European Union

People power

Sheila Liaugminas | 04 January 2010

Does the battle to define and defend longstanding social policies just seem to be more engaged and critical right now, or is it really heating up?

Bureacratic bullies get pushback

Sheila Liaugminas | 30 December 2009

First, get power. Then, consolidate it. Next, break promises to the people who helped you get power that you would still recognize their autonomy on important issues. Don’t allow debate, shut down opposition. Exert control.

We knew this would happen

Sheila Liaugminas | 07 December 2009

When Ireland was forced to hold another vote in October on the Lisbon Treaty, giving the European Parliament sweeping power and authority over individual nations, its promoters promised Irish voters the new authority would not affect the Irish constitution, and that Ireland would maintain its sovereignty in constitutionally protected rights.

‘The tendency to meddle in everyone’s business’

Sheila Liaugminas | 16 November 2009

Not that long ago, they accurately accused the Communist Party of doing that in Lithuania. They can now accurately say the same thing about the European Parliament.

As Europe goes…

Sheila Liaugminas | 30 September 2009

…so goes the future of the Irish people? The two are still intertwined. But at least some power is still in the hands of the Irish.