When Northern Ireland comes to lunch, it can be uncomfortable. It nags at complacency and the notion that everything will be okay and peace will hold, even though there are signs that say otherwise. On June 19 – a beautiful New York morning – I make my way to the Mutual of America building on Park Avenue for a National Committee on American Foreign Policy lunch to hear … [Read more...] about The First Word: “Dear Sir or Madam”
Sinn Féin Surges Ahead
On election day in Northern Ireland, David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and First Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, was roughed up by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) supporters as he approached the polling station. Trimble needed the protection of the police to get in and out of the building unharmed, and ended up with a few bruises. When the votes were … [Read more...] about Sinn Féin Surges Ahead
Ireland Votes NO on Nice
European Union foreign ministers, furious at the Irish electorate's decision to reject the Nice Treaty on EU enlargement, have ruled out any renegotiation of the treaty. While they insist that they respect the decision of the Irish people who voted 54-46 against the treaty, they will not reopen discussions on the deal and are adamant that Ireland will have to hold a second vote … [Read more...] about Ireland Votes NO on Nice
St. Patrick’s Day in May
The sign in the display in Clery's shop window on Dublin's O'Connell Street said it all: "Strong, bold...and proud to be Irish." The sentiment perfectly captured the spirit of the city's belated St. Patrick's Day festival this past May. St. Patrick's Day celebrations throughout the country were canceled in March due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that paralyzed … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day in May
Christina Aguilera’s Irish Roots
"A lot of people get all in a fuss about Christina wanting to explore her Latin side and not mentioning her Irish side much, but that's only logical," explains Christina Aguilera's mother, Shelly Kearns. "She has no need to go exploring her Irish heritage because she has always known it." The blonde singing star, who has scored two #1 smash hit singles, watched sales of her … [Read more...] about Christina Aguilera’s Irish Roots