[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Livia

Yes, that's what I mean. But sadly, it's just the British who bear the brunt of colonialism, despite the fact that most of us never made one penny piece from it, and other countries who were just as cruel and just as wrong, are forgiven. People have a real downer on our history, and while it was appalliing in many cases, we are still being held to account while other countries are revered. And the people who made nothing from imperialism are the ones who now have their areas given over to immigration.

I'm wondering how much longer we have to wear sackcloth and ashes because people generations ago had a bad idea.

It's like the whole United Ireland thing. Most decent English people want whatever's best for Ireland and recognise that what happened in the past was wrong - and that's a mild word for what happened.

We're told we must forgive Germany and Japan... but we can never forgive ourselves and move on.

Well, I can't speak for everyone else but for me obviously as an Irish person the British empire effected my own country which is why it's more personal I suppose as I would imagine Germany would be for you? I suppose while Ireland is still split in two it's always going to be there in the background as well although I'm not sure if that can ever be rectified at this stage tbh. I do think our countries have turned a corner though compared to not so long ago.

I know your stance on it but it is very maddening when you have people like Arista saying that "England owns Northern Ireland" and a person from Northern Ireland has no right to comment on what happens to his country