Ireland currently holds the position of the EU presidency, a rotating six-month position that it adopted on January 1, 2004. Outlining the priorities for its term, Bertie Ahem has singled out economic reform, justice issues and the improvement of the EU's external relations -- particularly with the US -- as priorities. In addition, he has committed to trying to work out an … [Read more...] about Ireland Serves EU Presidency
Issues
John Hume Retires
John Hume, often known as the "architect of the peace process" who vowed to spill sweat not blood, has retired from political life. His announcement came weeks after his opponent, the Democratic Unionist leader Rev. Ian Paisley, said that he was retiring. At 67 years old, Hume has suffered ongoing health problems since 1999. Hume, a founding member of the SDLP (Social … [Read more...] about John Hume Retires
Belfast Arts Festival Opens in April
New Yorker Adrianna Dufay and fellow University of Washington Professional Acting Training Program (PATP) graduate Annie McAdams will be debuting their new play, Pippi and Nancy, at this year's Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast, which opens on April 29. In its fifth year, the week and a half-long festival will include an eclectic range of music, comedy, theatre, … [Read more...] about Belfast Arts Festival Opens in April
Bono Honored by MLK Center
Bono, lead singer for the musical U2, humanitarian and activist, received one of The King Center's highest honors during its annual Salute To Greatness Awards Dinner on January 17. "We are fortunate this year to honor Bono for exemplifying many of the qualities that my husband, Martin, indicated were imperative to moving our society into the Beloved Community of which he so … [Read more...] about Bono Honored by MLK Center
Rose Festival Saved
The future of the Rose of Tralee Festival, which features girls of Irish ancestry from around the world competing for the festival crown, was in grave doubt at the end of 2003, when Siobhán Hanley, the event's chief executive admitted that they needed to raise Euro250,000 to save the annual event. The Irish government refused to bail out the festival, saying that Euro500,000 … [Read more...] about Rose Festival Saved