Padraig Rua

I'd like to ask politely on the following matter. What is the current situation of the following American States: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota? I only ask because the white space and the list of protectorate regions are not clear on who governs them or not.

General Developments Many changes have taken place recently in the two state union. Infrastructural improvements have occurred. The nation's energy supply has been steadily pulled off coal to a mixture of oil, gas, solar power, wind power and hydropower. All the while not severely diminishing the states reliance on coal or oil. The shift to renewable energy will be a gradual process that will take time. Large wind farms have been created in non-forested, non-fertile and non-inhabited regions throughout Ireland and Scotland. While solar farms have been constructed and scattered throughout the two state union in similar regions. Hydro power is being drawn from the Shannon and other large pivotal rivers throughout Ireland and Scotland. While this may seem detrimental to the environment it should be known that any damaged caused during construction has been corrected. This is so because the public does not want the natural beauty of the land to be stained. Large amounts of energy will be generated from these new power sources. Railways built during the 19th century have been re-opened and put into service throughout Ireland and Scotland. Connecting all the major settlements.

The black Mercedes-Benz which contained the esteemed Premier of the Faraway Union pulled up outside the entrance of the hotel. Standing gleefully while awaiting her arrival was the terribly excited Seònaid Ní Uallacháin. Her excitement was easily explainable. She was to receive her first official foreign head of state. She could barely contain her excitement. As Seònaid looked on the chauffeur of the expensive state car exited the vehicle and opened the back seat passenger door for the Premier. As Madame Hamelin vacated her transportation Seònaid approached her and held out her hand in expectation of a hearty handshake. "A Shoilse, fáilte go hÉirinn! Is mise Seònaid Ní Uallacháin, an tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha. Tá sé deas bualadh leat. I hope you journey was pleasant and without concern. An Cheannaire, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin, is waiting inside for you. She has been greatly looking forward to this meeting. Allow me to bring you to her. Please follow me.". Seònaid joyfully guided the Premier to the room specially requested and closed off from the public for the meeting. As they walked through the hotels interior the Premier would should be amazed by the splendour of the hotel. It had great colour and decoration. Each room was more different than the last. The staff were well dressed and politely welcomed the Premier as she walked through the lobby and into the room of the soon to be held meeting. There sat Órfhlaith. Her legs crossed, reading a newspaper with a pot tea in front of her on the table. She was dressed in a dark blazer, a white shirt and an equally dark skirt that ended slightly below her knees. She wore black high heels. Her long black slightly curly hair rested softly on her shoulders. Her skin was a sallow complexion. Her lips parthian red and her eyes blue. As the Premier entered the room Órfhlaith put down the paper she was reading, stood up and put reached out her hand to shake that of Mireille's. " Fáilte romhat. I'm glad to finally meet you. Please sit. Would you like something to drink or eat? We could have lunch here. Or, indeed, just pastries and tea. I'm sure you must have some hunger on you after that long trip across the Atlantic? Order whatever you want. And as you do, please tell me about your home country. I'm very much interested to hear your news.".

Seònaid Ní Uallacháin was a pivotal government minister. Her portfolio was foreign relations. A busy department of government one would think. Naturally this would be the case in many countries spread throughout the world. From North America to the Indian subcontinent. However, in Seònaid's case, the opposite was the matter. While the two state union of Éirinn agus Albain was relatively well established as a political stone on the international geopolitical landscape, it had not invested its efforts or time in engaging with nations other than its own. When Seònaid received the Faraway missive her reaction was one of surprise and excitement. She spent many hours contemplating how to respond. For it was her first proper diplomatic engagement with another representative of a foreign state. Hastily she replied, for fear the other party got skeptical of her abilities due to a unpromt response, and prepared for the visit. The City of Galway was a beautiful gem on the west coast of Ireland. Lying on the River Corrib it was an old city with a long history. It was once ruled over by an oligarchy of 14 families of Norman descent. It engaged in trade with Spain, France and the American colonies. It's architecture was influenced greatly by the Spanish. However, modernization has gotten rid of the beautiful constructions it once possessed. Lynch's Castle on Shop Street remained. Probably the finest medieval town house in Ireland. The Spanish Arch, in the southwest of the city, was built in the 1580s as an extension to the city walls. So while much was gone, much still remained to be seen. The city is located on the doorstep of the Galway Gaeltacht and is known for its usage of An Ghaeilge. Galway has a strong association with Irish music, song and dancing traditions. Seònaid thought it to be the perfect place to hold the diplomatic meeting in. For it was a cultured city. The streets were lively, the people lovely and the drink even better! And the view out to the Atlantic, and Conamara, was spectacular. Surely the Faraway Premier would enjoy it. She had called ahead to The G Hotel to make preparations for accommodation, dinner and all that the Faraway delegation could desire. Security was unnecessary as Ireland was not that kind of place. Especially not Galway. Seònaid also made preparations for An Cheannaire, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin, arrival in Galway and the hotel. For Órfhlaith and Seònaid would be sitting on this meeting together. When the Ceannaire arrived, the two women awaited the Faraway Premier. Who they expected to either come by sea or air soon. In any case a car would await the Premier for transport to the Hotel.

ÓnahÉ Óglaigh na hÉireann has increased in size from 70,000 personnel to 140,000 personnel. An tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha, Seònaid Ní Uallacháin, thought it best to invest money in a large, more professional, defensive force to protect the people of the two state union. Dáil Éireann agus Albain found itself in agreement with this policy change. An Cheannaire, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin, was quoted to have said that it would contribute to the development of a professional force of soldiers defending "the lands of the Gaels".

Gàidhlig na h-Alba An Cheannaire, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin, has decided to head a campaign focusing on the re-establishment of Gàidhlig as the spoken vernacular of Scotland. Recent surveys have shown that a total of 58,652 (1.2% of the Scottish population aged over three years old) in Scotland could speak the language. The Outer Hebrides are the main stronghold of Gàidhlig. The survey results indicate a decline of 7,300 speakers from 1991. In order to stop this decline an official language development body has been established. It is called Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The Bord has begun changing place names. New Gàidhlig words are being developed for modern inventions. However these are, more or less, just symbols and small steps. The real goal is to revive Gàidhlig as a spoken language. Dáil Éireann agus Albain has declared that Gàidhlig is to be taught for at least three hours each day in all primary and secondary schools. While pre-school institutions are to focus on speaking Irish all day to their students. Extra grants are offered to schools who teach all subjects in Gàidhlig and extra marks awarded to students who answer their examinations through Gàidhlig. While outside of the education system local organisations and youth groups are being established for the purpose of the use of Gàidhlig outside the education system. Free classes will be offered to parents and the community by the local schools so as to help parents develop their depth in the language as well. Teaching the language is simply not enough. All measures and actions are being taken to make sure that Gàidhlig will be used on a daily basis outside of the school. Textbooks are now published in the language and teachers are required to learn Gàidhlig in order to officially teach. Dáil Éireann agus Albain is also giving grants to Gàidhlig-speaking households. Schoolchildren get grants to spend holidays in the Gàidhealtachd. Radio nan Gaidheal, a new Gàidhlig radio station broadcasts its programs in the language. And those who want jobs in teaching, government, security or the army in Scotland have to pass a test in Gàidhlig. An Cheannaire hopes these actions will help revive Scots-Gaelic in Scotland.

An tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil Dáil Éireann agus Albain has enacted legislation in relation to local government in Ireland. The law has established five provinces which consist of counties, thirty-two in all. While the provinces are present for historical reasons the counties have administrative importance. Local government functions in Ireland are exercised by thirty-two local authorities, termed County Councils, in these counties. The principal decision-making body in each of the thirty-two local authorities is composed of the members of the council, elected by universal franchise in local elections every two years by the local population. These local authorities are the closest and most accessible form of Government to the people of Ireland in their local community. The competencies of the county councils include the planning of transport infrastructure, sanitary services, public safety (notably fire services) and the provision of public libraries.

State of the Economy In order to develop the economy of the two state union An Ceannaire Ní Dhéin has been working closely with key economic advisers and An tAire Airgeadais Tómas Ó Garmhaic in drawing up a plan to develop the economy of the state. Grants have been issued to indigenous firms and entrepreneurs within Ireland and Scotland. The Ceannaire hopes that by doing so citizens will be encouraged to set up new industries in the two state union, while foreign companies will hopefully be attracted by the promise of low taxes on their profits and grants to help with building costs. To be precise the Corporation Tax has been lowered to 7% to attract multinational businesses. Growth is also being encouraged by the relaxing of regulations for businesses. However, being that the indigenous firms are relatively new to the market the government has decided to protect them, for a limited amount of time, from foreign competition by putting tariffs on imports until they become firmly established in the market. Funding has also been provided to farmers throughout the two state union to help build upon the strong agricultural sector. The government has also provided grants for the purchase of new farming equipment to increase production. Great results are expected from this initiative by the Ceannaire. Many have applauded her for her zeal in the matter. With time a new economic power in the North Atlantic may emerge.

Sign Posts Translated - Names to Follow An tAire Iompair, Ruairí Ó Saol, has announced on the behalf of the Government today that the National Roads Authority has completed the translation of road signs into Gaeilge in Ireland and Gàidhlig in Scotland. This act is part of a series of reforms throughout the two state union in which Gaeilge in Ireland and Gàidhlig in Scotland will become the vernaculars of the two state union. All place names that were anglicised in the past in Ireland and Scotland by the English colonial administration have been translated back into their original Irish and Scots-Gaelic forms. In part with this the Government is also currently having the re-Gaelicisation of all Irish and Scottish surnames done. This has been met with approval by the population of both countries. Many business owners are translating their trading names into one of the two Gaelic languages. Naturally depending on which country they reside in. The citizenry of Éirinn agus Albain will have their surnames translated by the end of the month by the Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta.

Óglaigh na hÉireann agus Albain Thousands of people across Ireland and Scotland have joined the Óglaigh na hÉireann agus Albain, or the Defence Forces of Ireland and Scotland, after a nationwide recruitment campaign. Current numbers have the army size at approximately 70,000 fully trained and armed men and women. The Supreme Commander of ÓnahÉ is the Ceannaire. But in practice An tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha (Foreign Affairs) acts on the Ceannaire's behalf and reports to the Rialtas na hÉireann agus Albain. ÓnahÉ encompass An tArm (the Army), An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh (the Naval Service) and An tAerchór (the Air Corps). Functions of the Defence Forces include: Defence of the two state union against armed attack. Assisting the An Garda Síochána (police force), including the protection of the internal security of the state. Peace-keeping, crisis management and humanitarian relief operations if asked for from foreign nations. Miscellaneous civil contingency duties requested by the Government such as search and rescue, air ambulance provision, providing secure air transport for ministers, assistance in the event of natural and other disasters, ensuring the maintenance of essential services, and assisting in dealing with oil pollution at sea. Investment in the development of ÓnahÉ will be one of the main goals of the Government.

Rialtas na hÉireann agus Albain An Cheannaire, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin, has officially appointed her government as of today. This new government intends to strengthen the economy of the two state union and build up a military capable of defending the lands of Ireland and Scotland, along with the air above and the waters which surround the two countries. Ceannaire: Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin Tánaiste: Liam Ó Macdha An tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta: Comhnall Breathnach (Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) An tAire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Achmhainní Nádúrtha: Gormfhlaith Ní Thuairisg (Communications, Energy and Natural Resources) An tAire Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais: Cormac Mac a' Mhiadhaich (Justice and Equality) An tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha: Seònaid Ní Uallacháin (Foreign Affairs) An tAire Airgeadais: Tómas Ó Garmhaic (Finance) An tAire Oideachais: Mairtín Mac Giolla Chúille (Education) An tAire Sláinte: Tonaí Mac Còiseam (Health) An tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara: Gráinne Ní Fhátharta (Agriculture, Food and Marine) An tAire Coimirce Sóisialaí: Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (Social Protection) An tAire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil: Seán Mac Niadh (Environment, Community and Local Government) An tAire Iompair: Ruairí Ó Saol (Infrastructure)

RTG (Raidió Teilifís Gaelach) is the broadcasting service of Ireland and Scotland. Owning a multitude of television channels and radio networks, RTG is available everywhere in Ireland and Scotland. Broadcasts are done through Irish, Scots-Gaelic and Manx (for those on the Isle of Man who can, without a doubt, receive the same broadcasts as those within the two state union). RTG is also available to the international community thanks to RTD (Raidió Teilifís an Domhain), where services are not only provided through the already mentioned languages, but, though English as well. General Elections Finished - New Government in Power The first national general election is officially over. And with its end it has become clear that Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig holds the peoples views. The party of Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin overwhelmingly achieved a majority in the Dáil, with over 175 seats. Seeing that her party now has an overwhelming majority in the Dáil, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin announced that she has no intentions of going into coalition with any other party. Earlier today she was nominated by the Dáil as Ceannaire. Órfhlaith accepted the nomination and was duly made Ceannaire after receiving a majority vote in her favor. She declared that her first act would be to form a constitution and have the people vote on it. The following are the official results of the general election: Election Results for Dáil Éireann agus Albain Fine Gael 12.50% Cumann na nGael 12.50% Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig 62.50% An Slí Eile 12.50% Election Results for Seanad Éireann agus Albain Fine Gael 37.50% Cumann na nGael 0.00% Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig 37.50% An Slí Eile 25.00%

The elections are officially over and the results are in. Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig have overwhelmingly achieved a majority in the Dáil, with over 175 seats. Fine Gael, Cumann na nGael and An Slí Eile have each received 35 seats. In the Seanad, however, the opposite is true for Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig. The party received 45 seats, as did Fine Gael. An Slí Eile achieved 30 seats while Cumann na nGael received none. Seeing that her party now has an overwhelming majority in the Dáil, Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin announced that she has no intentions of going into coalition with any other party. She was nominated by the Dáil earlier today as Ceannaire. She accepted the nomination and was duly made Ceannaire after receiving a majority vote in her favor. Election Results for Dáil Éireann agus Albain Fine Gael 12.50% Cumann na nGael 12.50% Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig 62.50% An Slí Eile 12.50% Election Results for Seanad Éireann agus Albain Fine Gael 37.50% Cumann na nGael 0.00% Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig 37.50% An Slí Eile 25.00%

From Munster to Ulster, from Ulster to the Highlands of Scotland, the Irish and Scots were to vote this day for their political representatives for the next five years. Both houses of government, Dáil Éireann agus Albain and Seanad Éireann agus Albain are being elected today. Together they are officially refereed to as the Oireachtas. Dáil Éireann agus Albain, consisting out of 280 members, and Seanad Éireann agus Albain, consisting out of 120 members, are going to be elected according to a proportional representation system every five years. Parties Fine Gael Leader: Tómas Ó Caoimh Position: Center-right politics. Christian. Encourages solidarity between Scotland and Ireland. Wishes to prevent a divide between the two state union. Wishes to prevent social erosion. Support for small and medium business. Cumann na nGael Leader: Pádraig Mac Con Coille Position: Socially liberal policies. Committed to environmentalism. Membership drawn mainly from intellectuals. A pacifist party. Wishes to focus on creating social programs to uplift the people of Ireland and Scotland. Gaeilge agus Gàidhlig Leader: Órfhlaith Ní Dhéin Position: Primarily concerned with linguistic and cultural matters. Wishes to revive the Irish language on a national scale. Making it the vernacular of Ireland. Desires to revive the Scots-Gaelic language throughout Scotland. Making it the vernacular of Scotland. Wishes to encourage Irish and Scottish culture in the form of funding for music, songs, literature, dancing, clothing, sport etc. Economic policy encourages protectionism, supporting Irish businesses and investing in Ireland's and Scotland's resources. Social policies wish to uplift the people by supporting families and introducing free education. An Slí Eile Leader: Seán Ó Gallchobhair Position: Center-left politics. Encourages individual freedom. Improving the opportunities of the working class. Increasing grants for the less fortunate. Penalize the rich with high taxes. The public, both foreign and domestic, may ask questions.