Latest news with #BarryAndrews
Leaders
3 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Irish Politician Describes Israel's Military Campaign in Gaza as ‘Barbaric'
A video went viral on social media showing Irish Politician Barry Andrews condemning Israel's war in Gaza and describing Netanyahu's campaign as 'barbaric'. Andrews noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his war in Gaza was a battle against barbarism. However, the civilized world has concluded that Israel is the one who conducted a campaign of barbarism, acceding to Andrews. 'A majority of European countries have finally concluded that it is barbaric to use starvation as a weapon of war,' Andrews added. He also described the statement of Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Minister of Finance, regarding ethnic cleansing in Gaza as 'barbaric'. @palestinegaza11357 ♬ son original – palestinegaza11357 Meanwhile, Andrews called 'Gideon's Chariots' operation as 'barbaric' and blatant violation of the international humanitarian law. 'But we cannot just focus on access for aid, we also have to make sure that violence has to come to an end,' he added. What hostage has ever been released as a result of a military action? And today we read that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots at French diplomats and others visiting the West Bank,' he said. 'If this is the way European diplomats are treated, imagine how Palestinians are treated in the West Bank,' the politician said. At the end of his speech, Andrews said that it was unavoidable to conclude that it was the IDF that was conducting a barbaric campaign. Since the beginning of Hamas-Israel War in Gaza in 2023, the Israeli strikes have killed more than 53,500 Palestinians and wounded more than 118,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Related Topics: Arab Ministers Condemn Israel's Ban on West Bank Visit Israel Plans to Build Jewish Israeli State in West Bank France May Toughen Stance on Israel Over Gaza Aid Blockage Short link : Post Views: 1
The Journal
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Taoiseach backs existing Gaza aid agencies after EU official suggests helping Israel provide aid
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has pushed back on an EU offer to assist Israel in replacing aid agencies in Gaza, saying the role of UN agencies in delivering aid in Gaza 'cannot be replaced'. His comments come today after two Irish MEPs described the offer from the European Union's top diplomat as 'utterly shameful' and 'against what we stand for'. On Wednesday, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she had offered the Israeli Foreign Minister help from the EU to 'distribute the humanitarian aid if they don't trust the other actors there.' Asked about the comments today by The Journal , the Taoiseach said he had not seen the statement, but that 'the role of UN agencies cannot be, in my view, replaced, or shouldn't be.' He said UNRWA, which is the UN's agency in Palestine, and the World Food Programme are both 'essential' in Gaza. 'UNRWA is a key agency in enabling humanitarian aid to get into Gaza. It has the scale and the capacity to do that,' he said. The Taoiseach made the point that non-governmental aid agencies have the expertise that is needed to deliver aid and also have independence, which 'avoids the weaponisation of humanitarian aid'. 'And what Israel is essentially endeavouring to do, in my view, is to weaponise – well, it already has weaponised aid by refusing aid to go in. 'But if it now starts taking exclusive control of the distribution of aid, I have no doubt that that would involve further weaponisation of aid, and that's not acceptable,' the Taoiseach said. The Taoiseach was joined in Arklow today by Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. Advertisement Asked by The Journal if she agrees with her MEP colleague Barry Andrews, who said Israel's proposal 'undermines established humanitarian actors', Ní Mhurchhú said: 'I certainly would like to study further the comments of the High Commissioner. She's a very measured Commissioner, and to date, she has done great work.' Ní Mhurchhú said she thinks there 'might be a misunderstanding of the move and the issuance of this utterance' and that she would like to look into it further. 'But I do think that any solo run, and Barry Andrews was quite right if he called it out in the manner in which he did…would have to be looked at very carefully in the context of the fact that the collegiate and the College of Commissioners, they have to work together.' Ní Mhurchú added that Europe will be 'looking very carefully at any intervention, but I wouldn't like it categorised as a solo run on the part of Commissioner Kallas.' Solo run The Journal understands that Kallas made the offer without consulting her colleagues and that her remarks do not reflect the EU's official position. Irish MEPs spoke to The Journal and expressed concern about Kallas' offer of EU assistance. 'Rather than offering to assist in their plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, the EU should be imposing the most severe sanctions on Israel, and leading calls for a permanent ceasefire,' said Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan. Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews said: 'Israel's current proposal to bypass and undermine established humanitarian actors and take direct control of aid distribution is deeply alarming.' Both MEPs said assisting Israel in taking over aid distribution would go against core humanitarian principles and undermine the work of the United Nations. With reporting by David MacRedmond and Christina Finn. 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 Examiner
25-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
How the EU is pushing back against fast fashion
The EU has just launched a probe into fast fashion giant Shein, while the European Commission is asking the company to provide information about the presence of illegal content and goods on its digital marketplace. Fast fashion is the clothing industry business model where fashions go from the catwalk to mass consumption with unparalleled speed. In a world in climate crisis, how we choose to spend our money today has a direct impact on the lives of others. Buying cheap clothes that don't last is getting more and more difficult to justify. Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews is one of the co-negotiators of the EU's proposed Directive on Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence as well as the EU's Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. He points out that Shein has been consistently criticised for its promotion of ultra-fast fashion and for its unwillingness to share details about its manufacturing practices. 'In years gone by,' he says, 'there used to be two fashion seasons a year: summer and winter. With Shein and the advent of ultra-fast fashion, there are now 52 seasons a year. Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews: 'The EU is currently working on a number of pieces of legislation protecting human rights and the environment in companies' supply chains.' "This leads to unsustainable waste, the destruction of our environment and the inability of Irish and European companies to compete.' You would think that not having to pay top dollar for top brands was a good development, but the race to the bottom has meant that production is concentrated in places of high poverty, low economic development and no protections for workers. There are four million textile workers in Bangladesh, working for very low wages in over 5,000 factories. 85% of workers are women, and many of the factories in which they work are not up to standard. The Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh was so poorly built that it collapsed in 2013, killing 1,100 and injuring 2,500. This event garnered international headlines, but the truth is that hundreds of Bangladeshi workers have died in factory fires over the past decade. 'Shein is facing allegations of sourcing Uyghur-produced cotton,' says Mr Andrews, 'effectively using modern slavery and forced labour to produce their clothes at such a cheap cost. In addition to this, they are facing a number of lawsuits for blatantly copying other fashion retailer's designs as well as being one of the world's least transparent fashion companies.' 'The EU is currently working on a number of pieces of legislation protecting human rights and the environment in companies' supply chains. We cannot and should not have products entering our market that were made by forced labour. I think that the government should pressure Shein into shining more light on their business model and ensure that consumers have more transparency about what they are buying. "Human rights and environmental abuses should not be allowed in our shopping baskets.' The other issue with these clothes is that they are produced in factories which are many thousands of miles from the western markets where we buy them. That means that huge amounts of carbon are burned to get them here. It's estimated that the fashion industry accounts for as much as 10% of global CO2 emissions – more than all international flights and shipping combined. Environmental news outlet, EcoWatch says that dyeing clothes involves a 'toxic cocktail' of chemicals. "Denim production alone is the second-largest polluter of fresh water on the planet. An estimated 70% of Asia's lakes and rivers are contaminated by over 2.5 billion gallons of waste from the textile industry, resulting in a massive ecological and public health crisis.' The clothing industry also creates astonishing amounts of waste – an estimated 92 million tons per year. These clothes aren't designed to last, and recycling rates are abysmally low – less than 1%. New rules As Mr Andrews points out, legislatures are now turning to face this problem. In February, the EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on new measures to prevent and reduce waste from food and textiles across the EU. According to the deal, EU countries would have to establish producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, through which producers that make textiles available in an EU country would have to cover the costs for their collection, sorting and recycling. That's the good news. The bad news is that under the terms of this deal, they don't have to do this until two-and-a-half years after the directive comes into force. So a great deal more waste will be generated before we can expect an effective legislative response. The new rules would cover products such as clothing and accessories, footwear, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, curtains, hats. We're also seeing pushback against fast fashion by consumers anxious to do the right thing and not become part of the problem. Turning the tide Fashion Revolution was set up in the aftermath of the Rana tragedy in 2013 with the aim of turning the tide on fast fashion and finding alternative ways of running the clothing industry. This is their vision: "A global fashion industry that conserves and restores the environment and values people over growth and profit." Oxfam Ireland offers an ethical and transparent stock solution tailored to the needs of clothing industry businesses. By collaborating with Oxfam, manufacturers and retailers increase their collective impact and influence by extending the life of their product and diverting from landfill and/or incineration. The charity also offers a free collection service for excess stock across the Island of Ireland and most European countries. The Ethical Consumer organisation offers these tips to help turn your back on fast fashion: 1. Make a second-hand pledge. Buy only second-hand for a year. Traid, an organisation working against fast fashion encourages people to commit to sourcing a chosen percentage of their wardrobe second-hand rather than buying new. 2. Upcycle. Instead of throwing clothes away, adapt them. Or buy second-hand and alter them to fit you. 3. Swap clothes with friends, or lend them if you don't want to part with them permanently. Have a clothing-swap party. 4. Clear out your wardrobe. If you haven't worn something for a year, bring it to a charity shop or find some other way of giving it a new home. 5. Limit the number of items you have. Project 333 suggests wearing just 33 items for 3 months, and the Capsule Wardrobe Challenge is to never own more than 37 items. 6. Look after your existing clothing. Even if we love our clothes, we often replace them once they lose their shape, get holes or go bobbly. By buying higher quality clothes and washing them at a lower temperature (30 degrees) and less often, they last longer. Read More European Union launches probe into fashion website Shein
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Sinn Féin plays down running son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane as presidential candidate
Sinn Féin has played down the choice of North Belfast MP John Finucane as its Dublin Easter commemoration speaker, with sources saying it does not hint towards him being the party's nominee for the presidency later this year. Mr Finucane, son of the murdered solicitor Pat Finucane, has been touted as a potential pick by Sinn Féin to contest October's election. However, party sources have said he is unlikely to run and his appearance at Sunday's event was merely the party "rotating" speakers from year to year. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald addressed the party's annual Easter Rising commemoration in Carrickmore in Tyrone, having done the Arbour Hill commemoration last year. Sources within the party said there was not yet any decision on who, or even if, the party would put forward a nominee to succeed Michael D Higgins later this year. There had been strong speculation linking Sinn Féin with the GAA President Jarlath Burns, but he ruled out such a move in February. 'Let me do that very clearly, that is not on my radar,' said Mr Burns. 'My plan when I finish this job is to go back to St Paul's, Bessbrook, to be principal of the school. That's the place I love, the place I miss, even though this is the best job you could possibly have, that's where I belong, that's where I belong anyway.' There has been some speculation Sinn Féin would back a combined left-wing platform candidate, with Independent senator Frances Black and Independent TD Catherine Connolly touted as possible names. Within Sinn Féin, however, there are some who say they would prefer not to back Ms Black, with some feeling she had become "too close" with the coalition parties in the lead-up to last year's general election in relation to her Occupied Territories Bill. Others in the party feel the key priority for any combined platform is ensuring whoever is nominated can win. In Fianna Fáil, MEP Barry Andrews has emerged as a potential candidate. Picture: Gareth Chaney Within the coalition, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sources have privately ruled out running a combined candidate, with Fine Gael in particular keen to win the office for the first time. Within that party, former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and former GAA president and current Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly are touted as potential candidates, with both said to be interested in a run. In Fianna Fáil, MEP Barry Andrews has emerged as a potential candidate, though his colleague Cynthia Ní Mhurchú told RTÉ she was focused on her role and has not courted any support for a bid. Fellow Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen last week said some parties had become "sidetracked" by the issue. "I think I'm one of the few MEPs that is totally committed to the role to which I was elected without being distracted by wanting to be considered for that role," he joked. To receive a nomination, prospective candidates are required to be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas, or nominated by four local authorities. To be eligible, they must be an Irish citizen and have reached the age of 35. Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has repeatedly expressed a desire to run for the presidency, but his path to a nomination appears unlikely, with both Oireachtas members and councillors across the board in recent weeks giving short shrift to the idea.
Zawya
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
European Parliament Delegation Visits Tanzania on fact-finding mission
A delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Development will visit Tanzania from 24-26 February. The visit aims to assess the impact of European Union (EU) investments in Tanzania and the effectiveness of the Global Gateway initiative, which supports infrastructure and development projects worldwide. Led by Committee chair Barry Andrews, the delegation will visit projects focused on water and sanitation, economic development and port infrastructure, gender equality, education, and sustainable fishing practices. The Development Committee oversees the EU's development aid and cooperation policies. This fact-finding mission will allow them to assess how EU funds are being used on ground. The MEPs will meet with Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and President of the International Parliamentary Union, Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson; Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, Children and Special Groups, Hon. Dr Dorothy Gwajima; Minister of State in the President's office, Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo; and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Hon. Cosato Chumi. They will also engage with representatives of EU diplomatic missions, UN agencies, development banks, the private sector, national development agencies and local civil society representatives. Among other issues, they will discuss sustainable development, inter-parliamentary cooperation and human rights. About the Committee on Development (DEVE) The Committee on Development is responsible for shaping the European Parliament's policies on international development and humanitarian aid. It oversees EU-funded development projects worldwide, ensuring they align with sustainability goals and global cooperation efforts. Members of the delegation: Mr Barry ANDREWS DEVE Chair, Renew Europe (Ireland) Mr Lukas MANDL European People's Party (Austria) Mr Niels GEUKING European People's Party (Germany) Mr Robert BIEDROŃ Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (Poland) Mr György HÖLVÉNYI Patriots for Europe (Hungary) Mr Kristoffer STORM European Conservatives and Reformists (Denmark) Ms Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON Renew Europe (Finland) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.
