Ireland exits British Isles

Geographical shenanigans

Irish publisher Folens has announced that in future Ireland will not be included in the British Isles, The Evening Standard reports.

The decision apparently came as a result of a complaint to Ireland's Education Minister Mary Hanafin from one disgruntled parent that the Emerald Isle was still effectively classified in a Folens' tome as part of the happy union of British nations. Hanafin then duly advised the parent to "bring the matter to the attention of the teacher, the school's management board and publishers Folens".

However, The Irish Times reports that John O'Connor of Folens said he had not received a complaint from a parent, but claimed "the decision was taken after it was brought to his attention by a geography teacher".

O'Connor said: "I have a policy that if I see a potential problem I'll act on it immediately instead of waiting to see if a problem arises. So from January 2007 the reference will be removed."

Argentinian geography teachers are hereby alerted to the fact that you have until Xmas to pitch your "Malvinas" claims and we reckon Kurds are in with a chance of securing some Irish textbook territory if you can get your email in sharpish. ®

Bootnote

Yes, we know Ireland has been a sovereign state since 1922, but, for the love of all that's Holy, is there no-one who can put a stop to PC geography teachers lighting up their pipes and pontificating? Get back to sewing patches on your tweed jackets, the lot of you.