'Irish' are ticked off in Britain

THE 2001 census in Britain - which gave the Irish a category of their own - has turned into farce.

Irish community leaders led the campaign to encourage recognition of the Irish, arguing that the group was unfairly treated and underrepresented.

But a group in Leeds posted a message on the internet urging people to say they're Irish - even if they only drink Guinness or watch Irish games.

Jamaican-born Leroy Williams, who was among the thousands thought to have registered as Irish, said: "We thought it would be appropriate as most of us drink Guinness and the Government should mind their own business.'

A government spokes-man said: "Providing these people are residing in Britain it doesn't really matter where they're from."

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