Latest news with #GroundhogDay
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
All-Ireland or all-inclusive? Grim reality of 2-night Dublin stay vs 4-star sun hol laid bare in ‘blatant gouging' alert
DUBLIN's hospitality industry has been slammed for sky-high hotel, food, and drink prices, with a seven-night all-inclusive package in Turkey or Spain now costing less than a two-night stay in the capital. Thousands of hurling fans from Advertisement 4 Croke Park will host two huge All-Ireland finals in the coming weeks 4 Dublin's hospitality industry has been slammed for skyrocketing prices Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 A trip to Antalya in Turkey could be cheaper than a 2-night stay in Dublin city Hotel rooms in Research has found that an all-inclusive week in the sun will cost roughly the same - or even less - than what Advertisement He told 'And every summer, the Government watches on, tut-tuts, and then does absolutely nothing to ensure that we're not here again in a year's time. 'Whether it's people travelling from Donegal, Kerry, Cork or Tipp for All-Ireland final weekends or people travelling to Dublin for 'This is an industry that was heavily supported by the taxpayer, especially during the Advertisement A study by My holiday at TUI Magic Life Beldibi All-inclusive deals to the Costa Brava in The research is based on it costing €300 per person for a hotel in Dublin city centre over the two weekends. SKYROCKETING PRICES Add to that an average of €115 per person for two light lunches and two evening meals, a €60 per person drinks kitty, €55 per person for transport by car (including tolls and city parking), and a €100 match ticket bringing the total to €630 per person. Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, said: 'With hotel prices in Dublin skyrocketing for the All-Ireland weekend, it's no surprise fans are tempted by alternative options. Advertisement 'When you can swap a packed Luas, long queues and steep city costs for seven nights of sun, sea, and all-inclusive relaxation at a lower price, it becomes a very easy decision. 'We've seen a real appetite this summer for all-inclusive escapes, and GAA fans don't have to miss a minute of the action, with many Irish bars across Europe showing every kick, point and goal.' EXTRA DEMAND PRESSURE Research by the Irish Sun has found that there is little difference in hotel prices in Dublin between the two All-Ireland weekends and on separate weekends in August and sky-high hotel prices in the capital have just become the norm all-year round. "This feels like Groundhog Day. Here we go again – every summer, the issue of hotels price gouging and ripping off tourists raises its head." Pearse Doherty A report last year by Failte Ireland found no evidence of price gouging during big events in Dublin, with cities around Europe exhibiting similar pricing patterns. They found: 'Many hotel markets, including Dublin's, simply struggle to facilitate the extra demand pressure that comes with large-scale events.' Advertisement It noted that during the DUBLIN 'NOT ATYPICAL' On the same night the following week, occupancy was down to 83 per cent and the average daily rate was €200. The report said: 'Dublin is not atypical in this regard. For many hotel markets, including that of Dublin, available hotel stock cannot facilitate the extra demand pressure that comes with an event of such magnitude.' Dynamic or 'surge' pricing — when rates are adjusted to reflect market conditions including supply and demand, the cost of production and competition — was first discovered in the airline sector, but is commonly used in accommodation. 'When you can swap a packed Luas, long queues and steep city costs for seven nights of sun, sea, and all-inclusive relaxation at a lower price, it becomes a very easy decision." Zoe Harris Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach It has since now moved into concert ticket market after Advertisement Hotel rates often quoted in the media, as the Failte Ireland report stated, are usually for those booked at short notice amid exceptionally high demand. It said: 'While the pricing of the last remaining rooms can be headline-grabbing, the vast majority of rooms are cheaper.' 4 A report last year by Failte Ireland found no evidence of price gouging during big events in Dublin Credit: PA:Press Association
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers pip Celtic to the same trophy every year but the problem is that it's located on Fantasy Island
Rangers fans have been bullish in the last few weeks as Russell Martin's Ibrox revolution takes shape. But Celtic fans hit the Hotline to hose cold water on the Gers punters who are claiming pre-season bragging rights. Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: 'These Rangers fans giving it the big un every pre-season is getting tedious. 'They seriously need a reality check. You've won nothing, apart from your preseason cup then you cry about the players, the manager, the weather, the fact grass is green. It's getting like Groundhog Day. 'You have a manager nobody wanted who got sacked after barely surviving the EPL worst team ever record, and he's moved to the team with the worst ever Champions League record ever. Sit doon.' Glen Mitchell, via email, said: 'Usual rubbish from Ibrox fans, new team, new owners, proper funding, blah blah blah. 'Every season since they started it's been the same old close season bragging. Just remember its 120 trophies to three and that comparison will only get wider.' Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: 'As usual all the Rangers fans have pre-season over-optimism. 'Even though Celtic have been less than quiet so far in the transfer game but even without transfers if they think any of their 'huge' signings will close the enormous gap between us then I guess more disappointment ahead. 'You would think Rangers had won 13 out of the last 14 titles.' Celtic have yet to really crank up the big business in this transfer window and it's got some supporters feeling a tad nervous. Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: 'What on earth is simmering under the surface at Celtic Park? 'The signings so far have been insignificant and do not bode well for the coming season. 'Any new signings will need time to bed in for the battle ahead before the season starts in earnest. 'Let us hope Lennon Miller of Motherwell is not another John McGinn. 'Is Rodgers at ease with what is going on or is he biting his nails behind the scenes with his reputation on the line if the team falters big time this year?' There's also the issue of Brendan Rodgers' future, with the Hoops boss now in the final year of his current contract. The Irishman is keeping his plans close to his chest and Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: 'I'm concerned that Rodgers has admitted that he's no closer to signing a new deal. 'How does he attract the quality he craves in taking the club forward when potential signings are unsure whether he will still be here in the following season? 'However if Ange Postecoqlou takes time out this season a return will be on the cards if Rodgers jumps ship again.' Meanwhile, Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: 'Rangers are again talking about loan deals, even Celtic are getting in the act, which is disgraceful with £90m in the bank. 'Be fair to your supporters and cut out the loan deals, there should be a maximum of two loans per club and give the younger players a chance, if you want a player, buy them.' Finally, Tim Gibbons emailed: 'Both Wimbledon singles champions have served doping bans over the past year or so. 'Let's hope the same test isn't rolled out to the Scottish football punditry fraternity because most of them are proven dopes judging by their predictions.' Harsh. There's one prediction we always get spot on – that there's going to be flak on the Hotline.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Groundhog Day within A Bipolar World, But A New Economic World Order for Africa: A Crucial Opportunity To Propel the African Continental Free Trade Area
Dr Dawn Isabel Nagar discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Africa in a bipolar world, highlighting the potential for the African Continental Free Trade Area to drive economic growth and development. Image: IOL / Ron AI By Dr Dawn Isabel Nagar, University of Johannesburg, South Africa The world has become like Groundhog Day with the old issues infused with the new ones – a deja vu – an unfortunate reality, a serious hopelessness, which will certainly not reach the United Nations (UN) 2030 Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda, fast becoming a pipe-dream. Amid the sea of chaos, is an emergence of a new economic world order, provided to Africa, a great opportunity to use Putman's two-level game theory to its advantage ; see also Nagar, 'UN-AU Relations: Towards Sustainable Peace and Economic Development: The Attainment of Agenda 2063' in, African Union and Agenda 2063: Past, Present and Future Matlosa and Adeola, eds., UJ Press, 2025. The world's ongoing wars clearly shows a pattern of economic deluge, particularly for least developed and developed states. The severity of economic impacts is continuing – with an ever-evolving amoeba effect – changing shapes –shape-shifters, but always the same issues at play. Currently: the world is facing a dangerous bipolar world order, where superpower rivalry of the world's largest economies: China and the US is competing for power. The US is determined to uphold its slogan of 'making America great again'. Greed and grievance are placing Israel and the US at the forefront of how global order ought to flow in defiance of multilateralism. Globally, multilateralism is to move states and societies across boundaries: criss-crossing trade, politics and security – the world is supposedly to be interconnected. But the UN 1945 Charter with all its critical organs is stifled and severely challenged. Several policies are closing borders while others display dangerous schizophrenic state behaviour. Geopolitics are displaying danger to world order. Such behaviours are demonstrated in great appetites to expand and gobble up countries, for example (the case of Canada against the US, 2025). Similarly, the same superpower is displaying double standards and shouting 'racism' and land-grabbers. Such are the false accusations made against South Africa, accusing the country of expelling their White farmers. A dangerous rhetoric promoted by a superpower's attempts to destroy a peaceful South Africa (the case of South Africa against the US, 2025). Africa must not be swayed by world chaos. Particularly with a country such as South Africa that has transitioned from a devastating apartheid past into a peaceful democracy and boast a government of national unity. Africa must unite against barbaric behaviours and hold fast to it its democratic principles and be determined not to import racism. These are all done in attempts to derail Africa's powerhouse: South Africa. This country has great leverage to elevate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with other strong industrialised Africa economies, such as the Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana and among others, particularly at the forthcoming Group of Twenty States (G20) November 2025 summit. Africa's key instrument is a crucial pillar – a contemporary club in hand –– the African Continental Free Trade Area: and can drive its own agenda of greater value-addition and industrialisation among its 55 member states. This new economic world order is coming as a great opportunity to Africa's advantage and challenge this international disorder and to oppose neo-colonialist, neo-mercantilist, neo-realist and racist policies of the superpowers such as the US, (which will soon turn realism to its own demise) and to Africa's advantage. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Africa's interdependency among and between states should become more and more reliant within the bloc. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR/4.0) and soon to enter Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR/5.0) era, where artificial intelligence and technological advancements is moving at a tumultuous pace offers great opportunity for a youthful Africa (60 percent of its 1.4 billion people are youth). However, in a bipolar world order, when power dynamics and greed work against the stream – and while the world is going forward the dictates of realism is moving the world into the opposite direction, which is having catastrophic effects (and are growing at an exponential pace) within the international relations systems. As realism dictates: within the international relations discipline: powerful states will use their economic and military muscle to achieve their parochial interests at all costs, and in-so-doing such actions have consequences. These consequences mean the pursuit of wars, humanitarian disasters, the loss of millions of lives, internally displaced persons, and the increased numbers of economies plummeting – regardless: the interests of the realist state in its entirety takes preference. On Africa's part, the continent with the most least developed and poverty-stricken states in the world, just minutes into President Trump's presidency, had to experience the wrath of the Trump Administration's tariff hikes. President Trump indeed fulfilled his campaign promises that brought him into power (see particularly, Dr Dawn Nagar, <"How President Donald Trump's cutting off of SA's US funding helps Africa fight 'begging bowl syndrome">, Independent Online, March 2025; and 30 years of South Africa's Regional Economic Integration Role in Southern Africa and Its Attempt to Improve SADC's Regional Political Economy: Progress, Problems and Prospects, 1994–2024', Dawn Nagar, 2025 research paper, SAIIA forthcoming]). The AfCFTA must be the priority and top the agenda at the forthcoming G20 summit – the body which was established in December 1999 at a Berlin Conference – a crucial intergovernmental economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional unions – the European Union (EU) and the African Union, which South Africa will be hosting in November 2025. South Africa must address its comparative advantage initiatives to South Africa's G20 theme: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development aligned to the AfCFTA. Africa's issues must be pursued with the correct trading partners at the G20 November 2025 Summit meeting in South Africa. Within a new economic world order and to become the game-changer, the AfCFTA must accurately address pressing continental-wide sustainable development gaps and challenges important to its people. The bloc must consider clear rules of engagement with strategic international partners. Africa has great potential, for example, North, West, Southern and East Africa are all oil crude petroleum producing countries with Africa comprising 7 countries of the 15-member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) including: Algeria, Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, and Nigeria; these states must use their comparative advantage to build the AfCFTA. On South Africa's part, this country's automotive sector is not shallow and have the resources and research at hand to propel its automotive industry, .' To produce value-add industrialisation that considers climate change and the environment, require solid research and development knowledge that is clear and precise on how to capture and create carbon carriers and storage – and the University of Johannesburg has solid research-backing and leading on these issues. The AfCFTA must use academic muscle to propel Africa's continental goals at the 2025 G20 Summit. For example, the University of Johannesburg recently on 18 June 2025 ranked number one in South Africa and the African continent. UJ affirmed its global leadership in sustainable development, retaining a remarkable position #1 in South Africa and on the African continent. Also see 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings released on, 18 June 2025. UJ is a leader in green hydrogen renewable energy; education, electrical and chemical engineering, automobile industry; law; neurodiversity; chemical engineering; health sciences; chemical sciences, actuarial sciences, sport and a robust alumni-base globally, and among other critical research and development initiatives. Taking into account who to engage with in trade is crucial within a new economic world order and to be the game-changer for the AfCFTA to address pressing continental-wide sustainable development gaps and challenges. Trade agreements must inculcate a multiplier effect in building small and medium-sized businesses through building cooperatives that can access stock exchange markets. South Africa's President Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa will indeed be handing over well-established reins to the next G20 Trump Administration presidency chairmanship – and indeed it will not be an unceremonious occasion – in matching the dots for our country with the African continental member states by using the AfCFTA as the anchor. (Please note: that these views are those of the author and not those of the University of Johannesburg). ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I ditched the UK for sunny Bali with my kids – we were burnt out zombies so packed all our stuff and never looked back
Plus find out how easy it is to move abroad SANDS NICE I ditched the UK for sunny Bali with my kids – we were burnt out zombies so packed all our stuff and never looked back Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BURNT out mum has revealed how she ditched the 9-5 grind in grey Britain and moved her whole family to Bali with just a few suitcases and no regrets. Laura Richardson now lives on the tropical island with her partner and her three young kids. 2 Laura Richardson had enough of the UK so moved to Bali with her kids Credit: tiktok/therichardsons04 2 The mum-of-three is now happier than ever Credit: Instagram/therichardsons04 She explained how the couple were 'trapped in the system', feeling like 'zombies' who never saw their children and when they did, they were too stressed to be present. 'Every day felt like Groundhog Day,' she said in a Tiktok video. 'I had a breakdown. I remember thinking, 'Is this really it? Is this my life forever?'' So, they did the unthinkable and sold almost everything, packed their life into a few bags and boarded a plane to start again. They had no savings, no backup plan, and no idea what would come next. But over a year later, she says it was 'the best decision we ever made.' She knew it was a "massive risk" to walk away from everything they had worked hard for 20 years. But a year down the line, she says it was the best decision she ever made. The family's first attempt to escape came in 2022 when they took a one-month trip to Thailand with their newborn, two-year-old and three-year-old. It was magical, but tough. Travelling with three little ones wasn't easy and they realised the nomadic life wasn't for them. I ditched my waitress job in London and moved to paradise island where rent is £200 and dates with men involve beach They returned to the UK in January 2023 but their hearts stayed abroad. She explained that despite trying to "go back to normal" they felt like they were "drowning" and fantasised about a new life. But taking the leap with three kids and no financial or logistic plan was the biggest hurdle. Eventually, after months of stress, home renovations, and running a business while raising three toddlers, they discovered a new way of life and a path out. They listed their house on Airbnb to fund the move, despite having no savings. They even put their relocation program, Boundless Life, on a credit card just to get going. And in a final twist, to secure residency, the couple had to legally marry, so they had a last-minute shotgun wedding before they left. Now based in Bali, the mum says they're finally living the life they once thought was out of reach. She's now urging other families to follow their gut if they feel stuck in the same cycle. But despite the wave of support, the mum says her viral post was flooded with cruel comments about her appearance. 'I've got a thick skin, but still I would never write something like that on someone's post. My message wasn't about me, it was about showing people another way of living.' But fans of her story were quick to rally round. One commenter wrote: 'You're living your best life. If I had my time again I'd do the same. "I love Bali, I've been 20 times! When my teens move out I'm planning to rent my home and follow in your footsteps.' Another said: 'It's a brave move leaving behind everything you know. It takes a lot of strength and courage. I'm so glad you're enjoying life. Well done.' So while she may have traded drizzle for sunshine, the real glow-up was emotional, not just tropical. Meanwhile, another fed up mum-of-three left the doom and gloom of crime-ridden Britain for a soft life with her kids in Turkey. Tired of grey skies, scary streets and a constant daily grind to make ends meet, one British mum said 'enough's enough' and packed her entire life into a shipping container to start fresh under the Turkish sun. Elsewhere, A young woman recently revealed how her health improved after she moved from the UK to Dubai, saying life at home was 'making her sick'. Ela Reeves was struggling with a series of health conditions prior to the move, including chronic fatigue, sore joints and acne. With her body 'crying out for change', she decided to try life in sunnier climes and jetted off to Dubai for a new life in January and has never looked back.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I ditched the UK for sunny Bali with my kids – we were burnt out zombies so packed all our stuff and never looked back
A BURNT out mum has revealed how she ditched the 9-5 grind in grey Britain and moved her whole family to Bali with just a few suitcases and no regrets. Laura Richardson now lives on the tropical island with her partner and her three young kids. 2 Laura Richardson had enough of the UK so moved to Bali with her kids Credit: tiktok/therichardsons04 2 The mum-of-three is now happier than ever Credit: Instagram/therichardsons04 She explained how the couple were 'trapped in the system', feeling like 'zombies' who never saw their children and when they did, they were too stressed to be present. 'Every day felt like Groundhog Day,' she said in a Tiktok video. 'I had a breakdown. I remember thinking, 'Is this really it? Is this my life forever?'' So, they did the unthinkable and sold almost everything, packed their life into a few bags and boarded a plane to start again. Read more on moving abroad They had no savings, no backup plan, and no idea what would come next. But over a year later, she says it was 'the best decision we ever made.' She knew it was a "massive risk" to walk away from everything they had worked hard for 20 years. But a year down the line, she says it was the best decision she ever made. Most read in Fabulous The family's first attempt to escape came in 2022 when they took a one-month trip to Thailand with their newborn, two-year-old and three-year-old. It was magical, but tough. Travelling with three little ones wasn't easy and they realised the nomadic life wasn't for them. I ditched my waitress job in London and moved to paradise island where rent is £200 and dates with men involve beach They returned to the UK in January 2023 but their hearts stayed abroad. She explained that despite trying to "go back to normal" they felt like they were "drowning" and fantasised about a new life. But taking the leap with three kids and no financial or logistic plan was the biggest hurdle. Eventually, after months of stress, home renovations, and running a business while raising three toddlers, they discovered a new way of life and a path out. They listed their house on Airbnb to fund the move, despite having no savings. They even put their relocation program, Boundless Life, on a credit card just to get going. And in a final twist, to secure residency, the couple had to legally marry, so they had a last-minute shotgun wedding before they left. Now based in She's now urging other families to follow their gut if they feel stuck in the same cycle. But despite the wave of support, the mum says her viral post was flooded with cruel comments about her appearance. 'I've got a thick skin, but still I would never write something like that on someone's post. My message wasn't about me, it was about showing people another way of living.' But fans of her story were quick to rally round. One commenter wrote: 'You're living your best life. If I had my time again I'd do the same. "I love Bali, I've been 20 times! When my teens move out I'm planning to rent my home and follow in your footsteps.' Another said: 'It's a brave move leaving behind everything you know. It takes a lot of strength and courage. I'm so glad you're enjoying life. Well done.' So while she may have traded drizzle for sunshine, the real glow-up was emotional, not just tropical. Meanwhile, another fed up mum-of-three left the doom and gloom of crime-ridden Britain for a soft life with her kids in Turkey. Tired of grey skies, scary streets and a constant daily grind to make ends meet, one British mum said 'enough's enough' and packed her entire life into a shipping container to start fresh under the Turkish sun. Elsewhere, A young woman recently revealed how her health improved after she , saying life at home was 'making her sick'. Ela Reeves was struggling with a series of health conditions prior to the move, including With her body 'crying out for change', she decided to try life in sunnier climes and jetted off to How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the You can sign up to the Royal Mail's If you have outstanding student loans, contact the If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
