If this is August, it must be time for the annual political row over the Wolfe Tones’ concert at Feile an Phobail.

DUP indignation at “Ooh, ah, up the ‘RA” will be followed by Sinn Féin’s reciprocal indignation that it is all a bit of harmless fun.

Having performed their normal summer duty, both parties can return to that privileged position of power without responsibility, which sectarianism gifts to political parties here.

So, is it rather harmless, or does “Ooh, ah, up the ‘RA” indicate support for political violence? Indeed, are what might be termed “rebel” songs still appropriate today, or should they be quietly discarded on history’s dusty shelves?

Should ‘Ooh, ah, up the ’Ra’ be retired with the Wolfe Tones? – Patrick Murphy

Some basic communication would help address immigration concerns – Newton Emerson

The offending song is Celtic Symphony, which apparently celebrates Glasgow Celtic. Its peculiar lyrics refer to travelling overseas and “waltzing with the natives”. Hardly the most appropriate language in this of all weeks.

Despite that exception, many Irish ballads might be seen as emotional reflections on various events in our history. For example, The Foggy Dew........

© The Irish News