British rocker Noel Gallagher has revealed that he applied for an Irish passport as soon as the Brexit result was announced.
While Gallagher was born and raised in Manchester, England, both of his parents are Irish – meaning he can claim Irish citizenship.
Any person born outside Ireland who has at least one Irish grandparent is entitled to Irish citizenship.
Gallagher revealed that he took up the opportunity as the Brexit result would mean he loses his rights as an EU citizen.
As a musician, not being an EU citizen would make going on tour far more complicated.
The former Oasis guitarist said: “I applied immediately after the vote.
“I got it to make my life easier touring around Europe. But I’d always planned on getting one at some point.
“Could I see myself living in Ireland one day? Maybe. I’ll live anywhere really. But I’ve got no plans to leave the country, we’ve only just moved out to Hampshire.”
The star, who is now the frontman of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, also said he feels the British have to go through with Brexit, despite her personal preference for the UK to remain in the EU.
He said: “It’s going to be fascinating to see how it works. I mean, they talk about a border down the middle of the Irish Sea.
“How is that going to work? Is there going to be a little bloke sitting in a rowing boat? I don’t think we should be leaving but now we’ve had the vote I think we have to leave, you have to let democracy take its course.”
Gallagher also argued that Brexit would do nothing to heal the UK, which has become a deeply divided country over the past few years.
He said: “I think the country is divided, split down the middle. And when Brexit eventually happens, I don’t think that will heal it. I don’t think it’s ever gonna get any better.”
While Gallagher, and all citizens of the UK and other countries around the world, can apply for Irish citizenship due to his parents and grandparents’ citizenship, there are also opportunities for people without recent Irish heritage to become an Irish citizen.
These include marriage, or naturalisation.
Chick here to find out whether you are eligible for an Irish passport
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling