O/T:- ⚠️Impressed with the leadership [The UK Party Politics Thread]

[i961pie]

That's one interpretation of it that you could argue, yes.

Let me throw back, however; despite the vastly different population numbers, both are essentially island nations which ought to therefore have been able to close themselves off relatively easily, as opposed to places like France and Germany, with long land borders. Leo Varadkar took it seriously right from the start, made fast, hard decisions, and inspired a generally good adherence to the lockdown (we've been in it longer than you, remember) with his excellent, statesmanlike appearances speaking to the nation that have won him praise internationally. And he did this while serving as only the Acting Taoiseach, as the three big parties here were all negotiating the formation of the next government - Varadkar himself wanted to go into opposition, from what I understand.

To borrow your words - I think you can see where I'm going with this.

If anything, I'd have thought the British population would have been more likely to follow the rules than the Irish one - all that British spirit of the Blitz certain populist politicians like to bang on about, no?

How many Italian,Chinese,Indian, Pa-istani, Bangladeshi, Afro Carribean etc. etc. live in Ireland compared to Britain?
These people travel back and forth to their country of origin creating a large risk, but the vast majority are British citizens so they are entitled.
Mind you it is criminal that when we new of the problem they weren't tested or isolated.