Up to 100 more roads-policing gardaí needed this year to meet Drew Harris's promise, safety group warns
A leading road safety group has said another 100 gardaí will need to be assigned to roads policing units this year if a commitment made last year by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on numbers policing Irish roads is to be honoured.
However, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána this week said it does not comment on the specific details of the numbers or members attached to specific units, as these can vary month to month due to several factors, including individual garda members' personal circumstances, family-friendly transfer policies, promotions and retirements.
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Irish Independent
18 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Minister signals tough budget after Donald Trump's new 30pc EU tariff threat
Donald Trump's threatened 30pc tariffs on EU trade have further diminished any prospect of easing finances for Irish households in the upcoming Budget, a Government minister has warned.
Irish Independent
18 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
The Sunday Independent's View: Donald Trump only knows how to make threats, not deals
The war in Ukraine was meant to be solved in one day. Many more have passed since without a resolution. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu also flew home to the Middle East last week without agreeing to the ceasefire in Gaza that negotiators in the US and Israeli camps had promised was imminent. Casualties among Palestinians queuing for aid continue to mount. The president's most conspicuous failure to strike a deal, however, has undoubtedly been on the thorny issue of US-EU trade, and those negotiations have now taken a further, and alarming, backwards step with his announcement yesterday afternoon of new 30pc tariffs on all goods from the European Union. So much for the White House press secretary's assurance just days ago that any changes to the 10pc tariffs introduced in April would be put back to a new deadline of August 1. It could be that a deal is still on the cards. Even as he declared himself 'hopeful' that an outline agreement could be reached last week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was under no illusions that more detailed negotiations would continue behind the scenes. The real concern is whether Donald Trump actually wants a deal, or what the EU can do to press him into making concessions. It remains to be seen how markets will respond when they open again The president has indicated that any tariffs imposed in retaliation to this move will simply be added to that baseline 30pc, and that even this will not be sufficient to eliminate the deficit in trade that the US runs with Europe, raising the threat of more punishment to come. It remains to be seen how markets will respond when they open again tomorrow, but the omens cannot be good. Traders have, to some extent, learnt to factor in Trump's volatility, but this represents a serious ramping up of the stakes. For Ireland, the world's third largest exporter of pharmaceutical products, the nightmare scenario is that Trump goes ahead with his repeated warning of 200pc tariffs on the pharma industry in an effort to strong-arm US giants into bringing manufacturing home. Many of those who are resentful of Ireland's economic success actively seem to be willing the worst to happen. One headline in the Tory press last week asked, almost wistfully: 'Will Trump's pharma tariffs destroy the Irish economy?' ADVERTISEMENT Even if Trump presses that nuclear button, tariffs would not come into place for another 18 months, allowing time for further haggling. The Irish economy should remain reassuringly robust overall, with growth expected to exceed 4pc annually through 2027 — well ahead of the eurozone. Panic would be premature. All the same, it is hard to deny that Ireland seems to worm under Trump's thin skin, and our EU partners may well be inclined to prioritise their own interests if he comes gunning for us. Ultimately, it could be that a deal is simply impossible because the US president's demands are so mercurial that they cannot reasonably be satisfied. The one thing the world needs is certainty, and his personality ensures this is the one thing that it cannot expect to enjoy any time soon.
Irish Independent
19 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Letters: Can't our politicians see the damage their anti-Israel stance is doing to our country?
I, and many Irish people, cannot understand why the Government indirectly encourages Hamas, a sick organisation that does not want a two-state solution, believes in keeping dead hostages, uses the death of their own citizens as propaganda and refuses to relinquish power to achieve peace. Our leaders are alienating our country from most of Europe, the Middle East and the US with no gain. Can they not see that the international silent reception to their anti-Israel policy is damaging our country? We need to listen to world opinion and not claim some form of humanitarian high ground by keeping a warm relationship with Iran and its funding of so many terrorist organisations. It is not too late to call for hostage release as a path to peace, abandon the anti-Israel policy and offer the hand of friendship by requesting the return of the Israeli ambassador. Surely it would be wise to maintain a normal diplomatic relationship with the Middle East's only democracy. Philip Hannigan, Bray, Co Wicklow Blinkered view of Gaza hard to fathom Madam — David Quinn accuses our politicians of not offering any solutions to the situation in Gaza. He also mentions what he calls their condemnation of Israel for trying to destroy Hamas. Nowhere does he mention the destruction of Palestinian homes, the starving of children and the shooting of people queuing for food. He could have just written: 'I'm fine with how things are being handled in Gaza and the rest of the people of Ireland should be too.' P Kelly, Carraroe, Co Galway Ireland should not just parrot US views Madam — I have to take issue with some of the points made by David Quinn. Blithely parroting the mantra of US politicians that Ireland is the most antisemitic country in Europe conflates discrimination against Jews with criticism of the action of the state of Israel. The latter is not antisemitism. He also asks why there is no condemnation of Iran – the same country that was attacked unprovoked by Israel and is not actively engaged in genocide against Palestinians. It is currently ruled by those who overthrew the shah, who was imposed on the Iranians as he was useful to western (US and UK) interests. Mr Quinn seems to suggest we say nothing for fear of upsetting our trade with the US. Mark O'Hagan, Ballinacurra, Co Cork Irish lead the way on moral courage Madam — David Quinn describes Ireland as the only EU country where the Israeli ambassador has been recalled, as though this were a point of shame. Perhaps it's because Ireland is one of the few countries with the moral courage to call out what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank for what it is: abhorrent. Let me be clear: I do not excuse the horrors of October 7, 2023. What Hamas did that day was evil. But to focus only on geopolitics and foreign policy while ignoring the mass killing of civilians, especially children, is a moral failure. It is a sad reflection of our times when people show more concern for diplomatic manoeuvres or economic fallout than for our shared humanity. C Smyth, Cahir, Co Tipperary Defence of human rights hypocritical Madam — Our politicians' approach to defending human rights is hypocritical. They insist on pursuing the Occupied Territories Bill to sanction Israel while remaining silent about China's documented human rights abuses of millions of Uyghur Muslims. Our politicians have much to say about the alleged moral evil of using or benefiting from technology created in Israel, yet are silent about the use of Hikvision cameras in the Oireachtas. Hikvision, a company controlled by the Chinese state, has been banned by some EU members because of national security concerns and its alleged role in the mass surveillance of Uyghur Muslims, an activity that is facilitating their erasure as a distinct cultural and ethic minority. There appears to be one rule for Israel and another for China. Sandra Adams, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 Bonfires used to be fun, not flashpoints Madam — Reading Sam McBride ('Loyalist bonfires don't have to be inflammatory events in a united Ireland', July 6) reminded me of the wonderful bonfire nights we had as children many moons ago. These were a long way from what we see in the North today, with pyres up to 64 metres high, a potential danger to anyone in the immediate area. In our younger days, after we had got planning permission from our parents for a suitable site, the hard work of gathering anything that would burn began: timber, turf, old mattresses, unwanted clothes and blankets, cardboard boxes and, of course, the great prize of used tyres. These bonfires were held on the June 23 on the eve of St John's Day. When the big night arrived, adults and children came from surrounding villages. While the dads lit the fire, the mothers made tea and opened the boxes of goodies. As we watched the fire grow bigger, we could hardly control our excitement. As it crackled, spat, groaned and reached into the night sky, we all had tea, sandwiches, biscuits and freshly baked apple tart. Afterwards, the men had a few bottles of stout and told stories — and some tall tales as well. As the night wore, on we started singing the songs of the time. The hits of Elvis, Big Tom, Larry Cunningham, Johnny McEvoy and The Beatles rang out loud and clear. At midnight, we all returned home after a great night. It was a magnificent social occasion thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees. As we went to our beds, we dreamed of it all again next year. God be good to those innocent and simpler times in our youth, many years ago. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Cass Review shown to have deep flaws Madam — I was alarmed to read Mark Tighe ('Trans group TENI risked 'harm' to children over puberty blockers advice', June 29) uncritically citing the Cass Review, the basis of a UK-wide ban on puberty-blockers for trans children. One of the immediate criticisms of the Cass Review was that it wasn't peer-reviewed — a very basic standard in academic practice. Well, it has been peer-reviewed now, with academics from all over the world finding deep flaws with its methods, selection, intentions and more. Other reports have drawn the exact opposite conclusion to Cass. There's a reason Britain has fallen to 22nd in the European rankings for LGBTQ+ rights, its lowest position ever (it was first in 2015). It is not a model Ireland wants to emulate, and our politicians and press have a duty of care in this regard. Margaret McPherson, Clongriffin, Dublin 13 Kingdom reigns on Joe Brolly's parade Madam — As a lifetime GAA follower (with no Kerry affiliations), I would like to comment on the ill-judged article by Joe Brolly ('Clifford the only Kerry footballer worthy of name', June 29). He described the present crop of Kerry footballers as 'useless' bar one David Clifford. Well, Joe, you got your answer in Croke Park later that day, when the men in green and gold produced the greatest display of attacking football ever seen at that famous venue. Far from being useless, they had stars right through the field, and indeed off the bench, working their socks off for the Munster champions who destroyedto defeat Armagh. Thirty-two points scored by a team of useless footballers, Joe — as Roy Keane might say, 'not bad, in fairness'. Be a bit more realistic in your match previews — this was a shocker to all football followers. Seamus O Murcada, Glensensaw, Wexford Wolfe Tones instil a real sense of pride Madam — Anyone attending The Wolfe Tones' farewell concert in Thomond Park tonight will be in for a treat — take it from someone who first saw them in Kilburn in the mid-1980s and most recently in Liverpool last month. As I waited for them to come on stage at the June concert, I chatted to other members of the audience. I met two primary school teachers from Preston, Lancashire, who had Irish parents who were there 'to take it all in'. I also met five men who were native Welsh speakers. I talked to a former police superintendent from just outside Liverpool who had no Irish family connection and was 'there for the craic'. There was a time years ago when the crowd would have been just a lot of people in Celtic jerseys with a sprinkling of GAA county colours attending. While these were still visible, this was a hugely diverse crowd. Oh, and the music was excellent too. I came away from the concert feeling very proud to be Irish. I hope Kneecap take the baton from the Tones, even if I don't understand a word of their songs. They generate the same sort of feeling: pride and a general 'get up off your knees' vibe. Long live the Wolfe Tones. Sean Keenaghan, Douglas, Cork Open the presidency to more contenders Madam — Eilis O'Hanlon's article on the presidential election ('Do we need another president with notions?', July 6) was, as always, insightful and informative. However, she offered no suggestions as to how we might change the Constitution to make the office more accessible. Might I be so bold as to make one? We could make open nominations to anyone who is able to gain 10,000 sponsors by way of a petition. If they were successful, they could go forward to a preliminary ballot, with the two highest-scoring going on to a final deciding vote. I believe only those with a genuine desire to speak out for what they believe in would put themselves through this process. Michael Wilson, Laytown, Co Meath We need new way to pick our first citizen Madam — Seeing as how the race to replace President Michael D Higgins appears to be failing to capture the public imagination, we should consider an alternative approach. A new selection process is even more desirable owing to the incumbent's tendency to go beyond the previously accepted boundaries of the office. We don't need two taoisigh. So let each of the four provinces elect a candidate by public vote. Then have the foreign embassies in Ireland elect their preferred choice from these four selections. The one with the most votes becomes president. In this way, we would ultimately be letting a section of the world's elite pick the best of our poor choices. And with that, it would be another gentle reminder that the success or otherwise of our great little nation has much to do with powers largely outside of our control. Brendan Corrigan, San Martín de los Llanos, Colombia Mulhall would be perfect for the Áras Madam — With all the speculation about who might or might not be selected to contest the presidential election, it has occurred to me that rather than choosing a celebrity candidate, we might look to someone with skills and expertise better suited to the position. Given that the role is primarily an honorary one, but with a strong diplomatic element to it, I believe that Dr Dan Muhall, a former ambassador and a learned gentleman, would be the perfect fit in many ways. Leo Walsh, Waterford Brother Kevin was a true ally of the poor Madam — Brother Kevin Crowley (Obituary, July 6) was a fearless friend of the poor. In a church too often known for doctrine, he made it known for dignity for the poorest of the poor. He didn't ask people their story before feeding them. He didn't require worthiness before washing feet. He didn't filter compassion through policy or privilege. He gave because God gives. And the place he built, the Capuchin Day Centre, wasn't just a soup kitchen. It was a Eucharist without walls, where bread and mercy were broken daily for thousands. What Brother Kevin served there went deeper than calories. He offered respect, welcome, healing, hope, love, acceptance, compassion, all freely, all radically. He saw people not as problems to fix, but as mirrors of Christ. The drunk, the addict, the asylum- seeker, the abused mother, the lonely pensioner were received with no questions asked except: 'Are you hungry?' If we truly want to honour his legacy, we must stop romanticising saints and start imitating them. Ronan Scully, Knocknacarra, Galway How to keep your energy in your 80s Madam — I met Brother Kevin Crowley in his office on the top floor of the Capuchin Day Centre for 15 minutes the day before he retired in August, 2022. In response to my question as to how an 87-year-old man (who would have been in the 23rd year of receiving his Irish Rail pension had he continued to work for CIE) found the energy to be in charge of running one of Dublin's largest homeless charities, he replied: 'The secret is to find joy, peace and happiness in one's work.' Paul O'Byrne, Rathgar, Dublin Captain America's and its superpowers Madam — As a 1970s student from rural Armagh, I thought I had made it when I discovered Captain America's on Grafton Street ('Make Captain America's great again — here's how', July 6). I stuck to the regular meat burger and hoped the occasional girl brave enough to join me might find both me and the place vaguely cool. I loved the banana split. I loved the mints by the till even more. I took more than one. Years later, a friend informed me that surveys had found traces of urine on free mints in some restaurants. Some superpowers are best left to the imagination. A short-lived romance sparked there may well have contributed to my seven post-university years in the US. Before the Marvel franchise, Captain America was making awkward young men feel like heroes, one burger at a time.
