Rory McIlroy could skip Olympics rather than choose between Britain and Ireland

Why all the problems with Rory's Britishness? We all know, don't we, that the large majority of people born in counties Down and Antrim say they are British and that their loyalty is to the British crown? Why are so many people surprised about this? Why are so many people just plain uninformed? From a proud Irishman, Co. Antrim man, British and loyal to the Queen. Rgs p.s. We're all Irish, and Ireland is just strange like that - accept it, stop being bigoted!

McIllroys problem seems to be he would prefer to play for Britain(which does not represent the north in golf). He seems more in tuine with those in the north who murdered his uncle than his Irish heritage.

sitting out for the Olympics is highly sensible.

Geography of scale predicates politics. If the RMS Titanic sank due to faulty boltholes, would it not make sense for the HMS UK to loosen a few intra-nations bolt holes to allow democracy flourish. A provincially federated Island Ireland, in a 16.5 degree confederation with the a federated Island of Great Britain (GB), in a strategic anglophonic alliance of the British and/or Irish Isles witin the Towering Babel of the European Union (EU), and a partnership of equals within the Commonwealth of Nations (CoN), seems a fairly comprehensive resolution to the imponderable conundrum of the inately troubled Northern Ireland (NI).

Mc Ilroy might solve his problem if if he remembered who paid for his coaching !!!

How far we have come. lol Hardly a blink when Barry Mc Guigan nearly crashed his car in his hurry to Belfast to collect his British passport.

In reality, "britain" should be comprised of several independent teams, including Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and England. Of course, the occupied statelet is a contrived and failed state and should be disbanded and merged into the ROI.

Their is only one internationally recognised golfing association for all of Ireland and Rory has obligations to that body. No Guts no glory McIllroy.

I agree with Searlit, my favourite most sensible IC poster. However, I think the suggestion of Fran Connor, Jan 04, 09.33am sorts out Rory’s dilemma. After all, the Olympic Games are not about allegiance to countries but about actually participating at the highest levels of any sports at world-quality level.

eph: Eventhe BBC no longer refers to them as the British Isles. It is the Island of Britain, and the island of Ireland. Pretty simple.

When in doubt, always go for the synthesis of the dialectical equation. Choose Team GB (Great Britain). Choose Team Ireland. Or choose Team Ulster/NI (ie choose Team British and/or Irish Isles. Choose Team Isle of Mann. Choose Team EU (European Union). Or choose Team Malvinas. Ya see Rúadhrí, loadsa choices! Best of Irish luck, young man!

Ephraim - You do not know what you are talking about and are clearly ignorant of geography, physical and political. The island of Ireland is is not part of the "British Isles". Get with it man!

There are some things in this World not Open for competition. Like Integrity, Sobriety, and Citizenship. Maybe a better to forego Any Olympic stand between Britain and Ireland. For Both are BRITISH for they are The British Isles and Irelands Isles

He's so Irish, just look at the way he's taking it to heart. So let him work it out for himself. Imagine the honour though, if he plays for Ireland at the Olympics.

Was he born in England or Ireland.He has no guts.