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British are the new immigrant force in Ireland Many
Irish emigrants must still find it a little strange that after years of
population loss the land they call home is now a net importer of people.
The Ireland that has spread its influence to almost every country on earth
through the global Diaspora is now attracting immigrants at a rate never
seen before.
Of course we all know about the Poles, Lithuanians and others who have
migrated from Eastern Europe in search of a better standard of living.
But now they have been joined by another group the British.
More and more Brits its seems are choosing to set-up home in the Emerald
Isle.
As our special report in this issue reveals their reasons for doing so
are simple: A better quality of life, the friendliness of the country
and the fact that despite the Celtic Tiger boom houses with views they
had only dreamed of before are still relatively affordable compared to
those in Britain.
It’s worth considering these factors the next time you hear someone
bemoaning how modern Ireland is not a patch on what it once was.
All too often the argument is propounded that the Irish are losing everything
which made them special in the new 21st century consumerist society.
Of course, there’s no doubt that Ireland has changed over the past
decade or so with the influx of wealth.
But the new British settlers still find those traditional Irish values
that we have long valued and cherished are alive and well.
Which is why an increasing number of people are travelling over the Irish
Sea
to make a new home in a country they deem far better than the one they
have just left.
It’s the way of life, the people, the idyllic scenery and so very
much more. It’s things that mean whatever happens
with the influence of the Celtic Tiger some things about Ireland will
never change.
Boris challenge to Ken would be a real spectacle.
Boris Johnson has finally revealed he wants to challenge Ken Livingstone
for the post of London Mayor.
If he gets the nod from Conservative voters then we can look forward to
the sight of two of the most articulate and media-savvy politicians of
the age going head-to-head for the prized position.
Ken Livingstone, as we all know, has been a tremendous friend of the Irish
community in the capital through the years.
He has championed many an Irish cause and helped build the St. Patrick’s
Day Festival into one of the highlights of the year.
It’s debatable whether Boris Johnson will have quite such an affinity
with the Irish.
But the thought of Livingstone and Johnson going head-to-head on the hustings
is certainly something to look forward to. |
