British vs. Irish: The Debate

Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irish professional golfer from County Down. McIlroys skill and success has gone from strength to strength in the past couple of years. Following last weekend’s Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, McIlroy continued good form and won the competition, and with it claimed the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. Whilst this victory was a spectacular achievement and the Irish and British celebrated this win, it also sparked a fiery debate amongst tweeters and face bookers: Is Rory McIlroy considered Irish or British?

Piers Morgan seemed to be central to this seemingly controversial issue initially sparking the debate on twitter by announcing:

“Superb @McIlroyRory: World No1. Doesn’t – quite literally – get any better than that. #BritPower”

This led to a backlash from the Irish fans stating that he may hold a British passport but he is of Irish nationality. The majority of the Irish involved believe Britain is an island; Northern Ireland is politically part of the United Kingdom, not Britain.

Rory McIlory has referred to his nationality in an interview with Piers Morgan in 2011:

“I hold a British passport however I consider myself to be Northern Irish”

The main reasons behind this angered out lash has to do with the 2016 Olympic Games for which McIlroy have qualified for. He must choose whether he is representing Ireland or Britain in this major event. Whatever decision he comes to will be heavily criticised by the one or other party although it is clear that McIlroy’s decision will be based on what is best on what is best for his career. It will not be a political decision.

At the end of the day Irish people are going to refer to him as being Irish and British people are going to refer to him as being British. I think this will always be the case, in the foreseen future anyway, whether it be a number one golfer, band, movie star or otherwise! This debate goes beyond the questioning of a professional golfers nationality, it is a long running rivalled controversy between Ireland and Britain.

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