Happy Christmas to all our readers. I love this time of year. New York is abuzz with lights and window displays, and good cheer. ’Tis the season… To make time for a little reflection to go along with a lot of celebration. To look back on the year, remember the highs and let go of the lows, and look forward to what’s to come. The holidays are a time when stories get handed … [Read more...] about First Word: The Gift of Heritage
Issues
Brexit Uncertainty Makes Ireland More Attractive
Bank of America Merrill Lynch has relocated its main EU banking arm from London to Dublin, months ahead of the earliest possible date of the UK’s exit from the EU. They are one of the first banks to take such steps to deal with the uncertainty looming over Brexit. The bank merged the London location, which oversees €50 billion in assets, with its Irish subsidiary, bringing the … [Read more...] about Brexit Uncertainty Makes Ireland More Attractive
Irish Favor Birthright Citizenship
As other western countries are endorsing populist agendas on tightening immigration policy, Ireland is voicing its opposition to such restrictions, overwhelmingly in favor of reinstating birthright citizenship. A Sunday Times poll found that 71 percent favored birthright citizenship, while 19 percent were opposed and 10 percent undecided. Three days later, a proposal on the … [Read more...] about Irish Favor Birthright Citizenship
Michael D. Higgins Re-Elected
Irish President Michael D. Higgins has been re-elected for a second term after receiving 56 percent of the country’s vote on October 26. He was first elected in 2011 and will now serve another seven years. The inauguration took place Sunday, November 11, at Dublin Castle. This year, the inauguration coincided with the centenary of the end of World War I, and the President … [Read more...] about Michael D. Higgins Re-Elected
Winterval in Waterford City
On Saturday, November 17, International Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher joined Santa and the mayor in Waterford City for the launch of the seventh annual Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival. They gathered in John Roberts Square to turn on the city’s Christmas lights, with a musical performance by local band Brass & Co. Earlier in the day, Santa’s elves hit … [Read more...] about Winterval in Waterford City