The Irish and British governments have asked the United States to designate the Real IRA as a terrorist organization, a step that would prevent the organization from raising funds in the U.S. The Real IRA is widely believed to be responsible for planting the bomb that killed 31 people – including unborn twins – in Omagh in 1998. The organization has resurfaced recently and … [Read more...] about British and Irish Governments Seek U.S. Ban on Real IRA
News from Ireland
Police Seize de Valera’s Love Letters
The Gardai (Irish police) have seized 18 letters written by Eamonn de Valera to his wife, Sinead, between 1912 and 1920. Some of the letters were written while he was imprisoned for his part in the 1916 Rising and others were written while he was in the U.S. promoting the idea of an independent Ireland. In one letter he tells his wife, "You are my first thought in the morning … [Read more...] about Police Seize de Valera’s Love Letters
Deportation Proceedings Dropped
The Department of Justice announced in the beginning of December that it would stop all deportation proceedings against six men with past connections to the IRA. The decision is the culmination of a three-year legal battle that began when each man's case was temporarily suspended in 1997. Gabriel Megahey, Robert McErlean, Matthew Morrison, Brian Pearson, Noel Gaynor and … [Read more...] about Deportation Proceedings Dropped
More Millionaire Madness
Millionaire madness has hopped the Atlantic taking firm hold in Ireland with the October debut of the Irish Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Hosted by popular TV personality Gay Byrne, former host of Ireland's Late Late Show. The first show, aired at 7:30 P.M. on October 17, was watched by 74 percent of people watching television at the time, numbering more than 1 million, an RTE … [Read more...] about More Millionaire Madness
Sinn Féin Ordered to Fly Union Jack
By Irish America Staff
December / January 2001
December / January 2001
The British government has announced that it will be assuming powers to order Sinn Féin members of the Northern Ireland Executive to fly the Union Jack over their offices on specified days. A spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair told The Irish Times that the Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson would order the Union flag to be flown over headquarters and other official … [Read more...] about Sinn Féin Ordered to Fly Union Jack