THE Skibbereen Eagle declaring its intention to ‘keep its eye on the Emperor of Russia’ has been much-mocked since its publication in September 1898.

The first meme, perhaps, sparked by an editorial in that (long-gone) newspaper from southern Cork.

Yet for all the derision, the words of its editor Fred Potter were wise, even more so those which immediately followed that famous phrase:

“[A]nd all such despotic enemies — whether at home or abroad — of human progression and man’s natural rights which undoubtedly include a nation’s right to self-government.

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“‘Truth’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Justice’ and the ‘Land for the People’ are the solid foundations on which the Eagle’s policy is based.”

Tsar Nicholas II, the autocratic leader of Russia, seemed to be planning a land-grab of the territory of Manchuria in China.

More than 127 years on, it’s the USA taking over other countries’ land – first Venezuela, next setting sights on Greenland, and drawing up grandiose plans for Gaza without a single Palestinian involved in that shameful process. It’s also heavily involved in backing Israel’s continued attacks on Palestinians.

And this is the country that’s going to host most of the games at this summer’s soccer World Cup.

Already some have called for their countries to boycott FIFA 2026 in protest at the activities of US President Donald Trump.

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Yet although the boycott is an Irish invention, a step further is needed:

The 2026 World Cup should be taken away from........

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