As we go to press, Northern Ireland is immersed in elections, the outcome of which could mean serious implications for the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin is expected to emerge as the dominant nationalist party, while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) will likely end up as the leading Unionist party. Under the peace agreement, this should lead to the … [Read more...] about Interview: Gerry Adams
Issues
First Word: The Way Forward
There is a sign on the wall at Gleason's, Brooklyn's storied boxing gym, posting an invitation from the poet Virgil: "Now whoever has courage, and a strong and collected spirit in his breast, let him come forth, lace up his gloves, and put up his hands." John Duddy, a young boxer from Derry, was in Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, far from his hometown in Northern Ireland, when … [Read more...] about First Word: The Way Forward
Mayo Gas Terminal Provokes Concern
Residents in the west of Ireland have voiced concerns about planning authorities giving the go ahead to a proposed gas refinery on the Erris peninsula. The giant gas rig is being built by Royal Dutch Shell on a 160-acre inland site at Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo. The refinery will process gas from the 800-million Corrib gas field in the Atlantic Ocean, but local people believe … [Read more...] about Mayo Gas Terminal Provokes Concern
Report Highlights Change in Ireland’s Population
A new report produced by the Central Statistics Office in Dublin shows that Ireland is second only to Cyprus in the percentage increase of population within the EU between 1995 and 2004. The CSO report, titled `Measuring Ireland's Progress,' makes a number of observations that underline significant social change in Irish society. The average household size has decreased from … [Read more...] about Report Highlights Change in Ireland’s Population
GAA Opens Up Croke Park
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) made an historic decision at the organization's annual congress this year by opening up its Croke Park headquarters to non-GAA sporting events such as international soccer and rugby. The decision marked the end of a highly contentious debate that has caused bitter division within the Association in recent years. Under the GAA's Rule 42, … [Read more...] about GAA Opens Up Croke Park