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Irish Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Who owns the legacy of the Troubles?
MY FRIEND Lyra McKee died from a gunshot wound and became a symbol of a post-Troubles generation. She was a young lesbian and a freelance journalist starting to establish a reputation. One night in April 2019 she stood watching a riot in Derry. Dissident republicans who had rejected the peace deal of 1998 were throwing stones and petrol bombs at police officers who had come into the Creggan estate to make arrests. Riots of this kind were common during the period of the Troubles, generated by both republican and loyalist communities, often with the police as the main target. I watched many riots as a young journalist as Lyra did that night, standing behind police or army lines or occasionally on the sidelines for a clearer view, depending on how safe I felt there. On that night in Derry a man came forward with a pistol and fired at the police. One of his bullets struck Lyra in the head. She then became a symbol of change because this was not supposed to happen. The violence was meant to be behind us. Most of those who had led the violence of the past agreed on that. And Lyra was seen as part of a post conflict generation. She would have been watching that riot perhaps because she had never or rarely seen such a thing. She would have regarded it as a throwback to an awful time. British prime Minister Theresa May applauds with Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and mourners as the hearse leaves the church after the funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast (Pic: Rolling News) Her symbolic importance was such that her funeral at St Anne's cathedral in Belfast was attended by the then Prime Minister Theresa May and several dignitaries including the Northern Irish First Minister, Arlene Foster. Her writings were republished, and one particular piece was seen as speaking for her whole generation. As a lesbian writing to her younger self she had said: 'It won't always be like this. It's going to get better.' The tragic irony of how she had died was that it seemed to affirm that the awfulness continued despite her hopes and confidence. And the starkness of that seemed to reinforce a determination that her vision would be fulfilled, that her death could not be pointless, that there had to be a Northern Ireland free of violence and prejudice in which a new generation had put the past behind them. Young people today in Northern Ireland seem divided between those who regard themselves as a fruitful new generation untainted by the past and those who retain the anger and suffer inherited trauma. Both often seem naive to me, as inevitably young people will when trying to respond to events that took place before they were born. Some say they are not like the generation of their parents which made a mess of things. Some carry grief for what their families suffered and struggle to understand a society that has moved on. Take Liadan Ní Chuinn who has just published an extraordinary collection of short stories that the critics are raving about. Liadan is a pseudonym and there is no public disclosure over who she or he is. The name is female. The Irish Times has said of Every One Still Here that it deserves to be considered 'among the best Irish books of the 21st century'. That's one hell of an endorsement. The stories are largely about generational trauma, featuring young characters who agonise over the legacy of the Troubles and relate the deaths of older relations to the stress and violence of those days. The book is brilliantly written. An energetic imagination relates characters and situations vividly and movingly. There is a coherent and authentic young voice throughout. In the closing story a character Rowan confronts an older person, Shane who doesn't want to dwell on the past and tells him he'll get over it. Rowan is furious and the older character is saying that the past is behind us and best left there. This presents us with a counter to the image of Lyra McKee who is taken to symbolise the generation that has moved on. There can be no question that Liadan is a major artist, an impressively evocative writer but there is naïveté and warped perspective here too. That last story ends the book with a passionate litany of many of those who were killed by British soldiers during the Troubles, many of the soldiers being defended by their own officers and by government ministers; few were charged and convicted of murder. The scandal of murders by soldiers is well recorded yet few have ever been held accountable. But Ní Chuinn's vision of the cause of conflict presents the British army as the main source of grief. And this book is not alone in thinking like that. The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, who has said that there was no alternative to the IRA campaign, has recently spoken of how she and those around her were moved by the horror of young men being killed by soldiers. That conviction that the primary evil, the most damnable source of grief and grievance was the British army may be reality for some but what is missing here is context. Most of the killing was done by the IRA and by loyalist paramilitary groups. How can that simply be forgotten or discounted as irrelevant? There is danger in that blindness for that simplistic account of our past is what drives the dissident republicans still, the ones who couldn't compromise for peace, the ones who shot Lyra McKee. See More: Lyra McKee, Northern Ireland, Troubles
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Trump's threatened 200% pharma tariff 'would damage everybody'
The introduction of a 200% tariff rate on pharmaceutical imports to the United States would damage pharma companies and patients, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. Earlier this week, US president Donald Trump signalled tariffs against the pharmaceutical industry, saying such a rate could be as high as 200% for imports into the US. It came after Mr Trump announced the deadline for the US implementing tariffs on countries had been put back to August 1, giving the EU more time to hammer out an agreement with the United States. While Mr Trump signalled the tariff rate, he said any such levies would not come in for a period of time, up to a year and a half, to allow pharmaceutical companies time to relocate their plants to the US. Mr Trump said: We're going to give people about a year, a year and a half to come in, and after that, they're going to be tariffed. Responding to Mr Trump's threats, the Taoiseach warned against the introduction of such high rates, saying it would damage companies, economies and possibly lead to medicine shortages. "Tariffs at that scale would damage the companies, it would damage everybody. Never forget, US companies have become strong because of access to a lucrative EU market. They are leaders in the EU market and it's an important industry in Europe. Taoiseach Micheál Martin met Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda at Farmleigh House in Dublin on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties, EU and international issues including Ukraine, security, trade, and preparations for Ireland's and Lithuania's upcoming EU Council presidencies in 2026–2027. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews "One has to be extremely careful of disrupting existing supply chains that could result in shortage of medicines but also could undermine the companies themselves. "There has to be a realism in terms of the relocating. The [US] president has a legitimate objective in terms of wanting to relocate more manufacturing in America." However, Mr Martin said manufacturing based in the EU provides US companies access to the European and Asian markets. On the possibility of an EU-US trade deal, Mr Martin said it appeared to be a "framework agreement" rather than a full deal which would require additional line-by-line negotiations between the two sides. However, he said the wider EU seemed to agree that escalating the trade dispute would be "very damaging" to everyone. The Taoiseach was speaking as he met with the Lithuanian president, Gitanas Nauseda, during a visit to Dublin on Thursday. Mr Nauseda said it was 'too early' to make conclusions on a deal, but he hoped a deal would be reached between the EU and US. 'It's very important to understand that a trade war, you cannot win it. I can tell you as a former economist it is impossible to win the trade war. 'The main and most beneficial way to proceed is to find a compromise.'
Irish Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Irish government considering banning use of sunbeds
THE Irish Government is considering banning the use of sunbeds after a report recommended they be outlawed to reduce cancer rates across the country. The Institute of Public Health (IPH) has recommended a ban on sunbeds to reduce the risk of skin cancer in Ireland, which has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Published this week, their report, titled 'An overview of sunbed use in Ireland and policy options to reduce skin cancer risk', analysed data on sunbed users, sunbed availability and the current regulations on sunbeds in Ireland. Public health minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has announced a cross-departmental working group to examine banning commercial sunbeds in Ireland (Pic: Rolling News) It found that despite it being illegal to use sunbeds in Ireland under the age of 18, children as young as 10 have used them. IPH Director of Policy, Dr Helen McAvoy, said their report 'provides evidence that sunbeds are still being used by children and young people despite existing regulations restricting their availability to anyone under the age of 18'. She added: 'Using sunbeds increases your risk for skin cancer; it is not safe to use a sunbed at any age. 'A ban on sunbeds has been shown to work,' Dr McAvoy explained. 'In Australia, it is estimated to have prevented tens of thousands of skin cancers and led to significant health cost savings. 'Introducing a similar ban on sunbeds in Ireland could help to stem skin cancer rates, which are projected to double over the next 20 years.' Ireland's Minister for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has welcomed the recommendations this week. 'This report reinforces what we already know - there is no safe level of sunbed use,' she said. 'Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, and we must act decisively to protect our population, particularly our young people, from preventable harm. 'The evidence is clear: sunbeds are still being used by children and young people, despite legal restrictions. 'This is deeply concerning.' She added: 'We must do everything within our power to protect people from its harms in order to save lives and reduce the burden of cancer on our health service.' A working group has been established to consider the move to ban sunbeds in Ireland, which is being led by Minister O'Connor. It is due to hold its first meeting this week, and the Minister praised the work of the IPH in providing data that supports the aims of the group. 'I commend the IPH for this important work,' she said. 'We now have a strong foundation to move forward with policy measures that prioritise the health and wellbeing of our communities, and I look forward to supporting the Working Group along with colleagues across Government and the health sector as we consider the next steps,' she added. See More: Ban, Ireland, Sunbed
Irish Post
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Post
'Warm, caring, fearless': President Higgins leads tributes following death of Brother Kevin Crowley
PRESIDENT Michael D. Higgins has led the tributes following the death of Capuchin friar, Brother Kevin Crowley, at the age of 90. Br Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 after being moved by the plight of homeless people in the city. Over the course of the centre's history, Br Kevin — who is originally from Enniskeane, Co. Cork — oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. Br Kevin, who welcomed the late Pope Francis to the centre in 2018, retired from his role in August 2022. "His commitment to people who were poor, homeless or in need in any way was a hallmark of the man who felt compelled to express his Capuchin Franciscan values through concrete actions," read a statement from the centre. Br Kevin shakes hands with Pope Francis during the pontiff's visit to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2018 (Image: Damien Eagers / Maxwell Photography Pool Photos / Rolling News) In his tribute, President Higgins said Br Kevin 'made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city'. "I was deeply honoured to meet with Br Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company," said the president. "Br Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. "Br Kevin leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference." 'Warmth and decency' Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald described Br Kevin as 'a champion of the poor and of those who fall on hard times'. "A proud son of Cork, his relentless work in the Capuchin Centre here in Dublin is the stuff of legend. He lived for others and changed lives," she said. "He was a man of deep faith and real modesty. He loved people and worked every day to help those in need. "He believed fully that nobody should be forgotten or left behind. "Every time I met Br Kevin, his warmth and decency shone through. Br Kevin with then Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2012 (Image: Laura Hutton / "The legacy he leaves us is a legacy of love and the belief that a person can make a difference." Archbishop of Dublin Fr Dermot Farrell said Br Kevin changed the lives of those he helped while seeking nothing in return. "Br Kevin devoted his life to the service of the poor," he said. "His work with the Capuchin Day Centre staff and volunteers transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised in our city who availed of its services, from misery and despair to hope and love. "He was always able to see Christ in the people he met. His was a love that reached out with no questions asked of those who sought assistance." 'Unwavering commitment' The Salvation Army in Ireland said they hoped their own work would be a 'consolation to all who mourn Br Crowley's passing'. "He was a man of faith, compassion, and action who devoted his life to those most in need," read a statement from the charity. "His unwavering commitment to dignity, kindness, and inclusion changed countless lives. "We in the Salvation Army share in his values and mission of supporting our most vulnerable people particularly those experiencing homelessness." Br Kevin outside the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2020, with the centre's then chairman, Brother Peter Rogers (Image: Julien Behal Photography / Core to Br Kevin's vision and the Capuchin Day Centre's mission is the unconditionality of access irrespective of age, race, gender, nationality and religious or political beliefs. Those who come to the centre are not asked for any personal information, or about their reasons for accessing its services. This unique openness, fostered by Br Kevin, led to the Capuchin Day Centre becoming a bedrock of homeless services in Dublin and a reliable safety net for the most vulnerable in society. When Br Kevin founded the centre in 1969, around 50 people accessed it regularly — today, that number has grown to more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners served each day. See More: Brother Kevin Crowley, Capuchin Day Centre, Michael D Higgins
Irish Examiner
29-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Terry Prone: Memory of late Thalidomide victim Jacqui Browne should be honoured
Just under a year ago, Jacqui Browne stated her grim certainty. That certainty was that the Government was simply waiting for Irish Thalidomide survivors to die. This week she died, her death not probative of such an intent, but a reproach to the system, nonetheless. She held that certainty even though, this time last year, the Government was indicating that it would take a new approach to solving the problems caused by doctors prescribing a morning sickness drug to pregnant women, those doctors unaware that it would cause grievous damage to their unborn babies. Long after that drug had been removed from sale in other countries, it lurked on the shelves of pharmacies here, ready to maim and disfigure. Jacqui Browne, front, with other members of the Irish Thalidomide Association arriving at Government Buildings in 2022 for one of many meetings where they sought long-overdue justice for survivors of the Thalidomide drug. File picture: Sam Boal/Rolling News Kerry woman Jacqui Browne was one of the babies born disastrously damaged by Thalidomide. Her hands and forearms were shortened. Her hearing less than normal. Her speech impaired. When most toddlers are learning to play and explore, Jacqui was being poked and tested, torn from her family for special education in a school for deaf children in Dublin. The first of 35 major surgical operations was done to the little girl when she was a tiny five-year-old. Big surgical interventions continued throughout her life. And yet, she forged a career for herself, internationally, as a disability equality consultant. Intrepid yachtswoman She had a life; becoming a yachtswoman who survived a shipwreck near Java. The Cork Clipper — with Jacqui Browne among the crew — leading the fleet out of port at the start of Race 3 from Rio to Cape Town in the 2010 Clipper Round the World Race. File picture: Clipper Ventures/PA One of a group competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 15 years ago, when their boat went aground, she and the rest of the crew managed to get to a place where they could survive until rescue boats came. Despite the never-ending problems caused to her life by Thalidomide and the corrective surgeries that never seemed to be complete, she was a self-confessed optimist. 'I'm always happy,' she confirmed. 'I have wonderful friends and great family support. But I do find physically there is so much I can't do.' Along with the other 40 survivors (together with some people who the Thalidomide Association believe to justify adding to that number), she went public in recent years to ask the powers that be to apologise to the mothers who have blamed themselves all their lives for the hurt to their children caused by the 'miracle' drug. What emerged last year aggravated, rather than assuaged, the anger of the survivors. It was an expression of sympathy rather than a straight-up apology. In its aftermath, another mother died. The Thalidomide survivors, Jacqui front and centre among them, have for years asked the State to revisit the issue, pointing out that, just as polio victims suffer post-polio syndrome decades after they thought they were done with the sequelae of the infection, victims of Thalidomide enter new levels of suffering as they enter old age — for different reasons. 'When you have impairments due to the thalidomide drug, you're all the time compensating,' Jacqui pointed out. You're doing things maybe differently to how somebody else might do them, but you're actually overusing one side of your body. So that too becomes inflamed and sore and painful because you can't use the other side. Paying tribute to Jacqui, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission chief Liam Herrick talked of mourning the loss of a 'colleague, advisor, and friend'. Her Thalidomide Association colleagues — 39 of them now left to continue the fight they shouldn't still be fighting — talk of losing a warrior. Her family will experience the loss differently: They grieve a family member, a beloved sister. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste — each of whom has at various times expressed understanding of the issue and a wish to solve the remaining problems — might honour the memory of Jacqui Browne by kicking life into an administrative process that's almost one sadly unproductive year in business this month.
