Anne Widdecombe and England vs Argentina: Has Irish Resentment Gone Too Far?

In this episode, Niall is joined by barrister and political commentator Laura Perrins to discuss two stories dominating conversation in Britain and Ireland.

First, they examine the shocking murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe and the serious questions surrounding the investigation. After an initial arrest reportedly resulted in a man being released without charge, counterterrorism police later took control of the case when new evidence emerged. Niall and Laura discuss whether crucial opportunities were missed, why the investigation appeared to change direction so dramatically, and whether the authorities were too slow to recognise that this may have been a targeted political attack.

Then attention turns to tonight’s huge World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina.

While English supporters dream of repeating the glory of 1966, many Irish pubs will be filled with newly recruited Argentina fans whose main qualification is a determination to support anybody but England.

Irish people often insist that the bitterness of the past has been left behind, yet whenever England reach the latter stages of a major tournament, the old hostility quickly returns. Is it simply harmless sporting rivalry and good natured banter, or does it expose a deeper resentment that still exists beneath the surface?

Should Irish football supporters put history aside and support their closest neighbours, or has cheering against England become an accepted part of Irish identity?

Will you be waving the Union Jack and cheering on Harry Kane and the boys, or desperately hoping Lionel Messi and Argentina send England home?