Tim Pat Coogan book tour canceled after visa refusal

That's a shame. I really like his books. Any particular reason given for this? He's been here before. It seems odd he would be denied now.

The story doesn't make it clear whether it is the U.S. government or the Irish government that is refusing him the visa.

I think you will find the answer in the british government calling in a favour

Big Willy seems to repeat the same cartoon history in response to every article - in this case it relates to nothing.

Snivveling Will hamilton's ignorance of Ireland. The king of Leinster was more than a tribal chief and Coogan is a thorn in the side of the terrorist British establishment. Little Willie is jealous because his Scottish ancestors went cap in hand to an english king and begged forgiveness, sour grapes old boy.

Poor oul Tim Pat, who looks as far from a famine as a lake looks from a drought, can't get a visa. It's all part of the Plastic Paddy Land "800 years of English oppression". That started when an Irish tribal chief went the Henry II to ask for help knocking off some of his fellow Irish rivals in return for his title. The invited guests who arrived heavily armed were French speaking Anglo Normans who were occupying the English. When they attacked Dublin it was held by Viking Norsemen. Henry II was given authority to rule Ireland by a Roman Pope whose organisation is still occupying the island today.

Looking at the size of them I think they were afraid he'd cause a famine over there.

"I was talking to a couple of English lads several weeks ago, and they were amazed to hear that my father's generation absolutely hated the British. I explained why, the 800 years of occupation, the works of Oliver Cromwell, the behavior of the Brits during the recurring famine, etc. etc., etc. They had never heard of all that. With that in mind, Tim Pat Coogan's situation and the on-going campaign of the Brits to deny history fits right in." The post-colonial self hatred in Ireland is strong and heavily exploited by the Dublin establishment. Thus any "historical" work which exculpates britain and villifies indigenous nationalism is lauded as an intellectual achievement no matter how gimmicky.

More evidence that Obama hates the Irish.

I was talking to a couple of English lads several weeks ago, and they were amazed to hear that my father's generation absolutely hated the British. I explained why, the 800 years of occupation, the works of Oliver Cromwell, the behavior of the Brits during the recurring famine, etc. etc., etc. They had never heard of all that. With that in mind, Tim Pat Coogan's situation and the on-going campaign of the Brits to deny history fits right in.

How many of the 30 writers here took the time to post a letter to a member of congress requesting and explanation. How about a letter to the President. How many called their Congressional representative or senator? Thought so! If you do decide to write, don't waste your time on an email. One letter or phone call is worth the equivilant of 200 emails or thereabouts.

Sorry Seano. Was just pointing out that that theres no problem getting in if they know you`re going to say what they want to hear.

irishcoffeekid, if he is being paid to speak - he is working - so he will need a visa then it becomes an issue as to what he is earning and what visa he requested! Not enough information in the article to make a determination!

"He was refused a visa because he exceeded the historical baggage limit.". That, a good one, Hamilton. Finally someone on this site who is nearly as witty as me.

I have no problem with what you say seamus