Peter King was the staunchest ally that Irish activists could ever have had on Capitol Hill but increasing numbers are now asking if the Long Island politician is stepping back from his commitment on Irish issues.

Since September 11 there is no question that King has been deeply affected by that day in his native state and it appears that it has brought about a rethink of his priorities.

He is now firmly on the side of the most hard-line elements in the Republican Party who want to limit immigration, increase federal surveillance of groups such as Muslim organizations and take a law and order approach to immigration issues.

King is particularly outspoken about radical Muslim groups in the United States and has accused them of refusing to become good Americans and of keeping very anti-American views despite their impressive progress over here.

He is noticeable by his absence at many Irish events that he was previously an ever present. There seems little doubt that the issue of terrorism has come to play a huge role in King’s political thinking and that the Irish no longer fit neatly into the equation.

Not that Peter King needs to apologize for that. Before it was popular or profitable King was the lone voice among American politicians who stood up for Irish nationalism and became a strong supporter of Gerry Adams when other politicians ran a mile.

Now however, King appears to be closer than ever to the hard right of the Republican Party and is an outspoken supporter of President Bush. As one of the few Republicans who voted against impeachment essentially on the grounds that President Clinton had stood up for the Irish peace process, King has certainly moved sharply away from that centrist position.

Changing Dublin

A friend of your columnist was recently in Dublin attending an event at the athletic track at University College Dublin. It was sports school day and his niece was one of the participating athletes.

What amazed him was that the majority of the children were either Black or Muslim, reflecting the extraordinary change in the inner city Dublin area in recent times. He saw young girls with the Muslim headdress racing each other in 50 meters sprints and powerful young Black athletes easily overpower their white classmates in long distance races.

It was all an indication to him of just how dramatically Ireland is changing at present. Whereas years ago the sight of an Asian or Black person was a cause of wonderment, now it is the rule rather than the exception. 

Bertie for Europe?

THE speculation in Ireland at present is that Bertie Ahern may well become the next President of the European Commission, in effect head of Europe when the job is decided upon in the next few weeks when Roman Prodi of Italy steps down.

Ahern has impressed many of the European leaders during Ireland’s presidency of Europe over the past six months. The view is that of Ahern succeeds in winning passage of the new EU constitution then he would be a very likely choice.

The issue of the new constitution has plagued the EU for many years and were Ahern to solve it it would bring him major kudos.

Of course Ahern does not speak French which is a huge drawback but French president Jacques Chirac is said to like him as is Gerard Schroeder in Germany and of course, Tony Blair in England, with whom Bertie has a close relationship forged in the peace process negotiations.

If Ahern is interested in the job he will have to show his hand soon as the election is imminent. If he does go for it it would obviously leave the Prime Minister’s position open. That would set off an incredible scramble to succeed him. The two favorites would be Foreign Minster Brian Cowen and Health Minister Michael martin. Indications are that it would be a very close race between the two.

For Bertie it might be the perfect out . He has been Taoiseach since 1997–a lifetime in Irish politics, and though still a comparatively young man at 52, his popularity is not on the increase. A new vista in Europe might be just what he needs.

Irish Plan 

Bush Bash 

THE Irish are mad as hell and they want George Bush to know about it. There are plans for major demonstrations against the president during his flying visit on June 26th but the chances are that the president will never hear or see any of the protestors.

The secret service has chosen wisely in making Dromoland Castle the location for the EU/U.S. summit. The castle, just miles form Shannon Airport is easily made inaccessible and the massive grounds mean that protestors will not get within an ass’ roar of the president.

All of which will not deter tens of thousands of Irish showing up to protest the visit and the Iraq policy. Among the more sensationalistic stories appearing about the visit are that the Secret Service can shoot anyone they want if they think the president is in danger and that the Americans will also control Irish air space for a day or so. What is not in doubt is that a massive security operation, the largest in history perhaps will be undertaken around the visit. Already thousands of people who live close to Dromoland are being questioned and their backgrounds researched by police. A massive undertaking it seems.