Political parties in Northern Ireland are gearing up for September talks in England at Leeds Castle in an effort to restore the dissolved Northern Ireland Assembly. Arms decommissioning, policing, and demilitarization are again expected to top the agenda, and although there is little sign of where a breakthrough can be made, pre-talks overtures from the main parties – the … [Read more...] about News: Fresh Talks to Kick-Start Assembly
News from Ireland
News: Fresh Talks to
Kick-Start Assembly
Political parties in Northern Ireland are gearing up for September talks in England at Leeds Castle in an effort to restore the dissolved Northern Ireland Assembly. Arms decommissioning, policing, and demilitarization are again expected to top the agenda, and although there is little sign of where a breakthrough can be made, pre-talks overtures from the main parties – the … [Read more...] about News: Fresh Talks to
Kick-Start Assembly
Bush Greeted with Antagonism in Ireland
There was no Céad Mile Fáilte for President George W. Bush when he made his first visit to the Irish Republic. Thousands of soldiers and police were drafted in to keep protestors away from the President and his entourage as he made a brief visit to Co. Clare at the end of June. The biggest security operation in the history of the State was mounted for the visit, which was … [Read more...] about Bush Greeted with Antagonism in Ireland
Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
On January 1, Ireland is expected to become the first European country to ban smoking in pubs. Given that smoking and drinking are cherished traditions in the old sod, pundits are betting that it won't happen. Minister for Health Micheál Martin, who proposed the new smoking rule, is facing increasing ire, not just from the public. Ireland's environment minister Martin Cullen is … [Read more...] about Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
No Cows For Dublin
A collection of life-size cows designed by Irish artists had to be taken off the streets of Dublin in July after vandals destroyed several exhibits. More than 70 cows were placed on the streets of Dublin and Dundalk as part of Bailey's Cow Parade 2003, an international exhibition which visits cities al over the world. However,, the first 10 cows placed in city-center locations … [Read more...] about No Cows For Dublin