Dutch PM a Republican?

Donkey Oaty

From the bbc.co.uk, a few minutes ago.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says he's pleased with the outcome of the Paris summit. "The signal which we send to Colonel Gadaffi and his regime is unequivocal," he says. "I believe that now the Brits, the French and the Americans will come to swift action."

Unusual, and interesting, don't you think? I thought it was a good example of how a phrase can be completely acceptable in one context but not in another - I mean, imagine Enda Kenny using it.

Now, when used by the British about themselves - music awards, etc - they can do what they like - but if you were an advisor to the Dutch PM, would you have said it is okay?

looksee

While I use the term Brit myself (as one) and don't particularly object to it used in a non-critical context, it would seem more appropriate for a government representative to use the more formal term of British in this case.

pickarooney

Unintentional, surely. The Dutch word for a British person is 'Brit'.