For the first time since Parnell—and in less upsetting circumstances for Ireland—the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson gave Irish people the chance to discuss marriage and divorce openly. Eileen Clare, a Wexford girl sent to a convent boarding-school in England, remembers the fascination with the romance among the Irish nuns. When she returned home … Read more
The month of July is named after Caius Julius Caesar—‘husband to every man’s wife, and wife to every woman’s husband’. But in Northern Ireland July is unquestionably the month of King Billy. The first half is taken up annually with the various events surrounding the commemoration of William’s victory in 1690 over his uncle and … Read more
The struggle over Cromwell’s legacy came to a head in the 1890s with the plans to erect a statue on the grounds of the British parliament at Westminster. The governing Liberal Party strongly supported the proposal in the hope of consolidating the nonconformingfe in England and by all accounts detested the place. Neither man could … Read more
In 1997, shortly after the Labour Party’s victory in the British general election, the newly appointed foreign secretary, Robin Cook, received a courtesy visit from Bertie Ahern. The taoiseach entered Cook’s office but immediately walked out again on seeing a painting of Oliver Cromwell in the room. He refused to return until somebody removed the … Read more
Subcommander Marcos: the man and the mask Nick Henck (Duke University Press, $25) ISBN 9780822339953On 1 January 1994 an indigenous rebel army occupied several towns in south-east Mexico, launching an uprising against the government. They came out of nowhere and announced their intention to advance towards Mexico City to overthrow the corrupt regime. The Zapatista … Read more