A Shocking Lack Of Whimsy

Look, if a staunch Republican publican wants to bar someone from his premises, it's his right. And if he wants to post an enormous notice of his refusal to grant access, where's the harm? Can't we have a bit of whimsy in our lives?

John Stokes doesn't want Her Royal Self crossing his threshhold and he's letting everyone know how he feels. A royal hasn't been in Ireland since shortly before the Rising, and in some quarters, they're still not welcome.

Apparently, that includes a pub in a Dublin suburb.

The judge has no sense of humor. Mr. Justice Paul Kelly has ordered that the banner be removed. Not that he does or does not agree with the sentiment. It's a question of the size of the sign and local planning laws to be considered.

Not to be outdone, Mr. Stokes plans on making some other, legal, grand gesture against Queen Elizabeth II's upcoming state visit.

Now that Gerry Adams is sitting in the Dail, the bar owner might consider approaching the noted Shinner and getting some kind of special dispensation from the rules for the duration of the Queen's sojourn. Perhaps some of the other Irish citizens who believe that England is illegally occupying six counties of Irish territory would like to offer suggestions of their own?