Talk:Tony O'Reilly

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Is O'Reilly o'really a British citizen or is it just that under the Republic of Ireland Act 1948, any Irish citizen is entitle to the same rights as a British citizen when in Britain and vice-versa? Dunc_Harris|☺ 22:40, 11 Sep 2004 (UTC)

The Republic of Ireland Act does not apply (and is quite irrelevant) on the status of British citizenship. British law applies, including and specifically the British Nationality Act 1948 - the law is quite complicated but suffice it to say that anyone born in Ireland in 1938 - as O'Reilly - can claim British citizenship and passport on compeltion of the correct forms and lodgement to the relevent United Kingdom authorities. Regarding Irish citizens rights you probabily mean the Ireland Act, 1949 passed by Westminster. Djegan 22:59, 11 Sep 2004 (UTC)

The Republic of Ireland Act does not confir citizenship rights on anyone, an merely extends the functions of the President of Ireland and allows the State to be discribed the Republic of Ireland. The Ireland Act, 1949 was a reaction to the former act and cleared the status of the Republic of Ireland and its citizens regarding British law, it also allowed certain other people from Ireland to claim British citizenship. Since this time reforms of the Irish constitution and law have given British citizens reciprocol rights in the Republic of Ireland (perhaps not to the same extent), specifically regarding voting and nationality beyond that granted by EU law. Djegan 23:21, 11 Sep 2004 (UTC)

The article British nationality law and the Republic of Ireland clarifies the circumstances in which a person connected with the Republic of Ireland may hold British nationality. As far as Tony O'Reilly is concerned he may be either: a. a British subject by declaration based on his pre-1949 Irish birth, b. a British citizen (by descent) if his father was born in the United Kingdom & Colonies (as they existed in 1949) or c. a British citizen based on registration or naturalisation in the United Kingdom. It's not clear which applies. JAJ 20:34, 5 March 2006 (UTC)

I wonder what soup sales were like at Heinz under Anto? When all is said and done he's merely a glorified baked beans salesman.

[edit] Dr Sir Anto KBE Phd

Isn't Sir Anthony "Tony" O'Reilly KBE tautological? Shouldn't it be either "Sir" or "KBE" but not both. I thought KBE was usually used by those with honorary knighthoods who aren't entitled to use the "Sir". I'm open for correction, of course. --Ryano 15:49, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

On the first point I'm not sure, though O'Reilly is entitled to be a full knight rather than just an honorary one as he has British citizenship.GordyB 20:56, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Is he even a KBE? It's unusual in recent times for substantive knighthoods for UK residents to be KBE as opposed to Knight Bachelor. Most substantive KBEs are honorary knighthoods that have been upgraded following acquisition of British nationality. If he is KBE it may be because he resides outside the UK. JAJ 04:29, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

I don't think residence has anything to do with it, I think entitlement is entirely dependent on citizenship (or lack of it).GordyB 13:28, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

I wasn't actually aware of the distinction, but the Order of the British Empire article says that "Most Knights Commander [i.e. KBE] are honorary members or British subjects living abroad, with only a handful being residents of the United Kingdom."

It is amazing how many things I don't know about Britain. Is there somewhere we can post this question about title entitlement such as a Wikiproject?GordyB 14:31, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Approval of Irish Government

In reference to: He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2001 New Year's Honours, with the approval of the Irish Government, in recognition for his work as head of The Ireland Funds charity.

It is important to point out that as far as the United Kingdom is concerned, approval of the Irish government for an award to an Irish citizen is not required. Whether an Irish citizen chooses to request Irish government permission to accept such an award, and what sanctions can be applied by the Irish government if this is not done, is a matter to be resolved in the Republic of Ireland and is not the concern of the United Kingdom. JAJ 04:33, 14 August 2006 (UTC)