Latest news with #AdamHiggins
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Irish presidential race still one-horse show, but from skeletons in closet to €330k pay – here's 6 questions for runners
WHY do so few people seem to want to become President of Ireland? We're expecting an election at some point in October, but so far only have one runner in the race to replace 4 The election to replace Michael D Higgins is expected to occur in October Credit: � 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 4 Our man Adam Higgins shares his six questions for potential candidates Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 4 Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only candidate for the election so far Credit: PA:Press Association The President gets the final sign off on new laws passed here, plays an important role in representing However, we haven't got droves of people running for the Presidency yet because of politics. Potential candidates are terrified a long campaign will see their chances unravel as they field questions and their past is poured over. Here, Irish Sun Political Correspondent HOW'S YOUR CÚPLA FOCAIL? The President of Ireland will represent the country across the world and an important part of that will be bringing a little bit of Irish culture with them on their way. Michael D Higgins has a real grá for the Irish language and has done a brilliant job in sprinkling a cúpla focail into his speeches wherever he goes. If we want to keep our language alive, we need those at the very top to lead the way. Candidates may want to sharpen up on their Irish — there's a course in HAVE YOU ANY SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET? You might as well come clean from the start. No matter how hard you try, those transgressions from your past will find a way to come out. With the Us reporters will be on the lookout for any sort of scandal to sink out teeth into and it can lead to I'd imagine we might see a few 'tell all' style interviews from candidates who want to air their dirty laundry early. IS THE PRESIDENT PAID TOO MUCH? How much money is too much for one person from the public purse? Especially when they already get free room and board in a beautiful home in the Uachtarán na hÉireann is the second highest-paid head of state in This falls only behind SHOULD OFFICE OF THE PREZ BE FOI-ABLE? As a journalist, I believe the Freedom of Information Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation. This law enables me to demand documents and information from every State agency and department so that we can keep tabs on what is being done with your However, the office of the President is immune to the FoI Act. Through this legislation, I can obtain documents about how much the Taoiseach spent on flights, what the Minister said to the Board of Children's Health Ireland or what developers said in letters to the Housing Minister. But I cannot access documents from the President's office about how much was spent on a garden party. Shouldn't the President be held to the same transparency measures as the Taoiseach, Ministers and other State bodies? JUST HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CONSTITUTION? Mostly the President must do what the government of the day says when it comes to dissolving the Dail or green lighting new legislation. They can sign off on new bills or refer it to the Michael D Higgins referred a bill on how judges are appointed to the Supreme Court and considered sending the coalition's monster Planning Bill to the courts. Presidents are also supposed to avoid criticising the government of the day or favouring one political party over another during their speeches. President Higgins tested this convention by addressing and sometimes criticising issues such as housing policy, defence and neutrality policies. Will the next President use their voice as much as their predecessor? BLUR OR OASIS? Politics is a serious game but at the end of the day it's also a popularity contest. Candidates have to endear themselves to voters and not every question on the campaign trail can be hard-hitting queries on policy and the Constitution. I would hate to spend the next few months writing countless boring articles that focus solely on candidates' opinions on the constitutionality of the role of the President — and I don't think you would want to read them. Politicians are people too. Therefore, it's important we know a bit more about them. So expect some softer questions from journos that might give a bit of a laugh and also give our talented art desk staff the chance to have a bit of fun while creating mock-ups. And with the Gallagher brothers dominating August with their upcoming series of sell-out shows in Dublin's Have I missed anything? What sort of questions do you readers want to hear our Presidential candidates answer? Get in touch with me and I'll put them to the runners and riders while we're out on the campaign trail! Email 4 Potential candidates will see their chances unravel as they field questions Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Construction workers at huge new development make incredible historic find
Those working on the trendy new development made a fascinating find as they work to transform the historic site from a rind down mill to more than 200 apartments Those working on a trendy £60million development made an amazing discovery after uncovering remains of 17th-century steps. It comes as the multi-million pound redevelopment of one of Stockport's oldest buildings in Greater Manchester is expected to be completed early next year. Those behind the transformation of Weir Mill into a trendy new neighbourhood revealed they have unearthed steps leading to the River Mersey that are believed to be more than 300 years old. Weir Mill, on the banks of the famous river in the town centre, is currently the subject of a huge renovation project. The mill buildings are in the process of being restored and transformed into new homes with two new-build blocks, including a 14-storey tower, having also been erected on the site. Once the development is complete, it will see the creation of 253 apartments, 87 in the historic mill buildings and 166 in the new builds, the Manchester Evening News reports. It will also boast new independent bars, eateries, coffee shops and stores as well as two new public squares and green space in what bosses say will become a 'vibrant new destination for Stockport and visitors alike.' It is a key part of the ongoing £1billion redevelopment of the town centre and surrounding areas. The original mill, sometimes referred to as Wear Mill, dates back to 1790 when it was built by cotton manufacturer John Collier and was deemed to be a 'local icon of the industrial revolution.' It was water-powered, standing just 500 metres from the source of the Mersey, at the confluence of the River Tame and River Goyt. Very little is documented about the original 1790 building, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1831, started by a spark from the boiler house alighting some nearby hessian. Weir Mill was rebuilt, water power having ceased in favour of steam by 1834. However, the new mill incorporated parts of the 1790s foundations. The mill pre-dates the Stockport Viaduct, which was built over the mill's engine house in 1840. After decades without any TLC, the mill was, according to bosses at Capital and Centric (C&C), who took it on and came up with the redevelopment plans, 'at risk of being lost forever.' And one previously uncovered feature has been saved they have revealed. Steps have been uncovered which pre-date the mill's cotton works era in the 18th and 19th centuries, are the 'latest find in the rich story of the site's past' they say. They are now to be 'carefully restored' and 'put on show to future residents.' They will be visible from a new cantilever walkway that will lead to the river terrace overlooking the Mersey. Capital & Centric, founded by Adam Higgins and Tim Heatley, the star of BBC documentary Manctopia, say the scheme will 'set a higher standard for rentals.' It will boast its own on-site team of staff offering services such as cleaning and pet-sitting, as well as an app to connect residents with neighbours. Once finished it will feature a 'lush green outdoor space' for residents and the local community, with new planting and trees as well as new bars, restaurants and shops. Capital & Centric said in their latest update this week that it the project is 'nearing completion.' They told the Manchester Evening News they are anticipating it will be finished in early 2026. They said they are currently looking for 'the best indie operators' to fill the commercial aspects of the project, with the first tenants to be announced 'soon.' Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director, said: 'Weir Mill's restoration has uncovered fascinating pieces of history. "Discoveries like the 17th-century steps are unusual, and they give us another chance to bring the story of the site to life through the restoration. "We're excited to show them to future residents. 'Stockport has changed dramatically since we started, and we can't wait to open the doors and welcome visitors and the community later this year.' Councillor Mark Roberts, the Leader of Stockport Council, said: 'Weir Mill is a flagship scheme within the UK's largest town centre regeneration and shows why Stockport is being recognised nationally as a place that delivers. "We're breathing new life into a site that's stood here for centuries, creating homes, green space and independent businesses that will help shape the next chapter of our town centre. "As we look to expand the MDC boundary, Weir Mill sets the tone: bold design, big ambition, strong partnerships, and delivery that shows what the MDC and Town Centre West are all about, creating places that people want to live, work and spend time.'
