With the election coming up in November, Irish Americans have to decide who to vote for. When it comes to Irish policy, President Clinton wins hands down for being the only president to risk Britain's wrath and put aside the "special relationship" to extend the U.S. role as facilitator between the parties in Northern Ireland. As readers of this magazine will know, Clinton, … [Read more...] about U.S. Elections and N.I.
First Word
The Politics of Peace
By Emer Mullins
Once again, Northern Ireland dominates headlines, both in Ireland and internationally. The Manchester IRA bomb was a huge blow for the peace process and set back support in the U.S. for Sinn Féin. Once again, Gerry Adams has to answer whether or not he can bring about a ceasefire. But the IRA is not the only problem. Day after day, it seems it is one step forward and two steps … [Read more...] about The Politics of Peace
Renewing the Spirit
The sound of bagpipes in the distance drifts in through the open window of the yellow cab as I head down Broadway to New York University. It's the first real spring day after a long winter and the bagpipes seem to herald the return of warmer weather, and the renewal of the spirit that spring brings. How does one express the effect that that ancient sound has when it reaches … [Read more...] about Renewing the Spirit
The First Word: A Whisper of Hope in Northern Ireland
There is an absence of joy so far this St. Patrick's Day season but not of hope. The end of the IRA cease-fire on February 9 and the subsequent bombings in London have cast a shadow over the celebrations of our Irish heritage, but all is not lost. Moves afoot as we went to press could certainly help change this gloomy scenario. By all accounts President Clinton is playing a … [Read more...] about The First Word: A Whisper of Hope in Northern Ireland
The First Word: When Hope and History Rhyme
History says, don't hope on this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up and hope and history rhyme. So hope for a great sea-change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore is reachable from here. Believe in miracles and cures and healing wells. - Seamus Heaney (The Cure at Troy). The Americans, having … [Read more...] about The First Word: When Hope and History Rhyme