IRA man lashes out over visa 'hurdles'
The Australian

Rick Wallace
January 20, 2006

FORMER IRA commander and convicted murderer Tommy McKearney has accused the
Australian Government of taking sides in the conflict over Northern Ireland after he
withdrew a visa application to visit Australia.

An angry Mr McKearney, who planned to visit Tasmania to address a prisons
conference, released a statement yesterday accusing immigration officials of placing
"enormous and unnecessary" hurdles in his path.

"Protracted demands for police records by their immigration officials indicates that
the Australian authorities still hold the view that the Irish conflict was an
illicit conspiracy, rather than a widely supported insurrection against British
misrule in Northern Ireland," the former IRA hardman said.

"It is unfortunate that the Australian public will not now have the opportunity to
hear from those of us who can testify to the futility of governments attempting to
address political issues via a security response.

"Personally, I would have liked to visit your beautiful country, not to mention
seeing a place where once my captors also held so many other Irish republicans. That
this will not now happen is a pity but it won't persuade me to change my political
opinions." Mr McKearney and several other speakers who have spent time in prison
were locked in a struggle with immigration authorities to secure visas in time for
the International Conference on Penal Abolition next month.

Legislation gives authorities the right to refuse a visa to anyone who has been in
prison for more than a year, although there is a power of discretion.

Mr McKearney spent 16 years in the Long Kesh prison near Belfast for the murder of
part-time soldier Stanley Adams during the Troubles.

Mr McKearney, now project director for an ex-prisoners' support group, was one of a
number of foreign speakers at the conference, which is calling for the complete
abolition of prisons.

Conference organisers Justice Action, an Australian prisoners' support group, has
accused the Government of dragging its heels on visa applications for Mr McKearney
and fellow Irish republican activist Brenda Murphy, as well as Canadian professor
Bob Gaucher. A spokesman for the Immigration Department said Mr McKearney had been
advised of the criteria for entry and had been asked to provide "additional
information" to assist his application.

Originally posted by Deepest Red
IRA man lashes out over visa 'hurdles'
The Australian

Rick Wallace
January 20, 2006

FORMER IRA commander and convicted murderer Tommy McKearney has accused the
Australian Government of taking sides in the conflict over Northern Ireland after he
withdrew a visa application to visit Australia.

An angry Mr McKearney, who planned to visit Tasmania to address a prisons
conference, released a statement yesterday accusing immigration officials of placing
"enormous and unnecessary" hurdles in his path.

"Protracted demands for police records by their immigration officials indicates that
the Australian authorities still hold the view that the Irish conflict was an
illicit conspiracy, rather than a widely supported insurrection against British
misrule in Northern Ireland," the former IRA hardman said.

"It is unfortunate that the Australian public will not now have the opportunity to
hear from those of us who can testify to the futility of governments attempting to
address political issues via a security response.

"Personally, I would have liked to visit your beautiful country, not to mention
seeing a place where once my captors also held so many other Irish republicans. That
this will not now happen is a pity but it won't persuade me to change my political
opinions." Mr McKearney and several other speakers who have spent time in prison
were locked in a struggle with immigration authorities to secure visas in time for
the International Conference on Penal Abolition next month.

Legislation gives authorities the right to refuse a visa to anyone who has been in
prison for more than a year, although there is a power of discretion.

Mr McKearney spent 16 years in the Long Kesh prison near Belfast for the murder of
part-time soldier Stanley Adams during the Troubles.

Mr McKearney, now project director for an ex-prisoners' support group, was one of a
number of foreign speakers at the conference, which is calling for the complete
abolition of prisons.

Conference organisers Justice Action, an Australian prisoners' support group, has
accused the Government of dragging its heels on visa applications for Mr McKearney
and fellow Irish republican activist Brenda Murphy, as well as Canadian professor
Bob Gaucher. A spokesman for the Immigration Department said Mr McKearney had been
advised of the criteria for entry and had been asked to provide "additional
information" to assist his application.

Maybe you missed the words, convicted murderer. He was not simply a member of the IRA, he was a murderer. The Australians have every right, indeed, have a responsibility to ask for further clarification before admitting him.

According to the article and the British government, he was a convicted murdered. I don't give a damn what the British government says.

To a great many people he is a soldier who defended his people from imperialism and the bigots and thugs wearing the Queen's uniform are murderers. In fact the vermin who did Bloody Sunday got medals from the wretched bitch.

The brits brought the guns and murder to Ireland, why don't they just go home.

Perhaps the Brits don't leave Northern Ireland because the majority of the people living there want them to stay. Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are not the same.

The fact that you don't consider him a murderer because he killed a British soldier sent to an integral part of Great Britain by the Queen of Great Britain, the woman you call the bitch just shows you to be rabidly anti-British and irrational.

The IRA is a terrorist organization that does not represent the majority of the citizens of Norther Ireland who prefer to remain part of Great Britain.

Anti-British? Good one.

Who do you think founded the country you're in, pal? You might be shocked by how "irrationally anti-british" that crowd in Boston was. You'd be even more shocked by the depth of hatred that fella on the $20 has for the Brits. I don't blame you for not knowing that. It's not trendy for American patriots to actually know a bit about their own history.

I'm going to use the same line every reactionary uses when I defended socialist politics: why don't you move to England you anglophile? :p

Actually I have nothing against England as a country or the English as a people. But of course I hate their policies in Ireland.

The "majority" you speak of in the occupied six counties was artificially created by gerry mandering election wards. It produced a situation where for instance in Derry, Ireland, the protestant-unionists were outnumbered 2-1 by catholic nationalist voters yet still dominated the city government overwhelmingly. On top of that, documented systematic discrimination against catholics and even pogroms forced thousands to leave the six. This maintained an edge in Protestant control over politics. After educational reforms came into effect, it was inevitable that catholics would organise for their rights. The emergence of media also aided this.

The British response was to murder them when they peacefully demonstrated for their rights. This created the IRA. So for the Brits to call anyone a murderer is the height of hypocricy.

Actually, other than people like Adams, the majority of the founding fathers were not rabidly anti-British until just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Whatever the reasons, the majority of the people in Northern Ireland prefer being part of Great Britain. The IRA is not interested in free elections but in using violence to get its way. The IRA is a terrorist organization. It is no different from al Qaida.

Originally posted by Frogger
Whatever the reasons, the majority of the people in Northern Ireland prefer being part of Great Britain.

A contract signed under duress can later be considered null and void. Or at least among civilized people.

Churchill told the 2nd Dáil representatives who signed the Treaty that he would bomb Ireland from the air if they didn't sign. The Orange taliban state was propped up by driving out, attacking, murdering and disenfranchising thousands of catholic/nationalists in several instances that were essentially ethnic clensing. Up until the civil war in Yogoslavia, the pogroms against catholics in '69 were the worst forced migration of a people in Europe since WWII.

But that's ok with you, in other words, still a legitimate democratic mandate.

Wtf is wrong with you, buddy?

Was Hitler legitimate as he had the majority after several years of killing and imprisoning his enemies? That's the 'logic' of your argument.


The IRA is not interested in free elections but in using violence to get its way. The IRA is a terrorist organization. It is no different from al Qaida.

ROFL!

You don't even know the basic facts of the situation, do you?

the IRA is disbanded and called on all of its followers and former members to only work through democratic institutions.

Even Tony Blair says that there is no way to compare Al Qaeda, an Islamist terrorist group created by the CIA who principally target civilians to the IRA who've primarily targetted British soldiers and other legitimate targets to create a secular republic.

But more imporantly, it's the Brits who are the real terrorists. They've killed and terrorised far more people. And unlike the Irish republican groups, they're still doing it!

Originally posted by Deepest Red
According to the article and the British government, he was a convicted murdered. I don't give a damn what the British government says.

To a great many people he is a soldier who defended his people from imperialism and the bigots and thugs wearing the Queen's uniform are murderers. In fact the vermin who did Bloody Sunday got medals from the wretched bitch.

The brits brought the guns and murder to Ireland, why don't they just go home.

Clearly you know nothing about Northern Ireland.

The solid majority in Northern Ireland is wholly against re-unification with Ireland. You are suggesting that a minority should impose their will via terrorism? Norther Ireland is protestant by majority - these people are proud to be part of the United Kingdom & who the hell are you to say they should be abandoned because of your miss-informed romantic notions of "freedom fighting". The UK has stated specifically that it has no territorial interests in Northern Ireland, but it will never abandon it's own citizens unless they make a choice to be abandoned.

The IRA has killed thousands of men women and children in the name of their minority position. The IRA is no more because they themselves realise how wrong their position was.

This guy was a terrorist - clearly the Austrialians are correct in refusing him entry.

Originally posted by DrewM
[B]Clearly you know nothing about Northern Ireland.


A casual glance at what I've posted would make that claim look a bit foolish a mhac.


The solid majority in Northern Ireland is wholly against re-unification with Ireland. You are suggesting that a minority should impose their will via terrorism?

LOL - I get it, even though Sinn Féin won 73 seats (out of 105) to break the connection with England in the last all Ireland election of 1918, it was acceptable for the Brits to ignore this and appease a political minority no larger than 20% of the population and ignore the democratic desire of 80% of the Irish population?

Why the double standards?


Norther Ireland is protestant by majority - these people are proud to be part of the United Kingdom & who the hell are you to say they should be abandoned because of your miss-informed romantic notions of "freedom fighting". The UK has stated specifically that it has no territorial interests in Northern Ireland, but it will never abandon it's own citizens unless they make a choice to be abandoned.

The IRA has killed thousands of men women and children in the name of their minority position. The IRA is no more because they themselves realise how wrong their position was.

This guy was a terrorist - clearly the Austrialians are correct in refusing him entry.

You may consider my ideas 'romantic' (which is rather rich coming from a yank) but I know from first person experience that the nationalist community of the six counties are extremely grateful for what armed republicans have done for them. Communities like the Short Strand and the Market would've been literally destroyed had it not been for the heroic actions of IRA and INLA volunteers defending them from the Orange fascists.

You say things like "the IRA has killed thousands of men and women and children in the name of their minority position" yet the Brits have killed far more than that defending a position that is a minority on the island of Ireland. Why do you not condemn that? Because all you yanks hear is pro-brit propaganda?

Firstly I am not a "Yank" - I am British. I grew up hearing about Northern Ireland on the BBC every night from the moment I could understand the TV. When I was a kid the troubles were certainly not in a lull. Some members of my family served in the military in Northern Ireland. Bombs with ball bearings inside - were not uncommon in Ireland & the mainland. In addition - I've been to Ireland many times, drank Guiness in the pubs & never once talked to anybody who supports the violence.

It is 2006 today - not 1918

If the people wanted re-unification then it would happen. This is a stated position of the British government. Why does it not happen? because Northern Ireland is unionist & does not want to be re-unified with Ireland.

Now - what I would say is a problem with "Yanks" like yourself is a total miss-understanding and romantic view of the situation in Northern Ireland.

What I also find laughable is the total double standard people with your views have. You'll rant & moan about the US but when it comes to your pet cause (one you don't even understand to top it off) you love to say how great it is to kill innocent people with bombs.

You say things like "the IRA has killed thousands of men and women and children in the name of their minority position" yet the Brits have killed far more than that defending a position that is a minority on the island of Ireland. Why do you not condemn that? Because all you yanks hear is pro-brit propaganda?

Yes, Ireland is one island with two distinct populations, one that wants to be the Republic of Ireland and one that wants to be affiliated with Great Britain. By what right do the citizens of the Republic have any say in the goings on of Northern Ireland any more than Haitians have in what goes on in the Dominican Republic?

The majority of those in Northern Ireland are happy with their status as British citizens.


Up the Brits!!!!!

Originally posted by DrewM
[B]Firstly I am not a "Yank" - I am British. I grew
up hearing about Northern Ireland on the BBC every
night from the moment I could understand the TV.


Good for you, I grew up on both sides of the pond
myself.


When I was a kid the troubles were certainly not in a
lull. Some members of my family served in the military
in Northern Ireland. Bombs with ball bearings inside -
were not uncommon in Ireland & the mainland.

Ah. We see why you have such a biased view, don't care
that the six county state is the most brutal and
oppressive regime in western Europe, etc etc.


In addition - I've been to Ireland many times, drank
Guiness in the pubs & never once talked to anybody who
supports the violence.

LOL, yeah most IRA supporters go around announcing it.
I've seen active republicans in pubs deny their
affiliation, fearing those around em were peelers.

It is 2006 today - not 1918

The past helps to shape the future - that should be
elementary.


If the people wanted re-unification then it would
happen. This is a stated position of the British
government. Why does it not happen? because Northern
Ireland is unionist & does not want to be re-unified
with Ireland.

You're ignoring the actual historical causes involved,
such as rampant discrimination, pogroms, etc, but as
you've already said you have family in the BA, it's no
wonder you turn a blind eye to the most oppressive
state in western Europe.

UN Submission documenting cases of torture in occupied Ireland (http://www.birw.org/UN%20submission%202004.html)

The murder of Daniel Hagerty (http://www.birw.org/Daniel%20Hegarty.html)

Those are just two links, there's dozens more on the site I have in my signature, Relatives for Justice. It demonstrates the campaign of murder and torture that made the occupied six counties a parade of atrocities.


Now - what I would say is a problem with "Yanks" like
yourself is a total miss-understanding and romantic
view of the situation in Northern Ireland.

My previous posts were full of concrete facts and
stats. Nothing romantic about that me old flower.


What I also find laughable is the total double
standard people with your views have. You'll rant &
moan about the US but when it comes to your pet cause
(one you don't even understand to top it off) you love
to say how great it is to kill innocent people with
bombs.

I have no idea what that is supposed to mean...

It's obvious to nearly everyone invovled that armed
struggle is now, at this moment not an option.

On top of that, it was very clearly the Brits who
started this war. A large number of republican attacks
were just in retaliation or defence. Like the famous graffitti
after the attacks on mountbatten and at Narrowater -
'14 dead and not forgotten, we got 18 and
Mountbatten'.

A large number of republicans also supported the civil
rights campaign. It was after the Brits massacred them
that the strategy of peaceful protests were abandoned.

Now republicans are attempting to use political methods, after having taught the orange fascists that it doesn't pay to attack them anymore.

Up the Brits!!!!!

An phoblacht abú.

So, like Colnel Blimp above, you don't care that the six county state retained its slim majority through pogroms, murder, massive violence, discrimination, etc, making it the most condemned human rights violator in western europe?

Here's a few others who agree with you, protestors at the annual bloody sunday commemoration.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41241000/jpg/_41241060_protesters203.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41241000/jpg/_41241074_protest_paindex203.jpg

They seem to have shaved heads and be giving the sieg heil, pure coincidence I'm sure.

To re-iterate - we live in 2006, not 1918. You cannot dismiss that simply to please your radical notions. To follow your fragile logic - the US should give everything back to the indians.

I have never said the British's history in Ireland was perfect, it was not perfect in many places across the globe - but that is the past. We live in the today. No country on earth has a perfect history.

In today's reality - Northern Ireland firmly and clearly without any questionable doubt wants to be and is part of the UK - that is what matters, not what some of their great grandfathers might have potentially wanted. The IRA has been fighting for a minority view & now they have disbanded and decommissioned because even they realise it was all a waste of time. They achieved approximately nothing of value.

The IRA are not defending a minority position on the island of Ireland.

Just to reiterate for those who may be reading, they are a minority in the o6c because of (recent) ethnic clensing, prison camps, torture, mass murder, etc, all of which is very well documented and the BNPer Drew defends.

The IRA were certainly defending a minority position in Northern Ireland. Check your geography textbook - Eire is not Northern Ireland.

Eire is a country with it's own currency (formely the Punt, now the Euro)

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom - currency Pounds Sterling.

By your logic Germany & France would be the same country....:@@:

Originally posted by DrewM
By your logic Germany & France would be the same country....:@@:

They were for about four years in the 1940s. ;)

Originally posted by DrewM
The IRA were certainly defending a minority position in Northern Ireland. Check your geography textbook - Eire is not Northern Ireland.

Eire is a country with it's own currency (formely the Punt, now the Euro)

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom - currency Pounds Sterling.

By your logic Germany & France would be the same country....:@@:

Haiti and the Dominican Republic is a better example since they share a single island.

Originally posted by DrewM


By your logic Germany & France would be the same country....:@@:

This comparison is ahistorical and without any basis.

Ireland was at one time ruled as one political unit, then partitioned when Britain lost control of 26 of Ireland's 32 counties.

A better comparison would be a nation forcibly partitioned against the wishes of its own population , such as Germany. Like Germany, the inhabitants of both the north and south are of essentially the same ethnic background (both claim to be Celtic) and their ancestors spoke the same languages even. Your comparison with Germany/France is invalid in many ways.

Ah now Frogger,you dissapoint me,let me bring yourself and everyone else up to scratch.
1.The state of Northern Ireland has a false built in pro British majority.
2.Down thru history,anyone who challenged the British Empire,was and still is branded a 'terrorist'.
3.If the IRA is a terrorist organisation,it was supported by the vast majority of Irish Americans,which is about 40 million of your country men and women.
4.Australia is a pro British,and Commonwealth country,ironically 30% of its population is of Irish decent,it was a handy place to 'transport' Irish people who didnt knuckle down to British Imperialism.

Ah now Frogger,you dissapoint me,let me bring yourself and everyone else up to scratch.
1.The state of Northern Ireland has a false built in pro British majority.
2.Down thru history,anyone who challenged the British Empire,was and still is branded a 'terrorist'.
3.If the IRA is a terrorist organisation,it was supported by the vast majority of Irish Americans,which is about 40 million of your country men and women.
4.Australia is a pro British,and Commonwealth country,ironically 30% of its population is of Irish decent,it was a handy place to 'transport' Irish people who didnt knuckle down to British Imperialism.

1. I'm sure the nationalist majority in Northern Ireland would disagree when you call them "false"
2. No, terrorists are people that plant bombs to create terror. It's a very easy word to understand
3. So what? Lack of comprehension of the issue and "ties" to the old country easily explain any passing "support". Plus as somebody pointed out a few months ago - millions of Americans believe in Angels and fairies at the bottom of the garden. You point is irrelevant.

1. I'm sure the nationalist majority in Northern Ireland would disagree when you call them "false"

ROFL. Speaks for itself.


2. No, terrorists are people that plant bombs to create terror. It's a very easy word to understand

Easy to understand - terrorising people because they're catholic and Irish will result in resistance. The Brits and loyalists are the real terrorists. Béir bua.

Firstly Drew,obviously the majority in Northern Ireland are Unionist,that is why the state was created in the first place,and why the Nationalist majority in Ireland,became a Nationalist minority in N.Ireland,all to suit a foreign power,in this case Britain.ie. a false state.

Secondly,from 1922-1969,the Nationalist minority were discriminated against in housing,jobs,education and political advancement,A lot of people wheather they spoke out against this r not,were abducted and found the next day,very dead,I would call that state 'terrorism',which is the worst kind,people who plant 'bombs' are usually reacting to something thats very wrong in society,i hope thats plain enough for YOU to understand.

Third,if its a question of 'so what',about what 40 million Americans think,I would suggest u join the Republican party,your comprehension of the history and situation,is very poor at least,youd fit in perfectly.Maybe youve still got some storm damage up stairs.

I have a friend from Ireland and he says that he was taught from the time he was a wee little baby to "Love his Mother and hate the British". And then he would say to my British wife, "I don't hate you personally".

That is something to be raised to hate people of a nationality. I never hear of any British being taught from the craddle to hate anyone.

Secondly,from 1922-1969,the Nationalist minority were discriminated against in housing,jobs,education and political advancement,A lot of people wheather they spoke out against this r not,were abducted and found the next day,very dead,I would call that state 'terrorism',which is the worst kind,people who plant 'bombs' are usually reacting to something thats very wrong in society,i hope thats plain enough for YOU to understand.

You find comarade ship among fellow terrorist. Terrorist always have claims of reason to blow up and kill innocent people because of their religion. I know the Palestines discrimminate against the jews but claim to be the victims of discrimination. Fellow terrorist like birds of a feather, flock together.

Firstly Drew,obviously the majority in Northern Ireland are Unionist,that is why the state was created in the first place,and why the Nationalist majority in Ireland,became a Nationalist minority in N.Ireland,all to suit a foreign power,in this case Britain.ie. a false state.

I know they are unionist.

The point is today N.Ireland is a reality - it has been that way for a long time. Just like America was once run by Indians - it's not anymore. Face facts.

The UK has no particular interest to keep N.Ireland beyond the reality that the people there are British & want to keep it that way. There is no other reality and planting bombs isn't going to change it.

The IRA have pretty much dropped being a terrorist organization. Why? because after 9-11 they realized that US opinion was now against any organization labelled terrorist. If the 40 million Americans you speak of were so educated on the subject then the IRA would have no issue with any of that right? The fact is the irish in America are not at all educated on the issue - it's just something to be able to talk about in a bar - nothing more than that.

Secondly - the state terrorism you speak of is hearsay and nothing more, plus your dates only go upto 1969 - that's a long long time ago. The IRA have killed and maimed many people since then - packed bombs with nails and ball bearings. That is terrorism - in the real world, compare that to your nostalgic fantasy world based on things that may or may not have happened before you were born. Everybody the IRA killed died a 100% pointless and useless death.

I have a friend from Ireland and he says that he was taught from the time he was a wee little baby to "Love his Mother and hate the British". And then he would say to my British wife, "I don't hate you personally".

Anecdotal knowledge usually is the most reliable.

You call yourself 'old reb' but lecture Irish republicans. Brillaint.

That is something to be raised to hate people of a nationality. I never hear of any British being taught from the craddle to hate anyone.

Then you're lucky, you obviously don't know many British. Try wearing a Celtic top in a protestant area.

The funny thing about British unionists calling the IRA terrorist is that the Brits were able to undermine the republican armed campaign by using the very same terroristic methods such as ambushes, bombings, assasinations, etc. They even organised sectarian murder gangs. See the book 'A Very British Jihad'.

80% of Ireland want a united Ireland, according to a recent poll. The majority in Britain don't want to be there. But Britain stays for the slim majority in a single province of the British Isles who have broken every democratic norm the UK claims to stand for? Doesn't make a lot of sense.

It makes pertfect sense when you are not a terrorist supporter

The state terrorism you say is a hearsy and nothing else is bullshit.British army has been trained in terrorising tactics for years,i have seen and been on the recieveing end of it,and believe me,their very good at their job.On your first point,your right to a point,no amount of armed resistance is going to change things;the british and republicans fought each other to a stalemate,the majority,although a false one,do wish to remain british,as their ancestors are mostly english and scottish,the point is,that dosnt make it right,once again how an organisation reacts to the situation on the ground is how you label people terrorist,if the only thing u have to fight back with is a stick,u use a stick.ur just generalising here,i lived thru it.

The state terrorism you say is a hearsy and nothing else is bullshit.British army has been trained in terrorising tactics for years,i have seen and been on the recieveing end of it,and believe me,their very good at their job.On your first point,your right to a point,no amount of armed resistance is going to change things;the british and republicans fought each other to a stalemate,the majority,although a false one,do wish to remain british,as their ancestors are mostly english and scottish,the point is,that dosnt make it right,once again how an organisation reacts to the situation on the ground is how you label people terrorist,if the only thing u have to fight back with is a stick,u use a stick.ur just generalising here,i lived thru it.

Yes the British Army was in N.Ireland to protect the British people there. If you came in contact with them then no doubt you deserved what you got. I'm sure things they have done at times that were not appropriate. That's normal - soldiers are people.

Planting bombs in London or elsewhere in the UK to blow up as many men women and children as possible, putting nails & ballbearings in the bombs to inflict as much death as possible can never be justified. If you try to justify it then your are nothing but scum.

How could I deserve what I got,when I was born and lived there.R would that be a crime, or in your eyes a terrorist action.

It would be neither.

Drew,Take it from me,the British Army are the world leaders in controling a population.Theyve been at it for 800 years in this country,and at present they use it very successfully in Iraq,not too many Brits killed there yet,their very suttle,but very ruthless in their ways,like i said,unfortunatly,i have first hand experience,of how the British Empire controlled half the world.Ive been wondering,is there a bit of anti Irishness in your threads,r do you just believe everything Americas allies say.

Ive been wondering,is there a bit of anti Irishness in your threads

I don't agree with people who accuse others of anti-Americanism, and I call bullshit on your claim too. Being against nationalism is never a bad thing. If you think he's racist, just say so.

Drew,Take it from me,the British Army are the world leaders in controling a population.Theyve been at it for 800 years in this country,and at present they use it very successfully in Iraq,not too many Brits killed there yet,their very suttle,but very ruthless in their ways,like i said,unfortunatly,i have first hand experience,of how the British Empire controlled half the world.Ive been wondering,is there a bit of anti Irishness in your threads,r do you just believe everything Americas allies say.

I'm not anti irish. I think the issue is plain & simple.

- Northern Ireland is British. The vast majority of the people there were born British and want to remain British.

- The British army have only been there to protect British citizens from terrorists.

- The IRA have planted bombs many times to kill countless innocent men women and children for a cause they can never win.

It's very clear which side is right. You say you've had experience of all this - likewise I have had experience of growing up not knowing if an IRA bomb was going to go off.

Anecdotal knowledge usually is the most reliable.

You call yourself 'old reb' but lecture Irish republicans. Brillaint.



Then you're lucky, you obviously don't know many British. Try wearing a Celtic top in a protestant area.


Let me see, You are flying a communist flag, you support killing innocent civilians just because they are Protestant or English. Brilliant! I would never support such a creature. One doesn't have to be a genius to see that you are wrong.

When the South tried to break off the Union, we fought army to army and when the war was over we worked together to rebuild a great country. There was no orders from above to massacre innocent civilians because we were whipped by the Yankee army and bitter.

Have you ever considered just living in peace with people who have different religions and backgrounds?

Well I dont know were u grew up,but if it was in New Orleans u had a lot of wakeless nights for nothing worrying about ira bombs wakening u up.as ive already said,N Ireland has a false built in pro British majority,the people of Ireland voted to remove the British in 1918,this was totally ignored by the British who after 3 years of war withdrew to the six north eastern counties and and drew a line across the map,that dosnt make it any more right.

I grew up in the UK - not New Orleans.

I think it's time for you to stop crying about things that happened a 100 years ago & accept the reality of Northern Ireland. N.Ireland will NEVER ben part of Ireland and will always be part of the Britain. It's that simple.

Well Drew,the Irish people never accepted British rule for over 800 years now,I will accept that I probaly will never see the day,but I hope my kids see an end to British involvement in my country.I thought you as an American would understand how important Freedom is.