Belfast was brought to a standstill when the remains of soccer legend George Best were returned to Roselawn Cemetery outside the city. Best, aged 59, widely regarded as one of the world's greatest ever soccer players, died from multiple organ failure. The ex-footballer had a liver transplant three years ago in an effort to cope with deteriorating health due to alcoholism. The … [Read more...] about George Best Laid to Rest
Irish President Meets Queen Elizabeth
Irish President Mary McAleese and Britain's Queen Elizabeth held a low-key "private meeting" at Hillsborough Castle, Co. Down. It was the fourth occasion that the two public figures had met but the first time such an encounter took place on Irish soil. "We both found ourselves in Northern Ireland on the same day coming up to Christmas and it seemed an opportune time to meet … [Read more...] about Irish President Meets Queen Elizabeth
Minister Targets Watchdog Body
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell alleged that journalist Frank Connolly traveled on a bogus passport to visit Colombian FARC rebels four years ago. Referring to garda (Irish police) intelligence, the minister spoke under Dáil (parliamentary) privilege, thereby making his assertion without fear of being sued by Connolly. The journalist, whose brother Niall was one of the … [Read more...] about Minister Targets Watchdog Body
Hain’s Reform Plans Draw Fire
Northern Secretary Peter Hain drew heavy criticism when he announced wide-ranging plans to shake up local government and public services in Northern Ireland. Referring to a 5,400-square-mile territory populated by 1.7 million people, he declared the North to be "both over-governed and over-administered" with an official system in need of complete overhaul. The first target is … [Read more...] about Hain’s Reform Plans Draw Fire
Spy Revelations Rock Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin was reeling from revelations that party official Denis Donaldson worked as a British spy for the past twenty years. Donaldson, a senior figure in party president Gerry Adams' staff, issued a statement admitting to being a secret agent, causing major embarrassment to the republican leadership. Donaldson's admission came just one week after the British authorities, … [Read more...] about Spy Revelations Rock Sinn Féin