20 August 1998 Edition
Back issue: England: get out!
Why did Britain's ``Daily Mirror'' (circulation: 4,000,000 readers) on August 14, write: ``Ulster: Bring home the troops''? Why has this paper written: ``The time has come for a new start. One that would allow the Irish people to rule themselves''?
The ``Daily Mirror'' did not explain. But the reason is both economic and political. The paper's constant concern is to remain popular, to continue to sell to 4,000,000 readers and, if possible, to sell to 5,000,000.
The easiest way of continuing an ever increased popularity is to go along with public opinion. And public opinion is demanding that the British government withdraw its troop from Ireland.
This is now an important economic (as far as the press is concerned) and political issue, with the Gallup Poll's latest figure in England making it bluntly clear that 53 per cent of those polled want Britain to end its Irish adventure.
Experts in the field reckon that, by this year's end, more than 60 per cent of those people of England, Scotland and Wales will be demanding an end to the English connection.
The longer the British imperial election is delayed the stronger, the louder, the British demand for a withdrawal of troops from Ireland.
The 53 per cent figure makes it possible and realistic for candidates to stand for election to Westminster on the ticket of doing their utmost to end British interference in Ireland, be they members of existing parties or independents.
How long can the three main political parties in Britain continue to ignore the results of the Gallup poll on the basis of politics alone? It is clear now that if one of the major British political parties comes out in favour of an end to British interference in Ireland a considerable number of extra votes is probable in the general election next month.
The ``Daily Mirror'' did not explain. But the reason is both economic and political. The paper's constant concern is to remain popular, to continue to sell to 4,000,000 readers and, if possible, to sell to 5,000,000.
The easiest way of continuing an ever increased popularity is to go along with public opinion. And public opinion is demanding that the British government withdraw its troop from Ireland.
This is now an important economic (as far as the press is concerned) and political issue, with the Gallup Poll's latest figure in England making it bluntly clear that 53 per cent of those polled want Britain to end its Irish adventure.
Experts in the field reckon that, by this year's end, more than 60 per cent of those people of England, Scotland and Wales will be demanding an end to the English connection.
The longer the British imperial election is delayed the stronger, the louder, the British demand for a withdrawal of troops from Ireland.
The 53 per cent figure makes it possible and realistic for candidates to stand for election to Westminster on the ticket of doing their utmost to end British interference in Ireland, be they members of existing parties or independents.
How long can the three main political parties in Britain continue to ignore the results of the Gallup poll on the basis of politics alone? It is clear now that if one of the major British political parties comes out in favour of an end to British interference in Ireland a considerable number of extra votes is probable in the general election next month.