Eligibility Rules, Okay

[DannyInvincible]

Is JD being entirely honest in regards to the 1999 agreement, is another question.
In 1999 there was some agreement for the FAI not to approach NI born players first. Approaching Ferguson first in that (1999 agreement) context, raises a question.

Eunan O'Kane also had this to say to BBC Radio Devon:



"I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to the country that want you."


Does that imply someone in the FAI made an approach before O'Kane declared any interest in representing the FAI?

[Predator]

I don't care if people connected with the FAI contacted O'Kane first, but is it possible that O'Kane, having seen the way others were treated for switching, made it up to minimise the backlash? You just never know.

[DannyInvincible]

I don't care if people connected with the FAI contacted O'Kane first, but is it possible that O'Kane, having seen the way others were treated for switching, made it up to minimise the backlash? You just never know.

Hmm, I dunno. I don't see why a player would lie in public when the FAI could simply deny it and then refuse to select him.

Edit: Of course, it doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility that he had someone let the FAI know he'd be interested in representing them and they then came back and asked him to play for them.

[geysir]

Does that imply someone in the FAI made an approach before O'Kane declared any interest in representing the FAI?
As I explained in my post, imo, the FAI are quite entitled to approach Irish nationals and absurd to think any different.

To answer your question about the 1999 agreement, yes the approach to O'Kane does raise a question in the context of the 1999 agreement where (according to Boyce) the FAI supposedly agreed not to approach NI born players.

[ifk101]

The GAWA has tweeted the following:

McKeever was prior to the 1999 understanding.

If O'Kane says he was approached by the FAI first, I'll take his word for it as his understanding of events leading to his switch are no doubt correct. But he does say he wasn't happy with his position with NI so maybe he was the initiator of the approach without knowingly knowing so. But as others say, this is of no real relevancy. And the IFA can't really have any compliants if the FAI choses to adopt a more active approach to the selection of Irish nationals born in NI. After all haven't the IFA broken the 1999 understanding with the Daniel Kearns case?

[geysir]

The point JD made is that the FAI willl have a look at a player if the player makes his interest known. This is consistent with an agreement the FAI and the IFA have from 1999. In the case of Shane Ferguson, the FAI made the first approach which is inconsistent with what JD said. However given Mick Martin's connections to Newcastle United, this approach could simply have been an innocent crossing of paths. Shane Ferguson didn't give a definite answer and there are no indications the FAI subsequently sought to persuade or coerse him into playing for Ireland.

You should also look at the question JD was answering

MC: "Yeah, but you are overtly trying to persuade players to play for the Republic, are you?"

JD: "Oh, I wouldn't agree with that at all. I would not agree with that at all. I think if a player makes it known to us that he wants to play for the Republic, then we'll look at him, but we're certainly not on a recruitment campaign."

As I wrote, there is nothing ruled out by JD about asking a player about his position.
And as regards the 1999 agreement, considering Boyce and the IFA appeared to understand the eligibility rules proficiently at that time, his (and the IFA) posturing on the eligibility issue since that time has been farcical. So imo, any judgement on FAI consistency in regards to that 1999 agreement has to measured against the other party's conduct.
Let's just say, if it were a CAS issue, the IFA would be laughed out of the court again.

[osarusan]

I think that's quite a good distinction. I'm very much in favour of the FAI keeping an eye out on eligible players, ensuring the player is aware of their options and finding out their potential interest to play for us, but if they then appear ambivalent or indifferent to the idea, it would only look desperate trying to hound them into playing for us. That includes the likes of Shane Ferguson and Jamie O'Hara so I can see where Delaney is coming from when he makes the reference to Europe.

There is a distinction there, but it could easily become quite blurred in conversation. What the FAI see as 'ensuring the player is aware of their options' could be seen as an 'approach' by the IFA, or by the player in question.

If FAI scout Mick Martin goes to a player and asks about his 'potential interest to play for us', it's not hard to imagine that player inferring that he has been approached by the FAI. The wording of the question would be very interesting.

[Not Brazil]

"Catholic-sounding" names (whatever that is).

That's Ardee Bhoy's specialist subject.:D

[ArdeeBhoy]

Really?
How so?

[OwlsFan]

Is it?
How so?

http://www.ignite-ng.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ist2_3120732_taking_the_bait.jpg

[geysir]

There is a distinction there, but it could easily become quite blurred in conversation. What the FAI see as 'ensuring the player is aware of their options' could be seen as an 'approach' by the IFA, or by the player in question.

If FAI scout Mick Martin goes to a player and asks about his 'potential interest to play for us', it's not hard to imagine that player inferring that he has been approached by the FAI. The wording of the question would be very interesting.

I think we can trust Mick Martin not to grab the player by the lapels, thrust him against wall and call him a traitor for not deciding, there and then, to declare for the land of Caithleen.

[Predator]

I liked the bit when Mark Carruthers asked him about the cost of the new contract and Delaney replied "...he recognised the tough economic climate that we all live in.." do you now John, do you now?

This was fun as well http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017jk00
Jump to 41 mins if you want to avoid the poor grammar exhibited during the first article, which dealt ironically enough with educational issues.Just listened to this and I hear a NI fan demanding that the FAI change their anthem. Is there an issue among the Irish public whereby they will not play for the team or feel uneasy about supporting the team because of the anthem?

Then there's the question of "How many protestants are in the ROI team and how many Catholics are in the NI team?"... Where does one even start?

[Predator]

Those who disagree with the anthem, or NI's place in the UK, are "bigots".

[The Fly]

Those who disagree with the anthem, or NI's place in the UK, are "bigots".

The caller actually said "bigots in inverted commas". ;)

That's quite an intelligent leap forward.

[DannyInvincible]

Just listened to this and I hear a NI fan demanding that the FAI change their anthem. Is there an issue among the Irish public whereby they will not play for the team or feel uneasy about supporting the team because of the anthem?

Then there's the question of "How many protestants are in the ROI team and how many Catholics are in the NI team?"... Where does one even start?

I think he was my favourite caller. Not sure what the debate has got to with the FAI seeing as all people nationwide are generally delighted to get behind Ireland irrespective of their politics or religion. And we don't know how many Protestants are in our sides because, unlike somewhere else, one's religion isn't a matter of public note in the south. It really isn't an issue because, in contrast to its neighbour, the Irish state doesn't actually have a history of institutional sectarianism. It's probably difficult for someone so obsessed with religion and its related baggage in NI to even imagine that. If one really did want to know for absolute certain whether or not the FAI was a sectarian organisation, they could probably look to the selection of those of Irish nationality from Ulster Protestant, Maghrebi Arab, Turkish-German or Nigerian backgrounds to see that it isn't at all.


Those who disagree with the anthem, or NI's place in the UK, are "bigots".

See, that's the thing. Many NI fans seem to be unable to grasp this for some reason. Maybe it's a form of denial. To have no interest in the IFA's team isn't indicative of a sectarian bigot nor need it even be a sign of an individual who's rabidly opposed to the very existence of NI. To favour the FAI over the IFA is simply a natural expression of national identity for Irish nationalists in NI. To put it simply, it's to do with "love" for one thing rather than "hate" for something else. NI fans don't support Belgium, for example, not because they hold anti-Belgian sentiment, but simply because Belgium isn't their country. The IFA are similarly irrelevant to Irish nationalists in the sense they don't represent the identity of the nationalist community and, I would argue, will find it impossible to ever do so in the sense that they, by their existence, are inherently a British association.

[boovidge]

"bigot" seems to be a casual word thrown about by both "sides" to people who disagree with them.

[Predator]

"bigot" seems to be a casual word thrown about by both "sides" to people who disagree with them.There are two sides. And the right side.
In my experience, those who have branded people bigots for objecting to GSTQ or for opting for the FAI have similarly scoffed at the legitimacy of the Irish nationality of the Irish state and seek to undermine it. Not once have I termed someone a bigot for supporting Northern Ireland or for wanting to keep GSTQ. Those who are most loudly making it an issue of bigotry and of sectarianism are the IFA's fans. It's amazing.

[Predator]

The caller actually said "bigots in inverted commas".

That's quite an intelligent leap forward. ;)It had the faint sound of the archetypal moaning child, the "why always me" type.


Not sure what the debate has got to with the FAI seeing as all people nationwide are generally delighted to get behind Ireland irrespective of their politics or religion. And we don't know how many Protestants are in our sides because, unlike somewhere else, one's religion isn't a matter of public note in the south.The debate has nothing to do with the FAI. A desperate case of whataboutery that isn't even relevant. It's a silly enough argument to raise, unless he's hoping that the FAI will eventually become the representative team for the whole island and if they adopted a new anthem, it would be a step in this direction. The spotlight is once again on the IFA and NI fans don't like the wider community questioning their wee team. Part of the reason why they only want IFA fans to contribute to discussion. Weird.

[DannyInvincible]

"bigot" seems to be a casual word thrown about by both "sides" to people who disagree with them.

Are you referring generally because I don't think people casually throwing the word "bigot" around is all that prevalent here? Happy to be corrected on that though. Most people here are simply eager to support/defend the right of northern-born Irish nationals to declare for their country and acknowledge that whatever the IFA and NI fans want to do otherwise is the business of the IFA and NI fans. Nobody's out to have the IFA abolished, and especially not the FAI. Some here have even expressed good will towards the IFA and are generally happy to see their teams do well, believe it or not.

[Not Brazil]

Just listened to this and I hear a NI fan demanding that the FAI change their anthem. Is there an issue among the Irish public whereby they will not play for the team or feel uneasy about supporting the team because of the anthem?


I don't think any Northern Ireland fan should be "demanding" that the South changes their Anthem - that's the business of the FAI and it's supporters.

Likewise, I don't really care what Republic supporters think about our National Anthem - I do care what the IFA and our supporters think about it though.

On the score, I sense that we are entering the end game on the "Anthem debate" - not before time.

[SwanVsDalton]

On the score, I sense that we are entering the end game on the "Anthem debate" - not before time.

What do you think the outcome will be? Can we look forward to hearing a bit of Lightbody penned guff resounding around Windsor?

[DannyInvincible]

My main gripe with the anthem debate is that Future Chaser were given the cold shoulder by Armstrong.

[Not Brazil]

What do you think the outcome will be? Can we look forward to hearing a bit of Lightbody penned guff resounding around Windsor?

I honestly don't know what the outcome will be - split camp at present.

I hope the outcome is change.

I don't care who would write a new "sporting" Anthem, just so long as it was half decent and specifically Northern Irish.

[boovidge]

There are two sides. And the right side.
In my experience, those who have branded people bigots for objecting to GSTQ or for opting for the FAI have similarly scoffed at the legitimacy of the Irish nationality of the Irish state and seek to undermine it. Not once have I termed someone a bigot for supporting Northern Ireland or for wanting to keep GSTQ. Those who are most loudly making it an issue of bigotry and of sectarianism are the IFA's fans. It's amazing.

I agree with you, Pred. I should have made it clear that I wasn't especially referring to this issue, but to the entire hornets nest that is Northern Irish politics, where "bigot" seems to be thrown around left right and centre. One example is on that radio programme.

[geysir]

The caller actually said "bigots in inverted commas". ;)

That's quite an intelligent leap forward.
The cooling off period has improved your humour, Fly.
That radio piece was duller than dishwater, though Nolan without Nolan was an improvement.
Gerry has just realized in the last 4 months that there is an amount of dis-ease about GSTQ, amongst the fenian hoardes. Gerry had never came across the slightest hint of discord about the anthem before these 4 months. And now he reveals to the province, (yes he called the sacred wee country a province) that there are some Fenians who are disturbed about the anthem issue and maybe it's time to have a discussion. He reckons it must be the GFA that caused the discord - or did that come from another caller?

Phonecalls in on the anthem issue are allocated according to viewpoint based on the D'Hont method, so most people in NI will have got some representation.
Not just a simple pro or anti position. You have Billy calling everybody else bigots, those who don't agree with him. There's somebody who thinks things haven't changed since Neil Lennon was booed, threatened, shot and left for dead. There is the ordinary decent loyalist fan who readily accepts the need to change the football anthem. The ROI fan who doesn't care what they do at Windsor park, wild rotwielers wouldn't drag him there. Then a smattering of other opinions.

[Lionel Ritchie]

What do you think the outcome will be? Can we look forward to hearing a bit of Lightbody penned guff resounding around Windsor?

If they want to save a few bucks on residual royalties I'm near finished an App that writes Snow Patrol songs.

[The Fly]

The cooling off period has improved your humour, Fly.

I reject the insinuation that it needed improving.



Phonecalls in on the anthem issue are allocated according to viewpoint based on the D'Hont method, so most people in NI will have got some representation.


Hmmm, so that's.....



Billy calling everybody else bigots, those who don't agree with him.
= the DUP voter now leaning towards the TUV.



There's somebody who thinks things haven't changed since Neil Lennon was booed, threatened, shot and left for dead.
= the Sinn Fein voter leaning towards Eirigi.



There is the ordinary decent loyalist fan who readily accepts the need to change the football anthem.
= the UUP voter.



The ROI fan who doesn't care what they do at Windsor park, wild rotwielers wouldn't drag him there. = most nationalist voters.



Then a smattering of other opinions.

= Alliance, Green and Independent voters.


I reject the insinuation that it needed improving.


http://ourweecountry.ipbhost.com/public/style_emoticons/default/doh.gif

[DannyInvincible]

I honestly don't know what the outcome will be - split camp at present.

Came across two public polls, so I don't know who's been voting on them at all. A Facebook poll (https://www.facebook.com/questions/285767724795105/?qa_ref=pt) has 170 votes (86.7%) to 26 votes (13.3%) in favour of keeping 'God Save the Queen' whilst a Twitter poll (http://twtpoll.com/f1cptm) has 75 votes (52%) to 70 votes (48%) in favour of dropping 'God Save the Queen'.

Edit: There's nother on Facebook here (http://www.facebook.com/questions/300595696629782/?qa_ref=qd) which is pretty even; 46 votes to 45 in favour of keeping 'God Save the Queen'.

[Gather round]

I voted in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone poll. Couldn't get there until 11pm, but luckily the booth was still open. Turnout of 103%.

My mate suggested I go in and show some support for the Queen. So I gave first preference to Tenement funster from the Sheer Heart Attack album.

[ArdeeBhoy]

What are you on about?? Apart from being obtusely unfunny.
:confused:

DI,
There's also the BT poll, though think you can vote multiple times. Which I may have done...
:eek:

[gustavo]

There's also the BT poll, though think you can vote multiple times. Which I may have done...

Jesus wept.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Why Jaysus??

As in an explanation would be good.

[Straightstory]

It's quite a paradox that the people who most want a United Ireland are the people who dislike, even loathe, 'Northern Ireland' the most. Very evident in this debate here. The impression which comes across forcefully is that the 'two tribes/North & South' partition looks copper fastened for ever.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Naw, don't agree with that at all.
Give it 200 years...

[Not Brazil]

Give it 200 years...

Gerry, Marty and the boys were a tad out with the 2016 prediction then.:rolleyes:

So, "it's only a matter of time", but it might be a hell of a long time.;)

[Not Brazil]

Came across two public polls, so I don't know who's been voting on them at all. A Facebook poll (https://www.facebook.com/questions/285767724795105/?qa_ref=pt) has 170 votes (86.7%) to 26 votes (13.3%) in favour of keeping 'God Save the Queen' whilst a Twitter poll (http://twtpoll.com/f1cptm) has 75 votes (52%) to 70 votes (48%) in favour of dropping 'God Save the Queen'.

Edit: There's nother on Facebook here (http://www.facebook.com/questions/300595696629782/?qa_ref=qd) which is pretty even; 46 votes to 45 in favour of keeping 'God Save the Queen'.

A Poll conducted by the IFA amomgst blockbookers would be interesting.

[Predator]

Why would they limit their research to the blockbookers? The IFA is the governing body of football for the whole of Northern Ireland, not just those current fans who go can afford to go to games.

[Gather round]

Why would they limit their research to the blockbookers?

Because they're easily identified and contacted, and provide a sample large enough to be representative.


not just those current fans

The opinions of current fans are probably of more use to the IFA than a random selection of non-fans, Bellylaugh readers or obsessive internet users in England.


who go can afford to go to games

Given that NI play only four or five home games per year, a block booking is affordable to most. Even if you don't think it offers particularly good value.

[Charlie Darwin]

It depends on what your objective is.

If you want to confirm the status quo, then by all means limit the poll to block bookers.

If you want to gauge whether a move away from GSTQ would make for a more broadly representative team, then you'll have to expand the pool.

I suspect the IFA has little interest in diluting the team's core British identity and as such would be loath to undertake research that might not support that.

Which is completely fine, by the way, but you'd then have to accept that there will continue to be a substantial part of the country's football community that has little to no interest in the Northern Ireland team.

[Predator]

Because they're easily identified and contacted, and provide a sample large enough to be representative.More easily identified and contacted than, say, another equally large sample of people from Northern Ireland?




The opinions of current fans are probably of more use to the IFA than a random selection of non-fans, Bellylaugh readers or obsessive internet users in England.Why is that? Shouldn't they seek to consult a much broader NI crowd than current NI fans, given that they purport to represent the region?

[Gather round]

It depends on what your objective is

To canvass the opinion of NI fans in a way that's both representative of them, and effective to carry out.


If you want to confirm the status quo, then by all means limit the poll to block bookers

Er, obviously no- since every time this issue raises on this and any other forum, I always say I'd prefer a distinct NI anthem to replace GSTQ

A poll of block bookers isn't 'limited', as I explained- they are people demonstrating their support for the NI team in a straightforward and affordable way.


If you want to gauge whether a move away from GSTQ would make for a more broadly representative team, then you'll have to expand the pool

I don't, actually. More important to gauge what NI fans actually think on the issue, and as a result to make the anthem (or whatever) more representative of them.


I suspect the IFA has little interest in diluting the team's core British identity

No ****, Sherlock. I wouldn't be too keen on the idea myself, assuming that you mean making the team less representative of its fans?


and as such would be loath to undertake research that might not support that

Such research- a weighted poll of 1,000 NI adults?- would presumably identify significant groups of people who are uninterested in football, and/or want a united Ireland yesterday. Why would the IFA realistically care what they think? However any research question is worded it's unlikely to identify a significant group of nw fans who'd be attracted by a knees up to Danny Boy, Ireland's Call, or some dirge written by Snow Patrol.

And in any case, so long as the IFA don't actually break any laws or breach the peace with their anthems, competition names or long-standing bans on large sectors of the community, everyone else will probably lose interest in this issue and find some other exaggerated controversy to get outraged about.


you'd then have to accept that there will continue to be a substantial part of the country's football community that has little to no interest in the Northern Ireland team

I've always accepted that a significant number of them support the RoI, so what's new? As above, I imagine an insignifcant number of those would be attracted to Windsor by a new anthem. Do you seriously think otherwise?

[Gather round]

More easily identified and contacted than, say, another equally large sample of people from Northern Ireland?

Er, yes- since a self-selected group such as NI fans are easier to contact- you just put a flyer in their renewal form, merchandise catalog or whatever. You don't need to conduct a complex Gallup poll weighted for the right number of Sinn Fein and DUP voters, or the like.

And- more importantly- they don't need to be filtered to exclude the uninterested or irredeemably biased. You already know they support NI, that's the whole point of asking them what they think.


Why is that? Shouldn't they seek to consult a much broader NI crowd than current NI fans, given that they purport to represent the region?

Don't play dumb. What NI fans think is obviously of value to the IFA; what most non-fans think isn't, provided the IFA stay within the rule of law and don't explicitly exclude others.

As I suggested in a previous reply to you, expecting sports administrators to do much more than represent their fans and stay within those broad legal limits is a bit pointless. Particularly in a polarised situation like NI where we know what 90% of the voters think on most aspects of the overriding single issue locally.

This isn't going to be an election issue or force a constitutional amendment. The most you'll get is a phone in to Wendy or Nolan, if they don't float your boat hand in a petition or something.

[Charlie Darwin]

To canvass the opinion of NI fans in a way that's both representative of them, and effective to carry out.

Er, obviously no- since every time this issue raises on this and any other forum, I always say I'd prefer a distinct NI anthem to replace GSTQ

A poll of block bookers isn't 'limited', as I explained- they are people demonstrating their support for the NI team in a straightforward and affordable way.

I don't, actually. More important to gauge what NI fans actually think on the issue, and as a result to make the anthem (or whatever) more representative of them.
That's what I was trying to clarify. You're only interested in those who currently support the team, however the IFA's current policy - in public at least - is to expand the support base by attracting more people from nationalist backgrounds.


No ****, Sherlock. I wouldn't be too keen on the idea myself, assuming that you mean making the team less representative of its fans?
Well I mean putting a smaller emphasis on the overt symbols of British nationalism (i.e. the anthem) to create a more agreeable environment for those who don't identify with those symbols, like the way the IRFU doesn't use Amhran na bhFiann outside of the Republic.


Such research- a weighted poll of 1,000 NI adults?- would presumably identify significant groups of people who are uninterested in football, and/or want a united Ireland yesterday. Why would the IFA realistically care what they think? However any research question is worded it's unlikely to identify a significant group of nw fans who'd be attracted by a knees up to Danny Boy, Ireland's Call, or some dirge written by Snow Patrol.
Well you filter out people who aren't interested in football by only surveying people who are. The people who want a United Ireland yesterday will presumably answer that GSTQ and related symbols are irrelevant to them, which would support your position.


And in any case, so long as the IFA don't actually break any laws or breach the peace with their anthems, competition names or long-standing bans on large sectors of the community, everyone else will probably lose interest in this issue and find some other exaggerated controversy to get outraged about.

I've always accepted that a significant number of them support the RoI, so what's new? As above, I imagine an insignifcant number of those would be attracted to Windsor by a new anthem. Do you seriously think otherwise?
I have no idea, but I imagine the current crop of football fans are stuck in their ways. Presumably you'd like the Northern Ireland team to still exist in the future though, and I'd wager future generations of kids from nationalist backgrounds would be more favourably disposed to a team that's more broadly representative of the entire population. That said, the status quo seems to be alright with everybody except those who cry about nationalists opting for the Republic.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Surely according to the claims of the farcical 'Football For All, surely the IFA and related anthem/flag should reflect the wishes of the whole populace??

Not a few thousand people who mainly seem to have large girths...

[ArdeeBhoy]

Gerry, Marty and the boys were a tad out with the 2016 prediction then.:rolleyes:

So, "it's only a matter of time", but it might be a hell of a long time.

Maybe they were;doesn't mean it won't happen though.
;)

[Gather round]

You're only interested in those who currently support the team

Not quite. While they're the priority for the reasons I described, I'm also interested in potential new fans, even large groups which represent whole sectors of society.

As I've said many times on here, realistically such new fans are more likely to come from the unionist (or non-nationalist, if you prefer) community. Nationalist football fans in NI tend to support the Republic as we know. That's not to say a more welcoming atmosphere for them wouldn't be welcome, they just aren't the priority as I see it; they already support another team.


however the IFA's current policy - in public at least - is to expand the support base by attracting more people from nationalist backgrounds

Indeed. As far as I know- not that far, as I live in England am not an IFA official in any capacity- it's the same in private. I simply think it's the wrong priority, as I say above.


Well I mean putting a smaller emphasis on the overt symbols of British nationalism (i.e. the anthem) to create a more agreeable environment for those who don't identify with those symbols

Well, to repeat again: I certainly don't identify with- or like- GSTQ, yet I've been watching NI games since the 70s and don't find the anthem a major factor in setting the environment. Actually I'm normally tranferring from pub to seat via toilets while it's playing. So funnily enough, I don't think changing the anthem, if it happens, will make that much difference to the atmosphere, nor indeed the people who turn up.


like the way the IRFU doesn't use Amhran na bhFiann outside of the Republic

I'm not a RU fan so merely quoting others second hand, but assuming that comment is serious it's misplaced. Almost all the NI unionist RU fans I know think the lack of AnbF outside the Republic is irrelevant; if the IRFU wanted to make a real symbolic gesture they'd stop playing it at Lansdowne.


Well you filter out people who aren't interested in football by only surveying people who are

That's my point. Other people (ie those who aren't ever likely, realistically, to show at an NI game) are largely irrelevant to the IFA. Remember, they aren't a government agency or political party- they don't have to be accountable to the wider electorate as long as they operate within the law, as I said.


I imagine the current crop of football fans are stuck in their ways

Maybe, but I daresay they also relfect the society they live in. Which, in NI means 90% of voters voting around a single issue, as I mentioned.


Presumably you'd like the Northern Ireland team to still exist in the future though, and I'd wager future generations of kids from nationalist backgrounds would be more favourably disposed to a team that's more broadly representative of the entire population

That's nice.I'll match your wager: in 25 years, I expect the NI side will be running out to something other than GSTQ, because before then I imagine support for something more distinct will have grown. Always assuming FIFA still use national anthems generally of course. And then your notional generation of nationalist kids* will likely be doing one of two things- either happily supporting NI, or conversely gurning about their alientation because there still isn't a united Ireland in 2036. Either way, my suggested strategy will be vindicated ;)

* I saw a press report today about the proposed closure of one of NI's two teacher training colleges. Nationalist and unionist hacks rounded on the Alliance guy for having the temerity to even suggest that they merge. If that ever happens, I wonder how that will affect segregated education and its knock on effect on football supporting?


That said, the status quo seems to be alright with everybody except those who cry about nationalists opting for the Republic

That group doesn't include me. If they want to emigrate, fine: it would be better if they hadn't amassed numerous cps for NI adult sides first.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Surely it should be about appealing to future generations, rather than a few paranoid fools stuck in the past?

And you'll all be glad to know that our rotund 'friend' 'enjoyed' his own 'Jeremy Clarkson moment' earlier when he referred to members of this board in rather disparaging terms...
:eek:

[ArdeeBhoy]

It's quite a paradox that the people who most want a United Ireland are the people who dislike, even loathe, 'Northern Ireland' the most.

Surely it's obvious they would object to its existence (Rather like unionists are to a UI).
And quite understandable, given they were the indigenous population who were most disadvantaged.
It's hardly rocket science...
:rolleyes:

[Not Brazil]

That's what I was trying to clarify. You're only interested in those who currently support the team, however the IFA's current policy - in public at least - is to expand the support base by attracting more people from nationalist backgrounds.


Where have the IFA stated this publicly?

[Not Brazil]

like the way the IRFU doesn't use Amhran na bhFiann outside of the Republic.


Why do the IRFU use it in the Republic?

Anyway, perhaps GSTQ followed by a uniquely Northern Irish Anthem is the way to go, based on the practice of the IRFU.