Oh dear. “When sorrows come, they come not single spies/But in battalions”, as Shakespeare put it. First there was that monstrous insult to the British way of life embraced by so many people here – I’m referring, of course, to that appalling act of running the Irish tricolour up the Stormont flagpole. Now we have of all people Sir James Galway, talking about Ian Paisley having encouraged sectarianism and having been responsible indirectly for the deaths of many. Yes, Virginia, the same James Galway that learnt to play the flute in his Protestant/unionist community has now turned round and taken a large chomp out of the hand that once fed him!
And it’s not just his attack on Paisley. OK, he did express support for integrated education; but he also said that one country taking over another country was wrong, and that if it was wrong 800 years ago it’s wrong today. Oooo-er! Next thing he’ll be making with that Anna Lo line about this little corner being a colony and about a united Ireland being a sensible idea…OMG! He’s just talked of this part of Ireland being occupied by England. Eek! The Sir James Galway who was fondly held up as an example of glittering success to the unionist people has overnight been turned into a treacherous, out-of-touch Lundy. Though mind you if he’s out-of-touch, why be concerned about what he says?
But mein Gott! He’s saying it again. Stephen is replaying the bit where James says what the British did in taking over Ireland was immoral 800 years ago and that he is Irish, not Northern Irish. Oh FFS! If you can’t trust a product of Protestant/unionist society who chose to accept a knighthood from the hands of Her Majesty the Queen, who can you trust? I’ve a feeling the images on the bonfires this year may have to push over and make room for one more.
I listened to the first part, I thought Galway was not trying for obnoxious just honesty. I’m afraid I had to turn it off when MOD started. The evidence for JG’s view about the past is all there. Paisley was a career bigot and did encourage sectarian murder. Even if he did change once he got power his past is still his past and England’s past is still its past.
Jude, I think it shows that injustice can only be seen from the outside looking in.
Well it does help, Freddy. But I think people inside should be able to look and see and judge also.
Jude,
Heard it too and laughed. I fear the protest tonight. Nolan announced twice where James will play. It’s all too predictable isn’t it?
Btw I enjoyed the spat between Jim Wilson and a caller (didn’t catch his name). I’m going to listen again to the first half hour just for the sheer pleasure.
Good point re the protest, Angela, and the repeated info re where he’s playing. Echoes of 40,000 leaflets….
I thought it had a whiff of a local Sunday tabloid and local informer in hiding, there’ll be more outside the Crum tonight than inside, hope JG isn’t put off.
I always thought that James Galway was a harmless flute tootler who was lucky enough to disentangle himself from the colonial glar of the province/nation/country that we inhabit. I assumed that he was basically unionist in his outlook – as I assumed that Seamus Heaney was basically nationalist – but it goes to show how wrong you can be. His detractors see him as a local boy made good and then turned traitor on his own community but maybe exposure to a bigger world than East Belfast has shown him the reality that Britain is, indeed, still interfering in Ireland. I would be willing to bet that there are still some mixed race Indians that live in Mumbai who call themselves British a.d relive the glory daus of the Raj but they are sneered at by both British and Indians. Anyway, it goes to show how easy it is for a celebrity to be dethroned when he allows himself to be ‘cleverly’ seduced by the likes of Nolan into saying it like it is and then the final ignominy of being called naif by a gaggle of homebrewed goatfaces all with their own agenda.
On reflection, I would like to apologise for that goatface remark. I have always found goats to be intelligent and likeable creatures.
I think J.G’s comments were instructive in the sense that they give us an insight into the way the Northern Ireland “problem” is viewed in parts of the wider world, particularly in the United States : the analysis may be simplistic and in some parts just plain wrong, but people like myself from a Unionist background are only too aware that this is the way things are seen and J.G., having absorbed this analysis on his travels, is merely recycling it back to us.
I agree wholeheartedly with his view on Ian Paisley : while he may not have directly instructed people to go out and join the U.V.F./U.D.A., his demagoguery and inflammatory language undoubtedly led many to do so, with the results we all know.
On other issues I think J.G. needs to take a bit of time out of his busy schedule to read some properly researched history books. Ireland hasn’t been occupied by the British for 800 years : Britain didn’t even exist as a monarchical political entity until 1603, or as a meaningful political entity until 1707 and the people who invaded in 1169 weren’t English, let alone British. They were the same Norman-French who had conquered England about 100 years before and conquered it more quickly, brutally and completely than they managed in Ireland .And, of course, they were invited in by Dermot MacMurrough and promised money, land, his daughter’s hand in marriage, etc..
I also nearly fell off my chair when he asserted that Presbyterians were responsible for segregated education in N.I. : as a Presbyterian myself it’s news to me that we have our own schools, I think you need to look elsewhere, James!
Hi Jude,
I’ve two points:
1 – Galway was being a critical lover of (his own) tradition, for this he must be applauded. Bearing in mind that our Unionist brothers and sisters have displayed very little of this type of thinking. Specifically those in a leadership role.
2 – Stephen Nolans ‘shock jock’ style must come under scrutiny in this. If you listen to the whole interview. An interview ostensibly about BBC Music Day, A very skillful Nolan, built up an impressive rapport with Galway in a very short period of time. I don’t think Galway was duped, but I don’t think he was aware of who he was taking to either and his reputation for sensationalist broadcasting.
Regards,
McG
Regards
Two good points, McG. I’d add a proviso. Was the interview played unedited? I ask because yesterday’s programme on the BBC website certainly was. That can make a difference, believe me.
Tis amazing how stating the blindingly obvious can be so controversial.
1) Everyone born and raised in Ireland – is evidently Irish.
2) Paisley was a bigot that spent decades formenting sectarianism that could only have lead indirectly to deaths.
3) England taking Ireland by force of arms was wrong and remains wrong.
Next week, unionist will go into meltdown when it is pointed out the Pope and King Billy were allies…
Poor old James Galway…Will he regret ever opening his mouth on radio and speaking his mind.?He’ll be gutted , smoked and kippered before the day is gone.He’s lived away from Norneverland long enough to gain some perspective but that’s not going to fly too well in certain quarters . Obviously Nationalists will agree with ever word he uttered and Unionists will not like it one little bit. Mind you , he’ll not give one flying one anyway, he lives in Switzerland ,after all and he can say “Cuckoo to you too!” as often as he wants. You only have to have lived through the “Troubles” to know what went down here..or to have read a shelf of library books and watched the numerous documentaries. James was probably too busy blowing his flute anyway.
I am not a bit surprised by James Galway’s comments. There are legions of Protestants from the North who are not Anti-Irish!
Your last sentence, Pointis, is one of the most cheering I’ve read in a long time…
James Galway has raised significant issues about artists and the imperial process in Ireland. Over a hundred years ago, similar questions were being posed in relation to artists described as “smooth sycophants either of vested interests or of forces newly come to power.” (Nietzsche 1956:236) James Galway sought to interrogate questions posed to him during the interview about regnant opinions with specific reference to the concept of integrated education. The complicity of churches in the imperial process is an undeniable fact. Western culture is idolatrously proclaimed as the gospel in Asian cultures. The Word of God may be interpreted to legitimize predominantly white male culture. How often in conflict situations have Christians been combatants, rather than peacemakers? James Galway has challenged complacency with a culture impregnated with collective hate and bigotry. There is a need to question a conditioning process that contributes to the development and maintenance of stereotypes concerning religious and cultural identity. James Galway continues to create harmony in this world. That will be his legacy.
Alas listening to bbc talkback just now, I found it a bit humourous to hear the equivalent of the ‘Northern Ireland’ soccer team in the acting world ie Dan Gordon, try and condemn james Galway. His masked almost slipped completely. To try and dismiss him as ‘someone who just plays the flute’ was ironic indeed. Dan Gordon will be pleased to know that after all these years, thanks to his talkback appearance today, he has eventually made me laugh.
I wasn’t shocked that JG would hold those views about his own community’s historical narrative. Everyone born in this quaint corner of Europe should be required to live elsewhere for perspective to be gained surprised at how Campbell was so clumsily bounced into, then out of the programme.
Nessun Storma
First, Stormont feels it’s Irish flag time
Now it’s Orange reels in Irish rag time
Galway shawl, Paisley shawl?
Cue yet another verbal brawl
Handbags, chinwags until it’s gag time.
Loyalist Jim Wilson said that “the provos were the greatest propogandists in the world “in the history of terrorism” and that when James Galway “went to cocktail parties” ,he would have been influenced by all those duped by the cunning shinners!.The fact is Irish republicanism is lauded worldwide and unionism is despised and Galway quickly latched onto this when he escaped this place.If anybody doubts this ,take a look at Nelson Mandela’s funeral.There was only one man from the continent of Europe allowed to take part in the guard of honour for the most respected statesman of the 20th century and that man was Gerry Adams.Irish republicanism has a status that no ammount of demonisation by Brits, Staters,Unionists,Sindo and their ilk will ever diminish.
Aye Michael C republicanism has a great status alright covering up rapists disappearing people killing thousands of people etc
As a matter of fact Micheal I have travelled all of the world and you know what people in the big wide world don’t care let alone know anything about Republicanism or Loyalism but if it makes you feel better go for it.
As for the ANC don’t start me they already on the verge of going down the Zimbabwe route hang on that’s why republicans like them!
As usual neill – your stock ‘rapists’ reply. (In fact, you should think about trademarking it). And there’s no such thing – nor ever has been a Loyalist / UDA / UFF / UVF rapist(s)? With a threat to the victim, of retribution if she (or he) uttered a word to even their family, let alone anyone in the wider community – even a Crisis Center. – Do me a favour neill, and ‘cop-on’.
“Disappearing people”? – Well let’s finally open the Pandora’s Box re: The Dublin and Monaghan bombings. The murder of Pat Finucane. All the ‘black-op’s’ carried out by The British Security Services et al, collusion with the Police Force in the North etc. Events that cover enough scope to entail the publication of books on these topics.
“Killing thousands of people” – You make it sound almost Stalinesque. – And the aforementioned Loyalists, UVF, etc etc haven’t racked up a fair tally of deaths and blood on their hands over the years have they not? Maimed plenty more in the process – NEVER – ever – disappeared any Catholics/Nationalists over the years? Again neill, – do me a favour.
And as a matter of fact – I’VE travelled all over the World too over many years. And i’m sorry to tell you – barely anyone knows your little enclave exists – let alone what a Loyalist is – bar the occasional question about “What’s with the guys with the orange costumes and brass bands, fighting every summer?” – and suchlike. Republicanism…? Once again, sorry neill. Having lived for a certain amount of time in France and Spain, they most do understand Republicanism, and its role in Ireland, as well as other Country’s i’ve visited (well over 20 – and not on ‘Package Holidays’), who’ve had The British trample through them over preceding Centuries.
And this is coming from someone who has a certain degree of ‘British blood’ in them, by way of birth – and Irish too.
As for your ANC mention. Where on earth that fits into the equation re: Michael C’s comment – I haven’t a clue. Nor would Michael i presume.
Well said Michael C, the days of partition are numbered thank God,as Tom Barry said there will never be lasting peace in Ireland till British interference is gone for ever.
Saoirse Eire.
Well said Michael
Sir James Galway had a pop at Unionism and the Presbyterian church for being bad evil and treating the native woodkerne in an unpleasant way ah well not sure how I will sleep tonight.
Isnt it strange how every nationalist and republican demands that unionists look closely at themselves and how they have acted and yet have no ability or desire to do the same on themselves?
Just a word to Michael C. Thanks Michael, I could not have put it better myself.
James Galway turned Lundy, George Best turned Lundy, man, I hope Van Morrison hasn’t swallowed the Lundy pill too, I don’t think I could cope….
Isn’t he married to a former Miss Ireland – or did I dream that?…
Am – Well Van’s mama told him: there’ll be days like this!
Did he lay the blame for separate education with presbyterians? That is surely only half the picture. In fact I believe the protestant churches expressed a guarded welcome to the idea of integrated education in the 70s and 80s, though all the churches have remained on the defensive about it.
It is striking to see the different attitude prevalent here regarding James Galway’s views and the thoughts of Rory Mcilroy.
I don’t see why we should pay any more attention to the political wisdom of a very good flautist than we do the political wisdom of a very good golfer.
Some people in this country live in areas where there is very little opportunity for mixing with people of a different persuasion and those people can probably be forgiven for not having friends who are Catholic and Protestant. For the vast majority of people they have no excuse for not having friends who are different and whose background and beliefs are irrelevant and they just see them as dear friends, I suspect that’s what James Galway has done. The problem we have in this country is that there are people who don’t want to have friends “of the other sort” and who avoid them or join organisations where they have little or no chance of meeting people of a different tradition on an equal basis because they are essentially not interested in equality and understanding. Shame on them!
Yes ‘cararua’ I think you speak words of wisdom when you say: ‘The problem we have in this country is that there are people who don’t want to have friends “of the other sort” and who avoid them or join organisations where they have little or no chance of meeting people of a different tradition on an equal basis because they are essentially not interested in equality and understanding. The Orange Order seems to fit that description perfectly. I presume when you say ‘this country’ you mean the 32 counties.
Where I live and grew up in the ‘Free’ Stateen I have lots of friends who are protestant,religion means nothing to most of us,but I suppose a lot of us believe in some kind of God,
I’d imagine if we had been partitioned off with the rest of Ulster that relationship I have with my protestant neighbours might be a lot different, we hadn’t to endure the sectarian murder campaign here,or the British army/Ruc etc.
What a different country this would have been today if the British hadn’t been cowed by the loyalists and partitioned the country.
The terminology used to describe the six counties has always annoyed me,it’s not northern Ireland,that’s Malin Head in Donegal,
it’s not Ulster (9 counties) therefore it’s not the ‘province’ as unionists refer to it.
Yet no mention of the IRA Irelandsaoirse I understand exactly what type of Ireland you wish to have