cafebabel.com

Ireland’s ‘accidental emigrants’

('Gary Finnegan',) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:34:33 -0000

While thousands of young people are fleeing Ireland as the depression deepens, others who planned to return are stranded overseas. One writer tells of how the doors 'closed behind him' after moving to Brussels and Beijing

Three gays and a christian democrat: Irish presidential elections

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:01:18 -0000

What do an 81-year-old sports commentator, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ panelist and an international gay rights activist (David Norris, pictured) have in common? They’ve all been put forth for the Irish presidency. But as the government scrambles to hold onto the ‘highest office in the land’, the public is steadily boiling with rage. Elections take place on 27 October

Eurozone: Greece’s junk in Europe’s trunk

('Louis',) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:11:19 -0000

Were there no single currency, a resolution may be more tricky for a country like Greece. The European union holds an 'extraordinary summit' on finding a solution to this financial crisis on 21 July; a second bailout package is under negotiation

Shh(it), it’s the Queen: Elizabeth II’s ghost-town visit to Irish Republic

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:59:45 -0000

It has been hailed as the culmination of the Anglo-Irish peace process: the first ever visit of a British monarch to the Republic of Ireland on 17 May. But with Dublin’s streets lying empty, and the terrorist threat level in the north classed as ‘severe’, the visit seems like a very expensive exercise in cynicism

On St. Patrick's day, drink Poitín, the world’s strongest alcohol

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:30:00 -0000

You’ll often find it in a clear, unmarked glass bottle, innocently snuggled at the back of a neighbour’s fridge, but the real Poteen (pronounced 'putch-een') isn’t sold in any shop in Dublin. St. Patrick apparently brewed it, and few people in Ireland haven’t tasted this ultra-alcoholic brew, but the lethal concoction has been illegal here since 1661

Dutch, British, Spanish and Swiss reactions on Irish elections

('euro topics',) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:20:30 -0000

The conservative party fine gael won Irish parliamentary elections on 25 February and will form a coalition with the labour party. The outgoing fianna fáil (FF) lost over two-thirds of its mandate. Future prime minister Enda Kenny wants to renegotiate the EU bailout package and see the country facing profound change; the 31st Dáil meets on 9 March

Irish elections: expats can't vote on 25 February 2011

('Denis Fitzgerald',) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:07:23 -0000

The Dail is dissolved! Irish citizens will be electing a new government to oversee recovery from the worst economic crisis in the state's history. However, many of them forced to leave by the four-year-old fianna fáil-green government's malfeasance will be denied a ballot

Ireland’s expat-emigrants: silver spoon diaspora

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:27:15 -0000

Thousands left Ireland when it was rollicking at the dizzy heights of an economic boom, and when ‘diaspora’ sounded like a chapter heading from Angela’s Ashes. Now that the country has all but gone bust, those who left in the good times have been transformed from ‘expat’ to ‘immigrant’ overnight. In 2010 they were joined by 65, 000 others fleeing the Republic’s economic collapse

Ireland, bailout and latest cafebabel.com blog 'Euromyths'

('ggbrunt',) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:45:34 -0000

Once again the presentation in the media of the financial rescue package of a eurozone country is plainly wrong. The so-called 'bailout' does not consist in a gift of capital to Ireland, and taxpayers are most likely not to pay anything as a consequence. Extract from cafebabel.com's blog in the dock

Ireland: cheddar scones for a cheese crisis

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 -0000

The more we see the PIIGS as under-developed countries, the more the EU ends up sending them humanitarian aid rather than sustainable investments. The proof is in the pudding in Ireland, where the EU has invested 750, 000 euros of cheese to fight the crisis from 15 November. A Frenchman reacts

Becoming an atheist? Renounce your religion online

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:09:21 -0000

The internet transformed our relationship with organised religion; it could now become its downfall. In 2009, Irish website Countmeout.ie caused an international stir by offering a quick, simple way to leave the catholic church. Panorama on how Europe's muslims, christians and jews exchange faith for freedom of speech

Belfast riots 2010: Orange Order, not girl guides

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:01:16 -0000

More bad news from the North? On the evening news in the Irish Republic, a report on the Belfast riots in catholic districts came third after a local car crash and economics reports. In the shadow of the 1998 peace process, the riots are the product of raging frustration in a shattered community

Irish artists in Berlin, a city 'always and never in crisis'

('M\xc3\xa9abh Mc Mahon',) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:45:00 -0000

Whilst Irish artists like Paul Diamond and You're Only Massive become better known in Berlin, stages in Irish bars remain empty. With less people investing in upcoming Irish talent, the young generation will continue to migrate to artistic-friendly places like Berlin to follow their musical dream

(Non-)smoker's summer guide to Europe's bans

('Emilie Prattico',) — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:29:37 -0000

While you’re carefully planning your summer holidays, it might be worth considering what destinations will best suit your needs - be thee a lover of those tobacco-filled thin paper cylinders or not

Europe and PIIGS: bitchy politics

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:38:23 -0000

The acronym 'PIIGS' seems to have characterised the five eurozone losers as that nasty group of girls that everyone hated in school. Since things turned sour on Europe’s financial front, the EU community has shown its bitchy side - a sentiment which is hardly emblematic of the shared vision that the EU was founded on. Rant

Obituary: Irish academic Fred Halliday dies in Barcelona

('Metsa Rahimi',) — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:09:43 -0000

The Dubliner passed away on 26 April. No student in east-west relations would have escaped the work of this internationally acclaimed scholar in international relations, unabashed European socialist and eternal friend of the Middle East. Tribute from an Iranian Londoner who met the Irish scholar in Spain

PIIGS unwelcome in the EU parlour: war of words rocks Eurozone

("naomi o'leary",) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0000

Despite Silvio Berlusconi’s dreams, the next member of the Eurozone is unlikely to be Israel; even Croatia or Turkey have taken a back seat. The current pan-EU squabble is over who should have been admitted to the eurozone in the first place

Polish migrants post-crisis in Ireland: is there no place like home?

('Angela Steen',) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:47:11 -0000

EU enlargement in 2004 meant that the Poles made the most indelible imprint on Irish society - and surprise, they're happy in their new home, despite the fact that both countries have experienced polar fortunes in the recent recession

Belfast in a black taxi: Europe’s last divided city tries to overcome its past

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:17:08 -0000

On 6 February, the Northern Irish paramilitary organisation the INLA decommissioned their weapons, and the province took one more tentative step towards social stability. Now that the former war-zone has re-opened its doors to the world, visitors are flocking to western Europe’s last divided city. A taste of the Northern Irish experience

Unions, strikes and snow: Europe's 12 days of christmas discontent

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:09:41 -0000

Is spreading the misery really the best way to get what we want? Inspired by the British High Court banning British Airways’ cabin crew's decision to take twelve festive days of industrial action, we take a look at the latest glut of stars and strikes to hit Europe

'She’s angry' in Ireland: Virgin Mary makes Youtube debut

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:15:00 -0000

On 11 October, 5, 000 turned up to the small town of Knock in the west of Ireland to witness (and videotape) a purported apparition of the Virgin Mary. Two weeks later, the crowds doubled to 10, 000. Now that the apparition has become an internet phenomenon, locals look to her next scheduled appearance on 5 December

Tories, Klaus and Kaczyński: EU 'three kings' vs Lisbon treaty

('euro topics',) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:55:20 -0000

The eurosceptic Pole Lech Kaczyński plans to sign the EU reform document in the next few days, Czech president Václav Klaus refuses and British conservative leader David Cameron again promises his country a referendum if he is elected prime minister in 2010 and the treaty has still not taken effect. The Irish, Czech, German and Hungarian press react

67% in Ireland say 'yes' to the Lisbon treaty

("Daniel O'Leary",) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:15:44 -0000

On 2 October, the Irish public allowed changes to the constitution to ratify the Lisbon treaty. The 'resounding' and 'convincing' vote dispels fears that the referendum would pass by a slim margin and demonstrate a lack of Irish faith in the democratic process, and in the EU

Acts of Random Kindness Ltd: Irish clothing startup to ‘change your world’

('walshno',) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:11:48 -0000

'It’s like putting on a superhero costume - except your superpower might be the willingness to give up your seat on the bus,' said the Irish Times about a group of young people who hold business meetings up trees. With a new website and T-shirt range due for launch, one of the four members describes the nature of the startup

Lisbon vote no: a second referendum? How democratic

("Daniel O'Leary",) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:16:40 -0000

It’s ironic that the Irish 'No' to Lisbon in June 2008 was taken as a blow to Europe and a step away from democracy, when the treaty would take away our right to vote at all. Focus on media bias and the illusion of choice

Lisbon treaty: I'm voting yes for jobs and climate change

('bartstoran',) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:11:05 -0000

Democracy, cross-border crime and climate change are issues that resonate with young Irish people, a 'yes' campaigner says, which is why people should vote for the EU reform Lisbon treaty in a referendum on 2 October

Lisbon treaty: Ireland shouldn't feel obliged to vote yes

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:22:57 -0000

Remember that other time that Irish voters were told they had returned the wrong result in Nice in 2001? Citizens shouldn't feel they 'owe' anyone on 2 October

Lisbon treaty: Irish expats lose their vote abroad

('Angela Steen',) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:14:05 -0000

The only Irish citizens who are able to vote abroad are diplomats or army personnel. For others, it’s a question of finding the time, money or strength to take a Ryanair flight back home for the second referendum on 2 October, which almost all 27 EU members have ratified

Libertas' Declan Ganley comeback against ‘democracy-hating’ Lisbon treaty

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0000

He opposed the Lisbon treaty. He got 600 candidates to run for his party across all the 27 member states in 2008; yet only one was (re-)elected in Hungary. The Galway multimillionare, 41, resigned from politics after his failure. But the Libertas leader is back to push for a second Irish No

Peddling for votes; cycle across Ireland for Lisbon treaty

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:00:00 -0000

A group of cyclists from around Europe are embarking on a tour of the Irish countryside to demonstrate for a higher voter turnout ahead of the 2 October Lisbon referendum. Organiser Grace Cox enthuses about the ‘yes’ movement that’s gathering speed - and even Ryanair are getting on board

Cheaper Ryanair seats for Lisbon yes votes

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:00:00 -0000

The battle for the second Lisbon referendum is heating up in Ireland; and now, the yes side have aircraft. CEO Michael O’Leary joins Seamus Heaney, U2 and Intel in throwing his weight behind a Lisbon yes

Libertas: eurosceptic, but first real europarty?

('Matthew',) — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:45:00 -0000

The Irish European parliament elections in June 2009 represent a key moment in Ireland’s future relations with the EU. The Lisbon treaty was rejected in June 2008; will Ireland elect many eurosceptic MEPs? Or are the Irish population really interested in a more inclusive and cohesive EU?

Blow by blow: Irish sky over Six Nations rugby

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:25:23 -0000

On 21 March, a tenth Six Nations final was dominated by the Celts: Ireland and Wales are through. Italy and England have been knocked out of the race, while France and Scotland are relegated

Northern Ireland terror continues

('euro topics',) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

A further terrorist attack rocked Northern Ireland on 9 March when a policeman was shot in Craigavon near Belfast. Prior to that two soldiers had been killed in an attack on a British military base. Splinter groups of the Irish republican army (IRA) have claimed responsibility. Press review from Ireland, Holland, Austria and Finland

Lisbon treaty and recession Europe, give us a kiss

('Andrew Christie',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In these times of economic crisis Europe is able to laugh and is supposedly stronger for it. Even the Lisbon treaty gives a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. 2009 will be a decisive year

Pat Cox: 'Europe managed the economic crisis impressively'

('Andrew Christie',) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0000

The former president of the European council talks economic crisis, China and the Irish electorate’s rejection of the Lisbon treaty, three topics currently spicing up the European political scene

Ireland, Barroso and 'one commissioner per country': EU democracy pays the price

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Ireland's stubborness is paying off as they succeed in their European goals. On 11 December the conservative president of the European commission ceded to Irish demands of 'one commissioner per country'. The Lisbon treaty originally plans to slim the executive body down. Latest news from Brussels

German, Slovak media on Czech 'Lisbon treaty' yes

('euro topics',) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:13:55 -0000

On 27 November the constitutional court gave a green light to the Lisbon treaty. Judges in Brno rule that the treaty neither impinges on Czech sovereignty nor violates the country's constitution. Will president Václav Klaus sign the document? Press review

Confusion over the future of the Lisbon treaty

('Fiona Herdman Smith',) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:42:17 -0000

The European commission says that 24 of the 27 member states have approved the Lisbon treaty. The ratification process is still taking place in two other states, with Ireland having rejected the Treaty. But is this really the case? Analysis

Being a teacher: from Ireland to Germany

('Eva Kopriosek',) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:49:46 -0000

Germans are renowned-and feared-for their efficiency and their bureaucratic machinery. Experience

British Baroness to 'trade' for EU

('Anna Patton',) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:29:46 -0000

...after Peter Mandelson resigned on 3 October to return to the UK. Meanwhile the European council on the Lisbon treaty, Polish energy and Brussels bashes out road - and purse – safety - the weekly news from Brussels

Dublin’s shops, restaurants and media dress for recession

('Matthew Pagett',) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:17:40 -0000

On 25 September, the Irish economy saw negative growth for the second quarter in a row. It’s the first of the fifteen eurozone members to slide into a predicted one year recession, and the first to ‘go it alone’ without the EU’s rescue

Ireland: doors wide open for foreign labour

('Mojca Finc',) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:34:01 -0000

More than 19, 000 people in Ireland lost their jobs in June 2008. If the downfall continues, more than a quarter of a million could be on the dole by Christmas. Lookback to how foreigners experienced employment growth in 2006

Dublin: why 862, 415 Irish voted no to the Lisbon treaty

('Matthew Pagett',) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Courtesy call in Dublin, two months after the ‘no’ on the Lisbon treaty. The Irish response seems to have been motivated by a lack of knowledge on what the document was and by a fear of change. But perhaps Europe has not sufficiently proven its case?

Irish “no”brings European impasse

('David Robinson',) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000

In the European debate, we always come back to the same topic: democracy. Now that the Irish have rejected the Lisbon Treaty, Europe’s chronic inability to create ‘true’ democracy is once again at the forefront of the debate.

The Lisbon Treaty: the story behind the Irish “NO”

('Chris Yeomans',) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:36:17 -0000

Step by step, Europe has slid towards ever close political union. Yet from the signing of the Treaty of Nice, through to The Lisbon Treaty the EU has yet to arrive at a true democratic process.

Dustin to Lisbon: Eurovision turkeys and European treaties

('Angela Steen',) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Will Ireland vote no in a referendum on 12 June? It is the only European public to voice its doubts about the Lisbon treaty, which has been ratified by fifteen EU member states and needs the remaining twelve votes to work

St. Patrick's Day: drowning the shamrock in Dublin

('Angela Steen',) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Alcohol, religion and fireworks - we swoop over Dublin on 17 March, feast (and party) day of the patron saint of Ireland

'Europe's Sundance festival'

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Culture crosses borders in Europe this March, as Spain visits Nantes, the Balkans accept a second invitation to Brussels and Irish beer takes over the continent

Ireland: 64% unsure on ratifying Lisbon treaty

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Debates continue in the EU - to partner or accede Turkey? Plus a new 'Justice Forum' from the European commission - the latest news from Brussels