NI boss targets Republic's Gibson

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Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia

I can of course see where they are coming from - but there are some things bigger and more important than even football. He, Wells & Co should not be seeking to undo the right to self determination agreed for the people for the North.

I accept Worthys motivation is purely football (though I think ill advised), but it does stir up a lot of bad feelings, hatred (& potentially worse) which he would have been all to well aware of.

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Of course there are bigger and more important things than football, but just as political developments like the GFA should not affect football (imo), football deciding that someone may play for one team but not another, need not in any way affect someones "right to self-determination" on political matters.

Can you not see the difference? Or assuming for the sake of argument that they are Nationalists, do you think e.g. Chris Baird or "Sammy Clingan 32" are any less Irish or Nationalist for playing football for NI?

As for Worthy, I accept that his (football-motivated) utterances may have caused irritation, even difficulty, for DG and his family (though strictly speaking, it is more the Press).

But can you honestly tell me how a new manager stating that if a player changes his mind, or is barred from playing for another team, that he will be welcomed back to his first team, could stir up "hatred or worse"?

All DG has to say is "Thanks, but no thanks" and wait for FIFA to decide.

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Originally Posted by fhtb

Didn't let me in on it. I'm going to put my new-found right to self determination to good use, and set up my own Republic, zero tax rate. You can join if you want, but only if you declare an 'aspiration' to play for my football team

don't worry about passports, I can issue those to whoever I want, we can call it your birthright or something :rolleyes:

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I'm in.

Make me the ambassador to Japan please.

I'll do my best to create a new citizenship issue which will come to the fore in 18 years or so.

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Originally Posted by osarusan

How likely is that to happen given where he grew up and who he represented at underage level?

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It has happened now with Darron.
With FIFA's blessing :)
Who knows for the future:)

We have covered all the angles re international eligibility. Our league is nurturing great talent, unable at present to hold onto them.
The competition for places in our squad is hotter than ever.

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Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia

But I want all our players to want to play for us & no one else & to say it - it's exactly the spirit we need, & I don't think he has anything to apologise for.

I don't want us to be his "preferred choice" - I want to be his only choice. Which is what he said.

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Well that is where we must disagree. I've no doubt had you asked e.g. Pat Jennings, his preferred choice would have been a United Ireland team, maybe even the ROI, over NI. But that never stopped him giving 100% for NI over 126 games.

Similarly, NI was Alan Kernaghan's preferred choice. But when we didn't allow him to play for us (stupidly, I might add, since it would have been OK with FIFA), he was quite prepared to turn out for the ROI, always giving 100% (afaik). Did you resent him for your not being his first choice?

Which is why I can only think that DG's motivation is at least partly political. After all, neither you nor he can point to any footballing reasons why he might not represent NI, in the event of his being ruled ineligible for ROI by FIFA.

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After all, neither you nor he can point to any footballing reasons why he might not represent NI, in the event of his being ruled ineligible for ROI by FIFA.

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Sometimes we are not as keen as you to enter the fantasy world of H. Wells

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Originally Posted by geysir

Sometimes we are not as keen as you to enter the fantasy world of H. Wells

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It is not "fantasy", it is still open to be decided. In which case, should FIFA determine that DG may not play for ROI, what footballing reasons could he have for not throwing his lot in with NI? He was prepared to represent NI before now. And after all, Alan Kernaghan did it in reverse.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Or assuming for the sake of argument that they are Nationalists, do you think e.g. Chris Baird or "Sammy Clingan 32" are any less Irish or Nationalist for playing football for NI?

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No I don't - cos they have free choice & I support their decision - just like Gibson.

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It is not "fantasy"

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Hold your horses, lighten up a bit
Okay, 'science fiction', if you want to be so pedantic :)

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Did you resent him for your not being his first choice?

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no, just for him being crap...

..AH, maybe that was it!

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

no, just for him being crap...

..AH, maybe that was it!

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he wasnt that crap , and served us well when we needed him. and long may the northern lads continue to do so !:D

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

All DG has to say is "Thanks, but no thanks" and wait for FIFA to decide.

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But we know it's decided.

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The GFA agreement has nothing to do with this btw as NI born people were entitled to Irish passports all along.

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That's correct, but before the GFA this was only something that the Irish government offered, without official approval from the British. Post-GFA both the UK and Irish governments recognise the right of people from Northern Ireland to claim British nationality, Irish nationality or both. So bascially the de facto government of Northern Ireland (the UK) and a large majority of it's people (vis-a-vis the 1998 referendum) approve of Gibson legally holding Irish nationality.

So I don't think it can really be compared to Brazilians being given Qatari passports. There is no bilateral agreement on nationality between the Brazilian and Qatari governments like there is between the UK and Irish governments.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

It is not "fantasy", it is still open to be decided. In which case, should FIFA determine that DG may not play for ROI, what footballing reasons could he have for not throwing his lot in with NI? He was prepared to represent NI before now. And after all, Alan Kernaghan did it in reverse.

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He has as much chance of playing for NI as Osama Bin Laden has of playing for the USA basketball team.

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Originally Posted by fhtb

Didn't let me in on it. I'm going to put my new-found right to self determination to good use, and set up my own Republic, zero tax rate. You can join if you want, but only if you declare an 'aspiration' to play for my football team

don't worry about passports, I can issue those to whoever I want, we can call it your birthright or something :rolleyes:

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I've not been following the whole thread, but I've just realised you are a new recruit from OWC. Anyway welcome.

Made me laugh telling me to wipe the political mud from my eyes - I see all your 12 posts are on this topic - I hope you can contribute to other issues here, other than this "political item".

PS what does fhtb stand for ?

I wonder would this drug work for those IFA aficionados stuck in denial.

"New York, USA.
Government medical services and prison authorities around the world are reportedly "overjoyed" by the launch of a new prescription drug that cures people who are suffering doubts about the veracity of anything scientific which conflicts with their own beliefs.

Shares in Alabama Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (API) rocketed to 89 US dollars following the long-awaited announcement of a miracle cure for Truth Denial Syndrome (TDS).

Soon to be marketed and sold under the name Wellozac, the drug works by rapidly closing down the brain's centre of intellectual inquiry. It also blocks the re-uptake of politically incorrect neurotransmitters involved in critical thought processes, surprisingly this has the effect of reactivating the dormant ability to distinguish between truth and lies.
Particularly so in the European Union where prisons & mental hospitals are bursting at the seams with professors, journalists and academics who are all suffering the symptoms of advanced and potentially fatal TDS and other associated diseases.
There are however side effects associated with Wellozac. It's active ingredient Zealotine has been shown to cause pathological episodes of ludicrous behaviour."

Jesus, posting on this thread has gone through the roof the last few days since I last looked in on it! It's all during the day though......
What sort of cushy-arse desk jobs are ye all at that ye can afford to spend the whole day on foot.ie(and every other site searching to back up arguments)?!?!?
jesus after the days work I'm after putting in ye make me sick! :D

There appears to be no loan move for Gibson before deadline.Suprised to be honest.Reserve team football doesnt help anybody.

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Originally Posted by cheifo

There appears to be no loan move for Gibson before deadline.Suprised to be honest.Reserve team football doesnt help anybody.

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According to last weeks Times

'Several Premier League clubs have enquired about taking Darron Gibson, the highly-rated young Manchester United midfield player, on loan, although the champions have so far turned down all offers.'

And speaking after Gibson's performance against Doncaster in a pre-season friendly earlier in the month Ferguson said "I thought Darron was excellent, He is potentially one of the best young players at the club. He's got good physical prowess, two great feet, good pace - he's got everything in his locker.He just needs experience and that's something he'll hopefully get plenty of this season."

Ferguson seems intent on keeping him at Old Trafford for the season.

I think a loan deal would have been a better idea for the 19 year old but Fergie seems to have his own plans.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

First, owc is a private messageboard, owned by Marty, who can do whatever the hell he likes with it.

Second, my Favourites Link takes me past the home page and straight into the forum, so I never even noticed the banner in question (which in any case, wasn't there when I checked just now).

Third, had I noticed it, I might well have complained, in the same way as I have complained about a number of other threads, posts etc, which I felt were similarly inappropriate.

Fourth, if the IFA ever carried a political message like that in any of its official publications or forums etc, then damned right I'd complain about it!

Finally, it's a bit rich your complaining about a political message on another Board when you posted on this Board that you were not just entitled, but proud, to sing IRA songs at ROI matches. As such, that puts you right up there with Young Irish and Livehead on this Board in your espousal of double standards...:rolleyes:

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Nice politician's response and typical EG. Wouldn't bet on it, but I thought the message was on the forum page aswell. It is good to see that you would have offered your objections had you known this was happening.

As for my own double standards, I'm not seeking to attract unionists or Britons, inside or outside, the 26C to support (the Republic of) Ireland. If you looked elsewhere on this forum there's a ticket scarcity for a match on Wednesday week. As I already stated, I'd point all unionist football fans and prospective players towards Windsor Park where they'd feel more at home.

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Originally Posted by lopez

Nice politician's response and typical EG. Wouldn't bet on it, but I thought the message was on the forum page aswell. It is good to see that you would have offered your objections had you known this was happening.

As for my own double standards, I'm not seeking to attract unionists or Britons, inside or outside, the 26C to support (the Republic of) Ireland. If you looked elsewhere on this forum there's a ticket scarcity for a match on Wednesday week. As I already stated, I'd point all unionist football fans and prospective players towards Windsor Park where they'd feel more at home.

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Were I really a politician, I would doubtless have offered an opinion (either way), despite not having even seen the item in question, but I'm not, so I won't.

As for your second paragraph, are you really trying to justify your espousal of the singing of partisan political songs at football matches as a means of "controlling" demand for tickets? Does this mean you feel such songs should not be sung at matches which might not otherwise sell out?

Nope. I'm sure my original opinion stands: for you to berate the owner of a private website for expressing his support for his compatriots who are fighting overseas (not the actual conflict itself, btw), when you support the singing of political songs at a public football match is pure hypocrisy.

"Football For All?" - Not when you're Lopez, it would seem...

Worthington still stirring today.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has drafted Tony Kane into his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland next week.

The 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers full-back has decided to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to the country of his birth.
Kane has played in two U21 friendlies for the Republic.
"I was extremely encouraged by the response of Tony to our invitation to join the squad," said Worthington.
Kane represented the Republic after playing for Northern Ireland at U18 and U19 level.
Worthington has promoted the defender from the N Ireland U21 squad.
"I feel he can benefit enormously from the experience and I'm encouraged by his enthusiasm to participate," Worthington told the Sunday Life.
"This is a very positive sign for the IFA and the team itself."
Kane's call-up follows the controversy over Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson, who is at the centre of a dispute between the Republic and Northern Ireland over his eligibility.
The Londonderry man, who impressed in the Republic's friendly win over Denmark, is in their squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
But the the Irish FA, which governs football in Northern Ireland, believes the the FAI will break Fifa rules if Gibson plays in either game.
Northern Ireland are awaiting a Fifa ruling on Gibson's elibility.
"I will be doing everything in my power to get him (Gibson) into our system," added Worthington.
"He's in the Republic squad but I really can't see them playing him.
"If he plays and then Fifa deem he isn't eligible for them then they could be punished and they wouldn't take the risk of losing points when the decision could still go against them."
Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has been ruled out of the qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Saturday 8 September.
The Fulham defender is aiming to be fit to return for the game against Iceland four days later. Hughes missed the recent 3-1 win over Liechtenstein with a knee injury from which he has yet to fully recover

More bull, yet another example of ignorance of FIFA procedures by Nigel and his cohorts.
"If he plays and then Fifa deem he isn't eligible for them they could be punished and they wouldn't take the risk of losing points"
Birds of a feather dreaming together.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

...are you really trying to justify your espousal of the singing of partisan political songs at football matches as a means of "controlling" demand for tickets? Does this mean you feel such songs should not be sung at matches which might not otherwise sell out?

Nope. I'm sure my original opinion stands: for you to berate the owner of a private website for expressing his support for his compatriots who are fighting overseas (not the actual conflict itself, btw), when you support the singing of political songs at a public football match is pure hypocrisy.

"Football For All?" - Not when you're Lopez, it would seem...

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'Football for All'? Sounds like 'educashun, educashun, educashun' and other hollow slogans. The day that GSTQ is replaced is the day that the IFA can claim they are truly promoting 'football for all'.

As for us, I can't see the ticket situation getting better. Three times in the past four years, I've had to get tickets in the home end for Ireland away games. However, while no one can question your desperation to get everyone within the O6C to either play (Gibson, Kane etc.) or support (I see your doing a bit of doorstep Jehovah Witnessing on the Kane thread) NI, I'd hate to see anyone from Ireland who finds either the Soldier's Song or the Tricolour unrepresentative of their 'tradition' suffering at an Ireland game, when there are teams that play an anthem wholly representative of their tradition that they can go and watch (NI or - normally I'd say if you want to see a decent side, but as you keep banging on, there isn't much difference in the quality - England).

And that's the difference between me and Marty. Unless I'm mistaken, he wants all nationalists to support NI and no one else, while ramming his political views - including support of the military, which within your society is a subject you'd think anyone with a quarter of a brain seeking to attract nationalists to WP would avoid - down their throats. In contrast, I'm not in the business of attracting unionists to Croke Park. Not now, nor in the event that we ever need to rent fans in, like what is clearly the case with you. They'd hate it!

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Originally Posted by lopez

'Football for All'? Sounds like 'educashun, educashun, educashun' and other hollow slogans. The day that GSTQ is replaced is the day that the IFA can claim they are truly promoting 'football for all'.

As for us, I can't see the ticket situation getting better. Three times in the past four years, I've had to get tickets in the home end for Ireland away games. However, while no one can question your desperation to get everyone within the O6C to either play (Gibson, Kane etc.) or support (I see your doing a bit of doorstep Jehovah Witnessing on the Kane thread) NI, I'd hate to see anyone from Ireland who finds either the Soldier's Song or the Tricolour unrepresentative of their 'tradition' suffering at an Ireland game, when there are teams that play an anthem wholly representative of their tradition that they can go and watch (NI or - normally I'd say if you want to see a decent side, but as you keep banging on, there isn't much difference in the quality - England).

And that's the difference between me and Marty. Unless I'm mistaken, he wants all nationalists to support NI and no one else, while ramming his political views - including support of the military, which within your society is a subject you'd think anyone with a quarter of a brain seeking to attract nationalists to WP would avoid - down their throats. In contrast, I'm not in the business of attracting unionists to Croke Park. Not now, nor in the event that we ever need to rent fans in, like what is clearly the case with you. They'd hate it!

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I have long wanted to see GSTQ replaced as the home anthem at NI games. But whilst this may have the welcome side effect of encouraging some Nationalists in NI to accept that they are genuinely welcome to support the team, that is not actually my primary motive. Rather, it is because I do not see my support for the NI football team as in some way asserting my "Britishness", rather it is much simpler: I am a football fan from NI who therefore supports the football team from NI. Consequently, I would prefer a uniquely NI anthem to reflect that.

As such, I especially deplore those few remaining "Loyalist" knuckle-draggers who insist on besmirching GSTQ with a desultory two-second "No Surrender" and would see a new anthem as worth it for frustrating them alone. However, I equally deplore those football fans from NI whose Republicanism would never allow them to recognise, never mind support, any NI team, even if GSTQ were replaced. As such, I see each as bad as the other in their insistance on allowing their politics to override their sportsmanship.

Which, in the context of the ROI, is where you come in. Were I an ROI fan, I'm sure I would be equally embarrassed and disgusted by people like you who advocate singing party political songs at ROI matches. And the fact that it is coming from some "plastic" with a cockney accent, who likes to lecture other Irishmen born and bred about what it means to be "truly" Irish(!), shouldn't make a difference, but somehow it does.

Beyond that, I really never quite understand just what the hell you are on about. What is this Jehovah's Witness reference? Why on earth would I ever want to support England? (Though I can see why you might...).

As for Marty, he merely wants everyone from NI to support the NI team. As such, I have never known him to do anything at any NI match, home or away, which could even remotely be characterised as "shoving down the throat" of anyone his personal convictions.
On the contrary, I have frequently witnessed his active campaigning against e.g. the wearing of Linfield/Rangers colours to matches, the shouting of No Surrender during GSTQ and the singing of party songs. That is because whatever his privately held views, when he is with NI the only "military" he is interested in is "The Green And White Army"

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

I have long wanted to see GSTQ replaced as the home anthem at NI games. But whilst this may have the welcome side effect of encouraging some Nationalists in NI to accept that they are genuinely welcome to support the team, that is not actually my primary motive. Rather, it is because I do not see my support for the NI football team as in some way asserting my "Britishness", rather it is much simpler: I am a football fan from NI who therefore supports the football team from NI. Consequently, I would prefer a uniquely NI anthem to reflect that.

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I couldn't care less what it means to you. I want to know how the IFA square this 'football for all' you brought up with playing GSTQ.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

As such, I especially deplore those few remaining "Loyalist" knuckle-draggers who insist on besmirching GSTQ with a desultory two-second "No Surrender" and would see a new anthem as worth it for frustrating them alone. However, I equally deplore those football fans from NI whose Republicanism would never allow them to recognise, never mind support, any NI team, even if GSTQ were replaced. As such, I see each as bad as the other in their insistance on allowing their politics to override their sportsmanship.

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If the IFA did all they could, then they can say, well we did our bit, that's all. Not that I'm interested in them taking our support in the O6C from us.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Which, in the context of the ROI, is where you come in. Were I an ROI fan, I'm sure I would be equally embarrassed and disgusted by people like you who advocate singing party political songs at ROI matches.

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Apart from the SS, I don't sing 'political songs' at Ireland matches.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

And the fact that it is coming from some "plastic" with a cockney accent, who likes to lecture other Irishmen born and bred about what it means to be "truly" Irish(!), shouldn't make a difference, but somehow it does.

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Still sore about me rejecting my 'Britishness', I see. :D If someone's Irishness is a form of regionalism, I'd say it's they that's the plastic.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

As for Marty, he merely wants everyone from NI to support the NI team. As such, I have never known him to do anything at any NI match, home or away, which could even remotely be characterised as "shoving down the throat" of anyone his personal convictions.
On the contrary, I have frequently witnessed his active campaigning against e.g. the wearing of Linfield/Rangers colours to matches, the shouting of No Surrender during GSTQ and the singing of party songs. That is because whatever his privately held views, when he is with NI the only "military" he is interested in is "The Green And White Army"

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These were not privately held views but something he chose to plaster across the top of a major NI fans forum. Maybe you can ask other Northerners on here, but I think the message was clear. Support us, but on our own terms. If he was seriously aiming to stamp out politics around NI and attract at least some nationalist support, he's shown he's either totally stupid, or that in reality he's indifferent about it.

Here's what I posted last October. It was stupid of me not to regard it. I can only pleas forgetfulness.

"Lopez,
Following another thread, I've come to realise that it's futile for me to debate any such topic with you, not just because I risk allowing myself to get drawn into endless controversy, to the nth degree of pettiness, but also because it seems to me that the style and content of your posts inevitably say more about you and your opinions than I ever could.
So by all means, keep posting, indeed keep posting in response to my posts if you like; just don't expect me to reciprocate."

It was stupid of you to disregard. It would have saved another few column inches of drivel from being read by, argh-me..........

Were any of Darrens parents or grandparents born in the Republic - if they were this would make him automatically qualified to represent us i'm sure

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Originally Posted by greendeiseboy

Were any of Darrens parents or grandparents born in the Republic - if they were this would make him automatically qualified to represent us i'm sure

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I don't think so - hence the debate that is now on-going and on-going.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Here's what I posted last October. It was stupid of me not to regard it. I can only pleas forgetfulness.

"Lopez,
Following another thread, I've come to realise that it's futile for me to debate any such topic with you, not just because I risk allowing myself to get drawn into endless controversy, to the nth degree of pettiness, but also because it seems to me that the style and content of your posts inevitably say more about you and your opinions than I ever could.
So by all means, keep posting, indeed keep posting in response to my posts if you like; just don't expect me to reciprocate."

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Ahhh, Ealing no want to play with me anymore. :(

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Originally Posted by greendeiseboy

Were any of Darrens parents or grandparents born in the Republic - if they were this would make him automatically qualified to represent us i'm sure

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Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia

I don't think so - hence the debate that is now on-going and on-going.

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His grandparents or great grandparents would have been born in pre partition Ireland when the country was whole (if NI is a 'country', so was pre-partition Ireland). Wasn't there something about 'historical connection' with a country in part of that FIFA rulling stuff?

Does anyone else think this has become like some religious debate about angels on pinheads. Having at one point been partially responsilbe for reviving it I can only apologise.

Having said that I see it's only 104 (now 103) posts off the Ian Harte thread's record, and it probably is adding as much value!

Religion and politics should have no place in sport. It sickens me that in an island as small as ours that this is the way it appears to be. Whatever about normal banter and rivalry, which is what sport is all about, your religious and political outlook should never come into it.

Personally i couldn't give two f's what anyone's persuassion is and the narrowmindedness of some of these posts in this regard is worrying.

Will this island ever be fully be at peace......... i doubt it if we cant even except our differences on a footbal pitch

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Originally Posted by greendeiseboy

Religion and politics should have no place in sport. It sickens me that in an island as small as ours that this is the way it appears to be. Whatever about normal banter and rivalry, which is what sport is all about, your religious and political outlook should never come into it.

Personally i couldn't give two f's what anyone's persuassion is and the narrowmindedness of some of these posts in this regard is worrying.

Will this island ever be fully be at peace......... i doubt it if we cant even except our differences on a footbal pitch

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I really hate reasonable poeple like you. There should be a law to ban cont on p98.

just p**sed of with the sh*te on this thread........... come on uganda!!!!!!!!

I still think he should have went out on loan.:)

Maybe, just maybe, Darron's "I've only ever wanted to play for the Republic" credentials may not be quite what they seem, if this report in tonight's Belfast Telegraph is anything to go by:



United ace is backing Gibson in IFA row
Don't blame Darron, says Jonny
Monday, September 03, 2007
By Alex McGreevy

Darron Gibson's Manchester United team-mate Jonny Evans has backed his pal's decision to play for the Republic of Ireland instead of his native Northern Ireland.

Evans, who returns to Northern Ireland duty for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland, believes the Irish FA failed to make Gibson feel part of their future plans after the defender opted to leave the schoolboy Victory Shield squad to take a trial at Old Trafford several years ago.

The IFA say, however, they have done everything to try and persuade Gibson to play for them and are continuing to do so.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed last week that Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington warned Republic manager Steve Staunton NOT to play Gibson in forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia or the Czech Republic in case they later lose points after FIFA give their verdict on the case.

Evans though says he understands Derry-born Gibson's decision and refutes previous claims his colleague switched countries for religious and political reasons.

Evans said: "I honestly believe Darron would be a Northern Ireland player today but for the IFA. I have spoken with him on many occasions about the issue and he always says it was Northern Ireland that left him with no choice.

"It's been written that Darron based his decision on religion and politics but that's rubbish. I know the guy and he's not like that. He just wants to play football at the highest level and the FAI made him feel welcome.

"Anyway, I think it's too far gone now for him to make a return. Hopefully, in the future, there will be less players switching from Northern Ireland."


Anyhow, if we have lost Gibson because the IFA screwed him around, then that is greatly to be regretted, and I wish him all the best in his future career (assuming he is eligible for the ROI).

However, if he turns out to be ineligible, I hope he can see fit to reconsider playing for NI, like Kane has done. It may be extremely unlikely, as Evans thinks, but my guess is he would receive a good reception from the great majority of fans if he did.

The FAI made him feel welcome...

He didn't feel welcome at the IFA...

He chose to play for the Republic...

The solution is apparently to remove the choice?:confused:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Maybe, just maybe, Darron's "I've only ever wanted to play for the Republic" credentials may not be quite what they seem, if this report in tonight's Belfast Telegraph is anything to go by:

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Believe everything you read in a paper, do we?

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Originally Posted by lopez

Believe everything you read in a paper, do we?

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So true, with lines like - The IFA say, however, they have done everything to try and persuade Gibson to play for them and are continuing to do so

Eventhough a spokesman for the family, speaking to UTV in February 07 said that no one from the IFA had approached or contacted Gibson, his family, Manchester United or his representative in England in the last two years and wondered about the real motives regarding the IFA’s sudden interest in their son’s international career and why it was being done via the media.

I'm not sure how this 'hack' Alex McCreevy can claim it as his article when its simply a part-regurgitated story from yesterday's Sunday Times sports supplement.

Easy money:rolleyes:

Well a poster on OWC has worked it all out. Even though most of it is nonsense and doesn't seem to have much to do with football.

"I think you will find that the will of the people of Northern Ireland will never be for a united Ireland, or at least separation from the UK.

Northern Ireland has always enjoyed superior roads, healthcare, education, public services to our neighbours in the Republic. I live in Dublin, being from East Belfast, for purely mercenary reasons. I would never bring up a child here, I would hate to grow old here, I would hate to become ill here and I would hate to be down on my luck here.

Most educated Catholic people from Northern Ireland would choose to remain part of the UK due to the superior quality of life. And many who don't would regret it once they came to live in a Dublin controlled state. SDLP largely tend to dodge the United Ireland question but claim to work for a better life for nationalists within the Union.

I definitely support both football teams and I am glad that there are two teams. I loved cheering ROI in 2002. But I support Northern Ireland principally and if the two teams were to play together, my allegiance would be with NI 100%. I would probably watch with my friends from the Republic and have a good bit of banter. I am from a Catholic family and was educated at a Catholic school. My father played and sang on the record released by the Northern Ireland Showbiz Association for Mexico 86 ("Mexico here we go!") and the caretaker from our school sang on it. Both Catholic men. I am sure there were more.

I genuinely believe if you look at the Catholic population of Northern Ireland, or at least in Belfast, the divisions between those supporting NI and those supporting ROI are largely socio-economic and education driven. Having gone to a large Catholic grammar school, I'd say that the support was maybe 60:40 to NI. And those who were from less advantaged backgrounds, in the main, tended to support ROI.

A few different points on different tangents there. Some people may disagree but it is what is rolling around in my head."