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
Issues
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
Michael Flatley Goes One More Round
Michael Flatley was eleven and living in Chicago when he first saw Irish step dancing. He knew immediately it was to become his passion. "I was impressed with the sheer masculinity of the dance," he recalls, speaking to Irish America after his opening Feet of Flames 2001 national tour performance in Miami. Flatley, who leaped to fame in the original Riverdance, went on to … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley Goes One More Round