By John Myers
Ireland is in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Wall Street Billionaire Howard Lutnick, long-time friend of The Donald, is serving as U.S. Commerce Secretary in Trumps cabinet. While he seemingly loves the green of the “Benjamins,” he has the opposite posture when it comes to the green of Ireland.
In love with tariffs, it is clear Ireland will be in Trump’s site. Lutnick posted on Twitter: It’s nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense. When we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You’ll be shocked!
I am shocked that our Commerce Secretary looks at Ireland as a threat to the U.S.A. Hold on to your caps, the economic wreckage of Secretary Lutnick will not be confined to our American shores.
The Cinematheque
The New York Times described The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque as one of the best repertory movie theaters in the country. This month, The Cinematheque, located in University Circle, will showcase two Irish films.
“Hunger” the unflinching depiction of the last six weeks of Irish Hunger Striker Bobby Sands life will be showing on April 19th at 6:45PM and on April 20th at 7PM. The film won the Camera d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and received a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Second film is “That They May Face the Rising Sun,” based upon the novel by Irish Writer John McGahern. Set in the West, in County Leitrim (between Sligo and Donegal), this film tells the story of everyday life in 1980s small, rural townland.
Irish stage star Ruth McCabe (My Left Foot) and Irish actor Sean McGinley (Michael Collins and The Republic of Doyle) will be familiar faces in this movie. This will be shown on Saturday, April 26th at 6:45PM and Sunday, April 27th at 2PM.
The Cinematheque is a great modern venue for seeing a film and The Cleveland Institute of Art has free parking located at the end of E. 117th Street (off Euclid Avenue). Both films should be available streaming, but the big screen is always better.
Special Envoy
Every president in modern times has appointed a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. Most recently, the post was held by former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, under the Biden Administration. President Trump has not named a replacement. Leading Irish Americans are pushing Mr. Trump to fill the vacant post.
Recently, a bi-partisan letter, penned by Rep. William Keating of Massachusetts, was delivered to the Whitehouse. The Congressional group stated:
Dear President Trump,
As bipartisan supporters of the U.S. relationship with Northern Ireland, we urge you to appoint a Presidential Special Envoy for Northern Ireland to strengthen our trade and investment ties and further peace and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland. Almost 27 years ago, representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland as well as the UK and Irish governments signed the Good Friday Agreement, a historic effort, facilitated by the United States, to bring peace and stability to Northern Ireland and end 30 years of violence during the Troubles.
Today, the Good Friday Agreement remains the bedrock of peace and has served as a conduit for change, investment, reconciliation, and peaceful governance in Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent as well as the North-South and East-West institutions it established have also strengthened relations between the UK and Irish governments as well as between those in power on the island of Ireland. These institutions only serve to help the people of Northern Ireland.
The U.S.’s role as a guarantor for peace in Northern Ireland has roots back to the notable partnership between President Ronald Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, and since 1995, each Administration – Democratic and Republican – has appointed a Special Envoy for Northern Ireland to serve as a key conduit for strengthening the U.S. relationship with the people of Northern Ireland. While we recognize the importance of our missions in both London and Dublin, no name has been placed forward to protect and maintain America’s economic and diplomatic interests in Belfast.
From an economic perspective, Northern Ireland has become a key player in transatlantic trade, offering American businesses significant expansion opportunities across the technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Appointing a Special Envoy would safeguard U.S. interests and signal that the U.S. is committed to supporting business-to-business ties between the U.S. and Northern Ireland, promoting new investments, and recognizing Northern Ireland’s unique status within the United Kingdom.
Today, Northern Ireland sits at the center of both the United Kingdom and European Union markets and has made tremendous political progress, both since the restoration of devolved government last year and in the nearly 27 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Yet, Northern Ireland still faces many challenges, including promoting further economic development as well as peace and reconciliation efforts.
The uniquely influential role of Special Envoy for Northern Ireland is essential not only to promote U.S. interests in the region, but also to help the people of Northern Ireland build on the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement and overcome these ongoing challenges with an eye to a more prosperous future.
Please email the White House and your Congressionals to push to get this important post of Special Envoy filled. Northern Ireland is still one of the poorest areas in Europe. A healthy economy would be most welcomed and help facilitate the move to a United Ireland.
Larry Dolan
Just a couple of months after the loss of Charles Dolan, the family lost their Cleveland Patriarch in brother Larry Dolan (February). Larry Dolan, an attorney and Cablevision exec., led the acquisition of the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in 2000. The Cleveland Heights native and St. Ignatius H.S./Notre Dame graduate was 94.
Prior to purchasing the Indians, Dolan put together a bid for the expansion Cleveland Browns. Legendary football coach Don Shula was part of the bidding team. The Dolan group bid was a “mere” five million dollars short of Al Lerner’s successful bid; one can only wonder.
Regardless, the Indians/Guardians have been one of the winningest teams in MLB the last dozen years. Larry Dolan and family took the Indians to nine postseason appearances, seven American League Central Titles, two Wild Cards and Three ALCS contests. And, of course, one swing of the bat at the 2016 World Series that went all seven games and into extra innings.
Rajai Davis’ homer is a beautiful memory from this epic contest between two Great Lakes cities. While the W went to Chicago, there has been much to enjoy and celebrate the past 24 years – keep-em coming.
Mr. Dolan leaves his wife Eva (who he proposed to at the Grotto at Notre Dame), six children and 21 grandchildren. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
