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Dublin: 15 °C Wednesday 19 June, 2013

Sunday 12 May, 2013

Column: Are political families healthy for democracy?

Name recognition surely benefits politically candidacy both here and abroad, but it shouldn’t just be the Kennys, McEntees or the Clintons that are getting involved in the politics of shaping nations – we all should be, writes Larry Donnelly.

Sunday 21 April, 2013

Column: I’ll never forget the moment I heard the news of the explosions in my hometown

Boston native, Larry Donnelly reflects on the the horrific events that happened at the Boston Marathon this week, saying he’s been heartened by the expressions of solidarity from countless Irish people who have such a special affinity with the most Irish city in the US.

Sunday 14 April, 2013

Column: So, we have recognised Tom Cruise’s Irish roots… where’s the harm in that?

Those who are cynical or opposed to the efforts of The Gathering should ask themselves why, says Larry Donnelly who questions what ignites such hostility to seemingly harmless endeavours like that of certificates of Irishness.

Thursday 21 March, 2013

Column: Despite the Newtown massacre, America’s sickening gun culture lives on

After Newtown, Larry Donnelly was optimistic that the US might work towards stricter gun laws – but news that a ban on assault weapons has been removed from the legislation currently being considered has caused him to lose hope.

Sunday 17 March, 2013

Column: 10 ways my American English is fighting Hiberno English for survival

‘Craic’, ‘hoover’, ‘press’ – just some unique words Irish people have made their own. But if you are not a native to Ireland do these words make any sense and would you use them? Larry Donnelly compares his American English to Hiberno English in a word-off.

Sunday 10 March, 2013

Column: In comparison to public sector workers in the US, Irish frontline workers are poorly paid

New recruits to frontline services in Boston can be paid three times more than what the Irish government has sought to establish as the new starting salary for public service workers. Larry Donnelly discusses the reasons for the disparity in salaries.

Sunday 3 February, 2013

Column: Why are Ireland’s first lady and family so invisible?

In comparison to the US, first spouses and first families are well outside the political fray here in Ireland – but why so, asks Larry Donnelly.

Monday 21 January, 2013

Column: For Obama, this inauguration will be very different than the first

In January 2009, nearly two million people flocked to see the first African-American be sworn in as president – but, four years on, some promises have yet to be fulfilled. This term will present even more challenges, writes Larry Donnelly.

Sunday 23 December, 2012

Column: Christmas is different here in Ireland… but I love it

Larry Donnelly spent his life celebrating Christmas in the US. After marrying in Ireland, he’s encountered a different set of traditions.

Thursday 29 November, 2012

Column: Toeing the party line on issues of conscience isn’t right

Ireland’s rigid party whip system erodes true democracy – and this is never so evident as on the issue of abortion, writes Larry Donnelly.

Monday 5 November, 2012

Column: ‘The Irish-American vote may well decide the outcome of this election’

Irish-American voters are still a vibrant political entity and are important in the race for the White House, writes Larry Donnelly.