The Irish Passport

In February 2024, Michelle O'Neill assumed the position of first minister of Northern Ireland, making her the first person of an Irish-identifying, Catholic background to hold this most high-profile post in the devolved government. And yet, the difficulty O'Neill faced when trying to take her seat at Stormont highlighted the fact that, for a minority in the territory, Catholic nationalist are not seen as having a legitimate role in Northern Ireland's society. In this episode we look at the phenomenon of "uppity" Catholics - people who have been perceived to rise too far above their station, and who have thereby become targets for abuse and even violence. We speak to Pr Colin Harvey from the Human Rights Centre at Queens University Belfast about becoming a political target in the wake of Brexit, and we hear from Irish Times journalist and Author Martin Doyle about growing up in an aspirational Catholic family during the Troubles whose successes in local business fostered dark resentments in the local community ... Martin Doyle's award-wining memoir, Dirty Linen, was published by the Irish Academic Press in 2023, and can be purchased here. Irish Passport Patrons have access to an exclusive extended reading of Martin's essay, “A ghost estate and an empty grave”. If you would like to support the podcast and access over 100 pieces of extra content, you can become a patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport. This episode featured ‘The Moon Got Tangled in the Branches’ by Aleksey Chistilin

Explore the costly Nine Years War in Ireland, with Gaelic chiefs uniting against English rule. Discover Gaelic pirate ships, peacock feather crowns, shifting alliances, and an audacious trip to London. Dive into innovative military strategies, a surprising victory, the Munster uprising, the daring Gronia Whale, and the fall of Gaelic Ireland. End with a Gaelic resistance song and a hint at bonus episodes.

Simon Harris, the incoming Taoiseach of Ireland, discusses the sudden resignation of Leo Varadkar, recent referendums, and the upcoming elections. They explore the proposed changes in the constitution, reasons for rejection, and the political landscape in Ireland. A focus on societal dynamics, party support changes, and potential election outcomes provides valuable insights for listeners.

Part two of our Conquest mini-series explores the violent occupation of Gaelic Ireland by Elizabethan adventurers between 1560 and 1590, heralding an age of terror and genocide that would ultimately lead to a full-scale war between the Gaelic clans of Ireland and the English crown. From the demise of the Old English Lordships to the tentative plantations of Ulster, this episode lays out the very foundations for the colonisation of Ireland. A bonus debrief episode is available for Patreon supporters over on https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport You'll find a link to the book we mentioned in the show here: https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2017/nine-years-war/ You can find a link to the London Irish Centre, here: https://londonirishcentre.org/

In the period from 1534 to 1653 Ireland was profoundly transformed. At the start, it was almost entirely Gaelic, ruled by Gaelic clans with an ancient way of life, and unique legal and political system. A hundred years later, Ireland was unrecognisable. In this first part of our new mini series, Conquest, Tim and Naomi set the scene for the profound transformation of the island of Ireland by colonial invasion. A bonus episode in which Naomi and Tim discuss the making of this episode and what stood out to them is now available for Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/after-show-97840308

Every year the Irish government and national media lend their full attention to the arrival of Santa Claus on the island of Ireland, and discuss the various logistics of his visit to every child in the country. In this mini bonus episode, we bring you this most important news story of the year, and explain how, for a few days every December, Santa dominates the parliamentary agenda of Dáil Éireann.

Exploring the aftermath of Dublin riots, the podcast discusses far-right movements, the heroism exhibited during chaotic incidents, and the influence of political dynasties in Irish politics. It touches on the disruptive protests, anti-immigration sentiments, and potential political ambitions of public figures like Conor McGregor

Tim published a book! How does nobility work as a power strategy, why does it bear so many curious similarities to the construct of race, and what does all of this have to do with Ireland? We delve into Tim's book, "Nobility and the Making of Race in Eighteenth-Century Britain", published by Bloomsbury Academic this autumn, and uncover the intricate power dynamics of Irish nobility in the eighteenth century. We find out how during this age of colonial expansion European naturalists began to classify global populations according to ancient traditions of blood hierarchy, reimagining white Europeans as the natural aristocracy of mankind. We also explore how the very idea of "natural nobility" in Ireland at this time brought up profound anxieties, revealing a dangerous power vacuum at the heart of colonial rule. Listeners can buy "Nobility and the Making of Race in Eighteenth-Century Britain" on the Bloomsbury Publishing website: www.bloomsbury.com. Patreon members benefit from early access to this episode -- thank you for keeping the show running! If you would like access to our 100+ episodes of extra content and support the continued making of show along the way, you can sign up at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport.

As the world reels from the horrific Hamas attack on Israel and its deadly retribution on the Gaza Strip, Ireland has emerged as a prominent player in the European response to the worsening conflict. In this episode, Naomi and Tim sum up the current situation and explain some of the historical context that explains why Ireland has traditionally been one of the most sympathetic western countries towards the Palestinian cause. The two sides of this conflict have long been adopted by rival communities in Northern Ireland, with Irish republicans flying the Palestinian flag and British loyalists identifying with Israel. The episode reviews some of the lesser-known historical links between Ireland and the foundation of Israel, exploring the complexities of a time when the relationship between Zionism and Irish Republicanism was not the same as it is now. Finally, Naomi describes her reporting on the confused European response and why Ireland has emerged as a prominent voice. Tragically, after the recording of this episode we learned that the missing Irish citizen Kim Damti was confirmed dead. Our deepest condolences to her family. Thank you so much to all our Patreon supporters for helping us make this podcast. You can support us on: https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

The podcast discusses the UK government's new 'Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Bill', its implications, and the outrage it has sparked in Northern Ireland. It explores the historical and political context, the need for justice for innocent civilians affected by the troubles, and the criticisms raised by Amnesty UK, the Council of Europe, and various political parties. The chapter also highlights the active obstruction of justice and the victims' preference for traditional democratic processes.