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Liam's London Diary
Monday September 4th
I had a drink last night in The Churchill in Kensington Church Street with Bill and Liam. It?s a pub which has always appealed to me with it?s mullioned windows and lots of warm wood and Fullers ales. The ESB (extra strong bitter) is a pretty powerful draught and is guaranteed to restore the spirits in times of pressure and difficulty. The atmosphere can be quiet and reflective with a steady stream of regulars who don?t intrude on your space if not invited.
Bill and Liam, like the rest of us, are having difficulties in the job market and there seems to be a whole underclass of people, including many Irish, who are unlikely to get back to paid employment. Many Irish have a self confidence problem and find it very difficult to project themselves in a positive manner especially in the really competitive employment market. There are a range of low class, low paid jobs going the rounds like bar and supermarket work but they would be extremely boring and not be sufficient to pay the ordinary expenses of food, accommodation and the other necessities.
The reason for this lack of confidence is probably historical with the adverse effects of colonialism and a repressive, guilt giving church. I also suspect that a lot of Irish with personal and emotional problems came to London as a form of escape. In some cases the anonymity of a big city helped but it can be a lonely life and hazardous in health terms for the figures for Irish people in difficulties is very high indeed.
Irish centres and churches help as best they can but there is a huge need to address and many Irish fall back on the pub for companionship and recreation and in some cases for the reason for their existence. The Irish pub, when properly arranged, can be a lively place for the craic is good and there is a warmth and conversation if that is what you want.
Every part of London seems to me to be an Irish area with very big contingents in Kilburn, Paddington and Hammersmith and in my own area Maida Vale you would meet as many Irish here as in Dublin ( I exaggerate slightly). The Irish on the whole will support each other and it is very noticeable that when one passes on there is a big turn out to pay respects. Ireland might not have in some cases been very supportive to its emigrants but they often think of her with affection and always have the dream of going back - one day.
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