2002 in Ireland - Events

Events

• 1 January – The euro currency is introduced across the European Union. The people of Ireland adapt to the loss of their pounds and pence without any major confusion.
• 9 January – Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev receives the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
• 7 March – A referendum on a proposal to amend the Consititution to remove the threat of suicide as a ground for legal abortion is narrowly defeated.
• 21 March – The third Coimisiún na Gaeltachta publishes its report on strengthening the role of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht.
• 2 April – Brendan Comiskey, the Catholic Bishop of Ferns resigns after criticism of his handling of abuses cases in the diocese.
• 5 April – The first recruits of the new Police Service of Northern Ireland graduate.
• 17 May – 2002 general election: The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition is re-elected. It is the first government to be re-elected since 1969. Fianna Fáil achieve 80 seats, just four short of an overall majority. Fine Gael lose 23 seats and Labour remains static. Increased support for Sinn Féin results in four extra TDs. Michael Noonan resigns as leader of Fine Gael and Ruairi Quinn resigns as leader of the Labour Party.
• 1 June – The Republic of Ireland begin their soccer world cup campaign.
• 11 October – Geraldine Kennedy is appointed the first female editor of The Irish Times.
• 14 October – As of midnight the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive are suspended by order of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
• 19 October – Irish voters accept the Treaty of Nice in the second referendum held on the issue.