“Why a Club of six is both Europe’s best hope and its greatest risk” was the title of an article in Social Europe, the Social Democratic pro-EU Think Tank: its content should be required reading for all concerned with the Irish Presidency of the EU later this year. It outlines the central problem in the EU, which it calls “The deadlock in the … Continue reading Is The EU fit for purpose?
Europe
An “À La Carte” EU?
The EU and the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen are very keen on Ukraine becoming a member of the Union. According to a report in Politico—a news agency that claims to be a survey of opinion across EU leaders and top officials—she has come up with an innovative way of … Continue reading An “À La Carte” EU?
Victor Grossman RIP
The late Manus O'Riordan often liked to quote analysis by the German Socialist, Victor Grossman—a supporter of Die Linke—who has just died, aged 95! We reproduce the following tribute to him—thereby remembering both him and Manus! Lives worth living Obituary, Victor Grossman 11 March, 1928 – 17 December, 2025 Phil Butland20/12/2025 Victor Grossman died on … Continue reading Victor Grossman RIP
Rogue States!
Brendan Clifford The idea that the United States is a rogue State is being flirted with in England. The reason for this is that President Trump is seen as breaking up the established order of the world put in place in 1945, and is thus endangering the West. Where did this "West" come from in … Continue reading Rogue States!
Russian Tankers: Some Shadow-Boxing!
According to a report by George Allison in the UK Defence Journal (UKDJ), published on 23rd January 2026, it appears that the Royal Navy “and its NATO allies” were monitoring the Russian tanker, General Skobelev, during a two-day operation as it sailed from the Mediterranean on its way to the North Sea. The UKDJ report also confirms … Continue reading Russian Tankers: Some Shadow-Boxing!
National Rights . . . And Duties!
The establishment of a sovereign and independent State, the free association or integration with an independent State or the emergence into any other political status freely determined by a people constitute modes of implementing the right of self-determination by that people. Every State has the duty to refrain from any forcible action which deprives peoples … Continue reading National Rights . . . And Duties!
The ghost of Roger Casement – another contrived war.
Jack Lane “The ghost of Roger Casement is beating on the door.”(Yeats). Casement was hanged for his writings and actions in the first World War. The one published book in his lifetime was “The Crime against Europe” where his views were spelt out before the War was launched by the UK in August 1914. … Continue reading The ghost of Roger Casement – another contrived war.
Germany Rewrites its History
Pat Walsh Germany is changing and rewriting its history. Two recent visits to Berlin, Munich and Nuremberg has convinced me of this. The change is very evident over the last decade. The first way it has been changing is in attempting to ease Russia in as the great demon of history, beside Nazi Germany, and … Continue reading Germany Rewrites its History
EU Empire Building!
Eamon Dyas The question is, how have we reached the point where the European Commission has assumed that it has the authority to formulate Europe’s foreign policy? This situation has evolved from the way in which Russia’s military operation in Ukraine has been framed as a threat to Europe. It is on the back of … Continue reading EU Empire Building!
The CDU: A Ruling Party In Transition!
German Perspectives The big furore in parliamentary politics has been a dispute between Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul—both Christian Democrats (CDU). They have been on a collision course. Wadephul, back from an official visit to Syria, declared that the level of destruction there was worse than Germany faced in … Continue reading The CDU: A Ruling Party In Transition!
Irish Political Review 