On election day in Northern Ireland, David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and First Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, was roughed up by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) supporters as he approached the polling station. Trimble needed the protection of the police to get in and out of the building unharmed, and ended up with a few bruises. When the votes were … [Read more...] about Sinn Féin Surges Ahead
Martin McGuinness
Irish Hunger Memorial Groundbreaking in NYC
Plans for a half-acre, $4.7-million Irish Hunger Memorial commemorating victims of the Great Hunger and those who immigrated to the United States, were unveiled in New York City on March 15. The year-long project is being funded by the Battery Park City Authority. Governor George Pataki; Mayor Rudy Guiliani; Michael Martin, Ireland's Minister of Children and Health; Northern … [Read more...] about Irish Hunger Memorial Groundbreaking in NYC
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 twenty-five … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Sinn Féin Ordered to Fly Union Jack
December / January 2001
The British government has announced that it will be assuming powers to order Sinn Féin members of the Northern Ireland Executive to fly the Union Jack over their offices on specified days. A spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair told The Irish Times that the Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson would order the Union flag to be flown over headquarters and other official … [Read more...] about Sinn Féin Ordered to Fly Union Jack
Educating Martin
How Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness is adjusting to his new role as Northern Ireland's Minister for Education.℘℘℘Unusually for a politician, Martin McGuinness is early. He arrives at the Irish-speaking primary school in Newry, the Bunscoil an luir, as part of his duties as Minister for Education in the Northern Ireland Executive. The Executive, and McGuinness, are back to work … [Read more...] about Educating Martin