33 Comments

• ancavker | Oct 08, 2010, 11:09 AM EDT

  Dennis Q. It is sad but true. And when they come here,it is the same attitude. many of them despise Irish-Americans, and as I said they have open contempt for the music, language,and football/hurling. As so many have said to me over the years who cares about that "oul'd sh@#**e! And yet many congregate in neighborhoods that are considered Irish-American.They can ape and mimic English or American popular culture, yet they rage against Irish- Americans many who genuinely embrace Irish culture, and have done much to keep it alive. They don't want it, yet we cannot have it either. Sorry to be so bitter, but the last crowd who came out in the 80's and early 90's, left a bitter taste with many Irish-Americans. Not to mention of course if were not for the herculean efforts made by the Irish-American community and political representatives that crowd would not have gotten their Green Cards making them legal.

• DennisQ | Oct 08, 2010, 06:38 AM EDT

  I've heard that before, ancavker. In fact I've heard the young Irish who congregate at the weekend dances at San Francisco's Irish Cultural Center called "Eurotrash."
  
  I think of Eurotrash as people with money and no values. Perhaps the new Eurotrash have neither.

• ancavker | Oct 07, 2010, 09:47 AM EDT

  The Irish in Ireland are not that Irish any more, and in fact time and time again I have seen open hostility and attempt to anything Irish, the music, language, football/hurling. The Irish are much more interested in embracing what passes for culture in England or America.

• DennisQ | Oct 07, 2010, 02:26 AM EDT

  One thing we know now that we didn't know before . . . you don't need to be physically present in Ireland to stay Irish. Communications being what they are today, you're just as Irish in Timbuktu as if you'd stayed in Gort na Móna.
  
  Incidentally, one reason the right wing government of Israel goes unchecked is that "two passport" Jews aren't committed to staying there. Netanyahu seems bent on provoking a war with one Arab group or another and nobody stops him, because if war comes they're headed back where they came from.
  
  I like the Wolfe Tones' song comparing the journey of today's emigrés to the flight of the Earls - those big airplanes go both ways. Of course, when the Yanks get back to Gort na Móna, they'll say, "This is a grand place to visit, but I'm glad we don't live here anymore."

• lostgold | Oct 05, 2010, 09:44 PM EDT

  If the Irish government at home is content too see its people immigrate as economic chattel on the world market than its time for the Irish abroad to become creative and start forming an organization similar to the Zionist organization that created the state of Israel. An organization to promote immigration back to Ireland by Irish people and the buying of land to be held in common for all the people as well as the establishment of factories and industries in the country. Not relying on foreign non-Irish investment which will only leave the country when there is no profits. Right now Ireland is the Mexico of Europe without a surplus population. It is a vassel divided state unable to hold its population when times get rough. Immigration has become a knee jerk reaction to hard times for the Irish. Of what use are Irish organizations in the United States and elsewhere if they don't take a serious and active interest in this constant bleeding of a nations people through immigration.

• MCIRISH | Oct 05, 2010, 05:13 PM EDT

  IT IS A SAD DAY FOR IRELAND AND THE US THAT GREED OF A FEW HAS RUINED SO MANY LIVES. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE ROBBER BARONS HAVE DESTROYED THE MIDDLE CLASS. THERE ARE TOO MANY BEAN COUNTERS AND NOTHING FOR THE BEAN PICKERS. WHEN

• ancavker | Oct 05, 2010, 12:12 PM EDT

  sirpeter: The irish do need to grow up and take responsibility for their country now. They have had every advantage and opportunity now that my Irish born parents generation did not have.Plus alot of Irish-Americans are ambivalent about the current economic situation over there. That comes from years of being abused and ridiculed by the so called educated new, better Irish. You know what they say about payback.

• ancavker | Oct 05, 2010, 12:04 PM EDT

  applehuice: Northern Ireland may not have a net emigration any more, because they have a massive welfare ssytem in place,a md most employment is in the government. Comparing a failed entity like No. Ireland to the Republic is simply unfair.

• ancavker | Oct 05, 2010, 11:58 AM EDT

  Why do the Irish have to flee because there is a downturn in their economy? Spain and Greece are also in dire economic straits, are their people fleeing as well? With all due respect lets not blame just the irish government. Many irish people knowlingy and eagerly participated in the reckless spending. I saw first so many Irish who would run over to New York for a long weekend shopping trip, and ship their massive purchases back in steamer trunks.Perhaps this downturn will make the Irish in Ireland a little more humble,and perhaps they will be a little nicer to the Irish- Americans when we come to visit.

• donalo2001 | Oct 05, 2010, 11:12 AM EDT

  There is one big difference now in Ireland that nobody seems to be noticing . I refer to the commuting Paddy . Ths is the (mainly professional) person who spends his weekends at home in Ireland and his weekdays abroad somewhere cold in northern Europe . Go to any of the Irish airports on Monday morning and see the crush of commuters on their way out .This is not immigration, yet these thousands are not appearing on any register in Ireland . But they are bringing the bucks home every week. This was unthinkable twenty (or even ten ) years ago . and we to thank the likes of Ryanair (horror!)and other budget airlines for that.

• sirpeter | Oct 05, 2010, 08:19 AM EDT

  With no disrespect to your mother Ellen,there is no problem with County Mayo or Ireland for that matter,taking the world as a whole,it is one of the best places to live,the quality of life is extremely high for most people in the country,as a matter of fact,that is one of the problems of the country,we have one of the highest standard of living in Europe which made us uncompetitive and that has to come back in line.With due respect Ellen,keep things in perspective,just because the government are in a mess,doesn't mean we are all suddenly broke and on the breadline.Those who are leaving either want to go or they don't have any contacts to get the job they want,that's just tough luck.

• Pittsburghkid | Oct 04, 2010, 10:44 PM EDT

  The party is over, but the ugly European Union is still here. Too bad the vote to increase the EU's hold on Ireland didn't happen this year.

• ellenfromcork | Oct 04, 2010, 07:59 PM EDT

  My mother was born in Mayo and when she would mention the county, she'd always say (with a sad sigh,) " ah, Mayo, God help us". Looks like it's now, Ah Ireland, God help us.

• ciarrai | Oct 04, 2010, 07:00 PM EDT

  Put someone in control who takes things as seriously as he/she should. No offense to Brian Cowen, but drinking and hanging out with young folks doesn't look that good. Serious times need serious people. Cowen needs to turn over a new leaf. Having just returned from Ireland after 2 weeks I can assure you it is on everyone's mind over there. Boy, am I proud of my mother's place of birth. What a friendly and kind bunch. It hits you as soon as you reach JFK and you start speaking to all these lovely people. Yes, it is GRAND.

• sirpeter | Oct 04, 2010, 06:48 PM EDT

  Kate this is a small island and our Irish culture has been eroded enough by hundreds of years of British rule.I'd have no problem if the Irish were refused into any country,maybe if the emigration safety valve wasn't there the government would have to get there act together.But don't give me this lovey dovey melting pot and we will all live in peace and harmony with all the peoples of the earth.That's a dream,wishful thinking,it never works out,like holds to like simply as that. This is Ireland and we have to preserve our rich heritage and language from outside influence as best we can.I like Irish people living next to me,not some stone faced polish family or some Nigerian scam artist,who have no interest in anything Irish.I don't care what other countries do. This is Ireland and it's for the Irish and also those with Irish roots who were forced to leave because of a west brit government who didn't care about them.Any Irish/American is quite welcome to come back to Ireland if they want too,As far as i'm concerned they are my brother's and sisters overseas.

• killowen | Oct 04, 2010, 06:26 PM EDT

  Irish gov needs to make work to keep their brainpower to benefit themselves instead of allowing others to gain the benefits of such talented souls. Warning watch out for the likes this Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz (aka) Jon Stewart's ilk when deciding on the usa. They are deadly to the interests of mankind. A slip of the tongue and you're toast, but they can do as they please. Check library archives and read scum Podhartz' aricle on John John's passing such spiteful hatred diatribe on Kennedys I've ever been exposed to.

• sirgillis | Oct 04, 2010, 02:58 PM EDT

  Migration in any form is not good. Its the lifeblood of the Country. As a migrated Canadian to the US it has done me well, thanks to my Fathers Father who migrated from Scotland to Canadian and on to the US in the 20th Century, under similar circumstances I'm sure. As for IRE the government can and should be smarter in retaining talent and make the same mistake that made America such a talented and forward government in the 18th and 19th Century. To your Officials "Stop this Madness" preserve your Heritage

• IrishAndProud | Oct 04, 2010, 02:50 PM EDT

  Yeah, imagine that, Kate...Ireland would actually remain IRISH, if I was in charge. That may come as a shock to a politically-correct sponge such as yourself, who would love to see Eire overrun with Africans in the name of 'tolerance' and 'diversity' (gooey emotionalism that it is), but it's the case. Oh...you left out one thing: I'd have Irish Gaelic be much more a part of the identity than it is, currently. Perhaps it'd give English a run for its money.

• DennisQ | Oct 04, 2010, 01:10 PM EDT

  Americans are allowed to walk away from their mortgages if they owe more money than the house is worth. People who are similarly underwater in Ireland have to go into exile to escape the bank. These are often the same people that Ireland will need when the country starts to recover from the collapse - ambitious, hard working young managers who bought homes and ended up out of luck.
  
  Even in America, where it's legal, there are downsides to giving the key back to the bank. It ruins your credit rating and you may not find a satisfactory rental property within your means. However, you can remain where you grew up - you don't have to flee the country to start over.
  
  Perhaps the banks in Ireland ought to allow strategic defaults on underwater mortgages. It's very sad to see parents with young children having to take refuge in a foreign country. The children won't be Irish anymore - they'll be the nationality of wherever they grow up.

• dessieglynn | Oct 04, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT

  Dublin Airport does not look very busy in this photograph. Maybe they are swimming to britain(small B) because they cannot afford the airfare.

• Watchman | Oct 04, 2010, 12:35 PM EDT

  George: I don't believe it, but thanks. I've been a bit obsessive in recent weeks and will try to wean myself off commenting for a while. Believe it or not, I have others things to do. Meanwhile, Gawd save Ireland!

• homefarm | Oct 04, 2010, 12:00 PM EDT

  Maybe the residue of non-nationals will save Ireland. The in-breeding of the wink and nod gombeen men who have stitched themselves into every institution in Ireland have brought Ireland to this sad junture. Any new blood will be an improvement. Is Ireland capable of looking in the mirror? and accepting that in a democracy you get what you deserve. Even now on the edge of the precipice the prevailing mentality seems to be 'I got mine' as they wave goodbye to another family member. Niall you are right the party is over even as Biffo calls for one more.

• Searlit | Oct 04, 2010, 11:18 AM EDT

  I don't think keeping the corporate tax rate low and cutting spending for programs that help people thrive in their own country are the way to make Ireland or any country's economy grow.

• antoman | Oct 04, 2010, 10:57 AM EDT

  Why do we continually focus on unemployment,immigration,the economy and the general doom and gloom of our respective countries?We should reactivate space exploration and maybe set up a moonbase.,to take folks mind off things.As Irish and amoungst the best people in the world we should lead the way.Our government should purchase a used cold war nucleur submarine and strap it to an atlas rocket.Tannerys could be commissioned to fashion two huge belts and iron workers could forge the buckles,,this would stimulate employment.The submarine is airtight so space should pose no problem.Now I know what your thinking..with no atmosphere how will the propellors get a bite and thus propel the sub towards the moon?..well dum dum,thats where the volunteer crew from Kerry come in..their just gonna have to get out and row it.

• antoman | Oct 04, 2010, 10:01 AM EDT

  @irishandproud..the vast majority of spongers/immigrants here are from the UK,,ask them why they left and invariably you'll get the same reply,,they became disillusioned with blankets and sharia law and moved here.You suggest we ship them out?..I suggest we move the spike in Dublin to the west coast,chain it to a big ship and move the whole damn island out to sea,,closer to America perhaps..or even all the way to New York and park there awhile letting those who want to go ashore to work to get off.Then we ship a course to Australia and repeat the procedure there.,and so on and so on.After maybe three years we return Ireland roughly to its original position,maybe 300 hundred miles further west from england so the flotsom and radiation from Sellafield does'nt have an impact on our waters or coast.

• BallinaLass | Oct 04, 2010, 09:39 AM EDT

  I'm an American, and I would LOVE to live in Ireland. I have a master's degree in business, which in my experience is flaming useless in any country. I'll dig ditches, I don't care.

• kateomprint | Oct 04, 2010, 09:32 AM EDT

  History shows us that the Irish travelled to many countries and made lives there why shouldn't we allow people from other nationalities do the same in our Country. The Famine and the British didn't break the Irish peoples spirit but I think finally Fianna Fail have done it. I know that people from Nigeria or Pakistan will never really be Irish but they are entitled to live here as anywhere else. Aren't we the lucky one's that we are white and can fit in!!!!!!!!!!!!! My God I would hate to be living in a regine run by Irishandroud /sirpeter, we would all have to be white and speak English.

• Applejuice | Oct 04, 2010, 07:03 AM EDT

  A terrible reflection on 90 years of independence.Swapped London for Brussels and Frankfurt.Half a million will emigrate over the next decade, back to 50's levels.Northern Ireland doesn't suffer from net emigration anymore.Why?

• IrishAndProud | Oct 04, 2010, 04:58 AM EDT

  Why are so many foreigners (in particular those who are living off the dole) even being tolerated in Ireland, at all? Many of them are not even white and therefore (let's face what we all know, folks) can never fully assimilate there, anyway. What is the point of their presence -- even back in the so-called 'good' days? You cannot tell me that Nigerians and Pakistani's will ever be fully Irish...it...ain't...gonna...happen, and many of them have no such interest, anyway. What, I repeat, are they even doing there? Ship 'em out. Let IRISH people have the work, first. That should be the priority of ANY nation: its own people first, and welfare sponges and unassimilatables, never.

• sirpeter | Oct 04, 2010, 04:25 AM EDT

  The problem with Ireland is that we are just too small,4 million on a very small island. In the last 10 years when there was plenty of work there was 5% unemployment which is in fact full employment,thousands of people came to Ireland to work.Now there is recession and they are not needed.A lot of the people going are highly educated and have degrees and there is just no jobs for them,they can't move 2 thousand miles to another state like they do in America or Australia. Also it's easier for them to move because the Irish already have connections in these countries and speak English and Irish culture is very much the same as American,Canadian,or Australian and they fit in better with the general population then Indians,Chinese,Pakistanis,Russians ect. The Irish will take up anything just to get by when they first go over seas,that makes sense to hold on to their savings..they would do the same in Ireland but they know in the next 5 years there is no chance of getting work no matter what degree you have,the places are taken and if you have no connections to what you are qualified to do,you're in trouble..so they emigrate. I don't understand why you think the Irish need to grow up.Ireland is a unique country with many good qualities and also unique problems.It does seem that Ireland is lacking something in the leadership of this country,but when you go back in history you will find it always did.One of the things that is unique in Ireland is,we got our independence in 1922,but the powerful and rich in the country just went into government and really have stayed there since..These Irish also known as west brits look towards England a bit like the Unionist's in the North and i really wonder do they really work for the Interest of the Irish people as a whole.In the last few years it appears not.I could be wrong,but i live here and if you study Irish history it has a tale to tell.

• Sharanstevenson | Oct 04, 2010, 03:47 AM EDT

  I totally agree. The govt should do something abt the work situation in Ireland. If benefits are to be cut, the first to be cut shld be the foreigners that are sponging on our welfare benefits. The Irish ppl shld not suffer bcos of them. The govt can raise funds by charging hefty levy on the work permits like all other asian countries. Same goes for the students studying.

• GeorgeDillon | Oct 04, 2010, 02:09 AM EDT

  I find myself agreeing with Watchman. Emigration has been the strategy of incompetent government and a corrupt Irish ruling class. Irish people refuse to work (or are denied the chance?) in jobs such as security guard, barman, bus driver, hotel receptionist--in Ireland. But once they emigrate they'll be overjoyed to find work in these or any similar fields in Australia, Canada etc.. Why are Indians, Chinese, Pakistanis, Russians etc. taking these jobs in Ireland while Irish people emigrate?

• Watchman | Oct 03, 2010, 10:02 PM EDT

  So 200,000 Irish people are queuing up to leave Ireland. Where do they intend to go? And why should other countries be happy to take them? Don't they have problems enough of their own? What would happen if 15 million Americans (the equivalent number) decided to quit the U.S. for pastures new? Where would THEY go? Ireland has to take responsibility for its future not just in the good times but when things turn bad. It can't go on forever viewing the UK and the U.S. as escape valves to relieve the pressures built up by their own greed and economic incompetence. As I have often said before, Ireland as a nation needs to grow up.