Remembering my grand-uncle Michael Ryan killed in the First World War
The First World War ended on this day a century ago. Well actually it did not officially end – an armistice was declared. In other words, a cease-fire. It...
If I were a presidential candidate
The date is set for the election of Uachtarán na hÉireann – October 26th. Different people (Seán Gallagher, Gemma O’Doherty, Kevin Sharkey, Peter Ca...
Why Ireland should not join the Commonwealth
Not a well-thought-out idea There are from time to time suggestions that Ireland should rejoin the Commonwealth. The most recent comes from Judge Richard Humphr...
Yes, yes, yes – time for sex education and free contraceptions
It’s time for free contraception and more sex education The referendum held in Ireland last Friday to repeal the eight amendement of Bunreacht na hÉireann...
Loving my new Mahabis slippers
Mahabis – I love my new slippers I purchased new slippers this week – and I love them! They are Mahabis. Why should I be so excited about a pretty i...
Unionists and an Irish language act
Unionists and an Irish language act This week the negotiations to re-establish an Executive between Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party failed. The reas...
Ba chóir do na páirtithe móra iarrthóirí a chur sa bhfothoghchán i dTír Eoghain Thiar
Ba chóir do na páirtithe móra in Éirinn iarrthóirí a chur sa bhfothoghchán i dTír Eoghain Thiar Ós rud é go bhfuil Barry McElduff tar éis éirí as bheith mar fhe...
Trying to convince unionists to be in a wannabe British state will never succeed
Unionists will never want to be part of a wannabe British state The debate over an Irish language act and the deadlock that it has caused to the political insti...
The age of the Irish language
The age of the Irish language The continued log jam of the political system in the north of Ireland is as a result of the need or not for an Irish-language act....
German perceptions of Ireland
Germany and Ireland The Irish Times published a letter of mine regarding German-Irish relations. A chara, – Derek Scally opines that Ireland is on Germany’s min...