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Working in Ireland this week again. They are not happy. Apparently 100 years exactly since their Home Rule Bill was "fudged" to partition the island - and 100 years later they feel "the Brits are it again". Think they are feeling sensitive!
But what has struck me is that they have a lot of clout for a small country right now and seem far more adept on the international stage than we are.
You get a different perspective over here.
We're so focused on EU and the backstop - i.e. Irish policy which somehow they've managed to make EU policy - and which has tied us up in knots.
While we're dealing with that - this is now happening. We probably not even noticing !!
"A resolution supporting the Good Friday Agreement has been proposed in the US Congress.
Republican congressman Peter King, the co-chair of the Irish caucus on Capitol Hill, together with New York Democrat Tom Suozzi, brought forward the resolution to the House of Representatives
The resolution “urges the United Kingdom and the European Union to ensure that any exit from the European Union by the United Kingdom supports continued peace on the island of Ireland and the principles, objectives, and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement”.
It also states that the House of Representatives “will insist that any new or amended trade agreements and other bilateral agreements between the Government of the United States and the Government of the United Kingdom include conditions requiring obligations under the Good Friday Agreement to be met.”
Effectively No deal with EU and further no deal with US if the border is not left alone.
I feel Ireland is quite intransigent (with some understanding of why they are - dealing with "the neighbour from hell" as they call us
) - and they would be best served loosening up a bit.
But at the same time I do admire how they are protecting their interests and how they manage to be so influential behind the scenes. Lessons for us to learn - less shouting for the purposes of our own media, and more quiet "chats" with people who matter?
But what has struck me is that they have a lot of clout for a small country right now and seem far more adept on the international stage than we are.
You get a different perspective over here.
We're so focused on EU and the backstop - i.e. Irish policy which somehow they've managed to make EU policy - and which has tied us up in knots.
While we're dealing with that - this is now happening. We probably not even noticing !!
"A resolution supporting the Good Friday Agreement has been proposed in the US Congress.
Republican congressman Peter King, the co-chair of the Irish caucus on Capitol Hill, together with New York Democrat Tom Suozzi, brought forward the resolution to the House of Representatives
The resolution “urges the United Kingdom and the European Union to ensure that any exit from the European Union by the United Kingdom supports continued peace on the island of Ireland and the principles, objectives, and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement”.
It also states that the House of Representatives “will insist that any new or amended trade agreements and other bilateral agreements between the Government of the United States and the Government of the United Kingdom include conditions requiring obligations under the Good Friday Agreement to be met.”
Effectively No deal with EU and further no deal with US if the border is not left alone.
I feel Ireland is quite intransigent (with some understanding of why they are - dealing with "the neighbour from hell" as they call us
) - and they would be best served loosening up a bit. But at the same time I do admire how they are protecting their interests and how they manage to be so influential behind the scenes. Lessons for us to learn - less shouting for the purposes of our own media, and more quiet "chats" with people who matter?
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Varadkar is returning many favours for his EU handouts thats for sure.
Ehmm, think Ireland are net contributors to the EU? Could be wrong, cant be bothered looking it up - just assumed they were recipients but heard that hasn't been the case for years.
Also surprised to hear only about 10% of trade is with UK! They are seriously pro-EU over here, and they have used that and their huge Irish-American political lobby to have all those US companies headquartered there.
It makes my point - they are "playing the game" very well.
Also surprised to hear only about 10% of trade is with UK! They are seriously pro-EU over here, and they have used that and their huge Irish-American political lobby to have all those US companies headquartered there.
It makes my point - they are "playing the game" very well.
The EU have them as slight net contributors but i wouldnt trust the figures.
Varadkar is after a senior position in The EU in the future - it is crystal clear. He and Macron will want to run The EU for years to come just like Mr Juncker has done. imagine The EU under the stewardship of Tusk, Varadkar and Macron? It would be worse than Tusk, Barnier and Juncker.
Oct 1, 2019 -- 11:50PM, impossible123 wrote:
Varadkar is after a senior position in The EU in the future - it is crystal clear. He and Macron will want to run The EU for years to come just like Mr Juncker has done. imagine The EU under the stewardship of Tusk, Varadkar and Macron? It would be worse than Tusk, Barnier and Juncker.
Crystal clear? Who to?
What's wrong with Tusk? Maybe the correct question would be "what is right with Tusk?" Firstly, comparing our MPs to "hell", and constantly reminding us "the clock is ticking". Maybe he ought to tell himself Poland has been guzzling up scarce EU funds for many years now so get a move on and stand on their own two feet, and stop sponging of "us". 2ndly, ask any Polish what he was like when PM, and the financial accusation levied at him?
Varadkar? Irish 'backstop' - the achilles heel of Brexit? If necessary man the border with troops as previous or (maybe engage UN Peace keepers) to get Brexit over the line - it's a price worth paying, I firmly believe, should the Irish insist. But, I do not think this is necessary; a small country making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Barnier? A politician from a net-guzzler of EU funds and dishing out undemocratic policies using his enormous power. That can only happen in The EU or some authoritarian regime/country.
The UK have been paying at least £8bn a year net for yonks yet we have been spoken to by past-it EU leaders of miniscule economies (comparatively) and limited experience. With Tusk, and probably Varadkar and Macron in the future I'd hate to be paying these politicians a penny of UK money let alone £8bn annually for their services.
Varadkar? Irish 'backstop' - the achilles heel of Brexit? If necessary man the border with troops as previous or (maybe engage UN Peace keepers) to get Brexit over the line - it's a price worth paying, I firmly believe, should the Irish insist. But, I do not think this is necessary; a small country making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Barnier? A politician from a net-guzzler of EU funds and dishing out undemocratic policies using his enormous power. That can only happen in The EU or some authoritarian regime/country.
The UK have been paying at least £8bn a year net for yonks yet we have been spoken to by past-it EU leaders of miniscule economies (comparatively) and limited experience. With Tusk, and probably Varadkar and Macron in the future I'd hate to be paying these politicians a penny of UK money let alone £8bn annually for their services.
The EU needs Britain not the other way round
thats all you need to know
thats all you need to know
The UVF won’t allow that , unless the people vote for it of course
In South Asia India and Pakistan have been non-cordial neighbours for many years. And, closer to home Rep Of Ireland and Northern Ireland until the brokered Peace Agreement. Maybe The UK can ask for The EU to be downsized back to 15 as in year 2000. Soon there could be 30 with Serbia and Montenegro asking to join; Algeria and Greenland exited The EU.
More expense with little return economically. Maybe The UK could align with Canada and North America.
More expense with little return economically. Maybe The UK could align with Canada and North America.
I AM NOT SAYING A UNITED IRELAND,just an agreement between mary lou and arlene,they could build a super massive building on the isle of man and anything moving REP OF IRELAND TO UK OR UK TO REP OF IRELAND COULD GO THROUGH THE ISLE OF MAN OFFICE,north of ireland people could be allowed move anything both ways free of charge.
send Mary LOU and ARLENE ON A MONTHS HOLIDAY TO THE CANARY ISLANDS TO SORT ALL OUT AND BECOME PALS,AND WHEN THEY COME HOME LET THEM START A NEW JOINT POLITICAL PARTY CALLED IRELANDS EYE.
send Mary LOU and ARLENE ON A MONTHS HOLIDAY TO THE CANARY ISLANDS TO SORT ALL OUT AND BECOME PALS,AND WHEN THEY COME HOME LET THEM START A NEW JOINT POLITICAL PARTY CALLED IRELANDS EYE.
The Uk isn't ever going to abandon Nortern Ireland and Northern Ireland isn't ever going to abandon the UK. The idea that the EU will split it is total bollox 
What's wrong with Tusk? Maybe the correct question would be "what is right with Tusk?" Firstly, comparing our MPs to "hell", and constantly reminding us "the clock is ticking". Maybe he ought to tell himself Poland has been guzzling up scarce EU funds for many years now so get a move on and stand on their own two feet, and stop sponging of "us". 2ndly, ask any Polish what he was like when PM, and the financial accusation levied at him?
He was telling specific MPs (and non-MPs) that there is a specific place in hell. Overall the EU has been very measured in their response for what's been thrown at them. This includes Tusk. Just some very dry humour, banter and digs at overtly hubris and populist BS.
Varadkar? Irish 'backstop' - the achilles heel of Brexit? If necessary man the border with troops as previous or (maybe engage UN Peace keepers) to get Brexit over the line - it's a price worth paying, I firmly believe, should the Irish insist. But, I do not think this is necessary; a small country making a mountain out of a mole hill.
The UK signed an international treaty, guaranteed by e.g the USA. The USA might currently have an irresponsible rogue as president who doesn't care about such things, but the rest that runs the country does care. As should the UK. Soldiers, really? I don't see what's wrong with Varadkar reminding the UK of its responsibilities every now and again as the head of government of the other directly involved country. I guess with the last sentence you're saying he should know his damn role and shut up?
Barnier? A politician from a net-guzzler of EU funds and dishing out undemocratic policies using his enormous power. That can only happen in The EU or some authoritarian regime/country.
I don't know what net-guzzler means, but he is simply following the mandate given to him by both the EU Parliament and EU Council. He is negotiating on their behalf, on their guidelines, on their mandate, on their goals, on their red lines.
He was telling specific MPs (and non-MPs) that there is a specific place in hell. Overall the EU has been very measured in their response for what's been thrown at them. This includes Tusk. Just some very dry humour, banter and digs at overtly hubris and populist BS.
Varadkar? Irish 'backstop' - the achilles heel of Brexit? If necessary man the border with troops as previous or (maybe engage UN Peace keepers) to get Brexit over the line - it's a price worth paying, I firmly believe, should the Irish insist. But, I do not think this is necessary; a small country making a mountain out of a mole hill.
The UK signed an international treaty, guaranteed by e.g the USA. The USA might currently have an irresponsible rogue as president who doesn't care about such things, but the rest that runs the country does care. As should the UK. Soldiers, really? I don't see what's wrong with Varadkar reminding the UK of its responsibilities every now and again as the head of government of the other directly involved country. I guess with the last sentence you're saying he should know his damn role and shut up?
Barnier? A politician from a net-guzzler of EU funds and dishing out undemocratic policies using his enormous power. That can only happen in The EU or some authoritarian regime/country.
I don't know what net-guzzler means, but he is simply following the mandate given to him by both the EU Parliament and EU Council. He is negotiating on their behalf, on their guidelines, on their mandate, on their goals, on their red lines.
i.e Barnier is not some dude that decided he wanted to be chief negotiator, put himself in that position and is now doing whatever he wants.
Nothing is impossible ,i think Ian and Martin proved it,so get the two ladies together ,sort it out,and the UK and the EU Would be only too glad to pump billions into economy of both sides of the non existent border,Everyone is a winner and peace would reign.and brexit problem would disappear for good.
you guys dont believe me,if its a no deal brexit the EU will move every migrant that passes through Europe to the UK,THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FEED AND HOUSE THEM,and 90% of migrants want to go to London where they believe that the streets are paved with gold.
and you guys believe that Michael Gove has all things ready for a no deal,its common sense to think what will actually happen,and global warming if it continues will add another 100 million migrants on the move."now do you think Europe are going to say stay with us in our countries and we will feed and house you and give you employment,no chance,they will say"move to the back of the bus if you want to go to London"
by which time Michael will be living in his villas in Spain.
and you guys believe that Michael Gove has all things ready for a no deal,its common sense to think what will actually happen,and global warming if it continues will add another 100 million migrants on the move."now do you think Europe are going to say stay with us in our countries and we will feed and house you and give you employment,no chance,they will say"move to the back of the bus if you want to go to London"
by which time Michael will be living in his villas in Spain.
There is nothing in America we want so they can feck off with their threats
If The EU choose to facilitate every migrant's passage into The UK post a 'No deal' Brexit The UK will send them back to the last European country they left/set foot on prior; if Rep Of Ireland maybe we could consider building a wall at the border. The UK must not be held to ransom.
The EU: 28 members, 13 spongers. Soon 30 members, 15 spongers These spongers should never have been considered let alone be members eg Poland, Romania, Czech Rep, Bulgaria, Estonia, Slovenia, Lithuania and a few others.
The EU: 28 members, 13 spongers. Soon 30 members, 15 spongers These spongers should never have been considered let alone be members eg Poland, Romania, Czech Rep, Bulgaria, Estonia, Slovenia, Lithuania and a few others.
See the thread got de-railed. Not about Irish unity or anything like that
My point is Ireland seems to be using its influence smarter and more diplomatically than us. EU and now US policy in terms of Brexit / Trade takes into account the view from Dublin. How is that happening? I actually dont think its our diplomatic corps / civil service who apparently are highly regarded in EU circles and are key in EU negotiations generally (the irony!). The dysfunctional state of politics a more likely culprit.Anyway - something is badly wrong.
On a lesser note : in hotel room now before going to office - conference call in two mins about two teams based in UK to be moved under control of a Dublin-based team
. The Irish getting their own way again !!
My point is Ireland seems to be using its influence smarter and more diplomatically than us. EU and now US policy in terms of Brexit / Trade takes into account the view from Dublin
. How is that happening? I actually dont think its our diplomatic corps / civil service who apparently are highly regarded in EU circles and are key in EU negotiations generally (the irony!). The dysfunctional state of politics a more likely culprit.Anyway - something is badly wrong.On a lesser note : in hotel room now before going to office - conference call in two mins about two teams based in UK to be moved under control of a Dublin-based team
. The Irish getting their own way again !!
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