The more things change, the more they stay the same, was one cynic's response to the election results in Northern Ireland on November 26, which resulted in overwhelming victories for Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Gerry Adams's Sinn Féin Party. Other, less cynical observers point out that the majority of voters, 70 percent, chose to support pro-Agreement … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland in Crisis?
Politics
Peace Process Put on Hold
The hopes that were raised in the latest advances in the peace process were dashed as Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble criticized the transparency of IRA decommissioning and said he was "putting the process on hold." Trimble demanded a more explicit statement from the IRA on the number and type of arms it put beyond use. But the IRA and Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Féin, … [Read more...] about Peace Process Put on Hold
Terrorists Plotted Against Kennedy and Hill
Irish Sunday Independent journalist Alan Murray unearthed a plot by loyalist terrorist Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair to assassinate Courtney Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy and her husband Paul Hill when they were in north Belfast in 1994. Adair had planned to attack the couple with a rocket-propelled grenade while they were driving in their car. Hill and three others spent 15 … [Read more...] about Terrorists Plotted Against Kennedy and Hill
Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
On January 1, Ireland is expected to become the first European country to ban smoking in pubs. Given that smoking and drinking are cherished traditions in the old sod, pundits are betting that it won't happen. Minister for Health Micheál Martin, who proposed the new smoking rule, is facing increasing ire, not just from the public. Ireland's environment minister Martin Cullen is … [Read more...] about Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
FBI Head Visits Ireland
Robert S. Mueller III arrived in Ireland August 13 for a ten-day "private" visit. Much security and secrecy surrounded the visit, which started off with a round of golf at Lahinch Golf Club in Co. Clare. A regular golfing visitor to Ireland, Mueller was nominated by President Bush on September 4, 2001, becoming the sixth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ♦ … [Read more...] about FBI Head Visits Ireland