But it really doesn't matter. Look at it another way, the Republic of Ireland is arguably the least independent country in the world. They are the only nation that you don't need a passport to get to, they are the only nation whose citizens are automatically entitled to a UK passport should they want one (if born before 1949), and when it comes to sport in particular, they are massively within our sphere of influence. When the Irish rugby team play in Belfast, GstQ is still played despite it being an irrelevance to 75% of the home players. Gaelic sport allowed football and rugby into Croke Park (including the England team) after banning it for years.It only ever seems "not to matter" when its something that we , the British find questionable , it always seems to "matter" very much when its Irish sovereignty or sensibilities that are ruffled , the fact is , the torch is supposed to be on its final tour around the HOST country , which the Republic of Ireland, isnt.
So I would agree that whilst it's a bit abnormal to have the republic involved in this torch relay, if you strip away the historical politics and recent barely healed wounds, no-one would actually notice.
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