The Hi Jab, in Western Society

There has been a massive influx of Islamic people to Ireland (and to the UK) over the last decade - something I accept with open arms.....it only seems like yesterday when one could count the number of 'non-nationals', living in Dublin, on a single hand. The Muslim community in Ireland is going from strength to strength, and it is great to see Asian restaurants, food stores and other businesses flourish both in the capital and further afield.


I have lived and worked in the UK on and off for approximately 20 years of my life, spread out over 3 decades. In this time, I have met thousands of people from every corner of planet earth, and for the most part, would regard this experience as being an education into multi culturism. During these 2 decades, I have travelled throughout Europe, the USA, the Middle East & (North) Africa, experiencing and embracing many different customs and cultures along the way.

A regular and recent topic of conversation revolves around the wearing of the Hi Jab, (the Islamic head and neck scarf), by young schoolgirls, in educational establishments in Britain & Ireland. The Hi-Jab covers both the hairline and neck, exposing only the face of the wearer. From the outset, one would not expect this to be an issue, nor a bone of contention with Westerners, but, as it transpires, this is not the case at all.

Quite recently, it transpired that the Priciple in a Dublin school suspended a female pupil for wearing the Hi Jab, citing it 'wasn't part of the official uniform'. Fortunately, the parents of said girl decided to take matters further and check out the formal rules and regulations regarding the legalities of the 'formal' dress code within the Department of Education.

It transpired that there were no 'formal' rules and regulations governing the wearing of said clothing, but being typically Irish, the Department of Education stated that is was 'up to the decision of each school principle to decide in each individual case'. Fucking typical. Brush it under the carpet, let someone else take the wrap!!

Anyway, the parents of this girl managed to attain enough media attention that resulted in a change by the Irish Government to effectively 'allow the wearing of headscarves or otherwise' to cater for its (sic) expanded population. I was delighted to read this.

Now, as a resounding result of this complete change of heart by our political leaders, can we get the Irish Government and British Government to ban, from public places, every scumbag that has tatoos depicting or enciting favouritism towards Sinn Fein / IRA / INLA / UVF / UFF or any other republican or loyalist gangs?