I wish these commentators would stop propagating misinformed propaganda about Irish cricket. Even a cursory glance at the first class figures of the Irish players let you get a pretty good idea of what would happen should they try to compete with a decent side over five days. That's not to say they don't have players who could do well at the top level such as Joyce, but the oft mentioned Morgan can't get into the England side.
It's infuriating to see respected figures emotively proclaiming Ireland should have Test status when we have a pretty damn clear example of what happens when you just throw a promising side to the lions in Bangladesh.
When someone actually presents a credible plan for how Iteland will deal with not having an established first class structure and the host of their parasitic activities suddenly being removed then I'll change my tune. It's even more shocking to see this from Holding who's own side is collapsing due to an inadequate first class structure and poor management.
The most sensible suggestion I've seen on this topic would for the ECB to become the equivalent of the Lions in Rugby.
If I come across as irritated by this topic, it is because I'm sick to my back teeth of seeing phrases such as "poached" when English cricket as developed the majority of Irish talent over the years. Where is the support for teams such as Afghanistan who have made huge progress standing on their own two feet. It's hypocritical at best and nothing more than misinformed pandering to public sympathies at worst.