One protests too much

Does the prime minister of Britain perhaps protest a bit too much? His stance is as if to stand on a shore repelling an invasion. Really?

Very late decisions to address aspects of climate change are quite similar to decisions on addressing causes for illegal migration.

Britain of the period when the Irish were starving was pretty well off in general, able to support a 21m home population. Irish migrants shipping in to Liverpool for onward transit to North America, even before the Famine, were kept waiting to disembark, whilst waiting in often abominable conditions. Onlookers were at times very shocked. Such conditions worsened as numbers of Irish shipping increased in the Famine. Those in distress alighting from small craft — row boats and the like on British shores escaping famine — were no more made feel very welcomed than those sailing into Liverpool. “Aliens”, until needed in wars.

Canute gave example that kings cannot stop sea tides approach. Perhaps Cameron’s Cobra will stop illegal immigrants. They may for now slow some flows of people. Grandeur and the pretentions of empire come now and mock Britain. Foreign adventure has its cost.

British governments of now seem to at times tie aid to commercial gain in poorer areas or in places endlessly consumed by wars. Don’t protest too much.

Tom Ryan

Doon

Co Limerick