Loyalist groups to march in Dublin

senordingdong wrote:

In fairness, that's a problem with the education system.

I can't believe the unionist repsonses I'm reading here.

Indeed. That doesn't make it any less the country's problem.

slipss wrote:

it's not that anyone is afraid of thier civil rights being taken away, or of being shot in front of the GPO (for whatever wierd reason that would happen). It's more to do with a bunch of anti-catholic anti-republican anti-irish ****-stirers wanting to march where thier not wanted merely for the sake of hoping to evoke an aggresive reaction so they can go "ahh ye see, look, ahh ye see.

Argh! Is this still going on?

Anyway. Would you say the same thing if Sinn Fein or similar had a march in London? In Dublin? Remember, Ireland is one of two countries which will ultimately decide the fate of NI. I'd see this as being very similar if not identical to when SF bussed down a lot of people from the North to clutter up O'Connell Street with. One side has just as much right to demonstrate as the other. Or was that different, because Adams is more cuddly and Rolf Harris-like than Paisley?

julep wrote:

sinn fein are a different story. they recognise this country. unionists don't.

I think all but the oddest Unionists recognise the Republic of Ireland. They just don't consider NI to be part of it...

Kilsally wrote:

Yes I know. Although saying that, I am just back from Cork and was in Cobh and Youghall and noticed the Virgin Mary statues as you enter the towns and the radio presenter announced "Good news. Celtic 1 - Rangers 0".
Nothing major, had a pleasant time in Cork but little things like that just put me on edge that this "isnt home"..."your in the south"

But if we were to take away *all* symbolism we'd end up doing what Birmingham City Council have done by renaming Christmas to 'Winterval' and go around wishing each other 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Happy Christmas' as they do in the States.

But it goes to show how much power symbolism can carry when a statue of a virgin girlie makes you 'on edge'!

Seriously, I think there's a little paranoia on your part here. We're a very welcoming lot and there's no-where in Cork, or in fact the rest of the ROI where your personal safety would be put at risk just because of your relgious or political shade.

Whereas myself coming from Dublin, there are places in East Belfast I would never venture into.

And remember, the most peaceful and uncontroversial Orange Order Marches always happen in Donegal. Even ol' Bertie spent a couple of million euro setting up a cultural centre at the Boyne and the citizens of ROI didn't flinch.

But I understand that you, or anyone else from N.I., coming from the area that you come from and given the recent history, that you'd be particularly sensitive to noticing little pieces of symbolism as your very life may depend on it.

am i the only one who thinks this could be fecking hilarious? think about it, a load of orange men with union jack marching down dawson street surrounded by baffeled american tourists:D ,could be four or five hours before they meet an irish citizen
its like something outta father ted! IMHO i reckon no one'll even turn up, its just too sad an event to acknowledge:)

julep wrote:

"gee honey. look at those guys with their pipes and drums. is it st. patricks day?"

"which one of youse is jerry aadams, harry get a picture of me with jerrrey":D

I really am surprised at the attitudes displayed here. After all, SF have had rallies in mainland UK.

For the record, I am neither a Unionist nor a Nationalist. My favoured solution would be for both countries to withdraw from the damn place, provide peacekeeping and an election, and give up all claims to it. They can hardly blow people up in Dublin or London demanding to be let back in... Failing that, Operation Plowshare. (That last is a JOKE; some people take offence quite easily...)

frobisher wrote:

This link says it all!

http://thebaffledboy.blogspot.com/2006/01/if-little-green-men-are-from-mars.html

Er, it's incoherent babble. I'm not actually entirely sure what he's trying to say.

yes. and take a look at this: http://www.loveulster.com