@ Ciaran - You're not the sharpest tool in the box are you? The Pope is head of both a religious denomination and a state. The Vatican City is recognised the world over as a state. The Pontiff's recent visit was in fact a state visit. For you to suggest that the monarchy is sectarian is daft. The Monarch (head of state) is also the head of the Church of England in much the same way as the Pope (head of state) is head of the Catholic Church. Are you suggesting that both the monarchy AND the Catholic Church are sectarian? As for Catholic schooling, it is I'm afraid very much ran as an apartheid system. Let me give you a definition of apartheid. Apartheid is "A policy or practice of separating or segregating groups. The condition of being separated from others; segregation." How many children from non Catholic backgrounds are admitted to Catholic schools? Very few are admitted and those that are admitted are segregated from other pupils when it comes to the teaching of religious studies. I think you will find that segregating children in a school because of their religious beliefs is in fact apartheid. Getting back to the main thread, I was saddened to see a number of high profile companies in Glasgow refusing to display the Union Flag in celebration of the Royal Wedding because of complaints from "offended" people. The same people who complained about being "offended" at the Union Flag being displayed and flown at Ibrox last Sunday and who were "offended" by Rangers captain Davie Weir displaying a message of congratulations to the happy couple on his shirt yesterday. Only in Britain have the mock offended made it a crime to be British.

What does it mean to be Baron Carrickfergus? Dpes he have any special priviliges?

JAMES , stop posting nonsense. what a stupid question to ask. ( what do you have in common with the royal family) and we dont worship the royal family, we respect them. and as the queen is the head of the church of england. I am sure that no shameful scandel will emerge . an english republican?? thats a new one on me.

I wish the couple many happy years together and have no problem in doing so - I would wish all young people starting married life together well- however, I feel that to have such an extravagant occasion times when many of us are suffering as a result of the recession is a bit perverse. The house of Windsor and the Middleton family may have contributed to the cost, but the taxpayer paid for the policing, the clearing up of the streets etc. and what about the loss of money due to the extra bank holiday? Looks like it is the taxpayer that is left with a bill fit for a King! We were absolutely disgusted with the MPs that had claimed expenses for duck houses and rightly so - yet we are happy to pay 10m to police a wedding just because the groom's Granny is the Queen? We need to take real hard look at ourselves - how many wards are understaffed? how many schools do not have the resources to teach our children? How many families are living below the poverty line? How many pensioners froze to death last winter because of fuel poverty? And how much money has been spent on the nuptials?I'm not entirely sure what the new Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus are going to do for the people of our town - I suspect we will get a flying visit, a few patronising pats on the head, more money spent on the Carrick in Bloom budget, maybe a few pancakes will be tossed and a street renamed - not sure where the extreme thrill there is Mr McClurg - sorry!!

Good on the two, they look well together. Good to see their supported by both Proestant and catholics! - It is nice to be represented by the Royal Family!