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Home Page > Blogs > News blogs > Periscope > Queen Elizabeth is right not to go green at Buckingham Palace for St. Patrick’s Day

Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Queen Elizabeth is right not to go green at Buckingham Palace for St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on Monday, March 04, 2013 at 08:06 AM

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Joe Glackin | May 08, 2013, 09:43 PM EDT

@RichardP or Eamon or whatever charachter your playing. You can use the word defy as if Im not into reacting to your little games.My advice to you would be . Your better known as a fool than opening your mouth and removing all doubt. Go and argue about the internal economic policy of North Korea`s Ballet school. Nobody will be able to argue with you. Your Israeli friends will enlighten you on WW2 refuelling as they used it a few times. Theres a little clue

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RichardP | Mar 12, 2013, 09:24 PM EDT

@JGlackin. The US entered WWI in the latter part of 1917 and didn't get really involved in the fighting until the end of the year and early 1918. They had turned their back on Europe for the previous three years of that war. The same thing happened in WWII which the US entered only after being attacked by one of the Axis powers - Japan. Im not saying the USA was an enemy of Ireland but it was far from friendly to Ireland and has almost invariably sided with the UK in disputes and conflicts between them. The first US President to do anything concrete to assist in creating a solution between Ireland and the UK was Clinton and if you think the USA had no plans (contingency or otherwise) to invade Ireland in WWII you are dreaming. Roosevelt probably bowed to pressure from Irish/American's but Ambassador Gray was a staunchly anti-Irish representative and made his views on Irish neutrality and the need for the Irish ports very clear. The fact they were assessed as being of no significant advantagedoes not alter the intent to take them by force which was only thwarted by diplomatic pressure fromthe OSS and Irish American lobbyists. German UBotas refueled? You're getting into a different debate but Ireland's efforts - as a NEUTRAL country - far exceeded those of the USA prior to Dec 7, 1941. Wherever possible the Irish Government cooperated with Britain, albeit surreptitiously or in secret; The USA did not. It extracted a high price from the UK for any co-operation and as for German UBoats being refueled - I defy you to demonstrate the Irish Government had any part or hand in such activities.

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Joe Glackin | Mar 11, 2013, 09:59 PM EDT

@ RichardP. The US saved Europe in 2 Worlds Wars and the main defence against the Communist USSR.Im not going to get caught up in your geographical defense to try discrediting the truth. You probably already know this too, but an air corridor was allowed over Co Donegal for American, British and Canadian use during WW2.It was Churchill who threatened to takeover Irish Ports and if this meant invasion , he was prepared This was before America entered the War. Churchill,s plans were curtailed due to Roosevelt's command as pressure from Irish/Americans mainly. Oscar Traynor later revealed what Rosavelt said on Churchill's ambitions of taking over Irish ports were no advantage. Southern Ireland could not be invaded by Germany as it hadnt got Sea superiority.Even if it had ,Germany would need them elsewhere. Lough Foyle on its own was more than sufficient. Churchill's typical British arrogance threatening invasion, was thwarted by America. German U boats were refueled on the Irish western coast on some occasions etc etc

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RichardP | Mar 10, 2013, 01:59 PM EDT

@Joe Glackin - would that be the same America (United States of) that threatened to invade Ireland during WWII? The country which came in the Northern Ireland 'State' and threatened to invade a sovereign state because of its neutrality? The country that opposed Ireland's entry into the League of Nations? By the way - America is a CONTINENT, not a country. North America as a continent also includes Mexico and Canada - so they are all Americans, not just those in the USA. It's a bit like saying Europe invaded Russia, when only Germany did.

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Joe Glackin | Mar 10, 2013, 12:43 PM EDT

Its so sad that through the centuries money was paid to collaborators’, informers etc is still in some Irish mind-sets. To talk of putting up the Union jack for financial gain around Ireland while comparing Americas flag speaks volumes on some peoples knowledge Britain oppressed the Irish nation for 800 years and still hold 6 Counties. The Irish Republic State is still in infancy. The Americans have helped Ireland's struggle since 1798. The flags do not represent greedy unpatriotic tourist concerns.

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Joe Glackin | Mar 10, 2013, 12:41 PM EDT

Using the Queen as a means of tourism for Ireland is beyond reproach. Her presence inside “An Gairdin Cuimhneachain” , further actions and speeches created an unforeseen Political acquisition for Ireland in terms of diplomatic , commendation , honour , determinants by our Country,s , hard won Independence. Her graciousness in apologising for Britain’s wrongs gained worldwide attention as President Mc Aleese returned equivalent respectful protocol. The Queen paid honour and homage to the “Boys of the old Brigade” who in recent times were totally disrespected by some of Irelands own, misguided, self-interested , betrayals for financial gain. The Diplomacy, Political acceptance by Britain’s head of state for Irelands Independence created a secure and enticing foreign investment prospects. Tourism would benefit also ,but was not the main objective . The Protocol involved regarding Irish Politicians etc was portrayed by their civil , dutiful courteous ,reverence was a powerful representation of Irelands Nationalism. The Tourism Irelands request is a total disrespect to all that was achieved. Their interest is understandably, promoting Irelands tourism ,but like others are misguided for unethical financial gain. Being an Irish Catholic Nationalist /Republican from the 6 Counties where their Union Jack is still used as oppressive ,condescending , superior ,sectarian intent will never be accepted.

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STEVENSTAR | Mar 09, 2013, 10:03 AM EST

AS AN IRISHMAN I WOULDNT COLOUR MY HOUSE GREEN SO WHY SHOULD SHE??.. I MEAN, THATS WELL TACKY.. ALSO THE UK IS IRELAND BIGGEST TOURIST MARKET WE GET OVER4 TIMES AS MANY BRITISH COMING HERE THEN WE GET FROM AMERICA. OR ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. I JUST THOUGHT ASKING THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND TO TURN BUCKINGHAM PALACE GREEN WAS A TACKY MOVE.. AND AS AN IRISHMAN LIVING HERE NEAR CORK WHAT AMAZES ME IS THAT OUTSIDE ALOT OF TOURIST CENTERS AND VISITOR CENTERS HERE I SEE ALOT OF THE AMERICAN FLAGS FLYING BUT NEVER REALLY SEE THE UNION JACK .. WHY IS THAT SO? WE NO LONGER LIVE IN THE 8s WHEN THE AMERICANS WERE OUR BIGGEST MARKET.. SO IF WE GET 4 TIMES AS MANY BRITISH PEOPLE COMING IN HERE AND SPENDING MONEY THEN ITS ABOUT TIME THAT WAS RECOGNISED .. & I WOULD TO SEE MORE OF AN EFFORT MADE TO APPRECIATE THAT BESIDES THESE LITTLE SNIDE DIGS AT THE BRITISH FOR NOT PAINTING BUCKINGHAM PALACE GREEN!!!! ...

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Joe Glackin | Mar 06, 2013, 06:01 PM EST

This Craggy Island type request and reply can be viewed from different perspectives but it’s a isrespectful publicity stunt at Ireland’s expense. Buckingham Palace represents the pomp and pageantry of Britain’s past majestic colonial wealth etc. Its Britain’s official Royal family’s residence, the ceremonial, diplomatic, British representation. It has dnothing to do with Ireland or Saint Patrick except glorified by some, who claim her highways in stomping their hoofs. Requesting Pope John Paul to colour the Vatican, royal blue/orange in 1982 as a thankful gesture for visiting Britain would be of similar request. Tourism Ireland didn’t create much in terms of their own business or professional skills but cheap publicity through infantile indulgence

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RedBranch | Mar 04, 2013, 03:29 PM EST

'...the British tourists have been missing'. And the robust anti British nature of this site and some of its follows may ensure that this remains the case into the future. You go Mr. O'Dowd.

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Rebelforce | Mar 04, 2013, 10:54 AM EST

How many millions of people of Irish descent live in Britain? No one seems to know the exact number but the NY Times once estimated it to be atleast 8 million. The Irish are undoubtedly the largest non-British ethnic group in Britain. Such strong blood and historical links to Ireland and they can't light Buckingham Palace green for St Patrick's Day? I guess when it comes to celebrating "multi-culturalism" in England its "No Irish Need Apply".

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