Ireland suffering from 'reverse poppy facism' - Ciara Kelly

Ireland and the Controversy over the Poppy Symbol

It is estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 Irishmen died fighting in the First World War. Ciara Kelly has described the current atmosphere in Ireland as suffering from “reverse poppy fascism,” which complicates commemorating family members who served in past conflicts.

Remembrance Sunday and Media Influence

As Remembrance Sunday nears, British broadcasters have shown images of presenters wearing poppies in Irish homes. The small paper flower gained prominence as a symbol honoring the British Empire’s war dead after World War I. However, over a century later, some perceive an excessive pressure to wear the poppy in modern Britain.

Perspectives on Wearing the Poppy

On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Shane Coleman expressed his disapproval of this tradition.

“Personally, I would not wear a poppy. It’s become associated with British militarism; I also have a problem with the pressure and coercion involved and people are vilified if they don’t wear one.”

Coleman referenced Jon Snow’s phrase “poppy fascism,” agreeing it captures the issue well. He noted that the poppy is now treated as a mandatory fashion accessory rather than purely a symbol of remembrance.

“If somebody wants to wear it that’s totally up to them, I don’t have a problem with it.”

Summary

The remembrance poppy remains a contested symbol in Ireland, reflecting tensions between honoring war dead and rejecting perceived coercion linked to British militarism.

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Newstalk Newstalk — 2025-11-07

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