eastenders is English !(I never watch that either )
    Mind you Fair city is Irish and I never watch it either ,I do not like the soaps….
    Sport is indeed part of our culture esp GAA, boxing, cycling, swimming, horse racing , show jumping, gymnastics , karate, Rugby and Soccer have come to mean a lot to us too.
    There is dance , theatre , music,singing and poetry reading . There is a lot of people involved in amateur dramatics , who have a sense of pride in their communities and enjoy the social side of it all too. Not every thing we do as individuals has to be world class, but the idea is to enjoy what we do .
    Now Ciaran Brennan , until you can grasp this simple idea you will never grasp Ireland in its truest sense,
    Go on back to your pints or shorts or shots or what ever else it is you take to numb your discomfort , I would hate to over tax your brain . Good night !

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    May 8th 2012, 12:21 AM

    They are English? Nooooooooo….you genius! All that is your definition of ‘culture’ ? I think you need to grasp a lot more than Ireland, I mean that in its ‘simplest sense’…With people like you, I have no hope in Ireland’s future. Go away and stop irritating me. I don’t drink, but stereotypes like you make me want to :(

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    May 8th 2012, 12:42 AM

    Ciaran
    I have been reading your comments and I think you are just a bit of a wind up artist . I am certainly not a stupid woman , nor am I a tulip . You are the one who introduced the names of english programes as ”culture” I said that I do not watch soaps and reminded you tat they are english , so do not presume to twist my words.I am far from being stereotypical and for everyones sake here why don’t You tell Us waht your idae of Irish culture is , go on Ciaran , I DARE YOU .

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    May 8th 2012, 12:56 AM

    Oh go away, its like talking to a very silly goldfish, I am genuinely tired of laughing out loud at you. You admit you don’t even know what culture is, then you answer my question by asking me what I asked you lol

    “Our culture is paramount to our recovery.” Ill laugh again tomorrow at that ))

    Goodnight Susie :D

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    May 8th 2012, 1:13 AM

    Ciaran Brennan
    You really are a horrible little person . You are so rude to all of the contributers on this thread . I do not know what your problem is , but I am sure that you can get help by talking it through with a trained counsellor, maybe even prescribe some strong medication for whatever ails you. What ever it is I do surely wish you well . I am glad I have made you laugh out loud . I have certainly had a good laugh at your expense too you Horrible person .

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    May 8th 2012, 8:56 AM

    Ciaran Brennan
    You have been rude to every one .

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    May 8th 2012, 11:14 AM

    I have changed. I am like you now, we are as one. Sorry my Earth Sister.

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    Mute David Watson
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    May 7th 2012, 9:39 PM

    Ireland is in turmoil financially. but I wouldn’t want to enjoy any other culture through these difficult times. I love this country. Irish parents but I grew up in England and I proudly tell people I am Irish. I also enjoy explaining Irish history to my English friends and showing them the gpo and bank of Ireland and explaining how the smallest country effectively broke up the British empire to a degree.

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    May 7th 2012, 10:10 PM

    What culture? Explain the culture of Ireland in 2012 please.

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    Mute David Watson
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    May 7th 2012, 10:47 PM

    the culture of togetherness and all the attention I see on the arts nowadays. it takes my mind of other things. which I think we could all do with at the moment

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    May 7th 2012, 11:02 PM

    …no comment, completely lost for words. That is your definition of the reality of Ireland 2012 and culture? My goodness :O

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    May 7th 2012, 11:07 PM

    No this is just something extra I’ve noticed since the recession

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:15 PM

    Ah here David, it must have been really really bad in England if you think ‘togetherness’ is a feature of modern Ireland. As for the arts, do you think the cradle to grave welfare recipients give a sh1t about the arts? Inbetween watching Eastenders, X Factor and Man U games, they havent time for anything to do with their own culture, much like 80% of the population i reckon!

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    May 7th 2012, 11:25 PM

    I’m not saying its perfect. Just highlighting reasons I love it

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    May 7th 2012, 11:31 PM

    Right, the arts and togetherness. Brilliant!

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    May 8th 2012, 1:00 AM

    David watson
    I agree with you . The arts , theatre , music, song , poetry, dance and sport etc , and , an increasing good sense of decent community spirit . Well said :)

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    Mute Jason Maguire
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    May 7th 2012, 10:43 PM

    Anyone remember the joke about the resteraunt that served lobsters from a tank with no lid? When one of the customers asked why they were told a lid wasnt needed as they were Irish lobsters and as soon as one had nearly got out the others dragged him back down. All the begrudgery, hopelessness and general cynicism is not helping the situation, yeah we need to sort out a few things but lest we forget this is a worldwide phenomon. We were disproportionately affected because of our size and reliance on foreign investment but we will come out the other side. We’ve lost very little of our culture over the last few years that hasn’t returned (or won’t) as the worst excesses of the Celtic tiger wears off. What mightn’t is this self hating bullshit and sense of inferiority that is exposed so much these days.

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    May 7th 2012, 10:58 PM

    What culture have we restored Jason?

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    May 7th 2012, 8:44 PM

    America today is the result of a gene filtration experiment From Ireland (and Europe) – the “go and do’ers” left to go and do. Now America just goes and does – regardless of consequence. Astrailia on the other hand is full of “went and did’ers”. We’re mostly left with the “wtf’ers” of which a subset – the “mehs” seem to have taken up residence online. :) The symbol on the “mehs” flag is a red hand making a downward motion. See example above :)

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    Mute Gavin Ward
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    May 7th 2012, 9:27 PM

    Sam for the Dáil…
    As individuals we need to begin choosing our attitude every morning – I do.
    As long as we go around bringing each other down….we will get nowhere.
    We are just used to having too much. Think back to your youth, we have come a long way in general. We still have problems but the current moanfest won’t improve thinks.
    Proud and positive?

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    May 8th 2012, 12:35 AM

    Quite possibly the most depressing comments I have ever read on here. And funny, it’s similar to Ireland in general: a couple who won’t shut d feck up and depress the heads off everyone else.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:41 AM

    Sorry, everything in Ireland is great. I love Enda Kenny too, he climbs mountains and wears a green jersey because hes proud to be Irish, just like me. Sorry, true…just two people here aren’t brainwashed dumbed down sheep.

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    May 8th 2012, 7:59 AM

    Whatever. You’ve said ur piece over and over and over and over. Shoving it down people’s throats doesn’t make it true.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 8:45 AM

    Ok Damien. Could you tell me what I said that was not true?

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    May 8th 2012, 9:23 AM

    I could but I don’t have the time: more pressing matters to attend to.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 11:17 AM

    Of course you don’t, my deeply tuned telepathic powers predicted you would say that. We are as on, i awoke a changed man… press on my Earth brother

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    May 8th 2012, 11:42 AM

    eh, yeah okay. You’ll have to find somebody else to satisfy your thirst for disagreement.

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    Mute Peter Connolly
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    May 8th 2012, 12:18 AM

    Wow I expected a lot of comments on this about yes we can do it we are them people , too often it negative attitude that stop us from being the people we can be , no Matter what state the country is in , we are the same people we were five year ago,
    I love being Irish I love this country and I will do what I have to do to make things work , it will get better I have to believe that .

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 12:31 AM

    Well said.

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    Mute Thats So Grodie
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    May 8th 2012, 12:32 AM

    Your right it will get better. Much better. Is maith liom Eire

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    Mute Chelseajoe
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    May 8th 2012, 12:33 AM

    Peter,i really get the feeling that there is a certain coterie of political activists who are hoping that this country fails and so advance their own agenda.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:47 AM

    Peter I bet you voted YES in every EU treaty? You proud Irish patriot you….cringe, no wonder the world are laughing at us. A less proud people on Earth can not be found.

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 12:17 AM

    I thought i was bad but there is some serious miserable bastards commenting here.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:49 AM

    yeah, its all lies and we are miserable )) Sure Irelands great, people are proud of their country, nobody threw it away, we still have a rich culture, no sheeple and everything will be better just like Enda says lol

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 1:04 AM

    Ciaran i am voting no in this treaty. I believe these politicians have sold us out. They are traitors every single one of them. But there is no f..king way they will beat me into the ground and give up on what is good about this country. I am proud to be irish, love this country and no bastard politician will change that.

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    May 8th 2012, 1:07 AM

    They have broken your spirit ciaran. Thats what they want.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 1:37 AM

    The last twenty years have broken me Begrudgy. A more proud Irishman you could never have found. We marched, protested and shouted loud, but the vast majority didn’t listen. Now they are all suddenly so patriotic and proud about not paying a bill…makes me sick. I love Ireland deeply which is clear to anyone with a brain, but I am deeply embarrassed about what we have become. I would love nothing more to believe in all the positivity, but it seems hopeless, too much has been given away and lost. The politicans betrayed us yes, they continue to do so…but only because the majority are ignorant and naive enough to support them. Like you, Ill vote no also…and yes I am moaning and a miserable bas*ar*, watching a once proud and passionate country and its culture flow down the toilet with the dreams of past generations does that to you ;) Yes they have indeed broke my spirit, them and some of the clowns here which seem to reflect the mindset of the majority. You and a few others excluded, but then again those in power know that too well. As the old saying goes, ‘If democracy worked, they would outlay it’

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 1:58 AM

    Dont give up ciaran, not now. People have been quiet and asleep for
    too long but now they are starting to wake up and seeing this corrupt system for what it is. Change is coming all around europe and there is nothing any government can do about it. The more austerity they add the quicker their downfall. Now is the time to be strong.

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    Mute Seamus McDermott
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    May 8th 2012, 3:04 AM

    Jesus Freaking H Christ. You have a nation with almost no inertia. You are politically nimble, able to change course in a heartbeat by most standards. That is a unique ability, and coupled with a highly educated population, you should have smooth sailing. That low-inertia favors progressive civilizations.
    I think you just need some judicial reform to enable you to throw the thieving low life bastards in prison AND make them work for the state to help make up for the damage they’ve done. Road maintenance in the west would be a good start. Shovels, gravel trucks, that sort. Let them chat about hedge funds after a day of shoveling rock.
    Everybody WANTS to be Irish. You already ARE.

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    Mute Chuck Eastwood
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    May 7th 2012, 8:50 PM

    It sounds like a speech made at the end of grays anatomy or some other dreamy sitcom but meanwhile back in the real world the rest of us want out. Voting yes or no in yet another treaty will make little or no impact on how much of a dump we live in. No jobs. Crap weather. Fools in tip still voting in corrupt politicians. Ever increasing taxes. I have a decent job but if it wasn’t for my family I would be gone in the morning. Very few singing the praises of Ireland are in financial trouble. Hard to stomach there drivel any more

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 10:05 PM

    Are you blaming the weather on the government? I love this country but unfortunately the majority seem to have no social conscience, self respect or national pride. We seem to be obsessed with all things British. Theres nothing to differentiate the irish from anyone else anymore.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 10:32 PM

    Expect red thumbs, that means they agree but are embarrassed. We have no passion and pride in Ireland, its fair to say we are the least proud people in the world. Its sad Ciara…no country, no culture, no pride, no identity beyond football and beer, what have we become :(

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    Mute Jason Maguire
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    May 7th 2012, 11:17 PM

    @ciaran, what has come back is a sense of community and the loss of money being the be all and end all of everything. More people are volunteering than 5 years ago, if u need help at something it comes easier and without the huge price tag of the tiger years.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:20 PM

    More people are volunteering because more people are unemployed and have more time on their hands.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 11:27 PM

    That’s true Jason, I noticed that myself which is great to see.

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    Mute Jonathan Biggins
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    May 7th 2012, 11:41 PM

    Groan!

    Actually, what we should do is stop always f*****g comparing ourselves with others. Also, we could do worse than ditch the bullsh*t notion of “pride” altogether.

    A bit of self-respect and self-belief is what we need.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 8:19 PM

    The article is clearly advocating a vote NO in the Fiscal treaty, are you blind?

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    Mute Sean Hickey
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    May 7th 2012, 9:01 PM

    I don’t think we are any better or any worse than any other country. All countries are guilty of getting wrapped up in the flag and seeing things from a particular perspective. Sure we have made a huge contribution to the literary world but almost no contribution to the classical music world. We are not a particularly impressive country and maybe a more realistic view of our brilliance would have prevented our economic downfall. As for Eamon Dunphy being right, well Dunphy goes for the controversial and makes a living out of it.

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    Mute Sean Hickey
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    May 7th 2012, 11:23 PM

    There is alot of talk here about pride.
    Isn’t pride a deadly sin.
    I’m not particularly proud to be Irish but then I wouldn’t be proud to be any other nationality. I’m happy to be Irish but I don’t get the pride thing.
    It’s easy to rattle on of what we gave the world Joyce, Beckett, U2 whatever but if we go across the Irish sea they gave us Shakespeare, Beatles, Stones, Pink Floyd etc. etc.
    We should focus less on pride and work out what is the right way to run our country and then demand the politicians deliver it. If they don’t we turf them out. We get the government we deserve.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:33 PM

    Eh ‘We’ gave ‘THEM’ the Beatles!!! Well, a few of them anyway!

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    Mute MellodiousOne
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    May 7th 2012, 11:08 PM

    With Susie and supporters all the way! We are such a positive, go getter, find a way culture abroad…..time to replicate it at home!!! Proud and resilient and have worked in 4 countries since the last time we had to go off and find work elsewhere in the 80s. If we could just stop revering the “one who gets one over on someone” jack-of-the-lad/lady, we will be groovy!

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 11:05 PM

    Whingers because we speak the truth. I’m surprised we aren’t labelled conspiracy theorists also. We threw away our culture and country, hard to swallow perhaps..but the truth nevertheless.

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    Mute Richard Keogh
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    May 7th 2012, 11:48 PM

    Those FG members tasked last week to flood social media are out in force today. No surprise that a government so concerned with optics is more worried about getting green thumbs than standing up for their electorate.

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    Mute Gerard Mooney
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    May 8th 2012, 7:58 AM

    I swim well, eat fresh fish and I am as friendly as the sun covering a roof top on a sunny morning, I don’t know what you are talking about to be honest but I have a great view of Irish people as a nation and while I thought this article would encourage positivity which is well needed, it has done the opposite, we need to work on the transition we are going trough, no doubt but I am proud to be an Irish man and would like you to next write an article entitled “We are here, we are Irish and we can do…”.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 8:46 AM

    Bit of a poet in you Gerard

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    Mute Teo O'Keefe
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    May 8th 2012, 1:28 AM

    Fully agree. I’m only embarrassed to be Irish if the likes of her represent who we are as a people. Ciara, while you’re deliberating your next round of bigoted words, stick your tongue back in your mouth.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:26 PM

    Bigoted? Are you having a laugh? Is Australia, NZ, the US and Canada bigoted because they have a quota system and only take in those with skills?
    Should we just have an open border policy??

    Seriously, answer my points there.
    I have no issue with people of any colour, creed or whatever coming here. That is not relevant. What IS relevant is what skills and qualifications are they bringing here.
    I suggest you read the article I posted here. 3000 Irish people leaving every month, all skilled and we are taking in unskilled from the rest of the world. How are we going to rebuild if we have a massive brain drain?
    We do not need more unskilled as we had 100,000 unskilled irish people on the dole during the boom. We need to get irish people reskilled and working again and get in the skilled migrants and give them proper visas so they arent relying on their boss for their visas.

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    Mute MisterWriteNow
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    May 8th 2012, 12:59 AM

    We’ve always been selling each other out from the Bankers through to the informers during 1798/1803 rebellions right back to Dermot McMurrough inviting the Normans over in 1169. Greed is our achilles heel and its everywhere. Running a close second is drugs, historically alcohol but we’ve moved on to worse. There is good in this country but it lives in greeds’ shadow.

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    Mute Nigel O'Neill
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    May 7th 2012, 10:09 PM

    There is very very little to be proud about this country currently.
    Even the warm, friendly ‘land of a thousand welcomes’ has been destroyed by the Bertie- driven spread of greed and self obsession

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 10:20 PM

    An american mate of mine said the land of a thousand welcomes has vanished because there are no irish people working in the hospitality sector and often theyre the first impression of a country.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 10:51 PM

    Shhh you will upset Proud Dave above you….everything will be fine, think positive dude!!!!

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    Mute censored
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    May 7th 2012, 11:07 PM

    It could be worse. Their first impression of the country could be Ciaran or Ciara!

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 7th 2012, 11:10 PM

    very harsh censored :(

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 7th 2012, 11:18 PM

    Censored, I work for a tour company part time and I do my utmost to show them my city because i love it but then there I am on the boardwalk and some pissed up alco flashes his knob at them while taking a piss, junkies are openly dealing heroin,the streets are filthy, the Luas is full of skangers, smoking on the buses and then Im told that Im the only irish person they have dealt with during their weekend here! its ridiculous! By the way, I always get great tips because Im good at my job and Im passionate about my country.

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    Mute censored
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    May 7th 2012, 11:54 PM

    The Guards seem to ignore the boardwalk for some reason, that’s true. But you can’t judge a whole country based on a few down and outs found in the city center of almost all large cities and towns – no matter what country you’re in.

    And you did say “no Irish working in hospitality industry”, and now you’re saying you work as a part-time tour guide. So which is it?

    Ireland could be a lot better, but it’s not that bad by world standards. There’s no need for this amount of doom and gloom.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 12:03 AM

    I have never been hassled for money like I am in Dublin anywhere else in the world and I have travelled extensively.

    Yes, I have been told that I am the only Irish person these people have met and Im doing this job a year.There are none in the hotels or restaurants so theres the cead mile failte gone straight away and thats what we were famous for. Many Americans I have met said they enjoyed their trip here but once was enough as they didnt get what they expected. Now i dont know if that was a donkey and cart but they said they didnt get the interaction with the irish that they had hoped for. Those who had been here previously said that the place has changed beyond recognition and that they wouldnt be coming back.They didnt feel safe walking around the streets of the cities either.

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    Mute censored
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    May 8th 2012, 12:16 AM

    Ah well, ok you’ve convinced me. The place is a hell hole that should just be nuked from orbit. Now please excuse me, I’ve got to go and stick a needle in my eye.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 12:29 AM

    No I didnt say that. I personally feel that civic duty and pride should be taught in schools. No one should be allowed to become a cradle to grave welfare recipient. There are far too many getting everything for doing nothing and contributing nothing to society.

    Those long term dole recipients ( I dont mean those who have lost their jobs due to the recession) should be out there earning their welfare payments. I walk through apartment blocks in Dublin 8 everyday and the litter is unreal! Illegal dumping is a massive issue down there. Those who are on the dole over a year or so should be out cleaning up or painting the place or something. That way people might be less inclined to litter. There needs to be more education regarding drugs, more treatment centres and more hope and incentives for people to give up drugs etc .
    I dont think they are crazy suggestions either. Courses for people that apply to the real world such as hotel or catering courses so we can get the locals into hospitality. Provide them with training and support.

    Maybe language training along with proper IT skills courses as these seem to be the areas of job creation. We keep bringing in people from abroad when we have our own untapped resources and maybe some more relevant Irish cultural classes in school to make kids proud of where they are from rather than constant bombarding them with British and American ‘culture’.

    Id love to see free irish language courses too. Its cheaper to learn Spanish here than Irish.

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 12:48 AM

    @ciara ‘we keep bringing in people from abroad’. WTF. You seriously need to get out of ireland for a few years to broaden your way of thinking. If you have already, you are a lost cause.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 8:26 AM

    Begrudg, soory to wreck your head but I have travelled and how they do it in Aus, NZ, Cnada and the US is how it should be done. France and Italy are having massive issues due to their brutal immigration policies and theyve come cack to bite them. We shouldlearn from that. I have plenty of mates here from all over the world but their skills are in demand here. We do not need anyone else. We do not have a shortage of shop workers or waiting staff.

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    Mute Niall Power
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    May 8th 2012, 12:09 AM

    I love this country but I’m embarrassed by it, the greed corruption and criminality of the political and business elites is unchallenged as the vast majority of the population is too concerned with their own personal circumstances to care, a sure it will be grand?? This country is broken! People are obsessed with celebrity and English football, Austerity is destroying our society and our great political leaders tell us that their policy’s are working and that we have turned a corner?? I had to listen to a public service guy last week whinging to me that he can’t afford to change his car? There’s a big difference between not being able to change your car and not being able to buy a bag of coal?? This is a banana republic and has been since CJH was king and people still adore him??

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:39 AM

    Niall you got to be more POSITIVE man!!! ; )))) Proud Dave Gormley was in…AMERICA you know (I lived there also) so dude, come one man…be POSITIVE. Can We Change Niall ? The answer is simple dude YES WE CAN!!!! We are the change, negativity is poison for the soul dude, positive thoughts create positive action pk dude!!!!!!! Irelands great, top of the morning to you!!

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    Mute Mark Aherne
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    May 8th 2012, 1:29 AM

    @Ciara: Your comment harkens back to “Oileán na Naomh agus na Nollamh”. The saints didn’t turn out too saintly and if people don’t want to speak Irish (despite the continued life-support it’s been given since the founding of the State) then you can’t make them. And how can Irish people find arguments of principle against migration? We LOVE migration! Imagine what sort of world it might have been if other countries hadn’t opened their borders to us in the past? And has that migration not helped spread our “irishness”? There are Nigerian drug dealers, certainly, but there are Irish drug dealers too. As long as there are people like Ciaran around we’ll always have one unique aspect to us anyway: our awesome capacity to beat ourselves up.

    There’s no point finding our uniqueness in the cynical. What is unique about Irish people is our ability to see the positive in an often dark world. For much of our history we’ve had to. We channeled our hardships into our wonderful culture – poetry, music and literature. Yes, those things might be seen to be “under attack” in a material sense but the spirit that made us so great at those things is still alive and well.

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 1:48 AM

    I agree with most of what you said, but Ill never forgive the Irish people for willingly loosing so much for so little. If you still choose to see hope in our future, when we have lost almost all of the values, pride, sovereignty and culture that once defined us, fair enough. It is obvious you have a genuine love for Ireland and what defines you as Irish, even if your positivity seems misguided it is nevertheless nice to see. I hope for all our sakes I am wrong about Ireland and our societies imminent demise :)

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    Mute Holemaster
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    May 7th 2012, 11:49 PM

    Nationalist nonsense. Rebel against the corrupt cartels who control the country instead.

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    Mute John Cleary
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    May 7th 2012, 10:50 PM

    stickitinthepan.

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    Mute Fear Ialtóg
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    May 8th 2012, 9:43 AM

    What is most fascinating about articles like these is that they are a magnet for the poisonous leprechauns. You know the people of poor intellectual abilities that have turn to Eamon Dunphy for spiritual and intellectual guidance. It begs the question are these the same leprechauns that blindly sold themselves into debt slavery and now everyone else is to blame for their stupidity?

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    Mute Mark Aherne
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    May 8th 2012, 2:05 AM

    I hope so too, Ciaran. But I don’t know it… and that’s why I’m obliged to be positive.

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    Mute Brendan Grehan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:27 AM

    Jillian as a graduate of the school of English in trinity, I take umbrage that you claim to be on its advisory board. No such board exists.

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    Mute Gerard Mooney
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    May 8th 2012, 8:55 AM

    Why thank you, I would like to think so and we do have a very poetic people that fuel a very poetic country.

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    Mute David Conch Condon
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    May 8th 2012, 12:42 AM

    Culture is dead. We are just consumers. Irish/Shmirish

    “Religion is the only thing that stops the Poor from murdering the Rich.”
    Napoleon Bonaparte

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    Mute David Conch Condon
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    May 8th 2012, 1:10 AM

    “There are few nations in this global village that have such strong brand”……… Jillian even says it herself.
    Brand Ireland.
    Our diddly eiddly land of a 1000 cead mile failtes is just a packaged American dream sold to the world.
    Disneyland with Shamrocks.

    Tear it all down.

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    Mute Teo O'Keefe
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    May 8th 2012, 1:29 AM

    Fully agree with Brendan, that is.

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    Mute Niall Dooley
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    May 8th 2012, 4:20 PM

    Hear, Hear.

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    May 8th 2012, 12:41 AM

    Scroll up, they are still there.

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    Mute Jonathan Wilson
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    May 9th 2012, 12:27 PM

    Yeah Ireland, our history of poverty, emigration and an unjust ruling elite… it’s like history repeating itself again and again and again… my heads spinning I need a drink.

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    Mute Chelseajoe
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    May 8th 2012, 12:37 AM

    I can only assume that Ciara’s comment has been deleted.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:28 PM

    Why should my comments be deleted?
    There was nothing incorrect or insulting in them, just my opinion on the way my country is headed.

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 11:12 PM

    Why should my comment be deleted?

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    Mute Ciara Ní Mhurchú
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    May 8th 2012, 4:21 PM
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    Mute Paul Breen
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    May 8th 2012, 6:24 PM

    So…. what’s unique about Ireland?

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    Mute Tlert Tlarm
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    May 8th 2012, 7:15 PM

    I wish you do Jillian:))))

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    Mute Ciaran Brennan
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    May 8th 2012, 12:45 AM

    I think Ireland’s finished, as is our culture, value and society. However I certainly draw the line at racism, couldn’t care less where people are from or what color they are…people are people. Foreign folk didn’t throw away our once wonderful country, pride and culture, we did. Embarrassingly, foreigners seem more proud of Ireland than we do, they don’t understand how we just don’t care anymore. Maybe they deserve whats left of Ireland more than we do.

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    Mute censored
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    May 8th 2012, 3:56 PM

    Plenty of people have indicated they care in these comments Ciaran. It appears to be just you and Ciara who have the problem.

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    Mute MellodiousOne
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    May 8th 2012, 1:16 AM

    ……..

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    Mute MellodiousOne
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    May 8th 2012, 1:16 AM

    Notte!

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