Everybody else in the family is at the Commonwealth Games, so why aren't we?

efb · 27-07-2014 03:42PM

Spook_ie wrote: »

If he withdrew from the Olympics because of injury would you think less of the olympics

If I believed him.

Lou.m · 27-07-2014 04:09PM

LordSutch wrote: »

France is not part of the Commonwealth family of Nations.

Neither are we.

Adamantium · 27-07-2014 04:47PM

POTATO

Fratton Fred · 27-07-2014 05:48PM

An Claidheamh wrote: »

You have a severe inferiority complex bnt.

Just because no one sees Britain as a super power in Ireland anymore does not make us anti-English.

You want to move on?

Well how about Ireland not being obliged to remain tied to the hip with a country that once invaded it, along with others.

And, also, how about they stay in the EU if they are so concerned with our "shared history", and lose the jingoism.

Watch some hurling pet.

Seems to me that the one with the inferioty complex is the one who can only see the negative in something.

You can actually admit that it looks like a well organised and entertaining international event, without being a west brie, jackeen, empire apologist etc etc.

Go on, put the BBC on and give the games a watch, you might enjoy it.

An Claidheamh · 28-07-2014 01:14AM

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Seems to me that the one with the inferioty complex is the one who can only see the negative in something.

You can actually admit that it looks like a well organised and entertaining international event, without being a west brie, jackeen, empire apologist etc etc.

Go on, put the BBC on and give the games a watch, you might enjoy it.

Is that all they can aspire to these days?

P_1 · 28-07-2014 01:44AM

Imagine if instead of a fat cowboy from Oklahoma who is fond of throwing his toys out of the pram we had the Dublin 2014 Commonwealth Games.

There are plenty of republics in the Commonwealth, the UK, Australia and Canada are among our biggest trading partners. I see plenty of benefits to joining and few if any negatives.

Kermit.de.frog · 28-07-2014 01:46AM

I think we have more dignity in being out of the commonwealth than in it and see no reason whatsoever to join it.

Jimoslimos · 28-07-2014 02:34AM

A Dub in Glasgo wrote: »

None of the above but it does have all these ones

Glasgow 2014 Sports

There are 17 sports on the program - 10 of these sports are core sports (they are always played) and 7 have been selected by the host city from a choice of sixteen. Compared to the previous Games in Delhi, the sports of Basketball and Judo have been added, and Archery and Tennis dropped from the program.

Wait a minute...they dropped tennis? A sport in which Scotland have arguably their most recognisable global superstar.

Or perhaps they wanted to spare themselves the embarrassment of Murray humming and hawing before politely declining due to injury/prior commitments/couldn't give a fcuk.

Richard · 28-07-2014 08:57AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Technically speaking GB will cease to exist, without Scotland it would be just Britain (England & Wales) and the UK would be "A United Kingdom of Britain & Northern Ireland"

Britain includes Scotland.

I suspect "The United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland" would be the name.

Richard · 28-07-2014 08:58AM

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

They'd be all better off competing as separate entities imo and doing away with team GB.

Although I suppose its the way the funding is set up over there.

I think they can't compete as seperate entities under IOC rules.

Richard · 28-07-2014 09:05AM

twinytwo wrote: »

Rejoining the commonwealth and everything it stands for, just to compete in some sporting event is fairly stupid.

I'd rather nuke the country first.

What does the commonwealth stand for?

Maphisto · 28-07-2014 09:39AM

muddypaws wrote: »

We have the Ryder Cup, a competition that the great majority of the countries currently competing in Glasgow cannot be part of. I'd much rather have those 3 days of golf than 11 days of the Commonwealth games.

Golf meh.

The Ryder cup is between Europe and USA.

Up until 1979 it was GB and Ireland vs USA.

Before 1973 it was GB vs USA (although holy cow - Irish players played for GB :eek:)

So why can't I have cake and a biscuit?

muddypaws · 28-07-2014 09:53AM

Maphisto wrote: »

Golf meh.

The Ryder cup is between Europe and USA.

Up until 1979 it was GB and Ireland vs USA.

Before 1973 it was GB vs USA (although holy cow - Irish players played for GB :eek:)

So why can't I have cake and a biscuit?

Yeah, thanks for pointing all that out, didn't know any of that :rolleyes: My point was that the majority of the countries competing at the commonwealth games can't compete in the Ryder cup, so I don't see why its a big deal that we can't (don't) compete in this particular competition.

LordSutch · 28-07-2014 10:06AM

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think we have more dignity in being out of the commonwealth than in it and see no reason whatsoever to join it.

More dignity than . . .

You mean like ore dignity than any of the Commonwealth countries?

Maphisto · 28-07-2014 10:09AM

muddypaws wrote: »

Yeah, thanks for pointing all that out, didn't know any of that :rolleyes: My point was that the majority of the countries competing at the commonwealth games can't compete in the Ryder cup, so I don't see why its a big deal that we can't (don't) compete in this particular competition.

The pleasure was all mine.

So you understand as well then that it is not either or?

/I'm out

Balmed Out · 28-07-2014 10:35AM

cons

The head is a monarch and id be surprised if that didn't continue.
Most of the members are fairly messed up.
We already have close trading and political ties to the not messed up members.
Its an antiquated idea.
It would perhaps be seen as some as disrespecting the historic suffering associated with the British empire and the more recent suffering in Northern Ireland too.
We haven't been independent for all that long and would joining it be seen by some as somehow diminishing our own sovereignty? Half the world that's even heard of Ireland already thinks were part of the UK.

Pros

Perhaps better trading links with some members and anything to help get the Ireland brand into India can only be good.
Acknowledging our shared history and cultural links might be very welcome by some and perhaps any future movement towards a united Ireland would be eased or at least relations with Ulster Unionists may be improved who would see that were mature enough to maintain good relations with Britain and let by gones be by gones.
Get to play in the games and possibly host at some stage.

On the whole id have no problem with joining provided the head wasn't the British monarch. Nothing against the British monarchy they seem grand but I think their heading it reinforces the traditional view of all the countries being equal within the commonwealth as subjects of the UK. Id like to see notable humanitarians of the like of Mary Robinson (though obviously someone from a commonwealth nation) get the ceremonial title.

Berserker · 28-07-2014 10:59AM

Balmed Out wrote: »

cons
We already have close trading and political ties to the not messed up members.

It would perhaps be seen as some as disrespecting the historic suffering associated with the British empire and the more recent suffering in Northern Ireland too.

We haven't been independent for all that long and would joining it be seen by some as somehow diminishing our own sovereignty? Half the world that's even heard of Ireland already thinks were part of the UK.

[*] Exactly, we have strong links with these members as is, so why shouldn't we just re-join?

[*] N.I. has made it's decision on the games. They take part in them and the athletes from both communities seem to be more than happy to do so. Do you know of any athletes from Nationalist communities who have withdrawn? I know athletes from the Nationalist community who have competed in them and they were delighted to represent N.I. on the international stage.

[*] As you say, most of the world thinks we are part of the UK as is. I was in China recently and one of my colleagues, who is of a republican mindset, was exacerbated by the fact that so many people were confusing Ireland with England. Re-joining wouldn't make a blind bit of difference.

I have long felt that the time is right for the RoI to mature and move back in the commonwealth. The games are only a small part of it but the games could bring some much needed joy to the country.

Balmed Out · 28-07-2014 11:17AM

Berserker wrote: »

[*] Exactly, we have strong links with these members as is, so why shouldn't we just re-join?

But do we need to join every association of nations there is?

Whatever about Ireland needing to mature, what about the Commonwealth itself ? Does the monarch of Britain being it's head, given the historic origins of the Commonwealth sit right with you?

Given our geographical proximity, shared interests, history etc. I'm all for closer and friendlier relations with Britain but as equals. Having the commonwealth headed by the British monarch reeks of Orwellian pigs.

muddypaws · 28-07-2014 11:21AM

Maphisto wrote: »

The pleasure was all mine.

So you understand as well then that it is not either or?[/QUOTE

Well actually, at the moment, yes it is, as we are not part of the commonwealth, so can't take part in the games

Kermit.de.frog · 28-07-2014 11:37AM

Berserker wrote: »

I have long felt that the time is right for the RoI to mature

In what way do you think Ireland needs to mature? That is very patronising. Rejoining this excuse for an organisation - a relic of Britain's former empire - would not be good for this country nor our self esteem.

It would be the equivalent of a battered wife returning to her husband after many years of separation because "he has changed". It does not matter how much Britain has changed.

This country is still partitioned. And the British have not come clean on their role in assisting in loyalist terrorism on our soil.

And even if they did I would still say no. We have nothing to apologise for and nothing to regret from severing ties like this with Britain. It means we have a relationship on equal terms with them. Joining an organisation with their monarch as it's head would be a retrograde step.

We are already full members of every organisation that matters apart from NATO.

I'm out.

Berserker · 28-07-2014 11:45AM

Balmed Out wrote: »

But do we need to join every association of nations there is?

No, why would we do that? We should join the associations of nations with which we have very close financial, cultural, ...... links though. It makes sense. As an aside, do you think that any political party would take this to the people?

WakeUp · 28-07-2014 11:59AM

Berserker wrote: »

[*] Exactly, we have strong links with these members as is, so why shouldn't we just re-join?

[*] N.I. has made it's decision on the games. They take part in them and the athletes from both communities seem to be more than happy to do so. Do you know of any athletes from Nationalist communities who have withdrawn? I know athletes from the Nationalist community who have competed in them and they were delighted to represent N.I. on the international stage.

[*] As you say, most of the world thinks we are part of the UK as is. I was in China recently and one of my colleagues, who is of a republican mindset, was exacerbated by the fact that so many people were confusing Ireland with England. Re-joining wouldn't make a blind bit of difference.

I have long felt that the time is right for the RoI to mature and move back in the commonwealth. The games are only a small part of it but the games could bring some much needed joy to the country.

What do you mean mature?..explain yourself...you've long felt that all of us here in Ireland should mature. that's nice. so about that?....

Balmed Out · 28-07-2014 12:01PM

Berserker wrote: »

No, why would we do that? We should join the associations of nations with which we have very close financial, cultural, ...... links though. It makes sense. As an aside, do you think that any political party would take this to the people?

So long as they felt there was enough support then certainly. That wont happen until the commonwealth itself matures though. People don't want to join what could be viewed as a vestigal of empire. When it changes and becomes an association of equals with close links then I think most parties would.

WakeUp · 28-07-2014 12:25PM

Balmed Out wrote: »

So long as they felt there was enough support then certainly. That wont happen until the commonwealth itself matures though. People don't want to join what could be viewed as a vestigal of empire. When it changes and becomes an association of equals with close links then I think most parties would.

I'm not so sure it could ever be viewed as anything other than a "relic" of empire. good luck to all of them who are members more power to them and all that but I don't see Ireland ever rejoining I just don't see it happening. our foreign policy the past 70 years or so would indicate that.

"The Queen has launched a discreet campaign to ensure that Prince Charles, Prince William – and eventually baby George – inherit her role as Head of the Commonwealth.

Contrary to popular belief, the position does not extend to her successors.

However, the Queen wants David Cameron to use a summit later this year to urge Commonwealth leaders to change its rules so that her son, grandson and great-grandson take on the role when they become King."

"The Palace believes Commonwealth joy over the birth of George provides the ideal opportunity to guarantee the British Monarchy does not lose its most prominent international platform when the Queen dies."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380228/Queen-launches-campaign-let-Prince-George-rule-commonwealth.html

I do apologise for the daily mail link when I googled to read up about how leadership of the commonwealth works I came upon this story. looks like leadership of the commonwealth is going to be a closed shop now and probably forever. hardly an association of equals. and certain individuals believe it's us that need to mature. the Phuckin irony.

RustyNut · 28-07-2014 12:46PM

So what sports would we be likley to do well at if we were to re join the empire commonwealth.

The bend the knee and bow the head relay, forelock tugging, synchronised curtsying...

Jimoslimos · 28-07-2014 01:42PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Technically speaking GB will cease to exist, without Scotland it would be just Britain (England & Wales) and the UK would be "A United Kingdom of Britain & Northern Ireland"

GB refers to the land mass doesn't it? Perhaps they could change it to Southern Great Britain therefore we'd have the UK of SGB&NI.

I'd also take delight in asking people to clarify their nationality by asking if they were Northern (Scottish) or Southern Great British!

LordSutch · 28-07-2014 02:07PM

Well judging by 90% of the comments on here I think we can safely say that we will not be re-joining the Commonwealth anytime soon or (Never), presuming of course that the political classes think in the same way as boards.ie posters.

I have'nt heard any political discussion on the TV/Radio about the subject this year, so I wonder what members of Dail Eireann think about the subject in this new era of closeness with NI & Britain?

An Claidheamh · 28-07-2014 02:09PM

Berserker wrote: »

No, why would we do that? We should join the associations of nations with which we have very close financial, cultural, ...... links though. It makes sense. As an aside, do you think that any political party would take this to the people?

Britain can't militarily dominate countries anymore ....so we should "mature" and let them be the "head" of something.

Maybe one day they might mature and join the Eu.

The laughable thing is that you try to claim that we ought to join so we can have links with the Third World, the former mass territory of the British empire.

If the cultural and financial links are so great, why did Britain join the EU?

Why do Britain have so much trade with us and not India, Gibraltar or Mozambique?

The British commonwealth is a joke Berserker.

Most British people know it's a farce, feel it's clinging on to past grandeur, and these games are an embarrassment.

(Usain Bolt has already refused to run in his main event.

)

I think you know too. :rolleyes:

This sums up what everybody thinks:

An Claidheamh · 28-07-2014 02:12PM

RustyNut wrote: »

So what sports would we be likley to do well at if we were to re join the empire commonwealth.

The bend the knee and bow the head relay, forelock tugging, synchronised curtsying...

Shoot the Paddy, Zulu dance, egg and spoon race ...

LordSutch · 28-07-2014 02:22PM

Three Commonwealth sports may well excel in/
Boxing, athletics & swimming.

Glasgow is pulling in the money big time!

Everybody else in the family is at the Commonwealth Games, so why aren't we?

Comments