[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Livia

I'm not sure adhering to the formalities of neutrality extended to sending condolences for a man who murdered 30 million people in concentration camps alone. I know that Ireland assisted the allies in some ways and lots of Irishmen joined the allies and fought the Nazis. That doesn't excuse some if the more questionable things Ireland's government did and said.

I believe Ireland does lean toward the anti-Semitic. It's my personal belief. There are many accounts from Irish Jews and their experiences of anti-Semitism. Israel thinks Ireland could be the most anti-Semitic country in the West. That's not to say I believe all the Irish people are all anti-Semites. I got nothing but good natured welcomes in from absolutely everyone I met Ireland, but then I don't really "look Jewish".

I've sat on this forum and read all kinds of comments about England and the UK and how awful it is and has been in the past, about the terrible things the government has said and done, including our quite shameful history with Ireland. I can't argue with it. That doesn't mean every English man and woman is complicit in the bad things my country has done, indeed, I acknowledge them and regret them. No country is perfect, including Ireland. But that doesn't mean the general population is responsible. We could both post lots of counter arguments that'd get us nowhere. My post was not a dig at you, nor the majority of the Irish public and I hope you can accept that.

Well my opinion on the actual question posed in the thread is I don't think Politics should be involved in the song contest at all nor should it be involved in football or sports in general so I do think Israel should be allowed to compete (not that I even watch anymore anyway)