Phew! I think I know what you are on about, Tiocfaidh. But it is late on a Saturday;-)

I have problems with When the most 'generous' one can be on the grievience addressing within a minority community curve is concerned, is apathetic, Dave, you are starting a bit further up the downright biased end of that scale to find where our happy medium lies...

Ie - Not a clue what it means:-(

As to Now a Brit would not accept that 'version' of it at all.
Wasn't put that way in the history books, Dave, was it?

Again, wouldn't know. History books are so subjective don't you think? If I read one I have to read at least half a dozen. All disagree with each other. I'd rather listen to rumour...

Now. The crux as far as I see. I was particularly referring to the average Brit here, contributing to these boards, and their anti-Irish bent

There are indeed a number of people showing an anti-Irish bent here. I could probably name them all, it wouldn't take long. Which is my point all along. Because a very small percentage of the populus have had a go at the Irish is it right to say the average Brit is anti-Irish? I think not. But I am willing to accept that if a poll of British mudcatters shows an anti-Irish bent then I will accept that the average British 'catter is anti-Irish. In fact, I will start the poll myself. Whether people answer truthfuly or not is another matter;-)

Having been accused of defending the 'average Brit' once btw I feel I must put the record straight. I was born in England, love the place and will happily wave the flag of St George with the best of 'em. By ethnic origin however I am part Polish (now there IS an oppressed race!), part Russian, part Welsh and part English. My Grandparents were all first generation as listed. My father fled from Poland during WW2. I have no axe to grind whatsoever with people slagging of the British and will do so happily myself on most occasions. When they deserve it...

I do not think however that they deserve it in this case. The 'average Brit' on the Mudcat or anywhere else as far as I can see is no more anti-Irish than the average Pole, Russian or Welshman. There are a number of people here, as everywhere else, who will hold an anti-Irish viewpoint. I do not think that is a justification for saying that the average Brit is anti-Irish.

I am more than happy to be proven wrong and if anyone can provide me proof that an 'average' (by sensible standards) British contributor here or that an average Brit anywhere is anti-Irish I will hold up my hands in surrender. I don't think however that I will be suffering from shoulder strain in the near future:-)

Cheers

DtG