History & Politics - West Cork People

The failures of democracy

Kieran Doyle February, 2025

English reporter: What do you think of western civilisation Mr. Gandhi? Ghandi: I think it would be a very good idea. This famous anecdote is attributed to the great Indian independence leader, Mahatma Ghandi. Whether he actually uttered those words or not, the point is still valid. We live in […]

Will 2025 be a year of change or another political groundhog day?

Kieran Doyle January, 2025

Change. What does it really mean? At the beginning of every year people are full of personal resolutions in an attempt to change direction in life. These changes (or at least the promise of them), are usually intended to put people on a journey of self-enhancement or improvement. Let’s have […]

The indigenous people of the Americas and their downfall: Parts 1 & 2

Kieran Doyle December, 2024

I remember having a debate with a history teacher from a school in Dublin. He was dead set against conflating events from the past with the ones we are living in. I respectfully disagreed. History is not consigned to the past. For me, the past is a continuous force that shapes […]

The race for the White House – understanding the key components

Kieran Doyle October, 2024

One of the most fascinating insights I ever got from American politicians was watching a documentary about Trump’s first run for the White House. One of the many ordinary voices interviewed was a humble blue collar worker from Detroit. Detroit used to be called ‘Motor City’ but years of under-investment […]

The magic of opera: a historical insight

Kieran Doyle September, 2024

When Ronald Reagan began his 1984 election campaign it was to the backdrop of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’. He wanted the song to reflect his patriotism and in a ‘Trumpian’ manner, conjure up the theme of American greatness. Just like in his days as a Hollywood actor, Reagan […]

The Vikings – who were they?

Kieran Doyle August, 2024

It’s very difficult to change a perception of anything once it becomes established in popular culture. It always seems to me that Irish people like that we have some link and heritage with the Vikings. They come from an era that was pre Anglo-Norman, who of course became the permanent […]

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