The Irish are back in London
By: Niall O'Dowd | Published Thursday, November 4, 2010, 6:10 AM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:54 PM
Even the taxi drivers know the Irish are coming back to London.
Several times during a trip there last week they asked me if I was relocating, saying they have had lots of pick-ups from the airport of Irish people who were.
London remains one of the first stops for potential emigrants, and with the Irish economy on the slide there is no doubt that many are indeed arriving.
I worked in London in the early 1970s for a year and found it a very depressing place to be Irish at that time.
With
IRA bombing campaigns going on, it was clear there was an unspoken antipathy to the Irish, understandable in many ways.
That, thankfully, is now gone, hopefully forever.
However, the length of The Troubles meant that the Irish community in London was never able to step out front in the way it did in America.
They were, rather, the equivalents of the Germans in
America who kept low profiles after the two World Wars. But that has now changed.
Not for the first time London has become a safety valve for Irish social problems. But the Irish coming now are encountering a much better welcome.
The powers-that-be in
Ireland are probably glad to see them leave, despite platitudes to the contrary.
The Irish unemployed might get shirty and start protesting, a la France and
Greece, but if they are on a
Ryanair flight to London they won’t get that opportunity.
I visited Kilburn High Road, and the new Irish presence is definitely being felt.
This patch of North London has always been the equivalent of the
Bronx for Irish first coming to America, a first port of call. And with the Irish sailing again, Kilburn on a Saturday night looks like it is booming.
The faces are all young. The stories are familiar and would be to any generation of Irish.
The brief Irish boom has been followed by a thundering bust, and from
Malahide to Mayo the siren call of emigration once more is heard.
The Irish Post newspaper, which has been the bastion of the Irish community since 1970, is reflecting those new changes too.
The Post is a remarkable newspaper.
Its founder, the late great, Brendan Mac Lua, stood up for the Irish during the worst of The Troubles. And his newspaper became a powerful voice in cases such as the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four, miscarriages of justice against innocent Irish that were widely condemned.
Current news editor Siobhan Breathnach says the impact of Mac Lua has lasted. There will be a census in
Britain which for the first time will ask the question about Irish ethnicity -- a pet project of the Post.
It will be fascinating, not just for the numbers of Irish-born but also the numbers who are British who relate to their Irish ancestry.
While it will not be as large, percentage wise, as Americans who claim Irish ancestry, it will provide an invaluable insight into how the Irish influence has lasted down the generations of the British.
There are obvious examples – rock star
Shane MacGowan and former
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who credited his Irish grandmother, from
Co. Donegal, with much of his empathy for the issue.
But there are millions of others too, who will now have the opportunity to state their claim to a heritage that was long hidden.
It will make for very interesting reading.
35 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.kurtjohnson | Nov 21, 2010, 12:11 AM EST
Because the Irish national identity is something real in contrast to the contrived and forced "british" identity. There are real nations which are captive to the british terror state but their identities have been long repressed.
ancavker | Nov 18, 2010, 02:47 PM EST
Dr Trel: Than how do you explain all the Irish Centres and clubs all over Britain, not to mention the huge interest in Irish culture shown by so many of those born in Britain of Irish descent?
kurtjohnson | Nov 14, 2010, 12:18 AM EST
The problems in Ireland are the result of the importaton of degenerate anglo materialist doctrines (in addition to the northern occupation and other post-colonial issues). One of the toxic by-products was mass consumerism and grossly excessive debt levels/leverage resulting in the instant crisis. @Towngoon Scare quotes notwithstanding, the totality of your post (in this ugly but efficient creole language in which we're communicating) suggest that your terror state was somehow charitable in allowing the flow of cheap labor. I certainly do not believe the continued exportation of Irish talent to be a laughing matter - particularly when Irish politicians engaged in their own cheap labor importation schemes to facilitate their plans for industrial estate Ireland.
DrTrelawney | Nov 13, 2010, 04:35 PM EST
People of Irish descent have been just as influential -- probably more so -- in the United Kingdom than they have in the US. We just don't know as much about their ethnicity, because they don't feel the need to drone on about it.
sirpeter | Nov 13, 2010, 05:55 AM EST
@Mr Towngate,Due to the fact that you have gone to the trouble to explain yourself more clearly,I will grant you more respect then i did in my last post and i will concede that you did not use the term "Paddy's Navy" in a derogatory way.I don't like the use of the term Paddy in relation to the Irish people,be it in song or any use in relation to the Irish people as it is often used in a derogatory manner especially when used by the British. Your post is intertwined with the ordinary british people and british government policy towards Ireland,they are two different entities,you have assimilated with the British people and that’s grand,I have no problem with ordinary English people either. But you are mistaken if you think English government policy in letting the Irish into England was an act of kindness, it was NOT!!this is the kind of naivety,that I try to correct.
sirpeter | Nov 13, 2010, 05:55 AM EST
The English Government has always been disingenuous towards Ireland and if you study the peace process you will find that ,far from been helpful,they put obstacle upon obstacle in the way of peace in Northern Ireland.It took powerful Irish/Americans and a few other’s to push the English Government forwards and it also took a bomb in canary wharf,to get them to understand,that they had better take responsibility for what they created.So make no mistake about it our “old enemies” are still our enemy and until I see a change,then we can live in peace and friendship.My history lesson might be a mystery lesson to you,but nothing I said was incorrect and nor did you correct me on the matter. Shakespeare was a fine writer in that I agree,but have you read any Irish literature? Ireland has made a disproportionately large contribution to world literature in all its branches,and what about Irish literature Os Gaeilge,have you read any?If you took the time to read it,you might find it is equally beautiful and as a fluent Irish speaker I have found it to be superior.I find it sad that you would call English the most beautiful language in the world,when I get the feeling you have nothing to measure it by .
ancavker | Nov 12, 2010, 01:50 PM EST
towngate: Maybe they need to stop flocking, and start fixing.
killowen | Nov 12, 2010, 12:33 PM EST
occupiers - mother's control will be there as long as she has sons and daughters across the breath of usa and commonwealth.
Dublinjas | Nov 11, 2010, 09:57 PM EST
Spent the 70s in Kilburn and pubs like the olde bell biddy mulligans and even the Crown up in Cricklewood etc , best years of my life..And with the Fake Economy Fake Growth Fake Asylum Seekers Fake Refugees Fake Budgets and Fake Job Creation not to mention Fake Government in Ireland the Irish better start to familiarize themselves with Kilburn again.. I think they will get to know London quite Well and aren't they lucky they have somewhere to run too.
Towngate | Nov 11, 2010, 05:09 AM EST
I am glad you are amused but for the poor Irish talent flocking to the 'Terror State' it is far from funny!
Towngate | Nov 11, 2010, 05:05 AM EST
Sorry typo - that's: "Niall's article",of course!
Towngate | Nov 11, 2010, 05:02 AM EST
Thanks@Germanviking?(below).You add a new dimension to 'naivety' by failing to comprehend the nuances of our chosen language by my use of inverted commas on 'kindness' and worst of all - you ignore Neill's article altogether:- which points out the irony that Irish workers are yet again seeking refuge in the Capital city of(your)'Terror State'. YOU might think this tragic event is comical from where you are standing - but for the disillusioned young Irish talent flocking to the sea and air ports - it is FAR from funny!
kurtjohnson | Nov 10, 2010, 10:07 PM EST
Towngate you're comically naive about that terror state of yours - kindness had nothing to do with it but the need for cheap labor.
Towngate | Nov 09, 2010, 05:52 PM EST
Oh dear oh Lord! Sirpeter, before resting my case and finally closing the Towngate on you, I will try to put you out of your misery as humanely as I can: My post of Nov4 was a response Niell's fine article on the unfortunate Irish having to seek refuge in London again. My thrust was that they would be well recieved now, as my family was in the late 50's., and remarking that if the British had been vindictive to the Irish for 'throwing them out', it could have been a very different story. And because of this 'kindness' it is my desire as an assimilated immigrant to see the old 'enemies' friendly and at peace. .............. Your 'history lesson' is a "Mystery Lesson" as every single point you make is incorrect! ... Shakespeare:the finest writer in the most beautiful language in the world asked "What's in a name?" I like to think Towngate represents a portal through which everyone passing in or out is enriched. A welcoming symbol to the weary traveller offering protection and sanctuary and a bastion against ignorance and danger. By the way "Paddy's Navy" is not a derogatory term - quite the opposite. It is the title of a worderful song about the heartbreak of tearing yourself away from something you love very much and is an appropriate term to use in relation to Niell's article. "A chill wind blows across the sea from the land where I must go! - The salt-spray on my tear-stained face as I watch the ship's lights glow. For soon I'll leave my native home to work in a foreign land. I'm joining 'Paddy's Navy! I've become an Emigrant. Sirpeter. millions shed these tears and now mock them. How DARE you!
sirpeter | Nov 09, 2010, 11:33 AM EST
Do you think so Towngate,as i said meaningless surnames..Are you a wooden Towngate? or an Iron Towngate?Just because i put you in your place for licking the arse off the Brits and in general knowing very little about Ireland,the fact old man that you have no come back argument,tells me you're just another half-Irish who took the Queens shilling without one thought as to why your parents were in despair in the first place and why that was.You remind me of that derogatory term house nig*er during slavery days..Oh my English massa..he good massa..he give me good job..he treat me just fine, if i be a good Paddy and stay away from all those bad Paddies in Kilburn Irish Ghetto.Fact is Towngate at heart you're an Irish snob with an English mind,who uses derogatory words like" Paddy's Navy " At least most Irish/Americans are proud of their roots and where they come from.You and your turncoat English loving mind have always been the first to betray the Irish people.And i'll tell you what's AMAZING..You don't even know it.
Towngate | Nov 09, 2010, 08:10 AM EST
sirpeter - your idiocy and ignorance grows by the second! How can you be so very wrong about so many things. Amazing!
sirpeter | Nov 09, 2010, 05:22 AM EST
@downinthebasement..No!! Most English have Irish and Celtic ancestry.England was part of the Celtic world for..not centuries but thousands of years.It was only when England was crushed by the Romans and Italians and later beaten to a pulp again at the battle of Hastings in 1066 by the French/Normans,that English names evolved,names that don't mean anything really.In the words of Harry Potter,the English were mudbloods long before ye came and tainted our beautiful Celtic Ireland and pure untainted language with a bastardized English language and meaningless surnames.
downinthebasement | Nov 09, 2010, 12:54 AM EST
Most Irish have English and British ancestry...Ireland was part of the British Empire for centuries... How do you explain all the English surnames in Ireland?
maloney | Nov 08, 2010, 06:56 PM EST
towngate...you assume they know what they are doing in the first place.
Towngate | Nov 08, 2010, 06:49 PM EST
CENSORSHIP ......Niall and editors - explain blocking my posts or return Copy.
Towngate | Nov 08, 2010, 06:46 PM EST
Typo last post: Thats 'parameters'.
Towngate | Nov 08, 2010, 06:31 PM EST
CENSORSHIP ?! Niall you should 'fess up' publicly to NOT ALLOWING POSTS without explaining why. If you cannot respond to my e-mail request regarding editorial peramiters, then please return by e-mail the texts of my Comments on this article and on Cormac's 'Dark thoughts on losing the war'
sirpeter | Nov 07, 2010, 09:30 PM EST
marsha12..That's the best post here,and your reasoning that the Irish are good at partying is spot on.A little post with far reaching wisdom and words. Go raibh míle maith agat!
sirpeter | Nov 07, 2010, 09:03 PM EST
Thanks kurtjohnson.For the past while now,friends have told me that on the beer mats of Manchester ect, ha ha,..there is an advert for English people to come and work in Northern Ireland,I guess it's some Unionist ploy to bolster the protestant population and vote to counter act the growing Catholic population.I'm serious when i say that.In the good friday agreement if the majority want to end partition,then that's the end of partition.
kurtjohnson | Nov 07, 2010, 07:34 PM EST
Good posts, sirpeter. It's nauseating to hear the british drone on about the immigration they created through their constant nation mugging projects and lust for cheap labor (or at least that of their "leaders" under that unwritten constitution of theirs). Parenthetically, why are so many limeys immigrating to County Fermanagh?
marsha12 | Nov 07, 2010, 03:50 PM EST
I don't understand why there still would be a question of the Irish living anywhere they want. It's the 21 century. I want more people of Irish heritage to come to America. It makes a good party to have the Irish! "So Come One Come All".
dan Breen | Nov 05, 2010, 05:47 PM EDT
PLEASE ALMIGHTY LORD O'DOWD, WHO SPEAKS FOR ALL THE IRISH AND IRISH AMERICANS, GO TO ENGLAND AND STAY !! AND YOU GET TO KEEP YOUR AMERICAN MONEY !!
elektros | Nov 05, 2010, 05:26 PM EDT
One estimate is that as many as 25% of the English have some Irish ancestry. It will be interesting to see what the census says. I can see why people would still go to England now, even though things are bad there, it isn't as bad as in Ireland, and America has high unemployment now as well.
sirpeter | Nov 05, 2010, 03:55 PM EDT
downinthebasement..And wasn't Britain part of the Roman Empire.When it came to Ireland and the Union of 1800..It wasn't Britannia rules the waves..It was Britannia waives the rules.
downinthebasement | Nov 05, 2010, 10:32 AM EDT
Wasn't Ireland part of the Great Britain at one time? Why the confusion?
sirpeter | Nov 05, 2010, 07:29 AM EDT
@Towngate..Plenty English come over to Ireland too,it works both ways.Here's a history lesson,there was an economic war between Ireland and England. In the Treaty of Irish independence in 1921, the British government demanded "compensation" for the transfer of buildings, equipment etc. The Irish government refused, the British imposed economic sanctions,the Irish retaliated etc..Guess what? After 5 years, in 1938, the two countries signed an agreement to end the trade war. Under this settlement the Free State give Britian £10,000,000 to pay off the annuities and in return Britian pulled out of her naval bases in Ireland.Who got the better deal there?Just before the war.ha ha.As for barring the Irish from going to Britain,the Irish would have barred the English going to Ireland.You think it was a one way path.You seem to have no idea how intertwined both countries are,and after the war England had a fierce shortage of labour.Don't be so grateful to England,it's they made your family poor in the first place.It was English policy for centuries to keep Ireland nonindustrial,least we challenge John Bull (England)As for now free movement of labour in the EU..We gave jobs to the eastern Europeans didn't we? The rich like cheap labour.
amkilshane | Nov 04, 2010, 07:11 PM EDT
We Irish are again using the emigration solution. England never required a visa or as much as an ID for Irish which is amazing given the security issues during the troubles. Anyone who has emigrated to the US and gone through all the red tape or worked in Germany where you needed to register with the police to get a work permit knows that London was a much easier trip. Yet we never warmed up to or gave any credit to the British for this convenience. Its just a pity the Irish that went to Britian never took advantage of the educational system there, which probally is the best in the world in terms of access.
Towngate | Nov 04, 2010, 04:43 PM EDT
Yes indeed Niall, " Paddy's Navy " has set sail again! - into the unexpectedly generous,friendly,warm,welcoming arms of the 'hated English enemy'! My youthful voyage was in the late 50's and I remember comparing the tension at home as my Parents dispaired for their childrens future in Irelans and the relief of the reception and job opportunities when we landed in England. We avoided the pull of the 'County Kilburn' ghetto and instead assimilated into the mainstream of the society we were grateful to be in. I often wonder what would have happened to Ireland if, having been almost 'booted out' of Ireland, the British had barred entry of the people and or had imposed draconian trade tariffs on all commercial activity between us - instead of the Free Trade Agreement, Freedom of movement - without need for a Passport, free education and even granting us the right to vote! It is important to state that our gratitude in no way dulled our awareness of the troubled history of our countries, nor the excesses of what Pearse called the English 'Murder Machine'. Like millions of other Irish economic (and social) refugees, we have tried to live as respectful Guests of the people who live on the big island next door to Home. My hearts desire is to see all our differences understood and accepted,and then get on with being the best of friends! My life and work requires me to stand astride the mere 62 miles wide Irish Sea, and as I have one foot firmly planted on each shore .... I do not want them to drift and further apart, for obvious reasons!
ancavker | Nov 04, 2010, 03:11 PM EDT
Things are bad in the UK as well. Why are the Irish emigrating there? Of course they do not have the issue of being illegal as they would in the U.S. but still? I recently returned from England, and there is unemployment all around,and huge government cutbacks coming. I did not speak to on person who was optimistic about the state of the economy in England. Oh and by the way the English people of Irish ancestry in England are much friendlier to Americans, including Irish-Americans than the Irish in Ireland are. I guess I should nto be surprised. One final note why are the Irish running yet again, to England or the U.S? Things are bad in Greece, Spain,and, Portugal, and yet I have seen no storeis of those people leaving their countries. The Irish are an odd bunch indeed.
irishfez | Nov 04, 2010, 11:11 AM EDT
Didn't realize there were so many Irish born and English of Irish heritage. I hope IrishCentral lets us know the Census results