Until several years ago an economic success story, Ireland has been told that it should accept financial help, from Britain and the rest of the European Union, and perhaps from the International Monetary Fund as well. With a financial bailout would come some loss of control, and politicians in the current Irish government say they will resist raising their famously-low corporate tax rates, which many credit with attracting foreign companies to Ireland. The country's long been fiercely independent — it's arguably part of Ireland's national identity. Many Irish people are heartsick over the country's financial woes and the loss of sovereignty a bailout would entail.

As President Barack Obama has become a symbol for millions in his father's homeland, Kenya, the Kennedy family was a symbol of success for millions in Ireland. Throughout his career, Senator Edward Kennedy fought hard to maintain those bonds. Kennedy used his position to facilitate diplomatic inroads for any Irish leaders visiting our country, and he was instrumental in securing the Good Friday Agreement under President Clinton in 1995.

We are joined by Niall O’Dowd, founder and editor of Irish Voice newspaper and IrishCentral.Com.  O'Dowd was extensively involved in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreemement.