95 Comments

• seanomelb | Aug 03, 2012, 09:14 AM EDT

  I understand your distress at the English/Irish dilemma and not knowing the english for certain geometrical shapes I have had the same experiences.In high school having an Irish/Latin dictionary and reading the life of Julius Caesar through the medium of Latin/Irish certainly seemed like the theatre of the absurd or performing the "Merchant of Venice" in Gaelic didn't seem to do the bard justice.I agree that the methods of teaching Irish was somehow flawed.I was in trouble with our history teacher for a dissertation he politically disagreed with.But its no use blaming a generation of teachers who lived through troubled times for teaching Irish history from their perspective the hurt was still fresh in their minds.I always found it disconcerting why history stopped at 1921 as if it didn't exist after that time.You take care now!!

• seanomelb | Aug 03, 2012, 03:44 AM EDT

  Hi Seán - You were lucky. I went from 5A to England, almost 15, went on September 3rd and would have been sitting my Inter the following June. As we learned all through Irish (as you know), I never heard of an isosceles triangle, or an equilateral triangle until I went to school in Leeds, started on 7th September! Irish history in England was simply "a rebellion in Dublin in 1916 was put down within a week"! "Please Father", says I, "there are books written about the Easter Rebellion in Ireland". "Gavin", says he, "you are in England now". The changeover from Irish to English was a major shock, in many unexpected ways. And you wonder why I'm "bitter and twisted"!!! BTW, it was "The White Spot" and "Hart's Corner" - the old dementia must have set in over there in Melbourne! BTW, Barber didn't teach our class full time, he just came in now and again. Good to hear you had a good life (and still are) in Melbourne. Great city - two uncles of my wife live there. I suppose you were there when the bould Ronnie won gold in the 1500 metres in 1956? I was too young!!! Take care my friend, Best Regards to you and yours. Éamonn.

• seanomelb | Aug 02, 2012, 07:31 PM EDT

  Now Eamonn don't be so bitter and twisted Egan would turn in his grave at your remarks. I think you should toddle down to "The Spot" or Hartes Cnr. for a big five.LOL I was a good student Eamonn and fortunately never had Egan as a teacher went straight from grade 5A to the scholarship class.He must have left you with a narrow point of view.BTW 93! thats a cheap shot you can do better than that.4 more years for integrity and Obama.

• EamonnDublin | Aug 02, 2012, 03:46 AM EDT

  Jays, Seán! St. Vincent's did a bad job on you! Do you REALLY think the O'Bee man has "integrity"? Maybe it's too much standing on your head down under? Best wishes on your retirement. What are you now - 93? Best Regards, Éamonn. By the way, I know the Obama family very well - his mother used to wash for us. Éamonn.

• seanomelb | Aug 02, 2012, 02:15 AM EDT

  Bush ran a business in partnership with the Bin Laden family and Moneyr sacked thousands. How easy it is to be evasive and one eyed. Some business people have no morals or ideals other than making money.As a retired business man I want four ore years of integrity under Obama.

• Donegal6 | Aug 02, 2012, 12:57 AM EDT

  The commentator refers to Romney as a buffoon. Have you successfully run several multi-million dollar enterprises?? Did George Bush?? compare apples and apples. Obama is a hard core marxist with a big anti-white chip on his shoulder. White working people are being eaten alive by taxes and as for all the poor illegal alien Mexican's streaming across our wide open border( all democrats to be)they have no trouble at all getting 5 star health care, which is financially hemorrhaging American hospitals. The people that are getting screwed are the working families that Obamacare will taxes to oblivion to pay for one's that have " worked enough" The US needs a large anti-worm pill to remove all the illegitimate hand out recipients and their cheerleader in the Whitehouse. I'm not thrilled with Romney due to some flip flopping, as they all unfortunately do, to please the crowd before them. But following the Obama path to marxism makes anything Romney puts on the table lot more appetizing IMHO.

• Donegal6 | Aug 02, 2012, 12:05 AM EDT

  Perhaps that was a veiled appeal to the KKK vote back home, but it sank like a led balloon in London. TYPO lead not led He wants personal accountability and lower taxes. What's wrong with him. We need to raise taxes the 48% of American's that pay any and let the rest sleep in and get "free everything" He's so stupid he has successfully run large companies and made more money than all of on this site put together. But all that aside, I appreciate YObama getting out of the wars completely by now and all the other promises non of which came through. I think Romney was stupid making a big deal out of anglo-saxon heritage. First most white people are genetically extremely similar so the distinctions between groups is idiotic. We are ALL part of a tiny a dwindling subset of people. One day everyone will look like Tiger woods and Obama. It is the end game of diversity. He also alienates Irish Americans because millions of us are not fond of the Royals and their ill gotten wealth, and policies of toward the Irish for hundreds of years.

• BrianO | Aug 01, 2012, 06:45 PM EDT

  Was it the sparkle in Obamas eyes that first drew you to him, Cahir. I've gotten over the heartbreak of our naked emperor, alas, I feel you never will.

• EamonnDublin | Aug 01, 2012, 04:12 PM EDT

  "EiriAmach" - Why do you ignore the fact that I clearly stated "MOST" of the media? When "MOST" is included, as I did, then you will obviously realise that I read/heard about Christians being killed in the media that DID report on it. As for the comments on "Irish Central" making a difference in the broader scheme of things, I don't really think that the IC readership (88 comments to date on this particular subject) will make much difference. I would prefer to stick to making my comments in written and spoken media that has a far larger following than IC, which I do regularly. Also, a lot of the comments on here are totally overboard, with more personal insults than insightful observations. I find that quite repulsive and time-wasting. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• eiriamach | Aug 01, 2012, 01:23 PM EDT

  EamonnDublin, if the media had not reported the killings and oppression of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, how would you know about them? Within the past 24 hours, Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has released reports on Muslims killed in Myanmar and protestors killed in Darfur, as part of the (Christian) group's ongoing focus on conflicts that oppress not only Christians but also Muslims and others. That's the point: Too often on IC, Catholics rush to the defense of their own group and ignore diatribes against others. In my experience the line between hate speech and hate crimes as well as intolerant behavior is very tenuous. I can support oppressed Christians in the Middle East only indirectly, through groups such as Amnesty Intern'l and R.E.A.L. But I can directly oppose bigotry right in front my face every day on IC! Granted, we need to focus more on one, but we can never afford to ignore the other. Bigotry in any manifestation is evil and dangerous. But if there's "no point in annoying yourself," you will ignore it and IC will receive more visits from Stormfront types who think this is fertile ground for recruiting. Regards, eiriamach.

• EamonnDublin | Aug 01, 2012, 12:54 PM EDT

  "Eiriamach" - Why do you think I have read "WizardofOz's" comment? I didn't. Still haven't. THAT is the reason I didn't "react negatively" to it! And, as I am a very strong supporter of Israel - I even attended the Israeli Ambassador's Israeli Independence Day celebrations in Dublin a few weeks ago, (and as you have informed me that his comment is anti-Semitic) I now won't even look for WizardofOz's comment - no point in annoying myself. As for "KatieMurphy"'s bombast, you are, of course, entitled to your opinion. I am a great believer in free speech. On this board, and on others, one sees the most amazing comments - biased, neutral, bigoted, angry, polite, the whole spectrum. I give my view, you give yours. Any idiot bigot can throw in his or her bile into the mix. Now, have you any views on the ongoing killings of Christians by Muslims in the Middle East and Africa - and do you have any opinions on the reason for most of the media keeping its gob firmly closed on the subject? Best Wishes, Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• eiriamach | Aug 01, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT

  EamonnDublin, I also find no bombast in KatieMurphy's posting. She summarized well known events that news media have carried, and she provided plausible interpretations. The evaluative words she used are appropriate to the behaviors described; the language is not excessive, and there are no ad hominem attacks. I would question the humanity of anyone who could read the same news reports without reacting negatively, and strongly, to the behaviors they describe. But seriously, I seriously need to understand, seriously, how you can criticize KatieMurphy and NOT react to wizardofoz's patent racism? If anything ought to "alienate a lot of people," it is that despicable anti-Semitism.

• EamonnDublin | Aug 01, 2012, 04:34 AM EDT

  "Sparklemagic" - I suggest, politely, that you look up the meaning(s) of the word "bombast". I said "less bombast, more gentle persuasion" (less rant, more gentle persuasion). The "gentle persuasion bit is the bit that signifies which meaning I am giving "bombast", i.e., the opposite of "gentle persuasion". In that context, it doesn't matter one iota whether or not "KatieMurphy" is talking facts. It's the way she is putting her views across that would alienate a lot of people - she comes over as being bombastic. That almost invariably loses a debate. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• EamonnDublin | Aug 01, 2012, 03:40 AM EDT

  Small world, Seán!! Delighted to hear we were schoolmates, of a sort! I lived on Iona Villas, off Iona Road. Walk to school, walk home for dinner (in the middle of the day in those days!), walk back to school and walk home again. Glory days!! Did you go to St. V's secondary? The Gant, Molly and Maggie - the Kerry brothers (lay teachers, not CBs), and the best athletics team in the country! I went to England when I was fifteen, went to a Jesuit grammar school. It was like moving from a concentration camp to a holiday camp (nice and good though St. V's was. We'll have to start our own thread! What years were you there? Good luck to you mate (as they say in Leeds, where I went to - and in Australia - something more in common! Have to go - surf's up! God Bless, Éamonn.

• seanomelb | Jul 31, 2012, 07:06 PM EDT

  I'm shocked Eamonn we both went to st.V's Glasnevin.My favourite teacher was Mr.Flood. WE lived in Finglas when I was at school.

• BrianO | Jul 31, 2012, 06:58 PM EDT

  Dear Cahir Obama may be as good as it gets for American presidents for you and your followers.

• BrianO | Jul 31, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT

  "Sparklemagic" - I suggest, politely, that you look up the meaning(s) of the word "bombast". I said "less bombast, more gentle persuasion" (less rant, more gentle persuasion). The "gentle persuasion bit is the bit that signifies which meaning I am giving "bombast", i.e., the opposite of "gentle persuasion". In that context, it doesn't matter one iota whether or not "KatieMurphy" is talking facts. It's the way she is putting her views across that would alienate a lot of people - she comes over as being bombastic. That almost invariably loses a debate. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• The Commentator | Jul 31, 2012, 05:01 PM EDT

  What an embarrassment for the USA to have another buffoon for a president. If that disaster occurs, at least there was an interval with Obama - a voice of reason. Limerick by actress Jessica Hynes ‘There was an old man named Mitt, who said our Olympics were s***. He wanted attention for his upcoming election but ended up looking a twit.’ At least comedians will be hoping for "Mitt the Twitt" to become president. They miss George W Bush who provided and endless supply of material for their acts.

• The Commentator | Jul 31, 2012, 12:51 PM EDT

  I believe "Mitt the Twitt" is a George W Bush rerun. His remarks remind me of the many ill informed statements that George W Bush made. His arrogant demeanour and subtle racist remarks demonstrate his early upbringing in the Mormon faith where a policy of excluding most people of black African descent (regardless of actual skin color) from Priesthood ordination and from participation in temple ceremonies is deep rooted and has not matured intellectually to reject the misguided beliefs of a small segment of society. Romney's intention to cancel "Obamacare" which is a benefit to the poor and underprivileged, many of whom are non-white is a further indication of his prejudice. His stance against abortion assistance even for rape and incest victims is another clear message that if you are poor, too bad, so sad. If you are wealthy, abortion counselling is readily available because the rich can pay. Romney's refusal to reveal his income tax returns further suggest a possibility that he has been involved in illegal financial activities or at least has been hiding money in off shore accounts. Hopefully all non rich citizens of the USA will vote for Obama. Just Saying !!!

• sparklemagic | Jul 31, 2012, 09:27 AM EDT

  I don't find anything bombastic in the claims that KatieMurphy is making, they're all public record. But this is a thread about how Mitt Romeny's tour showed he was in over his head, isn't it?

• EamonnDublin | Jul 31, 2012, 08:19 AM EDT

  "KatieMurphy" - When I was 9 years of age, my English teacher in Dublin (Brother Egan - "Barber", to those who remember him, a fine teacher) told me that a particular essay I had written would find more readers in favour of my argument if I used less bombast and more gentle persuasion. Sixty years later, I can say that his advice, when used by me, has always worked to my advantage. Sadly, it is very obvious that you either did not receive, or did not heed, the same advice. You should try it sometime. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 30, 2012, 03:05 PM EDT

  "Realist" - Could you please tell me where in my post I blamed England for Ireland's economic position? Also, I think I might have erred in considering you to be British - are you by any chance an Orange Bigot? Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 30, 2012, 02:50 PM EDT

  "Realist" - Could you please tell me where in my post I blamed England for Ireland's economic position? Also, I think I might have erred in considering you to be British - are you by any chance an Orange Bigot? Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• eiriamach | Jul 30, 2012, 12:13 PM EDT

  Yeah, I was just thinking it had been too long since IC had a fierce jolt of anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli crassness, and along comes wizardofoz to entertain us with his never-weary Worldwide Jewish Conspiracy theory: "parasitic bloodsucking mob of circumcised malefactors? But, OH…. Never criticize Israel if you want a clear run for president of the Jewish controlled USA. These guys have your gonads in their filthy hands." Will these racist diatribes wind down after the election, I wonder, or are they here to stay as the new standard in American "political" discourse?

• wizardofoz | Jul 30, 2012, 09:43 AM EDT

  Excuse me if I am wrong but wasn’t “Mitt the Twitt” just a short while ago in Israel, the greatest terrorist criminal state on earth swearing his un-dying love for this parasitic bloodsucking mob of circumcised malefactors? But, OH….Never criticize Israel if you want a clear run for president of the Jewish controlled USA. These guys have your gonads in their filthy hands and will squeeze when they feel the need. And like lambs to the slaughter, you lot will acquiesce every time. Fools!!!!

• pilib04 | Jul 29, 2012, 09:04 PM EDT

  actually cranleigh, dubya and obama have a lot in common in that regard. they were both picked as the candidate who the public would like to sit next to on a long plane flight or have a beer with. dubya had interpersonal skills, something quite lacking in the starch romney.

• seanomelb | Jul 29, 2012, 07:31 PM EDT

  Oh Eamonn!! we are are back to the "Muslim under every bed" position.I have better positions in bed and there's nor a red or a Muslim in sight (thank God) whoever he or she is LOL. Maybe you should re-phrase to the following "We bought $7billion Euros from the Brits and paid a nice interest rate" of course it was in Britain's interest to sell us the money as we are one of their biggest trading partners.Don't worry about Realist he is bitter and twisted.

• SherryKay | Jul 29, 2012, 04:38 PM EDT

  So,actually that picture of Ann Romney fancy dressage horse strapped to the jet is certainly going to remind voters of the time Mittens Romney tied his poor dog Seamus on top of his car and went on a vacation... That one set every dog lover in the world into a frenzy against Romney for it... Maybe Mitt would have been better off had he strapped in airhead peroxide blonde wife Ann Romney on top of airplane this time. Frankly I seriously doubt there is anyone on earth as dense as both Willard & Ann Romney.

• Cranleigh | Jul 29, 2012, 12:17 PM EDT

  Popel have likened Romney to Bush but Dubya was actually far better at this sort of stuff. He mightn't always have been grammatical, or even comprehensible, but he knew when to keep his mouth shut and how to chat to people in diners. These talents helped him win, sadly. When it came to small talk we found out just how utterly clueless Kerry was. I'm seeing more Kerry in Romney than Bush.

• Cranleigh | Jul 29, 2012, 11:49 AM EDT

  'England is just a small island.' What sort of anglophile thinks England is an island? It's like saying California is a small continent. Embarrassing. Romney has most of the ingredients for a good candidate but they weren't mixed in the right order. He has a tin ear and no sense of how to chat to people. The way he stands rigidly and smiles at colleagues as they are talking is unnerving.

• sparklemagic | Jul 29, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT

  It's classless and clueless to pointedly criticize a host nation on the eve of a political visit. He's worse than GWB and that takes some doing.

• Realist | Jul 29, 2012, 11:13 AM EDT

  EamonnDublin: Lol....the fact that the Republic of Ireland accepted a €7bn loan from Her Majesty's Government in April 2010 is just that....a fact.....it is neither "guff" nor "nonsense" as you put it. For your own and Ireland's good, I would suggest you move on from the perpetual navel-gazing victim routine. Let me break something to you my friend....the World simply doesn't care. After the first few words about big bad British this and big bad British that....their eyes are already rolling over....as it always has the same ending....poor little Ireland with their hands out yet again for sympathy, attention, and money from whom ever they can get it. Enda Kenny came away with a €7bn loan from the British government....I suggest you do as he did, tip your cap, express your thanks, and be on your way. If you find this cold hard reality "insulting", then I think you've led a sheltered life.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 29, 2012, 09:04 AM EDT

  "Hollaback" - Is this an echo I see before me? I thought you had said the same thing earlier in this post? Mein Gott - a terrible thought has just struck me full in the face - maybe "Hollaback" has a Doppelganger? Éamonn, Doublin'.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 29, 2012, 08:53 AM EDT

  "Realist" - Oh, I get it now, you are actually attempting to have a discussion - I had thought that you were just throwing insults around. I thought you were more focussed on Britain's recent act of charity to Ireland than you were on its ability to host the Olympics. As for my usage of the word "guff", as an apparent Englishman you should be aware that in addition to its meaning of "nonsense", etc., it also means insolence and/or verbal abuse - which was very obviously my usage of the word. I am not "blaming" anybody else for Ireland's current financial situation: our politicians, bankers, and property developers are to blame for that. What I DID say about Britain and Ireland was in direct response to your GUFF and any unjaundiced eye can see that. Now, can we not all be friends and have a chat - and yes, insult each other as friends do - without getting overly personal? We in Western civilization have to realise - and sooner rather than later - that when the Islamists appear on the brow of the hill we are all in it together. If we don't understand that simple fact - and up until now we show little sign of understanding it - then, unless we circle the wagons, we can ALL wave our asses goodbye! Now, shake on it and we'll talk later!? Best Wishes, Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• hollabackgurl | Jul 29, 2012, 08:52 AM EDT

  Again all Mitt Romney had to do was look informed and presidential. He didn't though. He became a laughing stock.

• Realist | Jul 29, 2012, 08:05 AM EDT

  EamonnDublin: Lol....the point was the UK's ability to host the Olympics. Please try to stay on topic. "guff"? Did the Republic of Ireland not accept a €7bn loan from Her Majesty's Government in April 2010? Did Enda Kenny not say, and I quote, "I'm satisfied that the British government made a bilateral loan to Ireland... which was very gratefully received." I wonder if Mr Kenny brought up your views on British/Irish history when he had his hand out for the money? I guess, when your country is an emotional and financial charity case....you take what you can get. All somebody else's fault of course. Why not write another song about it....that always helps....lol.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 29, 2012, 03:55 AM EDT

  "Realist" - If I were you, "my friend", I wouldn't be bragging about the way official Britain has treated Ireland in the past. Oh, and it's not "the distant" past either! Such as in 1972, when British troops murdered in cold blood fourteen unarmed, innocent civilians on the street. When British/Irish history is put on the weighing scales, I fear Britain is the one which is found seriously wanting. So please don't give us that guff about the €7billion. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• Realist | Jul 28, 2012, 10:53 PM EDT

  seano: Don't you worry my friend, the U.K. can afford the Olympics. They can also afford to lend the Republic of Ireland €7bn....for which Enda Kenny happily came, cap in hand, to Downing Street in 2010.

• SherryKay | Jul 28, 2012, 10:07 PM EDT

  So,I shudder to think of the damage this lout Weird Willard & Airhead Ann Romney will do to the USA and in fact the entire world,including Ireland,if they ever get into the White House...Weird Willard Mitt and Ann Romney and their bloody dancing & prancing dressage horse make me feel very ashamed to be an Irish-American living in the USA. Scary to even think of even the idea of a President & Commander in Chief of the US Military Willard Mittens Romney with his hand on the Red Phone and launch codes for US Nukes as well.

• seanomelb | Jul 28, 2012, 10:05 PM EDT

  Britain and its recession can't afford the Olympics'.It's the best thing they've had since the demise of the Empire and the running of Belphagor out of Belfast (in his army uniform) with his tail between his legs.

• EphraimKibbey | Jul 28, 2012, 05:45 PM EDT

  @EamonnDublin - Our group watching the ceremony had much the same take on it as you did. The part before the Parade of Athletes would have been much better understood by non-brits if it had had better naration by Meredith and Matt. We had a lot of "Oh, now I get it" moments and even more "I STILL don't get it" ones. I thought that King Arthur was inside Glastenbury Tor not the workers of the Industrial Revolution - VERY confusing! I can understand the Member of Parliment's comment - Exactly what DOES the NHS have to do with the Olympics? Was it a dig at America which is just now getting around to a shot at universal health care? We did enjoy the "Queen's" parachute entrance, fireworks and the olympic cauldron of petals.

• EphraimKibbey | Jul 28, 2012, 05:16 PM EDT

  @ProudCanadian - To paraphrase: There are none so blind as those who will not see WHAT IS IN THEIR OWN BEST INTEREST! By the way, the group we had over to watch the opening ceremonies ALL agreed that the Canadian athletes' outfits beat the American "Made in China," "I'm going yachting now," Polo emblazened ones. I liked ours at Calgary (a GREAT Olympics, by the way) much better. Berets, REALLY? Where are our Stetsons?

• eiriamach | Jul 28, 2012, 04:59 PM EDT

  Eamonn, my rule of thumb, not to be found in any grammar book, is "Avoid the verb or preposition that goes 'klunk' at the end of your sentence." I guess that's like your 'fork squeaking on a plate.' But as your sentence demonstrates, sometimes it's perfectly fine to end with "is." (Again!)

• irishpjk | Jul 28, 2012, 04:05 PM EDT

  wtf All Mitt Romney had to do on this trip to impress me was, not apologize to Europe for saving them from themselves twice, or being the country that rose to heights they all hope to achieve someday, leave all the butt kissing to the man in the white house today he is good at it. What Europeans don’t know about Obama is this when he gets what he wants he won’t still love them in the morning.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 28, 2012, 02:02 PM EDT

  Hello Eiriamach, Yep, sort of! She sort of gets on my wires and I was just having a go - totally uncalled for! However, as you will know, to end a sentence with "is", whilst not necessarily grammatically incorrect, reads awkwardly - and to me it's like a fork squeaking on a plate, it sends me ballistic. You see, I have little to bother me - that's why I read some of this stuff, in order that I get the adrenalin flowing and start raging. So, that's what it is, so it is. Begorrah!! Best Wishes, Éamonn.

• eiriamach | Jul 28, 2012, 12:31 PM EDT

  EamonnDublin, btw, did you write this sentence as a joke? " Oh, and by the way, 'Hollaback', you really shouldn't end a sentence with 'is'.

• eiriamach | Jul 28, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT

  Torbreezy, what "truth" are you talking about? A question for you: if, as I suspect, Romney is a compulsive liar who *cannot* get a grip on truth, how would you feel later if you help elect him? How will you deal with the fact that you've admired and trusted someone whose pathology is to get what he wants by saying whatever he wants without considering the impact of his lies on others? A few Romney lies from factcheck[dot]org: he "falsely claims govt will 'constitute ... almost 50 percent' of the U.S. economy when the new federal health care law takes full effect. But Romney gets to 50 percent by erroneously counting all health care spending —private and public—as 'effectively under govt control once Obamacare is fully implemented.' ... nonsense." On his oft repeated lie that "Obama would raise taxes on 'small businesses.' ... According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, only 3 percent of individual taxpayers with any net business income fall into the top two tax brackets, which are the ones that would increase.... those 'businesses' are hardly 'small.' Many are huge.... nearly 20,000 partnerships and so-called 'S' corporations —taxed as personal income —had receipts of more than $50 million in 2005." There's much in what you call Romney's "truth" that you should be checking out.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 28, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

  "Belphagor" - I'm glad that you enjoyed the Olympics opening ceremony. I personally considered it way over-hyped, but everyone to his/own, well done. As for Ireland's not being able to afford the Olympics, what on earth has that got to do with it? I, of course, agree that we couldn't afford it, and we would be daft to even begin to consider it, but that has NOTHING to do with whether or not last night's entertainment was any good. There was far too much going on at once last night for it to be a concentrated spectacle, and what there was demanded some knowledge of British history, which latter knowledge I'm sure the vast majority of TV viewers simply didn't have. I happen to agree with the British Conservative Member of Parliament who said it was a load of "leftie multicultural cr*p" - and I didn't attend a fascist get-together as he did! Am I not allowed to say that I considered it boring without you proving my earlier comment to be correct - that Democrat supporter types refuse to hold a discussion; they simply throw insults at the opposition. Oh, and by the way, it doesn't offend me in the slightest that you say that Ireland cannot afford an Olympics - what on earth is wrong with that? Also by the way, could Britain REALLY afford to throw £9billion sterling at the Games? I thought Britain was in a double dip recession. I trust it will get out of it, (I happen to have every admiration for Britain and its people) but why hit the hard working taxpayer with that bill? Éamonn, Dublin.

• hollabackgurl | Jul 28, 2012, 10:07 AM EDT

  All Mitt Romney needed to do on this trip was look informed and presidential, and he couldn't manage it.

• torbreezy | Jul 28, 2012, 07:31 AM EDT

  Why do you persist in bashing a man who has "done" an Olympics--and with singular panache & business-like flair--and who "speaks truth to power" whenever, wherever, however to whomever.

• Belphagor | Jul 28, 2012, 05:05 AM EDT

  EamonnDublin I watched the Olympic opening ceremony last night and it was entertaining. I would be interested to see the irish Equivalent although i would imagine that everyone would want their money back as Ireland couldn't afford to hold the Eurovision Song contest again, never mind the Olympics. Mitt Romney go home, you are not wanted here.

• SherryKay | Jul 28, 2012, 05:00 AM EDT

  So,after Weird Willard Mittens Romney made his usual big mouth fool out of himself,frankly Iam still surprised his airhead wife did not go and try to ride her fancy dancing prancing hourse into Buckingham Palace as well. Good God what a pair of total fools and complete embarassment Mittens & Ann Romney are.

• patrickesq | Jul 27, 2012, 11:33 PM EDT

  We all cannot be smitten by the Mitt-en!

• hollabackgurl | Jul 27, 2012, 10:30 PM EDT

  It was a debacle that was all the more shocking for its needlessness. The British are famously thick skinned but even they thought he was a stiff, charisma deficient cardboard cut out who managed to insult everyone he came in contact with. Even conservatives watched him through their fingers.

• borefield | Jul 27, 2012, 10:16 PM EDT

  Cahir, where were you when Obama gave the queen a set of DVD when they didn't even fit in Brittish DVD 's. and Michelle laid her big old arm across the Queens back. No manners or finesse of any kinb. It just proves how biased and ignorant you are.

• ProudCanadian | Jul 27, 2012, 09:47 PM EDT

  Susan724 just keep voting for Obama and other Democrats ans you will achieve what we have in Canada. I won't say that Canada is perfect after all we were stupid enough to vote in a moron in the name of Steven I will get Canada to become a state Harper. We were once able to travel around the world and we were welcomed but that is all going by the way side, because we have a warring Prime Minister that is going to put our economy in dire straits if we allow him to spend money on his new war toys. 35 million per jet. That is fine but once he gets them he will have to find a war to get them off the tarmac. He is just as bad a George Warmunger Bush or Mitt the Twitt Romney and that is why I keep trying to get people to realize that Conservative or Republican dosen't work. We have a lot of good things in Canada but so do you in the states. We just don't bragg about them as much.

• Tom Mo | Jul 27, 2012, 09:04 PM EDT

  Seanomelb You meant write, right? Join Susan 724 in the dunces corner. From the "land of Saints and Scholars" comes prose written by fools and knaves. Molair.

• DrSheilahere | Jul 27, 2012, 07:09 PM EDT

  Get over yourself. Michele Obama insulted our entire country at Obama's innauguration. She also showed up to your queen with her arms uncovered and she touched the Queen. Get over it.

• peterson | Jul 27, 2012, 06:51 PM EDT

  Look how many Obama has offended---MILLIONS !

• EamonnDublin | Jul 27, 2012, 06:38 PM EDT

  Well, You guys who posted since my last post below - thanks for proving me right. No discussion, just hurling insults. What is it about you Democrat guys? Oh, and by the way, "Hollaback", you really shouldn't end a sentence with "is". Now, where were we ..................oh yes, I was watching the most boring Olympic opening I have ever seen. Éamonn, Dublin.

• seanomelb | Jul 27, 2012, 06:24 PM EDT

  Romney should right a book about the windmills of Spain, oops! Sorry it's been done. The presumptive leader of the free world is an idiot and an object of international laughter.

• Curitiba | Jul 27, 2012, 05:22 PM EDT

  Looks like Mitt is suffering from foot-in-the-mouth disease.

• PhlutiePhan | Jul 27, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT

  Why not get the quote right? He says that he has Saxon blood which rules England. He did not say white. How about that statement from the horse that Mohammed rode about Trayvon being the son that he never had. I would say that bias is only the "tip of the iceberg".

• Eschetic | Jul 27, 2012, 04:37 PM EDT

  The reporting here is a bit over the top, but the picture of our presumed Presidential nominee as "diplomat" and campaigner is not inaccurate. There is, sadly, a reason he has not found traction in the states he's tried to base his career in since Massachusetts or in so many of the primary contests where he went up against lesser, more "doctrinaire" candidates (the Right Wing has never prized intelligence anyway or William F. Buckley would have been a contender). Romney is smarter than he comes across and not as heartless as his corporate record might indicate, but he doesn't have the depth of a Jerry Ford or a George H.W. Bush. Put Mitt out in the field with MAXIMUM exposure back home and our current president is sure to be reelected. Not a bad thing at that.

• eiriamach | Jul 27, 2012, 04:26 PM EDT

  Romney seems to be taking the advice of his hero, Winston Churchill, who once said, "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

• Deidra47 | Jul 27, 2012, 04:21 PM EDT

  Romney is an ass with no common sense nor people skills. God help us!

• hollabackgurl | Jul 27, 2012, 04:06 PM EDT

  From where I'm sitting, Romney sounds like the entitled, tone-deaf, Salvatore Feragammo wearing stuffed shirt that he is.

• EphraimKibbey | Jul 27, 2012, 03:52 PM EDT

  Romney's answers to Brian William's question about the Olympics were all stuff that had been in the british news and had been in the news here in America as well. It is not the substance of his comments but the context that earned him his failing grade in diplomacy. If you or I go to someone's house as a guest, we are diplomatic enough not to begin our conversation by mentioning their short comings. It is like his comment about the donated cookies not being homemade at one of his campaign appearences. The man lacks empathy. How many other people's shoes has he ever had to walk in? My favorite of the english hashtags was #mitthitsthefan. Where does the GOP come up with these people and why do they think they are ready for primetime? I can't believe that the US government is letting him go to Israel. Who knows what trouble he will start over there.

• EamonnDublin | Jul 27, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT

  From where I'm sitting, it appears to me that Republican supporters try to have a discussion, whilst Democrats spend virtually all of their time writing attempted tribal insults at the opposition. In any context, that usually means one thing - the insult throwers don't have anything useful to say. I await the obscenities. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• eiriamach | Jul 27, 2012, 03:12 PM EDT

  johnnyb, that statue of Prime Minister Winston Churchill that you mention was not a gift. It was a loan from the British govt's art collection to G.W. Bush following the 9/11 attacks. Bush kept it in the Oval Office during the remaining years of his presidency. President Obama rightly returned the loaned statue. Yesterday, Mitt the dimwit told a group of his British supporters, "And I’m looking forward to the bust of Winston Churchill being in the Oval Office again.” The group applauded (this is the same group that contributed 2M Euro to his campaign). Is he too lazy to walk across the street to the British Embassy in Washington, where the Churchill statue now resides, to see his "Anglo-Saxon" hero as sculpted by Jacob Epstein?

• njirish | Jul 27, 2012, 02:59 PM EDT

  Susan - what you write makes no sense. The SLC Olympics were in absolute chaos before Mitt assumed control of the turnaround effort. Building a few roads did not fix the Olympics. You know nothing of Romney's morals, you are spouting nonsense. Was it immoral when he shut Bain Capital down to search for his partner's lost daughter in NYC? Was it immmoral when he and his sons saved a family from drowing after a boating accident? Being rich and successful does not mean you are amoral, contrary to liberal dogma. Further I doubt all that many Americans actually feel we need to 'learn' from our northern neighbors. You see, even though Obama promised to 'transform' America, most of us probably do not think America is really in need of transformation. We may want problems to be solved, but that does not mean we believe the way to solve them is to model the society after Canada or Europe.

• irishcoffeekid | Jul 27, 2012, 02:20 PM EDT

  like we need any further reminder that Romney isn't qualified to represent the USA in the public diplomacy arena!!!!

• Linzoid | Jul 27, 2012, 02:13 PM EDT

  I think Mr. O'Doherty clearly points out a consistency in Mitt Romney's approach to life in general and this election in particular. Regardless of venue or country: Say any thing to any one at any time in order to move one square forward in the game. Lie when you can. Bully when you can't. Etch-A-Sketch your previous lies & gaffes for new ones. Count on the support of the most willfully ignorant voters in US history: The Amnesians. Go back to square one after the re-election of Mr. Obama.

• susan724 | Jul 27, 2012, 01:58 PM EDT

  Posted by susan724 ProudCanadian - you should be proud - you have a great country with great people who take care of each other! This includes a tremendous national healthcare program as well as strict gun laws which generates a homicide rate that is the envy of every American citizen. As an American, I wish we would learn from our northern neighbors - and many, many Americans feel the same way I do!

• susan724 | Jul 27, 2012, 01:52 PM EDT

  What a joke - Romney criticizing London - a guy who headed an Olympics held in the middle of no where (it is in the middle of no where - this cannot be disputed) and he got more money from the U.S. taxpayers through Congress approving and appropriating this tax money than all 7 Olympics held in the U.S. since 1904!! The real rub is the money went to funding new roads in Utah - not to the Olympics! Disgusting man,and oh so amoral!

• susan724 | Jul 27, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT

  Scrivner - and you're in denial - too bad there aren't meds for that - You Repuke-icans need them!

• susan724 | Jul 27, 2012, 01:45 PM EDT

  Nicomax: LOL - Mittens isn't that smart! Condi's more his speed - you remember, the woman who was caught in New York City trying on designer shoes in the middle of the Katrina crisis while people there were dying. A shocked NYC citizen called her out right in the middle of the store and reamed her a new arse! -

• Scrivner | Jul 27, 2012, 01:16 PM EDT

  Cahir, time to adjust your meds, you're having delusions again.

• Nicomax | Jul 27, 2012, 01:06 PM EDT

  Not to worry about Mitt's woeful lack of foreign policy experience, he has promised to retain HRC as Secty. of State.

• johhnyb | Jul 27, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

  Pres Obama won the hearts and minds of the British by sending back the White House statue of Churchill as one of his first acts as president. I can't quite remember but probably IC was pretty outraged by that?

• EamonnDublin | Jul 27, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

  Is Cahir O'Doherty supposed to be a serious journalist? His article is biased nonsense. Many people in the United Kingdom are loudly saying that Romney was quite correct in what he said - and said it very politely in response to a question. He said that the Olympic Games' security had been lacking. Yes of course some of the Brits were up in arms, more in embarrassment at their own security mismanagement than in anger with Mitt Romney. After all, as Cahir O'Doherty knows full well, only a week earlier the British media had been scathing in its own attacks on the security arrangements, which by the authorities own admission were so useless that they have now had to belatedly call in the army to try to patch the enormous hole. Cameron and Boris Johnson were reacting as only the British can in such circumstance - "we know we are the best at everything, so therefore whatever anyone else says in criticism is water off a duck's back", now let's make a joke at Mitt's expense. Romney was also quite right in his comments about the transport chaos. Again, the British media had itself targeted the transport mismanagement for huge criticism, and it is only when an outsider joined in that the same media formed a "British Defence" circle. Romney was right when he also said that when the Games begin the athletes will take over the stage and the inevitable preparation shortcomings will be forgotten. Cahir O'Doherty is presumably not a stark raving stupid gombeen (although his article gives the impression that he is). He surely knows that what he wrote is pure drivel. How does he get paid for writing this stuff? Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• BrianO | Jul 27, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT

  Always like when the irish can stand with the crown against a common foe, maybe cahir can quote Churchill to demean Romney, Has anyone found a name to the unnamed adviser yet? I think it is probably George stephanopoulis

• ProudCanadian | Jul 27, 2012, 11:09 AM EDT

  myoung8171 spoken by a true American Republican. You should be very proud of your mouth. I suppose like a lot of Americans you feel that the Olympics aren't a success unless they are put on in your country. Well one of the best Olympics was put on right in my back yard in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada(you probably don't know or care where that is)in 2010. Mean mouthing countries that you probably never been to seems to be an American trait. No place like the states, yea right.

• myoung8171 | Jul 27, 2012, 10:53 AM EDT

  Mitt didn't say anything that wasn't true. The olympics looks pretty disorganized. The british and their antquated monarchey are out of date and out of touch and really un-important in todays world. My TV won't we tuned to the crumbling english empire. Just like over 200 years england, bug off!

• JBRAFTREE | Jul 27, 2012, 10:40 AM EDT

  Cahir, if half that shiite is true about Romney, he's in trouble.

• ProudCanadian | Jul 27, 2012, 10:35 AM EDT

  Now tell me, does any of this surprise anyone? It certainly doesn't me. This is just another Republican moron with lots of money(The American way)and nothing else. Linzoid it wouldn't surprise me if he did, like some other American citizens they know there own country and that is it. Tom Mo can't see the forrest for the trees. Njirish you are probably right Mitt the Twitt probably will be the next President, you people never learn ie: George Warmunger Bush the worst President the U.S. and the world has ever seen and you voted him in for two terms. That is sad. Cahir and Irish Central keep reporting the truth the Repubicans don't like the truth.

• MichaelMcGrath | Jul 27, 2012, 10:03 AM EDT

  I think Mitt is going for the Irish Republican vote, fair dues to him, hehehe

• Tom Mo | Jul 27, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

  Just a question regarding cahir o'doherty's dribble abour Mitt Romney: Are all you creeps at Irish Central water carriers for obama?

• Linzoid | Jul 27, 2012, 10:00 AM EDT

  Oh dear God. Did he really write "England is just a small island, etc." ? England is a small country on a small island. The rest of the island contains Scotland and Wales. Very few residents have elevators for their Cadillacs. Or 5,000 acre estates and comprehensive health insurance just for their dancing horses. Or secret Swiss and Cayman Island bank accounts. What they do have is backbone, authenticity, and genuine compassion, none of which you will find in Bain's Mitt Romney.

• hollabackgurl | Jul 27, 2012, 09:52 AM EDT

  'Governor Brylcreem' is funny and accurate. He looks and sounds like he belongs to a lost world.

• CelticQueenUSA | Jul 27, 2012, 09:42 AM EDT

  Mitt wit is far from witty and definitely NOT PRESIDENTIAL Material!!! Foot in mouth disease does not make a good president! Vote Obama

• The Waltons | Jul 27, 2012, 09:39 AM EDT

  My gosh, Cahir. Do you really believe the crap you write? Your boy, odumbo, and his 57 states will be ceremoniously booted come this January 20th. You can slant the truth all you want but you're really starting to sound desperate.

• njirish | Jul 27, 2012, 09:35 AM EDT

  Well, at least we can say Mittens did not give the Queen an ipod loaded with his speeches or the Prime Minister some cheap DVD's that don't work in Britain! Nor did his wife put her paws on the Queen of England

• michaelidaho | Jul 27, 2012, 09:03 AM EDT

  No question, this trip has not helped Romney. However, it has not hurt him either. He could have made all the right moves and said all the right things and Cahir would still be saying it was a disaster.

• njirish | Jul 27, 2012, 08:53 AM EDT

  You may as well get used to Romney as he is likely to be the next President of the United States. While he admittedly has an unfortunate habit of putting his foot in his mouth with minor gaffes, noone will be talking about this London trip in the fall. However, Obama's 'you didn't build that' collectivist diatribe will still be haunting him through November. So it is all a matter of degree.