49 Comments

• Smyrnian | Dec 02, 2012, 11:33 AM EST

  Where are the facts in this "news" article? Typical IC opinionist rant with no facts anywhere to be seen.

• eiriamach | Dec 02, 2012, 07:13 AM EST

  There he goes again-- Mairint, that is-- trying to turn IC into a right wing-nut in-group, sending out the message that haters gather here! The fiction Mairint perpetrates, from the right-wing fanatic blogs, about Muslims gang-raping and then assassinating Ambassador Chris Stevens as retaliation for Sec. of State Clinton sending a gay man to represent the US in a Muslim country is hate speech. Stevens died of smoke inhalation, and autopsy revealed no evidence of rape. Whether he was gay or not no one knows; we can infer nothing of his sexual orientation from his being unmarried. And Hilary Clinton did not assign him to his post to stir up anti-gay, anti-US Muslims. Ultra-orthodox zealot Mairint writes on the "New poll shows most Irish Catholics ignore church teachings... article, "As our Holy Father said, "it will be a smaller Church but a more perfect one". Sure, small and perfect in its hatred, and none but homophobes, misogynists, and other bigots will walk through its doors again once they know that the tiny group inside are fanatics like Mairint.

• curtisjohnson | Dec 01, 2012, 07:20 PM EST

  "Dublin is a most sought after assignment for American diplomats, the best and brightest. The Americans performing the Consular interviews are bound by U.S. law and cannot go against the law in order to help an Irishman, or anyone else. If a person has ever overstayed their visit to the USA, or has family or personal criminal activities, then the visa will be denied - - - the denial cannot be controlled by the American at the window. Englishmen, President Obama or the Tea Party don't have anything to do with visa decisions." Is this post a joke? The State Department frequently makes exceptions and ad hoc decisions at a whim. Obviously, policy and decisions are not set at the local embassy but by the nasty and supremacist wasp culture at the State Department - this Wilde viper is an example of its ethos.

• saraindc | Dec 01, 2012, 11:22 AM EST

  I'm starting this by saying im not defending everyone at the US embassy in Dublin but let's not cast stones at all. I went through the embassy to get my GreenCard and I found everyone there very polite and respectful. They complimented me on having ALL my paperwork in order, following the procedures, having back up materials that they might need and being honest and truthful when asked questions. I was however slightly taken aback by the number of Irish people around me who were blatantly lying and making up stories to get their visas extended. They didnt do their homework, clearly were lying about some of the information (You could hear them splutter false answers about how long they actually stayed in the USA during the life of their visa). It was obvious to those of us sitting there that there are quite a lot of people abusing the process, faking their details, lying about how long they were there with a view to keeping a greencard when it was obvious they are living in Ireland. This doesnt excuse how some people were badly treated but it should highlight that the agents at the embassy are dealing with a lot of bull@@@@ too and a lot of applicants are blatantly lying about their applications. That has to be frustrating for embassy staff to have to get so intense with some yet others breeze through because they follow the rules and do things honestly!

• seamus60 | Dec 01, 2012, 08:34 AM EST

  Puffin. I can find no referance to a Hispanic connection. Perhaps you could enlighten us.

• BeReasonable | Dec 01, 2012, 01:18 AM EST

  Dublin is a most sought after assignment for American diplomats, the best and brightest. The Americans performing the Consular interviews are bound by U.S. law and cannot go against the law in order to help an Irishman, or anyone else. If a person has ever overstayed their visit to the USA, or has family or personal criminal activities, then the visa will be denied - - - the denial cannot be controlled by the American at the window. Englishmen, President Obama or the Tea Party don't have anything to do with visa decisions.

• lcobryan | Nov 30, 2012, 08:41 PM EST

  To irishgjk You are a moron. You forget the great sway the english still have in the USofA. The english are going after the histories collected by Boston College re the Troubles in order to prosecute. They signed the Easter Accords and in the Fall of 2010 FINALLY acknowledged that the english army fired on unarmed protesters. Mr. Coogan's book, which I had pre-ordered and am now reading , "The Famine Plot" is an expose on their despicable nature. They wander around the globe (& create tv series) trying to deny their horrific past of enslavement, bigotry and slaughter across the globe. In NYC we do the most$$ in reported global business but the true wielders of global financial power still sit in London. That is the reason for initial visa denial. Ivy League Under and Grad/Wall Streeter/Irish American/LIBERAL

• irishpjk | Nov 30, 2012, 07:24 PM EST

  wtf. Most liberals including Mr. Obama should thank God (if they believe in him) for giving them Regan and Bush to blame for everything bad that happens.

• seamus60 | Nov 30, 2012, 07:09 PM EST

  It appears TP Coogan does require a visa. Otherwise there would be no need for this article or his repeated application. Regardless of the visa the security check is more to worry about. The same ignorance people have expressed here with regards to their treatment at the American embassy should be taken as a starter course for what they are about to recieve on arrival in the the USA. Security can not be used as an excuse for the lack of manners. Where else would you go to spend thousands and be treated in such a manner.

• ePHraimAg | Nov 30, 2012, 06:48 PM EST

  What KatieMurphy has stated is actually correct. The South is religious but the most ignorant christians I have ever met. Xtians is probably a good word for the Huckabees Of Arkansas, especially they of Southern Baptist giving a very bad Name to Christendom. Never trust a Southern Baptist.. they are better off in Benghazi being stripped, for they actually practice that in Arkansas. What goes around comes around!The Clintons are no better, for that is their Home State. Piss off Hilary.. you are the last to speak of Human Rights in Ireland upon Your planned visit.

• ePHraimAg | Nov 30, 2012, 06:32 PM EST

  I remember talking to a Young Man, an American Commercial Lawyer. He told Me that The American Government likes to employ arrogant and ignorant People only because the american Government prefers them so. Over the Years I have found the Words of that Young Man very True. Evenso, I have also found some of the more educated very Polite, but that is not the case in the many. want to meet an arrogant, egotist, bitch? Her comes Hilary Roden Blythe alias Clinton over to Ireland on 7th December. Send her to Benghazi... We don't want her in Ireland, especially the North.... no mind the other liing half who is a Kilo short of Cocaine and a Columbian Prostitute.

• pndirishandprou | Nov 30, 2012, 05:37 PM EST

  @Watchman: I believe the applicability of the visa waiver scheme depends on the exact nature of the visit. Business people from VWP countries visiting the US for a sales pitch do not need a visa. However, artists who perform in the US definitely do need a visa for that purpose, also, for example, college professors who are invited to give a speech and get paid for it. It is probably fair to assume that Tim Pat Coogan was advised by his lawyer as to whether or not he needed a visa for US book tour.

• casper1377 | Nov 30, 2012, 05:31 PM EST

  I want to know what I can do to help as a U.S. citizen. I had planned on seeing Mr. Coogan on his tour so I've been following all of this with a lot of interest and was shocked to say the least in hearing about his ordeal. It makes no sense for the Obama administration or the State Department to have any conflict with Eire. This leads me to hope that it's only some rogue elements directing the vitriol and not standing policy. In any regard I want this cleared up and smoothed over. The U.S. and Ireland have been and should be on friendly terms. I realize the U.S. has a long-standing interest in the U.K. and wishes to be tight with Downing St. However, there's no excuse for American-Irish relations to suffer and any tips of the cap to Britain should not come at Irish expense.

• anglo-norman | Nov 30, 2012, 05:30 PM EST

  Eamon- Grow up please. This is a site for intelligent adults, ACT accordingly son!!

• Watchman | Nov 30, 2012, 05:08 PM EST

  @pndirishandprou: That's not true. The visa waiver scheme permits visitors to conduct business. I quote from the relevant website: "The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 37 participating countries [including Ireland] to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa." Visitors who arrive under program are subject to the same conditions as those on a B1/B2 business visa, meaning that, for up to 90 days, they can conduct negotiations or solicit sales – which obviously includes a book tour.

• seanomelb | Nov 30, 2012, 05:07 PM EST

  Eamonn I do not understand your spiteful reply to pcon. He makes a valid point and as I have spent some months in arabic countries I always felt welcome(except Egypt). Pcon does not make any outlandish claims. Maybe the truth hurts!!I also am in general agreement with KatieMurphy.

• pndirishandprou | Nov 30, 2012, 04:52 PM EST

  @WoundedKnee: Visa-free travel (under the Visa Waiver Program) is only applicable to tourists, not to artists like Tim Pat Coogan, who does need a visa for his book tour.

• Watchman | Nov 30, 2012, 03:16 PM EST

  I'm puzzled. Irish citizens can travel to the U.S. for 90 days, with a right to conduct business, using the visa waiver program. All you have to do is buy an air ticket, pack your passport and turn up. Is Tim Pat planning a book tour that extends beyond three months? It doesn't seem very likely, does it? So what's the problem? Why did he apply for a visa in the first place? It's not as if he hasn't been to American before. Or is there something he's not telling us about?

• EamonnDublin | Nov 30, 2012, 02:55 PM EST

  Thank you, "pcon" - Your last post disgraced yourself far more than anything I could have said. You saved me some time. Have a nice spiteful, hate-filled life. Éamonn.

• WoundedKnee | Nov 30, 2012, 02:15 PM EST

  Silling--"I was refused a visa for a three day visit." If you have an Irish passport, or indeed that of most European countries and lots of others, you don't bneed a visa for a three-day visit. You're not telling us the complete story, silling.

• pndirishandprou | Nov 30, 2012, 01:44 PM EST

  @ BrianO: nice try sore loser. While it is very regrettable that the Obama administration under the leadership of Hillary has not endeavored to reduce those flagrant abuses committed by US embassy staff (not only in Dublin), the arrogance of US representatives overseas certainly reached its peak during the Reagan and Bush1 years. As a rule of thumb, the more conservative the government the more xenophobic its representatives do behave.

• cainis76 | Nov 30, 2012, 01:40 PM EST

  I have to start off by saying I was in Dublin for two months starting back in February of this year and I have never in my life as an American citizen been treated so poorly by the immigration department of a foreign country. Just is bad or worse treatment I received when I came into Dublin and basically what I was told if I don't like it get back on the plane where I came from and on top of at I was exposed to very anti American views by the general public to the point that was even attacked after being identified as an American.... And what I really find ironic about the whole situation is my grandmother was born in Ireland and I have very strong ties and love for that country. So to the people that are complaining about the situation at least you have a recourse and somewhere to come complain!

• BrianO | Nov 30, 2012, 01:18 PM EST

  Thank Irish Central, old ted Kennedy, and the messiah barrack hussien obam for your being discriminated against. Elections have consequences.

• bunkerisland | Nov 30, 2012, 01:17 PM EST

  You can count on Hillary to patch this up, toss out the incompetent Bradley Wilde and rude Embassy clerks. It is time for Dan Rooney to go home to the States and address his football teams problems and no long embarrass us as the Ambassador unable to manage the Embassy. Enough of the "figureheads".

• Springfield9 | Nov 30, 2012, 01:03 PM EST

  Even as I write, there is a stormette brewing over 55,000 discretionary Visas. Unless something changes they will be passed out in Africa like handbills. Brilliant Irish students are denied while people being chased by lions are welcomed. THANKS HILLARY

• pcon | Nov 30, 2012, 12:49 PM EST

  I didn't see anything KatieMurphy said as being hateful or twisted. Overgeneralized, maybe, but truthful in many ways. Only in Texas was I ever beaten for being different; in Saudi Arabia I was treated with hospitality and tolerance. As far as "offending and annoying" anyone, get over it, we're all adults and free to hold and express our own opinions. As far as offending "Christians," fijck them as they do plenty that offends me. This is one of the costs of freedom, the willingness to tolerate points-of-view one finds offensive. As well, pointing out that racism exists is not "hate," it is matter of fact acknowledgement that in the USA racism and religious bigotry are very much alive and well. Like Ghandi said of Christans, I say of Americans: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." I like your America. I do not like your Americans, they are so unlike your America.

• PhlutiePhan | Nov 30, 2012, 12:38 PM EST

  @KatieMurphy: So, "America is the most religious country in the West". What tv network have you been watching? It can't be CBS and "Two and a Half Men".

• PhlutiePhan | Nov 30, 2012, 12:35 PM EST

  This issue has to be related to the Jodi Kantor book. BHO hates the Irish. The Irish just can't see it out of vanity. The Irish ran the Democratic Party until it veered to the far left under the Marxist.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 30, 2012, 12:23 PM EST

  "KatieMurphy" - What an awful, twisted mind you have. As if you didn't show enough hatred already, you then have to throw in your big attempt at annoying and offending people - writing "xtians" instead of "Christians". One of us is in for one hell of a shock when we die. I am very far removed from being perfect, but at least, if there is a God, I will have spoken to Him before I get to see Him. Sleep tight, Katie. Try not to hate to much - it rots the soul.

• liam44 | Nov 30, 2012, 11:51 AM EST

  Three of my Grandparents emigrated to the States 100 years ago, my maternal grandfather was shanghied by the British Merchant Marine during World War I when he was a 17 year old lad in Youghal,Cork. The Brits told him that he was in their service till the war ended,but Jim Slattery jumped ship in San Francisco, which is how he made it to the USA. During my 68 years,I have seen waves of Irish immigrants hit the shores of Boston,where I live, and the Irish who work here regard the locals of Irish descent, mostly as "Narrowbacks" who don't have the motivation to succeed as the immigrants enjoy. I agree wholeheartedly with that description, when I had my business, native Irishmen were the 1st I would hire,no shirkers there ! Back during your good times prior to the economic collapse in the States, there was a reversal of fortunes, and Irish immigrants headed back home when you were the Irish Tiger of Europe ! These days, with things a bit rocky in the States as well as in Ireland, America looks a bit better, with greater opportunities, as we are clearly emerging from the mist.....so,these days, Irish "Tourists" are often folks who seek a tourist visa, and stay, illegally, when they get here... In greater Boston, any hardworking illegal Irishman can easily find work, with cash paid under the table, so as to keep the authorities at bay. The authorities are well aware of this trend, and have become rightly suspicious of the actual intent of Irish who seek "tourist visas". I think that's terrible,........, and I disagree that Ireland is considered as a bad post for a diplomat, as stated by someone below, I would consider it to be a wonderful assignment, and, I attended the Fletcher School of Diplomacy.

• jamieLM | Nov 30, 2012, 11:39 AM EST

  @bbbmckeon - good post. The election is over. Obama is going on his 5th yr. in office and he and his administration are responsible for the situation in 2012, soon to be 2013. This should be a concern for all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

• bbbmckeon | Nov 30, 2012, 11:22 AM EST

  @ Katie Murphy-What does the Republican Party have to do with this issue? It is the acting President and his administration (now going into a second term!) who are responsible for the behavior of our embassy in Ireland as well as the protection of our other embassies; i.e., Benghazi!! How far back in history you go in a futile attempt to make this good party vs. bad party argument. You left out one small little detail about a wonderful President (Lincoln) who led that war on slavery. He was a REPUBLICAN!! Now get off your partisan pedestal and try to encourage all Americans of every background who should be ashamed of the behavior of the staff in our Dublin embassy to voice their dissatisfaction and have this mess straightened out!!

• CindyDoyle | Nov 30, 2012, 10:54 AM EST

  Keep in Mind that for years Ireland itself delibrately worked with American Immigration because Ireland did not want to lose it's own citizens.

• DrMcHugh | Nov 30, 2012, 10:43 AM EST

  As an Irish-American, I am very sorry to hear that the American Embassy in Dublin is treating Irish applicants for a visa so poorly. I am grateful that Niall O'Dowd is making this injustice known to a wider public, through this excellent IrishCentral. President Obama needs to hear of this, because he would never support this kind of injustice on people. Obama is a man of integrity and focused on doing the right thing. The American Embassy in Dublin seems to have employed "ugly Americans" who need to be replaced by decent Americans. Sincerely, Dr Rosemary Eileen McHugh, Chicago, Illinois

• cillowen | Nov 30, 2012, 10:41 AM EST

  Need to know how the world turns : Israel the US and seven other states, including Canada, the Marshall Islands and Panama, voted against the resolution. Forty-one nations including the UK and Germany abstained.

• LiamScanlan | Nov 30, 2012, 10:36 AM EST

  You have to realize, US diplomats sent to Ireland are sent there as a punishment. They are the bottom of the class, so to speak. The better candidates get sent to Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney. It's like being sent to detention, so it's no surprise they treat the locals like riff-raff.

• KatieMurphy | Nov 30, 2012, 10:34 AM EST

  Its my underswtanding that many in embassy were sppointed by Bush, an extreme right winger . They are probably having a hemmhorage over things like the reported 73% of the Irish people not supporting the church and supporting instead equal marriage rights for gay /lesbian people The repubican party's religious base is the old south where hatred of blacks and other minorities has been re-inflamed by the election of our first black president. Thats part of why you see the absolute intransighence of the republicans here to supporting any initiative tht Pr. Obama has offered to congress. The perfect example of these extreme right protestant xtians in the USA is former Gov. Huckabee of Arkansas, who in 2011 said re religion "we've got to get them to pray - at the point of a gun if necessary." BTW America is the most religious country in the west. It was also the 2nd to last to end slavery and the only one to need a war to do so.

• sgfoster1968 | Nov 30, 2012, 10:31 AM EST

  Irish denied visas? Sounds like a re-hash of the early 1900s. No worries, fly to Mexico and sneak in to the US. You are welcome in los Estado Unidos if you are an illegal hispanic.

• Searlit | Nov 30, 2012, 10:31 AM EST

  I didn't realize Irish people needed a visa to come over to the United States. You can't just get an Irish passport and take a vacation? I'm referring to Silling's comment.

• slainte9 | Nov 30, 2012, 10:28 AM EST

  Is this a surprise. Wilde has 429 Facebook friends and only one has an Irish name. That's quite an acheivement for a diplomat assigned to Ireland. Most of our diplomats are produced by America's elite historically anti-Irish and anti-Catholic universties. That may be the problem here.

• Alexiswolf | Nov 30, 2012, 10:21 AM EST

  They don't like you 'cos your cool and smart and say it like it is. Also, you're human and don't like Israeli apartheid.

• plmcnulty | Nov 30, 2012, 10:15 AM EST

  Why does it cost 2 Euro per minute to talk to the US Consulate in Dublin? My friend scheduled a visa interview, traveled from remote Donegal, and because he made a slight error on his DS 160 was denied the interview.

• Nicopernicus | Nov 30, 2012, 09:55 AM EST

  The Citizen Irish have a very surface view of America, Its politics and its leadership. This is not unlike the American citizenry viewing its own country, add any substance or depth to it and you may find the Irish that truly get are those that have had a serious education in the likes of it. Obama and the Irish ideals are mere fluff and fodder for light hearted "I just Love America." A pedestrians dream.

• caroled | Nov 30, 2012, 09:54 AM EST

  It's about time. Too bad it always has to be somebody prominent to make people take notice. I've seen first hand how the Embassy works. Shame on them. A little power can give people false airs..

• Fan Tastic | Nov 30, 2012, 09:48 AM EST

  I have being following The Best of Irish Central For years now! Currently living In UK. Would love to be in the USA with you Guys. But can Get a Visa, count yourselves Lucky. 2 years ago I was told under no circumstances apply for a US Visa through Dublin as the Diplomat in Charge just Refuses Visa's and as we all know , once refused a Visa you are flagged on the System for all time. This Guy Bradley Wilde has a serious Reputation, he got jumped up through the Ranks and seems to have something to Prove. He's dead Level, he has a Chip on both Shoulders. He has the Power and he wants to prove it, Rooney is just there for the pleasure, but is a push over. Its bad when I was told all this in a Layers Office In Tampa. Their Reputation stands before them. Well done Nial O Dowd for Highlighting the Problem, its about time! They are all very quick to look for the Irish Vote, its about time to give a little Back! Keep up the Great Work!

• Schlomo | Nov 30, 2012, 09:39 AM EST

  Ya hit the nail square on the head, Gray Ghost. The Irish adore Herr Obama because he has smoozed and stroked them verbally. But when it comes to more than cnady flavoured talk the Irish are seeing his real bully attitude in action. I love to see people stunned by something that was evident to most Conservative Americans for years.

• bignevermo | Nov 30, 2012, 09:29 AM EST

  Off with Wildes head...Hilary needs to straighten this out! Maybe Wildes is an Englishman! :) :) ;)

• Silling | Nov 30, 2012, 09:28 AM EST

  I was refused a visa for a three day visit. no criminal record, no drug convictions, face south when I kneel to pray and dieu et mon droit hand man. but I am a rioter (spelt writer) and I have never eaten at McDonalds. Perhaps this is also tim pat's problem.

• Gray Ghost | Nov 30, 2012, 09:27 AM EST

  This attitude comes from the top folks. The Irish seem to be huge supporters of Obama - how'd you like him now??