[caption id="attachment_71306" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Brian Mór to be honored."]
New York City Council member Elizabeth Crowley is bidding to join her cousin, Congressman Joe Crowley, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Elizabeth is running for the Democratic nomination for the contest in November to decide who will represent the new 6th district in Queens. Not surprisingly, she is attracting early support, not just because of her name but because she has been an active and high profile public representative in her district, and that's not just in the eyes of Irish voters.
Interestingly, she will have to battle her way through the typically crowded Democratic field without a public endorsement from cousin Joe. She doesn't think that would be appropriate and voters will likely nod in agreement.
Meanwhile, Crowley kicks off her campaign in earnest tonight at Bobby Van's in Midtown Manhattan with labor leader Terry O'Sullivan leading proceedings at what is a fundraising cocktail reception.
Crowley is the first Democrat and first woman to represent the 30th Council District of New York City, located in Western Queens. Elected in November 2008 by an overwhelming majority, Elizabeth serves as the chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committee of the City Council.
Crowley, by the by, was an Irish Echo 40 Under 40 honoree last year.
NOT FOR TURNING
When it comes to the Vatican Embassy closure Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore is taking a leaf out of Maggie Thatcher's playbook. The man is definitely not for turning.
The Irish Independent reported that the Irish government was planning to open several new embassies around the world "but there will be no U-turn on the controversial decision to close down the Irish embassy in the Vatican."
Gilmore has not completely ruled out a reopening at some point when the government's finances improves but for now the Vatican is the responsibility of an Irish diplomat based in Dublin, far away from the Seven Hills of Rome.
Under Gilmore, who is both minister for foreign affairs and for trade, the emphasis in recent times has been on the latter portfolio so unless the Vatican strikes oil under the Cistine Chapel the current closure will continue.
Gilmore is reportedly eyeing greater Irish diplomatic representation in South America and expansion in Asia. Bhutan, presumably, would be a little too small and Vatican-like and will not be on the list.
KELLY'S TABLE TALK
So no surprise that NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly is being tipped as the GOP's candidate for the New York mayoral election next year. IF certainly isn't surprised given Kelly's working of the tables at a lunch in Manhattan hosted by Tourism Ireland a couple of months back. Kelly was one of the main guests and instead of heading for the door after his coffee, he began working the tables like, well, like a politician. Anyway, it will be interesting to see what happens. A Ray Kelly versus Christine Quinn mayoral contest would be one for the Irish ages.
HONORING BERNIE
A commemoration honoring the life and work of artist and unrepentant Fenian Brian Mór Ó Baoighill will be held at Connolly's 121 west 45th street (between 6th and 7th Aves.) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday May 6. The event will be hosted by John McDonagh of Radio Free Éireann. Personal recollections and tributes as well as musical performances by musicians "Bernie" had supported over his many years are planned, as well as a "unique artistic tribute."
"All those who were touched by Bernie's art are welcome to come join us as we celebrate the many gifts of Bernie's genius. Bring whatever art work he did to the event so we can photograph it. His art work is going to NYU," said McDonagh.
Music will be provided by, among others, Chris Byrne and Mary Courtney.
A RUSH TO DEFEND?
Is Ireland under threat of attack? No, but you might think so by the rush for positions in the Irish defense forces. The hard times that are in it have resulted in 10,436 applications for just 600 army and naval service jobs. The breakdown was 8,752 people applying for 480 jobs in the army, with 1,583 applying for the balance in the naval service.
At this rate somebody is going to suggest national service as an alternative to the dole queue or the emigrant boat/plane.
