Creat Windsor!

Windsor Framework!

by | 2023/03/29 | Current Affairs, International News, National News, Politics

Windsor Framework!

There are many dangers in the DUP's approach to Brexit. Without a doubt, the pressure is on as I write this. The DUP have long announced that they will not return to the Stormont Assembly, regardless of the Executive, unless the post-Brexit protocol is changed to meet their demands. Their main problem is that the same rules would not apply in the North as in Great Britain itself, due to the soft border between the North and Ireland. A soft border is enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and customs checkpoints cannot be located on the border. Therefore, Brexit contravenes the Agreement, absent a special provision.

Northern Ireland Protocol

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed the Northern Ireland Protocol with the European Union and it came into effect on January 1, 2021. According to that arrangement, customs checkpoints are located at Northern Ireland ports and Belfast international airport , and all goods checked coming into the North – including goods from Great Britain, even if they are to stay in Northern Ireland. Previously, Johnson promised the DUP that he would not allow a border in the Irish Sea - and then broke his promise to them. No wonder the DUP felt betrayed and then refused to take a role in the Assembly ever since.

Windsor framework

The DUP boycott of Stormont has put pressure on the United Kingdom (UK) government in a number of ways. First of all, it is much more difficult to govern the North, without a devolved Northern government in place. Secondly, any member of the DUP who is a member of the UK Parliament must resign from that role were he/she to take up a role in the Assembly. As members of Parliament, they are able to put more pressure on the UK government in relation to the post-Britain protocol.

On the flip side of that, however, there are a few downsides to that approach. First, the boycott increases political instability and the risk of violence. Secondly, the Stormont boycott is against the will of the people and that is not a good thing. Even among its own followers, only half are in favor of the boycott, and that is a political risk for their own party! Undoubtedly, the DUP members are playing high stakes, not just for themselves, but for the North as well.

The UK government bowed to pressure, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen putting together new trade arrangements - the 'Windsor Framework' - which will reduce customs checks on goods coming into the North from Great Britain. It is a compromise between the two parties and the European Union has undoubtedly conceded to the UK in relation to several points. But it's a good deal for the North, all things considered.

Significant progress but…

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said the Windsor Framework was a significant step forward, but they still had key concerns about the Framework, particularly around the continued application of EU laws. There is still a lot of work to be done, according to Donaldson. But Rishi Sunak said the UK government has no plans to renegotiate the Framework.

In the first vote in parliament on the 'Stormont Brake', a central piece of the Framework, there were 515 members in favor and 29 (including 8 DUP members) against the Brake, and so it was passed.

A clash between the DUP and Sunak is likely to be inevitable, but Sunak currently has the upper hand on the Framework. But what will Jeffrey Donaldson do now?

Choices?

Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP are now in a dilemma over what to do. It now feels very unlikely that the DUP will succeed in forcing their will on the UK government further with respect to the Framework. At the same time, Northerners are growing impatient since they still don’t have their own government in place, and support for the DUP may well dwindle if its boycott of Stormont continues. Without a doubt, the DUP is in a bit of trouble now.

In my view, it is now time for the DUP to swallow their pride and do the right thing and accept their seats in Stormont. Ultimately, they got a new deal regarding the Protocol, and it's a shame they're not happy with that. Who knows what the end of this story might be, but I have to admit that I am not overly optimistic about it.

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Na hOscars – Thuas seal Thíos seal!

The Oscars - you win some, you lose some!

by | 2023/03/22 | Current Affairs, International News, National News

The Oscars - you win some, you lose some!

The Oscars could hardly be worse this year than they were last year. That's what I thought a few days ago, anyway. Unfortunately, they were much worse in my opinion, (at least) from the point of view of our country. Why? Well, we only won two Oscars out of the 14 nominations we received! Then to add insult to injury we received mental abuse before and at the Oscar ceremony.

Although 'The Banshees of Inisherin' received 9 nominations, the film did not win any Oscars. 'The Quiet Girl' did not win the Oscar for the best international feature film either, as the film 'All Quiet on the Western Front' from Germany won that Oscar. And Paul Mescal didn't win the Oscar for best actor in the movie 'Aftersun', because Brendan Fraser (in the movie 'The Whale') won that Oscar.

But, every cloud has a silver lining...

It is a sign of the significant progress in the film industry in Ireland that the two Oscars we won were a disappointment to some of us! The 14 nominations showed the full range of talent in the country in acting, directing, editing, composing and filming - not only in English, but in Irish too!

Richard Baneham's second Oscar win in the special effects category for his work on Avatar: The Way of Water' shows that Ireland's technical skills are at the highest level. 'An Irish Goodbye' showcased the depth and breadth of talent available in Ireland, as well as the gift of originality. When the Oscar audience sang 'Happy Birthday' to actor James Martin, it was a special celebration! James is the first person with Down syndrome to ever win an Oscar!

Ivan Martin (James' father) said: "I remember the person who said to me a long time ago: 'Look Mr Martin, you have to understand that James will never talk' And here we are now! "James doesn't just talk, but from the moment he started talking, he hasn't stopped since," Ivan told BBC Radio Ulster.

Special mention must be made of that wonderful film 'An Cailín Ciúin', the first Irish language film ever to reach this ceremony. With that, Irish-language filmmaking has achieved an important goal. CINE4 (a partnership with TG4, the Irish Film Board (BSE) and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI)) played a key role as the main financier in this significant development. It's a strong confirmation of how important funding is to make progress like that - otherwise, it wouldn't happen.

Mental abuse!

On the Saturday before the Oscars, there was a 'comedy sketch' on the program 'Saturday Night Live', with Molly Kearny and Mikey Day as Farrell and Gleeson. The clip of them was posted online, which showed the pair speaking unintelligible English to each other until they walked out, and then one of the presenters saying: “Wow! They haven't even started drinking yet.”

The sketch was criticized for being offensive and derogatory in the way it portrayed Irish stereotypes. Actor Alan Mehdizadeh wrote on Twitter: “Well done SNL! You managed to make fun of an entire nation, and of someone who was engaged in a very public battle with alcohol, and you managed to do it without even being funny."

"..the 1980s called and they want their stereotypical Irish jokes back," said another commenter. Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee shared the clip on Twitter with the words: "Yeah, it's pretty good" and an emoji showing her displeasure at the end.

Even at the Oscar ceremony itself, the presenter, Jimmy Kimmel, was joking (in the same way). He opened the ceremony by saying: “We have nominated people from all over Dublin. Five Irish actors have been nominated tonight, which greatly increases the chances of another fight on stage.”

Later, Kimmel read a 'fan question' from a viewer who said he loved Farrell's performance, but didn't understand what he was saying. Farrell replied: "Watch SNL last night and you'll have a good clue." Kimmel was criticized on social media and the press for those negative things he was saying.

Conclusion

Although 'Saturday Night Live' and Jimmy Kimmel threw anti-Irish insults about, we should be positive about things. It is a source of national pride that we received 14 nominations and two Oscars, including the first for someone with Down syndrome. It's great to see an Irish language film competing at an international level as well - that's a good sign of hope for the language. We will have another day at the Oscars!

Athrú ollmhór i nDearcadh Phobal na Ríochta Aontaithe

Big Change of Perspective by the U.K. Public

by | 2023/03/15 | Current Affairs, International News, Politics

Athrú Ollmhór...

Recently, three researchers at the European University Institute performed an interesting analysis of trends in British opinion polls on Brexit that had been carried out over a six -year period. They noticed a strong trend - over time more people think that Brexit was a disastrous mistake. Other interesting trends were also discovered when they broke down the results by age group.

Results of the British referendum on Brexit

In the referendum itself in 2016, 52% were in favor of leaving the European Union (EU) and 48% against. But 64% of voters over 65 chose ‘leave’, compared to just 29% of youngest voters – those between 18 and 24 years. There is no argument but that there was, there is and there will be a big difference between young and old regarding Brexit.

The results of opinion polls

‘YouGov 'ran British opinion polls in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. This question was in every poll:“ Do you think it was right or wrong for the UK to leave the EU? ”

Among all respondents, the average percentage has increased over time who think that it was wrong to leave the EU, suggesting that the people of the UK have experienced a change of heart.

The researchers Joris Frese, Juho Härkönen and Simon Hix for calculated the percentage for each age group who answered ‘wrong’”, in an attempt to gain deeper insights.

Researchers' analysis

Only a small group of the oldest voters group (65+) changed opinion since the referendum. In the latest poll, 28% think it was wrong to leave the tea. (This shows that,) if anything, they are, as a group, more comfortable now than ever that the UK was right to leave the EU.

Likewise, most people born between 1945 and 1954 - the so -called “Baby Boomers” did not change - their opinion. In the latest poll, 32% think it was wrong to leave the EU.

Unlike the other groups, many people changed their views in the group born between 1985 and 1994 - the ‘millenials’. 57% said in 2016 that it was wrong to leave, but in the latest poll, 70% say it was wrong.

In the group born between 1995 and 2004 (‘Gen Z’), 61% said in 2016 that it was wrong to leave the EU compared to 64% in the latest polls. But-and this is a crucial point-there are many in this group (those born after 1998) who were too young to vote in 2016.

Conclusions

But what is the main findings of the research? Two main conclusions can be drawn from the researchers' study.

1.Most did not change their opinion about Brexit, with one exception - the ‘millenials’. 70% now think it is a mistake for them to leave the EU. It is no coincidence that this is the group that is paying the most for the bad decision on Brexit.
2. In 2016, 69% young people were in favor of staying in the EU, compared to 36% of people over 65. But over time people dye - mainly older people, and new voters are coming in upon turning 18. Approximately one third of the opinion shift on Brexit in the opinion polls is attributable to this demographic change.

We cannot predict precisely what people in the UK will have in the future but we are able to express a measured opinion, anyway. One of the researchers - Juho Härkönen - said that “the main conclusion” from the study of his team was that “voter replacement” has a major impact on the results up to date, and will (do so) also in the future.” As the younger generation is much more positive about the EU than the oldest voters group, it is clear that the trend in favor of the EU will continue to increase in the UK. Therefore, after a while the UK will reach a dilemma, regarding its membership of the EU. Looking back now, it is clear to most electors that the Tories and the Press pulled the wool over their eyes, in relation to Brexit. And while it would not be easy for the UK, it would be better (for them) to re -apply for membership in the EU as soon as possible. To do this, they will have to consider how to save face-a difficult thing for a country that was once so strong!

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Tuairisc Bháis: An tEaspag Dave O’Connell

Obituary: Bishop Dave O'Connell

by | 2023/03/08 | Obituary

An tEaspag Dave O’Connell

Catholics in Southern California and around the world have recently been mourning the death of Bishop David O'Connell in Los Angeles. The bishop was known as 'The Peacemaker' and was famous for his work with poor migrant communities. He was shot dead in his sleep at his home in East Los Angeles. Home repair contractor Carlos Medina (65), who did odd jobs for the Bishop around the house, and whose wife worked as a housekeeper for the Bishop, has been accused of murdering Bishop O'Connell. Neighbors of the Bishop complained to the authorities that Carlos Medina, who had a previous drug conviction, had been behaving erratically for the past few days. After the police did some excellent detective work based on that tip, Medina was arrested on suspicion of murdering the Bishop.

The Bishop was born and raised in Glanmire in County Cork. He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gómez described the Bishop in an emotional press conference. He was trying to hold back tears as he spoke of O'Connell. "Every day Bishop O'Connell tried to show compassion for the poor, the homeless, the immigrants and all those who live on the margins of society. He was a good priest, a good bishop and a man of peace," said the Archbishop.

The Archbishop's voice began to tremble as he spoke of his friend's death and how grateful he is to the police force and the investigative team "for their hard work in bringing the murder suspect into custody".

During his career throughout Los Angeles County, O'Connell stood up to federal and local officials, and even his own leaders when he had to, on behalf of the flock he served. Even after Pope Francis appointed him bishop in 2015, O'Connell never lost touch with the ordinary people.

Peter Dreier, professor of urban politics at 'Occidental College' in Los Angeles and author of 'The Next Los Angeles: The Struggle for a Livable City,' remembered O'Connell as a community organizer who put his personal charm to work for the poor and for people who are disempowered.

“I was always very impressed with Bishop Dave and how knowledgeable he was in the matters of life. I was also impressed by his compassion, and his willingness to challenge people in power on a variety of issues, especially immigrant rights, housing justice, racism and public safety,” Dreier wrote in a Facebook post. "He saw the church as a vehicle for social justice."

Bishop Dave was the parish priest at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in South Los Angeles for more than ten years and the people of the parish remember that Dave was always working for them without stopping. The news of his death shocked them and they struggled to make sense of the violent death he suffered – violence in stark contrast to the Bishop's own attitude and life.

Jarlath Cunnane, priest at St Cornelius Catholic Church on Long Beach in California, met O'Connell more than 50 years ago at All Hallows College in Dublin, while they were studying to become priests. They had a lot in common - both studied English while attending university - and Cunnane quickly realized that O'Connell was a funny, perceptive man.

The two men moved to California in the nineties, and their friendship grew deeper over the years. In 2020, when Cunnane was in hospital for several weeks with a blood infection, O'Connell visited him almost every day. Cunnane was on an oxygen machine at the time and had a terrible taste in his mouth the whole time. O'Connell gave him a kombucha drink almost every visit to reduce that taste.

“He had a great capacity for friendship," Cunnane said of O'Connell.

The two friends met for dinner recently, Cunnane said, and discussed plans to visit some parishes in the O'Connell archdiocese in the near future. His longtime friend wasn't concerned for his own safety, Cunnane said, so it came as a complete shock to him when he found out he had been shot to death. "Who on earth would ever think of doing something like this?" he asked. He is right and Bishop Dave's life has been lost senselessly - may his soul rest in eternal peace.

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Léirmheas Scannáin: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen. A Journey, A Song

Film Review: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen. A Journey, A Song

by | 2023/03/01 | Reviews

Léirmheas Scannáin: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen. A Journey, A Song

Bono said 'Hallelujah' was the best song ever. Maybe he's right!

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen wrote 'Hallelujah' over a period of five years. But the song didn't gain much recognition at first, like Cohen himself - that wouldn't happen for them for a long time. The story of the song and its composer are intertwined, and co-directors Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine use that strong connection to create a documentary.

Late Starter

Leonard Cohen was an unusual rock star. This Canadian poet and novelist was 40 years old when Judy Collins (who made Cohen's song 'Suzanne' popular) advised him, saying: "You can't stay hidden any more; you have to sing in public.” Cohen could not sing or play music at the time. But after a while, he became very successful as a musician.

Rejection

Cohen was around fifty years old in 1984, when he finished his song 'Hallelujah'. He collaborated with producer John Lissauer and backing singer Jennifer Warnes to prepare a new album, entitled 'Various Positions'. He sent it to Columbia Records, and Columbia president Walter Yetnikoff asked Cohen to meet with him. Yetnikoff said to him: "Look, Leonard, we know you're great, but we don't know if you are any good!" Yetnikoff refused to release the album. It is noteworthy that there were three great songs on that album - 'Hallelujah', 'Dance Me to the End of Love' and 'Be Your Will'!

John Cale, Glen Hansart agus Jeff Buckley

'Hallelujah' was originally a long song. But when he was working on a Cohen tribute album called 'I'm your Fan', the famous musician John Cale made comprehensive edits to the song before singing it on the album. But there was still an ingredient missing – in the name of Jeff Buckley!

Jeff Buckley was an Irish-American (son of the great musician Tim Buckley, a friend of Cohen), and he started working as a roadie for Glen Hansart and 'The Commitments', when they were on tour in the United States in 1991. Hansart encouraged him to play and sing his own music in the Sin-é cafe in Manhattan. By the way, an Irishman named Shane Doyle opened Sin-É cafe in 1989.

Although the great musician Jeff Buckley released a version of 'Hallelujah' (based on John Cale's arrangement) in 1994 on his album 'Grace', 'Hallelujah' did not reach the top of the charts until 1998. Undoubtedly, Buckley’s accidental death in 1997 brought the song to public attention. When they heard it, they then realized how beautiful 'Hallelujah' was, and especially Buckley's arrangement.

Comeback

Cohen spent 5 years, from 1994 to 1999, in a Zen monastery in Los Angeles. Cohen was regularly plagued by depression, and sought refuge. Eventually, he realized that his cure was not to be had in the monastery and left it. He then released a couple of less successful albums - one in 2001 (Ten New Songs) and another in 2004 (Dear Heather).

But when his manager, Kelley Lynch, stole most of his money, he decided to make a comeback at the age of 73. He put a band together, and they went on tour in 2007. Tickets for their concert were sold out quickly, and they had to add other dates to their schedule. Cohen continued to work like that until 2013, and he was more successful than ever.

From Strength to Strength

The hit film 'Shrek' (2001) had two very popular versions of 'Hallelujah': John Cale's version in the film, and Rufus Wainwright's version on the film's soundtrack.

In 2004, KD Lang released a version of Hallelujah on her album 'Hymns of the 49th Parallel' and sang it at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Alexandra Burke's arrangement, winner of the fifth series of 'The X Factor', went to the top of the charts at Christmas 2008. Then, almost every singer in every talent show around the world started singing 'Hallelujah'.

"We spoke to the busker you see in our film outside the underground train station in Manhattan," said director Goldfine. “And she told us that if she's having a hard time getting an audience and there's no money coming in, she starts playing 'Hallelujah'. She says it works every time.”

What would you say now, Walter Yetnikoff?

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