Is the new Ireland moving left or simply moving on? #GE2020
One week into the campaign, some trends are emerging clearly. There is widespread disillusionment and electoral ennui with the Government. Quite apart from published opinion polls, one hears constant feedback from areas outside Dublin that there is a major backlash against what is seen as a Dublin-focussed, somewhat smug urbane liberal elite that has lost […]
Time to stop kowtowing to China over Taiwan
While seeking a place on the United Nations Security Council, you might think that Ireland, as a small independent state committed to a world order based on peace, international law and human rights, would stand up bravely for those values whenever given the opportunity. You would hope that Ireland would use its membership of the […]
The only north Johnson cares about is the north of England
One intriguing question to emerge in the aftermath of the UKl election is whether the SDLP will deepen its flirtation with Fianna Fáil. The SDLP’s successes in the South Belfast and Foyle constituencies were really remarkable. In Foyle, party leader, Colum Eastwood, who was being written off by many political commentators as incapable of halting […]
Daft white-water rafting plan is anything but a capital idea
Am I the only person in despair about Dublin City Council and the almost complete absence of effective local democracy and decision-making in our capital city? I hope not. A city that could even be contemplating the “redevelopment” of the derelict, boarded-up and endangered Joyce house on Ushers Quay as a low grade hostel with […]
Let’s not be throwing shapes on issue of Irish unity
Confederal model is only viable approach in North for foreseeable future
No workable alternative to some form of direct provision
There is a world of difference between economic migration and asylum seeking in national and international law. Ireland, as a member state of the EU has certain obligations to permit EU citizens to migrate to Ireland to pursue economic activity in the state. We have entirely different and separate obligations under EU law, international law […]