Irish Unity Bill
The Fianna Fail and Fine Gael coalition government in the Irish Ludramans (useless eejits) at Leinster House has failed once again by protecting the status quo. The coalition government stopped (vote 79 to 69) Sinn Féin’s straightforward Bill for Irish Unity, simply calling for a Green Paper and the creation of a citizen’s assembly to start the conversation on what a united Ireland should or could look like.
The Bill compels the Taoiseach to produce and publish a government Green Paper and set out its vision for reunification. It will also establish a first-ever All-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly on Irish Unity to consider these proposals. A story of enduring belief that a better future for Ireland is possible. That spirit is best reflected in the achievement of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998. It created space to acknowledge the hurt, pain and loss on all sides. To build a bridge of understanding, a pathway for healing and a process for real reconciliation. However, at the very core of the agreement is the provision of the right of all the people, north and south, to determine Ireland’s future at the ballot box by way of referendums. And we now need to do the work necessary to plan and prepare for the people to vote on a United Ireland. It is now time to write the next chapter. The chapter of reunification. The establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly will be groundbreaking. It would bring together representatives from the people of Ireland, from all communities, because all citizens have a stake in the future. Allowing debate on competing ideas and different perspectives on unity, encouraging debate on the shape of the future constitutional arrangements, and facilitating discussion on the financial, social, economic, and political challenges and solutions. Britain’s Union is now under unprecedented pressure. We now have pro-independence First Ministers in the North of Ireland, in Scotland and in Wales. All who seek a future beyond Westminster and the post-Brexit chaos that has dominated British politics, or more accurately English politics, for a decade. For us in Ireland, that means working toward and securing a date for referendums on Irish Unity. Good government is about recognizing threats and weaknesses but more importantly about identifying opportunities and grasping them. We need to recognize that a United Ireland is the greatest opportunity of our generation. It is the big idea for our future. Partition failed the people of Ireland. We have our responsibility to plan and prepare for a United Ireland.”
– Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald
Canadian PM Carney in Mayo
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently paid a visit to his ancestral home in County Mayo on his way to the G7 summit in France. Carney’s grandparents, Robert and Nora (nee Moran) Carney left from the port of Belfast in 1925 for Canada.
These paternal grands lived in the parish of Aughagower, a small market town just outside of Westport. Little did Robert and Nora know that their grandson would return to Aughagower a century later as the leader of the Canadian nation.
Carney is conscious and proud of his Irish roots. Carney had an Irish passport. And when he served as Governor of the Bank of England he intervened during the fiscal crisis to save the Irish State billions of dollars in refinancing matters. A map of the Parish of Aughagower hangs in his PM office as a reminder of whence he came.
Carney met with second cousins, attended mass and met with Irish President Catherine Connolly. Much excitement in County Mayo to welcome the leader of one of the world’s great democracies.
Down for All 18 Counts
Sir Jeffrey Donalson, the former fire brand evangelical leader of Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party (DUP) was found guilty in June of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including rape of a child. His wife was determined to have aided and abetted these horrors.
“Sir” Jeffrey was Knighted in 2016 by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s mother (Liz), randy Andy of besties with another Jeffrey of ill fame. Unionist MLA Doug Beattie questioned “what did the Northern Ireland Police know and when did they know it?” Suggesting a cover up.
Jim Allister, an Member of Parliament and leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice Party (TUV) goes further to suggest that British intelligence and Westminster knew of Donaldson’s perverse criminality and used it to control Sir Jeffrey’s votes and leadership of the DUP. The DUP continues to fade as a relevant political force.
Midwest is Best
Or at least great for Irish/U.S.A. business relationships, according to the IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Authority). In a recent press release, the IDA shared that Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD, together with IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan, embarked on a trade mission to the US Midwest region.
Commencing in Chicago, the delegation will meet with some of IDA Ireland’s largest clients in the Financial Services, Technology, Engineering and Life Sciences sectors headquartered in the Midwest territory over the course of the visit. The United States is Ireland’s largest source of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), with over 1,000 operations employing more than 218,000 people, equating to almost 10% of Ireland’s workforce. The US Midwest is home to 120 IDA Ireland clients, including some of the largest employers in Ireland, and employing almost 50k people in leading areas of innovation.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Burke said, “the US is, and continues to be, our largest single trading partner. In an era of intense global competition for FDI Ireland is an attractive and stable business location. We remain a premier location to establish, invest and expand, supported by a clear commitment to long-term partnership and sustained international engagement. I look forward to meeting with the business community in the Midwest, building on past engagements and creating new partnerships and employment opportunities into the future.”
Strength In Unity or in the Irish: Ni Neart go cur le cheile
This is the slogan of Ireland’s term as President of the European Union during the second half of 2026. Competitiveness, Security and Values will be the three priorities of Ireland in this position of leadership for the 450 million citizens of the European Union. While not a powerful role, it does give a chance to direct discussions and energy to Ireland’s priorities. Irish ministers get more attention and focus in Brussels and this role gives the Irish a chance to showcase the Emerald Isle.
