Padraig Rua

" Apologies Secretary Collins. I took the title "Commander in Chief" to mean an alternative form of referring to an official with the title President in your part of the world." The President was embarrassed at the confusion, but he did not show it physically. In future he would be sure to double check the information he was provided. Or indeed, find it himself. He never did pay much attention to matters of international importance. He was too busy mingling with the people. Giving speeches and what not. " The creation of a Confederate embassy in Galway, and an Irish embassy in Austin, is very much agreeable. I give permission on the behalf of the Irish Republic. Furthermore we shall also grant visas to citizens of the Confederation. This should be quite beneficial to both our nations. As for economic matters we are still developing our economic resources. Fish stocks are being allowed to repopulate our waters. We are designating sections of forest to be cut down in the east and converted into timber for export. We are also developing our agriculture industry. Once these sources are ready for export we would be more than happy to sell them in Confederate markets."

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The President was the first of the two Irish officials to shake hands with the Confederate Secretary. " Welcome to the Irish Republic Secretary Collins. It's a pleasure to have you here in our Capital. Allow me to introduce An Taoiseach Fionnabhair Mac Giolla Ghunna." The Taoiseach approached Secretary Collins and shook his hand. " Fáilte go hÉireann a Rúnaí. Nuair a chuala mé faoi do thairiscint, níor chreid mé an nuacht!" he said. " The Taoiseach, I'm afraid, can only speak the three Gaelic languages of these isles and their dialects. He will not be joining us for the rest of this meeting. Not because he can't speak English, but because he has other matters to attend to.". With the Taoiseach gone the President invited the Secretary to sit at the meeting table. " My Government has given me permission to delegate on their behalf. Which is quite unique as the President is the head of state. I have no powers equivalent to your own President.". A waitress entered the room and offered refreshments to the two gentlemen. Conchúr accepted a cup of tea and biscuit before continuing with the discussion. " Now, I regret to inform you that my Government has decided not to accept your offer of financial support. I was quite surprised when I heard of their final decision. There was a whole Dáil session on the matter. It's believed by the vast majority of Teachtaí Dála that the Irish Republic should show its own strength and fund its own projects. Don't interpret this as ungratefulness Secretary Collins. Our people just want to be self sufficient and unreliant on others." The President took a sip of his tea and continued. " However, we're open to diplomacy between our two nations. What do you have in mind?".

Diplomat-1 would be given clearance to enter Irish airspace and land at Galway airport. It was a relatively small airport but one that fulfilled the requirements of the state. Expansion of its runway, and facilities, was planned for the near future. Once Diplomat-1 landed at the airport a state limousine, black in colour, would take Mark Collins to the offices of Government in the former County Council Headquarters. Here the President and An Taoiseach would wait for the Secretary of State to arrive.

Diplomatic Message Sent To: The Secretary of State of The Confederation of MidAmerica, Mark Collins Diplomatic Message Sent From: The President of the Irish Republic, Conchúr Ó Dhonnaile Secretary of State Collins, First of all, I very much appreciate the congratulations you've offered me in creating a democratic state in the aftermath of the German occupation. So on the behalf of the Irish people I thank you. The offer from your Congress and President to provide the funding for the initiation of the "An Slí Mór" infrastructure and settlement project is most welcomed. I accept on the behalf of the government of the Irish Republic. I invite you to come to our national Capital in Galway to meet with myself and An Taoiseach Fionnabhair Mac Giolla Ghunna to discuss matters of diplomacy between our two states. Once again I thank you for your help and support and look forward to your arrival in Galway. With the best regards, Conchúr Ó Dhonnaile, President of the Irish Republic

No Funding for An Slí Mór Typical Bóthar Áitiúil The "An Slí Mór" project has hit an unexpected barrier. A financial and material barrier to be precise. The Government of the Irish Republic simply has no funding to carry out the badly needed infrastructure and settlement reconstruction scheme. Not only that, the materials needed are in short supply. The reason behind the absence of both crucial assets is due to the funding spent on military development. Government funding invested in an aerial and coastal defence network left no money for this essential project. However, the "Bóthar Áitiúil" segment of "An Slí Mór" was actually carried out by the contractors involved in the construction of the coastal and air defence network. This is so because Ireland's defence force, Na Fianna Éireann, needed a well concealed and extensive medium over which equipment could be easily moved and, indeed, hidden within. Thus most pre-existing rural roads were cleaned up, as was planned in "An Slí Mór". With this realisation of low funding alternative plans are being drawn up for infrastructure and settlement renewal in Ireland by the Government. An unidentified source has claimed that this may come in the form of uncontrolled migration, encouraged by Government grants, eastwards towards Leinster, Meath and Ulster.

An tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil Administrative Division of the Irish Republic Dáil Éireann 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 the Republic 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. The only counties with significant population levels at the moment are Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, Cork and Donegal. The other counties and their authorities have yet to come into realisation.

' The Irish Republic welcomes Greater Sudan to the international stage.'

An Slí Mór The Great Highway As it is well known, the previous Irish state was devastated by a nuclear war which wiped out the vast majority of the Irish population. Nearly all towns were levelled and certainly all major cities. The Greater Germanic Reich tried to rebuild what it could from the rubble. However, this primarily came in the form of the reconstruction of infrastructure sufficient for the operation of Germanic forces in Ireland, and poor quality housing for those lucky enough to survive. Radiation was cleared up and the rest of Ireland was left for the wilds to retake. The city of Galway was the only remaining major population center in Ireland. However, its residents were mostly killed off by radiation sickness. The peripheral regions of Ireland were spared annihilation, which all happened to be western Gaeltachts. Due to the low population density of these Gaeltacht regions many, if not all, inhabitants were saved. These people were Irish speakers and Irish became, once again and rightfully, the main language of the Irish people. As years passed under German occupation the wilds re-claimed the lands of Ireland. Quick growing trees grew dense over fertile plains. Hedgerows and grass covered the rubble. But Galway remained strong, a symbol of hope for the Irish who had survived. From Gaeltachts from Donegal to Cork, Irishmen and Irishwomen migrated to Galway. And then came that wondrous day when the Germanic Reich collapsed and Ireland was set free. Galway and its people were ready to play a central role in the establishment of the 3rd Irish Republic. With a capital city to work from the Irish people started to reclaim the Irish landscape and re-establish settlements. But first an infrastructure network was needed. From Galway to Limerick and Limerick to Cork citizens were paid to construct a major highway network known as An Slí Mór or "The Great Highway". This was the first step taken to develop mediums over which materials could be moved in order to help in the reconstruction of cities such as Limerick and Cork. Local roads were simple maintained and the hedges cut back on their sides so as not to infringe on the nature and beauty which was created. These small rural roads were labelled as Bóthar Áitiúil. Once the Slí Mór is constructed between Galway and Limerick the Government will begin to initiate a renewal project for the city of Limerick.

Air Defence Network (ADN) - Classified In counties of strategic importance to the air defence of Ireland, Over The Horizon (OTH) radar facilities were constructed. They would provide coverage around the Republic for up to 500 miles in all directions. These static sites would be protected by Buk missile systems in large quantities in order to take out incoming missiles or enemy aircraft. Mobile radar networks were established by the use of vehicle mounted AESA emitters to ensure the static radar network, if disabled, would only be down for a limited amount of time before the mobile network re-connects and establishes coverage for the whole island. This detection network would operate directly with a nationwide air defence system consisting of easily movable forces. This network would comprise of missile regiments of S-300 and MIM-104 Patriot batteries which would provide protection from ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft at long range. These batteries would primarily defend military facilities and civilian targets such as bridges, power stations etc. Buk missile system batteries would be used for medium range defence against missiles and aircraft which survived the S-300's and MIM-104 Patriot's. Short range air defence would come in the form of Crotale R460 SICA (Shahine) surface to air systems. To improve and extend the radar network multiple E-3 Sentry AWAC aircraft would patrol the skies of the Republic and relay its information to aircraft on the ground. These aircraft come in the form of F/A-18 Hornet's located at various air bases throughout the country. Coastal Defence Network (CDN) - Classified Working with the radar network, Ireland would find that its long range coastal defence came in the form of anti ship ballistic missiles. Mounted ASBM's would be deployed in batteries along the Irish coastline from Cork to Derry and kept hidden using the geography and natural surroundings. Once established, they would relocate at a random basis to prevent any observational patterns. For a medium coastal defence, Harpoon block III's were mounted on the back of military trucks in quad launchers. These Harpoon Trucks would work close to the coastline. They would also relocate randomly. Tomahawk missiles would be launched against any enemy vessels entering Irish waters. To help detect submarines, sonobuoys would be released twelve miles off the coastline to detect any submarines that ventured into Irish territorial waters. To assist the sonobuoys multiple P-3 Orion aircraft would patrol the coastal skies, continually searching for any submerged threat to the Republic. To further hinder the operation of submarines in Irish waters, and to destroy or damage them during war, a GATOR mine system was deployed 13 - 15 miles from the Irish coastline, and away from major commercial routes in and out of Ireland.

' The Irish Republic embraces the Maharastra nation in its newfound independence. May your people prosper.'

' The Irish Republic is sceptical of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. However, we will grant recognition so long as the Athenian Federation approves.'

Fionnabhair stood up from the table and walked over to the young admirable Queen. He leaned on the stone carved railings of the veranda and looked out over the garden as she did, all the while his diligent translator making sense of the situation. The garden was a wondrous vista of green, with a slight veiner of moisture coating the leaves. A truly magnificent sight. " I agree to what you have said. There are so many opportunities for trade between us. We can be strong friends. And I understand your situation on Britain." The Taoiseach took her hand in his, boldly, and looked into her eyes. " Friendship and solidarity can be achieved by such small acts as a NAP. I accept on the behalf of my people. I trust this relationship will be beneficial and develop even further into the future, my dear Queen."

Na Fianna Éireann Irelands favourable geographical location makes any external threat or future invasion unlikely. For this reason the Republics military capabilities are relatively modest. However, they should not be underestimated. There are currently 17,000 active troops serving in the defence forces. They are divided into four brigades. The Connacht Brigade (5000) has its headquarters in Galway and is responsible for the defence of the province of Connacht. The Munster Brigade (5000) has its headquarters situated in Limerick and is responsible for the protection of Munster during invasion. The Leinster Brigade (5000) has its headquarters in Kilkenny and is responsible for the defence of the province of Leinster. While, finally, the Ulster Brigade (2000) has its headquarters in Derry and is responsible for the defence of Ulster. Weapons of Na Fianna Éireann Small Arms Steyr AUG - The Steyr is the Defence Force's standard service rifle. Its attachments include a better sighting system called a Combat Optical Weapon Sight (COWS), a 40mm grenade launcher attachment and a thermal sight allowing for better operation in the dark. General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) - The FN MAG, known as the MAG by Irish troops, is used both with its bipod or in the sustained fire (SF) role mounted on a tripod by the Infantry. Both the Infantry and Motorised Cavalry use the MAG mounted on its armoured vehicles and the Infantry and Artillery use it in the air defense role too. .5 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) - Known as the .5 by Irish troops the Heavy Machine Gun is in use with all service branches. The Infantry use it in the sustained fire role, air defense role and mounted on its MOWAG APCs. The Artillery use it in the air defense role and the Motorised Cavalry use it mounted on its armoured vehicles. M203 Grenade Launcher - The 203 is in use with the Infantry. It is permanently attached to the Steyr with a separate sighting and trigger mechanism. 60mm Mortar and 81 mm Mortar - The 81 uses the C2 AI Sight Unit and together with the Morfire Fire Control Computer, and ammunition, make it an accurate motor. Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon (SRAAW) - The SRAAW is a recoilless, preloaded disposable weapon. 84mm Anti-Armour Weapon - The 84 is a recoilless, breach loaded anti-armour weapon. AI 96 Sniper Rifle - The AI 96 Sniper Rifle is used by special sniper units of the defence forces. Heckler & Koch P7 - Used by officers. Artillery Capabilities L118 & L119 105mm Howitzers (main artillery support weapon) 81mm mortar (infantry support companies) 155 mm M198 howitzer Air Defense Systems RBS-70 Surface to Air Missile system 32 Bofors EL-70 40mm Air defence Gun Browning .50 on Cobra mount (air defence role)

Karolina Zigo was a pleasurable sight upon Fionnabhairs eyes. Her bodyguards were imposing and dressed as exquisitely as herself. She looked majestic and regal, as one should be in her station of power. However, his appreciation of the Monarch was quickly disturbed by the pelting of rain against glass. It seemed to have followed the Taoiseach from Ireland itself. Oh how he dreamed of sunshine...... Fionnabhair followed the Queen and sat down. As the food began to arrive before the two leaders in the conservatory Queen Zigo initiated the conversation. All Fionnabhair could do was nod and smile until his translator whispered into his ear what she had said. He responded in Irish and the translator did his job. " Irelands intentions at the moment are focused at home. Much emphasis is being placed on repopulation, urban renewal and the development of local Government. This new Ireland is still yet young. Though it's on its way to developing a military strength capable of defending her.....interests. Perhaps Ireland and the United Kingdoms of the Carpathians share the same interests?" Fionnabhair spoke some more before eating some of the fine cooked meat before him. " The Taoiseach also says that your offer of support for Ireland's 'claim' to the British Isles is most appreciated. But our current interests over the British Isles lie in the Celtic nations which reside there. Particularly those of Scotland and Man due to their origins in our people. However, we believe the Athenian Federation sufficient guardians of these peoples and rightly so. They're a stabilizing force in Europe, and only with their permission would we retake protection of these lands and their people. In any case I do believe our peoples can share and accomplish a lot. What do you have in mind?"

As soon as he had time available to him Fionnabhair boarded a state owned jet at Galway airport and flew to Hungary. Upon arriving in the town of Keszthely a car took him the rest of the way to the Festetics Palace. Its wondrous Baroque architecture placed him in a state of awe. The Queen of the Bohemians and Magyars certainly had chosen a residence worthy of her title. Fionnabhair was dressed in a simple three piece black suit. The only other person who had come with him was a translator learned in various Slavic languages. Fionnabhair could only speak Irish, Scots-Gaelic, Manx and their various dialects. He was unique in that way. The only monolingual "Gaelic" speaker in over a century. Upon announcing himself, with the help of the translator, he was admitted into the palace and directed towards the reception hall. So began the Taoiseachs first diplomatic trip.

' The Irish Republic recognises Denmark and wishes its people well in their new found statehood.'

' The Irish Republic officially recognises the United Kingdoms of the Carpathians in all its glory. May any future relations between our two states be fruitful.'

' The Irish Republic welcomes Romania to the international stage. May your people reside in prosperity for eternity.'

Na Fianna Éireann Monument to the Warriors of Ireland " We of Na Fianna Éireann address ourselves to the people of Ireland and invite them to band themselves with us in a knightly service. We believe that the highest thing anyone can do is to serve well and truly, and we purpose to serve Ireland with all our fealty and with all our strength." So said John Gerard Hynes Ceannaire of Na Fianna Éireann, the national defence force of Ireland, earlier today at its official establishment ceremony. Na Fianna Éireann hope to train Irishmen and Irishwomen to be soldiers, not only to know the trade of a soldier - drilling, marching, camping, signalling, scouting and shooting - but also to understand and prize military discipline and to have a military spirit. The training for Na Fianna Éireann includes physical culture, infantry drilling, marching, the routine of camp life, semaphore and Morse signalling(in a mixture of the three dialects), scouting in all its branches, elementary tactics, ambulance and first aid, swimming, hurling and Gaelic football. Na Fianna Éireann also believe that mental culture should go hand in hand with physical culture, and provides instruction in Irish history, lectures on historical and literary subjects, and musical and social entertainments. Over 17,000 men and women have already signed up to Na Fianna Éireann and are undergoing training at his very moment. An Taoiseach Fionnabhair Mac Giolla Ghunna hopes an effective fighting force will be the end result.

' The Irish Republic is glad to see another island nation, whose culture and people were suppressed by a merciless state, rise to the European stage. We wish Iceland peace and prosperity.'

' May this new Germanic nation be one of peace and not war. May your people prosper.'

' The Irish Republic welcomes another European nation which that follows the institutions of a republic. May the Republic of Sweden stand as a light throughout Scandinavia.'

' The Irish Republic welcomes the nation of Noord-Uniestaat to Europe. May you prosper and build. And may our relations be cordial.'

National Elections Complete The Will of the Irish People Exactly 42 hours ago election polls were closed as the process of vote counting took hold. RTÉ officially reports that the election results are in, and the following parties have made it to the national parliament, henceforth to be known as the Dáil: Cumann na nGaedheal (CnG): 80 seats National Party of Ireland (NPI): 30 seats Irish Catholic Party (ICP): 8 seats Irish Socialist Party (ISP): 2 seats Cumann na nGaedheal is overjoyed with its victory in the national elections. Cumann na nGaedheal has received the majority of seats in the parliament, followed by the National Party of Ireland and the Irish Catholic Party. The Irish Socialist Party has received a meagre two seats and thus is the smallest party in the Dáil. The leader of Cumann na nGaedheal, Fionnabhair Mac Giolla Ghunna, declared earlier today that: ' Ireland will be returned to her one true culture.'. As shown by the election results the people of Ireland look forward to An tUasal Mac Giolla Ghunna's plans for reform which will soon be put into action nationwide, starting with the family unit and working its way up. Furthermore the Irish Republic was cemented in writing today when the Irish people approved of its existence in the election. Ireland is now officially a Republic. Long live the Republic.