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Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Adams: Orange Order should contribute to peace process

The Sinn Féin leader said today that the order needs to “step forward”, which means dialogue with residents and dialogue with Sinn Féin.

IT IS TIME for the Orange Order to make its contribution to the peace process, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said today.

Speaking before a meeting of the party’s Ard Comhairle, Sinn Féin President Adams said:

The address by Orange Order Grand Secretary, Drew Nelson to the Seanad last week, like the historic recent meeting between Martin McGuinness and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, was an important step in the process of national reconciliation. These steps must now be built upon in practical ways that make life better for citizens.

He said that every year communities in the North “are held to ransom by a small number of contentious Orange parades”.

I suspect that many decent Orangemen would far prefer people were talking about the many parades that pass without incident rather than about the scenes of violence surrounding a minority of parades.

But Adams said that this won’t happen “while we get situations such as that in North Belfast”:

There the Orange Order bussed marchers along part of the route where a parade is welcomed to parade through an area where it is not. There is no rationale for the return parade past Ardoyne.

Dialogue

He noted that nearby in Crumlin Village: “the Orange Order sat down with a local residents and came to an agreement on the parade. Ardoyne residents have been waiting over 15 years for a similar type of dialogue with the Orange Order”.

Adams described the GARC parade along the Crumlin road as “also a mistake”, which resulted in “a rise in sectarian tensions and introduced more parades into a situation where residents in Ardoyne want to see less”.

The Orange Order needs to step forward and make their contribution to the Peace Process. That means dialogue with residents. It also means dialogue with Sinn Féin.

He said that he has written to the Orange Order many times over the years seeking a meeting and is repeating that call again today. “The work to prevent a repeat of this week’s violence must begin now,” concluded Adams.

Arrest

Meanwhile, a 49 year old man has been charged with riotous behaviour connected to an incident in the Obins Street area of Portadown in the early hours of Thursday 12 July.

He is expected to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Monday.

PSNI Chief Inspector Anthony McNally said that he wanted to reassure the community “that serious disorder has no place in our society and will not be tolerated”.

Police have been extremely proactive in our follow up investigations evidenced by this arrest. Those involved in disorder need to be aware they must answer for their unwanted and dangerous actions. Our investigations remain ongoing with further arrests anticipated over the coming days and weeks.

Yesterday, four men aged between 18 and 41 were charged with public order offences after the violent clashes in the Ardoyne area of Belfast the previous night.

Read: Four men charged over 12 July violence in Belfast>

Read: In pictures: Huge bonfires across North for the Twelfth of July>

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53 Comments
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    Mute Declan Noonan
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:18 PM

    I have to say that I agree with Gerry.

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:59 PM

    So do I agree with him . They need to be told that compromise is a two way streak .

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    Mute gary power
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:53 PM

    Say what you like about sinn fein … At least they came move on …. As more the orange order .. Mah

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    Mute Westmeath
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:34 PM

    The Orange Order will never be welcome South of the Border.

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    Mute Dave
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:03 PM

    They will if they stop being sectarian, stop burning our flag, stop saying things like “kill all taigs”.

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    Mute
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:22 PM

    I think it may be a bit extreme to say they will never be welcome, in fact numerous Orange lodges exist already in the 26. While they haven’t made much progress in comparison to other elements of unionism, I would like to think one day we will have a republic that embraces all the people. I strongly believe we can fulfill what our flag represents unity and peace between green and orange.

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    Mute Paul Darby
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    Jul 14th 2012, 9:05 PM

    Is that the same flag that was on top of every bonefire up north on the 11th and was in a pile of ashes on the 12th.@ aoife why was my last harmless post deleted.

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    Mute Fagan's
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:39 PM

    There welcome if they drop the naked sectarianism that defines every policy, belief and sentiment in their order. I doubt if they could survive as an org. if they did that though. The hate is all they have, that is why they are foundering so much now. They have to sit down and talk to taigs and it is ripping the Order apart.

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    Mute Boy Russell
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:25 PM

    Agree with Adams. In the end He seen the light!

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    Mute Réada Cronin
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:35 PM

    I wish to goodness the Orange Order would catchup. Their behaviour this week was disgraceful. I also think it’s time that politicians in 26 counties condemned the behaviour of these bigots.

    Just the bigots Aoife not the ones that embrace Catholics into their organisation. If they exist…

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    Mute
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:29 PM

    If you actually researched gerry Adams input during the course of the war you would know that since the late 70s he was looking for a peaceful alternative. Even during his time in Long Kesh he was at the centre of a tendency in republicanism which sought the primacy of politics over armed conflict. It was not Gerry Adams who needed move forward.

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    Mute Davy Soup
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:39 PM

    I’m afraid I disagree with Aoife’s stance on this issue. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. The Orange Order is a relic of a different time and they should be held to account for their actions. I wonder if the residence of Nationalist estates subjected to anti-Catholic, anti-Irish demonstrations have a case against the OO and British government under European law or International Human Rights legislation??

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    Mute Mick Byrne
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:52 PM

    Gerry for Taoiseach

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    Mute Darren Delaney
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:45 PM

    Aoife

    A bigot is a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from their own or intolerant of people of different political views, ethnicity, race, class, religion, profession, sexuality or gender.

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    Mute Aoife Barry
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:07 PM

    Hi folks – can people please be mindful when commenting on this story, and refer to our comments policy if unsure about what is considered unacceptable. http://www.thejournal.ie/comments-policy/
    Thanks
    Aoife

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    Mute Seán Ó Briain
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:14 PM

    And yet – loads of comments went unregulated, with false accusations made about Sinn Féin in an earlier news story today. Not one of them removed. The first comment critical of the Orange Order as an organisation (highlighting the fact that they expel members for attending Catholic funerals, and that they are an openly sectarian organisation) is removed.

    I’m not one to moan about the moderation of comments – it’s your website. But there are some serious double-standards on here.

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    Mute Diarmuid Ward
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:16 PM

    Can’t see why a story featuring both Sinn Fèin and the Orange Order would attract many heated comments on The Journal Aoife. (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

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    Mute Aoife Barry
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:17 PM

    Hi Seán, I have in fact deleted a number of comments from that article during the day (they weren’t up long which is why you didn’t see them).

    If there are others that need deleting, I will of course delete them.

    There are no double standards – while you are of course allowed to be critical of something, name-calling is not allowed. Perhaps you would like to re-post the comment without the word bigots in it. Criticism is fine – it doesn’t need to include name-calling.

    Thank you.
    Aoife

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    Mute Seán Ó Briain
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:25 PM

    The term bigot isn’t an insult Aoife – It’s an accurate description of someone who engages in bigotry. I wasn’t attempting to insult anyone – I was accurately describing the fundamental core of the Orange Order. It was an honest reflection of how the organisation is perceived, and the public image it projects of itself.

    So I can discuss that they are an openly sectarian organisation, but I cannot accuse them of bigotry? Expelling someone for attending a the funeral of a policeman, just because he happened to be from a Catholic background? These calls were echoed from the top levels of the Orange Order – Are they not bigoted actions?

    The English language is rich, and we should be given certain leeway to describe certain collectives of people who engage in odious activities – while still remaining civil in our discourse.

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    Mute Ross Bowe
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:05 AM

    As much as I disagree with Sean when it comes to Sinn Fein etc I have to first agree that describing people as bigots should be allowed. Name calling using expletives shouldn’t be allowed. And I would also agree with him that the Orange Order is a bigoted organisation. To try to cover that up is a bit ridiculous to be honest.

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    Mute Paddy Murphy
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:09 PM

    Well said Gerry

    Just a question on the word Bigot. If you called someone in the OO a “bigot” face to face, do they get offended by it? or do they say yes I am? Just curious

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    Mute Fagan's
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:49 PM

    There is a quote from one of their leaders who describes himself as sectarian and a bigot and proud of it. Utterly shameless.

    Its like the Orange Lodge that march’s in Ardoyne. They are named after a UVF man, killed after opening up on the street in the early 90′s. If that is what they want to do, fine. I don’t like it but not for me to name their lodge. I do however find it exceptionally offensive that these bigots march past where he was shot dead, the community where he was from and play “King Billy’s Boys, up to their necks in Fenian blood, Surrender or you’ll die” every time they pass where the shootings occur.

    The order is unique at this stage in Europe, where else in Europe, or the western world is such a large scale org. tolerated in celebrating people who many of its members have killed. It is the delight that they take in taunting the victims family that really gets to me, the sight of grown men, doctors,plumbers, accountants, farmers etc marching in a circle for 5 minutes singing and playing outside every Catholic primary school they meet.

    What is wrong with these twisted buggers. It was changing attitudes and revulsion in the white community in the US that broke the back of the Klan. Changing attitudes and revulsion at the OO has severely weakened the OO among the unionist comm. That pressure needs to continue, the days of the OO terrorizing communities have to end.

    42
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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:22 PM

    Adams is the only person I know that can speak out of both sides of his mouth at the same time as well as his rear end.

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    Mute Tomy Iona
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:35 PM

    I’m sure you could say the same for *insert any unionist leader’s name*…..

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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:11 PM

    Tomy, I named one person you cited all leaders of the Unionist community – is this logical?

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    Mute Dave
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:02 PM

    Can you please remove the emblem of Leinster from inside the Union Flag? It is factually incorrect. Leinster is part of the Republic of Ireland.

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    Mute Tomy Iona
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:15 PM

    Let’s completely Spock it so…

    *insert the name of most politicians here*

    I’m no fan of Adams – however I feel it’s unbalanced to imagine that it’s only Adams who “can speak out of both sides of his mouth at the same time as well as his rear end” – you’re simply trying to present your own agenda

    44
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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:45 PM

    Hi dave, I’m afraid you are incorrect when you say that the flag is factually incorrect – the harp represented Ireland.

    19
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    Mute Paul Darby
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:18 PM

    Actually patrick your flag is defunct.Its an old commonwealth flag.Of the point, why arent the welsh included in the make up of the union jack?

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    Mute Fagan's
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:36 PM

    You’d be fascinated by Tibetan Throat Singers, who can sing in 2 different notes at the same time. I suggest you google it.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Jul 14th 2012, 11:36 PM

    The Welsh flag is not included as it was not one of the three constituent kingdoms of the United Kingdom. At the time of both the Scottish-English Act of Union and the British-Irish Act of Union, Wales was an integral part of England with a status similar to that of the Home Counties or the North of England. Wales didn’t even have a generally accepted flag until the mid 1950s. The Red Dragon on a green mount didn’t even exist at the time of the Union Flag’s creation, only coming into existence in 1807. Even Wales’s border with England was not officially determined until 1974 with the implementation of the 1972 Local Government Act. Today, despite the introduction of devolution, England and Wales still comprise a single legal entity separate from Northern Ireland and Scotland (you may notice this on insurance/property ads on British channels, as well as the separate education systems).

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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 15th 2012, 1:31 AM

    Brilliant Paul you are totally correct. The flag was only used from 1653-1659. Your question about Wales is one I have often thought about but I do not know the answer.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:45 AM

    Patrick, directly above your last comment is the reason Wales is not on the flag. The Union Flag does not, and never did, represent the nations of the United Kingdom. It represents the three Kingdoms – Ireland, Scotland and England. Wales was incorporated into, or annexed by (depending on viewpoint) the Kingdom of England in the 12th – 14th centuries, whereas the Kingdoms of Ireland and Scotland were separate kingdoms in personal union with the English crown until the Acts of Union united those kingdoms. Even look at the Royal Arms. They consist of the Lion Rampant of Scotland x 1, the Stringed Harp of Ireland x 1, and 2 x quadrants containing the English Lion. No Welsh symbol. Go to Scotland and you’ll see the Royal Arms are different. There they consist of 2 x Lions Rampant for Scotland, 1 x Stringed Harp for Ireland and 1 x English Lion. In other words, no representation for Wales because there was not and is not a Kingdom of Wales.

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    Mute Dave
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:49 AM

    Either way Patrick, Ireland is not in the Kingdom either, just Northern Ireland. Thus, still incorrect.

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    Mute Paul Mallon
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    Jul 15th 2012, 8:48 AM

    That doesn’t make him wrong in this instance.

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    Mute David Keeley
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:24 PM

    You mustn’t know many people then Patrick.

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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 16th 2012, 12:39 PM

    Thank you Brian that was very informative.

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    Mute DisgruntledCitizen
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    Jul 14th 2012, 6:41 PM

    whilst he may have a point, he is also part of the problem, the OO and others will not (I believe) engage with SF whilst Adams & Co remain at the helm. Its been said many times before but its time for those whom played an active role in the troubles to either move on (preferably) or at least like McGuinness to admit to their role

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    Mute Seán Ó Briain
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    Jul 14th 2012, 7:49 PM

    McGuinness has never distanced himself from the fact that he was a volunteer for the IRA in Derry. What are you referring to?

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    Mute DisgruntledCitizen
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:00 PM

    and though i fundamentally disagree with just about every thing McGuinness stands for i respect his honesty in regard to his terrorist past. its Adams “I was never a member of the IRA” stance that so many find so utterly unbelievable and hypocritical.

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    Mute Fagan's
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:37 PM

    The Orange Order don’t engage with catholics if at all possible, whether they are shinners, or Provo’s or whatever. If at all possible they avoid talking to papes.

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    Mute Dave Mc Partlin
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:11 PM

    as pointed out aoife,think you need to grab yourself a dictionary regarding the word bigot.a spades a spade and there is not many a bigoted organisation than the orange order as pointed out clearly here by some of the lads posts.john,ur flag is ridiculous and please clarify its origins.the tricolour is what should unite both sides of ireland noting else.aoife please note thats a genuine peace loving opinion!

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    Mute Matthew Donoghue
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    Jul 14th 2012, 9:07 PM

    those northies really do love their parades

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Jul 14th 2012, 9:03 PM

    Whats the difference between an apple and an orange ?

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    Mute Too Trueleft
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:32 PM

    Wrote that joke on a beermat at a wolfe tones gig YEARS ago and sent it up to them. They pi$$ed themselves laughing. Even got a free beer from the bar!

    17
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    Mute DisgruntledCitizen
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:01 PM

    thats about the only thing worst that Bertie or Clown as PM (again) that i can think of

    11
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    Mute Brend Egan
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    Jul 14th 2012, 8:19 PM

    The country is ruined its a poisoned chalice now after all other parties FF/FG/L/GP/PD have done a right good job on us ..Why would a man that gave most of his life fighting for Ireland take a job that belongs to a right wing establishment he’d be mad in my opinion..Taoiseach ha European elitest voodoo doll is the job description..

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    Mute Too Trueleft
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:31 PM

    Don’t know Brend, I can’t imagine any European leaders rubbing Adams on the head.

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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Jul 15th 2012, 1:26 AM

    Bigots often do not realise that they are bigots. They often think that the ‘others’ are bigots.

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    Mute David Keeley
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    Jul 16th 2012, 12:48 AM

    What?

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    Mute Eilish Deegan
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    Jul 14th 2012, 9:22 PM

    Gerry Adams right but don’t he is the one to b saying it. Think there should b an e.u.directive issued to them against inciting racial hatred

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    Mute Dave Mc Partlin
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:16 PM

    i found it patrick.flags of the protectorate 1653-59,good times yeah!

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    Mute Dave Mc Partlin
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    Jul 14th 2012, 10:12 PM

    sorry meant patrick not john!

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