74 Comments

• Keith TYnan | Aug 22, 2012, 08:43 AM EDT

  As a man of two countries I find it hard, sometimes, to sort out what I think about the various national issues. This Che Guevara thing, though, leaves me with few doubts. He wasn't interested in Ireland or her people, and he most certainly did commit monstrous acts in the name of his political ideal. To allow US opinion to drive Irish policy would be a lessening of us all, but is there any real need to go insulting them, especially over someone with as mixed a history as Che Guevara? We should honor people not only for where they're from, but also for what they stand for and (perhaps most importantly) how they move us forward as a people. Think about this a bit: wouldn't we all be better off celebrating our strengthening ties with China rather than our tenuous connection to a notorious and questionable man who advocated nuclear war?

• staker42 | Aug 07, 2012, 05:02 PM EDT

  Town gate your comments show your ignorance on economics especially when at least 11% of your GDP comes from tourism. If everyone in Ireland is so in love with Che and Cuba why don't the thousands of Irish who have left in the last couple of years and are still leaving go to Cuba instead of to those nasty bastions of capitalism like the USA, Australia and Canada.

• BrianO | Aug 07, 2012, 10:12 AM EDT

  BLah,blah,blah,blah blah, blah. third time this articles been reused, is everyone that writes for IC on vacation.

• IrelandNorth | Aug 07, 2012, 07:46 AM EDT

  During the 2011 Irish presidential election, the recently elected Fine Gael (FG) 26 county majority government spread black propaganda that a centrist Sinn Fein presidency would alienate US investment in Ireland. This was bitterly denied by Irish-American billionaire philantrophist Chuck Feeney by pod cast on the McGuinness4President website. Mr Feeney recently announced he's pulling out all funding for altruistic projects in Ireland by 2016 - the centenary of the 1916 Rising! Any correlation? If so, how will FG explain the loss of funding to these projectees. Now a centre-right Fine Gael councillor is playing party political football with a centre-left Labour Party motion, to the detriment of Ireland generally. To my certain knowledge, no Irish politician, has ever presumed to dic[k]tate to any US administration what monuments should be erected there. Ireland celebrates all her Irish diaspora equally, whether American or Argentinian. Mr King is well aware of Ireland's tragic experience of British imperialist interference. It would be a shame to replace it with an American equivalent. Self-seeking Irish politicians are gamabling with Ireland's sovereignty to the detriment of its citizenry.

• jamieLM | Aug 06, 2012, 06:40 PM EDT

  This is just one politician's opinion. If the people of Galway can't think of anyone else in Ireland more deserving of the honor of a statue and want to spend their money on it, then go for it. I really don't care if they put up 100 statues of this guy. It's up to them. I won't be wasting any of my time to see it, though. Ireland has much better things for me to visit than a statue to Che Guevara.

• mamaginnty | Aug 06, 2012, 12:25 PM EDT

  Ah they won't touch us here in Ireland, sure we only have a small amount of oil.

• eiriamach | Aug 06, 2012, 10:20 AM EDT

  What does Peter King fear, really? He fears a mere symbol of the revolutionary spirit that can arise when workers are burdened with high unemployment, heavy taxes to support corporate welfare and low-to-no tax on millionaires, and the corrupt politicians who profit from and protect this system. He fears the middle class' growing distrust of capitalists, its demand for tight regulation of banks and Wall Street. He fears an American 26th of July Movement arising if the plutocrats, empowered by the Supreme Court's "Citizens United" decision, succeed in buying the next US election. All of this adds up to a good reason to raise a monument to Che anywhere anyone wants to do so, if only to keep right-wing zombies like Peter King on edge. Thanks, Galway.

• rainbowbrew | Aug 06, 2012, 10:19 AM EDT

  Folks I am so sorry about our Congresscritters here in the USA. My apologies to the IRISH, Mr King represents himself not the rest of us. Here is the note I sent him::: Dear Mr. King, I would like you to cease and desist your opinions and threats to the state of Ireland. I frequently Ireland and you sir are puuting me at risk. Irish do not like ugly Americans telling them what to do. If you are a man you would look at the USA's history and know that we are capable of doing much more harm (Iraq, Drug War) that a statue of Che. In addition he was a freedome fighter and by taking this stupid threat to the irish you are being quite hypocritical but then I guess we AMERICANS are being to realize that you congresscritters are that way and you also lie to get your way. You have no ground to stand on, not an iota. I asked that you shut your mouth in regards to the Irish. XXX XXXXXX An unimportant citizen of the USA.

• Nicopernicus | Aug 06, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT

  As an issue of Irish American relations...it means nothing...for a congressmen on long Island it apparently means alot. The citizenry in America ought to get there politicians to focus on problems in there districts not get headlines from across the sea. As far as Che goes if the Irish want to follow this fella and raise memorials to him...so be it, then you have a place to go a visualize why your in the state your in.

• YoungPike | Aug 06, 2012, 10:13 AM EDT

  Erect the statue and sod the Yanks! Ireland is a free and independent country. The USA is an interfering imperialist bully. As the great Pete Townshend said, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!"

• TheOldPerfessor | Aug 06, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT

  Great to see that the good congressman can take time off from stirring up hate against Muslims and tackle the real burning issue of the day for Long Islanders.

• seagreen | Aug 06, 2012, 09:33 AM EDT

  Let Mr King be honest about it all. A 12 ft. statue of Fulgencio Batista, and a photo gallery of the American mobsters that were running Havana at that time would be appropriate in his district. Perhaps some sort of a memorial I.E. little white crosses for the thousands that were disappeared during the Batista regime. Guevera was a physician that came from money, that was tired of seeing abject poverty. The newly arrived Irish/Ameriican right ,is like an Albatross who's wings are too short, and Mr King is the mouthpiece.

• joanxis | Aug 06, 2012, 09:00 AM EDT

  Still smells like blackmail to me - or a 5 year old that says, "If you don't do as I say, I'll take my toys and go home." So you go. I'm sure there will still be help from the US from other people here.

• ciaradexy | Aug 06, 2012, 06:37 AM EDT

  Why is a statue in Galway any business of America?

• Happyhippo | Aug 06, 2012, 06:33 AM EDT

  @pilib04 Don't you mean was a sovereign country until the IMF arrived, another American organisation.

• bogsidebunny | Aug 06, 2012, 02:55 AM EDT

  Shake away Renelda M. It's just the big dog biting the snippy little dog in the ass to teach him/her a lesson in life. Don't mess with the best or you'll suffer the consequences. And to the Irish, withdrawl of Moola is the worst consequence they could ever imagine.

• Renelda M. | Aug 05, 2012, 10:38 PM EDT

  UNBELIEVABLE. That America via a politician, should dare to threaten Ireland's Galway with suspension of funds if they erect a statue of Che Guevarra. What hubris. What gall!!! As an American I can only shake my head in disgust.

• eirefest2 | Aug 05, 2012, 10:30 PM EDT

  I am with Congressman Peter King. We have been instrumental in aiding Ireland when it was necessary and is still doing so. I am a descendant of an Irish grandfather and grandmother. I have a large family (cousins) residing in Galway. I must ask why you wish to slap the United States, my country, in the face?

• Eschetic | Aug 05, 2012, 09:33 PM EDT

  This is such old news (and "leading U.S. politician" is a *bit* of a stretch), why does Irish Central continue to give this "wack-a-doodle" publicity that makes the rest of the country look bad? Or does that answer the question? The only ramifications this statue might have is to have perhaps half a dozen U.S. tourist fans of EVITA add Galway to their itineraries when they visit Ireland.

• seanomelb | Aug 05, 2012, 07:27 PM EDT

  F off King and mind your own business you right wing GOP cretin!!

• brianmack | Aug 05, 2012, 07:07 PM EDT

  I won't mention his name, so as not to give any further PR, but this man is such an embarrassment. The United States policy on Cuba is even worse. Listed as a world terrorist country. China and Vietnam, killing tens of thousands American's (and one of my best friends) is just fine. Cuba has never killed an American since I can remember. Che is an idol, not to me, but to many. Just visit South America and every city has pictures of him. (Most of these countries are a bit poor...)

• mairint | Aug 05, 2012, 07:04 PM EDT

  We never knew Galway was such a fan of Communism. How can true Irishmen compare the bandito Guevara to an Irish leader? I have an idea - let Billy Cameron dress himself in a Che G. sort of garb and spray paint himself in silver. He can then pose on a box at a suitable monument site in Galway. He would be sure to have some euros dropped at his feet. Problem solved and Billy C. can prove how genuine he is in promoting Guevara.

• abhainn | Aug 05, 2012, 06:28 PM EDT

  Cillowen, the Young Irelander John Mitchell was an nineteenth century figure who lived at a time when the "commie card" concept did not exist in Ireland.

• pilib04 | Aug 05, 2012, 06:19 PM EDT

  The National Review (ha ha) picture of the monument is truly inspiring.

• pilib04 | Aug 05, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT

  Bippybillito, stay home. You have no right to impose your politics on the people of Ireland. Ireland is a sovereign country.

• cillowen | Aug 05, 2012, 06:07 PM EDT

  the commie card was played against John Michel of young Irelander fame - a true irish patriot. King is but a weasel.

• pilib04 | Aug 05, 2012, 06:05 PM EDT

  Peter King, what Galway does is none of your business. Stick with Long Island. You have enough problems there.

• abhainn | Aug 05, 2012, 06:00 PM EDT

  The late Gore Vidal was right, God rest his soul. America wants to be an empire, getting into everyone's concerns. The publicity-seeking Peter Long should keep his long snout out of Irish affairs that don't concern him. The late William S. Burroughs, God rest his soul, said that Americans can't mind their own business, and he was right, too. And there is no point in Ileana Ros-Lehtinen giving a letter to the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, because the erection in question is a matter for Galway City Council, not a national government matter, so it is out of the Taoiseach's jurisdiction. But the worst of them all is the quisling crybaby, the Fine Gael councillor Padraig Conneely, who ran telling tales to the United States. What an abject sleeveen and coward this pathetic man is.

• Happyhippo | Aug 05, 2012, 05:31 PM EDT

  What is the real reason for this proposal is it that Galway city council is controlled by communists,is it to generate tourism for Galway, or as a another structure for Pigeons to leave their droppings.

• markday | Aug 05, 2012, 05:06 PM EDT

  King, the right wing phony, has never hidden his allegiance to the IRA. But interesting how he would denounce a hero for millions of Latin Americans. More needs to be written on "How the Irish became racist." I rest my case.....

• jmchrystal | Aug 05, 2012, 05:03 PM EDT

  Totally inappropriate for any American political figure to issue any "warnings" about what the people of any city in another country wants to erect in their city. Pure ethnocentric stupidity! Peter King should be laughed out of office!

• EphraimKibbey | Aug 05, 2012, 05:02 PM EDT

  And what effect does Peter King think threatening an Irishman and telling him he can't do something might achieve?

• Towngate | Aug 05, 2012, 04:27 PM EDT

  Stiofain @04.08 ... from your long stays you will know that genuine visitors who respect the wishes and will of the locals without bullying them and making conditions,there will always be a special céad míle fáilte.(welcome).

• joanxis | Aug 05, 2012, 04:23 PM EDT

  When I read the title of this article - I thought to myself - It's got to be a republican. Only they would have the arrogance to try and tell another country what they can and cannot do. I know, I was generalizing, which I shouldn't have done, but that's my typical mindset when I hear such things. Sounds a bit like blackmail to me, Mr. King and I agree, as an American I am definitely not insulted by the prospect of this statue.

• Stiofain | Aug 05, 2012, 04:08 PM EDT

  TOWNGATE: Even though my father was born in Ireland and have visited many times (long stays) I guess I am no longer welcome. How come so people come down on Che, but they never cry for the victims of Batista/Mafia/USA?

• Bhrighde | Aug 05, 2012, 04:02 PM EDT

  How does a statue of Che insult Americans? I'm an American and I don't find it insulting, I find it honest. And I would come to Galway and enjoy seeing this statue. It comes down to this; are you for profit, or are you for people? Che was for people.

• seagreen | Aug 05, 2012, 03:21 PM EDT

  Mr King, the the spouting Ham and Egger from Long Island. He never misses a chance to chastise any group or action that will directly or indirectly result in some form of enhancement to his political status within his district. Of course out side of his electoral area, he is considered a buffoon. He has a key protruding from the back of his suit that can be wound when needed by the right wing bumper sticker patriots. Rumors are that an American aircraft carrier is headed for Bantry Bay to monitor the situation

• Silling | Aug 05, 2012, 02:53 PM EDT

  Is there not a statue to Admiral William Brown in Dublin? He was born in Mayo and known as the father of the Argentine navy. It would be fitting to have a statue of Che Guevara in Galway Bay.

• WoundedKnee | Aug 05, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT

  What statue would be useful to deter people on permanent vacation from Poland?

• Towngate | Aug 05, 2012, 02:32 PM EDT

  If a statue to Che is all it takes to keep them darn Pesky Americanians away, I am surprised there is not one planned for every Irish Sea and Airport. ~ ~ ~ Now, if the inscription on the plinth said "Che gave his Life to end Ireland's 12.5% Trading Tax" - I could understand them getting really upset!

• JBRAFTREE | Aug 05, 2012, 02:12 PM EDT

  I've said before, we can show our dislike about things done in Ireland, but's sure as hell not up to us to dictate anything to Galway. If our politicians actually were demanding, they were in the wrong.

• Robbie69 | Aug 05, 2012, 01:37 PM EDT

  Isn't this an internal affair to be decided by the Irish people? If Republican politicians in the States find the statue objectionable, they can always make a drone strike on Galway and blast the statue to smithereens! At least, that is what the U.S. is doing to U.S. citizens in Yemen and Pakistan. Talk about interferring in the internal affairs of another country! But I didn't know the U.S. government had Che Guevara on their "death list" even though he was captured by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces and executed.

• occassio | Aug 05, 2012, 01:21 PM EDT

  I do agree with BigDaddy regarding the political duplicity of the U.S. We certainly have the gall to interfere in Ireland’s internal affairs when we already are neck deep in the Middle East, still dealing with the controversy over rendition flights in and out of Shannon airport and have continued to ban trade with Cuba based on the Miami Cuban political lobby. Yet, we continue to support repressive regimes like Russia and China. We follow our politico-economic interests no matter what the toll on that country’s general population yet, threaten, shout and cajole when independent or opposing opinions arise. I doubt that Che will be the gating factor for a drop in tourism to Galway or Ireland. The U.S has economic and social crises on which we need to concentrate. It makes estimable sense to take care of our own internal issues before we dictate to Ireland about theirs.

• GregShox | Aug 05, 2012, 01:21 PM EDT

  Peter King's comments are like something a Soviet-era Politburo member might say. Actually, they remind me of the reaction by extreme Muslims when the Danish newspaper published disrespectful pictures of Muhammad. Is Mr King a Communist or a Muslim cleric?

• occassio | Aug 05, 2012, 01:21 PM EDT

  I thought this issue was closed due to U.S. influence. At any rate, keep the debate focused on the issue. The issue may not be related to the IRA, Catholicism or Bobby Sands. Galway’s officials are the ones who need to perform due diligence regarding Che Guevara’s Argentinian history and revolutionary activities. I think that many Americans don’t have a clear understanding of Latin-American history, Cuba’s revolutionary movement or Che’s role in it. Part of the reason for the revolution was to overthrow the repressive U.S.-backed Batista regime that had aligned itself with the American Mafia and their lucrative businesses in Cuba. The history is interesting but not a quick study.

• Porickseantuny | Aug 05, 2012, 01:11 PM EDT

  My Irish mother said never go where you're not wanted. Now despite my Father's Galwegian roots, I'll have no doubts about visiting elsewhere than Galway.

• staker42 | Aug 05, 2012, 01:09 PM EDT

  Hooray for Peter King and disgust for all you leftist liberal pseudo intellectuals who want to insult the USA. Having come from Ireland I am ashamed of a country who has forgotten who their real friends are. Tell Adams tell Kenny and all your other politicians to stay at home and don't come running to America to bail you out every time you have a problem and I am not just talking about now i am talking about thru about history. II hope Obama passes the 12 1/2% corporate tax in the USA and give all those American companies who employ thousands in ireland a reason to leave. I regret I have already booked for Ireland this year.

• BigDaddy | Aug 05, 2012, 01:08 PM EDT

  Murph...if it is in the best interests of those involved to invest in Ireland that is what they will do. I sincerely doubt that you have invested a dime in Ireland and you are not responsible for sending investment Ireland's way, so why the "we di[sin]vest" threat? What is happening here is what you see when people tell the bully to "STFU"! No more. And who cares about a statue, really? Does anyone really think Bippy Bellito's family will not get to see "their homeland" because of a statue that they will never personally see? It's just ideology and threats and keeping people uninformed. No more.

• GregShox | Aug 05, 2012, 01:04 PM EDT

  Wait. American multinationals base their commercial decisions on the standard of local artwork, not on maximising profits for their shareholders? Is that right?

• BippyBellito | Aug 05, 2012, 12:51 PM EDT

  My family of 8 have been planning a trip to Ireland. My plan was to show them the place of my Grandfather and Grandmother's birth and to sho them the beauty of Ireland I have seen many times over. To come to Ireland, when a city like Galway insults the U.S. is something I cannot do. Put up your statue. Then, Kiss my Irish American Arse.

• TayandCake | Aug 05, 2012, 12:50 PM EDT

  A statue of this bloke Peter King being mauled to death by zombie otters would be my choice while a zombie Che dressed in a polka dot dress laughs on

• TayandCake | Aug 05, 2012, 12:47 PM EDT

  FFS fuss over nothing, theres a statue in USA to a KKK bloke, Forest his name be I think. And one or two others who gave the Native Tribes a very hard time.

• Murph46 | Aug 05, 2012, 12:40 PM EDT

  You are absolutely right,we (America)have no right to tell other nations what to do.We do however reserve the right to deliver aid,and investment to friendly governments so don't cry if we disinvest (the latest was an 85 million investment)in Ireland!

• branagh | Aug 05, 2012, 12:34 PM EDT

  A nice memorial to CHE in Galway would provide a counterpoint to JFKs in Eyre Square. JFK squandered alot of his time as president after the Bay of Pigs debacle in devising murder plots on Castro (and,of course other leaders). As Bob Dylan said at the time-"the chickens have come home to roost". Thanks to Castro and CHE,much of Latin America is throwing off the Yankee yoke!

• bunkerisland | Aug 05, 2012, 12:16 PM EDT

  Guess it was Che that learned from M. Collins.

• bunkerisland | Aug 05, 2012, 12:14 PM EDT

  Che's objective was to throw off the yoke of the imperialist oppressor, then being the US and its exploitation of many S American countries and peoples as well as Cuba. Peter King is one of those who continues to believe that Amerika can tell others what to do. Ireland has its own neighboring oppressor. Michael Collins probably learned a lot from Che. And let us not forget the CIA was instrumental in the physicians death. Focus on your own needs in the States Mr. King.

• BigDaddy | Aug 05, 2012, 12:14 PM EDT

  el rubio...what is it about butchery that offends you? Is it the ideology that prompted it or the act itself?

• joan1954 | Aug 05, 2012, 12:12 PM EDT

  America has no right to tell other nations what to do but considering that most multi-nationals who have set up in Galway are American, pressure can be put to bear on them to downsize. Companies that come to mind are Boston Scientific and MedTronic. Now could Galway have indigenous firms who could pick up these downsized worker, well, I don't know. Che Guevera was a killer of the first order and I would rather see a statue to Bobby Sands before him.

• BigDaddy | Aug 05, 2012, 12:11 PM EDT

  el rubio...what is it about butchery that offends you? Is it the ideology that prompted it or the butchery itself?

• BigDaddy | Aug 05, 2012, 12:08 PM EDT

  dev4...Thanks for proving my point. Just to show you how little you know, if you consider yourself a Christian, you would know that communism is what GOD wants. Mobil, Exxon, Monsanto, etc. may like capitalism but God wanted you to be a communist. If your God is a "commie", why aren't you?

• tomgallagher | Aug 05, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT

  Congressman King should mind his own business.

• el rubio | Aug 05, 2012, 11:34 AM EDT

  As an Irish-American and a New Yorker, I am thankful for Congressman King for speaking out, civilly, I might add, against this obscene memorial to a Stalinist butcher. However, I am not encouraged that his words will have any effect on this project, as the New Post-Catholic Ireland seems determined to alienate ethnic Irish-Catholics in the United States in a misguided effort to (fundamentally) transform itself. As a member of the Diaspora, I hope that other Irish-Americans speak out, as friends, urging that this statue never see the light of day.

• wjb1tex | Aug 05, 2012, 11:27 AM EDT

  I don't think he said you can't do it. He said it could have an impact on American investment in Ireland. That could well be true. Choosing not to invest is the same as choosing not to buy chicken at a fast food place. Warning the owner that his actions might cause a loss of business is the same thing as I see it. Representative King may lose support because of his stance. That is the right of the voters (investors)

• redhand32 | Aug 05, 2012, 11:02 AM EDT

  Viva the Revolution. To Pete King, "dev4," "dickmac [just drop the mac,-- DICK !], and other assorted right wingnut butinskys, how about a nice hot cup of STFU. What gives you reactionary fascists,the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another country ? Oh, sorry, you're right wing Amerikans, that's what you do ! I'm a real American, I read, think, Fox "News" not included on channel selector.

• McNamara31 | Aug 05, 2012, 11:01 AM EDT

  Mr King This is Galway's decision not yours and you should have the common (and political)sense to realize this as so.

• dev4 | Aug 05, 2012, 10:50 AM EDT

  social justice code word for commie.

• BigDaddy | Aug 05, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT

  Peter King is a pimp for the capitalists who want to remove from public discussion any mention of social justice. Some people say socialist as if it is foul but that is what rich, fearful people do. They pollute the public discussion and make simpleminded people think as they want them to think. America used to say they praised intelligence but that lasted only as long as it took to see that all intelligent people weren't drinking the Ayn Rand Kool-Aid. Now, watching Fox News and "having an opinion" are equal in value with a university education. So, if you build the statue, we will stop allowing you a place at the trough. Simple. And if you don't believe they can do it, remember that they made people believe the word liberal was a bad thing, that global warming wasn't real, that GMOs in your food and steroids in your milk and chemicals in your water were alright. So what if your kitchen faucet catches fire? Just thank God that we allow you to live here. The best part is that if the statue gets erected and they start to subvert your economy, they will call you a conspiracy theorist when you point out what they are doing. And their grateful slaves will throw rocks at you.

• Portia777 | Aug 05, 2012, 10:39 AM EDT

  Since when did we Irish take orders from USA? We are free sovereign beings. I assume Mr King realizes that his words are threats= crime.

• crny925 | Aug 05, 2012, 10:38 AM EDT

  The U.S. has no business telling Ireland what to do... and cutting ties? Give me a break!

• KevinKehoe | Aug 05, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT

  Peter King, Ros-Lehtinen and the rest of the far-right extremist’s keep your noses out of Irish affairs. Mind your own dam business. Concentrate your efforts on justice for the Cuban 5 who are incarcerated in US prison for exposing terrorists' who bombed civilians in Havana.

• dickmac | Aug 05, 2012, 10:12 AM EDT

  Iam 110% against this Che Guevara stautue tribute. This man IS DIRECTLY responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent lives and was very publically anti Catholic.

• ancavker | Aug 05, 2012, 10:08 AM EDT

  But would they build one for Bobby Sands?

• DrTrelawney | Aug 05, 2012, 09:41 AM EDT

  The hypocrisy of Peter King making this statement is quite staggering. He spent decades supporting the IRA when -- driven by a Marxist ideology -- they orchestrated the killing of blameless civilians in chip shops and at memorial services. Then he has the nerve to lecture us about putting up a statue of Ché. Mind your own bleeding business.

• Mr. Boston99 | Aug 05, 2012, 08:31 AM EDT

  I think the Irish should pay no attention to the buffoon Peter King.