Driving British-reg cars and celebrating 1916

While entertaining Irish friends in Dublin recently (over on holiday from the UK) one pointed out to me how far behind we are here, and the cost of living in ‘Southern Ireland’. 

They had visited friends in the North before we met up and they explained the difference in the cost. Just an example: They drive a seven-seater newish Vauxhall (tax in the North and UK £160 per year or €200). I drive a similar vehicle — €1,100 tax.

She also explained why she would “never again” bring her kids up here (army with guns on streets when banks are getting money delivered).

Her kids, the same ages as mine, are two to three years ahead in education and, she pointed out, they don’t do religious education or teach Irish in schools there, therefore when they leave school at 16 they’ve had 11 years’ education not eight to nine that our kids have here, lost to religion and Irish. Our kids stay on until 18 (no wonder) to catch up! We have to pay for grinds just to get on an education level with them.

Although I was annoyed with her, what she said next got me thinking: “Do people in Southern Ireland really want to be Irish or, like what she said, deep down do we all want to be English?

Just look at the British cars in Southern Ireland. More than 60% drive UK plates in Dublin. Shame on all those who drive these British-reg cars and will be coming to the Easter 1916 celebrations. We speak our “enemy’s” language and still teach our kids it and they’ll teach their kids for another 100 years til 2116.” We are, as she said, “embarrassing. We’re a laughing stock!”

B O’Keeffe,

Killavullen,

Co Cork.