I was struck by the following paragraph in a piece published in the Irish Times yesterday, authored by former Irish diplomat Bobby McDonagh. Mr. McDonagh is not, it’s fair to say, a fan of flag-waving, at least when that flag-waving is practiced by people he disagrees with. His article is titled with strong words: “Many “patriots” who wave the Irish flag do not respect the country”, the headline claims:
In Ireland, we have also sadly become accustomed to the phenomenon of our flag being brandished in circumstances that disrespect our country and its values, even if those who so inappropriately flaunt the Tricolour consider themselves “patriots”. One thinks, for example, of the flag appearing at the Dublin riots in November and at demonstrations by the far-right. The presence of Irish flags at some anti-immigrant protests has precisely nothing to do with love of Ireland, knowledge of our history or appreciation of our values.
This article is premium content
Get unlimited access to Gript
Support Gript and get exclusive content, full archives and an ad-free experience
Subscribe
Already a member? Sign in here