Addicted to state subvention, north will suffer when it's gone

[two gun sid]

From the TImesonline:
The contrasting fortunes north and south of the border have been put in stark relief over the past few weeks. In the republic, the government’s finances are in even better shape than expected, while the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) reports that last year was its best since 2000. Job creation is remarkably high (almost 100,000 new jobs were created in 2005); tax receipts are buoyant on the back of the continued booms in construction and consumer spending; and while there are medium-term concerns about the sustainability of the rate of economic growth, the immediate future looks secure.

In Northern Ireland, by contrast, the picture is grimmer. Peter Hain, the secretary of state, recently described its economy as “unsustainable” and suggested, to predictable outrage, that its future lies in being part of an “island of Ireland” economy.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2091-1975102,00.html

[Maeve]

1. Of course their economy is unsustainable

It depends on a flow of money from Britain instead of from internally generated monies--since the decline of shipping and manufacture in the area, there is little and less...Tourism could make a big difference (as could increased investment) but as long as the "Ulster says 'no'" mentality dominates, the six counties will be a backwater. Likewise, as long as there are those in power in Britain who refuse to let go of the Irish "cookie", the jar will remain firmly on their hand, making progress impossible.

Don't you ever wish you could just knock some heads together until some sense made it in? Sigh...

[two gun sid]

2. I read a pretty good article this morning about tourism...

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/living/13549780.htm

I am planning a trip to Ireland this year and am considering visiting the Six.

[Maeve]

3. It's money that will matter in the long road

Russian Communism was defeated as much by consumerism as anything else and nothing overcomes prejudice like old fashioned greed (okay, cynically put but arguable, nonetheless)

I'd like to get up to places like the Giant's Causeway and some of the other wonderful sights in the northeast corner of the island, but I'll give the cities a pass for a while--but then, I don't care for Dublin, either. Just give me the forty shades of green.. :hi: Keep us informed of your trip plans so we can envy you!

[RogueTrooper]

4. Russian Communism was not so much defeated

as defeated itself. We, in the West, claim far too much credit for the defeat of Soviet Communism. People just stopped having children and in the end there were not enough you men and women to fulfill the basic functions fo the state.

[Maeve]

5. I think there were a few more porblems than that

Even as to why the birthrate dropped, but I'll grant that it fell from within. My point is mainly that greed helped (and I'm betting the fall had more to do with the desire to acquire than to any fool arms race!)

Hiya, Trooper! :hi:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

6. Don't miss going up "North".

They are some really scenic spots especially in the Mournes and take a trip up the Antrim coast road to Giant's Causeway. It's magnificient on a "good" day. Belfast has its attractions as well.

I've never been to Derry but I'm told it's a great town as well.

The only time of the year I wouldn't go to the "Wee Six" is during July, the heart of the marching season. In fact most of the natives get out during the July 12th "holidays".

[two gun sid]

7. My plan is to visit Limerick and see if I can look up

any records of my ancestors. My name was anglicized and I can only go back so far in my family tree. I'm hoping I can go farther back. My Grandfather always told me we were originally Vikings. I have no idea how the hell he would know that.

I really want to see the North. I am planning on going in the fall so I'll miss the marching season. I would like to see the murals in Belfast and Derry. Republican and loyalist. I also would like to visit S. Armagh. My Grandmother's family was from somewhere up there.

Thanks for your post.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

8. If you do get to South Armagh, the "city" nearest to that region is

Newry.

In fact, Newry is split geographically between Armagh and Down. Most of the towns in South Armagh are probably between 1/2 hour to an hours drive from Newry.

Let me know if you need or want any more info on the "wee Six". Mr. Wonderful will gladly oblige..

[two gun sid]

9. Thank you.

I do appreciate any help I can get.