Léargas

‘All we Irish speakers seek is equality’ Deasún Breatnach was an extraordinary man. His wife Luci (Lucila Hellman de Menchaca) was equally special and together they had six talented and gifted children; Diarmuid, Osgur, Caoilte, Oisín, Cormac and Lucilita. Deasún lived his life to the full and that is reflected in the 11 books he wrote and in his significant and valuable library of hundreds of books, on history and literature, on culture and the Irish language, heritage and folklore that the family presented to Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta, NUI Galway last Saturday evening. The Acadamh is charged with promoting higher education through the medium of Irish and works in the Irish communications sector, with a particular reference on journalism. Deasún would have applauded their decision. Instead of gathering dust in boxes they will now find renewed life on the shelves of Galway University and play their part in influencing and shaping future generations of journalists and...

  Vote YES - Abolish the Seanad   The story goes that an Irish politician arrived in New York and unexpectedly had to stay overnight. The hotel clerk said, ‘sorry we’re full up’ until, that is, the politician dropped the fact that he was a Senator in the Irish Parliament. He was then asked to wait while the clerk rushed off and within a matter of moments Senator X had his room. Why? Because Americans know that their Senators have real power and influence and the clerk assumed Irish Senators are the same. Not so. But this wasn’t the first Irish Senator to find that arranging a meeting, getting a hotel room or a taxi or booking a restaurant in the USA is always made easier when the title ‘Senator’ is affixed to the name. The perception is greater than the reality. And now the future of the Seanad (Senate) hangs in the balance. On October 4 th a referendum will determine whether the Seanad stays as is or is abolished. Sinn Féin would have preferred voters...

Thank you Seamus Heaney On Tuesday evening the Dáil set aside its normal business to remember Seamus Heaney. The deep sense of loss and of affection for Seamus was evident in all of the contributions. In the days after his death I wrote of my own sorrow at his passing and yesterday, speaking in the Dáil, I again expressed the great sadness that engulfed millions when we learned of his passing. This is some of what I said: “ I am honoured to have the opportunity, on my own behalf and that of Sinn Féin, to join Dáil colleagues and others in the North, including in the Assembly and in south Derry , in expressing to Seamus's widow, Marie, and their children, Christopher, Michael and Catherine Ann, our profound sadness at his passing and our solidarity with them. I cannot recall any death in recent times that was felt by so many people. I know that sense of loss can only be a fraction of what his bereaved family and close personal friends are feeling. Seoid náisiúnt...

Until I stood for the Dáil in County Louth I had never heard of symphysiotomy. Several women victims of this barbaric practice came to see me to explain what had been done to them and to outline their long campaign for justice. For those of you who don’t know what it is or entails; symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure used in the arrest of descent during the second stage of labour in order to increase the diameter of a woman’s pelvis and allow for a vaginal birth. Initiated in France in the 18th century, this procedure involves severing the cartilage that connects the symphysis pubis with a scalpel under local anaesthesia, followed by unhinging of the pelvic bones to the extent needed for delivery I was outraged by their personal stories of pain and abuse and moved by their courage and resilience. In the years since then the campaign has increased pressure on the government to address this issue in a way that is satisfactory to the remaining women survivors. As part of Sinn Féin...

I have just heard of the death of David Frost. Very sad news.  I was interviewed by David many times. He was always courteous, good humoured, well researched and keenly interested in Ireland and the peace process. There was always a depth to his interviews that is frequently missing in others. David’s style of interview was unique and effective. He once explained to me that there are two types of interview. One in which the interviewer attacks like a blizzard, a storm, and the response of the guest is to button up, put on the big overcoat and go into protective mode. The other is to come at the guest like a sunny day. This encourages the guest to take off their jacket and relax. In this way you get the more informed and interesting interview. Consequently he was the master of the great interview. To his family and friends I want to extend my sincere sympathies and condolences. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam