when the dust settles do you think ............

that ordinary US citizens will continue to fund the the IRA cause over here? I hope not and that the attack on the US has made them see sense.

did you know that the US has lost as many people in one day as the N Ireland has lost during the 'troubles'

Mark

I've never understood why "Northern" Ireland is not just plain "Ireland". Is it not part of your own island? I doubt Britian would lose anything if it were just part of Ireland. You'll still be allies and the resources will still be availible between both countires. I know it's much deeper than that, but it seems pretty simple to me. It would seem that both countries would benefit from just letting Ireland have that little chunk of land. What's the difference?...it'll still be part of the UK. Again, pardon me if I am being simple-minded.

You know, Mark, one of the things I though about last Tuesday was that this is how many other people in other countries live on a day to day basis- and I thought of all the bloodshed in Ireland, and other places as well....
I hope that this "war" on terorism does not end with just the bin Laden thing, but all terrorists as well....
JSS

Mark

I certainly hope so, I think only a fool will go out with a Noraid tin for the time being.

Martyboy,

The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, various islands and England make up the UK.

If it were that simple don't you think we'd have already done that? Conflicts go back more years than you can imagine and some even state it goes back as far as the Norman invasion of Ireland in the latter half of the 1100's by Henry II.

Whatever the original reasons were the recent history (in shortened form) is, in the early part of the century there were people in the whole of Ireland that wanted to become a republic but there were also quite a number who wished to remain as part of Great Britain. In 1921 the 6 counties were retained by Britain as part of a compromise because they were the counties which could be comfortably held with the majority being in favour of the union with Great Britain, hence the United Kingdom was born. Northern Irish government was subordinate to the UK but still held onto things like policing and local government issues. Some republicans were unhappy with the decision and resolved to keep up their efforts in what ever manner they could to make the whole of Ireland a republic.

The majority of the British people do not want any more problems any more than the majority of the Northern Irish people do.

My mistake...I thought they were part of the UK. Wouldn't be a bad idea though, would it? I'm sure there are many feelings about this issue over there and anything you do would surely be met with resistance. But since you're really allies and no real assets would be lost...well, that's where I came up with the thought fo Ireland being united to the north. I can't ever see a time when you guys will not be allies.

Marty

For the past 10 years or so we have been negotiating to hand NI to the Republic.

This message was edited Tuesday, Sep 18th 1:59 PM

Martyboy, maybe the US should be given back to the Native Americans!!

Mark

Nice try...but haven't we had enough bickering for awhile? I thought I was actually being rather friendly to you, but I guess you didn't take it that way. I'm not going to get into a debate of native people of any one country. Just about every country on this planet has taken land from other people. Right or wrong, that's history.

I just re-read your post. I guess I took it the wrong way. You must be against re-unification and I understand why you'd be upset with my thoughts on this subject. I didn't mean to offend you. It's a touchy subject, I'm sure.

This message was edited Tuesday, Sep 18th 6:14 PM

Martyboy, I'm the last person in DG that would want to annoy someone else on purpose.

the last post was supposed to be a little tongue in cheek.

changing the subject slightly .... the 6 counties aka Ulster aka N Ireland were occupied mainly by protestant Scottish farmers who didnt want to become part of the Catholic Southern Ireland. that's why we have close ties to Scotland and why our accent is scottish sounding.

from today I will never mention N Ireland, the people or 'the cause'except for when it comes to gardening and gardens to visit.

Mark
who is neither a prod or a catholic and wishes the IRA would give up one bullet as a gesture towards peace.

Ok, thanks Mark...and sorry. Either way, I do know it's a great place to have a garden. They look great.

hugs all round then? ;-)

Mark

LOL...you got it brother....lol

Mark

I agree with you entirely on your bullet remark! I also hope that you don't give up telling us about NI entirely as much as its frustrating and upsetting. Without understanding, the troubles will just continue as infinitum and I'm sure very few want that.

Marty

Not only do the Irish and NI people have great gardens they also have a very beautiful country on the whole. They are a great bunch of people with a very good sense of humour if you ever get the chance to visit, do so.

Funny you should mention that, because my wife and I have talked about going there on vacation. It's just a matter of saving the money to do it. It'll be a few years, but I'm sure I'll make it there someday.

Got to disagree,Mark !
Ulster is made up of nine counties, 3 of them in the Republic..although I have heard many people including BBC newsreaders and reporters refer to Northern Ireland as 'Ulster'so maybe you can get away with 'aka' . However it must be kind of annoying for folks in Donegal, for instance .
Your gardening friend in the south :-)
Jane

OK Jane when you see me next kick me round the garden and throw me in your pond!! only joking about the last bit as I cant swim.

Mark