Political Education Committee

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America's largest Irish American Organization, has written to members of the congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus expressing their concern that Prime Minister Johnson's government will use the post U.S. election transition as a distraction for a hard Brexit. In a letter from Political Action Chair Neil Cosgrove, the Hibernians state:  "The Hibernians are very concerned that at this time when our nation demonstrates the strength of our democracy by the peaceful transition to a new administration, that a lack of focus on Brexit may result in … [Read more...] about Hibernians Write U.S. Friends of Ireland Caucus Over Renewed Brexit Concerns

In a few days, we will be celebrating the holiday of Halloween.  The holiday has specific significance for us as Irish Americans.  Like St. Patrick's Day, Halloween is a beloved tradition brought to America by Irish immigrants.  It dates back thousands of years to the ancient festival of Samhain, which was the Celtic New Year.   As with most ancient peoples, the Celts were keen observers of the sun and the night sky, which was essential for the agriculture they relied on for survival.  Most cultures set their Calendar by the extremes of the sun's progression through the heavens; today, … [Read more...] about A Halloween Lesson for Election Day.

Amidst the current healthcare crisis, we can not lose the importance of the United States Census to Irish America.  Results of the U.S. 2020 Census will influence individuals, communities, governments, for-profit entities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the next decade. Data obtained will inform decision-makers in all sectors and lead to the allocation of political power and financial resources.   For the first time in many years, the Census form will have a question on Ethnic Origins (question 9 for the Head of household, question 7 for remaining household members).  … [Read more...] about Embrace Your Irish Heritage, Say It on The Census!

In a letter to newly appointed Northern Ireland Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) call on Mr. Mulvaney to express opposition to Britain's intention not to investigate the majority of the 2,000 unsolved killings from the conflict known as "the Troubles" and to grant immunity from prosecution to members of Britain's Security Forces. The Hibernians question why these actions in contravention to the Good Friday Agreement are being pursued by Britain at a time when the world is focused on the COVID-19 Crisis.   " On March 18 th , Secretary of … [Read more...] about AOH: U.K. Using COVID-19 To Cover Breaking Good Friday Commitments Reprehensible

 The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to congratulate Mr. Mulvaney on his appointment as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians also thank President Trump for fulfilling his promised commitment to maintaining this crucial diplomatic position, reaffirming the United States' commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process.   It is highly appropriate that President Trump has announced this appointment shortly after proclaiming March as "Irish American Heritage Month"; a time when America reflects on the oldest of American "special … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on the Appointment of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland

The British election of 12/12/19 can without hyperbole be described as a seismic event in the history of the United Kingdom, and its tremors will undoubtedly impact Ireland.  Three items put the impact of last night into perspective: The Tory party has won its biggest victory since Margaret Thatcher captured a third term in 1987 The Labour party has suffered its worst defeat since 1935. For the first time since partition, Northern Ireland has returned more Nationalist than Union MPs to Westminster. So, what does this mean?  First, it means that barring some … [Read more...] about A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections

Brothers, there is no other way to start this article than with a tremendous “Thank You” for all your support that was pivotal in obtaining a stay of deportation for our Brother Malachy McAllister.  Many pundits had come to accept that Brother McAllister’s deportation on November 29th was a fait accompli, yet you by your phone calls to the White House in response to the call to action turned the tide.  The White House switchboard reported they received thousands of calls; those five-minute phone calls turned the tide to allow an Irish immigrant who has complied with all U.S. law and … [Read more...] about Political Education Update, December 2019