How can such a backward country be so prosperous in this timescale, yet countries like the UK are failing in every measurable parameter of civilisation?

Because we sold our souls to third world countries. We sent our jobs to them, putting our own people out of work. We allow them to buy up our natural resources, our businesses, our land, and flood our countries with trashy immigrants who feed off of the welfare state. That is why. It is called political correctness.

I'm an Irish Catholic. Ireland never invaded anyone.

Your point is valid, darkraisin. However, look at what they have done to their own countries. They will do that here as well. There will be no place for anyone to escape to.

And I am a Danish Christian who actually reads the Bible :) I was talking in general. And you are right too, I often think about that but not all are the same as not all Irish or Danish are the same either.