NI set to wear poppy armbands in World Cup play-offs
Caroline Hamilton: I don’t understand what the problem ever was. A poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect for all those who gave their lives in two World Wars — regardless of nationality, religion, or political stance.
Charles Williams: This is going to be controversial, as the question will be asked: what are the poppies representing? If someone wears a poppy to commemorate the death, the horror and the tragedy of war, I would have no problem with that. But the problem is some will wear the poppy to commemorate the glorious sacrifice, the bravery, the gallant dead and the need to start the next war as soon as possible. What people choose to remember and choose to propagate to future generations is the issue. We do have a choice between war and peace. So, maybe with the poppy wear a sign saying ‘No to war’.
Naomi Muldrew: What? I have never known anyone to wear a poppy for any other reason than to commemorate the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Charles Williams: If you visit Gallipoli and other war memorials, as I have, the monuments refer to the ‘glorious dead’. There was nothing glorious about death in Gallipoli, the Somme, or in any field of battle. Neither was there anything glorious about being bombed to death in Coventry, London, Dresden or Berlin. War is the ultimate tool of terror and death on an industrial scale. It can only have one outcome: death, destruction and horror.
Gerard Fenniman: Generally, I’m in favour of national and cultural expression. I have no issue with British people wearing the poppy (I wear the Easter lily). However, within the context of Northern Ireland, it appears like a statement as to who they represent and who they do not; therefore, it’s sectarian. They are alienating people who otherwise might support them. I’ll support them anyway, because they’re Irish as well.
Tony Fearon: And they wonder why James McClean won’t play for them? Surely, forcing their employees to wear political symbols and use of the English national anthem are contrary to fair employment legislation?