IN THIS WEEK'S IRISH POST (March 16)
IN NEWS
The Taoiseach urges Britain to stay in the EU.
Enda Kenny made a flying visit to London on Monday, during which he made a series of speeches and did not shy away from the big issues. Britain, he said, must stay in the EU for its own good.
During the day, Mr Kenny praised a series of landmark events that have helped to make British-Irish relations “stronger than ever”, including the Queens visit, but risked offending his hosts by ignoring British objections to recent decisions in Brussels and boasting about Ireland’s reputation.
The Taoiseach also outlined the high aspirations he holds for the future of his country. Ireland will leave the EU-IMF bailout programme before the end of the year, he said, and become the best small country in the world for business by 2016.
Gay Marriage: For and Against
Ahead of the Constitutional Convention’s upcoming debate on gay marriage, we look at the argument given by each side. The meeting could see the 100-strong committee recommend that the Irish Government makes an historic amendment to the Irish Constitution permitting same-sex marriage.
Moninne Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality, says that such an amendment is an essential step towards equality. But the Iona Institute’s Director, David Quinn, disagrees. “There is nothing unequal about treating different situations differently,” he says, arguing that a redefinition of marriage will undermine the special character of motherhood and fatherhood.
Maybe it’s because I’m an Irish Londoner
Rob Brennan takes an inside look at the pain felt by Britain’s second generation Irish. Like many, he doesn’t like being referred to as “a plastic paddy” or “one of the Queen’s lads”, especially when members of the first generation claim as their own a select few from the second generation who don a green jersey or sell a million albums. In the year of The Gathering, he says, it is all of us or none of us. Take your pick.
Fáilte Towers
James Nesbitt is set to host a new eight-part series telling the story of present day Ireland through its history, people and culture. The Monroe star begins next Monday on the south west coast, a place once cited by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on Earth.
IN ENTERTAINMENT
17 Irish artists that make us proud
Ahead of St Patrick's Day, Irish Post readers choose the artists working today that make them proud to be Irish
Choice Music Prize
Report from Dublin as local band Delorentos win the prize for best Irish album of 2012
Live reviews: Damien Dempsey; The Irish House Party
IN SPORT
Double delight
League wins for London hurlers and footballers
'It's immoral that Trapattoni is still Ireland manager'
Former Ireland international Paul ‘Skee’ McGee says it’s immoral that Giovanni Trapattoni is still boss of the Boys in Green
Keane edge
Garry Doyle on how it’s a good thing the former United captain has found his calling as a pundit, because is totally unsuited to management
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