Colin Irwin has a fine track record as a music journalist and has been around since God was a lad.He knows as well as anyone about the significance of the tradition and the ongoing debates that have raged down the years. Whether you agree with him or not, he is probably one of the few people with the perspective, the literacy and the knowledge to bring this debate to a wider, non-folk audience.
I thought it was a very well-argued piece, good humoured, fair ( all sides were reflected) and the fact that so many people have popped up to tear it to shreds illustrates his central point perfectly.
It troubles me that anyone who dares to question the idea that the White Hare row is a fuss over nothing is instantly dismissed with side-swipes about conspiracy theory etc ....by so many on this thread.
BTW - I am not Colin Irwin's mother , nor have I have ever met him - only know of him through meloday Maker and Froots etc..