When Irish America interviewed Gina McCarthy in July, 2014, she already had a 30+ year career in the health and environmental sector, and was serving as the head of the EPA. During her term (2013-2017) McCarthy instituted regulations on carbon emissions for new vehicles and power plants, set air pollution standards for oil and gas drilling, and put in place a remarkable … [Read more...] about Gina McCarthy: Friend of the Environment
Politics Archives
Boston’s Man of the People: Marty Walsh
There was world renowned musician Yo-Yo Ma on center stage, playing an audacious solo of Danny Boy on his cello before 8,000 enraptured listeners. Mid-way through the performance and without missing a note he suddenly turned around to smile and nod at a pretty, proper Irish woman named Mary Walsh sitting behind him with her two sons, Martin and John, on either side. The mom and … [Read more...] about Boston’s Man of the People: Marty Walsh
A Thousand Days of Grace
By Michael Quinlin, Contributor
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As we mark the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination Michael Quinlin reflects on Kennedy’s vision, his desire for a united Ireland, his love of poetry, and what his presidency meant to Irish Boston. President Kennedy’s thousand days in office marked an epoch in the Boston Irish story. One man stepping forth from a marginalized community that had struggled … [Read more...] about A Thousand Days of Grace
When It Comes to Health, Kathleen Cares
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius (née Gilligan) on the future of American health care, her father’s influence, her Irish heritage, and other topics. "I’m a descendant of Irish immigrants. My great-grandmother worked as a maid in the home of William Howard Taft, before he became president. Decades later, the grandson of the president and my father, the … [Read more...] about When It Comes to Health, Kathleen Cares
Did President Kennedy Have Celiac Disease?
By Dr. Peter Green, Contributor
Dr. Peter Green, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, suspects that JFK was the victim of an undiagnosed disease common to the Irish. John F. Kennedy’s long-standing medical problems started in childhood. In Kennedy’s adolescence, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight and growth problems as … [Read more...] about Did President Kennedy Have Celiac Disease?