111 Comments

• Ennis85 | Sep 02, 2012, 10:10 PM EDT

  "Higgins reacted to being accused of anti-Semitism and being a supporter of the murder of Jews" Well explain his refusal to condemn the psychopathic gangster regimes of Hamas And Arafat.

• Ennis85 | Sep 02, 2012, 10:06 PM EDT

  "I believe in peace and human rights too." Well Fidel Castro and Yassir Arafat didn't but that didn't stop Higgins from worshiping them did it?

• sharoneileen | Aug 25, 2012, 10:17 PM EDT

  Well, there are many more Americans that oppose our political alliances overseas than don't oppose them. We have the same issues with voting for the one who may do the least amount of damage. Our alliances have gotten us into a lot of hot water, cost us dearly in dollars and sense and I do mean sense.I can understand voting for the least offensive of a candidate. But "glory be" at least we can get rid of them in 4 years time.

• Happyhippo | Aug 24, 2012, 02:08 PM EDT

  When i weighed up the positives/negatives i thought none of them were a patch on Mary Mc Aleese,i knew Michael D views were a bit off the wall,a poet and a lefty would'nt be my no 1 choice, but the others were no great shakes either,so you have to make the best of what you got,that,s what people did and why we have the best man available in the job,his beliefs and views are not of the majority but he is held in high esteem by the Irish people.

• Johnnyclash | Aug 23, 2012, 11:56 PM EDT

  I was in Irish bar in San Francisco enjoying the opening ceremony of the Olympics . Out came the Irish team to rousing cheers and applause to the delight of the mixed crowd.( American born / Irish born). What happened next was amazing , the Israeli team was booed. To the shock of our American friends. Maybe we do form our opinions on the information we get.

• kinvara7 | Aug 23, 2012, 02:24 PM EDT

  Yank, If one opposes American foreign policy does that make one anti-American? I believe that there are many Americans who would question your analysis. I'm glad to see that many Americans have pointed out to you the difference between opposing US foreign policy and being anti-American. What is your response to them? As you point out in your article Higgins opposed the Irish government's policy regarding the use of Shannon -does that make him anti-Irish? You state: 'I'm not offended by Higgins' anti-Americanism' come on, the whole purpose and origin of this article is your misguided offence (indeed that is the origin of many of your articles); if you can't be honest about that...and why the childish backhanded compliments? If opposing the foreign policy of the American government makes one anti-American, does opposing its domestic policy (oh, let's just say its healthcare policy and The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) also make one anti-American?

• joeseph | Aug 23, 2012, 01:42 PM EDT

  Typical.. Pick bits out of the broadcast to editorialise.. Higgins reacted to being accused of anti-Semitism and being a supporter of the murder of Jews, a ridiculous statement against a man who's worked for peace all his life and worked to get the story beyond what a few journalists decide to report on a situation. You also think he'd react like that as president? Please.. You underestimate the man's intellect and sense of dignity. How dare you.. This is my favourite bit of the article.. "he went further than most here when he declared that the American military was going to "wage war on a civilian population."" Eh.. That's precisely what happened. The world's still waiting for those WMDs to turn up..

• joeseph | Aug 23, 2012, 01:36 PM EDT

  Higgins brilliant speech has, once again, made Irish hearts swell with pride. His passionate defence of blue collar workers is uplifting. You simply completely missed the point.

• Towngate | Aug 23, 2012, 08:53 AM EDT

  If Higgins is indeed anti-Amaricanian 'Blast and Bomb 'em till they do what we say' foreign policy, it only means he has his finger right in the pulse and his feelings are in line with the rest of the World.

• LadyMonroe | Mar 03, 2012, 05:27 PM EST

  I think President Michael Higgins is a brilliant man. I live in America and would welcome him anytime. I am so impressed with his passion and energy. It is so refreshing to hear a man that speaks from his heart and truly means what he says.I look forward to the day to visit Ireland and I hope I get to meet this wonderful man! I believe in peace and human rights too. We need more people like Michael Higgins, he makes the world a better place. I have turned so many people onto him today, he is a breath of fresh air!

• ciaradexy | Feb 01, 2012, 04:42 PM EST

  Millions of pople all over the world are Anti-American foreign policy for example in Palestine and Gaza but this does not mean we dislike or hate Americans. Thats just not the case.

• joycean | Feb 01, 2012, 02:08 PM EST

  I think Anti-American foreign policy IS being Anti-American. America is a republic; we vote for the people who make foreign policy decisions. If Irish voted for him, we should believe he does represent them and judge him and them accordingly.

• ciaradexy | Feb 01, 2012, 11:35 AM EST

  Hes not 'Anti-American'! Hes 'anti-American foreign policy' which most people probably are. Theres a big difference!

• abhainn | Feb 01, 2012, 07:19 AM EST

  "The Yank" claims that "a majority of people were totally dissatisfied with options on offer during the election and Higgins' win was more a rejection of the others and an embrace of him". Here is a statistic for "the Yank" to stick in his craw: Higgins received many more votes than any politician in Irish history. He smashed the record.

• abhainn | Feb 01, 2012, 07:19 AM EST

  "The Yank" argues that Higgins's views "are to the left of the Irish population" but Irish voters have elected two left wing presidents out of the last three, and regarded Mary Robinson's presidency as something to be deeply proud of. She enjoyed excellent approval ratings throughout and following her term, and Michael D. Higgins will too. I am happy that this will frustrate "the Yank".

• abhainn | Feb 01, 2012, 07:18 AM EST

  Higgins's radio statement against Michael Graham was that he was engaging in "the radio of hysterical ignorance" (which was true) and he urged Graham to "be proud to be a decent American rather than being just a wanker whipping up fear" (give the whole quote, "Yank"). Given Graham's uninformed and inflammatory remarks during the broadcast (he has admitted to being "loud and obnoxious"), Higgins's statement was apt, and received a loud approving cheer and applause from the live audience. Context is more true than selective and partial quotation, "Yank".

• abhainn | Feb 01, 2012, 06:48 AM EST

  This is such an ignorant article. President Higgins is not anti-American and has often spoken of his love of Americans and how much fulfillment he enjoyed during his time living in the United States, and how decent he thought ordinary Americans were. He has criticized some US government foreign policies, but that is not anti-Americanism; that is opposition to some ugly actions by American leaders, which have been vocally opposed by many Americans themselves. Are they also anti-American? Perhaps "the Yank" is McCarthyish enough to believe that of his fellow citizens.

• joycean | Dec 14, 2011, 04:59 PM EST

  Another thought: a lot of these responses seem to be school essays. They suggest that 1: US foreign policy should be consistent over decades, like a debater; US policy should be true to some ideal THEY to attribute to America; US policy is the property of the world, including Ireland. Actually, the US is fairly moral compared with other world powers, but if Ireland thinks it has any say, it is dead wrong.

• joycean | Dec 14, 2011, 04:31 PM EST

  Forthright article that you must have realized would be met with strident responses. I agree that opposed does equal anti. I also agree that Mr. Higgins should probably stay out of this country, unless he really means to make Americans aware of how his country feels about America. It does surprise me that the Irish don't have an American sensibility about "speaking their minds." You may give your opinion, but what you say will influence how Americans respnd to you.

• joycean | Dec 14, 2011, 03:52 PM EST

  Forthright essay, in what you must have realized would be strident opposition. I is interesting that your correspondents feel very free to critisize US foreign policy and yet object that that is not being "anti-American." you are corrct to argue that opposed=anti.

• cahalfinbarr | Dec 14, 2011, 01:01 PM EST

  Isn't it strange that a person who stands up for the poor and oppressed is labelled as Anti-American. When I was young and going to school I was taught that the American revolution was a beacon of hope for the dispossessed suffering throughout the world. Is this changed or have we another example of a right wing American slinging mud. I would suggest to you sir that you are anti-American. You are against fairness and equality and everything America is supposed to stand for.

• AmericanGirl83 | Dec 04, 2011, 06:04 PM EST

  There are free radicals and extremists in every religion, however, Islam does teach that all who doesn't accept this religion should be put to death. As for the Anti-American president, of course half the United States does not agree with many of the policies and that would be why there is such rebellion arising, but I don't agree with you generalizing all Americans in to your ignorance either, you ass.

• seanomelbourne | Nov 04, 2011, 07:08 PM EDT

  Your personal insults are like fading flowers tragic.

• oTuachair | Nov 03, 2011, 05:53 AM EDT

  Mary McAleese will be sorely missed.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 03, 2011, 05:20 AM EDT

  Dear SeanOMelbourne, I'm afraid you are now simply being a silly boy. There really is no point in continuing this with you. As somebody once said to me, there is no point in trying to reason with dyed-in-the-wool left wing liberals - they never try to look at the other side and once they realise their argument is lost, they start shouting insults. Now, I will NOT be responding to any more of your comments, although I understand that you will be unable to refrain from one last blast. Take care, Éamonn.

• seanomelbourne | Nov 03, 2011, 02:18 AM EDT

  Ennis85 the Israeli state is a terrorist state.UNESCO by a huge majority accepted Palestine as an independent state,you are in the minority read and weep.

• seanomelbourne | Nov 03, 2011, 02:15 AM EDT

  There are extremist and bigots attached to every religion. you maybe capable of reading,I doubt if you are capable understanding the written word.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 02, 2011, 05:28 PM EDT

  I see the Religion of Peace was at it again yesterday, in Paris. In addition, that is, to its ongoing peace extermination of Christian Copts and others on a daily basis. I await the "moderates" condemnation ............?.....?. . . . ? Éamonn.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 02, 2011, 04:25 AM EDT

  Come on SeanoMelbourne, get a grip. I thought this was a board for some sense? You lived in a Muslim country and found it "free and secular", whereas you pick out the MOST extreme instances of other religions. And YOU accuse ME of BIGOTRY! I really do not like aggression and arguing, but it really is time to read your own posts before you press the "comment" button. BTW, you STILL have not told me what I "editorialised" - and maybe you can point out for me just where I accused ALL of Islam? Best Wishes, Éamonn.

• Ennis85 | Nov 02, 2011, 12:09 AM EDT

  "Islam is no different to Christianity or Judaism" You know this is something I really am sick of hearing. That all religions are alike, that they all teach the same thing. I got news for ya, they don't. Despite what all the diversity trainers tell you Islam is not a religion of peace. Of course I acknowledge that the old testament is full of violence(God wipes out everyone except for Noah, etc) But he doesn't seem to direct it so much at outsiders. Jesus taught turn the other cheek whereas Mohammad taught that Non-believers were lower life forms and to kill them wherever you may find them and subjugate them. I also laugh at your attempt to find some moral equivalence between the state of Israel and Islamic autocracies like Iran and Saudi Arabia. "Exteme Jews hold office in Israel " Well you know what? Arab members of the Israeli parliament have often publicly expressed support for the "struggle" of the Palestinian terrorist organizations against Israel. They have sometimes expressed this support while visiting states at war with Israel, such as Syria and the Palestinian National Authority. One Arab member of the Israeli parliament urged Palestinians to kill Israeli soldiers but spare Israeli civilians. Another assured his Jewish colleagues in the Knesset (Israel's parliament) that "we will drive you [the Jewish people] out the way we did the Turks and the Crusaders before you." Yet they are not charged with any crime, remain in the Israeli parliament and continue to receive their salaries from the state. Oh and by the way how do those poor downtrodden Palestinians treat their homosexuals in comparison to Israel? Do they let them have Gay pride parades, have civil right laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination or harassment and allow consensual same-sex sexual acts?

• seanomelbourne | Nov 01, 2011, 10:02 PM EDT

  I have lived in a muslim country and found it free and secular.None of your points went "Over my head" you made a blanket statement on muslims and Sharia law never once balancing your post by hinting of Muslim Moderates.Exteme Jews hold office in Israel where in some sects women have to shave their head and wear wigs in public, men and women are segregated in synagogues and at the wailing wall.Some christian sects practise mass suicides,have multiple wives and some are imprisoned in compounds called christian centres.Some evangelical christians believe we should wipe muslims from the face of the earth.I read that some popes tried that and lost.Eamonn the scales of justice are to heavy for you to hold.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 01, 2011, 04:27 AM EDT

  Jacersagain, it's "Daniel"! "Oh Danny Boy, de pipes, de pipes are caaaaallling; from de White House across the Atlantical Sea; Oi'll bring de shamrock, and say that their all waaaa***kers, And show them all that I'm the reeall PresiDeee"! Éamonn.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 01, 2011, 04:20 AM EDT

  Seanomelbourne, your opening sentence really does not deserve a response. As for voting for McGuinness: a good choice. With regard to Islam being "no different to Christianity or Judaism", I don't hear either of the latter claiming that it will conquer the world and subject it to its law. Shari'a law, btw, is totalitarian, a fact which appears to have gone over your head? I have not denigrated Islam in its entirety: I would just like to hear some of its so-called "moderates" denounce its world domination ambition, which is considered a religious duty. As for your being an atheist - no interest whatsoever. But one of us is in for an almighty shock when we die! Best Wishes, Éamonn.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 01, 2011, 03:44 AM EDT

  BTW, Seanomelbourne, you omitted to tell me what I "editorialised" in my bit about Michael Higgins "D". Any suggestions? Éamonn.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 01, 2011, 03:41 AM EDT

  Seanomelbourne, Your first sentence does not deserve an answer. As for Islam being "no different to Christianity or Judaism, well one enormous difference is that neither of the latter has it in its repeatedly stated aims that it will conquer the world and subject it to its totalitarian rule. Neither does either Christianity or Judaism have religious law and state law as one and the same, as does Islam. As for your suggestion of my "bigotry": no, I'm not a bigot, I just listen to what Islam says regularly - and I don't hear much/any criticism of those statements from so-called "moderate Islam. As for you being an atheist; I have no interest whatsoever in your state of mind - suffice to say "one of us is in for a cracking great shock when we die". Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• Maolra3 | Nov 01, 2011, 02:06 AM EDT

  If this article is factual and true God help Ireland !

• seanomelbourne | Oct 31, 2011, 09:41 PM EDT

  Eamonn a self confessed cynic,how can you make a rational cynical decision? If I still lived in Ireland I would have voted for McGuinness.Islam is no different to Christianity or Judaism They all have their extremist and denigrating any religion in its entirety sniffs of bigotry.BTW to put the record straight I am an atheist.

• joemccullough | Oct 31, 2011, 06:04 PM EDT

  I agree with Higgins on almost every issue you cited save Castro and I am an American. To disagree with numerous elements of U.S. foreign policy over the last quarter decade does not make you anti-American. There are thousands of Americans who agree with Higgins on these issues and we love America just as much as you do.

• EamonnDublin | Oct 31, 2011, 05:39 PM EDT

  Jacersagain, Despite the times shown, I had submitted my last message before your last one (about the "D" in the name was posted). You have a good point; I am probably more cynical than I would like to be! I think the "D" stands for "Demented". Best Regards to You and Yours, Éamonn D M P , Mac an Lámh Láidir, le Gruaige Dearg (but bald now), Dublin, Ireland.

• EamonnDublin | Oct 31, 2011, 05:06 PM EDT

  Thank you kindly, "Jacersagain"! No I'm NOT NOT NOT Éamonn Dunphy! He, btw, is still on Newstalk - I think it's Sunday mornings. He continues to be an interminable bore. He is one of the people I repeatedly texted with regard to Higgins' obscene outburst, but he and ALL of the Irish media have kept that under wraps - not even a mention. It would be very interesting to see what they say if/when Higgins shouts at a Republican president that he is a "w**ker"!! Thanks a million for adding your comments: sometimes I feel as though I am the only one listening to the threat of Islamism. I keep asking the Irish media why it never mentions the ongoing persecution of Coptic Christians in supposedly (semi) civilized countries, but, again, the media ignores the facts. Of course, it has no problem at all with making daily attacks on the Catholic church. When one challenges them about Islamism, they shout that most Muslims are good people (agreed), but when one challenges them and says that only a minority of Catholic priests abused children they cannot see your logic at all. The older I get, of course, the more I realise that most of the media really hasn't got a clue about world affairs. They never even try to get beyond their university days when communism was the students' God and the West was the curse of the world. Very sad. Thanks again! Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• jacersagain | Oct 31, 2011, 04:53 PM EDT

  BTW EamonnDublin... Michael D. Higgins is a west of Ireland man. He uses the D. in his name to distinguish himself from other Michael Higginses. Haven’t ya heard that in the west of Ireland, the names Mickey Joe (e.g. Higgins) or Mickey Seán (Higgins) are common? That’s just to distinguish them from other members of the family (e.g. cousins) as in Michael, the son of Joe as opposed to Michael the son of Seán, both being sons of brothers of the same family, and Michael being the father of both Joe and Seán, after whom they would have been named. In a way, you’re right to say the "D" is only there to add to his feeling of self-importance (á la Dublin 4 name-taking) but in another way you might be wrong. I’m intrigued as to what this Mickey’s “D.” stands for. Daithí? Donnacha? Daniel done-for in the lion’s den by The Yank?

• jacersagain | Oct 31, 2011, 04:27 PM EDT

  ÉamonnDublin... is that really you, Eamonn Dunphy, the ex-Irish international soccer player, ex-Newstalk radio presenter and ever interminable bore? Sounds like you. But I totally agree with you in respect of MDH’s ignorance of the global aims of Islam and his total silence on the human and religious rights issues of Coptic Christians being, literally, crucified almost every day in the hinterlands of Egypt by extreme Islamists, brothers of the Palestinians. I think we will see Michael D change his tune rapidly on the international stage, under orders from the Irish Government. It might comfort The Yank to know I didn’t vote No. 1 for Higgins for all the reasons he gave in his article above but also because I think this poet is too old for the present-day demands of the Irish Presidential job (I’m not being ageist in saying that, just practical). You’re right Eamonn... we Irish persist in electing the wrong people to do the job we Irish expect of them in office, influenced and driven by eejiotic meedja people like Pat Kenny and Eamonn Dunphy (with apologies to you if you’re not E.D.).

• EamonnDublin | Oct 31, 2011, 06:13 AM EDT

  Hi, "SeanoMelbourne". Can you explain to me what I "editorialised"? Higgins has a cycloptic view of the middle east and the threat of Islamism. He is a loose cannon with a temper that goes off with just as much of a bang. His Saint Patrick's Day visit (if he deigns to go) to a Republican White House will most probably result in a national embarrassment for Ireland. The main problem with we Irish is that we insist on electing the wrong people into positions of power/importance. Thank God the Irish presidency has no power at all worth speaking of - so we can rest assured all he can do is embarrass us by the odd obscene outburst which betrays his claim to "culture". Temper, Temper!! Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• seanomelbourne | Oct 31, 2011, 04:50 AM EDT

  Dear me Eamonn you editorialise what Higgins said.He is in favour of a peaceful resolution of the terrorist Israeli/oppressed Palestinian debacle.Personally I would give the Palestinians the means to protect their homes and families from the murdering IDA.

• EamonnDublin | Oct 31, 2011, 04:16 AM EDT

  On a broader front, it seriously saddens me that so many people in the Western world are sleepwalking their way to having to face Mecca five times a day (or whatever number of times it is). I accept this end might take a few generations, but surely we have a responsibility to those coming after us? Islam tells us on a daily basis that it will conquer the West and subject us all to Shari'a law or dhimmitude. It's way past the time to wake up and listen to what we are being told - and do something about it. People like Michael Higgins (the "D" is only there to add to his feeling of self-importance) will be responsible for the demise of Western civilization. Why do we never hear a word from him about the ongoing persecution of Christians in Egypt, Nigeria, and many other countries, by Muslims? Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• Ernesider | Oct 31, 2011, 03:43 AM EDT

  Well, I am so glad I never read anything The Yank has written before this sad and inaccurate article on Michael D. Higgins who will be the best president Ireland ever had. We need Michael very badly. The Yank probably wanted the Fianna Fail candidate with the brown envelopes. Maybe you should come back to the states for a while as I think you are not only out of touch with Irish thinking but also of the views of a growing majority here in America.

• EamonnDublin | Oct 30, 2011, 06:49 PM EDT

  I heard the Michael Graham/Michael D Higgins confrontation live on Newstalk radio here in Ireland and I wrote to Higgins telling him in verY straight terms just what I thought of his language on air. To be fair to him, he wrote back and stated that he should not have used the word, but he stood over the substance of his comments. In recent days, I have repeatedly brought the incident to the attention of the Irish media. I asked them why we should elect as our president a man who is prone to have a meltdown and potentially call an American or Israeli leader obscene names. Not one of the media has commented on my input or on the incident. Higgins is promoted as a man of culture, manners and integrity. We can certainly now discount the first two: I will refrain from commenting on the integrity issue. The Higgins meltdown is on Youtube - Google "Youtube Michael D Higgins Michael Graham". Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.

• seanomelbourne | Oct 30, 2011, 06:00 PM EDT

  ennis85 watch your blood pressure.The terrorist Israeli state conducts a war of attrition against the disenfrachised palestinians and Ennis believes they should not protect themselves.

• EphraimKibbey | Oct 30, 2011, 05:51 PM EDT

  @smcgill21 - REAL American's aren't "OK" with it either. Torture is a cowardly act and REAL Americans are ashamed that it was done by cowards in our country's name. Just look at Bush's and Cheney's low approvals in our polls. America will be generations in expiating their sins.

• tundish45 | Oct 30, 2011, 12:00 PM EDT

  Miachael D's not anti-American, he's anti right wing ideological politics. Look at that list in the article of Americans and US policy that he's opposed. Every item and person listed represents one or more threads of the narrow, selfish, uncharitable, absolutist behavior we've all come to expect from the American Right.

• Ennis85 | Oct 30, 2011, 10:54 AM EDT

  "He encourages Palestinians to use non violent means to protest their oppression." I'm sorry? You believe they machine gun babies in car seats because of oppression? How naive can you be? As far as I can see the only reason they seem to blow up people in pizza parlors is their belief in the sick fascist ideology of hatred that is Islamism. And about your support for a contiguous country of their own. Let me if such a state were to be set up do you, in your wildest dreams, imagine that such a state would be a parliamentary democracy, with freedom of religion, free speech and freedom of sexuality? "I'm sure you can find a list as long as your arm of violent groups around the world that our President Elect is not on record condemning." Yeah, majority of which happen not to be backed by the US. And you wonder why Yank considers him anti-american. "Like it or not peace in the ME will only come about by consultation and negotiation with all parties, both non violent and violent, within both the Palestinians and the Israelis." Oh spare me, Look at Lebanon when Israel withdrew in 2000 which was endorsed by the entire world except for Syria and some factions in Lebanon, Hezbollah's reponse was to send katyusha rockets into Israel, when they withdrew from gaza in 2005 and said to its people that everything that was built there, (the farms the factories, etc) even if it was built illegally it was now theirs. Their response was a barrage of thousands of rockets and when they engaged with a peace process for 7 years with the Palestinians, their response a wave of suicide bombings.

• imokyrok | Oct 30, 2011, 09:16 AM EDT

  This speech from before the last General Election shows the humanity and passion of the man.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-vCJQ5lLPk&feature=youtu.be It's as relevant to the situation in America as it is to that of Ireland.

• imokyrok | Oct 30, 2011, 09:14 AM EDT

  @Ennis. Michael D does not support violence against civilians wherever it occurs and your attempt to equate him with such is disingenuous. In fact he promotes the opposite. He encourages Palestinians to use non violent means to protest their oppression. I'm sure you can find a list as long as your arm of violent groups around the world that our President Elect is not on record condemning. It doesn't mean he supports them! His views on the right of the Palestinian people to a contiguous country of their own again is one shared by most Irish people I believe. Like it or not peace in the ME will only come about by consultation and negotiation with all parties, both non violent and violent, within both the Palestinians and the Israelis.

• Newrone | Oct 30, 2011, 08:45 AM EDT

  Well that was such a poorly disguised Silly Party-branded phial of vitriol that I quite enjoyed it, though it would probably not make it into my kids' middle-school fanzine.
  
  I did begin to wonder if, despite my conscious respect for so much of American culture & the American people, I was a latent "anti-American" myself, as I find myself agreeing with virtually all the traits listed in the article as evidence of Higgins' "anti-Americanism".
  
  But then the murk settled and the dross sank clearly to the bottom. "Higgins' contempt for some aspects of the American people" - Of the American people? You're saying he's a racist then? Can we have an example?
  
  I am encouraged however to see that the majority of intelligent commentators seem to support Higgins over The Yank on the whole.

• cuddlybuddly | Oct 30, 2011, 06:04 AM EDT

  I think it is healthy to be an outspoken opponent of American policy - but let's not push it over into hysteria and use words like "contempt"

• smcgill21 | Oct 30, 2011, 12:16 AM EDT

  Let me rephrase that last sentence: "Overall, it would probably be a good thing if the next seven years did not include any American torture planes landing at Shannon Airport" It's just I know Irish-americans are ok with torture, but us real irish aren't

• hollabackgurl | Oct 29, 2011, 08:55 PM EDT

  You have just about refrained from calling Michael D Higgins a Marxist, socialist, and Nazi, Mr. Yank. But we can tell by the sour tone of this drive-by-character-assault that you'd probably like to. It's just really silly and insupportable and in fairness you owe our future president an apology.

• seanomelbourne | Oct 29, 2011, 06:25 PM EDT

  The yank has a narrow view of history. The sandinistas led by D.Ortega were elected by the people.The right wing "Yank" fails to inform us that the good old USA undertook a covert war against Nicaragua, arming the fascist rebels with guns bought from the Mullahs in Iran led by that war criminal Ollie North.Higgins took a principled stand against the American war machine and history has proved him correct.

• Ennis85 | Oct 29, 2011, 03:49 PM EDT

  "Whenever the opportunity arose to defend the downtrodden and marginalised and stand up to the powerful and exploitative, he did so and long may he continue to do so." Oh? So are you telling me then that that he stood up to the wealth-destroying terrorist regimes of Hamas and Fatah, who allow no dissent and no human rights? That he spoke out against the death squads that roamed Iraq kidnaps torturing and beheading innocent civilians including journalists and aid workers, Just like he opposed the death Squads in Latin America?

• imokyrok | Oct 29, 2011, 03:27 PM EDT

  Ennis85 Michael D Higgins condemned human right abuse no matter where they take place. He did not distinguish between torture and coercion committed by the USA, China, Soviet Union or any other regime. Whenever the opportunity arose to defend the downtrodden and marginalised and stand up to the powerful and exploitative, he did so and long may he continue to do so.

• tomdoh345 | Oct 29, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT

  Why was Higgins on a nutty teabagger's radio show. I would last about 1 minute before telling them what I thought of their stubborn stupidity in the face of verifiable facts. This Graham guy is not Boston Irish American but some red neck like Texas Perry and proud of it. His show is not popular at all ( in fact I didn't even know of his radio show but only knew he wrote for the TP / Republican paper "Boston Herald" ). From his own web page at the radio station's site he proudly has stated "Michael is also a columnist for the Boston Herald and a frequent guest on cable news programs. In addition, he the author of several books, most recently REDNECK NATION: How the South Really Won the War. Michael’s favorite things about living in Boston include attending Opening Day for the Red Sox, the city's ever-growing restaurant scene, and rocking the boat by launching the occasional Tea Party Revolution. His new book, That's No Angry Mob, That's My Mom, is currently in stores. " I guess we are to believe that his mother does not want her Social Security that the TP / Republican want to end.

• Ennis85 | Oct 29, 2011, 02:27 PM EDT

  Well speaking as an Irishman I myself am revolted that Higgins has won. For those of you here who say that Higgins isn't Anti-American that he's just anti-imperialistic, he supports human rights, he against dictatorship etc. Well Mr Higgins portrays a different set of values when he speaks of Russian imperialism and when I say "speaks of" I mean completely remain silent. Like during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan during the 80s when the Russian embassy was completely left alone by him. And on human rights again different set of values when he speaks lovingly of the autocracies of Yasser Arafat and Fidel Castro. Not to his objection to Hamas being labelled a terrorist organisation.

• luckysusan | Oct 29, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT

  From what I read in your column, Michael Higgins does not sound a bit "anti-American", but definitely "anti-imperialsim" - and so much the better for that! Many Americans, out of love for our coutnry, have taken these positions. It hurts to see the government of the country of your birth and heritage enacting policies that are unworthy of our own history of struggle for self-determination and freedom. In just a few weeks, thousands will be outside the gates of (formerly) The School of the Americas at Ft. Benning in Georgia protesting the mis-use of American tax dollars to train and support anti-democratic military regimes in this hemisphere. We will always need good people inside and outside our own borders to be ready to point out when we have betrayed our own best ideals.

• seanaci | Oct 29, 2011, 01:32 PM EDT

  71regiment, there is a world of difference between the American government of the WWII era and the present one. in the 40s and 50s the U.S. basked in admiration for its ability to rapidly grow and equip a military from 200,k to 8 million, produce leaders like, Marshall, Eisenhower, Clark, Bradley, Patton and others, create and sustain a prosperous middle and working class and come up with the Marshall Plan. World leaders and statesmen were in awe and it was then that the seeds of a united Europe were sown. Contrast that with the position now and the slide since. Now it has to beggar the most vulnerable of its people to support a rapacious military machine that is a cancer on the globe.

• Mayolady | Oct 29, 2011, 01:19 PM EDT

  I think this article on Higgins falls short in analysis. To say he is anti-American because he opposed the Gulf War makes me anti-American and I am not! He questioned policies that many thinking and informed people question. Embargo against Cuba is seen as a mistake for good reasons now. The welcoming of American companies who just want a tax haven so they could avoid paying taxes to us has turned out to be a mixed thing for the Irish. Now they are on the run to the next tax haven and where does that leave Ireland? President Reagan was a staunch supporter of M. Thatcher who was acting like a cruel dictator in Northern Ireland and throwing Irish Catholics into prison for indefinite periods on "mere suspicion" of just about anything---no charges, no Habeas Corpus. Irish Americans who were informed or learned of this, now strongly disapprove, as they should! Higgins KNEW and protested! And that makes him anti-American? It makes him definitely pro-Irish. Ireland should not blindly approve all our actions. Central American dictatorships have murdered Catholic Bishops like Romero while saying Mass, killed saintly priests like Fr. Rother from Oklahoma for trying to teach them to read and farm better, murdered Catholic nuns and brutally raped them---all with weapons and training at the School of the Americas--now renamed to confuse protests. Reagan was mute when these things were decried in our Congress. Higgins is pro-Irish, not pro-Anglo-Irish. Ireland has sold the rights to the oil and gas off her West Coast for a fraction of its value. The politicians betrayed their own country and countrymen. Bring on Michael Higgins and hope he DOES make a difference! He is not there to be a rubber stamp for everything American presidents do, right or wrong. I hope and pray he does make a difference. He is a thinker.

• 71regiment | Oct 29, 2011, 01:10 PM EDT

  I note many of the comments describe the USA as a bully, and that it sends troops here and there. One wonders if it did not sends its sons across the oceans in WW I and WW II, there might be a German Governor residing in the Áras an Uachtaráin, in Phoneix Park, instead of a President of Ireland. I wish Mr. Higgins well and hope that he will have a broader outlook on the world politic.

• Desmondo | Oct 29, 2011, 12:39 PM EDT

  Does any of this really matter? Does the Irish presidency have any role other than ceremonial?

• irishgenebuf | Oct 29, 2011, 12:33 PM EDT

  I'm with the many people who have commented here about the Yank's inability to differentiate between anti-Americanism and being critical of U.S. militarism and foreign policy. We are flat broke because of our decade of shoot-em-up policies.

• seanaci | Oct 29, 2011, 11:45 AM EDT

  Higgins is more anti-American government than anti-American. With the growing gap between the U.S. government and the vast majority of Americans I think you’ll find his views are widely supported in the USA – probably by way more people than there are in the whole of Ireland.

• Pittsburghkid | Oct 29, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT

  Higgins is the Cross Ireland must bare. America has had to bare the Cross of Obama for three years now. From this affliction, America has grown stronger. Now we have the Tea Party Movement which is reforming the Republican Party first, and then the Country. I have faith that Ireland will see Higgins as the Communist that he is, and reform Ireland.

• newnation | Oct 29, 2011, 11:34 AM EDT

  higgins isn't so much anti american as anti neo con fascist. all americans should be too! i reckon americans would actually love to have a president like higgins. you may need too get rid of the people who are running your government first so that some of his policys could be implemented..Arab spring half completed. western awaking begin..

• mayoman | Oct 29, 2011, 11:29 AM EDT

  The Yank is truly an Ugly American. He criticizes Mr. Higgins because he doesn't embrace American Imperialism, but Higgins is not alone. There are millions upon millions of people on this globe that are sick and tired of America constantly sending its troops here, there and everywhere; stirring up trouble, as Bush did in Iraq, for no good apparent reason. I stand with Higgins. The US is a bully, and everyone knows it.

• EphraimKibbey | Oct 29, 2011, 11:23 AM EDT

  If you look at the varied signs in the Occupy Wall Street rallies in ALL of the American cities, along with the ones advocating the arrest of the crooks who stole our economy, there are plenty of "End the War" signs. President Higgins may find himself in AGREEMENT with the 99%'ers here. If he aqgrees with most of America, he can hardly be called "anti-American."

• jfmcauliff | Oct 29, 2011, 11:15 AM EDT

  More power to President elect Higgins if he is able to help Americans of Irish descent understand better why our foreign policy is so unpopular with much of the world. One specific point, his opposition to the unilateral US embargo of Cuba is widely shared. The UN voted for the twentieth time last week with virtual unanimity to condemn it. Only Israel was on our side, its ears no doubt burning with hypocrisy as Israelis are free to vacation, trade and invest in Cuba. John McAuliff Fund for Reconciliation and Development Dobbs Ferry, NY

• Padraig8 | Oct 29, 2011, 11:08 AM EDT

  First Off "Yank" puts a whole new meaning on this salutation,i for one would request all good irish people to NOT call me that when i return next year as one who is proud of my dual citizenry i do not want to be LUMPED in a bag with the likes of him. How Biased he is,for his info lots of the US Citizens feel the same as he described Michael does as a father of a young soldier lost at 18yrs in Viet Nam and as a ww2 vet i hate the WAR Policies of my native Country. i especially dislike the propaganda that we are HELPING PEOPLE see the benefit of living our way by bombing them out of existance,Hard way to learn eh? As to Michael Good Luck and God Speed. Come see us you are allways WELCOME

• PhlutiePhan | Oct 29, 2011, 10:42 AM EDT

  The key issue is that the position is mostly ceremonial. That is why Marty Sheen didn't run.

• cillowen | Oct 29, 2011, 10:17 AM EDT

  this article makes me a mite warmly disposed towards higgins at one level but if he's expecting the us of a to help on the job front he's going to be a bust. The Irish of the headless poodle slice have a need to save the people of the world instead of focussing on their dysfuntional self. They get excited with the prospect of being rewarded by 'er majesty with knightings, OBEs and such, in being fools to everyone else.

• aoibhinn | Oct 29, 2011, 09:53 AM EDT

  Because Higgins is opposed to these things, you can brand him as Anti-American?? Because you do not like Higgins' views can I brand you as anti-Irish? He was in the U.S. and knows what a great country it can be and is probably upset at these things that are not good for its people and tarnish its reputation. As for the other 'enemies' of the U.S. he has visited with, he probably admires them for the social programs they implemented to help people obtain a better quality of life. And Reagan's policies allowed the current financial mess.

• happyfeet | Oct 29, 2011, 09:42 AM EDT

  to Kinvara7, brilliantly stated. to Yank..you have missed the point. Higgins may oppose certain American policies and values. As an American, so do I! That does not make either of us anti-American.

• kinvara7 | Oct 29, 2011, 09:09 AM EDT

  With respect Yank, but you have written a string of poorly thought out articles. If one opposes American foreign policy does that make one anti-American? I believe that there are many Americans who would question your analysis. Secondly, do you not respect freedom of speech? Sadly, you seem to equate friendship with servility; where Ireland is supposed to agree with everything the American government decides to do. What good are the opnions of 'yes men'? In your article you seem to suggest that Ireland should be punished in some way for electing Mr. Higgins. I believe he has the makings of a fine president and I trust that our President would be well receiced in the US; where Irish companies employ over 80,000 people and have invested 30 billion in the last ten years (increasing all the time). Finally, you state: 'I'm not offended by Higgins' anti-Americanism' come on, the whole purpose and origin of this article is your misguided offence (indeed that is the origin of many of your articles); if you can't be honest about that...and why the childish backhanded compliments? I'm glad to see that some Americans have pointed out to you the difference between opposing US foreign policy and being anti-American.

• Fergananim | Oct 29, 2011, 09:08 AM EDT

  "Having said all of that I'm not offended by Higgins' anti-Americanism." Then what was the point of this article?

• hollabackgurl | Oct 29, 2011, 08:54 AM EDT

  The Pentagon's military objectives are not 'America' Yank. America is not the global over-reach of the neo-con hawks you unquestioningly support. So it's utterly asinine to call Michael D anti-American and it says more about you than him actually.

• imokyrok | Oct 29, 2011, 08:32 AM EDT

  It's a shame that some distance from the US hasn't enhanced your ability to examine your countries policies critically. It's a feature of far too many Americans that they are so certain they are right and the rest of the world is wrong. Never prepared to take on board the opinions of others or to learn from their mistakes. We need more people like President Higgins prepared to stand up for what's moral and humane against the perpetual blinkered self interest of the US.

• TheYank | Oct 29, 2011, 05:44 AM EDT

  I think I'd like to add this: in no election have I ever had my perfect candidate. In this election, Higgins was not my number 1, but he was far from the worse. His views on America are what they are, but they're not that relevant for a President so long as he remembers that.
  
  Also - and I don't remember this being a topic during the campaign - I think having a Labour president during this upcoming decade of anniversaries might be no bad thing. Higgins will be less constrained by the history of his party than a candidate from the other major parties.

• TheYank | Oct 29, 2011, 02:36 AM EDT

  Great to see so many comments. Sorry I can't answer all of them.
  
  I find it odd that so many say I'm wrong that Higgins is the most anti-American president Ireland's ever had. He's spent his entire adult life opposing America. Opposing = anti.
  
  I couldn't find any specific references to Higgins' views on the policies of the Obama administration, but I know from that radio interview above where he talks about disagreeing with "some" of the things done by Pres Obama that he would, if pressed, explain that he's disappointed with (a) the use of drones in Yemen, Afghanistan, & Pakistan and (b) the continuation of strong American support for Israel. I bet he was none too happy that Osama bin Laden was killed the way he was. Higgins is, however, astute enough to know that when the American president is popular - Clinton & Obama - it's better to keep your opposition low key. This is particularly true when you want to be president of Ireland, which is designed as a non-political position.
  
  Having said all of that I'm not offended by Higgins' anti-Americanism. It's what he is. He's out front, outspoken on it, but I actually kind of like him. He can be amusing at times, although there are other times when I find him tediously long-winded.
  
  I think the candidates' temperaments were not explored at all during the campaign. Does Higgins have the temperament to be President? Well, to most Irish people he's a genial old man, but as that explosion on the radio shows, he's easily riled. He has to keep that in check when traveling abroad as president. Let's hope he can.

• EdinCali | Oct 28, 2011, 10:53 PM EDT

  Great piece John, looks like Eire is making one big azz mistake again. Just when America will be making sweeping change to the left, Ireland lurches left...It is not going to help things to estrange your biggest and best friend

• jacersagain | Oct 28, 2011, 09:56 PM EDT

  (...more) No, no.. pardon me me poor jokes... Alas, alas... methinks the people of Ireland deserve the President its eejioticic, apoplectic, anti-pope-ilitic meedja decides (George Dillon will like that). ¬ “Well, tell us, jacers” I hear you impatiently scream, “How did ya vote?? Like, in the end, who did’ya really go’fer? G’wan, tell uz jacersagain, g’wan yerself, jacers, tell us... ” Well, since yez screamingly ask this hollow’een weekend, I wrote “1” with a ooh black pencil on the voting sheet, voting No. 1 for Mary Davis. Never met the woman in my life and don’t know her friends or campaigners, never met one of them, even during the election campaign. Despite her genuine eye-make up, I think, with her huge international experience, she said all the touchy-feely diplomatic right things in all the right ways to qualify her for the job the People of a true Irish Republic need its President to deliver on the World Stage. The fickle fools of the blind meedja and meedja-blinded Irish electorate made a big mistake here... and I hafta live amongst these fickle people, day after day! Aaaaaargh! Help me, pls????? In my next life, I will determine to be a dictator.

• Rebelforce | Oct 28, 2011, 09:51 PM EDT

  Most Americans don't approve of the US government's interventionist, biggest-bully-on-the-block brand of foreign policy either. Don't blame the American people, blame our morally challenged, power-hungry, imperialist government.

• jacersagain | Oct 28, 2011, 09:47 PM EDT

  I voted for Mr. Higgins but put him way low down on my list of preferences. Not because of a dislike of the man... just because, frankly, I think he’s not the man for the job. Sometimes, as me oul’ Da yoosta say, ye hafta be cruel to be kind, so while I gave him a kind but cruel vote: I butted him down low in my democratic preference, ‘cos I think he’s too old for the demands of the job. As a country, we hafta think Mickey D Higgins, 72 yrs old, might die during the next 7 yrs and we’d hafta all go through the election rigmarole all over again. Could be tomorrow, or next month, or next year, like, if you truly see what I mean. ¬ Yank’s comments are his own opinions and I respect them... but I don’t agree one bit w/ his article over Mickey Dee, da president ta bee. (Sorry for going poetic dere). As a voting Irishman, I respect my fellow-Irish electing people’s democratic vote and will look forward to what this quiet, leprechaunously-statured clever Mick might uniquely bring to the Republic of Ireland’s Office of Presidency and its place on our World... Probably a bit of probity-ous poetry persidentahaps? Or, he might, with all his life’s experiences, really tell us all what’s at the end of the rainbow. Pinch or punch me. (More...)

• vince99 | Oct 28, 2011, 09:05 PM EDT

  Ah Wake up and smell the coffee!!The Whole World doesn't agree with American foreign policy ! That doesn't mean we are Anti -American ! Just anti ridiculous policies!

• sirpeter | Oct 28, 2011, 08:45 PM EDT

  I had nothing against Micheal D other then the fact he is very old.We want value for money these days and I hope his health keeps up so he earns his money.In all fairness Yank America did wage war on a civilian population.100,000 are dead.Make that a million because of the disruption to medical care for the old and sick.I think American foreign policy has got extremely aggressive since the fall of the Soviet Union.If it continues the American people will pay a big ongoing price.It's pretty obvious Micheal D is not anti-American.Why would he be?Why would anyone in Ireland be?He's just calling it as he sees it.Now that I know he called Michael Graham a wa*ker.I have more respect for him.He probably was been a wa*ker.He's a show host.

• oceanclub | Oct 28, 2011, 07:24 PM EDT

  Of the many Americans I know living in Ireland, none resemble "The Yank" who is chosen to write this column. I'll assume this is a parody. P.

• Fergananim | Oct 28, 2011, 06:46 PM EDT

  Yank, I'm sorry you don't like the result, but that's the problem with democracy. Sometimes, people make up their own minds. You're still welcome here!

• austintexas | Oct 28, 2011, 06:33 PM EDT

  I'm an American and I just registered to say I entirely agree with Mr. Higgins. Opposing the more aggressive and imperialistic aspects of our foreign policy is not anti-American but completely rational. I hope he is successful as President.

• DublinCitizen | Oct 28, 2011, 05:25 PM EDT

  O come on Frisco8112, of course you would be welcome in Ireland, don't be a stranger. President O'Higgins is not anti-American just because he disagrees with some aspects of American foreign policy. Don't be so sensitive.

• seamusdenais | Oct 28, 2011, 05:19 PM EDT

  Well Done Michael D. You were last man standing after the electoral slaughter!!

• DrTrelawney | Oct 28, 2011, 04:46 PM EDT

  He is not "anti-American". He is anti-recent American foreign policy. That's really not such a fine distinction.

• franner | Oct 28, 2011, 04:32 PM EDT

  Don't get the point of this article. surely President Higgins is right to denounce war. Doesn't make him 'anti-American' I hope. And the second preference votes haven't been counted yet. He is elected.

• joan1954 | Oct 28, 2011, 04:16 PM EDT

  While I don't care for Michael D's politics, the people of Ireland elected him and for better or worse he is their president and I wish him well. But I hope that he would, should he travel to the US, visit outside of the American pale (Boston, NY and Chicago)and to the cities and towns of the south central part of the US which the Irish manage to ignore with regularity. I would love to welcome him to San Antonio, Texas which is more like a European city than an American one and is Irish proud.

• dermotfastnet | Oct 28, 2011, 04:16 PM EDT

  Despite your naivety Frisco8112 one thing you can be assured you will always be welcome in Ireland whatever your views

• DublinTony | Oct 28, 2011, 04:08 PM EDT

  By the way. 40% of 1st preference votes in a 7 horse race is a MASSIVE endorsement. You give the impression he limped home.

• DublinTony | Oct 28, 2011, 03:56 PM EDT

  Silly and objectionable article. When you say 'anti-American', what you mean is someone who has a different political opinion to you. People like you are also happy to use this smear against Americans who oppose elements of US foreign policy. This is Orwellian. Like an Irish person saying: 'If you don't support the IRA's 'war of liberation' against The Brits in Northern Ireland, you are 'anti-Irish'. We have learned the hard way to be suspicious of our own tendency towards nationalism in a way that some in the US (like yourself) have not yet learned to be. Irish people love, and have always loved, America. How could we not? Mary Robinson was just as 'anti-American'. As her many run-ins with John Bolton prove. Remember? "Overall, it would probably be a good thing if the next seven years did not include any Irish presidential visit to America." This is a pathetic end to a pathetic article.

• jamieLM | Oct 28, 2011, 03:03 PM EDT

  The Irish have voted to elect Mr. Higgins as their next president. It's their business. I imagine we'll all survive. Hopefully, Pres. Higgins will be able to separate Am. foreign/domestic policies from Am. citizens, with and without Irish ancestry, and will be interested in promoting good will between the Irish and the Am. people in the arenas of tourism and shared cultural and educational interests.

• hancock | Oct 28, 2011, 02:52 PM EDT

  He supports Castro though? I guess thats alright.

• frisco8112 | Oct 28, 2011, 02:27 PM EDT

  I am disappointed that Ireland would elect this man. I have visited Ireland numerous times, but I no longer feel I would be welcomed. Since he was elected, I can't help but feel most of the people share his views. Bye-bye Ireland.

• Towngate | Oct 28, 2011, 02:12 PM EDT

  Oh,Yank: I am bitterly disappointed in you! This bitter, peevish Post just makes President Higgins' philosophy more valuable, surely! Amazingly, you state he "will have to temper his reactions to those who hold opposing views to his". What are you proposing? That he should push and bully his way around the globe destroying countries and cowardly bombing their innocent people from five miles up until they agree with him? ~~~~~ Your fury and displeasure at the choice of the Irish people is tangible. ~~~ On this great day for the Irish, could you not manage to show some respect for those who hold views different from yours, or would that be "Un-American!?"

• Dymps2011 | Oct 28, 2011, 01:51 PM EDT

  Gained a majority on transfers? I think this journalist is following a different election. Phrases such as 'romping home' and 'way in front' are being used to describe Micheal D's performance thus far and no transfers have yet been taken into account as the first count hasn't even finished yet. As for staying away from America for 7 years? See you in the White House on St Patrick's Day - 2012!

• hollabackgurl | Oct 28, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT

  Jingoism. He was never anti-American, he was anti Pentagon foreign policy, which has always been right wing. This is a really reactionary article.

• eiriamach | Oct 28, 2011, 01:43 PM EDT

  "The Yank" confuses ultra-conservatism and militarism with "American." According to what he writes above, Higgins has opposed the worst of U.S. policies during the past 30 years. I don't call a person who does that "anti-American." I call such a person a useful ally.

• dermotfastnet | Oct 28, 2011, 01:34 PM EDT

  He obviously has more spirit in his small stature than this writer will ever have

• TiocfaidhArmani | Oct 28, 2011, 01:31 PM EDT

  How dare he oppose America's various jaunts around the world imposing their foreign policy on the rest of the world and I mean opposing Reagan overthrowing DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED governments to impose their own dictator, I mean the nerve of the man opposing such a thing!