Quidditch World Cup

[natti_shafer at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 96582

Anneli wrote:
> The stadium seated 100,000 and there were around 20 seats in 
> the top box.  The Weasleys, Harry + Hermione take up 10 seats, 
> that leaves 10 for Winky, 3 Malfoys, Bagman, Fudge, Bulgarian 
> MoM and presumably the Irish MoM (although s/he isn't mentioned).  

I think the Irish MoM isn't mentioned because I don't think there is 
an Irish MoM.  I don't believe Wizard governments necessarily 
conform to Muggle governments.  If there were an Irish MoM, 
presumably Fudge would have had to entertain him or her like he did 
the Bulgarian one.  Furthermore, after Ireland wins the Quidditch 
Cup two unnamed Irish players present the cup to Fudge.  That is 
quite an unlikely act if Fudge is not their Minister.  Finally, 
Irish parents send their children to Hogwarts.  OotP makes it 
painfully clear the Hogwarts is subordinate to the Ministry.  I 
think Ireland would have their own school if the Ministry does not 
represent them.