Making history in November, a majority of Northern Ireland’s Assembly members voted in favor of same-sex marriage for the first time. Fifty-three ministers supported the motion, while 52 voted against. But the motion was immediately blocked by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) who submitted a “petition of concern” requiring that the proposal achieve a cross-community majority … [Read more...] about Same Sex Marriage Wins Historic N.I. Vote
Northern Ireland
Flax Trust Honors James Nesbitt, John Kelly
The Flax Trust honored James Nesbitt, actor and chancellor of Ulster University, and John Kelly, a partner at Hanover Stone Partners LLC, at its 21 Club Banquet on October 7. It was the organization’s 25th annual New York event, and a packed audience were in attendance. The Trust, formed in Belfast in 1977, is committed to the reconciliation of a divided community through … [Read more...] about Flax Trust Honors James Nesbitt, John Kelly
Turmoil in Northern Ireland
As we go to press, the Northern Irish peace process faces one of its greatest challenges. First Minister Peter Robinson, the Democratic Unionist Party leader resigned his position in September, along with several other DUP ministers, following the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) claim that individual members of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) were involved in the killing … [Read more...] about Turmoil in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Stalemate Ends
An 11-week political stalemate at Stormont ended with last-minute talks late in December with Christmas looming. The deadlock stemmed from disagreements over marches and flag-waving policies combined with disputes over a financial assistance package from Westminster that would help curb the impact of welfare cuts in the North. The U.K. government eventually increased its offer … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland Stalemate Ends
Project Children Draws to a Close
Project Children’s 40th anniversary celebration in Washington D.C. in September brought to a close an important chapter in Northern Ireland’s struggle for peace. For decades, this all-volunteer organization has been bringing children from both sides of the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland to spend the summer with a family in the United States as a respite from violence of … [Read more...] about Project Children Draws to a Close