The First Lady with her husband
One of the things that went unnoticed during Obama's visit. I was listening to the news in the car one day - the subject was Michelle Obama's visit to a theatre in Dublin to see a production of Riverdance. The reporter said something very interesting. "The First Lady Michelle Obama...will meet Mrs Sabina Higgins, wife of President Higgins..." I didn't quite crash the car, but I was a little indignant - the old republican was rising up in me.
In this country, Mrs Sabina Higgins is the First Lady and she should have precedence when reporting on the visit of the wife of a foreign president. The reporter should have said: The First Lady, Mrs Sabina Higgins, will greet Mrs Michelle Obama, wife of the US President, at the theatre....
Now maybe Mrs Higgins does not have that title in Ireland, and if she doesn't I would appreciate someone telling me. But I think the fawning over the Obamas went too far in that case. Why did it happen? Is it a case that at the end of the day Ireland still lacks confidence in itself?
Anyway, rant over. Old republican streak being laid to rest.
