well at the historical point being discussed, my family was Irish, but I am English now. I think its probably a bit presumptious to tell them to forgive us. The Irish Rebel songs are amongst the most beautiful songs ever written and they will always stir deep feelings in the audience as well as the performer.

However just as the Germans and Israel are keeping their eyes on the prize - so must we. You can't bury the past - nor should we want to. But we must not make our cultures a flashpoint, a cause of conflict between our countries.