'The ire of the Irish'

In "The ire of the Irish," Kevin Cullen reports on anti-US opinion in Ireland as the country prepares for President Bush's visit this week. Has American luck run out on the Emerald Isle? Or do the two nation's ties run deeper than politics?
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During the 80's and the 90's many Irish came to Boston illegally to work and send money home...now with the economy not so fantastic as it was back then I believe they do not view the US the same...

christine, Hull

I don't believe that Ireland and America are drifting apart. The great people of both countries know that one idiot and his equally moronic administration does not speak for an entire nation.

Shawn F, Melrose

The two nations have too much in common to drift apart. We speak the same language, have similar laws, and our cultures are based on the same books. There is probably a silent majority in Ireland that supports us. They borrowed our low tax approach to job creation, which further links the two nations.

Peter, Cambridge

We've managed to alienate ourselves so it doesn't come to a shock that Ireland feels the same way as the rest of the world.

lena, orlando, florida; formerly dedham, ma

Despite the remarkable growth in Ireland's economy over the past decade, America has to ask itself: Do we really care what Ireland thinks?? They could disappear with no negative impact to us whatsoever. The only military they have is a bunch of cowardly European Al Qaeda punks, AKA the IRA. Besides, we have England as our true ally and partner.

Mark, Foxboro

I just returned from Ireland, after three weeks of touring down in the south, midlands and north and the northern republic. I would say that in four years, the climate has changed. they are not as friendly towards americans as they were. They are not happy with Pres. Bush, I spent alot of time defending him, and America. they feel they were not asked about the shannon airport refueling and from what I encountered, they did not like the idea. I do feel that the people themselves have changed, I think because of the Euro and the great economy they are experiencing that they feel they are a power to contend with. Alot of them told us, "you couldn't afford to live here" I am first generation American, so all my roots are there, but I was disappointed with what I saw and heard. Northern Ireland are much friendlier towards americans. Maybe the average citizen should be aware of our financial contribution to their country. Hope they don't ever need a handout AGAIN.

Betsy, Roslindale

The Irish are a European's 'European.' They, like the British, the Spanish, the French, and the Germans, are increasingly disgusted with the Administration's insults and snobbery at Europe and the UN. We all know this. Just go abroad and you'll be deafened by complaints. The UK nearly tossed out Tony Blair's party in the very recent local elections. They got hit extremely badly. So perhaps the Irish are taking a que from their neighbors across the Irish Sea. If we re-elect Bush, then our erstwhile allies will shirft their angst from Bush to us, the American people. Ask your question again after Bush is re-inaugurated.

Andrew, Boston

"Yet a survey published in February that was sponsored by the British Embassy in Dublin found that more Irish had favorable views of Britain than of America – 78 compared to 74 percent. It was the first time any study of public opinion in Ireland found the British more popular than Americans." I would question any survey favorable towards Britain that was sponsored by the British Embassy and so should Kevin Cullen.

James, Dorchester

i would say no,the irish luck has run out. you guys are so concerned about being liked

tom, nashua

The ties between the two nations is deeper than politics. I visited Ireland this past January, and there wasn't as much anti-American sentiment as there is an anti Bush and his administration sentiment.

Dan A., Roslindale