Republic

Rebecca Black was at Trinity College’s recent Northern Ireland debate. What she witnessed was a group of people simply going through the motions. It certainly seems to have failed to set Dublin alight with our more customary northern passion.By Rebecca Black The annual Northern Ireland debate in TCD saw the Right Honourable Paul Murphy MP, Mark Durkan, leader of the SDLP, the Rev. Mervyn Gibson of the Orange Order and Daithí Doolan from Sinn Féin present opposing viewpoints in front …

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A new volume on the history of foreign policy first in the Free State and latterly the Republic of Ireland, throws up some interesting detail on de Valera’s negotiation of effective military independence from Britain between 1932 and 1938, just keeing within Commonwealth dominion status – which was itself largely redefined through lengthy Irish government negotations with the Commonwealth Office in London. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on …

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Rebel Westminster MP George Galloway has raised the issue of Irish Neutrality in respect of the War in Iraq and called on Irish people to take to the streets and voice their concerns.He said: “It is nonsense that Mr Ahern keeps prattling on about Irish neutrality. How can he possibly say that when it is a staging post for 1,000 soldiers a day?” Honest and disturbing – The Glasgow Kelvin MP acknowledged that his protests would not influence Mr Blair …

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The Belfast Telegraph carries the story that the 350th Anniversary of The Society of Friends in Ireland, First Meeting in Lurgan in 1654, is to be commemorated by the issue of a stamp. A lovely gesture that puts the Royal Mail to shame. Ambrose Uprichard

Interesting statement from the leader of Sinn Fein in Dail Eireann, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, suggesting that were his party to join a future government, it would try implement several new departures in fiscal policy. Not least the introduction of a 50% tax rate on incomes over Euro 100,000. It has the merit of allowing the party to focus on the issue of infrastructure in Health and Education, arguably the ministerial port folios most under pressure to perform between now and …

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Interesting kite flying from Brian Feeney this week. He reckons that the DUP and the PDs were the intended targets of Dermot Ahern’s remarks that if the IRA were to decommission they might well find themselves in government in Dublin.It’s a dynamic he thinks has further to go: “In due course also the DUP will find it in their interest to put out feelers to parties in the Republic to support certain arguments and positions in the Dail. If not, …

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Two Fiana Fail TD’s have annonymously told a journalist that if their party joined a future coalition with Sinn Fein, they would consider resigning. Interestingly Sinn Fein might not actually put them in that position anyway, with Mitchell McLoughlin arguing that it might support a minority FF government, but remain outside the cabinet. Regardless of how it pans out Senator Brian Hayes obviously feels his Fine Gael party now has a useful differentiator between itself and FF. Mick FealtyMick is …

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Who was it that was talking about Cork Langers? Well here’s a skit on the recent Dail re-shuffle. Political incorrectness gone mad – it’s not for the faint hearted! Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty

Dermot Ahern, the new man at Iveagh House, has conceded that the likely growth of Sinn Féin’s representation in the Dail at the next election will bring them into a government position.He declined to go into further detail, but it seems a significant row back from Bertie’s assertion that whilst associated with a non-state military body they could not take government posts, a few years ago. It might also be read as a sign of optimism in Dublin at the …

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Mary McAleese has been returned unopposed as Irish President for a second term. While some are still smarting from the lack of support for a challenger, the stampede by local politicians to congratulate the Belfast born lawyer seems to be led by David Ervine!?Update Irish Eagle has an interesting take on the lack of opposition. Further Update More congratulations have appeared.. still looks like Ervine got there first though. Pete Baker

Nice personal link to Dev, the Irish Press, the tensions that led to the formation of the PDs and the current (female) editor of the Irish Times. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty

As widely expected Dermot Ahern appointed to Foreign Affairs in Irish Republic. No huge surprises in new cabinet. Philip Weir

Michael McDowell has announced a bill that will enforce new citizenship regulations aimed at closing a loophole by which any child born on the island was guaranteed citizenship. A three year residency requirement will not apply to people born in Northern Ireland and Britain. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and …

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Chris at Alt-Tag with her own blog suggestions for Bertie Ahern on the day he announces a reshuffle that was first heralded in June. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty

Bruce Arnold introduced the new EU Ambassador to the US John Bruton and his opening speech to the Reform Movement’s conference at the Mansion House in Dublin. He draws on the nature of the EU’s apparent ability to transcend nationalisms, and suggests that Irish nationalism re-examine it’s pre-1916 character to re-cover the pluralism of the old IPP. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media …

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Ireland is to become the first country in the world to block direct-dialled calls to entire countries. The decision, by Commission for Communication Regulation ComReg, is an attempt to stop an internet-based fraud that relies on modem-jacking. But, while the BBC report focuses on the need to counter the fraud, the blocking of entire nations’ phone systems to direct calls is not the only response availableThe move has understandably received world-wide press attention – Canada, US, Australia, as well as …

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This Friday I’ll be chairing another of the Leviathan debates. This time between Eamon McCann and Steven King of the UUP at the Famous Spiegeltent, as part of the ESB Dublin Fringe Festival. It’s part of a political cabaret hosted by economist, broadcaster and journalist, David McWilliams Top British political commentator and stand up Mark Steel provides the comedy!Tickets are €15 and available from the Fringe office at 43 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, on 1850 374643 (or International +353 16792320) …

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It seems that the current incumbent of the office of President Mary McAleese may be returned unopposed next month. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has decided to back her and not put up a candidate for his own party. The decision is not binding on all members of his party, but has help create difficulty for two potential opponents to gain either the required 20 members of the Oireachtas or support of four local authorities. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor …

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