Q: Why as a nation do we allow The patron saint of Ireland to be celebrated more than our very own St George? It seems that English people are now the ethnic minority on our very own soil. Please respond whether you agree with me or not
A: Because St. Patrick's Day has been commandeered in this Country (and in the Republic of Ireland) by the Guinness marketing department. They spend millions of pounds on advertising and promoting the day (or rather the night) getting people to go out spending money on their stupid hats and to drink their stout. It has nothing to do with St. Patrick (who was devoutly against all music, singing and dancing, let alone getting hammered!) or indeed the Irish. Even Irish people are surprised and slightly revolted by receiving St. Patrick's Day greetings cards. Such things were unknown in Ireland ten years ago and is a sign of creeping, tasteless commercialisation from the United States. On the other hand, in Britain St. George, his day and his flag seems only to be promoted by shaven-headed, tattooed, Essex monkeymen, which rather puts normal people off! This is a great shame! If St. George's Day were to be made a proper holiday, with a day off work (as is St. Patrick's Day in Ireland and Northern Ireland) it might become more popular. Most of our fellow E.U. nations have twice as many bank holidays as we do. We need MORE!