Have been reading with interest all the postings to this thread, happy to see ard mhacha still in fine form, especially in light of the Tyrone victory on Sunday, I'm sure he does not feel too bad as Sam is at least in Ulster.
Back to the topic, this is for Gareth, - there are many arguments for and against what you and what Ard Mhacha have both posted, there is however one statement that cannot be denied and that is that the island of Ireland was divided against the wishes of the vast majority of Irish people. The province of Ulster was divided also against the majority of ulster people, divided in such a way to guarantee a loyalist majority. A bigoted, unjust society was permitted to run rampant for the last 80 years, all with the blessing of the Westminister Government. These are facts. My point is that if I occupy some place that I do not own, I expect to pay rent. Please don't consider any pensions, health benefits, unemployment benefits etc, made to Irish people as some sort of gift from britain, just consider them as part of the rent.

Slan

Jimmy C.