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News about the Irish & Irish American culture, music, news, sports. This is hosted by the Irish Aires radio show on KPFT-FM 90.1 in Houston, Texas (a Pacifica community radio station)
January 11, 2007
Ahern Urges SF To Hold Ardfheis
News About Ireland & The Irish
IT 01/11/07 Ahern Urges SF To Hold Ardfheis
IN 01/11/07 2007 -Defining Time In Future Of North
IN 01/11/07 Ahern Announces Investments For N/S Projects
IN 01/11/07 O’Loan Investigates Omagh Trial Witnesses
BB 01/11/07 Cocaine On '100% Of Irish Euros'
IT 01/11/07 Flight Of Earls Website To Go Live
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0111/breaking31.htm
Ahern Urges SF To Hold Ardfheis
Kilian Doyle
Thu, Jan 11, 2007
The Taoiseach has called on Sinn Féin to go ahead with its
plans to call an ardfheis on the issue of policing despite
"uncertainties" about the Democratic Unionist Party's
position.
In a newspaper article published today, Mr Ahern said he
knew "full well the sensitivities of the policing issue"
but warned that unless it was resolved, "there is no going
forward" in the bid to restore devolution.
But - in a reference to uncertainties about the DUP's
willingness to share power with republicans - Mr Ahern said
that if Sinn Féin delivered on their promises, "they have a
right to expect others to deliver too, on time".
The article, published in the Irish News, comes amid
speculation over Sinn Féin's next move. Earlier this week,
the party's officer board called an ardchomhairle meeting
for Saturday that is expected to decide whether to proceed
with the ardfheis.
Sinn Féin warned this week the ardfheis may not go ahead
because of the insistence of DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley
that he has not made any formal commitment to enter a
powersharing administration
by the St Andrews deadline of March 26th or indicate his
party will accept devolution of policing powers by the
target date of May next year.
However, Dr Paisley said on New Year's Day that "when Sinn
Féin delivers on its obligations, the DUP will not be found
wanting".
In his article, Mr Ahern acknowledges "all the
uncertainties and concerns" of republicans "and their
understandable desire for clarity.
"Inclusive support for reformed policing will bring
benefits and stability all round. And with that support the
last remaining obstacle to shared government in Northern
Ireland will have been addressed," Mr Ahern writes.
"In those circumstances there can be no excuse heard or
entertained about power sharing in Northern Ireland. The
DUP have said that they will not be found wanting.
Nationalists and republicans will have delivered
comprehensively. In return they have a right to expect
others to deliver too, on time".
The Taoiseach said that this was a defining moment when
Northern Ireland "can either move forward with confidence,
or stall in a climate of uncertainty and gloom".
Yesterday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promised that
the British security service, MI5, will not be involved in
"civic policing" in Northern Ireland. This announcement was
claimed as a victory by Sinn Féin.
© 2007 ireland.com
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545796
2007 To Be A Defining Time In Determining Future Of North
2007 will be a decisive year for Northern Ireland. I hope
that in years to come we can all look back and say that the
right decisions were made and that in making them they made
a real difference for this and future generations on this
island.
I have followed and been part of every twist and turn in
this peace process. But I know in my heart and soul that a
defining moment has arrived when Northern Ireland can
either move forward with confidence, or stall in a climate
of uncertainty and gloom.
At St Andrews in October, the Irish and British governments
set out a roadmap for the full restoration of the
democratic institutions.
That roadmap leads to an election to be called at the end
of this month and on into full restoration by the March 26.
Those dates are clearly set out in legislation.
As well as a timeline, the St Andrews Agreement sets out
obligations to be met by all concerned.
For our part, the two governments have done what we said we
would do.
Since the St Andrews Agreement, detailed legislation was
passed to establish a transitional assembly, to make agreed
changes to the operation of the institutions and to prepare
the way for restoration of the executive. Other commitments
have also been honoured by the governments, including
significant progress on a new financial package for the
north and on human rights and equality issues.
For the parties, it is clear what is required. There must
be full support for policing and rule of law and a clear
commitment to power sharing.
Sinn Fein, for its part has indicated that it is ready
definitively to address the policing issue at a special ard
fheis. Gerry Adams said at the time that he believed that
this was the right thing to do.
I welcomed that move and despite all the uncertainties and
concerns and their understandable desire for clarity I urge
them to follow through on it. I know full well the
sensitivities of the policing issue. But I know too that
left unresolved there is no going forward.
Inclusive support for reformed policing will bring benefits
and stability all round. And with that support the last
remaining obstacle to shared government in Northern Ireland
will have been addressed.
In those circumstances there can be no excuse heard or
entertained about sharing power in Northern Ireland.
The DUP have said that they will not be found wanting.
Nationalists and republicans will have delivered
comprehensively. In return they have a right to expect
others to deliver too, on time.
Many nationalists have represented their community, and
indeed served the entire community, very ably over the last
few years in the reformed policing structures. The SDLP
courageously led the way for the nationalist community, a
move that I actively supported and encouraged in 2001.
I believe that the nationalist community in Northern
Ireland can look to the future with real confidence.
The legitimate aspiration to seek a united Ireland, by
peaceful and democratic means, is fully recognised.
The principle of power sharing is established and
immutable.
The policing service has been reformed and now ranks as one
of the most modern and accountable in the world. The right
to equal citizenship and a full role in the national
community is fully recognised.
All of this has created a new political reality and a new
opportunity for everyone on this island.
I have already said that the Good Friday Agreement has
settled the constitutional position. The future of this
island must be one of openness and trust, free of threat
and suspicion.
The people are entitled to see their politicians working
together for the good of the community. They are entitled
to see their politicians take on the responsibilities of
office.
I welcome the fact that under the St Andrews Agreement, we
will see the restoration to full operation of the
North/South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish
Council.
There has been an obvious focus on the policing issue in
particular but I am very mindful that there is also
commitment to moving forward with these aspects of the
agreement and that this commitment forms an important part
of the new Ministerial pledge of office.
With restoration, we should also see the establishment of a
North/South Parliamentary Forum and the new Independent
Consultative Forum with representatives from civil society,
north and south. It is important that there should be early
delivery on these two important initiatives. In these and
in others areas we will be eager to work closely with the
re-established executive.
I also remain committed to following up on recommendations
in the 2002 all party Oireachtas Committee.
Seanad reform will give an opportunity to address many of
these but I have already asked that steps be taken to set
up a new Joint Oireachtas Committee to address issues
related to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement
and north/south relations.
All of these initiatives are an integral part of the
essential process of reconciliation and of developing new
relationships on the island of Ireland.
I fully support them and I believe that through these new
mechanisms we can begin to build up normal relationships in
ways that have been neglected over the decades.
This island and the relationships on it will be all the
stronger and healthier when we give full effect to these
initiatives. We must also face new economic realities and
the challenges of a globalised knowledge economy.
We need to work together to achieve the potential of the
island economy.
Later this month, the government will publish a new
National Development Plan for the period 2007-13. This will
contain a comprehensive overview of all-island cooperation
in all key policy areas.
For the first time, it will also contain proposals – to be
agreed with the British Government and the new executive in
Belfast –- for significant new investment in north/south
projects in key areas such as infrastructure, education,
science and innovation, tourism and regional development.
This can change this island, and the lives of everyone who
lives here, for the better.
In 1998 the politicians of this island, north and south,
finally agreed a new way to live together and to govern
together. That agreement was overwhelming endorsed by the
people, north and south. It has formed the basis for an
unprecedented period of peace and prosperity.
At that time, everyone was optimistic that we would see a
new world come about very quickly. Perhaps, looking back,
that was too much to expect after so many years of violence
and suffering, on all sides of the community.
The people of this island want the best for themselves,
their families and their friends. That means a good job, a
decent education, quality infrastructure and effective
public services. It means tackling problems like crime and
poverty.
The people have moved on from the old arguments. I am
certain that they now want the institutions back in place.
That is what is in prospect if we can reach agreement in
the next short while.
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545786
Ahern Will Announce Investment Package For North/South
Projects
By Staff Reporter
The Irish government will detail major new investment for
cross-border projects later this month.
Writing in The Irish News today Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says
proposals for north-south projects will be contained in his
government’s Nation-al Development Plan 2007-13.
He says the money will be spent in infrastructure,
education, science and innovation, tourism and regional
development.
“This can change this island and the lives of everyone who
lives here for the better,” he says.
In November tanaiste Michael McDowell reaffirmed the Irish
government’s commitment to providing an investment package
for “infrastructural development” in the north but said it
would first consider the British government’s £50 billion
deal.
Meanwhile, on the possibility of power sharing between Sinn
Fein and the DUP Mr Ahern says a “defining moment” has been
reached when “Northern Ireland can either move forward with
confidence or stall in a climate of uncertainty and gloom”.
“For the parties it is clear what is re-quired. There must
be full support for policing and rule of law and a clear
commitment to power sharing,” he says.
“Sinn Fein for its part has indicated that it is ready
definitively to address the policing issue at a special ard
fheis. Gerry Adams said at the time that he believed that
this was the right thing to do.”
Turning to unionists, he says: “The DUP have said that they
will not be found wanting. Nationalists and re-publicans
will have delivered comprehensively. In return they have a
right to expect others to deliver too.”
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545799
O’Loan Investigates Omagh Trial Witnesses
By Staff Reporter
Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan is investigating the conduct
of two key police witnesses in the trial of Omagh bombing
accused Sean Hoey.
During the hearings scenes of crime officer Fiona Cooper
and Detective Chief Inspector Philip Marshall both admitted
changing their statements on evidence gathering.
Hoey (37), of Jonesborough, Co Armagh, denies 58 charges,
including killing 29 people and unborn twins in the August
1998 blast.
The prosecution says Hoey made the bomb timers used at
Omagh and in a series of other attacks.
While being cross-examined at Belfast Crown Court Mr
Marshall and Ms Cooper admitted they had “beefed up” their
original statements to suggest that specialist forensic
precautions had been taken at an explosives find, when in
fact they had not.
The defence said this was done to bolster the prosecution
case.
Mrs O’Loan’s investigators are examining evidence
transcripts and have requested other documents.
Mr Justice Weir has taken the unusual step of ruling that
the investigation into witnesses’ conduct can take place
while the trial continues.
It was also revealed that the original statements made by
the witnesses had been lost.
At one point the defence barrister, Orlando Pownall QC,
asked for the two witnesses’ evidence to be excluded as
“their testimony is dishonest”.
Gordon Kerr QC, prosecuting, told the judge that he should
treat their evidence “with caution”.
The judge criticised the conduct of the witnesses and
called for an investigation into why statements were
altered and the originals were lost.
He said the “credibility and reliability” of Mr Marshall
and Ms Cooper had been called into serious question but
that the trial could continue.
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/6250189.stm
Cocaine On '100% Of Irish Euros'
By James Helm
BBC News, Dublin
One hundred percent of banknotes in the Republic of Ireland
carry traces of cocaine, a new study has found.
Researchers used the latest forensic techniques that would
detect even the tiniest fragments to study a batch of 45
used banknotes.
The scientists at Dublin's City University said they were
"surprised by their findings".
Some of the notes had such high levels of cocaine on them
that it is thought they were used to snort the drug.
Others had much lower traces and may have been cross-
contaminated, perhaps in the wallets or pockets of users.
Growing cocaine use
The results fit with scientific findings from other
countries such as the UK and Spain where cocaine has also
been found on a high proportion of notes.
Cocaine particles stick to the cotton that is contained
within the notes.
Cocaine use is thought to be growing in Ireland. Professor
Brett Paul, whose paper was published in a journal of the
Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK, said it demonstrated
how widespread the use of cocaine is.
The study also found that higher value banknotes, such as
20 and 50 euros, were more likely to contain greater traces
of the drug.
In recent weeks there has been fresh focus in Ireland on
the use of drugs in society.
Dublin has seen a number of murders that have been linked
to drugs gangs and Ireland's justice minister has said that
those who buy cocaine are helping to finance such groups.
One newspaper editorial said that the trend of cocaine use
showed that there is something rotten at the heart of
Ireland's economic boom.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2007/01/10 22:00:01 GMT
© BBC MMVII
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0111/breaking3_pf.html
Flight Of Earls Website To Go Live
Thu, Jan 11, 2007
A website commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Flight
of the Earls goes live today.
Set up by Donegal County Council, the site is part of year-
long celebrations to mark the death of the ancient Gaelic
aristocracy and beginning of the plantation of Ulster.
The site www.flightoftheearls.ie will be built in three
stages between January and March and will incorporate
regular updates.
It will have information about the key figures involved in
the Flight of the Earls, maps and archives and interesting
facts on the pivotal era in Irish history.
The Flight of the Earls took place at midday on Friday
September 14th, 1607, when 99 men, women and children of
the Gaelic nobility of Ulster crowded aboard ship at
Portnamurry, Rathmullan.
Among them was Rory O'Donnell of Donegal and Hugh O'Neill
of Tyrone.
They set sail for Spain, where they hoped to muster support
from the Catholic King Phillip III and return to liberate
Ireland from the English. It became known as the Flight of
the Earls.
King Philip was keen not to upset King James of England
after a truce was called and the Earls were never to get
help from Spain.
PA
© 2007 ireland.com
----
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To January Index
To Index of Monthly Archives
To Searches & Sources of Other Irish News
IT 01/11/07 Ahern Urges SF To Hold Ardfheis
IN 01/11/07 2007 -Defining Time In Future Of North
IN 01/11/07 Ahern Announces Investments For N/S Projects
IN 01/11/07 O’Loan Investigates Omagh Trial Witnesses
BB 01/11/07 Cocaine On '100% Of Irish Euros'
IT 01/11/07 Flight Of Earls Website To Go Live
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0111/breaking31.htm
Ahern Urges SF To Hold Ardfheis
Kilian Doyle
Thu, Jan 11, 2007
The Taoiseach has called on Sinn Féin to go ahead with its
plans to call an ardfheis on the issue of policing despite
"uncertainties" about the Democratic Unionist Party's
position.
In a newspaper article published today, Mr Ahern said he
knew "full well the sensitivities of the policing issue"
but warned that unless it was resolved, "there is no going
forward" in the bid to restore devolution.
But - in a reference to uncertainties about the DUP's
willingness to share power with republicans - Mr Ahern said
that if Sinn Féin delivered on their promises, "they have a
right to expect others to deliver too, on time".
The article, published in the Irish News, comes amid
speculation over Sinn Féin's next move. Earlier this week,
the party's officer board called an ardchomhairle meeting
for Saturday that is expected to decide whether to proceed
with the ardfheis.
Sinn Féin warned this week the ardfheis may not go ahead
because of the insistence of DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley
that he has not made any formal commitment to enter a
powersharing administration
by the St Andrews deadline of March 26th or indicate his
party will accept devolution of policing powers by the
target date of May next year.
However, Dr Paisley said on New Year's Day that "when Sinn
Féin delivers on its obligations, the DUP will not be found
wanting".
In his article, Mr Ahern acknowledges "all the
uncertainties and concerns" of republicans "and their
understandable desire for clarity.
"Inclusive support for reformed policing will bring
benefits and stability all round. And with that support the
last remaining obstacle to shared government in Northern
Ireland will have been addressed," Mr Ahern writes.
"In those circumstances there can be no excuse heard or
entertained about power sharing in Northern Ireland. The
DUP have said that they will not be found wanting.
Nationalists and republicans will have delivered
comprehensively. In return they have a right to expect
others to deliver too, on time".
The Taoiseach said that this was a defining moment when
Northern Ireland "can either move forward with confidence,
or stall in a climate of uncertainty and gloom".
Yesterday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promised that
the British security service, MI5, will not be involved in
"civic policing" in Northern Ireland. This announcement was
claimed as a victory by Sinn Féin.
© 2007 ireland.com
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545796
2007 To Be A Defining Time In Determining Future Of North
2007 will be a decisive year for Northern Ireland. I hope
that in years to come we can all look back and say that the
right decisions were made and that in making them they made
a real difference for this and future generations on this
island.
I have followed and been part of every twist and turn in
this peace process. But I know in my heart and soul that a
defining moment has arrived when Northern Ireland can
either move forward with confidence, or stall in a climate
of uncertainty and gloom.
At St Andrews in October, the Irish and British governments
set out a roadmap for the full restoration of the
democratic institutions.
That roadmap leads to an election to be called at the end
of this month and on into full restoration by the March 26.
Those dates are clearly set out in legislation.
As well as a timeline, the St Andrews Agreement sets out
obligations to be met by all concerned.
For our part, the two governments have done what we said we
would do.
Since the St Andrews Agreement, detailed legislation was
passed to establish a transitional assembly, to make agreed
changes to the operation of the institutions and to prepare
the way for restoration of the executive. Other commitments
have also been honoured by the governments, including
significant progress on a new financial package for the
north and on human rights and equality issues.
For the parties, it is clear what is required. There must
be full support for policing and rule of law and a clear
commitment to power sharing.
Sinn Fein, for its part has indicated that it is ready
definitively to address the policing issue at a special ard
fheis. Gerry Adams said at the time that he believed that
this was the right thing to do.
I welcomed that move and despite all the uncertainties and
concerns and their understandable desire for clarity I urge
them to follow through on it. I know full well the
sensitivities of the policing issue. But I know too that
left unresolved there is no going forward.
Inclusive support for reformed policing will bring benefits
and stability all round. And with that support the last
remaining obstacle to shared government in Northern Ireland
will have been addressed.
In those circumstances there can be no excuse heard or
entertained about sharing power in Northern Ireland.
The DUP have said that they will not be found wanting.
Nationalists and republicans will have delivered
comprehensively. In return they have a right to expect
others to deliver too, on time.
Many nationalists have represented their community, and
indeed served the entire community, very ably over the last
few years in the reformed policing structures. The SDLP
courageously led the way for the nationalist community, a
move that I actively supported and encouraged in 2001.
I believe that the nationalist community in Northern
Ireland can look to the future with real confidence.
The legitimate aspiration to seek a united Ireland, by
peaceful and democratic means, is fully recognised.
The principle of power sharing is established and
immutable.
The policing service has been reformed and now ranks as one
of the most modern and accountable in the world. The right
to equal citizenship and a full role in the national
community is fully recognised.
All of this has created a new political reality and a new
opportunity for everyone on this island.
I have already said that the Good Friday Agreement has
settled the constitutional position. The future of this
island must be one of openness and trust, free of threat
and suspicion.
The people are entitled to see their politicians working
together for the good of the community. They are entitled
to see their politicians take on the responsibilities of
office.
I welcome the fact that under the St Andrews Agreement, we
will see the restoration to full operation of the
North/South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish
Council.
There has been an obvious focus on the policing issue in
particular but I am very mindful that there is also
commitment to moving forward with these aspects of the
agreement and that this commitment forms an important part
of the new Ministerial pledge of office.
With restoration, we should also see the establishment of a
North/South Parliamentary Forum and the new Independent
Consultative Forum with representatives from civil society,
north and south. It is important that there should be early
delivery on these two important initiatives. In these and
in others areas we will be eager to work closely with the
re-established executive.
I also remain committed to following up on recommendations
in the 2002 all party Oireachtas Committee.
Seanad reform will give an opportunity to address many of
these but I have already asked that steps be taken to set
up a new Joint Oireachtas Committee to address issues
related to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement
and north/south relations.
All of these initiatives are an integral part of the
essential process of reconciliation and of developing new
relationships on the island of Ireland.
I fully support them and I believe that through these new
mechanisms we can begin to build up normal relationships in
ways that have been neglected over the decades.
This island and the relationships on it will be all the
stronger and healthier when we give full effect to these
initiatives. We must also face new economic realities and
the challenges of a globalised knowledge economy.
We need to work together to achieve the potential of the
island economy.
Later this month, the government will publish a new
National Development Plan for the period 2007-13. This will
contain a comprehensive overview of all-island cooperation
in all key policy areas.
For the first time, it will also contain proposals – to be
agreed with the British Government and the new executive in
Belfast –- for significant new investment in north/south
projects in key areas such as infrastructure, education,
science and innovation, tourism and regional development.
This can change this island, and the lives of everyone who
lives here, for the better.
In 1998 the politicians of this island, north and south,
finally agreed a new way to live together and to govern
together. That agreement was overwhelming endorsed by the
people, north and south. It has formed the basis for an
unprecedented period of peace and prosperity.
At that time, everyone was optimistic that we would see a
new world come about very quickly. Perhaps, looking back,
that was too much to expect after so many years of violence
and suffering, on all sides of the community.
The people of this island want the best for themselves,
their families and their friends. That means a good job, a
decent education, quality infrastructure and effective
public services. It means tackling problems like crime and
poverty.
The people have moved on from the old arguments. I am
certain that they now want the institutions back in place.
That is what is in prospect if we can reach agreement in
the next short while.
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545786
Ahern Will Announce Investment Package For North/South
Projects
By Staff Reporter
The Irish government will detail major new investment for
cross-border projects later this month.
Writing in The Irish News today Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says
proposals for north-south projects will be contained in his
government’s Nation-al Development Plan 2007-13.
He says the money will be spent in infrastructure,
education, science and innovation, tourism and regional
development.
“This can change this island and the lives of everyone who
lives here for the better,” he says.
In November tanaiste Michael McDowell reaffirmed the Irish
government’s commitment to providing an investment package
for “infrastructural development” in the north but said it
would first consider the British government’s £50 billion
deal.
Meanwhile, on the possibility of power sharing between Sinn
Fein and the DUP Mr Ahern says a “defining moment” has been
reached when “Northern Ireland can either move forward with
confidence or stall in a climate of uncertainty and gloom”.
“For the parties it is clear what is re-quired. There must
be full support for policing and rule of law and a clear
commitment to power sharing,” he says.
“Sinn Fein for its part has indicated that it is ready
definitively to address the policing issue at a special ard
fheis. Gerry Adams said at the time that he believed that
this was the right thing to do.”
Turning to unionists, he says: “The DUP have said that they
will not be found wanting. Nationalists and re-publicans
will have delivered comprehensively. In return they have a
right to expect others to deliver too.”
*************************
http://www.irishnews.com/access/daily/current.asp?SID=545799
O’Loan Investigates Omagh Trial Witnesses
By Staff Reporter
Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan is investigating the conduct
of two key police witnesses in the trial of Omagh bombing
accused Sean Hoey.
During the hearings scenes of crime officer Fiona Cooper
and Detective Chief Inspector Philip Marshall both admitted
changing their statements on evidence gathering.
Hoey (37), of Jonesborough, Co Armagh, denies 58 charges,
including killing 29 people and unborn twins in the August
1998 blast.
The prosecution says Hoey made the bomb timers used at
Omagh and in a series of other attacks.
While being cross-examined at Belfast Crown Court Mr
Marshall and Ms Cooper admitted they had “beefed up” their
original statements to suggest that specialist forensic
precautions had been taken at an explosives find, when in
fact they had not.
The defence said this was done to bolster the prosecution
case.
Mrs O’Loan’s investigators are examining evidence
transcripts and have requested other documents.
Mr Justice Weir has taken the unusual step of ruling that
the investigation into witnesses’ conduct can take place
while the trial continues.
It was also revealed that the original statements made by
the witnesses had been lost.
At one point the defence barrister, Orlando Pownall QC,
asked for the two witnesses’ evidence to be excluded as
“their testimony is dishonest”.
Gordon Kerr QC, prosecuting, told the judge that he should
treat their evidence “with caution”.
The judge criticised the conduct of the witnesses and
called for an investigation into why statements were
altered and the originals were lost.
He said the “credibility and reliability” of Mr Marshall
and Ms Cooper had been called into serious question but
that the trial could continue.
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/6250189.stm
Cocaine On '100% Of Irish Euros'
By James Helm
BBC News, Dublin
One hundred percent of banknotes in the Republic of Ireland
carry traces of cocaine, a new study has found.
Researchers used the latest forensic techniques that would
detect even the tiniest fragments to study a batch of 45
used banknotes.
The scientists at Dublin's City University said they were
"surprised by their findings".
Some of the notes had such high levels of cocaine on them
that it is thought they were used to snort the drug.
Others had much lower traces and may have been cross-
contaminated, perhaps in the wallets or pockets of users.
Growing cocaine use
The results fit with scientific findings from other
countries such as the UK and Spain where cocaine has also
been found on a high proportion of notes.
Cocaine particles stick to the cotton that is contained
within the notes.
Cocaine use is thought to be growing in Ireland. Professor
Brett Paul, whose paper was published in a journal of the
Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK, said it demonstrated
how widespread the use of cocaine is.
The study also found that higher value banknotes, such as
20 and 50 euros, were more likely to contain greater traces
of the drug.
In recent weeks there has been fresh focus in Ireland on
the use of drugs in society.
Dublin has seen a number of murders that have been linked
to drugs gangs and Ireland's justice minister has said that
those who buy cocaine are helping to finance such groups.
One newspaper editorial said that the trend of cocaine use
showed that there is something rotten at the heart of
Ireland's economic boom.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2007/01/10 22:00:01 GMT
© BBC MMVII
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0111/breaking3_pf.html
Flight Of Earls Website To Go Live
Thu, Jan 11, 2007
A website commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Flight
of the Earls goes live today.
Set up by Donegal County Council, the site is part of year-
long celebrations to mark the death of the ancient Gaelic
aristocracy and beginning of the plantation of Ulster.
The site www.flightoftheearls.ie will be built in three
stages between January and March and will incorporate
regular updates.
It will have information about the key figures involved in
the Flight of the Earls, maps and archives and interesting
facts on the pivotal era in Irish history.
The Flight of the Earls took place at midday on Friday
September 14th, 1607, when 99 men, women and children of
the Gaelic nobility of Ulster crowded aboard ship at
Portnamurry, Rathmullan.
Among them was Rory O'Donnell of Donegal and Hugh O'Neill
of Tyrone.
They set sail for Spain, where they hoped to muster support
from the Catholic King Phillip III and return to liberate
Ireland from the English. It became known as the Flight of
the Earls.
King Philip was keen not to upset King James of England
after a truce was called and the Earls were never to get
help from Spain.
PA
© 2007 ireland.com
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