Shane Ross: Surprise Labour move could end Micheál Martin's dilemma over running a Fianna Fáil candidate for presidency
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The Journal
9 hours ago
- The Journal
Minister says Government will be 'fully mindful' of impact from tariffs when forming Budget
TRANSPORT MINISTER DARRAGH O'BRIEN has said that the Government will be 'fully mindful of the economic situation' when putting together the upcoming Budget. It follows reports in today's Sunday papers that Tánaiste Simon Harris and his Fine Gael party's junior minister Neil Richmond believe that a more restricted Budget may be on the cards if a harsh tariff rate from the US president is maintained. Donald Trump yesterday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on the European Union by 1 August in the latest escalation of the his on-again, off-again trade war. Certain measures to alleviate cost of living strains, such as one-off payments, were dismissed by Harris. In the Sunday Independent today , the Fine Gael leader said that it was important for Ireland to 'move away from running a country on the basis of 'will the Government give me something temporary in September or October'', to the idea of 'structural change' instead. This mood was bolstered by Richmond telling the paper in light of the latest tariff threat that a 'flurry of demands to empty the State's savings funds for a range of one-off and current spending ideas' would 'irresponsible' for the Government to do in October. Advertisement Another member of the Cabinet, Transport and Climate Minister O'Brien, didn't quash the idea when speaking today, but the Fianna Fáil TD attempted to make it appear that any restricted spending was already well flagged by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. 'During the general election campaign, my party leader and the Taoiseach was very clear to say that obviously any budgets we bring forward are fully mindful of the economic situation at the time, but really our focus as a government between the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and all of my colleagues, is working with our European Union partners to conclude an arrangement that can allow us to continue to trade,' he told RTÉ's This Week radio programme. O'Brien said the last number of months have created 'uncertainty' across the EU and the United States, which he said was 'not good for the economy', particularly in relation to private sector business decisions. On this, O'Brien added that investment 'in many areas has been paused', before saying that he does not want to 'catastrophize the situation' either. The minister said that he would 'sincerely hope' that the current impasse does not become a full-blown trade war. 'I think the Taoiseach has been very clear as well in really setting out that we want respectful dialogue to continue. There is still time in this space the EU and the US enjoy the biggest economic relationship. It's good for both blocs.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
20 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Campaigners support Palestinians in huge show of solidarity at Wicklow event
Keen to be proactive, local campaigners, some of which hold weekly vigils, gathered at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely for a coffee morning that raised more than €2,000. Additionally, 75 people signed their name on a joint letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which will be submitted to the public consultation on the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB), urging the government to ensure both goods and services are kept in the bill to 'ban trade between Ireland and illegal Israeli settlements'. Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan, who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, was invited to come and hear from his constituents regarding the OTB and other Palestine solidarity matters. Gorey IPSC, which holds a vigil for lost Palestinians every Wednesday evening at the roundabout in Gorey, joined the event and shared info on local solidarity actions, inviting people to sign postcards to the government regarding the OTB, which will be delivered to the Dáil. Thanking everyone who donated and came to show solidarity for Palestine, coffee morning organisers Claudia Tormey, Yasmine Phillips and Ríona Sally Hartman gave a special mention to Tinahely Courthouse staff, who provided the space and time for free, local businesses (Coogans Hardware, O'Connor's Pub, Eva Lynch Design Chambers Gala, Centra, First Batch Bakery, Rathwood, Orla Pilates, Kunstverein, D'lish Cafe) for sponsoring raffle prizes and cakes, and Sadhbh O'Sullivan for playing beautiful songs about Palestine, resistance and joy. 'The number of people who supported and contributed to this event shows how much solidarity there is locally for the people of Palestine – people want our government to do more,' Claudia Tormey said. 'By enacting this bill in full, including both goods and services, Ireland can become the first western nation to ban trade with apartheid settlements. TDs and senators on the Foreign Affairs Committee can help Ireland pave the way for other countries. 'They can help Ireland make history like we did back in 1987, when Ireland became the first western country to ban imports from Apartheid South Africa. It's important that we all engage with our elected representatives on this important issue. 'Members of the public are invited to call or email the Foreign Affairs Committee members about the Occupied Territory Bill this week. You'll find info at Individuals and groups can also make submissions to the committee via
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Shane Ross: Surprise Labour move could end Micheál Martin's dilemma over running a Fianna Fáil candidate for presidency
The bodies of wannabe presidents are already strewn all over the battlefield. Fine Gael's Seán Kelly and Frances Fitzgerald tested the water and withdrew; Independent senator Frances Black's ambitions are stillborn, despite her great work on the Occupied Territories Bill; Fianna Fáil's Barry Andrews was one of those who hadn't given it any thought but rapidly rebuffed overtures; other credible candidates, including former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, are finding it hard to break out of the starting blocks.
