Previous Day
Mockery at Guantánamo
"It will never be judged to be legitimate, not by those who despise us . . . [ and] not by our staunchest allies . . . A military judge, a military prosecutor and defence team and essentially a military jury." These comments by Jack Cloonan, a former FBI agent with the Osama bin Laden team in the New York field office, go to the heart of what is wrong with the decision by the US defence department to bring capital charges in a military tribunal against six men being held in Guantánamo prison for the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington. p
Immigration Bill
The debate on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 which began in the Dáil last night offers an opportunity to introduce legislation that balances the responsibilities of the State with the rights of those who live in it. The Bill provides a mechanism to correct past mistakes and to meet the challenges of Ireland in the 21st century where immigration forms an integral part of life. p
Opinion
New approach to immigration
The immigration Bill, which is being debated in the Dáil, is only the start of a process, writes Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan pEU referendums 'pointless and damaging'
Dick Roche has gone on the offensive to boost support for the Lisbon Treaty. But the prospect of the referendum fills Dennis Kennedy with dread pPoetry as appreciated by a roving inspirational speaker
Some beautiful lines by a Michigan writer pull Garrison Keillor up short as he hits another town on his lecture tour pCharity as an orgy of selfishness
It is time to dust off - yet again - that old quote from Alexei Sayle: that everything would have been okay if Hitler had invaded Poland for charity. p
An Irishman's Diary
"To his dog, every man is Napoleon," remarked Aldous Huxley. "Hence the constant popularity of dogs." But perhaps the rule applies to women too. How else do we interpret the news that former revolutionary Patty Hearst has become a champion canine-breeder - specialising in small French dogs to boot? p
