Irish Democrat

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New from the Irish Democrat: news, analysis and reviews

Left to the Wolves: Irish victims of Stalinist terror: Fintan Lane reviews Left to the Wolves: Irish Victims of Stalinist terror by Barry McLoughlin, published by Irish Academic Press
2008-04-21 17:48:19
May Day Greeting Cards: A celebration of working-class solidarity - May Day cards produced by Northampton Connolly Association
2008-03-30 11:07:25
Gerry Fitt: political chameleon: David Granvillereviews Gerry Fitt: a political chameleon by Michael A. Murphy (foreword by Tim Pat Coogan), published by Mercier Press
2008-03-27 14:41:08
In their own words: Central to the British Labour government's justification for denying the British people a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has been that the 'new' treaty is fundamentally different. Some of the EU's most senior politicians beg to differ
2008-03-17 18:27:38
Petticoat Loose: David Granville reviews Mary McPartlan's excellent follow-up to The Holland Handkerchief
2008-03-17 14:53:42
Paisley forced to bow out: David Granville comments on the recent announcemnet by DUP leader Ian Paisley that he is to stand down as party leader and Stormont first minister in May
2008-03-13 18:26:40
Gregory joins No campaign: Those campaigning for a No vote in the coming Lisbon Treaty referendum have welcomed the support of independent TD Tony Gregory
2008-03-13 18:16:05
Sean McLoughlin: Charlie McGuire sheds some light on the important but largely forgotten role played by Sean McLoughlin in Ireland's independence struggle and the civil war which followed the signing of the Treaty with Britain
2008-03-13 15:21:48
Communists and the Irish civil war: Historian Charlie McGuire outlines the role of Irish communists in the civil war of 1922-23
2008-03-13 14:11:00
Time to vote for something better: The National Platform EU Research and Information Centre sets out what it sees as the main implications of the Lisbon Treaty and why Irish citizens should vote No in the coming referendum
2008-03-12 12:10:30
Civil rights commemoration planned: Work is underway to stage events throughout the six counties to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Northern Ireland's civil rights stuggle
2008-03-11 14:44:50
CND votes to oppose treaty: Irish CND members attending the organisation's recent AGM gave their overwhelming backing to a motion calling for a 'No' vote in the coming Lisbon Treaty referendum
2008-03-11 12:39:56
Queen's Rebels: Ulster loyalism in historical perspective: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaíll reviews Queen’s Rebels: Ulster loyalism in historical perspective by David W. Miller, published by UCD Press,
2008-03-07 17:22:50
Bobby Casey: The Spirit of West Clare: Ken Keable reviews Bobby Casey: the spirit of West Clare, classic recordings of the great Irish fiddler from the '60s and '70s
2008-03-07 16:27:57
Wallop The Spot: David Granville reviews Wallop The Spot, the new album by Four Men and A Dog
2008-02-26 15:21:13
The Origin of the Troubles: Roy Johnston reviews Northern Ireland: the Origin of the Troubles by Thomas Hennessey and published by Gill Macmillan
2008-02-12 12:13:53
Union to campaign for a 'No' vote: Unite, one of Ireland's largest unions is to campaign for a no' vote in the coming Lisbon Treaty referendum
2008-02-08 11:56:16
Appeal for taoiseach to end 'boot-boy' tactics: Opponents of the Lisbon Treaty have called upon Irish taoiseach Bertie Ahern to desist from using 'boot-boy' tactics and to acknowledge the legitimate concerns of those on the No side of the referendum argument
2008-02-05 14:01:33
Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaill reviews Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson: a political soldier by Keith Jeffery, published by Oxford University Press
2008-02-04 14:02:51
Call for early establishment of Referendum Commission: Prominent figures urge the Irish government to call the Referendum Commission into being well in advance of the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty
2008-02-04 13:45:00
Ireland and the Cold War: Joe Jamison reviews Ireland and the Cold War: diplomacy and recognition, 1949-63 by Paula A. Wylie and published Irish Academic Press
2008-02-04 13:14:04
Still fighting for truth on collusion: Theo Russell reports on the recent Bloody Sunday commemoration event in London
2008-02-04 13:10:05
EU illusions shattered: Trade Unionists Against the EU Constitution spokesperson Brian Denny exposes the anti-union agender at work within the EU and underscores the need in Britain for a referendum on the currently being debated by the BRitish parliamentremamed treaty
2008-01-21 13:12:56
News 2008: News and comment from the Irish Democrat 2008
2008-01-21 13:00:56
Irish Republicanism in Scotland 1858-1916: Stephen Coyle reviews Irish Republicanism in Scotland 1858-1916: Fenians in exile by Mairtin Sean O’Cathain, published by Irish Academic Press
2008-01-09 11:10:06
More support needed for Irish in Britain: A report published by a committee of the Irish-Britisn Inter-Parliamentary Body highlights the need for greater support for Irish community living in Britain
2007-11-27 14:06:50
Remembering the Manchester Martyrs: On the one-hundred-and-fortieth anniversary of the execution of the three innocent Fenians, David Granville previews a one-day conference at the Working Class Movement Library in Salford to commemorate this event
2007-11-23 12:02:07
Giuliani angers Irish-America: US Republican Party presidential hopeful Rudi Giuliani's recent acceptance of the Margaret Thatcher 'Medal of Honour' has not gone down well with Irish-Americans
2007-11-15 11:17:11
Irish Democrat /Irish Freedom - on microfilm: First published in 1939 as Irish Freedom, the Irish Democrat is now available on six reels of 35mm microfilm (price £500)
2007-11-13 16:52:14
New light shed on IRA's Border Campaign: Irish historian Ruan O'Donnell to shed new light on the IRA's Border Campaign at a meeting in London on 14 November organised by the Four Provinces Bookshop
2007-11-13 13:30:08
The Irish Conservative Party: Michael O'Sullivan reviews The Irish Conservative Party 1852-1868: land, politics and religion by Andrew Shields, published by Irish Academic Press
2007-11-13 13:07:46
A Provisional Dictator: James Stevens: Michael O'Sullivan reviews A Provisional Dictator: James Stephens and the Fenian movement by Marta Ramon, published by UCD Press,
2007-11-13 12:59:35
Irish Unity Conference: Sinn Fein sets out its 'roadmap' for Irish unity at a on-day conference in London on 17 November. Organised by the Wolfe Tone Society.
2007-11-13 12:32:05
From Vinegar Hill to Edentubber: Progressive Irish historian Ruan O'Donnell is speaking on the 14th of Novemebr at the Hammersmith Irish Centre in London. Subject: the IRA's Border Campaign of the late 1950s and early '60s
2007-11-02 16:56:48
Signs of re-alignment in the unionist camp: David Granville suggests that the honeymoon in the north could soon be over as tensions and divisions mount within the unionist/loyalist camp and the need for decisions in key policy areas approaches
2007-10-05 13:47:03
Call for Aegis' expulsion from Iraq: David Granville looks at how the mother of murdered Belfast teenager Peter McBride has top mercenary Tim Spicer in her sights
2007-10-05 13:21:07
Re-assessing the 50s Border Campaign: John Murphy praises a fresh look at the IRA's border campaign of the late 1950s
2007-10-05 12:51:13
Old Boots and Flying Sandals: David Granville reviews Old Boots and Flying Sandals by Tim Dennehy
2007-08-18 11:02:17
Mise Éire/Saoirse? (DVD): David Granville welcomes the release on DVD of two Irish documentary film classics charting the dramatic events surrounding Ireland's freedom struggle in the early decades of the 20th century
2007-08-10 14:10:19
House Resolution 740: In May 2006, the US Congress passed a resolution condemning the 2005 Enquiries Act, a rare example of the US Congress formally criticising a British act of parliament. The full text of that resolution is reproduced here for reference purposes
2007-07-31 12:04:35
Enemies Of Empire: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Enemies of Empire: new perspectives on imperialism, literature and historiography, Eoin Flannery and Angus Mitchell (eds), published by Four Courts Press
2007-07-26 14:07:53
Proposed EU treaty an assault on democracy: Anthony Coughlan of the National Platform EU Research and Information Centre identifies four important aspects of the proposed revised EU constitutional treaty and explains why democrats everywhere should oppose it
2007-07-26 13:02:04
Debating the peace process: Theo Russell reports on a recent cross-party meeting on the Irish peace process hosted by the Islinton North branch of the Labour Party
2007-07-25 14:25:36
2007 Greaves Summer School: Programme of the 19th Desmond Greaves Summer
2007-07-21 13:42:40
Stepping stone to unity: Far from being the 'final settlement' suggested by British ministers, the restoration of the Good Friday institutions represents a further move towards British withdrawal and the reunification of Ireland, and presents new challenges and opportunities for the left in Britain, argues Ken Keable
2007-07-21 13:29:51
Remember To Smile: David Granville reviews Remember To Smile, Neil McSweeney and the Gents, Little Mester Music
2007-07-21 12:52:17
The Northern IRA: Fintan Lane reviews The Northern IRA and the Early Years of Partition, 1920–1922, Irish Academic Press by Robert Lynch, published by Irish Academic Press
2007-07-21 11:55:51
The Meaning Of Life: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaill reviews The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton, published by Oxford University Press
2007-07-21 11:41:56
Reviews in Brief: Ruán O'Donnell reviews The Irish Army in the Congo, 1960-1964, The Far Battalions by David O'Donoughue, published by Irish Academic Press, and Broken Rails: crashes and sabotage on Irish railways by Brian Mac Aongusa, published by Currach Press
2007-07-20 14:15:30
Essay on Irish Bulls: Michael O'Sullivan reviews An Essay on Irish Bulls by Maria Edgeworth, Jane Desmarais and Marilyn Butler (eds), published by UCD Press in its Classics of Irish History series
2007-07-20 13:00:23
Intelligence, Statecraft and International Power: Roy Johnston reviews Intelligence, Statecraft and International Power, Eunan O'Halpin, Robert Armstrong and Jane Ohlmeyer (eds), published by Irish Academic Press
2007-07-20 12:42:10
Ireland's Great Famine: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Ireland's Great Famine: interdisciplinary perspectives by Cormac O Grada, published by UCD Press,
2007-07-20 12:16:43
Irish Women Religious: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaill reviews Made Holy: Irish Women Religious at home and abroad. Yvonne McKenna, Irish Academic Press
2007-07-20 11:58:10
Seán O’Hegarty biography: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Seán O’Hegarty: O/C First Cork Brigade, Irish Republican Army by Kevin Girvin Aubane Historical Society
2007-07-20 11:40:54
Over there comes over here: David Granville looks at some recent examples of how the British presence in Ireland continues to have consequences for democracy in Britain
2007-06-04 10:13:52
Equality fault-line opens: David Granvillle argues that measures designed to tackle inequality are already proving to be a source of division between unionists and nationalists at Stormont
2007-06-04 09:54:54
The 'teflon' taoiseach does it again: David Granville provides some initial thoughts on the 2007 twenty-six county General Election results
2007-05-28 18:13:12
Ron Kavana's Irish Ways: David Granville reviews Irish Ways: the story of Ireland in music, song and poetry (4 CD set and book box set, Proper Records)
2007-05-21 13:46:54
Geantraí: David Granville reviews Geantraí, various artists (available in CD & DVD formats), TG4/Gael Linn
2007-05-20 07:22:19
Hunger Strike, reflections: David Granville reviews Hunger Strike, reflections on the 1981 hunger strike, Danny Morrison (ed.), published by Brandon
2007-05-19 18:46:25
Irish women trade union pioneers: To mark International Women’s Day (March 8) in 2007, the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and SIPTU, have produced a pack of postcards depicting some of the women ‘pioneers’ of the labour and trade union movement.
2007-05-17 16:36:48
Loughall: 20 years on: Photographer Louise Jefferson recently attended events marking the 20th anniversary of the Loughall massacre and here provides a moving personal account of her visit
2007-05-17 13:26:46
Unity: closer than anyone thinks: Connolly Association president Moya St Leger argues that Irish citizens remain unprepared for unity
2007-05-17 10:11:05
The dawning of a new era?: Writing a few days before the re-establishment of the Stormont assembly, David Granville looks towards the resumption of the Good Friday process
2007-05-17 09:58:14
Equality, The Unfinished Agenda: Joe Jamison reviews Equality in Northern Ireland: the Rhetoric and the Reality, Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ)
2007-04-25 22:37:03
The IRA and Armed Struggle: Sean Carey reviews The IRA and Armed Struggle by Rogelio Alonso, Routledge
2007-04-25 22:05:49
Women of the Dáil:: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Women of the Dáil: Gender, Republicanism and the Anglo-Irish Treaty by Jason Knirck, foreword by Maria Luddy, Irish Academic Press
2007-04-25 16:37:48
The Open Secret of Ireland: Ian Mc Keane reviews The Open Secret of Ireland by Thomas Kettle (new introduction by Senia Pašeta), UCD Press Classics of Irish History series
2007-04-25 16:19:35
Galway and the Great War: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Galway and the Great War by William Henry, Mercier Press
2007-04-25 16:09:26
Irish Flames: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Irish Flames: Peter Waller’s true story of the arrival of the Black and Tans by John Waller, Yiannis Books
2007-04-25 12:04:48
The Ivy Leaf: the Parnells remembered: Michael O'Sullivan reviews The Ivy Leaf: the Parnells remembered by Donal McCartney and Pauric Travers, UCD Press
2007-04-25 11:59:19
Souvenirs of Irish Footprints Over Europe: Ian McKeane reviews Souvenirs of Irish Footprints Over Europe by Eugene Davis (edited and with an introduction by Owen McGee), UCD Press
2007-04-25 11:50:59
Fron-Goch and the birth of the IRA: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Fron-Goch and the birth of the IRA by Lyn Ebenezer, Gwas Carreg Gwalch
2007-04-25 11:43:03
Sophie Bryant (2): The second installment of Peter Berresford Ellis's two-part feature on the life and work of the Irish feminist, educationalist and nationalist, Sophie Bryant
2007-04-24 13:40:42
Dublin Then and Now: Sally Richardson reviews Dublin Then and Now by Louise Jefferson (foreword by Robert Ballagh), Brehon Press
2007-04-20 12:42:47
US labour organisations back Connolly film: Two US labour groups, the Irish-American Labor Coalition (IALC) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have announced that they are each to make a $10,000 investment in the forthcoming film about the life of James Connolly
2007-03-27 17:25:26
Who Stole Our Game: the fall and fall of Irish soccer: Gerry Kelly reviews Who Stole Our Game: the fall and fall of Irish soccer by Daire Whelan and published by Gill & Macmillan
2007-03-27 15:08:34
Civilizing Ireland: Ordnannce Survey 1824-1842: Roy Johnston reviews Civilizing Ireland: Ordnannce Survey 1824-1842, ethnography, cartography, translation by Stiofain O Cadhla and published by Irish Academic Press
2007-03-27 14:22:06
Irish Studies Review (Vol.15, number 1): Roy Johnston reviews the latest issue of the Irish Studies Review
2007-03-27 14:02:58
Sophie Bryant (1): The first installment of Peter Berresford Ellis's two-part feature on the life and work of the Irish feminist, educationalist and nationalist, Sophie Bryant
2007-03-13 14:43:49
Censorship in the two Irelands: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Censorship in the Two Irelands, 1922-1939 by Peter Martin (foreword by Diarmaid Ferriter) and published by Irish Academic Press
2007-03-13 14:12:19
Eddie's Own Aquarius: Peter Mulligan reviews Eddie's Own Aquarius - a special edition of the well-respeted literary journal edited for over 35 years by Irishman Eddie Linden
2007-03-13 13:54:05
Irish Freedom: David Granville reviews Irish Freedom: the history of nationalism in Ireland by Richard English, Macmillan
2007-03-13 13:42:47
Mac Curtain Family Memoir: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Remember it's For Ireland: a family memoir of Tomas Mac Curtain by Fionnula Mac Curtain, Mercier Press
2007-03-13 13:01:28
Irish Times Book of the 1916 Rising: Declan O'Brien reviews The Irish Time Book of the 1916 Rising by Shane Hegarty and Fintan O'Toole, Gill and Macmillan, ISBN13:978-07171-4191-3
2007-03-13 12:18:20
The Philosophy of Irish Ireland: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaill reviews The Philosophy of Irish Ireland by D P Moran (ed. Patrick Maume), UCD Press Classics of Irish History series
2007-03-13 12:07:49
The Burning of Cork: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews The Burning of Cork by Gerry White and Brendan O’Shea Mercier Press
2007-03-13 11:50:14
Flanagan must go - for all our sakes: David Granville argues that the presence of Ronnie Flanagan as head of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Police in England and Wales is another example of how the legacy of the British state's counter-insurgency activities in Ireland continues to cast a murky shadow over everyone in Britain
2007-03-13 10:22:18
Ireland and India: Avtar Sadiq reviews Ireland and India: colonies, culture and empire, Tadhg Foley and Maureen O'Connor (eds) published by Irish Academic Press. The book includes a foreword by Saurabh Kumar
2007-02-27 14:55:43
Music, film, theatre reviews: Music, film and theatre reviews in the Irish Democrat
2007-02-16 12:51:20
Hain rules out deadline extension: British secretary of state Peter Hain warns rules out any extension of the 25 deadline on establishing a power-sharing executive (IAIS agency report)
2007-02-16 12:22:39
Another step on the road back to civil rights approach: David Granville argues that the British government needs to come to the aid of unionists by persuading them that their best interests lie in an accomodation with nationalists on the basis of the Good Friday and St Andrews agreements - and ultimately within a united Ireland
2007-02-15 18:59:18
Handloom Weavers in Ulster’s Linen Industry: Dorothy Calvert reviews Handloom Weavers in Ulster’s Linen Industry, 1815-1914, by Kevin J. James, Four Courts Press
2007-02-15 18:31:31
Landlords, Tenants, Famine: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Landlords, Tenants, Famine: the business of an Irish agency in the 1840s by Desmond Norton, UCD Press
2007-02-13 10:52:24
Edmund Burke's Irish Identities: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Edmund Burke's Irish Identities, Sean Patrick Donlan (ed), Irish Academic Press
2007-02-13 10:38:08
A Rough Shot of Lipstick: David Granville reviews Tony Reidy's latest CD, A Rough Shot of Lipstick
2007-02-10 15:35:51
The Ominous and the Luminous: David Granville reviews Mick Sands' debut album, The Ominous and the Luminous, Box Room Records, 2006,
2007-02-09 12:14:15
The Sage of Science: Roy Johnston reviews J D Bernal: The Sage of Science, by Andrew Brown, Oxford University Press,
2007-01-30 21:58:24
Kathleen Lynn: Irishwomen, patriot, doctor: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Kathleen Lynn: Irishwomen, patriot, doctor by Margaret Ó hÓgartaigh Irish Academic Press
2007-01-30 21:47:47
When is a deadline not a deadline?: Originally published in December 2006, David Granville argues that the countdown towards Blair's departure from Number 10 well underway, the British prime minister remains keen to ensure that failure in Ireland is not added to a legacy which is already set to be dominated by the catastophy resulting from the invasion and occupation of Iraq
2007-01-30 14:50:05
Hain and NIO officials accused over appointment: Direct rule minister Petet Hain and NIO officials came under fire in December after a High Court judge ruled that the appointment of Bertha McDougall as Interm Victim Commissioner had been motivated by "improper political purpose"
2007-01-30 13:52:16
Local government - reform or embryonic repartition?: Although posing a danger of further entrenching sectarian divisions, local government reforms give Sinn Féin an opportunity to demonstrate a better model of governance in Ireland, writes Tommy McKearney
2007-01-30 13:33:22
Europe in Focus: the Anthony Coughlan column (January/07): The Irish Democrat's Dublin correspondent, Anthony Coughlan, highlights key developments within the EU with serious implications for democracy, workers' rights and peace
2007-01-30 13:13:13
Irish Self-Determination League of Great Britain, 1919-24: Peter Berresford Ellis examines the role and significance of the Irish Self-Determination League of Great Britain (1919-1924), established in London during the Irish War of Independence
2007-01-30 12:21:37
Collusion - a conspiracy of silence: The British media's coverage and treatment of events in the north treatment reveal where their press priorities lie, writes Mick Hall
2007-01-30 11:34:09
The battle for rights: Progressives are taking an inclusive approach towards drafting an enforceable Bill of Rights in the North. But their focus on giving the legislation a robust social and economic dimension has irked reactionary unionism and alarmed the NIO, writes Deasúin Ó Donghaile
2007-01-30 08:00:10
Fresh investigation into Fullerton murder: Police ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is investigating part of the circumstances surrounding the 1991 murder of Co Donegal Sinn Fein councillor Eddie Fullerton. In a separate case, the families of six men murdered by the Ulster Volunteer Force recently lobbied Westminster MPs to press for an investigation into the claims
2007-01-29 23:02:19
New MI5 base to monitor both sides of Irish Sea: A new MI5 intelligence-gathering base in Belfast destroys the new beginning envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement, writes Fr Joe McVeigh
2007-01-29 20:52:29
Peaceful Road to a united Ireland: Sinn Féin's 'civil rights' strategy is the only way forward for republicans and should be complimented by increased lobbying of MPs in Britain, argues John Murphy
2007-01-29 18:32:22
Republicans need to retain critical perspective on policing: Sinn Féin acknowledges that the PSNI as a policing agency will not weaken republicanism, so long as its agenda for change is not compromised, writes Feilim Ó hAhmaill
2007-01-29 18:00:50
Sutton Hoo!: Christy Evans reports on Seachtain na Gaeilge – the global celebration of the Irish language (Irish language article)
2007-01-29 15:35:11
Spies, Informers and the 'Anti-Sinn Fein Society': Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Spies, Informers and the 'Anti-Sinn Féin Society': The Intelligence War in Cork City 1920-1921 by John Borgonovo, foreword by Eunan O’Halpin, Irish Academic Press
2007-01-29 13:24:36
Michael Collins and the Treaty: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews 'I Signed My Death Warrant': Michael Collins and The Treaty by T. Ryle Dwyer, Mercier Press
2007-01-29 13:04:32
Dan Breen and the IRA: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Dan Breen and the IRA by Joe Ambrose, Mercier Press
2007-01-29 12:50:19
Killing Finucane: Ken Keable reviews Killing Finucane - murder in defence of the realm by Justin O’Brien, Gill & MacMillan
2007-01-29 12:33:45
Advance Irish Unity: subscribe or donate now!: The Irish Democart needs to boost its financial resources and circulation if it is to sustain and develop its role in campaigning for a united and independent Ireland and continue to expose the nefarious nature of Britain's involvement
2007-01-25 16:52:27
Rossport's war of attrition: Padraig O’Meschoíl reports from Rossport, Co Mayo where local opposition to oil giant Shell’s plans to build a dangerous gas pipeline close to homes has turned into one of Ireland’s most high-profile campaigns for justice (This article originally appeared in the October/November print edition of the Irish Democrat, but due to technical difficulties has only recently become available for publication on our web edition)
2007-01-25 16:21:58
Iceland - a country of distinctive modernity: Christy Evans writes that the cold beauty of Iceland is matched by its inhabitants cold loathing for a major US airbase located in the country (Irish language article)
2007-01-25 15:00:21
The Connolly Association was there at the start: John Murphy reminds us that the Connolly Association and the late Desmond Greaves were the first to come up with the idea of a civil rights campaign to undermine reactionary unionism - and that power sharing offers republicans the opportunity to develop creative ways of persuading key sections of unionism that a unitary state is in their best interests
2007-01-25 10:55:02
*Is equality at risk from the St Andrew's deal?: Deasun O Donghaile examines the likely implications for equality in the north of the St Andrew's deal
2007-01-25 10:11:55
*Policing issue will not be last big hurdle to power sharing: Tommy McKearney argues that better options than accepting PSNI policing in its present form exist for republicans
2007-01-25 09:47:57
News 2007: News and comment from the Irish Democrat 2007
2007-01-25 09:38:06
Collusion evidence: trickle becomes a flood: David Granville bemoans the lack of response in Britain to growing evidence of collusion between the state and its agents in acts of violence and murder on both sides of the Irish border
2006-12-30 12:48:33
Getting away with murder: English campaigner Ken Keable argues that mainstream media complicity in British colonial rule has played a significant role in the British public's indifference to news about Northern Ireland and continues to allow the British state to get away with murder
2006-12-30 10:23:42
Irish Studies Review (14/2&3): Roy Johnston reviews Irish Studies Review, Vol 14, nos 2 and 3; Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group)
2006-12-29 18:14:15
Acting Irish in Hollywood: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Acting Irish in Hollywood: from Fitzgerald to Farrell by Ruth Barton,Irish Academic Press
2006-12-29 10:58:25
The Young Rebels: Michael O'Sullivan reviews The Young Rebels by Morgan Llywelyn, O'Brien Pres
2006-12-29 10:40:29
A step on the road to unity: David Granville asks opponents of the Good Friday and St Andrews agreements to end their fixation on 'texts' and concentrate on the 'process'
2006-12-29 10:12:15
Migration study seeks participants: A new research project at Queen’s University, Belfast, is to investigate migration to Northern Ireland. Researchers hope to gain an insight into the reasons why some of those people who migrated in the 1970’s and 1980’s have chosen to stay away, while others have returned home.
2006-12-27 15:18:19
Honorary doctorate for ID columnist: Irish Democrat columnist, historian and novelist Peter Berresford Ellis, is awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of East London
2006-12-27 15:03:07
Martin Flannery (an appreciation): David Granville pays tribute to the former Sheffield MP Martin Flannery, a fighter for his class and a true friend of Ireland
2006-12-27 13:37:39
Relax - we're all Anglo-Saxon anyway!: Peter Berresford Ellis takes issue with Professor Stephen Oppenheimer's claim to have dropped a "bombshell" amongst Celtic scholars by concluding that the populations of Britain have not changed, biologically at least, from pre-Celtic through Celtic to the Anglo-Saxon
2006-11-23 17:58:38
The Politics of Northern Ireland: Ken Keable reviews The Politics of Northern Ireland: beyond the Belfast Agreement by Arthur Aughey, Routledge
2006-11-23 15:49:05
Ireland and the Global Question: Joe Jamison reviews Ireland and the Global Question by Michael J. O’Sullivan, Cork University Press
2006-11-23 15:26:03
Founded on Fear: Ian McKeane reviews Founded on Fear by Peter Tyrrell (Diarmuid Whelan ed.), Irish Academic Press
2006-11-23 13:55:05
Cork Through European Eyes: Ian McKeane reviews As Others Saw Us: Cork through European Eyes, Joachim Fischer and Grace Neville (eds), Collins Press
2006-11-23 13:22:49
The Lady Next Door: Ruaírí Ó Domhnaill reviews The Lady Next Door by Harold Begbie, UCD Press, Classics of Irish History
2006-11-23 12:44:16
Con Cremin: Ireland's wartime diplomat: Roy Johnston reviews Con Cremin: Ireland's wartime diplomat by Niall Keogh, Mercier Press
2006-11-21 16:14:21
MacBride: 'Irish Statesman and Revolutionary': Roy Johnston reviews An Irish Statesman and Revolutionary: the nationalist and internationalist politics of Sean MacBride by Elizabeth Keane, I B Tauris
2006-11-21 15:23:00
Michael Collins and the Women Who Spied for Ireland: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Michael Collins and the Women Who Spied for Ireland by Meda Ryan, Mercier Press
2006-11-21 15:02:19
The Phoenix Park Murders: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews The Phoenix Park Murders: conspiracy, betrayal and retribution by Senan Molony, Mercier Press
2006-11-21 14:49:15
Emergency Law in Independent Ireland: Ruaírí Ó Domhnailll reviews Emergency Law in Independent Ireand 1922-1948 by Seosamh Ó Longaigh. Four Courts Press
2006-11-21 14:29:01
Nothing But An Unfinished Song: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Nothing But An Unfinished Song by Denis O’ Hearn, Pluto Press
2006-11-21 13:54:03
A Biographical Dictionary of Cork: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews A Biographical Dictionary of Cork, Tim Cadogan and Jeremiah Falvey (eds), Four Courts Press
2006-11-21 13:34:53
Keeping us in the dark?: David Granville asks whether the trend to 'editionalise' newspapers is being used to keep the British public ignorant of successive governments' responsibility for criminal and anti-democratic acts conducted by state military forces and security agencies throughout the conflict in Ireland
2006-09-29 09:57:29
Wind that shakes the imperialists: David Granville reviews Ken Loach's latest film 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley'
2006-09-21 08:05:50
2006 Greaves Summer School: Ken Keable reports on the 2006 Greaves Summer School, held in Dublin at the end of August
2006-09-21 06:20:00
DUP dismisses November deadline: Paul Donovan reports on an important fringe meeting on the future of the Irish peace process meeting held during the recent British Trades Union Congress
2006-09-21 06:09:30
Garvaghy Road residents renews support call: The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition is appealing for support, national and international, following the decision of the Parades Commission to allow the Orange Order to march through the nationalist area of Portadown on 23 September in opposition to the wishes of the local community
2006-09-16 09:38:29
Century of Endeavour: Ruán O'Donnell reviews Century of Endeavour, a biographical and autobiographical view of the twentieth century in Ireland by Roy H.W. Johnston, Tyndall Publications/The Lilliput Press
2006-09-12 11:57:45
Women and Unionism in Northern Ireland: Ruaírí Ó Dohmnaill reviews Women, Unionism and Loyalism in Northern Ireland; from 'tea-makers' to political actors by Rachel Ward, Irish Academic Press
2006-09-12 11:39:35
Bob Doyle: Brigadista: Ken Keable and Robert Griffiths review Brigadista – an Irishman’s fight against fascism by Bob Doyle, Currach Press
2006-09-08 16:50:30
Directory of Historic Locations: David Granville reviews Where's Where in Dublin: a directory of historic locations 1913-23 by Joseph E. A. Connell Jnr, Four Courts Press and Dublin City Council
2006-09-08 15:06:23
Róisín Bán: Declan O'Brien reviews Róisín Bán: the Irish in Leeds by Corinne Silva (foreward by Dermot Bolger, introduction Brendan McGowan), Leeds Irish Health and Homes
2006-09-08 14:35:07
'One of a kind' Welshman and friend of Ireland: Peter Berresford Ellis offers a personal memory of Kenneth Griffith, actor, documentary filmaker and socialist idealist who died earlier this year
2006-09-08 13:49:52
'Scottie', MacKenzie Kennedy remembered: Stephen Coyle tells the story of MacKenzie Kennedy who died for the Irish Republic during the civil war
2006-09-08 13:08:55
Staging the Easter Rising: Sally Richardson reviews Staging the Easter Rising: 1916 as theatre by James Moran, Cork University Press
2006-07-13 14:59:48
Bigotry must be marginalised: As the people of the North of Ireland enter into this summer's matching season, sectarianism will remain a dangerously live issue. The British government and its agencies must be forced to acknowledge the problem fully and challenge it head on, instead of giving it political cover, argues the Irish Democrat
2006-07-05 18:57:53
Thar Slaibh agus Gleann!: Christie Evans reports from the fifth International Festival of the Irish Language, which recently took place in the Isle of Man (Irish language article)
2006-07-05 18:42:39
An Bholaiv - Caithréim na ndaoine: EvGearóid Ó Colmáino traces the historical development of Bolivia from the time of the conquistadores to the present under president Morales, focusing on the struggle of the oppressed aboriginal people for equality and justice (Irish language article)
2006-07-05 18:30:58
British propaganda in Ireland 1920: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews The Origins and Organisation of British Propaganda in Ireland 1920 by Brian P Murphy, Aubane Historical Society, Cork, and Spinwatch, H B C Pollard,
2006-07-05 17:14:58
Socialists and republicans pay tribute to 'Red O'Riordan': Tributes for a fighter who 'personified the best' pour in following the death of veteran communist Michael O'Riordan
2006-07-05 15:24:21
A constitution to destroy Irish republicanism: We must face the fact the participation in the EU parliament is at variance with the ideals of 1916, writes John Murphy
2006-07-05 14:56:49
Equality undermined: Michael Hall looks into claims that ‘high-level’ decisions made exempt from equality laws are a breach of the Good Friday agreement
2006-07-05 13:17:21
New film champions humanity: Jeremy Hardy talks about his partner Katie Barlow’s new film about occupied Palestine
2006-07-05 13:10:11
De Valera's betrayal of the women of 1916: Peter Berresford Ellis argues that the 1937 constitution made male chauvinism an institution and was a betrayal of the women who had fought from 1916 for Irish independence and equality
2006-07-05 11:56:58
British labour and the Easter Rising: David Granville examines the response of the labour movement in Britain to the Easter Rising of 1916
2006-07-04 21:30:23
Finucane killer released: The killer of Belfast defence lawyer Pat Finucane has been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday agreement and is understood to have been moved to a secret location in Britain and given a generous relocation package
2006-07-04 17:05:04
'Inquiry is the issue' insist Finucane family: The family of murdered defense solicitor Pat Finucane insists that the early release of his killer should not be overestimated and that the real focus must be to establish a fully independent, public judicial inquiry
2006-07-04 16:52:14
Sinn Fein set out need for all-Ireland health strategy: Feilim O hAdhmaill looks at Sinn Feín’s new health policy for the island of Ireland and argues that an all-Ireland native NHS is the cure
2006-07-04 16:24:11
Stormont's structural flaws: Tommy McKearney argues that London's de facto power makes the Stormont Assembly little more than a glorified county council
2006-07-04 15:47:44
Assembly's future remains in doubt: The future of the Stormont assembly remains uncertain after Ian Paisley rejected a nomination by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams to become the first minister of ‘Northern Ireland’
2006-07-04 15:43:05
Facing up to the challenge in Britain: The general secretary of Connolly Association gives his assessment of the organisation’s current position and the tasks that lie ahead for activists in Britain
2006-07-04 13:11:45
Left Republican magazine relaunched: Left Republican Review, which aims to bring together left, republican, feminist and green voices from across Ireland, was relaunched recently
2006-07-04 12:10:49
Unions discuss coalition pact: Two of Ireland’s biggest trade unions are to discuss a joint effort to help the election of a left-wing Irish coalition government
2006-07-04 11:00:40
McIlkenny 'now free': Mourners at the funeral of one of the Birmingham Six, Richard McIlkenny, were told that he has finally found freedom
2006-07-04 10:48:26
Rebel Ireland: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Rebel Ireland: from Easter Rising to Civil war by Sean McMahon, Mercier Press
2006-07-03 18:13:22
Maria Edgeworth: women, enlightenment and nation: Sally Richardson reviews Maria Edgeworth: women, enlightenment and nation by Cliona O Gallchoir, UCD Press
2006-07-03 18:00:54
The O'Donoghues' War of Independence: Florence and Josephine O'Donoghue's War of Independence: a destiny that shapes our ends, John Borgonovo (ed), foreword, J.J. Lee, Irish Academic Press
2006-07-03 17:49:07
Sinn Fein and the SDLP: from alienation to participation: John Corcoran reviews Sinn Fein and the SDLP: from alienation to participation by Gerard Murray and Jon Tonge, Hurst & Co
2006-07-03 17:39:40
The GPO and the Easter Rising: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews The GPO and the Easter Rising by Keith Jeffrey, Irish Academic Press
2006-07-03 17:31:50
Supreme Sacrifice: the story of Eamonn Ceannt 1881-1916: Michael O'Sullivan reviews Supreme Sacrifice: the story of Eamonn Ceannt 1881-1916 by William Henry, Mercier Press
2006-07-03 16:27:07
Grattan's Failure: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Grattan's Failure: Parliamentary Opposition and the People in Ireland 1779-1800 by Danny Mansergh (foreword by Thomas Bartlett), Irish Academic Press
2006-07-03 16:04:29
40 Years of Controversy: Shayla Warmsley reviews Haughey’s 40 years of controversy by T Ryle Dwyer, Mercier Press
2006-07-03 15:55:57
Ballagh Mise Éire print launched: Irish artist Robert Ballagh's new fine-art print, symbolic of Ireland's muffled and dependent state in the European Union, was launched recently in Dublin
2006-06-15 11:46:42
SIPTU honours Connolly: A major new film on James Connolly is to receive significant financial backing from SIPTU, Ireland's the country’s largest trade union
2006-05-26 11:10:04
Lessons of history: The Irish Democrat warns that while the current situation offers real opportunities for pursuing a radical programme towards Irish unity, recent events remind us that the forces of Irish national democracy must learn the lessons of the past if political opportunites are to be achieved in the future
2006-05-26 09:40:45
Connolly and the Easter Rising: The full text of Priscilla Metscher's contribution to the James Connolly 90th anniversary celebration, held in the London Irish Centre, Camden Town on 18 May 2006
2006-05-25 19:03:22
Connolly's life celebrated in London and Edinburgh: David Granville reports on commemorative events in London and Edinburgh organised jointly by the Connolly Association and the Communist Party of Britain
2006-05-25 18:35:46
Ripples of freedom and the 1916 Rising: Communist Party of Ireland general secretary Eugene McCarten the importance of Connolly's conviction that the working class must take a leading role in the struggle for national freedom and independence
2006-05-25 17:07:31
James Connolly, Irish socialist: German-based Irish historian Priscilla Metscher examines the development of Connolly's political beliefs
2006-05-25 16:24:09
James Connolly, 1916 and the 'blood sacrifice' myth: Peter Berresford Ellis examines Connolly's the background to participation in the 1916 Easter Rising and challenges the myth of the 'blood sacrifice'
2006-05-25 16:09:27
A letter to historians: Jack Lane of the Aubane Historical Society challenges revisionist historian Peter Hart on his interpretation of the Irish War of Independence and raises serious questions raised about the historian's methods
2006-05-18 08:50:33
BBC's 1916 coverage challenged: Ken Keable writes to the BBC to protest about its coverage of the evcents of Easter 1916 on Radio 4 - we reproduce his letter in the Irish Democrat for information
2006-05-18 07:30:45
2006 Gralton School maintains progressive tradition: This year's annual Gralton School focusses on the legacy of the 1916 Proclamation and honours the memory of Leitrim radical Jim Gralton, the only Irish-born citizen to have been deported from Ireland
2006-04-20 09:02:22
Summer-school honour for Democrat columnist: The Sister Fidelma Mysteries of historian and Irish Democrat columnist Peter Berresford Ellis, who writes the books using the pseudonym Peter Tremayne,are to be the subject of a unique Irish summer school
2006-04-18 21:23:33
Donaldson family statement: Statement issued on 7 April by the family of Denis Donaldson who was found murdered at his cottage in a remote area of Donegal on Tuesday 4 April
2006-04-07 22:32:40
British agent shot dead: The Irish Democrat reports on the killing of British agent Denis Donaldson
2006-04-07 15:04:21
Time for a united approach to solidarity work: Following Gerry Adams' recent call for a solidarity movement in Britain to help end partition, John Murphy looks at what need to be done to bring this about
2006-04-07 13:58:00
Campaign to repatriate Irish prisoner: A prisoner support group is calling on the Irish government to speed up the repatriation of a seriously ill Irish prisoner serving a sentence in Yorkshire
2006-04-07 13:50:50
Call to 'decommission' licensed weapons: Legally held unionist weaponry remains an obstacle to peace and political progress in Ireland, argues Moya St Leger
2006-04-07 12:48:05
Europe in Focus: the Anthony Coughlan column (November/06): The Irish Democrat's Dublin correspondent highlights key EU developments within the EU with serious implications for democracy, public services, workers' rights and peace
2006-04-07 12:20:10
'Love Ulster' march ends in violence and attempt to smear IWU: Accounts of the rioting in Dublin which accompanied the provocative Love Ulster march and an attempt by the Sunday Times newspaper to implicate the Cork-based IWU in the mayhem
2006-04-07 11:17:49
1981 hunger strikes: 25th anniversary: To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of 1981 hunger strikes, the Irish Democrat publishes a series of accounts written by those involved
2006-04-07 10:20:24
A lesson the oppressed will never forget: Trade union activist and former republican prisoner Tommy McKearney points to the significance of the 1981 hunger strike
2006-04-07 10:14:28
Gospel of the oppressed: Fr Joe McVeigh describes his role in events leading up to the death of Bobby Sands
2006-04-07 09:35:05
Bobby Sands: an international icon: The Irish Democrat speaks with Denis O’Hearn, author of a new book on the life of Bobby Sands
2006-04-06 22:43:22
A hunger for justice: Peter Berresford Ellis provides a short history of hunger-strikes in Ireland
2006-04-06 20:08:16
'Rendition flights' escape investigation: It has emerged that Gardaí officers who wish to investigate allegations of US illegality on military and state aircraft may not be able to do so because of the way the government is applying domestic Irish law
2006-04-06 19:26:08
Museum gains Proclamation original: The Irish and British public will be able to view an original 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic this year after it was donated to the National Museum of Ireland
2006-04-06 19:02:46
An appalling vista: David Granville speculates on what lies behind British ministers' insistence on holding an inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Patrick Finiucane under the terms of the controversial 2005 Inquiries Act
2006-04-06 18:01:56
Gaeilgeóirí travels to Mulvern Hills: Christy Evans reports on the revival of the Irish language in Britain
2006-04-06 17:29:48
James Connolly: a full life: Anthony Coughlan reviews James Connolly, A Full Life by Donal Nevin, Gill and Macmillan
2006-04-06 08:23:22
Easter 1916: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Easter 1916: the Irish Rebellion by Charles Townshend, Penguin
2006-04-06 08:11:09
James Connolly Re-assessed: Anthony Coughlan reviews James Conolly Re-assessed by Manus O'Riordan, Aubane Historical Society, Millstreet, Co Cork
2006-04-05 12:50:53
That Day's Struggle: a memoir: Roy Johnston reviews That Day's Struggle: a memoir 1904 – 1951, by Sean MacBride; ed Caitriona Lalor, Currach Press
2006-04-05 12:31:19
Eoin O’Duffy: a self-made hero: Fintan Lane reviews Eoin O’Duffy: a self-made hero by Fearghal McGarry, Oxford University Press
2006-04-05 12:12:44
Local History since 1945: Sally Richardson reviews Local History since 1945: England, Wales and Ireland by Lionel Munby, D Huw Owen and James Scannell, Socialist History Society Occasional Paper No 21
2006-04-05 11:56:20
The Origins of the Troubles: Michael McCann reviews Northern Ireland: the origins of the Troubles by Thomas Hennessey, Gill and Macmillan
2006-04-05 11:50:24
The Beginning of the End: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews The Beginning of the End: the crippling disadvantage of a happy Irish childhood by Walter Ellis, Mainstream Publishing,
2006-04-05 11:37:41
My Struggle For Life: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews My Struggle for Life by Joseph Keating, University College Dublin Press, Classics of Irish History series
2006-04-05 10:52:26
St Pat's gets anti-racist theme tune: A campaign to ensure that the 2006 St Patrick's Day celebrations in Britain include a clear anti-racist message gathers pace with the release of Everybody's Welcome to the Hooley by north London psycho-ceilidh rockers, Neck, on 6 March
2006-03-09 21:28:04
The Great Deception: Anthony Coughlan reviews The Great Deception: can the European Union survive? by Christopher Booker and Richard North, Continuum Publishers
2006-02-17 10:34:38
Radical Politics in Modern Ireland: Fintan Lane and Joe Jamison review Radical Politics in Modern Ireland: the Irish Socialist Republican Party 1896–1904 by David Lynch, Irish Academic Press
2006-02-17 09:54:39
IMC report dovetails with anti-SF agenda: The Irish Democrat comments on the recnt IMC report
2006-02-14 18:36:07
Inertia Managing Commission: Michael Hall reports on republican anger at the recent IMC report and argues that its unsubstantiated suggestion that the IRA has lied about its arms disposal is set to prolong the political stalemate and direct rule from London
2006-02-14 18:33:22
News 2006: News articles from the Irish Democrat 2006
2006-02-14 18:06:33
Bree warns against undermining Labour philosphy: Elements OF the Irish Labour Party are actively undermining its philosophy to keep establishment parties in power, Labour Party stalwart Declan Bree warned recently
2006-02-14 17:11:06
Plan to help homeless in Britain: News of a unique initiative to help homeless Irish people living in cities across Britain is being spearheaded by Mayor of Kerry County Council Toireasa Ní Fhearaíosa
2006-02-14 16:35:48
Meddling and manipulating: Tommy McKearney looks at the effect on Sinn Fein of Denis Donaldson's exposure as an agent of the British state
2006-02-14 15:07:58
Has the Good Friday agreement a future?: David Granville assesses whether the unionist establishment will be allowed to sink the 1998 Belfast peace accord
2006-02-14 14:13:02
Bolkenstein's monster must be destroyed: The EU Services Directive will create a neo-liberal nightmare if it is introduced after the EU parlimentary vote this month and must be rigorously opposed, writes Eoin O Broin
2006-02-14 14:02:33
Trade unions must become a force for change: Michael Hall casts a critical eye over the settlement to the recent Irish Ferries dispute and takes a look at current talks towards a new Social Partnership deal in Ireland
2006-02-14 11:50:37
EU powers extended: A recent judgement at the European Court of Justice represents judicial coup d'etat against democratic national governments and the citizens that elect them, writes Anthony Coughlan
2006-02-14 11:31:18
The Kilmichael ambush controversy: Cork No 3 IRA Commandant Tom Barry led one of the most devastating military actions against the British, but did not execute prisoners during the operation, writes Meda Ryan
2006-02-12 16:38:18
Seizing the GPO in 1916 made military sense: The 1916 leaders seized what would have been today the country’s vital telecommunications centre – in a strategic and sophisticated plan close off British lines of command and allow the Irish rebellion to succeed, writes Peter Berresford Ellis
2006-02-12 16:06:54
Jim Savage: an obituary: David Granville pays tribute to the life of Cork socialist and republican Jim Savage who died on 16 December 2005
2006-02-09 13:08:37
1916 Easter Rising in print: As we approach the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising, Four Provinces manager Sally Richardson provides readers with a selection of recently published or reissued titles dealing with the event
2006-02-09 11:30:33
Through American and Irish Wars: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Through American and Irish Wars: The Life and Times of General Thomas W. Sweeny 1820-1892, Jack Morgan (foreword by Ruán O'Donnell), Irish Academic Press
2006-02-09 10:47:03
Irishmen in War 1800-2000: Peter Berresford Ellis reviews Irishmen in War 1800-2000: Essays from The Irish Sword Volume II, Introduction by Harman Murtagh, Fore Keith Jeffery, Irish Academic Press
2006-02-09 10:26:35
The Last Conquest of Ireland (Perhaps): Gerard Curran reviews The Last Conquest of Ireland (Perhaps) by John Mitchel, introduced by Patrick Maume, UCD Press, Classics of Irish History series
2006-02-07 12:43:15
A Noontide Blazing: Sally Richardson reviews A Noontide Blazing: Brigid Lyons Thornton - rebel, soldier, doctor by John Cowell, Currach Press
2006-02-07 12:05:01
What Lies Beneath: Sally Richardson reviews What Lies Beneath: women and their underwear by Helen Murray, Mercier Press
2006-02-07 11:16:17
A Dictionary of Hiberno-English (revised & expanded edition): Sally Richardson reviews A Dictionary of Hiberno-English, compiled and edited by Patrick Dolan, Gill And Macmillan,
2006-02-07 10:39:02
Michael Davitt:: In the centenary year of his death, Peter Berresford Ellis examines the contribution of Michael Davitt to the struggle for Irish political emancipation and looks at two contradictory assessments of the Land League leader
2006-01-20 14:19:53
The Republic: issue 4: Sally Richardson reviews The Republic, issue 4: Culture in the Republic (p