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...
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...
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...
Ireland should not leave the European Union
Irexit – it sounds awful Recently, the economist Ray Kinsella wrote an article in the Irish Times about why Ireland should seriously consider leaving the ...
Unionists know they have to reach out to find new friends
Unionists know their days are numbered In an article in the Newsletter, there is a perceptible fear arising amongst unionists in Ireland. They know they are bei...
If I was a member of Fine Gael…
If I was a member of Fine Gael… Who would I vote as leader – Leo or Simon? Fine Gael, the right-wing, conservative, Christian Democratic party that ...
Fatal Path by Ronan Fanning
FATAL PATH British Government and Irish Revolution 1910 – 1922 Pages: 423 As lover of history, I was very interested in reading this book. I started readi...