Barring of writer Tim Pat Coogan from U.S. is an absolute disgrace - America’s greatest friend in Ireland insulted by the U.S. Embassy
By: Niall O'Dowd | Published Wednesday, December 19, 2012, 7:16 AM | Updated Wednesday, December 19, 2012, 7:16 AM
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| Tim Pat Coogan |
The barring of Tim Pat Coogan from coming to America for a book tour is disgraceful. He was refused a visa when he applied for one for his new book tour.
It is one in a clear pattern of a number of recent clueless decisions at the American Embassy in Dublin at the consular level that defy logic.
Read More: Famed historian Tim Pat Coogan confirms he was turned down twice for U.S. visaAmbassador Dan Rooney is clearly unable or unwilling to use his own discretion in some of these cases.
Ever since Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith played a stellar role in the Irish peace process by running her embassy with an iron fist, the functionaries have done their very best to keep incoming ambassadors powerless.
Never mind that Kennedy’s role stand suit like a beacon in the annals of American diplomacy in Ireland. An ambassador the bureaucrats cannot control is a dangerous person indeed it seems.
They did not succeed in the Bush era where excellent appointments ensured that many political issues were retained at the ambassadorial level.
That does not seem to be the case today. The Tim Pat Coogan case is a travesty but senior Irish government officials have told me it is by no means the only strange decision emanating from the embassy in recent times.
There seems to be a hardening attitude there to make it as difficult as possible for people to come to the U.S. from changes in how the J1 one year visa program is being administered to several high profile turndowns.
Blink and you might think you were back in the McCarthy era.
Put simply, there was no greater defender of America in Ireland for the past few decades than Tim Pat Coogan, especially at times when the anti-American sentiment there was at its highest.
His pro-American stances, both in his Irish Press newspaper and his writing about the power of the Irish Diaspora were major factors in keeping the American flag flying in Ireland.
He played a key behind the scenes role in the Irish peace process, especially in the early days when his contacts with Father Alex Reid, the unsung hero of the entire process, were vital.
He was deeply trusted by the Kennedy family and it was a famous meal in Dublin he had with Senator Edward Kennedy convincing him of the need for a visa for Gerry Adams that swayed the Massachusetts senator as well as helping bring President Clinton into the loop.
Visiting Irish Americans are always assured of a hearty welcome from Tim Pat and his backing for America and stance against the anti-American rhetoric so often spouted in Ireland made him this country’s prime defender.
Yet this is the 77-year-old man who the American Embassy just refused a visa to come to America too and humiliated him in the process?
Is there no institutional memory whatever at the embassy that can separate and remember a friend? No one who was able to realize the deep insult they had just inflicted on America’s greatest journalistic ally there?
Where was Ambassador Rooney in all this, as we know he was personally aware of the case?
There are so many questions but one undeniable fact. It will be a blot forever on the Dublin embassy that it humiliated one of its greatest supporters and Ireland’s leading historian by refusing a visa to launch his new book on the Irish famine.
Disgraceful is the word for it.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.mikeyjoe | Nov 27, 2012, 09:24 PM EST
It just goes to show you that the Obama administration pays lip service to Ireland. Obama went to Ireland to drink pints and give a speech but he lets a world renowned author be barred from entering the US. It is a shame.
zyxwvutsrqponml | Nov 27, 2012, 05:52 PM EST
I think it's a mistake to rely too much on the fact that Mr. Coogan has been a supporter of the USA in the past as a reason why he should be issued a visa. The United States is supposedly a bastion of free speech where one's right to take part in an open discourse has nothing to do with how supportive you have been of American policy. Dissenters are a crucial part of a healthy political discourse and unless someone is advocating criminal behavior or violence, the USA has no grounds for refusing them a visa.
WoundedKnee | Nov 26, 2012, 02:44 PM EST
Is it possible that he was going to be paid for his tour? In that case he would need a different visa than if he was just coming as a tourist.
IrelandNorth | Nov 26, 2012, 08:52 AM EST
It's not the author - it's the title! If it had been written by Mathatma Ghandi or Mother Thersa they would've ended-up being water-boarded in Guantanamo. Behind the rotating administrations of every great nation is a permanent government called the civil service! It's not about BO. It's about Rockerfeller! And Niall, most Irish are Amerophilic. We just don't always agree with US foreign policy.
TobyMaguire | Nov 26, 2012, 01:47 AM EST
i'm stunned that our esteemed editor complimented Bush for making "excellent appointments" to keep state department bureaucrats at bay. yet, i am not surprised that the (buck-stops-here unless its today) chief executive and head of state, the real pants wearer, saint Hillary both get off without criticism. And, please, enough of the self-serving thuggery Kennedy clan.
BigDaddy | Nov 25, 2012, 06:47 PM EST
{The President is not ubiquitous and this paper has yet to do proper reportage.}And in less than 15 words. Such brevity of thought is refreshing.
sbarr10 | Nov 25, 2012, 01:22 PM EST
The U.S. has now become a giant war machine and it is becoming exactly what it fought against during WWII. I hope somebody can knock some sense into the State Department - I'm still writing letters to legislators asking why U.S. border agents barred a highland fling champion and professors from Guelph University from attending a Scottish diaspora event for St. Andrews Society. And why airport TSA agents are putting their hands down the adult diapers of 90 year old sick elderly women. And why defrocked pedophile ex-priests have been hired into security positions at our airports. This is why I won't fly any more, by the way, despite my desire to attend The Gathering or see relatives in Ireland. I refuse to be manhandled by security thugs just to bring about a false sense of security with procedures known to be flawed.
Bocktherobber | Nov 25, 2012, 12:36 PM EST
Isn't it amazing? No matter what the article is about, there's always some nutcase itching for a rant about the "Gay Lifestyle".
kubs | Nov 25, 2012, 12:01 PM EST
Why? Because it's a britkissass nation, that's why.
dayra | Nov 25, 2012, 07:06 AM EST
They already have Bono anyway, as a honorary citizen of new york.
dayra | Nov 25, 2012, 06:54 AM EST
Believe it or not the US is a sovereign nation yet they do have things like Irish Month. Maybe they have a good reason for not letting him in, like if he is promoting anti english sentiment, despite him being such a fan boy of the USA. I am sure they have similar policies in the USA which ban or deny rights to other types of activists. Thats politics for you to. Perhaps it would be very interesting to have a look see at the number of Irish people that got Visas that month, im sure it would be substantial which should bolster my point. Being Irish myself at this present time in History, the US is the last place I would consider going to for any reason, its just to risky.
thetint | Nov 25, 2012, 06:22 AM EST
This article is nonsense. The Kennedy’s are not sympathetic to Ireland – they are totally enamoured by their links [through Kathleen] with the English aristocracy. Ted Kennedy [aka Lord Chappaquiddick] played no positive part in the Peace Process.
PiperMac52 | Nov 25, 2012, 02:25 AM EST
Of course the article never refers blame to the commander-in-chief, one Bark Obama who ultimately has the final say. It would appear that Obama is somewhat of a god as it relates to Irishcentral. He apparently is not responsible for anything.
irishpjk | Nov 24, 2012, 11:12 PM EST
wtf We must have produced the most gullible bunch of people in the world; the Kennedys sucked us in, then the Clintons and now Obama. Some of us did wake up but so few it is sad. If it is bad blame the English and G W Bush is second, today Mrs. Clinton runs the state department at the pleasure of Mr. Obama, so why did Mr. Coogan not get in ask one or both of them. Remember the hardship visas that were almost pushed through for the Irish it was former Clinton appointee that shot that down. One thing you should remember is what was promised in order to get your vote and what was delivered after the election was won. The biggest shafting that the Irish got on emigration was from a Kennedy.
curtisjohnson | Nov 24, 2012, 09:54 PM EST
"The U.S. State Department has been a nest of Anglophiles since the end of WW2. No big surprise that they would be able to pull off a stunt like this. The reversal will be coming shortly. The State Department probably ran it by the London Government's Foreign Ministry."" Well said, pillib04. It is infested with vile anglo supremacists who are unfortunately beyond American democracy in its current incarnation.
cichaveg | Nov 24, 2012, 09:09 PM EST
This has to be a mistake. I can think of no reason why such a distinguished journalist and author would be denied a visa. I have enjoyed Mr. Coogan's writing for many yearsand in my opinion he is an Irish national treasure. As an American of Irish descent I have learned a lot about Ireland from this man. I am not an Obama supporter but I do not think he would in anyway be involved in this matter. I hope this is resolved and Mr.Coogan is welcomed with open arms into this country as he should be. Mr. Coogan is a truth teller and we need more of them.
lcobryan | Nov 24, 2012, 08:13 PM EST
The english still exercise great sway. I have no idea why. Well, except- of recent interest- Lehman Bros was able to issue repos in London (barred in NYC) to falsely inflate their cash position vis-a-vis the mortgage meltdown. IT WILL ALWAYS COME DOWN TO WHAT THE GLOBAL NEMESIS ACROSS THE IRISH SEA WANTS IN AMERICA. Don't kid yourselves about how far the global tentacles of the empire still reach.
occassio | Nov 24, 2012, 06:57 PM EST
Blackstone. RedBranch. Murph46, etc. Sounds like you’re still bending elbows with the Romney crowd. Why is President Obama blamed for every event that has occurred since Napoleon’s demise? If you have any proof at all that he, personally, or by giving direction to Homeland Security/Janet Napolitano (no one’s favorite), have barred the process for Mr. Coogan, please submit it in this post. Otherwise, don’t cast baseless, inane aspersions. That same advice holds for the publishers of this article which contains no follow-up, nay even a clue. And, if rumors are afloat that he (Mr. Coogan) is connected with (or even has heard of) the IRA (LM Hayes post), then the fault probably is with Janet Napolitano, who in 2009 deported Pol Brennan, despite his 25-year residency in the United States. President Obama is fighting Republicans in Congress to stop deportation of illegal immigrants. Why, then, would he refuse entry for Mr. Coogan? The President is not ubiquitous and this paper has yet to do proper reportage.
glounlathan | Nov 24, 2012, 06:52 PM EST
All I can say is that this is all very strange! Maybe Mr.Coogan has something to say on all of this. Why not ask him to comment----the whole think is mind boggling.I thought American universities would be knocking down the doors of the State Department to let Mr.Coogan in---If i did not know the calibre of man Mr. Coogan is I would wonder if this is all a publicity stunt---this is mind certainly boggling.
bunkerisland | Nov 24, 2012, 06:19 PM EST
Hang on! Let us not be placing all blame of this on the President. Send him 2-3 books by TPC. He'll read them over the holidays and all will change. Dan Rooney is on his way home soon with a new appointment soon to come. It will get fixed. Maybe Caroline Kennedy would be the appropriate advocate to turn this around and end this foolishness.
LMHayes | Nov 24, 2012, 06:02 PM EST
I stepped away for a couple of hours and came back to see if I could find some sense in all this...Luckily, I am happy to say, I have, to those of you who want to use a unfortunate incident (that more than likely be rectified) as a excuse to use Obama as a punching bag. I say this to you, seriously the election is over and if you could stomach George Jr for 8 years, you can surely embrace President Obama. To Big Daddy, pilib04 and others who use intelect and a clear thought process, I applaud you.
Walter Ellis | Nov 24, 2012, 05:45 PM EST
Two questions: (1) Why didn't Tim Pat just come over using the visa-waiver scheme, which allows people to spend up to 90 days in America and does not exclude authors doing book tours? Had he some reason to think he would be turned away? (2) What anti-America feeling? There were protests against the Vietnam War back in the days, and later against the invasion of Iraq. But neither constituted visceral anti-Americanism. Ireland has always welcomed Americans and been treated by the U.S. as a friendly nation.
pilib04 | Nov 24, 2012, 05:08 PM EST
LMHayes is right, but what can you expect from losers?
pilib04 | Nov 24, 2012, 05:07 PM EST
The U.S. State Department has been a nest of Anglophiles since the end of WW2. No big surprise that they would be able to pull off a stunt like this. The reversal will be coming shortly. The State Department probably ran it by the London Government's Foreign Ministry.
seanomelb | Nov 24, 2012, 05:00 PM EST
Tim! tell the corrup state department to go to hell
cillowen | Nov 24, 2012, 04:42 PM EST
Pat was merely using the usurped word HOLOCAUST it doesn't sit well with our Master Race who has dominion uber alles. Obamar and his team or any opposite variety are simply scared out of their gourds to simply say whoa.
seanaci | Nov 24, 2012, 04:23 PM EST
An ambassador's job is to look after the interests of his or her government. If they happen to align with those of the host government well and good. Maybe Tim Pat should change his name to Cooganstein and try again?
tempranillo | Nov 24, 2012, 04:10 PM EST
I am EMBARRASSED by such nonsense. TPC is welcome in my home. Anytime.
popeye1250 | Nov 24, 2012, 03:19 PM EST
Let him in! What do people expect with Obama re-elected? It'll be four more years of the same! I'm in favor of cutting the U.S. State Dept by 70%. We don't need and shouldn't have "embassys" in third and fourth world countries, they serve only as outposts for "foreign aid" and even more unwanted immigration. The U.S. State Dept doesn't represent the American People and they haven't for a long time. Let's all contact out congressmen and women and tell them to "de-fund" the State Dept.
faberm1 | Nov 24, 2012, 03:08 PM EST
Well we learned here on IC that 96% of Irish people support President Obama. I guess they're getting what they deserve from the administration they think is so wonderful. I am just glad they can't vote and I wonder how they would feel if Americans were so opinionated and involved in Irish domestic policies. I say as an America "Irish politics are none of our business and keep your nose out of ours".
BigDaddy | Nov 24, 2012, 03:08 PM EST
As an American of Irish descent, I am doubly embarrassed by the stupid comments expressed here. My only consolation is that it is very possible that you are being paid to look stupid in public. If you need money badly enough there is very little people will not do to feed their families. But to think that people would express opinions that do not even remotely approach intelligence just to have something to say is disheartening.
seamusdenais | Nov 24, 2012, 03:08 PM EST
Only one cause of this. That evil mob known as the illuminati
BigDaddy | Nov 24, 2012, 03:00 PM EST
Isn't it the job of the reporter to investigate a story before they start attacking people? I know who O'Dowd is here at IC but damn man, doesn't it ever occur to you that you have a responsibility as a reporter to get to the bottom of issues before launching a diatribe against Obama? You write this opinion as if everyone reading it understands everything about it. You have written an opinion and a very biased one at that; my son writes more enlightening pieces than this and he's 12.
crowsnest | Nov 24, 2012, 02:50 PM EST
President Obama is a dangerous demagogue? You have to be kidding! I can't think of any US President that uses Rational Argument more than Obama. Rational argument is the antithesis of a demagogue .
Rebelforce | Nov 24, 2012, 02:48 PM EST
There are too many old white men in America as it is. The Irish had their day when they were welcomed in huge numbers. Now America wants diversity and "people of color".
MatthewJshow | Nov 24, 2012, 02:31 PM EST
Is it possible they will revisit their decision? Give it a few weeks, the fog may clear.
StevieJoe | Nov 24, 2012, 02:15 PM EST
The state department will always entertain pressure from 10 Downing street, who fear the world will learn all about their brutal and savage treatment of former colonial subjects. An ambassador is a political appointee, who did favors for his party to gain his post, whereas the state department has the ear of the administration on a 24/7 basis, hence, all powerful.
LMHayes | Nov 24, 2012, 01:23 PM EST
To those who misinterrupt my comment,I stand firm in my belief that this was error. I will declare openly and proudly that I am a staunch Democrat and supporter of President Obama. I will also delcare that if Gov. Romney would of won the presidency, my opinion would not of changed. With all that is happening in the world today, I truly think that any President has no dealings with whether or not Mr Coogan or any author may or may not not get a Visa. I am also sure, if it were a serious threat, any President would be alerted. So, again, I stany by my original comment, that to use this forum for Obama bashing is ridiculous and immature.
bob mcbride | Nov 24, 2012, 01:18 PM EST
Launch your book somewhere else Tim Pat.I heard they got a good guiness in newfoundland! If the yankee doodle dandee's got idiot beaurcrats in positions they should'nt be let them fill their boots.
Proud Canadian2 | Nov 24, 2012, 12:48 PM EST
LMHayes is exactly right with his comments jimwhalen. Obama is getting blamed for everything by you Republican losers. Eiriamach we will have to see what we can do, you also will be welcomed with open arms and you won't have to worry about getting to our great country.
RedBranch | Nov 24, 2012, 12:45 PM EST
'Blink and you might think you were back in the McCarthy era...' Well actually its the 'Obama era' Niall, the one you so heavily endorsed and to concur with you:'Disgraceful is the word for it'.
jimwhalen | Nov 24, 2012, 12:29 PM EST
Using LMHayes' comment as a prime example of the realities: You must have your head out of the sand long enough to see the problems and to be taken seriously on message boards.
LMHayes | Nov 24, 2012, 12:17 PM EST
So, my assesment of this is one of my favorite authors was denied a Visa, because possibly he is a supporter of the IRA? I have read his books, and in my humble opinion, he neither supported or dismissed the IRA, but simply as any author should do was be objective. Could the Visa denial possibly been in error. How many innocents in this day and age are on the "banned list?" Unable to travel in or out of the US due to fear of terrorism...I am sure that at some point this could all be cleared up without villifying our President. I see a lot of people using this forum as a opportunity to attack the President of the US, and swaying from the objective as to find out why Mr Coogan was denied a Visa and get that fixed....
MichaelMcGrath | Nov 24, 2012, 12:14 PM EST
Exact language please! Is he actually barred or simply refused a visa? I don't think that President Obama or Ambassador Dan Rooney would necessarily know anything about this , or even know who Tim Pat is.
PhlutiePhan | Nov 24, 2012, 12:13 PM EST
This is one "more than strange" case. If Dan Rooney of "Immaculate Reception" fame can do nothing, then there is a claim of a "subversive needle in the haystack". Could it be traceable to claims by Jodi Kantor?
Happyhippo | Nov 24, 2012, 12:13 PM EST
Mr Coogan who can be quite outspoken for a historian and has a lot of contacts in circles that would not be considered legit, but that is why he is such an authority on the history not only of Ireland,but of other countries, it looks like some of his views don't go down too well with homeland security.
eiriamach | Nov 24, 2012, 12:09 PM EST
Hey, Proud Canadian, I'd travel to Canada to hear Tim Pat give a book launch talk. Great idea! I hope he accepts your invite.
misneac | Nov 24, 2012, 12:09 PM EST
The real reason for the visa refusal is the WASP factor .The Brits dont like the subject matter of his book ,their part in creating the Great Famine ! So much for the freedom of expression !
Murph46 | Nov 24, 2012, 12:05 PM EST
You elected this administration!
Proud Canadian2 | Nov 24, 2012, 12:05 PM EST
Hey blackstone the U.S. has been under a police state for ever, it is called the CIA,FBI etc. Hey Tim Pat come to Canada, we'll welcome you with open arms.
blackstone | Nov 24, 2012, 11:42 AM EST
Maybe you Irish will begin to understand the police state U.S. citizens live in under Emperor Obama. You say one word against him or his administration and you are labeled racist. Maybe Ireland will wake up and stop praising this dangerous demagogue.
BippyBellito | Nov 24, 2012, 11:28 AM EST
Of Course, Obama knows. He knows everything! He allows 4 White Americans to die in Libya but defends his Black Criminal friends in his administration and accuses critics of "racism". If you are "white" you are there to be used and then discarded. Insulting Coogan by way of Ambassador Rooney is an Obama trait. It is called a "Bitch Slpa" but for some reason The Irish just love it. Wake Up. Obama is a Racist Thug.
CitizenWhy | Nov 24, 2012, 11:20 AM EST
So he's been banned form the US for being too American? Sounds like some creep from Homeland Security is behind this.
merefalow | Nov 24, 2012, 11:10 AM EST
i hate this,they talk about human rights,(forget quantamano for a while)then come up with stunts like this which they will not give reasons for,it is obviously politically motivated and in a democracy?we need reasons,its not russia yet.i have just watched a peacefull protest by workers against wallmark,shadowed overhead by police camers copters,why?photograph peacfull protesters,9 people arrested which will result in dismissal.this is mcarthy style anti union intimidation,land of the free?now in uk we will shortly have the results of the levenson inquisition of the press,watch out for a draconian muzzling of our news by the great and good?so we will already be kept in the dark like mushrooms and fed ,,,,our corrupt mp,s are busy covering up their tracks once again over fandangling of the public purse,people need to wake up to the fandangling of our lives by the corruption of the banking political exploiters.dont stand for being fandangled.
ssi-in-kc | Nov 24, 2012, 11:01 AM EST
It's esp bad considering Tim Pat's contributions as well as the Irish in gen in America but just part of an overall patern by this admin to make european immigration/travel harder than getting into harvard
Searlit | Nov 24, 2012, 10:49 AM EST
The media needs to take the story to an international audience. People need to know why this Irish gentleman is being refused a visa for a book tour.
JohnnyMac | Nov 24, 2012, 10:49 AM EST
I know, for a fact, these things happen. For years and years and years I traveled back to Ireland every year. Then one year (after the 9/11 tragedy) all of the sudden I was not allowed to purchase airline tickets online, was not allowed curbside check-in at the airport and had to show 3 forms of identification before being issued a boarding pass. Seems someone with the same name as mine is on the international "No-fly List". I've tried very hard to have me removed from the list. But it cannot be removed as the bad person with the same name is still out there. I've been given a card that says I'm not the person on the list and am permitted to fly with two forms of photo identification. But I'm still not able to book online, nor can I use curbside check in at the airport. I'm well used to it now. But I can see how Mr Coogan's mistaken identity can be bothersome, I've experienced it myself. It is in no way a US Embassy statement or opinion of Mr. Coogan. Its just that there's someone else out there in this cruel world with the same name that has abused his travel rights thus making it more difficult for others with the same name.
Springfield9 | Nov 24, 2012, 10:30 AM EST
Well, Obama appointed him. Just being named "Rooney" means nothing. Ambasadorial posts went to the highest bidder. The fact that Coogan was refused a visa is a disgrace. Rooney should be called "on the carpet" for this. I do believe that Coogan wouldn't have much trouble finding an old Provo but that means nothing. Obama would have no trouble finding a dozen Communists.
Paul Hogan | Nov 24, 2012, 10:22 AM EST
This is payback for the Irish Judiciary not extraditing Sean Garlan back to US. Sean Garlan was the last man to see Fergal O'Hanlon and Sean South after the raid on Brookborough in 1959 before the RUC shot them.
Paul Hogan | Nov 24, 2012, 10:18 AM EST
This Is payback for Sean Garland. The last Man to see Sean South and Fergal O'Hanlon alive after the raid on Brookborogh in 1959,Before the R.U.C shot them. And the Irish Judiciary refused to extradite Sean Garlan.
eiriamach | Nov 24, 2012, 10:02 AM EST
Do American embassy workers ever read history books at all? Or did they put Tim Pat into some troublesome political category like 'IRA liaison' without ever reading his work or figuring out why he talked with IRA members (research)? Isn't this visa denial simply an incredibly stupid, ignorant mistake? It's likely to cause serious damage if the Embassy does not reverse its decision ASAP.
denisbergin | Nov 24, 2012, 09:42 AM EST
As I understand it, Tim Pat discovered that a visa waiver could not be obtained for a tour with a commercial purpose, as is very clear from the US border protection regulations posted on the web. The next step up is a 6 month visa valid for ten years for business, tourism and medical treatment purposes. It costs about $200, but requires formal application and interview and has very strict requirements re activities and remuneration. And it takes a little time to obtain. After that, you're into big-time visa application/ negotiations, particularly where income of any kind is involved. So was Tim Pat really refused a visa?
mcdolan | Nov 24, 2012, 09:38 AM EST
I am absolutely dumbstruck as to what possible reason there could be for denying Tim Pat Coogan a visa. Has he vilified the US in his book? An explanation is warranted from the Dublin Embassy!
OldMariner | Nov 24, 2012, 09:34 AM EST
Is President Obama aware of this?
BoraBora98 | Nov 24, 2012, 09:11 AM EST
A travesty. What is our emabassy thinking? Matt Patterson Lancaster, PA, USA
donal1951 | Nov 24, 2012, 08:31 AM EST
Refusing a visa to Tim Pat Coogan was, as Mr O"Dowd said, an insult to a friend of America and a fine journalist and scholar. Mr Coogan is neither a terrorist nor at risk of overstaying his visa. I cannot fathom why the US Embassy turned down his request for a visa for a book tour. I have a friend who is an author of entertaining murder mysteries who can get a visa to any country she wants. Granted she is a fine best-selling author, but not the scholar Tim Pat is.