Australian tourism line out of order
AUstralians have always been noted for for direct plain speaking, which can be a refreshing approach in the modern climate of political correctness.
The government in Canberra, however, has gone totally over the top with insensitive and misleading advice to its citizens holidaying in Northern Ireland to take note of potential trouble flashpoints in this part of the United Kingdom.
The Australian department of foreign affairs and trade says the advice proffered is due to what is viewed as an upsurge in dissident republican violence and what is referred to as "parade-related riots". The fear is that Australian citizens could inadvertently get caught up in violence.
The intervention has inevitably caused some disquiet and irritation here in now relatively peaceful Northern Ireland, particularly since it was not the level of advice that was apparent from foreign governments even at the height of our Troubles.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has rightly countered the Australian edict by stating that the vast majority of overseas visitors to these shores see Northern Ireland as "a safe and secure destination".
"Those who come here enjoy our rich heritage and stunning scenery and they see for themselves a new and optimistic destination. This is by far the experience of the majority of our visitors," says the board.
The Australian High Commissioner in London needs to be pressurised by our politicians to exert robust pressure on the Canberra regime to take a fairer, more rounded view of life in Northern Ireland and to not be engaged in a long-distance campaign of unfair stigmatisation.
Australia has had a series of violent attacks on its own doorstep with backpacker tourists as the innocent victims and its government would undoubtedly react negatively if foreign administrations were to highlight these atrocities.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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