Hamish!! HELP!...or anyone from Ireland

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 3rd February 05, 08:35 PM

Alan,

Though your kilt wearing thoughts are noble to many here, you're talking about Dublin. It would be MUCH more appropriate to wear a nice suit with a green vest. You really don't want to take the chance that his politics are NOT of that vein, or that he'll see the kilt as some sort of a joke... and that CAN happen. Take the job seriously and present him with a nicely dressed chaperone.

Do NOT discuss politics either... not now. As of the night of February 2nd, the situation over there is not as good as it has been. The peace process took a HUGE hit, and it's a little sensitive now. So give them a very relaxing and good time... American Style. That's what they're looking for anyway.

I don't think I would like to go over there and have someone give me the "grand tour" while they were wearing a cowboy hat.

There's a time and a place for everything. Your situation is one of honor and importance. Take is as such and dress domestically!

**macwilkin** · 3rd February 05, 08:46 PM

I think Jimmy's hit on something here; since you are representing Standford and the sister cities program, a suit might be the better way to go. Chances are as Lord Mayor, he will be in one, and depending on the function, he might bring his mayorial regalia (at least a chain collar signifying the office).

Perhaps a green vest, as Jimmy suggested, or a green tie? Maybe even a Irish National tartan tie, although I would never suggest wearing one with a kilt.

Cheers,

Todd

**Andrew Breecher** · 3rd February 05, 08:55 PM

I hear what Jimmy's saying, but I also think that if you wear kilts anyway, you shouldn't sacrifice that for anyone, not even the Lord Mayor of Dublin. If you visited him in Dublin, he certainly wouldn't give up his tweed suit for you!

So -- if you're going to wear a kilt anyway, I see nothing wrong with a saffron or Irish National tartan as a nod to his country. You're not endorsing Irish nationalism or Sinn Féin by wearing a kilt, if that's what you normally wear, and I'm sure you can express that to Lord Mayor Conaghan when you meet him.

Andrew.

**Matthews** · 4th February 05, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy Carbomb

Do NOT discuss politics either... not now. As of the night of February 2nd, the situation over there is not as good as it has been. The peace process took a HUGE hit, and it's a little sensitive now. So give them a very relaxing and good time... American Style. That's what they're looking for anyway.

Here's a link for anybody who wants some more information on what Jimmy is talking about. As of today the situation is even more delicate and becoming more so every minute.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4235513.stm
And with following forum rules I won't get political but I'll suggest to Alan that that rule might actually be a good one to apply to your dress code. And with that I'm not saying to "not" wear a kilt - just do your research on Irish symbolism (both Orange & Green)or it may be a bit awkward.

**philibeg** · 4th February 05, 10:10 AM

why don't you just wear your nicest kilt... you can just express yourself without making any refernce to Ireland and Irish politics. You should wear formal clothing (which the kilt is) and you should feel comfortable (which you do in your kilt). You need not switch to an Irish kilt, just be yourself, at you finest :-))

**Alan H** · 4th February 05, 10:49 AM

I did a bit of reading up on the saffron kilt last night and now I understand the potential issue. Oyyyy, I'd never have known.

Matthews and Jimmy and cajunscot, thanks for bringing the deteriorating situation to my attention. I wasn't aware of the latest development with Sinn Fein.

Methinks I'll be wearing nice trousers and a tie, and I'll put on a nice knit Aran sweater that my dad gave me a number of years ago. That's more than enough of a symbol of recognition. I'm not kilted 100% of the time at all, I am starting to wear them when I feel like it but I've no intent to make the switch 24/7. So wearing a nice pair of slacks and the sweater works just fine for me.

THANK YOU for the input regarding the saffron kilt, what/where it's associated with and so on. I might have performed the gaffe of the decade if I'd 'a not come here and inquired!

**Geoduck** · 4th February 05, 11:33 AM

Belfast was relatively peaceful in October when we were there. The signs in the Pubs required us to abstain from talking about politcal and football situations, at least outside of West Belfast. It looks like the situation has deteriorated in the past 4 months.

The Utilikilt was a huge hit in Belfast, people loved the look, and was a great ice breaker. Good luck to you in your journey to Dublin, I'm sure you'll tread lightly.

**Hamish** · 4th February 05, 04:28 PM

Alan,

You kindly named me in the subject title of your thread but I am afraid I did not log on yesterday long enough to see it.

My connections are with Scotland rather than Ireland (and I am ashamed to admit I have never "been across the sea to Ireland"!), but I have to agree with with those who have suggested that you forget the kilt on this occasion. I read that this is what you have decided to do.

I am sure you will find that the dignitaries you are to meet will be perfectly normal, warm human beings. It is the titles of the offices they hold that can sometimes be a little daunting to those of us who do not mix with them on an everyday basis. Relax and you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.

**Colin** · 4th February 05, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Alan,

You kindly named me in the subject title of your thread but I am afraid I did not log on yesterday long enough to see it.

My connections are with Scotland rather than Ireland (and I am ashamed to admit I have never "been across the sea to Ireland"!), but I have to agree with with those who have suggested that you forget the kilt on this occasion. I read that this is what you have decided to do.

I am sure you will find that the dignitaries you are to meet will be perfectly normal, warm human beings. It is the titles of the offices they hold that can sometimes be a little daunting to those of us who do not mix with them on an everyday basis. Relax and you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Hamish, you must go one day, it is a wonderful place. I'm still hoping to visit the Uk in 2006 or 06. I never mind good company.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 4th February 05, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Methinks I'll be wearing nice trousers and a tie, and I'll put on a nice knit Aran sweater that my dad gave me a number of years ago. That's more than enough of a symbol of recognition.

Geesh! Here I wear the Aran sweaters all the time and didn't even think of it. Duh!

Nice choice and VERY respectful. I'm also glad that you recognize that this is a situation that caters to THEIR comfort more than your own. It should be one heck of a good time too! Dia duit!!!