Omitting a word from a tweet, either by chance or by design, can really upset a lot of people.
DUP leader Arlene Foster learned all about that weird rule of social media on St. Patrick’s Day.
Foster was cheering on Ireland as they claimed the Grand Slam by beating England in the Lion’s Den. Before the game, she sent her best wishes to the 2018 Six Nations champions. After the final whistle blew, she offered her congratulations to the team.
However, not using the word ‘Ireland’ in the message irked a lot of people. Instead, she commended ‘Rory (Best) and his team of inspirational players’ on the achievement.
Congratulations to Rory and his team of inspirational players. #6Nations and Grand Slam CHAMPIONS! 💪🏽 #HistoryMakers #ENGvIRE https://t.co/6mnBBb35zw
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) March 17, 2018
Even if a lot of us don’t properly understand it, we’re all very aware of the complex political and cultural landscape of the six counties. Some consider it the north of Ireland, others call it Northern Ireland. The Ireland rugby team have at the very least tried to make their team inclusive to members of both political stances. Their measures have clearly been effective if folks like Foster are getting behind them.
However, some of the replies to her message suggested that she was unable to even type the word ‘Ireland’ if it doesn’t come after ‘Northern’. A lot of folks were calling for her to acknowledge Ireland’s existence as if that’s something she is incapable of doing.
The assumption that her well-meaning message is some sort of attempt to push a political agenda may be a bit rich though. In fact, the day before the game, she made reference to ‘Ireland rugby team’.
Wishing our very own @RoryBest2 and the Ireland rugby team all the best for tomorrow as they take on England in the Six Nations at Twickenham. #IREvENG #SixNations pic.twitter.com/cYpSUaadRq
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) March 16, 2018
She’s not against calling the Ireland rugby team by its proper name, that much is clear. She may think twice before sending a post out about the Irish team without mentioning their full name again though.
