Ireland tries to untangle IOUs it owes itself
Ireland has won some breathing space with a canny move to avoid a hefty repayment on IOUs issued to prop up two banks and will now try to charm its richer European peers into a broader deal on easing its funding burden.
The euro zone country struck a deal on Thursday to avoid immediate payment of 3.1 billion euros due on the IOUs, settling the bill by issuing a 13-year bond instead of paying cash.
Dublin now wants a broader deal on refinancing the remaining 27 billion euros of the IOUs - or promissory notes. Such an agreement would ease its funding pain and boost its chances of returning to bond markets next year.
The funding nightmare is a legacy of Ireland's banking crisis, which tipped the economy into a downturn that forced it onto an EU/IMF rescue programme. To help it get off that aid, Dublin wants to peddle its debt repayments in a lower gear.
The previous Irish government issued the promissory notes to Anglo Irish Bank and home lender Irish Nationwide, now merged and known as the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC), to help them access emergency funds from the Irish central bank - part of the ECB's Eurosystem - to repay private bondholders.
The problem is the notes carry high-interest payments and a strict repayment schedule - features that risk exacerbating Dublin's fiscal woes rather than allowing it to move off the EU/IMF bailout programme and out of a downward spiral of austerity and economic decline.
Read more: reuters.com
Other links: Páirtithe polaitiúla na hÉireann , Ciarán Cannon , An Páirtí Daonlathach , Sinn Féin (Ireland) , John Gormley , Comhaontas Glas , Enda Kenny , Páirtí an Lucht Oibre , Eamon Gilmore , Fine Gael , Fianna Fáil , Mary Coughlan , Brian Cowen , Mary McAleese , Polaitiúil staid in Éirinn , Tóir ar na hÉireann , Gerry Adams
The euro zone country struck a deal on Thursday to avoid immediate payment of 3.1 billion euros due on the IOUs, settling the bill by issuing a 13-year bond instead of paying cash.
Dublin now wants a broader deal on refinancing the remaining 27 billion euros of the IOUs - or promissory notes. Such an agreement would ease its funding pain and boost its chances of returning to bond markets next year.
The funding nightmare is a legacy of Ireland's banking crisis, which tipped the economy into a downturn that forced it onto an EU/IMF rescue programme. To help it get off that aid, Dublin wants to peddle its debt repayments in a lower gear.
The previous Irish government issued the promissory notes to Anglo Irish Bank and home lender Irish Nationwide, now merged and known as the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC), to help them access emergency funds from the Irish central bank - part of the ECB's Eurosystem - to repay private bondholders.
The problem is the notes carry high-interest payments and a strict repayment schedule - features that risk exacerbating Dublin's fiscal woes rather than allowing it to move off the EU/IMF bailout programme and out of a downward spiral of austerity and economic decline.
Read more: reuters.com
Other links: Páirtithe polaitiúla na hÉireann , Ciarán Cannon , An Páirtí Daonlathach , Sinn Féin (Ireland) , John Gormley , Comhaontas Glas , Enda Kenny , Páirtí an Lucht Oibre , Eamon Gilmore , Fine Gael , Fianna Fáil , Mary Coughlan , Brian Cowen , Mary McAleese , Polaitiúil staid in Éirinn , Tóir ar na hÉireann , Gerry Adams
Gay candidate for president of Ireland withdraws over scandal
The man tipped to become the first openly gay president of Ireland dramatically withdrew from the race Tuesday.
David Norris ended his campaign following revelations he had sought leniency for an ex-partner who was convicted of statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy in Israel in the 1990s.
Norris had been leading in opinion polls to become Ireland's new head of state, but his bid has been derailed by the controversy. He announced his decision to withdraw to media gathered outside his home in Dublin.
Pressure had been growing on Norris since it emerged over the weekend he had written a clemency letter to Israeli authorities 14 years ago for his former partner Ezra Nawi, after his conviction for having sex with a 15-year-old Palestinian.
Norris -- a member of the upper house in the Irish parliament, the Senate - said Tuesday: "I do not regret supporting and seeking clemency for a friend, but I do regret giving the impression that I did not have sufficient compassion for the victim of Ezra's crime.
More information on CNN
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Mary Coughlan , Brian Cowen , An Páirtí Daonlathach , Fianna Fáil , Ciarán Cannon , Enda Kenny , Páirtithe polaitiúla na hÉireann , John Gormley , Páirtí an Lucht Oibre , Fine Gael , Comhaontas Glas , Eamon Gilmore , Mary McAleese , Tóir ar na hÉireann , Sinn Féin (Ireland) , Gerry Adams , Polaitiúil staid in Éirinn
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Ireland's embattled prime minister denies being drunk, hung over; opposition demands election
DUBLIN (AP) — Prime Minister Brian Cowen is resisting calls for an early election in Ireland amid fears about the nation's debt troubles — and his own ability to steer the country through the crisis. Cowen was repeatedly accused by politicians and commentators on Irish radio Tuesday of being drunk or hung over after he gave a croaky interview to state radio. He often offered vague, semi-coherent answers to questions on Ireland's battle to save its banks and reverse its deficit.
More information on foxnews
Mary Coughlan , Brian Cowen , An Páirtí Daonlathach , Fianna Fáil , Enda Kenny , Fine Gael , Ciarán Cannon , Páirtithe polaitiúla na hÉireann , John Gormley , Páirtí an Lucht Oibre , Comhaontas Glas , Mary McAleese , Eamon Gilmore , Gerry Adams (Ireland) , Sinn Féin (Ireland) , Tóir ar na hÉireann , Polaitiúil staid in Éirinn
More information on foxnews
Mary Coughlan , Brian Cowen , An Páirtí Daonlathach , Fianna Fáil , Enda Kenny , Fine Gael , Ciarán Cannon , Páirtithe polaitiúla na hÉireann , John Gormley , Páirtí an Lucht Oibre , Comhaontas Glas , Mary McAleese , Eamon Gilmore , Gerry Adams (Ireland) , Sinn Féin (Ireland) , Tóir ar na hÉireann , Polaitiúil staid in Éirinn
Northern Irish leaders shake hands for first time
BELFAST (Reuters) - Peter Robinson, who has temporarily stood down as Northern Ireland's first minister over a family scandal, has shaken hands with his deputy Martin McGuinness, marking a possible thaw between the former foes.
Robinson, who continues to lead the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party, told the Sunday Times that McGuinness, of Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein, extended his hand on hearing that Robinson's wife tried to kill herself after having an affair.
"He expressed sympathy to me and put out his hand," Robinson said. "I thought it would be wrong for me, in those circumstances, to do anything other than that," Robinson said, adding that the handshake happened in a private meeting.
McGuinness, a former Irish Republican Army (IRA) commander, remains deputy first minister in the power-sharing government led in Robinson's absence by DUP colleague Arlene Foster.
More information on reuters.com
China urges military cooperation ahead of Obama visit
By Chris Buckley and Huang Yan
BEIJING (Reuters) - China urged more contact with the U.S. military on Friday while President Hu Jintao said his nation's plans for space were peaceful, striking a conciliatory tone ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit.
Improving bilateral military ties would help the overall relationship between the two big powers, He Yafei, China's vice foreign minister, told a news conference held in advance of Obama's visit to China from November 15 to 18.
"I think that both sides want to promote exchanges and contacts between the two countries' militaries, and especially to enhance strategic mutual confidence," He told reporters.
"This includes dialogue between (the) two countries' military authorities, exchanges and mutual visits, and other cooperation."
The reassuring words added to signs both powers seek to ease military tensions after a period of friction.
More information click on Reuters.
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Mary Coughlan Máire Ní Chochláinn - polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach de chuid an pháirtí Fianna Fáil. A senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician.
Mary McAleese Máire Pádraigín Bean Mhic Ghiolla Íosa ochtú hUachtarán na hÉireann, agus tá sí i bpost i gcónaí. The eighth and current President of Ireland.
Eamon Gilmore Éamon Mac Giollamóir - polaiteoir Éireannach. The leader of the Irish Labour Party.
Enda Kenny Éanna Ó Cionnaith - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician, is the leader of the Fine Gael party.
John Gormley Polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Gerry Adams (Ireland) Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh - polaiteoir i dTuaisceart Éireann. An Irish Republican politician and abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West.
Ciarán Cannon Ciarán Ó Canáin - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician and leader of the Progressive Democrats.
Brian Cowen Brian Ó Comhain - é an 11ú Taoiseach (ceann Rialtais na hÉireann) ó 7 Bealtaine 2008. The current Taoiseach of Ireland.
Mary McAleese Máire Pádraigín Bean Mhic Ghiolla Íosa ochtú hUachtarán na hÉireann, agus tá sí i bpost i gcónaí. The eighth and current President of Ireland.
Eamon Gilmore Éamon Mac Giollamóir - polaiteoir Éireannach. The leader of the Irish Labour Party.
Enda Kenny Éanna Ó Cionnaith - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician, is the leader of the Fine Gael party.
John Gormley Polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Gerry Adams (Ireland) Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh - polaiteoir i dTuaisceart Éireann. An Irish Republican politician and abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West.
Ciarán Cannon Ciarán Ó Canáin - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician and leader of the Progressive Democrats.
Brian Cowen Brian Ó Comhain - é an 11ú Taoiseach (ceann Rialtais na hÉireann) ó 7 Bealtaine 2008. The current Taoiseach of Ireland.
Politics
Brian Cowen Brian Ó Comhain - é an 11ú Taoiseach (ceann Rialtais na hÉireann) ó 7 Bealtaine 2008. The current Taoiseach of Ireland. Brian Cowen is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Ciarán Cannon Ciarán Ó Canáin - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician and leader of the Progressive Democrats. Ciarán Cannon is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Eamon Gilmore Éamon Mac Giollamóir - polaiteoir Éireannach. The leader of the Irish Labour Party. Eamon Gilmore is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Enda Kenny Éanna Ó Cionnaith - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician, is the leader of the Fine Gael party. Enda Kenny is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Gerry Adams (Ireland) Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh - polaiteoir i dTuaisceart Éireann. An Irish Republican politician and abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West. Gerry Adams (Ireland) is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
John Gormley Polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. John Gormley is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Mary Coughlan Máire Ní Chochláinn - polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach de chuid an pháirtí Fianna Fáil. A senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. Mary Coughlan is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Mary McAleese Máire Pádraigín Bean Mhic Ghiolla Íosa ochtú hUachtarán na hÉireann, agus tá sí i bpost i gcónaí. The eighth and current President of Ireland. Mary McAleese is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Ciarán Cannon Ciarán Ó Canáin - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician and leader of the Progressive Democrats. Ciarán Cannon is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Eamon Gilmore Éamon Mac Giollamóir - polaiteoir Éireannach. The leader of the Irish Labour Party. Eamon Gilmore is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Enda Kenny Éanna Ó Cionnaith - polaiteoir Éireannach. An Irish politician, is the leader of the Fine Gael party. Enda Kenny is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Gerry Adams (Ireland) Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh - polaiteoir i dTuaisceart Éireann. An Irish Republican politician and abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West. Gerry Adams (Ireland) is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
John Gormley Polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. John Gormley is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Mary Coughlan Máire Ní Chochláinn - polaiteoir sinsearach Éireannach de chuid an pháirtí Fianna Fáil. A senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. Mary Coughlan is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Mary McAleese Máire Pádraigín Bean Mhic Ghiolla Íosa ochtú hUachtarán na hÉireann, agus tá sí i bpost i gcónaí. The eighth and current President of Ireland. Mary McAleese is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
Political parties
There are a number of political parties in the Republic of Ireland, and coalition governments are common. The state is unusual as a developed nation in that politics is not primarily characterised by the left-right political divide. This is because the two largest political parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael do not identify themselves first and foremost as either centre-right or centre-left parties. Rather, both parties arose from the great split that occurred in Irish politics at the time of the 1922–1923 Civil War, that followed the foundation of the state. Both descended from factions of the original Sinn Féin party: Fine Gael from the faction that supported the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty and Fianna Fáil from the anti-Treaty faction. This enduring characteristic of the Irish party system is sometimes pejoratively referred to as "Civil War politics".
Fianna Fáil in Poll - public opinion online Fianna Fáil – An Páirtí Poblachtánach Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party
Fine Gael in Poll - public opinion online Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party
Green Party (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Comhaontas Glas The Green Party
Progressive Democrats in Poll - public opinion online An Páirtí Daonlathach The Progressive Democrats
Sinn Féin (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Sinn Féin - páirtí Poblachtánach Sóisialach Éireannach Sinn Féin - party in Ireland
The Labour Party (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Páirtí an Lucht Oibre The Labour Party
Fore more information click here Political parties
Fianna Fáil in Poll - public opinion online Fianna Fáil – An Páirtí Poblachtánach Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party
Fine Gael in Poll - public opinion online Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party
Green Party (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Comhaontas Glas The Green Party
Progressive Democrats in Poll - public opinion online An Páirtí Daonlathach The Progressive Democrats
Sinn Féin (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Sinn Féin - páirtí Poblachtánach Sóisialach Éireannach Sinn Féin - party in Ireland
The Labour Party (Ireland) in Poll - public opinion online Páirtí an Lucht Oibre The Labour Party
Fore more information click here Political parties
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