A Great Showcase for Unity

The SSE Arena in Belfast was buzzing with positivity last Saturday as several thousand people participated in one of the largest public discussions held recently on constitutional change and the potential for Irish Unity. Over ten thousand more joined online. The organisers did a remarkable job in bringing together a first class panel of academics, political leaders, artists, economists, protestant voices, comedians, trade unionists and Gaels. Their success can be measured in part by the fact that the audience remained interested and engaged for over four hours.I was delighted to be there.

 Malachy McCourt – a Great Irishman

Last week a packed gathering of friends and family met in New York to say goodbye to Malachy McCourt.  Malachy died in March aged 91. Malachy was a brother of Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes. Malachy himself was an accomplished writer.