Live News From Spain As It Happens

Myra Cecilia said:
Saturday, May 19, 2012 @ 11:35 AM

Without wishing to get into an argument. The title of this article is somewhat misleading. Please one needs to look at the reasons behind this fishing ban which relates to the Gibraltarian fishermen also. The matter has to do with illegal nets being used.

The Spanish have every right to make their complaints which they have through the formal channels. To start acting childish by returning to ensuring long queues at the frontier and making rude remarks about the Gibraltarians on Spanish television is not the way to go about this. To tell the Spanish queen that she can not visit the UK for the Jubilee celebrations is what is known as having tantrums, again.

Miguel del Norde said:
Sunday, May 20, 2012 @ 12:47 PM

The plight of the fishermen from Algeciras is highly regrettable and it is their hard luck to become the latest pawns in the power play over the sovereignty of Gibraltar. Both the Gibraltar and Spanish governments play rough games with innocent people caught up in the middle.

I still consider the attitude of the Spanish government strange and difficult to defend as long as Spain continues to maintain their dominance over Ceuta and Melilla.

But what does upset me more is their refusal to accord the British Royal family members the same rights as other Europeans who may freely travel within Europe. As the purpose of the visit to Gibraltar by the Royals is clearly not political but personal, namely part of the celebration of Their Majesties 60th Anniversary, I think Sr. Rajoy has reacted with unnecessary spite. To prevent Queen Sophia to attend the celebrations in London shows an attitude that I should not have expected from Rajoy and serves as a dismal reminder that politicians are very much human beings with warts and all. Still, he is at least being unpleasant towards both countries' Royal families, so not being partisan about it! And, of course all the talk over Gibraltar does take peoples minds off the economic crisis for a while.

I find that I am often tempted to put present day political situations into scenarios where the cast of "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" (for those who remember the UK TV series) are busily manipulating matters. Would that everything could always end up with such a good laugh.