Latest news with #PeterPower
RTÉ News
30-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
'Not a shred of evidence' Hamas withholding aid in Gaza- UNICEF
There is "not a shred of evidence" that aid in Gaza is being withheld by Hamas, according to Executive Director at UNICEF Ireland Peter Power. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that aid organisations "were not in the business of giving humanitarian assistance to terrorists". "I think that trope has been widely debunked at this stage; it's simply not true. Not a shred of evidence has been produced to back that up," he said. Mr Power said UN agencies and other trusted humanitarian organisations have been doing this for around 80 years now and are guided by the "highest principles of humanitarian delivery." "They're not in the business of giving food or other humanitarian assistance to terrorists, and the all the briefings I've received from our own people it tells me, definitively, that that has not happened and that sort of accusation should not be made." He added that 5,000 children in Gaza were severely malnourished and at risk of dying. "In Gaza City, where I've visited, 16.3% of the children are severely acutely malnourished. When a child is severely acutely malnourished, they're at real risk of dying," he said. "We have diagnosed 5,000 children in that category who need urgent medical assistance, but there are hundreds of thousands or more, of course, who are malnourished." Every day, 200 children present at their malnutrition centres with acute malnutrition, he said. Mr Power described the aid airdrops into Gaza as "tokenistic", as it was far short of what was required. "Obviously, any aid whatsoever is welcome. But I should say that airdrops are really tokenistic. "Each parachute can only drop one or two pallets, and a number of pallets would fill a truck. "We need 500 trucks a day, that's what the United Nations system was bringing in during the ceasefire." Man-made starvation crisis Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya yesterday, hoping to secure a bag of flour or some aid, amid worsening humanitarian conditions. A global hunger monitor said yesterday that a famine scenario was unfolding in Gaza, with malnutrition soaring, children under five dying of hunger-related causes and humanitarian access severely restricted. The alert by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) raised the prospect that the man-made starvation crisis in Gaza could be formally classified as a famine, in the hope that this might raise the pressure on Israel to let in far more food. With the international furore over Gaza's ordeal growing, Israel announced steps over the weekend to ease aid access. But the UN World Food Programme said yesterday it was not getting the permissions it needed to deliver enough aid since Israel began humanitarian pauses in warfare on Sunday. Gaza health authorities have been reporting more and more people dying from hunger-related causes. The total stands at 147, among them 88 children, most of whom died in the last few weeks. Images of emaciated Palestinian children have shocked the world, with Israel's strongest ally, US President Donald Trump, declaring that many people were starving. He promised to set up new "food centres". Israel has denied pursuing a policy of starvation. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said yesterday that the situation in Gaza was "tough", but there were lies about starvation there. The war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas militants stormed across the border into Israeli communities. Israel says the militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people into captivity in Gaza.
Toronto Sun
25-07-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
CN train derailment halts some passenger trains in southwestern Ontario: Via Rail
Published Jul 25, 2025 • 1 minute read A CN locomotive sits idle at the CN Stuart Yard west of the West Harbour GO station in Hamilton, Ont., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power / The Canadian Press An investigation is underway after a Canadian National Railway Co. train derailed in southwestern Ontario this morning, halting passenger train service. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says it is sending a team of investigators to Paris, Ont., to gather evidence and determine what happened. CN says about two dozen railcars and one locomotive derailed and remained upright with no reports of injuries, leaks, spills or fires and no blocked crossings. Via Rail says rail traffic has been 'completely halted' in the surrounding area and there are significant service disruptions. The railway company says affected routes have either been cancelled or will operate on alternative tracks. It says affected passengers will be informed directly of the changes and they are advised to check the status of their trains online. Hockey Sports Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Columnists
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘I haven't thought about it' – Cynthia Ní Mhurchú on possible run for Áras
The former RTÉ broadcaster, who was elected an MEP last year as a Fianna Fáil candidate, said she hasn't been thinking about running for Áras an Uachtaráin and remains focused on her work in Brussels. Speaking to Cork Today on C103, Ms Ní Mhurchú described speculation around this year's presidential election as 'hot air', but agreed it was an honour to be mentioned among the potential candidates. 'Number one, I haven't thought about it. Number two, nobody has approached me and I've approached nobody. My thinking on it now is to be quite honest, nothing,' she said. "Because, I think at this stage it's an awful lot of hot air. I appreciate it's a very important job, and I appreciate we're coming into the silly season and people have to be talking about something. 'I don't mean to sound very pious or very prudish but there's an awful lot more important problems, not only in Ireland, but throughout Europe. For the moment I'm just happy now. It's a busy working day here in Brussels.' Ms Ní Mhurchú said she was equally honoured to be mentioned among potential candidates for the Áras as she was to be nominated to run for Fianna Fáil in last year's European elections. She said she is a 'small cog in a wheel of 720 spokes' in the European Parliament and she wants to continue working for her constituents in Ireland South. A native of Co Carlow, a gaeilgeoir and a former teacher, Ms Ní Mhurchú worked as a journalist and presenter for RTÉ for a decade. After leaving the national broadcaster, she qualified as a barrister. It was revealed yesterday by the Sunday Independent that talks of a potential run have been held between Fianna Fáil and Unicef Ireland executive director Peter Power. Mr Power served as a TD for Limerick East from 2002 to 2011 and was a Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs for three years. He has been in his role as Unicef Ireland executive director until he lost his seat in December 2011. Another former Fianna Fáil minister, Mary Hanafin, also revealed over the weekend she has held talks over the nomination with party leader Micheál Martin.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rory McIlroy explains decision to duck media at PGA, saying he didn't want to discuss driver issue
Rory McIlroy looks on during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy approaches the green during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy watches his ball after a swing during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy signs autographs for young fans during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy signs autographs for young fans during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy looks on during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy approaches the green during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy watches his ball after a swing during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) Rory McIlroy signs autographs for young fans during the pro-am at the Canadian Open Golf golf tournament, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Caledon, Ontario. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP) CALEDON, Ontario (AP) — Rory McIlroy explained his decision not to speak to the media during last month's PGA Championship, saying Wednesday he was annoyed that news had leaked about his driver failing to pass inspection before the tournament. McIlroy said the results of equipment tests are supposed to be confidential and noted that Scottie Scheffler's driver had also failed before the championship, but that was not reported until afterward. Scheffler revealed after he won the PGA for his third major title that he had been forced to use a backup driver. Advertisement 'I didn't want to get up there and say something that I regretted,' McIlroy said in a news conference at the Canadian Open, which begins Thursday. 'I'm trying to protect Scottie. I don't want to mention his name. I'm trying to protect TaylorMade. I'm trying to protect the USGA, PGA of America, myself.' It was a strange week for McIlroy, who arrived at the PGA as the most celebrated player in golf after he completed the career Grand Slam with his triumph at the Masters. Instead of taking a victory lap at Quail Hollow — a course where he has won four times — McIlroy was in a bad mood all week, and his refusal to discuss the driver test was much debated. McIlroy gave a day-by-day breakdown of his decisions not to talk to reporters, saying he wanted to practice after his poor first round. He finished his second round late and wanted to put his daughter, Poppy, to bed. He didn't want to talk about his driver, he was tired after his weather-delayed third round, and after his week concluded with a tie for 47th place, he just wanted to go home. He reiterated that PGA Tour players are not required to speak to the media. Advertisement 'I talk to the media a lot,' McIlroy said. 'I think there should be an understanding that this is a two-way street, and as much as we need to speak to you guys — we understand the benefit that comes from you being here and giving us the platform and everything else, I understand that — but again, I've been beating this drum for a long time. 'If they want to make it mandatory, that's fine, but in our rules it says that it's not, and until the day that that's maybe written into the regulations, you're going to have guys skip from time to time, and that's well within our rights.' McIlroy also declined to talk to reporters after he blew a late lead and lost to Bryson DeChambeau in last year's U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. He's a two-time winner of the Canadian Open, and he skipped a PGA Tour signature event last week at the Memorial to play in Canada as his tuneup for next week's U.S. Open at Oakmont. Advertisement Whether he'll be interested in discussing his performance at the storied western Pennsylvania venue remains to be seen. 'If we all wanted to, we could all bypass you guys and we could just go on this,' McIlroy said, holding up his phone. 'We could go on social media and we could talk about our round and do it our own way. 'We understand that that's not ideal for you guys and there's a bigger dynamic at play here.' ___ AP golf:
Extra.ie
15-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Irish teenagers succeeding at school but struggling with life, UN study finds
Irish teenagers are great at school but among the least happy in the developed world, a United Nations report has found. The country is ranked fifth overall in a global league table of 'Child Wellbeing'. The ranking is based on three areas: mental health, where Ireland ranks a lowly 24th; physical health, where we're ranked 11th; and skills, where the country tops the global league table. Pic: Getty Images The study, conducted by UNICEF, used official data from 36 countries, making comparisons and offering analysis. Top of the list was the Netherlands, followed by Denmark, France and Portugal, with Ireland in fifth. Britain is ranked 21st and scores below Ireland on all three categories. The report – Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World – compares the well-being of children across 43 OECD and EU countries. According to the findings, one in three Irish 15-year-olds report low life satisfaction. Ireland's youth suicide rate was also found to be above the international average. Unicef Ireland executive director Peter Power said: 'These findings are stark. Ireland's teens are succeeding in school but struggling in life. We must match our investment in academic achievement with the same urgency for mental and emotional wellbeing.' The report gives no reason for the low level of 'life satisfaction'. Pic: Getty Images It said: 'Analysing change from 2018 to 2022, the report found the Covid-19 pandemic had a marked negative impact on children's mental health as a result of school shutdowns and social isolation. 'Across 26 countries with available data, life satisfaction among adolescents declined in 22.' More than one in four children and young teenagers were also found to be overweight or obese. UNICEF Ireland has called on the Government to take targeted actions to protect child wellbeing, including increasing investment in school mental health services, improving school meals and strengthening digital resilience. The report said: 'Over the past 25 years, there have been notable improvements in child wellbeing in the group of countries examined in this report: steady decline in child mortality, overall reduction in adolescent suicide and increase in school completion rates.' Pic: Shutterstock However, it added: 'The last five years have shown warning signs in deteriorating life satisfaction and falling academic skills in most countries. Obesity rates are also rising.' The report shows that the hard-won progress in child wellbeing in this group of countries is becoming increasingly vulnerable to global events and shocks. The past five years have shown warning signs in deteriorating life satisfaction and falling academic skills in most countries. The report also highlights the closeness between Irish children and their parents, revealing how often children's parents, or someone close to them, spent time just talking with them. It points out that the frequency of talking with parents is strongly positively associated with life satisfaction. 'In all countries, more than half of children said that their parents spent time talking with them at least once a week, ranging from 53% in Japan to 91% in Ireland,' it said. Ireland has the third-lowest child mortality rate among rich countries in the world, at six deaths per 10,000 children aged five to 14. Across six indicators of child wellbeing from 2018 to 2022, Ireland's position improved in three of them – suicide, mortality and social – and was static in the remaining three: life satisfaction, overweight and academic. Its position did not deteriorate in any category, the study found.
