Ireland’s Eye
Maurice Neill explores current affairs on the Emerald Isle
A tale of two countries
THE economic divide between the two parts of Ireland is growing ever more pronounced. North of the border a cash-strapped British government is struggling to restore its reputation after a disastrous experiment with borrowing and tax cuts for the...
Lament for the lost fishes
THE mackerel men are disappearing from the rocks and piers around our coast - a sure sign that summer is coming to an end. This hardy breed of angler turns up on almost every tide, intent on filling a bag with the flashing blue and silver fish...
In the wake of Torpedo Tom Blower
IT has been 75 years since Torpedo Tom Blower’s swim across the North Channel from Ireland to Britain. Rough seas scuppered his first attempt but he tried again telling wife Clarice, “I’m not getting out of the water for anybody.” He ploughed...
The book of invasions
GLORIOUSLY purple American fireweed lined the canal tow path as I walked in the searing July heat to seek the shadow of Leitrim’s Iron Mountain and a cool drink at Drumshanbo’s Gunpowder gin distillery. The magnificent summer-flowering plant, which...
The long shadow of Maggie Thatcher
THE statues debate is back after a 10ft tall tribute to Margaret Thatcher was attacked within hours of going on display in England. Nine years after her death the shopkeeper’s daughter is still a deeply divisive figure - even in Grantham where she...
The paradox of power in the north
THE Northern Ireland Assembly elections revealed nationalism has unified around Sinn Féin and unionism is hopelessly divided. The big winner was the Alliance Party which represents the middle ground. Superlatives like ‘breakthrough’ and ‘tectonic...
Time warp at O’Neill’s crossroads
THE people of Northern Ireland go to the polls on May 5 in what is widely seen as the most important vote since the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. We are once more at a crossroads for this election is likely to deliver Sinn Fein...
Potter’s visionary eye
FRED Potter, editor of the Skibbereen Eagle in 1898, penned Ireland’s most famous comment on Russian territorial ambitions. “The Eagle will still keep its eye on the Emperor of Russia and all such despotic enemies - whether at home or abroad - of...
The old Orange card
NORTHERN Ireland’s power-sharing Government, created by the Good Friday Agreement, has collapsed for the third time in its 24 year history. This time over unionist demands for an end to a so-called ‘border in the Irish Sea’. The system of paperwork...
A coming of age for the arts
KEN Branagh’s motion picture Belfast, released in the UK on January 21, won Best Screenplay at the Golden Globes and is the critics’ choice for an Oscar in March. Its success pleases me for Branagh and I are contemporaries who grew up in the same...
A glass of cheer for the grim New Year
IT is a tradition on this island, even in these grim times, to raise a glass of cheer with friends atNew Year. It is a custom we share with our Scottish neighbours and Gaelic cousins across the North Channel. In Alba, Hogmanay is a two-day event...
This World War with ignorance
HE stood outside the gates at Comber Farmers’ Market with a sign that read, There is no Covid – ask any undertaker, and sought to dole out leaflets to support this bizarre statement. At first I laughed and pigeon-holed him alongside those...