The latest proposed implementation plan on policing in Northern Ireland has been rejected by Sinn Féin, whose chairman Mitchell McLaughlin said the proposals – jointly put forward by the Irish and British governments – did not go far enough and failed to meet republican demands for radical change. However, in a move that widened the gulf between nationalists and republicans, … [Read more...] about SDLP Approves New Police Plan
News from Ireland
IMF Warns Economy Faces Slowdown
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of substantial risks for the Irish economy as a result of the slowdowns in the U.S. and Europe, but has nevertheless painted a pretty favorable picture of Ireland in its annual review of the Irish economy. The Irish Finance Minister, Charlie McCreevy, welcomed the report's conclusions, as he saw them as a commendation of his … [Read more...] about IMF Warns Economy Faces Slowdown
Sinn Féin Surges Ahead
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
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