The Irish Tourist Board is working furiously to clear up misconceptions surrounding the foot-and-mouth crisis among potential tourists, engaging in an "assurance campaign" to convince the U.S. that Ireland is just as safe and attractive a destination as ever. Jim McGuigan, executive vice president of the Irish Tourist Board in New York, explains that many Americans are … [Read more...] about Irish Tourism Crisis Grows Worse
News from Ireland
Apprentice Boys to March
As we go to press, nationalists in South Belfast are planning to stage a protest in response to the Parades Commission's decision to grant a loyalist organization permission to march through a Catholic neighborhood. However, the commission also ruled that the band accompanying the marchers should remain silent as it marched through the area. The decision came as a surprise … [Read more...] about Apprentice Boys to March
Church Row
Recently elevated Dublin Cardinal Dr. Desmond Connell incited a row with the Archbishop of the Church of Ireland when in an interview with the Sunday Business Post he criticized the Church of Ireland for allowing all baptized Christians to receive Holy Communion at its services. "It is all very well to say that everybody whose conscience permits him is welcome to come to … [Read more...] about Church Row
Marrying Madness
Marriage is back in fashion. According to The Irish Voice, more Irish couples are preparing to wed than ever before. In 1999, more than 18,500 couples married in either religious or civil ceremonies, up from 15,000 in 1995. Last year's figures are expected to be even better as many couples scheduled their weddings for the millennium year. Marriage counselors are struggling … [Read more...] about Marrying Madness
Back to Your Future
As the Irish economy continues to rise, the government is campaigning in the United States to fill thousands of job openings. On St. Patrick's weekend they will hold a two-day recruitment exhibition in New York. "We're selling Ireland. We're saying to people come back. We're not saying you're going to get what you're getting in the US. But you're going to get quality of … [Read more...] about Back to Your Future