# The British Queen was in Dublin today. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 17, 2011, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223 "2011-05-17T17:33:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/1 "2011-05-17T17:33:50Z")
It’s the first visit from a reigning British monarch since the foundation of our wee state. [Bomb alerts](http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0517/breaking4.html), [city centre on lockdown](http://twitpic.com/4yx25w), [flag burning](http://www.twitvid.com/U1P8F), [disgruntled commuters](http://www.98fm.com/2011/category-news-sport/royal-visit-public-transport/), [wreath-laying](http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0517/queen.html) and [protesters](http://pix.ie/punkrock/album/410291/goto/2321440). All lots of fun. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/2 "2011-05-17T17:36:22Z")
We (in Canada) know all about it. Stay tuned for our version of this when William and Kate visit Quebec. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/3 "2011-05-17T17:41:45Z")
I thought Canada liked being in the [del]Empire[/del] Commonwealth? > [@Wikipedia](#): > > It has been estimated that only 0.6% of the population is actively engaged in any debate about a republic. The Monarchist League of Canada’s chief executive officer, Robert Finch, stated the greatest threat to the monarchy is not republicanism, “it is indifference.” ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/4 "2011-05-17T17:45:55Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > I thought Canada liked being in the [del]Empire[/del] Commonwealth? I think you missed the part about Quebec. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/5 "2011-05-17T17:49:16Z")
Forgive me for not keeping up, but last I looked half of Quebec wanted out of _Canada_, not just out of Britain. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/6 "2011-05-17T17:54:07Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > Forgive me for not keeping up, but last I looked half of Quebec wanted out of _Canada_, not just out of Britain. Are you contradicting yourself, or is it just me who’s confused here. There is a strong sovereignty movement in Quebec who oppose visitation by British Royals. There will be protests and the like this summer during the visitation. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/7 "2011-05-17T18:18:37Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Are you contradicting yourself, or is it just me who’s confused here. > > There is a strong sovereignty movement in Quebec who oppose visitation by British Royals. There will be protests and the like this summer during the visitation. I think it’s you. I’m aware of the Quebec sovereignty movement, though I wasn’t aware that they saw the monarchy as _particularly_ offensive, compared to the other structures and trappings of union with the rest of Canada. I thought they wanted to get out of _all_ of that, except perhaps for some mutually-beneficial economic arrangements. So perhaps protesting the royals is more a media opportunity, rather than a meaningful position in itself? My understanding was that most Canadians outside Quebec liked the monarchy, or were indifferent. And of course the history between Canada and the Crown is utterly unlike the history in Ireland. So I wouldn’t expect the _overall_ Canadian reception to be less than very friendly. Back to Ireland… the Garden of Remembrance visit seems nice, and republicans _could_ take it as an acknowledgment of the justice of the comnemorated struggles. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/8 "2011-05-17T18:45:20Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > [flag burning](http://www.twitvid.com/U1P8F) This is a remarkably piss-poor attempt at a flag burning. Should’ve brought some lighter fluid with you lads. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hypnagogic_jerk/32/4252_2.png) [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypnagogic_Jerk)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/9 "2011-05-17T21:00:49Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > I think it’s you. It is him. Most Canadians, including Quebecers, are completely indifferent about the monarchy. If surveyed, the majority of Quebecers will say they are “opposed” to it, but merely in the sense that they think a republic is philosophically speaking a more legitimate form of government, not in the sense that they intend to actually do anything about it. That certainly is the case with Quebec sovereigntists, who want Quebec to become an independent republic but don’t usually have any special hostility to the Queen or her family. If Will and Kate visit Canada this summer (hadn’t heard of it, don’t care), you’ll see a few “young Patriote”-type people protest along the way. Perhaps 20 people at a time. Then again, you’ll see the same thing in the rest of Canada, only presumably with Canadian instead of Patriote and Quebec flags. Really, **Leaffan** seems awfully politically angry these days, especially for someone who actually _won_ his elections. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/10 "2011-05-18T02:02:15Z")
> [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](#): > > It is him. Most Canadians, including Quebecers, are completely indifferent about the monarchy. If surveyed, the majority of Quebecers will say they are “opposed” to it, but merely in the sense that they think a republic is philosophically speaking a more legitimate form of government, not in the sense that they intend to actually do anything about it. That certainly is the case with Quebec sovereigntists, who want Quebec to become an independent republic but don’t usually have any special hostility to the Queen or her family. > > If Will and Kate visit Canada this summer (hadn’t heard of it, don’t care), you’ll see a few “young Patriote”-type people protest along the way. Perhaps 20 people at a time. Then again, you’ll see the same thing in the rest of Canada, only presumably with Canadian instead of Patriote and Quebec flags. > > Really, **Leaffan** seems awfully politically angry these days, especially for someone who actually _won_ his elections. No, really, there will be some backlash in Quebec. Makes no difference to me. Why are you attacking me over this? ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/11 "2011-05-18T02:18:58Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > No, really, there will be some backlash in Quebec. Bomb alerts, city centre on lockdown, flag burning, disgruntled commuters, wreath-laying and protesters? The Queen was in Canada just last year, and you expect the visit of Will and Kate to cause more havoc than Her Majesty’s visit did? I apologize to the OP. It’s not fair to continue this hijack, and if **Leaffan** wishes to continue discussion in this thread, I won’t. Ireland’s relationship to the U.K. differs by far from Canada’s (or even Quebec’s), and this is a very interesting historical event. And, it does sound like lots of fun. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/12 "2011-05-18T02:47:45Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > Bomb alerts, city centre on lockdown, flag burning, disgruntled commuters, wreath-laying and protesters? The Queen was in Canada just last year, and you expect the visit of Will and Kate to cause more havoc than Her Majesty’s visit did? > > I apologize to the OP. It’s not fair to continue this hijack, and if **Leaffan** wishes to continue discussion in this thread, I won’t. > > Ireland’s relationship to the U.K. differs by far from Canada’s (or even Quebec’s), and this is a very interesting historical event. And, it does sound like lots of fun. 🙂 Jeez guys. I’m not making this stuff up. I don’t know why you’re shooting the messenger. [Radical Quebec nationalists vow to disrupt visit by William and Kate](http://www.vancouversun.com/cars/Radical+Quebec+nationalists+disrupt+visit+William+Kate/4322750/story.html) Whatever… ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/13 "2011-05-18T02:58:07Z")
My guess is that half the crowds that’ll be out to see William and Kate in Quebec will be Americans. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/14 "2011-05-18T03:00:47Z")
Way to hijack the thread you guys, sheesh. I must start talking about boiled potatoes in the next thread about poutine. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/15 "2011-05-18T03:15:00Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > It’s the first visit from a reigning British monarch since the foundation of our wee state. [Bomb alerts](http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0517/breaking4.html), [city centre on lockdown](http://twitpic.com/4yx25w), [flag burning](http://www.twitvid.com/U1P8F), [disgruntled commuters](http://www.98fm.com/2011/category-news-sport/royal-visit-public-transport/), [wreath-laying](http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0517/queen.html) and [protesters](http://pix.ie/punkrock/album/410291/goto/2321440). All lots of fun. CBS News this evening made a point of mentioning that the Queen wasn’t met by bows, but by handshakes. I must say, I am impressed that she has met history fairly and squarely, as is Ireland. I hope the visit continues to go well. I’ll be interested in your comments on her speech tomorrow, as I don’t expect it will be covered too well in the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/16 "2011-05-18T03:18:40Z")
I’m glad Ireland has so much money to spend on this visit. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/17 "2011-05-18T03:20:06Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > I’m glad Ireland has so much money to spend on this visit. €30,000,000 is what I heard. Chump change compared to our vast woeful debts. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/18 "2011-05-18T03:25:46Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > €30,000,000 is what I heard. Chump change compared to our vast woeful debts. I guess so. Sounds like a good excuse for a pint of Guinness anyway on the off chance you saw her. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/19 "2011-05-18T06:25:08Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > Way to hijack the thread you guys, sheesh. I must start talking about boiled potatoes in the next thread about poutine. Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack. So, anything interesting happen in Dublin this week? ---
**Author:** ![Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hypnagogic_jerk/32/4252_2.png) [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypnagogic_Jerk)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223/20 "2011-05-18T10:51:19Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > Way to hijack the thread you guys, sheesh. I must start talking about boiled potatoes in the next thread about poutine. It’s **Leaffan**. What am I supposed to do when he hijacks an unrelated thread to insist that my kind is going to take on the streets screaming to protest a visit by some random couple of newlyweds? I know English Canadians just plain don’t like Quebecers, but this was totally out of left field. But I won’t say anything further about it in this thread. **Leaffan** , if you’re angry about those Frenchies bringing shame to your country, invite us to the Pit and I’ll follow you there. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-queen-was-in-dublin-today/582223.md?page=2)