Farewell Queen Elizabeth II - Slan Leat

Clareboy

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

RockinRolla

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

I'm far from anti-British. But I do think independently. As far as I'm concerned, the Queen and Obama can come every week. So long, of course, as we are not fitting the bill for security. If Mary Mcaleese wants to host these people, then so be it, as long as she is paying for it, the fool. At what point does someone stand up and say, "hang on here a second, we're in the sh!t economically, yet these elites find money to pay for all this crap?" And then RTE shows absolute sh!te of boneheads that are completely oblivious to whats going on around them - absolutely farcical.

later12

And now for the jobs. Just sit back and watch the money pour in, baby, just sit back and watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!







/tumbleweed

lastlaugh

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

A teenchy bit dramatic, but I'd go along with that.
I was pretty impressed with the whole visit tbh. Very symbolic and something different for a change, I didn't have to listen to the usual depressing Sh!te for a few days.
Hopefully it does encourage tourism to Ireland and strenghten ties between us and the UK.
Fair play to both of them, being the age they are and all that.
Slán Abhaile

Wolfe Tone

Amazing how quickly people can be swayed by a crown and a cupla focal.


Now seen as we are all super best friends perhaps the various files for things such as the Dublin/Monaghan bombings can be released? Or is the truth too inconvenient for this "new relationship"? (lets hope a subservient 'special relationship' doesn't arise similar to Americas and Britains)

Looking back on the visit it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Could have been worse I suppose. I'm just glad it's over. Her speech did not go nearly far enough in my opinion, but it was at least something. Was very wishy washy(who would accept such a 'apology' from the pope for instance?) Hopefully it's the beginning of Britain coming to terms with its past in Ireland and not the end, or an attempt to totally move on and let the truth be damned. I wonder will the people who will inevitably say that 'sure Wolfe, she did the best she could apology wise and even laid a wreath and honored our patriot dead, what more do you want?' will point out that on every state visit people lay a wreath like that so its the norm, its not as if Windsor specifically requested to go there to show that there are 'no hard feelings'.

Above all the expense and pageantry were excessive and disgusting. I was sickened that a monarch and people like Bertie and Cowen were wined and dined at the taxpayers expense while the 'little man' worries about finding a job or putting food on the table. I can think of a million better ways that money could be spent. That 30 million quid could have been used for much better things. How many special needs assistants is that?

Quickly, lets all swap our Union Jacks for Stars and Stripes before the leader of the free world arrives.

CiaranC

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

I just puked up a in my mouth a little.

mike65

CiaranC wrote: »

I just puked up a in my mouth a little.

Good! Have you met Cael? I think you and he would get on famously.

Wolfe Tone

mike65 wrote: »

Good! Have you met Cael? I think you and he would get on famously.

I don't think its any fairer for you to compare the poster to him than for me to compare you to Ian Paisley or a member of the UDA etc...

Shea O'Meara

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

We need some balance here.
Firstly, she was a guest, it went well. Grand.
Secondly, she is a mere figure head for an antiquated anti-democratic way of life. If the British want to continue paying her rent, fine.
Let's not lose the run of ourselves because of a few smiles and a fancy wedding the other week.
Do you gush as much if you see our President?

mike65

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I don't think its any fairer for you to compare the poster to him than for me to compare you to Ian Paisley or a member of the UDA etc...

Oh I dunno the hate is clear enough. Big Ian was and despite some mellowing probably still is a bigot (the only people I hate are bigots) the UDA killed innocent people. I haven't killed any one nor would I want to see anyone killed unless they posed an immediate threat. Some here and on P.ie wouldn't be that careful even if they just about managed to stop themselves calling for the death of QE2.

mike65

Shea O'Meara wrote: »

Do you gush as much if you see our President?

The President of Ireland wasn't making a groundbreaking state visit. You can see her here any time

lastlaugh

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Amazing how quickly people can be swayed by a crown and a cupla focal.

Amazing how people can still be so cynical and blinkered.

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Now seen as we are all super best friends perhaps the various files for things such as the Dublin/Monaghan bombings can be released? Or is the truth too inconvenient for this "new relationship"? (lets hope a subservient 'special relationship' doesn't arise similar to Americas and Britains).

Who was that fella who was beaten to death with sewer rods there a few years ago? Was it known Sinn Fein 'men' who were responsible for that? Were they ever brought to trial or were people too afraid to 'inform' on them.
Ah, sure they are on 'our side' I suppose, let's forget about that.

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Above all the expense and pageantry were excessive and disgusting. I was sickened that a monarch and people like Bertie and Cowen were wined and dined at the taxpayers expense while the 'little man' worries about finding a job or putting food on the table. I can think of a million better ways that money could be spent. That 30 million quid could have been used for much better things. How many special needs assistants is that?

I can partially agree with you there.

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Quickly, lets all swap our Union Jacks for Stars and Stripes before the leader of the free world arrives.

God forbid anyone would show them a welcome. Turncoats and traitors the lot of them.

Einhard

later10 wrote: »

And now for the jobs. Just sit back and watch the money pour in, baby, just sit back and watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!







/tumbleweed

I didn't see much of the visit on the domestic channels, but I was astonished by how much attention was paid to it on the international news channels. CNN devoted up to ten minutes per hour long bulletin to the visit on Tuesday and Wednesday, al Jazeera had extensive coverage also, and CBS covered it on Tuesday night in their main news bulletin. Of course, all the British channels followed it closely, and newspapers from around the world reported on the visit. For several days this week therefore, Ireland got extensive, positive attention from the international media. This cannot but be a good thing. I don't know how many jobs this will create, or how many extra tourists it will bring, but anyone who denies the power of such coverage in shaping opinions is deluding themselves. The fact that Bode Failte also ran ads on several of the channels in conjunction with the visit, would suggest that they feel the same way.

What struck me most though, was not just the coverage of the visit itself, but the depth into which foreign media went in their analysis of the trip. This was especially true amongst the British media. I think the fact that large swathes of the British population were given an insight into Irish history, and thus possibly a greater understanding, is to be welcomed.

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Amazing how quickly people can be swayed by a crown and a cupla focal.

It wasn't just that. Although I did cringe at McAleese's "wow" moment!

Now seen as we are all super best friends perhaps the various files for things such as the Dublin/Monaghan bombings can be released?

Let's hope.

Looking back on the visit it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Could have been worse I suppose. I'm just glad it's over. Her speech did not go nearly far enough in my opinion, but it was at least something. Was very wishy washy(who would accept such a 'apology' from the pope for instance?) Hopefully it's the beginning of Britain coming to terms with its past in Ireland and not the end, or an attempt to totally move on and let the truth be damned. I wonder will the people who will inevitably say that 'sure Wolfe, she did the best she could apology wise and even laid a wreath and honored our patriot dead, what more do you want?' will point out that on every state visit people lay a wreath like that so its the norm, its not as if Windsor specifically requested to go there to show that there are 'no hard feelings'.

She didn't have to lay the wreath, and she defininitely didn't have to bow her head. It was a very significant moment, the queen of England paying her respects to those who fought against he forces of her grandfather. As for the apology, I wasn't expecting one, and don't need one to be honest. She did enough to express regret at all that has happened, and I'm happy with that.

Also, there's a world of difference between her role as monarch and that of the pope. She has no powers in her own right, whereas the pope is basically an absolute ruler. The actions of the Curia and the Church are dictated by the pope; those of the British state are not, and were not, dictated from Buckingham palace. The analogy cannot stand therefore.

Above all the expense and pageantry were excessive and disgusting. I was sickened that a monarch and people like Bertie and Cowen were wined and dined at the taxpayers expense while the 'little man' worries about finding a job or putting food on the table. I can think of a million better ways that money could be spent. That 30 million quid could have been used for much better things. How many special needs assistants is that?

Pageantry and fanfare are part and parcel of state occasions the world over. When McAleese visits China or America or France, she would receive much the same treatment. Furthermore, the €30 million is the figure for the combined visit of the queen and Obama, and it should be pointed out that the vast majority of the security bill for the former, was incurred in protecting her from rabid Republicans.

Shea O'Meara wrote: »

Secondly, she is a mere figure head for an antiquated anti-democratic way of life. If the British want to continue paying her rent, fine.

Antiquated yes, but it's not foisted upon the British people, so I fail to see how it's anti-democratic. The citizens of Britain seem to like having a hereditary head of state, and it's their democratic right to have one, if they so wish.

Let's not lose the run of ourselves because of a few smiles and a fancy wedding the other week.
Do you gush as much if you see our President?

This is true. The reaction to the visit was a bit over the top, but I feel that the opposite reaction, that of denying any good or benefit from the trip, is equally extreme.

Wolfe Tone

lastlaugh wrote: »

Who was that fella who was beaten to death with sewer rods there a few years ago? Was it known Sinn Fein 'men' who were responsible for that? Were they ever brought to trial or were people too afraid to 'inform' on them.
Ah, sure they are on 'our side' I suppose, let's forget about that.

No, everyone deserves the truth regardless of any side they may be on. I fail to see how what you said there in any way refutes my point, should the truth ann Britains actions be conditional on the actions of Gerry and Co? Do the victims etc not deserve justice (which at this stage wold be the truth rather than imprisonment) unless Gerry Adams does xyz? I think not.

God forbid anyone would show them a wecome. Turncoats and traitors the lot of them.

I think its funny how quickly some Irish seek to prostrate themselves in front of foreigners they deem to be their superior. All this "Obama is Irish" is just as embarrassing and cringeworthy as the content of the OP.

Wildlife Actor

It says a lot about people that they are defined by their sense of antipathy.

Einhard

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I think its funny how quickly some Irish seek to prostrate themselves in front of foreigners they deem to be their superior. All this "Obama is Irish" is just as embarrassing and cringeworthy as the content of the OP.

Ah for God's sake, will ye let your hair down! Stop ruining the fun! Obama's visit is a bit of fun, a bit of a change, something out of the ordinary. Some people are excited about it, and Bess' visit, and why not? Beats soiling one's pants because Rosanna Davison changed her hair colour, or Jordan is opening a club in Ranelagh. The way some people go on, the natural state of Irish people should be exclusively high-minded, and exceedingly po-faced. I'll be up In Dublin next Monday if I get a chance, to have a look at Obama, just like tens of thousands of Germans did in Berlin did before he was elected. It's not some mental or moral weakness, to want to see such people in the flesh, or want to be able to say that one did so! Jesus, when did Republicans lose their sense of fun and joie de vivre?!:(

lastlaugh

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

No, everyone deserves the truth regardless of any side they may be on. I fail to see how what you said there in any way refutes my point, should the truth ann Britains actions be conditional on the actions of Gerry and Co? Do the victims etc not deserve justice (which at this stage wold be the truth rather than imprisonment) unless Gerry Adams does xyz? I think not.

I hear ye, but, realistically, can we not just forget about all the **** that has happened and move on? Both 'sides' have lost a lot through atrocities and collusion but how long is it going to take and how much rigmarole do we need to go through for us to get to a position where we can say,the past is the past, let's move on.
What I can't understand is the insistance of people (a lot of whom have lost no one them selves) who are obsessed with this 'open the files' malarky.
I see this as indoctrination..

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I think its funny how quickly some Irish seek to prostrate themselves in front of foreigners they deem to be their superior. All this "Obama is Irish" is just as embarrassing and cringeworthy as the content of the OP.

Listen to yourself.

Wolfe Tone

lastlaugh wrote: »

I hear ye, but, realistically, can we not just forget about all the **** that has happened and move on? Both 'sides' have lost a lot through atrocities and collusion but how long is it going to take and how much rigmarole do we need to go through for us to get to a position where we can say,the past is the past, let's move on.
What I can't understand is the insistance of people (a lot of whom have lost no one them selves) who are obsessed with this 'open the files' malarky.
I see this as indoctrination..

How is that even relevant? Would my father have had to die in those explosions rather than miss them by 20 mins due to pure luck before I could call for the truth? Does one need to have been sexually abused by a priest to call on the Vatican to throw open its files? Of course not!

junder

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

How is that even relevant? Would my father have had to die in those explosions rather than miss them by 20 mins due to pure luck before I could call for the truth? Does one need to have been sexually abused by a priest to call on the Vatican to throw open its files? Of course not!

You should try living with that risk everyday courtesy of people fighting in your name.
I am glad that your father was not Killed and I glad that you have never had to come to terms with the loss of a loved one in such violent circumstances, some of us are not so lucky, you should remember that.

swordofislam

Snappy the Moose

Nice to see our own law enforcers disrespecting the tri-colour by putting them into the garbage.

She isn't a patch on McAleese anyway. One of our own. Nothing historic about a state leader visiting Ireland, they have been coming here from all over the world for years. This one isn't any different.

Einhard

Snappy the Moose wrote: »

Nice to see our own law enforcers disrespecting the tri-colour by putting them into the garbage.

She isn't a patch on McAleese anyway. One of our own. Nothing historic about a state leader visiting Ireland, they have been coming here from all over the world for years. This one isn't any different.

Oh for God's sake, you don't have to like the fact that she visited, and it's ok to actually despise the woman, but to state that this trip was no more significant that, say, the visit of Albert of Monaco is either willfully obtuse, or just plain ignorant. I'm not sure which is better.

Anyway, isn't McAleese one of the queen's own? Being from the UK and all?;)

slimjimmc

Snappy the Moose wrote: »

Nice to see our own law enforcers disrespecting the tri-colour by putting them into the garbage.

She isn't a patch on McAleese anyway. One of our own. Nothing historic about a state leader visiting Ireland, they have been coming here from all over the world for years. This one isn't any different.

I wonder about the respect shown to the flag by those who just discarded them on the street for the Gardaí to clear up.

hinault

I have to admit to being very apathetic about the visit and the Royal Family before the visit took place.
I did not know much about the monarchy to be perfectly honest except what is reported through the media.
Couple this with the fact that most of the opinions I heard/read about ranged between apathy and outright opposition to the visit, I was slightly concerned at what reaction the visitors would get.

But after the Queen's arrival at the Aras and her respectful and dignified attendance at the Gardens of Rememberance and at Islandbridge, I have to admit that my admiration for the Queen and the Duke has grown.
She was very respectful to the history of those sites and she appears to want to enjoy cordial relations with the citizens of this country.
Thank God this visit passed off peacefully for the most part.

I was delighted at the response to the Queen by the majority of my fellow citizens and I thought President McAleese and her husband were superb as was Enda Kenny.

KrazeeEyezKilla

lastlaugh wrote: »

I hear ye, but, realistically, can we not just forget about all the **** that has happened and move on?

That would be good but the grovelling coverage of the visit in the last few days doesn't fit with a country that has supposedly moved on and are now equals. The same people who go on about maturity and "arriving as a nation" measure this countries worth by what the Brits think of us, leading to the hysteria about Erigi. Nothing has really changed this week but we're going getting a new wave of pathetic green jerseyisms about how "Ireland is back!!!" which was exactly the type of nonsense that got us into this mess in the first place given that the worst Tiger-era excesses were at the time seen as a sign of national confidence and Bertie speech in Westminster was a big part of the election campagn in 2007.

Exile 1798

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

If I didn't know better I would think this was a cynical parody of the imagined mindset of a "West Brit"

lastlaugh

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

How is that even relevant? Would my father have had to die in those explosions rather than miss them by 20 mins due to pure luck before I could call for the truth?

It's relevant because I think a lot of those who are calling for the 'truth' are just toeing the party line. Feigning outrage on behalf of others and using other's loss to keep old woulds open.

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Does one need to have been sexually abused by a priest to call on the Vatican to throw open its files? Of course not!

Profound difference between the situations I'm afraid. Good try though, sexual abuse is another highly charged emotive topic, it would be good for your argument to get that one on your side.

lastlaugh

Exile 1798 wrote: »

If I didn't know better I would think this was a cynical parody of the imagined mindset of a "West Brit"

You could be onto something there.

I want the truth out now.

anymore

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

If I were english, I would be anti monarchy, so I was happy to ignore the event and tried to refrain from posting about it at all. I am happy people enjoyed it and that there were no major distuebances. Other than that, it hasnt made the slighest difference to my life.
One thing I am curious about, how will this new relationship manifest itself ?
All my adult life, I have been hearing irish and UK politicians talk about ' new beginings' and ' new starts' and 'new relationships'. Cant we jsut get on with it ?

Batsy

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

Many people in Ireland probably had the impression that the Queen was a cold, uncaring, unemotional woman who cares nothing about normal people.

But now the people of Ireland have seen what the Queen is REALLY like, a nice, charming little old lady with a great sense of humour who loves meeting the public.

She showed this on the last day of the visit yesterday when, despite being advised that it might not be wise, she met a crowd of wellwishers, including schoolchildren, in Cork.



I think it was nice when the Queen met conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf (Ireland's becoming as multicultural as Britain is) along with their mother Angie in the Tyndall Institute in Cork. The twins had to come to Britain for surgery to be separated. They had the surgery last year at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, the world's best children's hospital.

She seemed genuinely interested in their plight and spent quite a while talking to their mother.

She also seemed knowledgeable in the story of the twins, suggesting she had been watching their plight on the news and reading about it in the newspapers.

ziggy

This post has been deleted.

caseyann

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

She raised the spirit of the nation and momentous event in history and changed the view of us? So now you speak for everyone in the country.
It only shows one thing.People are sheep like they are screaming about movie stars and pop stars and think that anyone should be held in higher esteem than themselves( I find it pathetic) She is no hero or amubulance driver or garda or fire man or medical person who save peoples lives everyday.Or our own heros who saved our country.
Didnt change my view on the fake blue bloods who are incestuous and are under false pretenses in their roles through murder and robbery and slaughtering of people .
Making us proud to be Irish :rolleyes:

I was proud to be Irish all along

Long may she never return unless she is paying her own way.

Should have spent the money on a proper engagement such as a big fair and festival and music all as gaeilge in honour of all the people who died in the famines and wars and invasions and who were murdered and fighting to give us our freedom.Not honouring her.
Now thats something tourists would flock in to see and pay for.

MysticalRain

caseyann wrote: »

She raised the spirit of the nation and momentous event in history and changed the view of us? So now you speak for everyone in the country.
It only shows one thing.People are sheep like they are screaming about movie stars and pop stars and think that anyone should be held in higher esteem than themselves( I find it pathetic) She is no hero or amubulance driver or garda or fire man or medical person who save peoples lives everyday.Or our own heros who saved our country.
Didnt change my view on the fake blue bloods who are incestuous and are under false pretenses in their roles through murder and robbery and slaughtering of people .

Seriously, get a grip. I think it is more than evident that vast majority of the people here welcomed the queen's visit as a long overdue opportunity to put the past behind us, and strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland. I suspect that even the likes of Gerry Adams were impressed by the conciliatory gestures the Queen made towards the Republican cause and the ideals that this nation stands for.

Oh, and most of us have enough grip on reality to tell the difference between the average x factor contestant and the Queen of England. You do the people of this nation a disservice by implying that anyone who disagrees with your narrow world view is some how a mindless celebrity-obsessed lemming.

Making us proud to be Irish :rolleyes:

I was proud to be Irish all along

Long may she never return unless she is paying her own way.

Should have spent the money on a proper engagement such as a big fair and festival and music all as gaeilge in honour of all the people who died in the famines and wars and invasions and who were murdered and fighting to give us our freedom.Not honouring her.
Now thats something tourists would flock in to see and pay for.

We have plenty of fairs and festivals up and down the length of the country every year, and if you think that pushing for one which involves wallowing in past grievances and fostering hatred and bigotry toward the “auld enemy” then good luck to you. I doubt if you’ll find a huge market for that these days. We are living in the 21st century now, not 1600. Being proud to be Irish no is no longer defined as being anti-British, except among a small tiny minority these days.

Bottle_of_Smoke

I was initially against this visit. Right up until this week.

It has panned out much differently than I expected however.

One thing that has always bothered me is anti-English xenophobia in Irish society. It has always been much more tolerated than any other kind of xenophobia, such as that toward eastern europeans. It is however just as illogical, immoral and bigoted.

Whilst I fully believe in Irish independence from the UK I do recognise we are closer to the English, Scottish and Welsh in terms of culture than any other nations. This should be recognised and celebrated, not rejected and resented.

At the end of the day republicans are participating in Stormont - a UK parliament. So the British monarch visiting is hardly any more accepting of partition than that set up. You cannot therefore seriously support Sinn Fein's chosen path to Irish unification, and at the same time condemn this visit to the republic as bowing to partition as an end-point.

Sure I'll respect anyone's right to protest. And I think the decision of Dublin City council to remove anti-visit posters was immature and blatant censorship.

However I think this visit has goes beyond politics. It is symbolic of the fact Irish and British ordinary people should get along and not assign blame for actions that have gone on between the nations over previous decades and centuries. The constitutional status of the north doesn't come into it. So I think the short speech she made was entirely appropriate and overall I'm glad this visit went ahead.

anymore

Batsy wrote: »

Many people in Ireland probably had the impression that the Queen was a cold, uncaring, unemotional woman who cares nothing about normal people.

But now the people of Ireland have seen what the Queen is REALLY like, a nice, charming little old lady with a great sense of humour who loves meeting the public.

She showed this on the last day of the visit yesterday when, despite being advised that it might not be wise, she met a crowd of wellwishers, including schoolchildren, in Cork.



I think it was nice when the Queen met conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf (Ireland's becoming as multicultural as Britain is) along with their mother Angie in the Tyndall Institute in Cork. The twins had to come to Britain for surgery to be separated. They had the surgery last year at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, the world's best children's hospital.

She seemed genuinely interested in their plight and spent quite a while talking to their mother.

She also seemed knowledgeable in the story of the twins, suggesting she had been watching their plight on the news and reading about it in the newspapers.

I dont doubt like most people she has a caring side but lets be realisitic. She refused to allow her sister marry Captain Townsend because he was divorced. Much later she refused to allow her son Prince Charles marry the woman he loved, Camilla Parker Bowles - basically beacuse she had a ' past-. Instead the unfortunate Diana Spencer was earmarked becasue she was a virgin and we all the unhapiness that caused and the tragic result. Of course she also has refused to allow her son, the now 63 old Charles, to succeed to the throne so behind that pleasant exterior lies quite a calculating heart.

ardmacha

It is however just as illogical, immoral and bigoted.

I think it is entirely logical to dislike those that use violence to impose their will on you, whether it is a mugger on the street or another country that attempts to make your country a satellite. Nor does the problem go away because they suddenly adopt the appearance of democracy to achieve the same aims. If some burglars break into your house and when you come along and they propose an equal division of the goods between you and them, rather than them taking everything, this does not make them Mother Theresa.

slimjimmc

anymore wrote: »

I dont doubt like most people she has a caring side but lets be realisitic. She refused to allow her sister marry Captain Townsend because he was divorced. Much later she refused to allow her son Prince Charles marry the woman he loved, Camilla Parker Bowles - basically beacuse she had a ' past-. Instead the unfortunate Diana Spencer was earmarked becasue she was a virgin and we all the unhapiness that caused and the tragic result. Of course she also has refused to allow her son, the now 63 old Charles, to succeed to the throne so behind that pleasant exterior lies quite a calculating heart.

I would consider those to be professional decisions, since she has to maintain certain standards for the office she occupies regardless of personal opinion. I suppose she needs to keep the crown as free from controversy and reproach as much as possible. Loads of people make decisions in their job that could be construed as tough or cruel, but which they wouldn't normally do in their personal life.

She may indeed be sweet and caring but she's rightfully no sap.

caseyann

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

I was initially against this visit. Right up until this week.

It has panned out much differently than I expected however.

One thing that has always bothered me is anti-English xenophobia in Irish society. It has always been much more tolerated than any other kind of xenophobia, such as that toward eastern europeans. It is however just as illogical, immoral and bigoted.

Whilst I fully believe in Irish independence from the UK I do recognise we are closer to the English, Scottish and Welsh in terms of culture than any other nations. This should be recognised and celebrated, not rejected and resented.

At the end of the day republicans are participating in Stormont - a UK parliament. So the British monarch visiting is hardly any more accepting of partition than that set up. You cannot therefore seriously support Sinn Fein's chosen path to Irish unification, and at the same time condemn this visit to the republic as bowing to partition as an end-point.

Sure I'll respect anyone's right to protest. And I think the decision of Dublin City council to remove anti-visit posters was immature and blatant censorship.

However I think this visit has goes beyond politics. It is symbolic of the fact Irish and British ordinary people should get along and not assign blame for actions that have gone on between the nations over previous decades and centuries. The constitutional status of the north doesn't come into it. So I think the short speech she made was entirely appropriate and overall I'm glad this visit went ahead.

I found this piece have a look.
At a time where Ireland is at its lowest morale and our economy is also at an all time low it is a disgrace that our precious resources have been used to further this pantomime and charade to the tune of an excess of ten million euro’s. This is a time where Irish people are losing their jobs and their homes. Where are our democratic voting rights in deciding if this visit should have gone ahead or not and this visit has been purely fuelled for self gratification of our greedy politicians?

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150178842614372&comments

Fuzzy Clam

Facebook!!!

That says it all.

caseyann

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

Facebook!!!

That says it all.

Remind me who was in the big flash cars getting driven around and had dinner on the tax payers backs? former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his predecessor Bertie Ahern among others.


She even had the neck to ask for her heating bills be paid by social welfare lol Could she not turn it off in all the other rooms of the palace :rolleyes:

Fuzzy Clam

caseyann wrote: »

I found this piece have a look.
At a time where Ireland is at its lowest morale and our economy is also at an all time low it is a disgrace that our precious resources have been used to further this pantomime and charade to the tune of an excess of ten million euro’s. This is a time where Irish people are losing their jobs and their homes. Where are our democratic voting rights in deciding if this visit should have gone ahead or not and this visit has been purely fuelled for self gratification of our greedy politicians?

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150178842614372&comments

You're a funny woman Ann, I know you don't mean to be but you really are. I almost love you. But not quite. But keep it up, It's amusing.

Fuzzy Clam

caseyann wrote: »

She even had the neck to ask for her heating bills be paid by social welfare lol Could she not turn it off in all the other rooms of the palace :rolleyes:

what are you talking about?

Yahew

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

what are you talking about?

dont feed....

Fuzzy Clam

caseyann wrote: »

Remind me who was in the big flash cars getting driven around and had dinner on the tax payers backs? former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his predecessor Bertie Ahern among others.


She even had the neck to ask for her heating bills be paid by social welfare lol Could she not turn it off in all the other rooms of the palace :rolleyes:

Would you kindly answer the questions i asked of you earlier first.

Fuzzy Clam

caseyann wrote: »

She raised the spirit of the nation and momentous event in history and changed the view of us? So now you speak for everyone in the country.
It only shows one thing.People are sheep like they are screaming about movie stars and pop stars and think that anyone should be held in higher esteem than themselves( I find it pathetic) She is no hero or amubulance driver or garda or fire man or medical person who save peoples lives everyday.Or our own heros who saved our country.
Didnt change my view on the fake blue bloods who are incestuous and are under false pretenses in their roles through murder and robbery and slaughtering of people .
Making us proud to be Irish :rolleyes:

I was proud to be Irish all along

Long may she never return unless she is paying her own way.

Should have spent the money on a proper engagement such as a big fair and festival and music all as gaeilge in honour of all the people who died in the famines and wars and invasions and who were murdered and fighting to give us our freedom.Not honouring her.
Now thats something tourists would flock in to see and pay for.

If there has ever been 15 lines of absolute ****e ever uttered in the name of Irish unity, then this is it!

filthymcnasty

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

surely you're taking the piss ! (but i suspect you aren't)

just on the coverage,
The Queens visit was great bit of publicity for Ireland, (while channel hopping on Wednesday the trip was being covered on Sky, BBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN and euronews- even Russia Today covered a bit) but its going to take a while to quantify how much extra tourists and jobs this trip created.

But RTEs coverage was fawning and grovelling for the most part- even someone I respect like Dermot Ferriter seemed carried away by the whole thing. I thought I was going to scream if I heard the word 'symbolism' one more time.
Ironically, the UK coverage was far better and impartial.

anymore

Clareboy wrote: »

The visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland has been one of the most momentous events in the history of our country. She is a very gracious and warm person and she has made a lasting impression on so many of our people. Our view of the British Royal Family has changed forever as a result of this historic visit. Her Majesty has walked among us and she has raised the spirit of our nation and made us proud to be Irish. I certainly hope that she will return to our shores soon again. Wishing her and Prince Philip, long life and good health.

Farewell Queen Elizabeth - Slan Leat!

Why on earth would anybody's impression of the Royal family have changed as a result of this visit ? I know no more nor no less about them than I did before ? This is the kind of work they for most of the year, it is what they do ! Didnt a lot of Irish People know that ? I did think of Prince Charles a few times, kept on the sidelines all his life becaus his mother seems too addicted to the attention - he is 63 for goodness sakes - why cant she do the decent thing and hand over the Crown. And I though of princess Diana and the abuse she took from the Royal Family and their Court. What happned to all the Irish people who were distraught after Diana;s death ? Have they forgotten the terrible treatment she received from this family ... or did simply change channels and start watch a new soap opera ?

anymore

slimjimmc wrote: »

I would consider those to be professional decisions, since she has to maintain certain standards for the office she occupies regardless of personal opinion. I suppose she needs to keep the crown as free from controversy and reproach as much as possible. Loads of people make decisions in their job that could be construed as tough or cruel, but which they wouldn't normally do in their personal life.

She may indeed be sweet and caring but she's rightfully no sap.

And the decision to allow Prince Charles, the next head of the Church of England to carry on an adulterous affair right through his marriage to Princess Diana, was that a professional decision, one aimed at mantaining stndards ? Was that aimed at keeping the Crown as free from controversy as much as possible ? Or was it the kind of hypocrisy which we the irish people are only all too familiar with ?

slimjimmc

anymore wrote: »

And the decision to allow Prince Charles, the next head of the Church of England to carry on an adulterous affair right through his marriage to Princess Diana, was that a professional decision, one aimed at mantaining stndards ? Was that aimed at keeping the Crown as free from controversy as much as possible ? Or was it the kind of hypocrisy which we the irish people are only all too familiar with ?

You'd be best directing that question at the only person who knows, neither I nor you have the foggiest notion why decisions were made so it's all just futile speculation. Perhaps she didn't/doesn't consider Charlie boss material so just let him do his own thing within limits if he's no threat to the big title (again just speculation).

blinding

Monarchy and all the glittery stuff that goes with it had a large degree of show business about it before show business was even invented.

It still has today and there is no business like show business afterall:)

anymore

slimjimmc wrote: »

You'd be best directing that question at the only person who knows, neither I nor you have the foggiest notion why decisions were made so it's all just futile speculation. Perhaps she didn't/doesn't consider Charlie boss material so just let him do his own thing within limits if he's no threat to the big title (again just speculation).

Well as you said she is no sap .. which is very much the point isnt ?
The first and foremost priority of Monarchy is to prtoect and enrich itself. And for that purpose thier subjects are usually manipulated to that end.
I have to laugh at the number of people who object to fee paying schools in ireland and who then line up to fawn and pay homage to the Brithish Royal Family ! Wondeful, you couldnt make it up !:D