... driller, you are brighter than to ask 'how'. The liars (Ted Heath & co) thought we wouldn't be interested in the detail until it was too late. The various opt outs are merely a sop to keep countries on board within the great european project. As part of the softening up process it's a bit like being told this country is 'multi-cultural Britain' - which it is not - but sooner or later the disinterested majority accept the fait accompli and we then have to scurry around providing extra services for those extended families who, somehow, we managed to forget would eventually arrive; all in the interests of an integrated Europe. Etc, etc, etc ...
Being lectured at by an Australian about my country is almost as annoying as when it's done by a Mexican. The problem with this gentleman, Grantham, is his lack of alternatives. Deconstructing the EU is one thing but making light of worrying over new trade deals and seriously considering the road ahead are more important.
Apart from that, his monologues drone on and lack the liveliness of true debate. His views can be contested but presented in this format he can purport to be THE ONE TRUE VOICE.
I presume the people you're talking about don't have Irish ancestors, so I suppose we're talking about naturalisation.
These are the rules for becoming an Irish citizen through naturalisation. You have to be of good character and have lived continously in Eire for the past year, plus you must have lived there for a total of four of the previous eight years.
I hope you can understand why I'm sceptical about Pakistani people traffickers flocking to Ireland and being given Irish passports.
If I'm wrong please let me know how it works 'cause I'll probably go and get one too (seriously).
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en...alisation.html
... ok for disinterested majority read those - who take little notice of history; believe the liars in power; concern themselves with their parochial view of life.