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If God is certainly an Englishman, maybe this explains the massive variety of atheists on the market. This was the thought that sparkled throughout my mind as I sat on a stage in Eire experiencing the cocktail of glee and bewilderment among the many viewers on the present political travails of “the Brits”.
It was Robbie Burns who captured the uncommon worth of with the ability to “see ourselves as others see us”. Properly, perched on that stage, apparently the one dwelling Englishman unable to seek out an Irish grandparent, I noticed us how others see us and it was chastening.
Some context first. This was a pleasant, well-informed crowd, regardless of the overall and genial Brit-bashing it’s best to at all times count on in Eire. I’m unsure precisely how horrible a rustic must be earlier than the Irish received’t cheer for it in opposition to England in sport however you’d should be speaking severe barbarism — positive, they’re cannibals however it’s them or the Brits. The occasion itself is named Kilkenomics, a intelligent and unique pageant (which, full disclosure, the FT has backed for a variety of years). Its central genius is to place economists, writers and the odd stray journalist on panels chaired by sharp comedians who guarantee it stays entertaining in addition to insightful. And if a present ever appears to be shedding momentum the moderator breaks the glass and releases the English jokes.
Among the many nuanced debates on the state of the markets and the worldwide economic system, there are a number of panels which the organisers take pleasure in endowing with titles like “the good British break-up” or “Britain’s nervous breakdown”. I’ve been going for a number of years and this yr was my sixth annual “What the feck is incorrect with you guys?” panel. The audiences are beautiful, although their bullshit detectors are ferociously properly tuned. And whereas they naturally take pleasure in seeing the UK compelled to bow to Irish coverage, of late the tone has switched to certainly one of concern. Schadenfreude was so 2018, now they surprise if we want a physician.
Lots of that is about Brexit, after all, of which the Irish take a dim view. There have been Brexiters on the panels however today all of them appear to be lamenting the best way their great thought has been botched by politicians. Think about having such strategic nous that you simply see methods to win the referendum however not sufficient to know the result nonetheless must be managed by Conservative MPs.
This yr, the occasion was considerately timed to permit the UK to be on its third prime minister of the yr. It was not often lengthy earlier than one of many comedians would discover some approach to steer the discuss again to the Liz Truss administration. Chuckle, we nearly crashed the foreign money.
Brits of my age, the English particularly, are used to a little bit of needle. Centuries of colonialism can play havoc with a relationship. However it was additionally a little bit of a standing image, an indication of the nation’s energy and historical past. Present me a well-loved nation and I’ll present you one whose historic treasures are sitting within the British Museum. Thoughts you, it might probably sting to be held personally chargeable for Oliver Cromwell, after we haven’t talked for years.
However that is our historical past. We are able to select how we take care of it. What’s extra painful than being regarded via the prism of anti-imperialism is to see the nation you like changed into a worldwide punchline, a supposedly severe nation seemingly going via a mid-life disaster. The festivalgoers now not see the haughty Britain of historical past however a rustic which has swapped a darkish go well with for a purple blazer and mustard trousers.
In some methods that is harsh. Most European nations (Eire included) face severe political challenges. The rise of Rishi Sunak provides the UK a extra sober look. These of a extra Brexit-minded disposition would possibly additional dismiss all this because the bias of liberal elites or the pro-Europeanism of the Irish and there’s a little bit of each these issues.
And but it’s a lesson to view ourselves via the eyes of countries, which for all of the needle and historical past, are allies and buddies.
It’s exhausting sufficient to see your nation take what you assume is a incorrect flip, however that’s democracy. No, debate is ok. Banter is ok. Pity, not a lot.
Observe Robert on Twitter @robertshrimsley and e mail him at [email protected]
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