Oddly enough, the IFA have quite a good record of steering clear of discrimination. Remember that in the 1950's, Stormont UP MPs were proud of claiming that they or someone they knew just employed true - blue Protestants (and presumably got rid of the rotten ones that either fancied a 32 independent state or were keen to stand up for RC rights like trade unionists). The IFA to their credit continued to pick RCs when it would have not only looked normal, but gained them favour by not.Quote:
Originally posted by Paddy Ramone
In Martin O'Neill's biography Terry Neill is quoted as saying that Peter Doherty was Catholic. While normally this wouldn't be relevant, I think it is in the context of Northern Ireland where there are allegations of anti-catholicism.
I keep hearing for instance from Celtic fans that Martin O'Neill was the first Catholic to captain Northern Ireland. Also, I read in Celtic fanzine "the Alternative View" that Bertie Peacock and Charlie Tully were booed by Northern Ireland fans constantly. But Peacock in an interview in the Celtic View said he never had any trouble playing for NI.
However, picking RCs is one thing. Look at all those black basketball players in the US, but where are they when it comes to jobs in running the club or the leagues. The IFA have had RC administrators, in particular Austin Donnelly. However the IL fares more poorly in this department: delaying kick off times and granting home advantage to a certain club as well as matters concerning Belfast Celtic, Derry City and the admission of the two other Celtic clubs to the league a few years ago. All the above have in common religion/ethnicity at their heart which cannot be glossed over as irrelevant.