Sinn Féin versus William the Conqueror
Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:
Ireland's decision to participate in a
European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage
and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called '2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe', and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since the birth of England's first Norman king William the Conqueror have been
labelled 'offensive' by the Opposition party.
In a move to start the flow of
humanitarian aid into Gaza
after Israel's near three-month blockade,
a majority of EU states
have backed a proposal to review the union's agreement governing relations with Israel.
The HSE estimates that the number of children on
waiting lists for disability or autism services
will grow from 15,000 now to 25,000 by the end of the year, something
disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody
(14) highlighted with a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House this week.
Independent Ireland TD Kenneth O'Flynn had a wish list comprising 10 separate items for his parliamentary office at Leinster House, including
a 'La-Z-Boy' recliner
for 'breaks and informal meetings.'
And the
skorts controversy
looks to have reached its conclusion after delegates at the Camogie Association Special Congress passed a motion to allow players to wear shorts by 98 per cent.
Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:
Joe Biden
's cognitive and physical decline,
hurling
at its most biblical, and the
four distinct categories
that leaders fall into.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Four arrested and three cautioned following protests against pro-Gaza march
Four men have been arrested in Co Down following what police have termed a minor disorder associated with a protest against a march for Gaza. Activists took part in a Great March for Gaza event on Saturday from Lurgan to Omeath, designed to symbolise the length of the Gaza Strip during a demonstration and fundraising event. However, disorder broke out as the march passed through the village of Scarva where a counter-protest was held. Police said four men were arrested following minor disorder associated with the Scarva portion of the event. Three men were also cautioned in relation to public order offences at the towpath between Portadown and Newry. In Newry, a flag believed to be associated with a prescribed terrorist organisation was removed from a parade participant by police. Superintendent Norman Haslett said it was an appropriate and proportionate operation. "Police officers were in attendance at an event which commenced in Lurgan and continued into Newry on Saturday June 7," he said. "We were also present at a number of protests that were held in connection with this event. "Three males were cautioned in relation to public order offences at the towpath between Portadown and Newry and four males were arrested following minor disorder associated with a protest held at the Main Street in Scarva. "These protests had not been notified to the Parades Commission as required by law and officers issued warnings to this effect. "An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage gathered and consider any potential offences. "In Newry, a flag believed to be associated with a prescribed terrorist organisation was removed from a parade participant by police and this is subject to an ongoing police investigation. "This was an appropriate and proportionate policing operation to ensure that the safety of everyone involved was maintained and that the law was upheld." Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd commended the Lurgan branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) for organising the march. "On Saturday, thousands walked the equivalent length of the Gaza Strip to show our support for the defenceless civilians of Palestine who continue to face displacement, ethnic cleansing and starvation," he said. "It is no longer acceptable to stand by while Israel commits war crimes. Those complicit must finally act to end this campaign of murder and terror. "I want to commend Lurgan IPSC and all who helped make Saturday's march a success. "Unfortunately, a number of Israeli flags were placed along the route, as well as some protesters, but this did not affect the spirit or determination of those taking part. "We must continue to increase pressure on the international community to isolate Israel through boycott, divestment and sanctions until its systematic genocidal policies are brought to an end."
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on Ireland's research agenda: the vital role of innovation
It is not surprising that there are demands made, almost on a daily basis, by lobby and special interest groups for the State to increase funding. After all, Ireland has one of the healthiest fiscal surpluses among OECD member states. It is also one of the fastest growing economies, which is putting significant pressure on existing capacity. There is no doubt that almost every call made on the government to increase spending has some justification. But decisions must be made on the basis of what is best for the country in the long term rather than political expediency. The State must, as one key priority, focus on investment that lifts the long-term potential of the economy. In this context, the Government should consider Ibec's calls to increase public investment in research and innovation to 1 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2035. Donald Trump's second term as US president has underlined the growing vulnerability of Ireland's foreign direct investment model. These include moves to try to force pharma companies and other multinationals to relocate capacity to the US. There is also the growing risk of a global trade war, which will accelerate de-globalisation. READ MORE Against this backdrop, every effort must be made to build up the domestic economy. Producing a world class research and innovation infrastructure is an effective way of doing this. Moreover, Trump's attacks on universities are poised to grow, which will lead to a steady brain drain from the US. Increased investment in research and innovation would put Ireland in a much better position to attract some of this talent. Right now, poor funding of the sector here means the goal of attracting key researchers from the US is a nice headline, but one with little substance. Ireland also has work to do to underpin the funding of the third level sector, for both undergraduate and graduate students, which has a key role in underpinning innovation. Education has been vital to the longer-term success of the economy, but there is a sense of complacency about our position which needs to be tackled
Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Irish Times
Young people and AI
Sir, – In one of his first speeches as pope, Leo XIV outlined his priorities for his papacy. Interestingly, one of these is the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The pope believes that AI is a threat to 'humanity, justice and labour'. He said that this was one of the key reasons for him choosing the name Leo XIV. He had spoken previously about the impact of the industrial revolution on workers' rights. We are now arguably going through another 'industrial revolution' of sorts. Before, it was concerns that machines would replace people and take their jobs. Now it's the same but with AI. We adapted before and we can adapt again; not by trying to beat AI by being robots but by fully embracing our humanity – the qualities that set us apart from AI, qualities like our emotions, our ability to connect and build strong, trusting relationships and our ability to empathise. READ MORE If we are fully human, if we stop trying to beat AI at its own game, AI can never truly replace us, never truly do away with the need for real, human people in the workforce and in society. As a young person, I'm often asked the question, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' Whatever answer I give, the response is usually: 'Oh, that job will be done away it; AI will be doing it in the future.' But I remain hopeful, faithful that I will be needed in society. And that AI can't replace humans if we are truly human, fully ourselves. – Yours, etc, TESS LIFFEY, Birr, Co Offaly.
