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Archiver > GENIRE > 2000-05 > 0958951732


From: "P A MagLOCHLAINN" <>
Subject: Re: The Gaelic Isles
Date: Mon, 22 May 2000 00:28:52 +0100


Dear Edward,

Thank you for your comment about the name of these islands.

I don't think that we Gaels could claim ALL of the islands - we must in all
fairness recognise the Anglo-Saxon contribution to their history, not to
mention that of our fellow-Celts, the Welsh, Cornish and Cumbrians (none of
whom are Gaels).

The late John Biggs-Davidson MP, floated the suggestion that we should name
them IONA (being the initial letters of the phrase "Islands Of the North
Atlantic"). Unfortunately, he never explained whether the Icelanders and
Newfoundlanders had agreed to this or not... (:-)

I have always found it perfectly easy to refer to Great Britain and
Ireland - or the other way round, if you prefer it. The confusion arises
when people say "Britain" - because Britain (as any Irish speaker will tell
you) actually means Wales. That is why, when Scotland joined the
England-Wales political unit, King James VI & I christened his eldest son
and heir Arthur - and his new country Great Britain.

By the way, Edward, enjoyed your posting about how your ancestors achieved
the American dream.

Yours cordially,

P A
in Belfast, Northern Ireland
====================
Edward Hagerty wrote in message <>...
>P A, I think it is time that we begin to refer to the Islands off the coast
of the REAL "mainland" by a name that would more correctly cover all the
people who inhabit the "Islands" it stands for, The Gaelic Isles. It's time
that the Irish, Scots, Welsh, Manx and English be viewed by a name that
truly covers everyone and not just a bunch of pompous British pantloads.
The British Isles just doesn't cut it any more and if that further upsets
Patrick Knight, then that makes my day.
>Ed Hagerty
>Fairfield County Irish Festival
>June 16, 17 & 18
>Fairfield, CT
>www.irishfestival.org
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