Can anyone remind me, at the opening of the Olympic Games, was "Ireland" represented by an apolitical & neutral flag, to represent the 'coming together' of two separate nations OR was it represented by the Irish Republic's tricolour?

Posted by mickey | 09.10.08, 10:43 GMT

out of curiosity has mr campbell honoured the two young disabled athletes who won medals in the disabled olympics recently? Or has the fact that they wore green shirts rather than white of great britain stopped him on this one as well?

Posted by Terry | 08.10.08, 19:56 GMT

Phillp, Philip, Philip. Northern Ireland is a great wee country in itself and doesn’t need to join up with the Irish Republic to form some sort of idealistic, utopian super country. Heck, even Southerners in increasing numbers want little or nothing to do with unification; their “romance” for the whole thing is dying with each generation.
As for rich, cultural history and background, NI has this in abundance from both sides of the community. Sure, “elements” within each community wish to beat each other with aspects of this culture – but who cares about them?!
Regarding the GAA, they will need to do more than just ditch the names of teams AND trophies which offend, they would need to re-write almost their entire constitution. Can’t see it happening so entrenched are they in their bigoted and sectarian ways. They have no desire to changes things just to “appease” the likes of me.

Posted by mickey | 08.10.08, 15:08 GMT

Steve why would anyone congratulate the nothern ireland soccer team for beating england, spain etc!!? They didn't win anything except a game. Should they be congratulated after winning each game!!? Baffling. If they win the european championship or the world cup then they should be congratulated.

Posted by Tom | 08.10.08, 11:41 GMT

To Gareth

The only conundrum is why the 'Tele' printed your pathetic comment. Moron.

Posted by Alistair | 08.10.08, 11:15 GMT

Here's a question - did the SF or SDLP congratulate Linfield when they won the first Setanta Cup?

Posted by Colin | 08.10.08, 00:54 GMT

This is just typical of the DUP. If it's not British, it's not right and should avoided by all 'right thinking people' just in case you get infected by some republican/catholic/nationalist disease. Gregory for gods sake, wise up and start living in the real world. I'm a protestant, by faith but I am proud to say that I consider myself an Irish Protestant. Who in their right mind wants to be associated with Britishness and all that carries with it.
Northern Ireland is great little province but could be part of a great country, if only loyalist mp's/mla's and those who follow blindly after them would wake up, smell the roses and grab hold of the rich cultural background and history that we all should be proud of on this island of ours. So come on Minister, grow a set and stand up, be a man and congratulate Tyrone on this outstanding result on the sports field. As for the GAA, start making it easier for protestants to get involved and drop the names of some of the teams that offend.

Posted by Philip | 07.10.08, 23:31 GMT

Gregory Campbell is the most narrow minded politician with his constant anti-catholic/nationalist views. "Sports and CULTURE minister" Please...

The All-ireland is an incredible sporting occassion and for Tyrone, a county from the North, to win both Minor and Senior, I think Mr Campbell has let himself, seriously down. Give credit where/when its due!
Remarks such as 'An International Occassion' are just silly and childish, well done sports and culture minister, shown real political maturity once again!

Posted by G Duffy | 07.10.08, 20:20 GMT

Gareth try for one time looking at the world "not" through orange glasses. Sport is sport for everyone no tags needed. If you must keep looking through your 1690 glasses keep your sectarian opinions to yourself and let the next generations move on.

Posted by united | 07.10.08, 18:28 GMT

The DUP are displaying sheer and utter bigotry, and an inability to cater to any other culture but their own. The all-ireland is a sporting celebration for the entire Island of Ireland. The fact that the DUP would use it as a political game is disgusting. They need to grow up.

Posted by Seán Ó Briain | 07.10.08, 17:55 GMT

The sooner we get joint authority and end with this glorified council the better. You would'nt see that sort of bigotory coming out of London or Dublin.

Posted by Johnston | 07.10.08, 17:21 GMT

A sign of the times we are living in? Not too sure what you meant there, but, as with Conor Murphy, who is supposed to be a minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly replacing the words 'Northern Ireland' with 'the North', it's just petty nonsense. I'm sure everyone here criticising Campbell for his pettiness was as quick to criticise Murphy.

Posted by Steve | 07.10.08, 17:02 GMT

GAA is obvioulsy a sport for one section of the community - no other sporting organisation boasts this exclusivity. Therefore to round on the DUP Minister is like like slapping your dog for barking.

Its cut and dry in my eyes - GAA is for Catholics, is a cultural arm for one section of the community and has the obvious overtones - that would naturally go with that - but hey thats fine - i won't loose sleep....

Just don't be surprised if not all the people in Northern Ireland want to be part of that particular exclusive victory - i.e. Tyrone winning a competition played exclusively by Catholics.

i really don't understand why its such a major league conundrum.

Posted by Gareth | 07.10.08, 16:56 GMT

mr campbell should be fired GAA is by far the best supported sport in the north. bet you he would congrat linfield if they won the sentena cup if derry won it this year do you think he could get out of his cave and do something for the whole community not just half

Posted by ray .. usa | 07.10.08, 16:47 GMT

Steve, that's irrelevant - Mr Campbell is the sports minister and the fact that that's all you have to say is a sign of the times we are living in. At the end of the day it's not really about what you believe/follow but how you conduct yourself. Someone in Mr Campbells shoes should be aware that anything he does will be reported, so he should be taking every care to come across as impartial as possible, him being the minister of sports. Perhaps he was trying to provoke a reaction???

Posted by Colm | 07.10.08, 16:17 GMT

I think the attitude shown by Mr Campbell, Minister of Sport and Culture, is diabolical and shameful.
Mr Campbell!..... try living abroad for some years and you'll soon understand how very very narrow minded your stance is and that of some of your colleagues.
NIreland is just a little "spit" in the ocean and a minute dot on this earth, so why not look at a bigger picture and envelop all that makes Ireland famous and popular outside the islands' northern, southern, eastern and western boundaries.
You must realise that the world doesn't understand these stances, but the world understands and loves the Irish culture and its music....Naturally I'm also aware of the Ulster-Scots traditions and its music.
I'm originally from Tyrone and have worked for many years (some 35) with the English language and Cultural awareness programmes in northern Europe. My values have changed but I still love my island home, in spite of the narrow mindedness that exists, and doesn't seem to be changing.

Posted by Des Allen | 07.10.08, 15:16 GMT

Aye, liek Sinn Fein were queuing up to congratulate the Northern Ireland football team after beating England/Spain/Sweden.... They're all as bad as each other.........

Posted by Steve | 07.10.08, 14:36 GMT

Agree totally with all below. Despite being a prod who feels a bit alienated by the extreme nationalist ethos of the GAA I feel that Gregory has let himself down. If he cannot rise above petty politics and congratulate, not one, but two winning teams from Tyrone, he should step down and let someone who understands that being the Culture and Sports minister for Northern Ireland means supporting ALL the sportsmen/women of NI.

Posted by Andy | 07.10.08, 13:10 GMT

Did he not say he was pleased to see a British team winning something?

Also, somebody below mentioned calls for a Northern Ireland rugby team. I'd be all for it. Our young lads in NI from both sides of the community taking the field for their country. Who wouldn't want this, unless they prefer to join in with someone else's party...

Posted by mickey | 07.10.08, 13:08 GMT

Dont see why he couldnt congratulate them - when all is said and done Tyrone is a county in Northern Ireland - he is the Culture and Sports minister for Northern Ireland! What a way to emphasize the divide Gregory! I'm a Protestant with absolutley no interest in GAA or any sport whatsoever and to snub them was just petty but very very telling! Can we not just be happy for any teams from our country that do well whatever the sport!

Posted by Penny | 07.10.08, 12:11 GMT