Elizabeth in Ireland

[Huguenot]

I'm certainly impressed by the astounding success, engagement and resilience of 'brand' Ireland.

Of Ireland as a state I'm only lukewarm. I only believe in 'government' in its responsibility for organising services that are better overseeen as a society rather than as individuals - such as health, education, welfare, justice and international commercial relations.

I think an effective state should do this with the mandate of the people and in a way that manifestly delivers results that advantage the whole of society.

I think that Irish people themselves would be the first to ask whether this is what their current government has done, or whether they've steered somewhat to close to mismanagement and misappropriation.

[Alan Medic]

Huguenot your ignorance of the subject is only bettered by your ability to waffle. So the current government has a lot to answer for has it?

[StraferJack]

As with the uk, the Irish population need to shoulder their part in the blame game for the current situation there. Rampant greed - not unexpected for a nation which has historically been poor.

A history of indulging shyster politicians as well

The public get what the public wants.

[Huguenot]

Alan Medic, I think kellygirl was suggesting I was jealous I'm not Irish.

As I've already pointed out that I'm not someone who basks in reflected glory of other cultural achievements, she must have thought I wanted to be part of the Irish state.

I was pointing out that so far as the Irish state goes that's not limited to the current government. From Charles Haughey and Micheal Lowry's cash for favours, Bertie Ahern's unpaid 'loans', FAS payments, Anglo Irish 'loans' and the Corrib Gas fiasco.... I don't think the Irish state has covered itself in glory.

Do you?

These aren't small time rumours, these are full scale criminal proceedings.

As you point out, it's entirely possible I'm ignorant, and that all of these were false accusations?

Also mate, just to highlight it, I've not called you any names. But in that last post you called me an ignorant waffler.

I just want to remind you of that, because if you persist, you'll get really pissy when I return you the favour. ;-)

[Alan Medic]

Carry on H. Ignorant waffler doesn't do you justice. You're a highjacker of threads too.

PS

I called you ignorant because you seemed unaware that their is a new government in Ireland who haven't been there long enough to fuck things up

[Mick Mac]

There is a great book called McCarthy's Bar about travels around Ireland. He who eats too many singapore noodles goes slowly mad.

[Alan Medic]

Is it safe to come out? I guess he's in bed now with the time difference and all.

[huncamunca]

my, chewing gum withdrawal is a bit severe innit

[kellygirl]

ssshhhh... don't wake him, whatever time difference he's on.

personally i'm really glad he's not irish, or of any obvious extract... it would be rather disappointing.

yes mick mac - defo too many singapore noodles. good book that. though hugue would probably write pete off as -unentitled to an opinion- diaspora.

[????]

Hugenot trying to pick a fight which no longer exists except in the minds of a few....which ironically is what he accuses 'them' of (who ever they are, it's all vague and waffly).

You're about 10 years out of date on this...minimum.

Not your greatest hour Huge.

[Laddy Muck]

He's recharging his batteries...runs on Duracell (and noodles)...gawd help you all when he awakes.

*runs far, far away*

[huncamunca]

expats living the dream in fascist states often go off the rails.

[StraferJack]

I think the Irish psyche is best expressed in this

fine song

[mockney piers]

It's the stock in trade of greene, le carre and conrad isn't it. (the last post but one)

[huncamunca]

on a literary level yes, but sex romp liqour drug fiendery has been how the idle colonial types have always filled their time.Now with the advent of the www, they just shout at their laptop screens in the wee small hours.

[Laddy Muck]

StraferJack Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think the Irish psyche is best expressed in

> this

>

> fine song

Oh, I don't know...I saw this on a tea towel in the Irish Shop at the weekend:

In life, there are only two things to worry about?

Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, there is nothing to worry about,

But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about?

Either you will get well or you will die.

If you get well, there is nothing to worry about,

But if you die, there are only two things to worry about?

Either you will go to heaven or hell.

If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.

And if you go to hell, you?ll be so busy shaking hands with all your friends

You won?t have time to worry!

[mockney piers]

actually it's probably a combination of the two, hmmm, or five.

[Huguenot]

*tickle*

[Laddy Muck]

Is that it? *tickle*?

PERHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Alan Medic]

Huguenot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> *tickle*

Oh, you're up then?

[Laddy Muck]

Now don't antagonise White Mischief LOL...;-)

[Alan Medic]

Does he remember last night?

[Laddy Muck]

Too many noodles...

[maxxi]

StraferJack Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think the Irish psyche is best expressed in

> this

>

> fine song

And this one

shows the traditionally warm Cork approach to visiting royals.

ETA: before anyone (?) decides to launch a diatribe on the appropriateness of the sentiments expressed and/or their relevance to a thriving modern European community I feel bound to add - it was done for a laugh

[Laddy Muck]

Dear Liz hasn't returned lately...