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Eamonn Farrell

Report into UN battle recommends medal for Jadotville commander but not for 33 other Irish troops

In 1961 a detachment of 158 Irish troops fought a force of 5,000 Katanganese troops while on UN duty in Congo.

A REPORT HAS found that only the commanding officer of Irish troops in the Siege of Jadotville should receive a medal despite a campaign to honour 33 other soldiers.

The independent review group began examining the case after a lengthy fight by campaigners for recognition for all the troops in the siege.

In 1961 a detachment of 158 Irish troops of the 35th Battalion in Congo-Léopoldville fought a battle with 5,000 Kantanganese troops and mercenaries.

The troops fought as their supplies of ammunition, food and water dwindled over the course of 5 days – none of the Irish fighters were killed.

Several of the soldiers were in their teens, and the event had a huge impact on the men, some of whom said later they suffered from PTSD and depression.

The entire group of soldiers who took part in the siege were awarded a unit citation last year and an accompanying medal, An Bonn Jadotville, in 2017. However, the government hasn’t granted the Distinguished Service Medal that had been recommended to be given to 33 soldiers in the aftermath of the battle.

This morning, the independent report group published its findings and recommended that only Commandant Quinlan, the commanding officer of A Company, 35th Batallion, should receive the DSM.

Bravery

The report examined in more than 500 pages the incident itself, the bravery of the troops, and the aftermath at home during which the troops were badly treated as cowards by some in the Irish establishment and in the broader society. 

A statement from the Department of Defence said that the report outlines the “unsettling aftermath” of Jadotville.

It also sets out the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. 

Devastated

Several people, including Cathal Berry TD, a former army officer and Senator Gerard Craughwell, also a Defence Forces veteran, as well as PDFORRA expressed their disappointment with the news. 

“Very disappointed to read the recommendations of the Jadotville report which was just published at midday today.

“Devastated for the soldiers and families involved, and for all those who campaigned so fiercely over the years,” Berry said. 

Craughwell said he was “absolutely gutted by the outcome”.

PDFORRA, which represents serving enlisted members of the Defence Forces paid tribute to the veterans of Jadotville. 

“We’re bitterly disappointed with the findings, all those who fought at the Battle of Jadotville should be commended. These were acts of heroism and these men should have been honoured for them. They are all heroes,” it said. 

Simon Coveney, Minister of Defence, paid tribute to the troops who fought in the Congo and said that the report examined some of the “misunderstandings” about the incident.

“I would personally like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and sincerely thank all those that engaged with the Review Group, in particular I would like to pay tribute to the 156 Irishmen who fought so valiantly at the Battle of Jadotville in 1961 and to their families who supported them throughout and in the years since,” he said.  

Apology

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, apologised on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces to the veterans and their families.

“It is a matter of much regret to me, that the values which we hold so dear, were not evident in the manner in which Óglaigh na hÉireann failed to embrace the veterans of the Battle of Jadotville on their return from service in the Congo.

“On behalf of Óglaigh na hÉireann I would like to apologise to the veterans of ‘A’ Coy, 35 Infantry Battalion and their families. I have full confidence that Óglaigh na hÉireann has learned valuable lessons from this experience and trust it will never be repeated,” he said. 

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41 Comments
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    Mute Barry Somers
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:07 AM

    None of them should be paid 1p until the form a government, it’s that simple.

    It’s a farce people in the North are not out in force protesting weekly over this

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    Mute Willy Mc Caul
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:48 AM

    @Barry Somers: Not what polls are suggesting..

    https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0119/1024308-politics-poll/

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    Mute Juan Fangio
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:52 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: The article is about Northern Ireland, Willy.

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    Mute Ali Ní Dhomhnaill
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:45 AM

    @Juan Fangio: it’s the north of Ireland, do you want a compass it will point you in the direction. Weather you want to call it Northern Ireland or not is an irrelevant reply

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    Mute Juan Fangio
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:52 AM

    @Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: It’s OK Ali, I have a map and a satnav, they both say Northern Ireland.

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:56 AM

    @Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: the poll Willy linked to is for the 26 counties, Willy seems to be suggesting that it’s relevant to the North when it’s not.

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    Mute Juan Fangio
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:00 AM

    @Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: The point I was making was that Willy’s report refers solely to the Republic of Ireland, nothing to do with the North or Northern Ireland, whichever you wish to call it.

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    Mute Juan Fangio
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:06 AM

    @Jane: You just beat me to it with explanation Jane, thanks. Ali obviously hadn’t read Willy’s article.

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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Jan 20th 2019, 1:16 PM

    @Willy Mc Caul: real support for Provisional SF was shown few months ago in an actual election when they got 6% in Aras election

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Jan 20th 2019, 1:33 PM

    @Stephen Kearon: FFs bag man got the same result .. Just sayin

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    Mute Billy Nomates
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:59 PM

    @Barry Somers: they love situations

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    Mute Tony Gordon
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:32 AM

    Love the way the DUP think it’s ok to ignore the will of the people of the North over Brexit.
    The vote was to remain, yet they decide that’s not for them!!

    Hope their followers remember that!

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    Mute Kevin Barry
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:22 AM

    @Tony Gordon: Large sections of the business Unionist are pretty mad at them. Hard to get an accurate on the farmers but they stand to loose their EU subsidies.

    28
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    Mute Martin Meyler
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:42 AM

    @Tony Gordon: describing the DUP as thinking in the first place is a stretch. Bigoted savages.

    31
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    Mute Clifford Brennan
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:08 AM

    Handy number. No work, most of the wages.

    121
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    Mute Willy Mc Caul
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:47 AM

    @Clifford Brennan: Seems there is a rise in support for those keeping to their word to electorate..

    https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0119/1024308-politics-poll/

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    Mute Clifford Brennan
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:51 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: Posting the same links 3 times on one article reeks of desperation william!

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    Mute Juan Fangio
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:54 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: I think you’re a bit confused, Willy. Maybe it’s a bit too early to be thinking straight.

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:02 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: desperate. I’d point out that RTE only published that an hour ago themselves, and it’s a Sunday morning, before you engage in implications the Journal is suppressing news, and increasing your own impression of desperation, perhaps give the Journal a chance?

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:28 AM

    @Vocal Outrage: and i`d point out to you that it was UPDATED at 7 this morning and not first published, PS, i also read the original article on RTE`s website last night.
    It would help you to look at where the article says it in the left hand corner near the top.
    “Updated / Sunday, 20 Jan 2019 07:19″…But carry on there lad, you`re doing a great job other than that.

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:49 AM

    @Pixie McMullen: so the Journal are conspiring against SF? Is that what you’re suggesting?

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:58 AM

    @Jane: And exactly where did i say that? I simply pointed out to the bloke who was slagging another commenter, and was cocksure that the report was published for the first time at 7 this morning was wrong, What part of that can`t you understand?
    I suggested nothing of the sort, but bang on there luv, you`re doing a great job other than that.
    Great one for trying to find things that don`t exist aren`t you?

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:02 AM

    @Jane: PS, YOU and Vocal outrage are the only 2 people that brought up conspiracy theories, the OP didn`t. You haven`t even got the brain power to decipher who said what LOL

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:10 AM

    @Pixie McMullen: I simply asked you a question? You seem very emotional this morning.

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:22 AM

    @Jane: point out to me where i suggested that the Journal is conspiring against SF or anything remotely like it in that comment, explain to me how you came to the conclusion that it is what i was suggesting.
    Ye can`t, because you only see things that you want to see, things that aren`t there…

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jan 20th 2019, 12:32 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: Sir, i think you will find I was referring to the publication of the RTE article, rather than the times you’ve given which appear to be in reference to this article. Further, I unfortunately can’t see when articles were updated, rather than 1st published, as I’m viewing upon a mobile device.
    However, the crux of my point is how SF commentators are quick to attack both the journalists and other commentators on this site. An observation you have so eloquently proven yourself above.

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 12:33 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: Again I asked you a question. I didn’t say you were say or doing anything. I asked if that’s what you were suggesting. Maybe if you relaxed a little and read it again you’ll see the ? this time.

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 3:46 PM

    @Vocal Outrage: Sir, YOU said the article was published this morning, which was the basis of your slagging off the original poster, YOU are the one who attacked the original poster and accused him of saying that the journal was withholding information, he never said any such thing in his post, Not my fault you are viewing on a mobile device and couldn`t see that the article was updated, maybe you shouldn`t be saying things that you aren`t sure about. YOU were quick to attack the commentor without knowing the full facts, not me. Therefore the crux of your point is invalid, as YOU are the one who has done what you are accusing others of.
    That eloquent enough for you mate?

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 4:45 PM

    @Vocal Outrage: PS – How come i can see Updated / Sunday, 20 Jan 2019 07:19 clearly on my mobile phone under the headline through that link and you can`t ? – or are you just telling porkies trying to get out of a hole?

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    Mute Ronan Sexton
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    Jan 20th 2019, 5:39 PM

    @Willy Mc Caul: This is an article about the elected morons in Norn Ireland not doing the work they are being paid to do and that includes Sinn Fein, which is another reason the majority will never vote for these clowns ever again down here. None of them should be paid a penny, they are not working.

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 5:53 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: pot kettle

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:29 AM

    Stop paying they shysters until they return to work then watch how suddenly they show up.

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    Mute Dave Harris
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    Jan 20th 2019, 12:41 PM

    @Gus Sheridan: they’re not that clever

    3
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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:27 AM

    There would be new elections ,but quess who is proping up the Tory’s in power

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    Mute trebloc01
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:19 AM

    We have a party that holds seats in 3 Parliaments and does nothing with them

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    Mute TonySuperSaints
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:22 AM

    @trebloc01: Who and what 3?

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    Mute Ronan Sexton
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    Jan 20th 2019, 5:40 PM

    @TonySuperSaints: Will we get out the crayons?

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Jan 20th 2019, 6:20 PM

    @TonySuperSaints: Sinn Féin, and I think it’s 3 parliaments (EU Parliament, House of Commons and an tOireachtas), 1 devolved assembly (Stormont) and councillor seats in two jurisdictions (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:58 AM

    If the Northern Secretary is obliged by legislation to call an election, how is she being permitted not to do so, such actions are illegal? The very reason that it is her opinion that the division of seats won’t change, or her opinion it won’t solve the impasse, or the fact she maybe under political duress by the numbers in Westminster is why this type of thing is enshrined in legislation.

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:55 AM

    @Vocal Outrage: I agree. It is also within Teresa Mays power to bring in the legislation for the language act, same sex marriage etc as the executive is not functioning. Passing that legislation would remove the barriers to getting the executive up and running. But of course she doesn’t want that.

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    Mute Kathy Paul Dowd
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:06 AM

    @Vocal Outrage: Karen Bradley recently pushed legislation through parliament preventing any elections in NI for two years under the guise of stalement, therefore preventing any true reflection on the current political climate in NI, there is increasing support for remain even from the DUPs own supporters who see their eu money being flushed down the toilet, if the majority of people vote sinn Fein sdlp alliance independent leaving the dup floundering, it automatically triggers a united Ireland vote, I think that there are enough disgruntled dup supporters to abstain or worse protest vote if an election had been called in NI, that’s the real reason that the two year time frame was passed, all done while the rest were sitting there with their arms folded.

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jan 20th 2019, 12:35 PM

    @Kathy Paul Dowd: ah, so the article isn’t 100% accurate then. There was a legal requirement upon the Northern Secretary but she then got the law changed to suit to Northern and Westminster political dynamics

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    Mute Kathy Paul Dowd
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    Jan 20th 2019, 1:20 PM

    @Vocal Outrage: yes that was why she got government approval to withhold elections for two years, by that time brexit will sorted and the dup outrage will be long forgotten, it will be back to same old same old with no chance of a landslide win for Sinn Fein etc, nor a crushing defeat for Dup, thus no triggering of the border poll, which is exactly what would happen if elections were held now.

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    Mute silveryD
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:14 AM

    So Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland are unable to be part of a government.
    In The Republic of Ireland after the last election they didn’t want to be part of a government.
    In The UK they won’t take their seats …it’s really just about taking the money for them isn’t it.

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    Mute Dave Doyle
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:24 AM

    @silveryD: And here we see the Sunday morning little anti SF rant.

    17
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Jan 20th 2019, 12:08 PM

    @silveryD: When was the last time you swore allegiance to the Queen of england? Genu8ne question.

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    Mute silveryD
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    Jan 20th 2019, 2:54 PM

    @Cal Mooney: so they just take the money with the queens head on it instead.Whats the odds that if they didn’t have to swear the allegiance they still wouldn’t take the seats.They just want to sit on the sidelines and take the money.

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    Mute silveryD
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    Jan 20th 2019, 2:57 PM

    @Dave Doyle: how is it a rant ….it’s the truth.Its very easy to sit on the sidelines and moan but won’t go into government.
    What’s the point in voting for any party that won’t go into government not just SF.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Jan 20th 2019, 4:59 PM

    @silveryD: Just to remind you after the last general election in the 26 counties, the blueshirts and F.F. stated .. under no circumstances would they talk to S.F. concerning the formation of the government. As for taking up their seats in Westminster.. S.F. in their election manifesto stated they would not take their seats in Westminster if elected. You seem to have a problem with a party that keeps their word to the people who voted for them. Unlike the Blueshirt/F.F. coalition who between them have precipitated in scandal after scandal since the foundation of the state.

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    Mute Catalanista
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:30 AM

    They make Belgium look good. Forgot they had a government in the north apparently they get by fine without one

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    Mute Noreen Court
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:51 AM

    Not one of them worth electing
    They do not possess leadership qualities or understand the meaning of the word “represent”

    12
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    Mute Willy Mc Caul
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:31 AM

    Journal mustn’t be gonna post latest poll so !

    https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0119/1024308-politics-poll/

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:54 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: except that poll refers to SF support in the 26 counties, and does not reflect support in any potential Assembly elections in the 6 counties.

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    Mute Sea Graham
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:08 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: that poll has nothing to do with the above article. Go back to bed, you obviously didn’t get enough sleep

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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:30 AM

    @Willy Mc Caul: I didn’t think you were a fan of polls Willy.

    https://www.thejournal.ie/fine-gael-opinion-poll-4-4309017-Oct2018/?section=comment#comments

    Willy Mc Caul
    Oct 27th 2018, 11:00 AM
    Nonsense… More media brainwashing..

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    Mute Willy Mc Caul
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    Jan 20th 2019, 9:04 AM

    Stress levels at all time high :-)

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wlwde7q30cI

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    Mute The Irish Bull
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    Jan 20th 2019, 10:49 AM

    Take the money off those shysters and they won’t be long conforming tot he will of the people that elected them.

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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Jan 20th 2019, 1:48 PM

    BREXIT is by far the biggest challenge and threat to this island since the IRA surrender, yet both DUP and Provisional SF cowards continue to refuse to represent the people who voted for them. Salaries should have been cut 100% from day one. Wood chips and language on motorway signs are very minor compared to the real issues currently facing the people in NI

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Jan 20th 2019, 6:34 PM

    @Stephen Kearon: Hows the website work going Stephen? Still making thousands from administering one? or did that gravy train finish for you?
    There is nothing like a good old Fianna Fáil man still using the Provisional Sinn Féin line, have they accepted you back into the fold after you getting chucked out?

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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Jan 20th 2019, 8:31 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: typical Provisional SF apologist who cant even get basic facts rights, Ive been a proud member of FF, Ireland’s only real Republican party, continuously since college

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Jan 20th 2019, 11:54 PM

    @Stephen Kearon: Did you not object to SF visiting Palestine lately and their endorsement of a ban on imports from the illegally occupied territories in Palestine. I mention this because your own party have now decided to support SF and others opposing goods from territories under illegall occupuation while based on your own comments condemn anyone who supports the boycott of goods under occupation. Are you conflicted?

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    Mute William Kelly
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    Jan 21st 2019, 5:33 AM

    It’s a political poker game, DUP want direct rule with no role for SF, & the Shinners just want Stormont closed permanently, based on the theory that London will eventually abandon the six counties.
    The big money is on the latter, with farms being bought in Scotland, students attending UK colleges, & quite an upsurge in Irish passport & driving licence applications.
    People are making choices & decisions ahead of the inevitable, & as long as it continues peaceably, let it take its course.
    Little England, with its Neo colonialist preference, does not seem a good bet anyway you judge it.

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