There's shouldn't be special treatment for anyone BUT isn't it natural (though not right) that you try to look after your own? I'm sure every country wants special treatment for it's citizens abroad.

What would the Yanks think if they knew about our little referendum back home??

Perhaps Michael Mc Dowell should have gone on the trip,he might have learned a bit of compassion.

Then again,he would have had to pay his own way.

barney "What would the Yanks think if they knew about our little referendum back home??"

They'd wonder what took us so long and why we still have a far more liberal approach to emigration than exists in the US.

It's difficult to see this as an example of double standards since those involved in this campaign in the USA are not in government or responsible for government policy.

Have those involved been loudly protesting at the domestic policies Fraggle ?

It's up to the accuser (of double standards), to prove his accusation. Ambrose is saying that some people (FG TDs etc) are saying one thing and ANOTHER GROUP entirely (the irish government) are doing another.

That does not add up to double standards.

If Ambrose has any examples of these campaigners saying or doing anything that indicates double standards, fair enough, but as it stands, this is a load of rubbish.

I suppose that one could suggest that Fine Gael does have a credibility (or at least consistency) problem on this issue - given that they "agreed in principle" with the 2004 citizenship referendum but decided not to have a campaign on the issue.

Of all the reactions by mainstream parties to the referendum, perhaps the one most lacking in intestinal fortitude.

ireland is a small country,just now getting on its feet!it can be seriously damaged by largescale immigration.it would be suicidal to embrace the hideous,violent and filthy dogma of multiculturalism.i would be horrified to see ireland get dragged down into that pit!as for irish illegals here,our problem is latino immigration,NOT Irish!we have half a billion people in central and south america who would like to migrate!

The difference is that the Irish illegal immigrants in the USA have the right coloured skin.

Agreed pat. The only kind thing I can say about John is that he is honest about his racism.

Ok, I'm confused why people think this bill is racist. It wouldn't just make it easier for Irish illegals to stay, it would make it easier for ALL illegal immigrants to stay in this country. In fact, it's main aim is not Irish people at all, but Mexicans and other Latinos(and Chinese and Vietnamese and everyone else too for that matter.)

This is a great bill. We need a more liberal immigration system, and I have long supported allowing more people in legally. Most illegal immigrants are honest, hard-working people just trying to make a living and should not be deported, but, like most Americans, I have a problem with the idea of a general amnesty for illegal immigrants because it would reward people for breaking the law. This could be the perfect solution because it allows them to stay here and eventually get on the path to citizenship, but there is still some nominal punishment (in the form of a fine) for breaking the law.

"it would be suicidal to embrace the hideous,violent and filthy dogma of multiculturalism"

Thats disgusting John.

Keith - US policy on immigration is tough, but the rule remains that if you are born on US soil, you get full citizenship. The removal of that right in Ireland by the constitutional change is what is galling. Set up strict immigration policies if you want, close the door altogether if you must (not necessary IMO) but we shouldnt say someone who is born on the Island is not Irish and not entitled to citizenship.

" The difference is that the Irish illegal immigrants in the USA have the right coloured skin. " Its actually a disadvantage as when the INS need to balance out their deportations by race they often hit a few Irish bars to make up the numbers.!!!

It is shocking that in the year 2005
the Irish are still racists. I visited Ireland
and know first hand that you're mostly farm hands!

John Peters you obviously haven't visited Ireland recently as there is every nationality in Ireland now, and they were all welcomed so strongly that they dont want to leave. I think the Irish have welcomed peolpe into their Conuntry with open arms so what is wrong with the USA? Why wont they? The Irish are hard workers and deserve a break just as much as the next guy.