Episode Details

The Dis-United Kingdom.

Several weeks ago British PM Andy Burnham sparked a furious debate over future constitutional change and Irish Unity with his crass comment that it was ‘off the table.’

The Unionist parties were delighted.

Fast forward two weeks and an endorsement of a united Ireland by US President Donald Trump has ignited another energetic conversation around the issue. Speaking during his visit President Trump, sitting beside An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whose opposition to planning for unity is well known, said he would love to see a united Ireland – it would be a ‘fantastic thing.’ He repeated this several times over the following two days.

The unionist parties were not delighted.

President Trump’s remarks are welcome, even though this column profoundly differs with him on many other matters, especially US foreign policy including the genocide against the Palestinian people. 

President Trump’s comments reflect broad north American sentiment and particularly that of Irish America towards Irish reunification. Since the days of President Clinton, who played an important role in the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, there has been a bi-partisan approach on Capitol Hill. Successive American administrations have reflected a more positive and progressive position on Ireland. This bodes well for the future. 

Kieran Nugent – The First Blanketman

Several hundred former political prisoners gathered in Ionad Eileen Howell – St. Comgall’s on Saturday for the launch of a new book - ‘Kieran Nugent – The First Blanketman’ edited by Danny Morrison. It was an emotional event with former comrades recalling Kieran’s courage and heroism in the face of a brutal prison regime. Kieran’s daughters Rae and Eileen and grandchildren Michael John, and Michael were present.

50 years ago, on 14 September 1976, Kieran was the first Republican political prisoner to be sent to the H-Blocks. Britain’s criminalisation strategy was determined that Republican prisoners would no longer be classified as political. That meant political prisoners wearing a criminal uniform and acquiescing to the prison regime.

Desmond Greaves Summer School

Last week I wrote in advance about participating in the Desmond Greaves Summer School. A packed Unite Trade Union Hall in Dublin on Sunday was the venue. The clár dealt with a number of important issues including a talk by Ray Bassett and me about the importance of the Good Friday Agreement.

I want to thank Anthony Coughlan, Kevin McCorry, Daltún Ó Ceallaigh and all of those who organised the 36th summer school for their invitation to take part.