Irishness is not primarily a question of birth or blood or language; it is the condition of being involved in the Irish situation, and usually of being mauled by it.

A good man giving bad advice is more dangerous than a nasty man giving bad advice.

British diplomats, constantly exposed to American political-ethical rhetoric, find their professional skills tested to the limits by the need to keep a straight face. For illustrations of what I mean, study the photographs of the expressions worn by Mr Douglas Hurd at any international conference involving all the Western allies.

Man watches his history on the screen with apathy and an occasional passing flicker of horror or indignation.

The sea which we think of separating the two island actually joins them.

You are not an agnostic.....You are just a fat slob who is too lazy to go to Mass.

Irishness is not primarily a question of birth or blood or language; it is the condition of being involved in the Irish situation, and usually of being mauled by it.