The departure of Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson in late January caused few tears in Ireland. Mandelson, whose tenure in the North was supposed to restart his political career, left under a cloud. He was pulled from the job by British Prime Minister Tony Blair over alleged involvement in a passport scandal. It was the second time that Blair was forced to sack … [Read more...] about Reid Takes Over as Northern Secretary
Northern Ireland
Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Kelly Candaele talks to Gerry Adams about recent developments in Northern Ireland. ℘℘℘ Gerry Adams is no stranger to violence. In 1984, he told reporters that he believed there was a ninety percent chance he would be assassinated. Two months later, he was shot by loyalist paramilitaries. While he denies ever having been a member of the IRA, most close observers of the … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Life’s Lessons
In the summer of 1998 Katie McMahon was in Belfast following the peace process and completing her study on the political murals. It was there, on a littered soccer field, that she received her calling. "Hey Missus! Give us a go on yer bike!" A group of young boys had caught sight of her on her silver mountain bike. After talking with them a while, Katie asked if they … [Read more...] about Life’s Lessons
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
Women in Northern Ireland Politics
In war-torn Northern Ireland, for women to fight for equal rights would have been seen as a betrayal to the Nationalist or Unionist cause, Anne Cadwallader examines the position of women on the political front post ceasefires. The women of Northern Ireland have, in virtually every sphere of influence, through their work in the community and the trade unions, through … [Read more...] about Women in Northern Ireland Politics