Latest news with #Doonbeg
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
New Galway restaurant set to open its doors
New food and wine bar Fawn is the newest gastronomic venture from business duo Jason and Ervin, who plan to bring the small plates trend to Oranmore. The restaurant's kitchen opening times will see doors close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 'Dear Friends, we are super excited to announce that we will be opening our doors this evening at 18:00. 'We are so excited to welcome our first guests. Join us for dinner over the weekend!' Owners shared a snapshot of their menu on social media, listing the small and big dishes that will be served at the chic new spot. Amongst the small plate options are Toonsbridge burrata, seafood chowder and Doonbeg crab meat, while the big plates menu boasts pan fried hake and dry aged chicken. The opening of the restaurant was announced earlier this month with owners promising a combination of eclectic dishes and unique wine choices. The pair are opening the new restaurant on in the heart of the town's Main Street as they allowed customers a sneak peek of what to expect. They said: 'We will be opening our doors very soon, and we would like to introduce to you Joe and Rosabelle Burke, and Fawn Wine Bar. 'We have designed our kitchen to be in the centre of the building, with open views of the cooking line from the two sides. ADVERTISEMENT 'Fawn Restaurant is on the right, and Fawn Wine Bar is on the left hand side of the ktchen. 'We're delighted to be partnering with Joe and Rosabelle Burke, whose roots run deep in this community. 'Joe grew up next door to what is now Fawn, in the heart of Oranmore. His father even put the roof on the very building that now houses our new restaurant and wine bar. 'Rosabelle, originally from Loughrea, went to school in Oranmore when Calasanctius was still a girls' boarding school. Somewhere along the way, she and Joe crossed paths, and the rest, as they say, is (a lot of) history. 'Rosabelle will be hosting your experience in the wine bar, where you will find a fun selection available by the glass and bottle from our cellar. We will have local cheese and charcuterie platters, small plates of local produce and nibbles to match our wines, all cooked by Jason, Sarah and the team. We do encourage sharing. 'We can't wait to open our doors and welcome you in soon!'
Sky News
28-02-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Donald Trump opens door to US-UK 'real trade deal' in meeting with Starmer
Donald Trump has opened the door to a possible US-UK trade deal without tariffs after a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. As part of a European charm offensive launched to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, following on from Emmanuel Macron's own trip on Monday, Sir Keir met the US president at the White House yesterday. It comes ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's own visit to Washington today. 14:15 During the meeting and a subsequent news conference, the two world leaders exchanged warm words - Mr Trump described Sir Keir as a "special man" and a "great gentleman", while the British PM praised the US leader for "changing the conversation" on Ukraine. 'Tough negotiator' The Republican president has slapped tariffs on a number of countries in the early weeks of his first term, including using them to pressure allies into action. But he hinted the UK could avoid that fate. Mr Trump said he thought the UK and US could end up with a "real trade deal" without tariffs and called Sir Keir a "tough negotiator" who had tried to persuade him not to impose trade tariffs on the UK. "He was working hard, I'll tell you that," the president added. "He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there, but he tried. "I think there's a very good chance that in the case of these two great, friendly countries, I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary. We'll see." Trump's 'great warm spot' The surprisingly positive meeting followed recent weeks in which it appeared the transatlantic relationship had come under strain, following Mr Trump's intervention to try to bring about the end of the war in Ukraine. Mr Trump spoke about the UK, saying: "I have investments there, I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland [Ireland isn't in the UK]. "So, I have a great warm spot for your country." Ukraine, Chagos and a royal invite The key reason for the visit was to try to bring about a sustainable peace in Ukraine. Mr Starmer followed Mr Macron into the Oval Office in an effort to win over Mr Trump after his administration held unilateral talks with Russia last week, without Ukraine, in a move that set off sirens throughout Europe's capitals. However, Mr Trump offered no security guarantees during the meeting with Sir Keir and the two leaders struck different tones. While Mr Trump said "if it [a peace deal] doesn't happen quickly, it may not happen at all", Sir Keir said "history must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader." 2:28 The actions of Sir Keir and Mr Macron reflected a continent jolted into action. Sir Keir recently announced a historic hike to defence spending as well - something Mr Trump has previously called for. Mr Zelenskyy is making the same trip to the US where he will sit down and thrash out a possible deal on critical minerals in Ukraine. The economic deal has proven a crucial precursor of any potential peace agreement. Mr Trump has said it would see American workers in Ukraine - something that would act as an effective backstop to any peacekeeping forces there, he claimed. On the Chagos Islands deal, over which some have criticised Mr Starmer, Mr Trump said the plan to give up sovereignty and lease back the US-UK base would "work out well". Before talks between the two sides, Sir Keir produced, with a flourish, a letter from the King written to Mr Trump, inviting him for an "unprecedented" second state visit. The letter, marked "private and confidential", invited the royal-loving president to the UK, with talks ahead of the formal state visit to discuss logistics and a potential programme.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Trump and Starmer agree to begin work on new US-UK trade deal
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer agreed to begin work on a new US-UK trade deal after the Prime Minister dangled the carrot of an unprecedented second state visit to woo the US president. After a dramatic day at the White House, Sir Keir said the two leaders had decided 'to begin work on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core'. The president, who is set to impose a 25% import tax on UK steel in March, said if there was a trade deal 'we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary'. Before talks between the two sides, the Prime Minister presented the royal-loving US president with a letter from the King inviting him for a historic second state visit. The letter, marked 'private and confidential', invited him to the UK, with talks ahead of the formal state visit to discuss logistics and a potential programme. The letter, signed by Charles, said that 'this is unprecedented by a US President'. 'That is why I would find it helpful for us to be able to discuss, together, a range of options for location and programme content,' it added. Sir Keir described the letter as 'really special' and said the move 'symbolises the strength of the relationship between us'. Before the White House talks, the transatlantic relationship appeared to have come under strain in recent weeks following Mr Trump's interventions on Ukraine – including calling its president Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator – and the threats of tariffs. But instead the US president: – Praised Sir Keir as a 'tough negotiator', saying he had tried to talk him out of tariffs and 'I think there's a very good chance that in the case of these two great, friendly countries, I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary'. – Suggested Sir Keir's plans to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and lease back the UK-US Diego Garcia base would 'work out well'. – Pledged to 'always be with the British' if they deployed peacekeepers in Ukraine, although he stopped short of confirming the US security 'backstop' called for by Sir Keir. At a closing press conference following their talks, Sir Keir set out the plans for a 'new economic deal', especially on technology. 'Instead of over-regulating these new technologies, we're seizing the opportunities that they offer,' he said. 'Our two nations together shaped the great technological innovations of the last century. We have a chance now to do the same for the 21st century. 'I mean, artificial intelligence could cure cancer. That could be a moonshot for our age, and that's how we'll keep delivering for our people.' Mr Trump has said he will 'have to take a look' at whether there will be any trade sanctions on the UK. Mr Trump said: 'I can say that … we're here for a different reason – we're talking about a very different place. 'I have investments there, I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland. 'So, I have a great warm spot for your country.' Sir Keir said: 'Our trade, obviously, is fair and balanced and, in fact, you've got a bit of surplus'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump and Starmer agree to begin work on new US-UK trade deal
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer agreed to begin work on a new US-UK trade deal after the Prime Minister dangled the carrot of an unprecedented second state visit to woo the US president. After a dramatic day at the White House, Sir Keir said the two leaders had decided 'to begin work on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core'. The president, who is set to impose a 25% import tax on UK steel in March, said if there was a trade deal 'we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary'. Before talks between the two sides, the Prime Minister presented the royal-loving US president with a letter from the King inviting him for a historic second state visit. The letter, marked 'private and confidential', invited him to the UK, with talks ahead of the formal state visit to discuss logistics and a potential programme. The letter, signed by Charles, said that 'this is unprecedented by a US President'. 'That is why I would find it helpful for us to be able to discuss, together, a range of options for location and programme content,' it added. Sir Keir described the letter as 'really special' and said the move 'symbolises the strength of the relationship between us'. Before the White House talks, the transatlantic relationship appeared to have come under strain in recent weeks following Mr Trump's interventions on Ukraine – including calling its president Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator – and the threats of tariffs. But instead the US president: – Praised Sir Keir as a 'tough negotiator', saying he had tried to talk him out of tariffs and 'I think there's a very good chance that in the case of these two great, friendly countries, I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary'. – Suggested Sir Keir's plans to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and lease back the UK-US Diego Garcia base would 'work out well'. – Pledged to 'always be with the British' if they deployed peacekeepers in Ukraine, although he stopped short of confirming the US security 'backstop' called for by Sir Keir. At a closing press conference following their talks, Sir Keir set out the plans for a 'new economic deal', especially on technology. 'Instead of over-regulating these new technologies, we're seizing the opportunities that they offer,' he said. 'Our two nations together shaped the great technological innovations of the last century. We have a chance now to do the same for the 21st century. 'I mean, artificial intelligence could cure cancer. That could be a moonshot for our age, and that's how we'll keep delivering for our people.' Mr Trump has said he will 'have to take a look' at whether there will be any trade sanctions on the UK. Mr Trump said: 'I can say that … we're here for a different reason – we're talking about a very different place. 'I have investments there, I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland. 'So, I have a great warm spot for your country.' Sir Keir said: 'Our trade, obviously, is fair and balanced and, in fact, you've got a bit of surplus'
The Guardian
27-02-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Starmer plays royal card as he tiptoes around the madness of King Donald
How the tables have turned. Once upon a time visitors had to fawn over mad King George III and maintain the great pretence that everything was normal. Now it was the British prime minister's turn to show deference to a capricious, erratic US president who might blow it all up. First Keir Starmer, the 58th British prime minister (does Liz Truss really count?), and Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th US president, sat side by side before the fireplace in the Oval Office. Trump stretched credulity by claiming they 'get along famously'. Starmer thanked Trump for 'changing the conversation' on Ukraine. Then the prime minister reached into his jacket breast pocket and produced a letter from King Charles and handed it over (take that, Macron!) But the theatre came unstuck as a baffled Trump asked: 'Am I supposed to read it right now?' Like a schoolchild trying to impress his parents with exam results, Starmer replied: 'Yes, please do!' There was a long, agonising silence as Trump studied the letter. Oddly, he wanted to make sure it was signed. 'That's quite a signature isn't it – beautiful!' Starmer told the gathering that the letter contained an invitation for Trump's second state visit to Britain. Trump nodded at someone as if to impress them with how important it was. Starmer gushed: 'This is really special. This has never happened before.' Then, placing a hand on Trump's right arm for effect: 'This is unprecedented!' But there was still some anxiety swimming in the prime minister's stomach. 'What I haven't got yet is your answer.' Trump responded: 'The answer is yes!' Rejoice! Rejoice! Corks pop, confetti swirls and fireworks explode. Prepare to bring the Trump baby blimp out of retirement. Starmer calculated correctly that the puff and pageanty of a state visit with King Charles was bound to appeal to a man who, when he recently wrote on social media, 'LONG LIVE THE KING!', had only himself in mind. On a recent episode of the Washington Week with the Atlantic programme, host Jeffrey Goldberg and guests suggested other ways for the leaders of US allies to gain Trump's respect. 'Golf and flattery,' was the conclusion, although guest Peter Baker noted that nominating Trump for the Nobel peace prize also helps. So it was no surprise when, in the Oval Office, Trump talked about his golfing investments in the UK and said: 'I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg, in Ireland, so I have a great warm spot for your country.' Journalist Mark Austin observed on X: 'Sometimes it's the smaller stuff. I hear on good authority that high on the list of what Donald Trump wants from the UK is for the Open Golf Championship to be staged at his Trump Turnberry course in Scotland.' Starmer and Trump is a pairing as unlikely as fire and ice, rock and scissors or cats and cucumbers. Starmer is a strait-laced lawyer who defended human rights; Trump a brash reality TV star sending undocumented immigrants to Guantánamo Bay. Starmer has a passion for Beethoven piano sonatas and Shostakovich; Trump plays DJ at his Mar-a-Lago estate with offerings such as Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds, Hello by Lionel Ritchie, Guns N' Roses' November Rain and James Brown and Luciano Pavarotti's It's a Man's Man's Man's World. Starmer was reportedly a vegetarian for 30 years, though he recently went back to eating fish, making him a pescatarian – which might sound a bit too DEI to Trump, a cheeseburger champ who spent part of his election campaign dishing them out from McDonald's. Sign up to This Week in Trumpland A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration after newsletter promotion Perhaps it was just as well we were spared a repeat of past UK-US dalliances: Franklin Roosevelt getting a full view of Churchill in the buff, later describing him as a 'cherub' who was 'pink and white all over'; the nauseating Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher double act; George W Bush joking about Tony Blair: 'Well, we both use Colgate toothpaste.' But Starmer came here burdened by the knowledge that the transatlantic alliance, which has held steady since the second world war, could fall apart on his watch. At times he stood his ground, interrupting Trump to correct his false claim that European countries 'get their money back' from Ukraine: 'Mainly it was gifted, actually,' Starmer said. Challenged about his past remark describing the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 'a dictator', Trump replied: 'Did I say that? I can't believe I said that. Next question.' A smile played on Trump's lips. Relief for Starmer, having been spared a debate about the dictator-ness of Zelenskyy and Russia's Vladimir Putin. But there was a less reassuring answer when Trump was asked whether the US would ride to the rescue of future British peacekeepers in Ukraine. 'I've always thought about the British, they don't need much help,' said Trump, as a bust of Churchill looked on. 'They can take care of themselves very well, you know what? No, it sounds like it's evasive, but it's not evasive, you know, the British have been incredible soldiers, incredible military. And they can take care of themselves, but if they need help, I'll always be with the British, OK, I'll always be with them. But they don't need help. You look at their career.' He turned to Starmer, awkwardly grabbed his hand and asked, 'You have done very well over the years, haven't you?', as if from imperialist nation to another. We get each other. Starmer launched into damage control mode: 'I'm very proud of our country but we've also always been backing each other up between our two countries. That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security I think the world has ever seen. Whenever necessary, we've absolutely backed each other up.' But what Trump said next was even more alarming: 'Could you take on Russia by yourselves?' Yikes! 'Well,' said Starmer, with a nervous laugh, looking tense with hands folded on knee. He was lost for words. And Putin, if he was watching somewhere, licked his lips.
