Latest news with #PresidentialElection
Extra.ie
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Frances Black lifts the lid on Presidential Election 'rumours'
Singer and Independent Senator Frances Black has lifted the lid on 'rumours' that she will be running in the Presidential Election. The 64-year-old is one of the favourites to replace Michael D Higgins who departs the role later in the year and appeared on Ireland AM on Wednesday to reveal all. The musician confirmed to presenters Muireann O'Connell and Tommy Bowe that she had been asked if she would be interested in a conversation. Singer and Independent Senator Frances Black has lifted the lid on 'rumours' that she will be running in the Presidential Election. Pic: Ireland AM/ Frances Black The admission came when Muireann jokingly asked if the Dubliner was any good at decorating a 'big house.' Chuckling, Frances revealed her bid for Áras was 'just a complete and utter rumour.' 'You are a favourite!!' Muireann pointed out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) 'I know,' Frances responded, 'I was asked back in January would I be open for the conversation and all I said was, 'yes.' There's been no more conversation since. So I doubt very much if I'll be running for Presidency.' Asked if she had been asked to run, Frances explained: 'It was suggested to me by a couple of the smaller parties — would I be open to the conversation? And all I said was, yes. I was open for the conversation but there has been no other conversation since. 'I've let it go. It's literally rumours that have gone like wildfires.' Elsewhere, comedian Tommy Tiernan had his say on his own bid for the Irish Presidential election, teasing that he would only do it if he could present Liveline simultaneously. Pic: RTÉ The clip was shared to the Ireland AM social media pages with one noting 'she'd be a great candidate,' while another admitted they 'didn't know that she's a Senator.' Elsewhere, comedian Tommy Tiernan had his say on his own bid for the Irish Presidential election, teasing that he would only do it if he could present Liveline simultaneously. The 55-year-old's name has been swirling around both potential candidates for the Election as well as potential replacements for Joe Duffy when he retires next month. Speaking to Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ Radio 1 over the weekend, Tommy joked presenting Liveline would be 'hard to fit in around the presidency.' He then clarified that he was 'too young' and outgoing President Higgins had set a very high bar. 'His morality, his fearlessness in the stances he's taken, his gift as an orator, his integrity…We've had 14 years of the most magnificent presidency. It's not for us to imagine how the next one will happen.'
Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
'The world doesn't fall apart when young people are given the chance to vote'
Eighteen years as a youth worker in Kildare and Dublin has given me insights into the minds of our young people. They're insights which I'm privileged to be privy to, and it's this experience which compelled me to progress legislation to reduce the voting age to 16. Over the years I've learned that those aged 16 and 17 are as civically informed as their peers aged 18 and over, sometimes even more so, but they are unjustly restricted when it comes to democratic participation. When working with some of these young people, I would conduct mock votes mirroring real world elections and referenda, the results from which would often align – it became clear to me that their opinions were as valid as mine, yet only I could see mine reflected in our parliament and statute books, in the policies that shape our day to day life. After all, it's as much their future at stake as much as anyone else's when it comes to the outcome of elections – if anything, this age group has more life to live, more future experiences which will be affected by the policies of today. If one can work full time and pay taxes, it is only fair to afford that person with the formal opportunity to influence how these taxes are spent, both locally and nationally. 'No taxation without representation' comes to mind, and the fact that this cohort is still excluded from its principle. One of the recommendations to come out of the 2012-2014 Convention on the Constitution was to reduce the voting age to 16 – this is not a new idea. Some of our nearest neighbours have voting ages of 16. In Scotland, 16-year-olds had the option to vote in their referendum for independence in 2014, while in Wales, they have the opportunity to vote in elections. The world doesn't fall apart when young people are offered the opportunity to vote. Our last government was to consider reducing the age limit in time for the Local and European Elections in 2024, but failed to do so – my bill seeks to facilitate this process in time for this year's Presidential Election. Like the 35-40% of people aged over 18 who choose not to vote, many aged 16 and 17, if afforded the opportunity, will also choose not to. However, it's the diversity of opinions offered from those who will partake in our democracy that will provide greater foundations for our country going forward. These are the many thousands who care about their communities and society, who are as passionate about politics, public administration and civic duty as their older peers. Like the Convention on the Constitution, my introducing of this bill has drummed up conflicting opinions – the three most prominent arguments I've heard to continue to restrict the voting age to eighteen are that it overburdens teenagers with an extra responsibility, that it raises questions of whether they should then be tried as an adult in court, and, simply, that anyone under eighteen is too immature to have the vote. Firstly, if a referendum on this change resulted in a positive outcome, it only enables those who want to vote to do so – the last thing a civically engaged 16 or 17-year-old needs is the state telling them that they're unable to shoulder the weight of a responsibility they know they're more than ready for. In relation to whether they should be tried as adults in court, which I've astoundingly been asked more than a few times, this is a complete false equivalence. There is no relation between the ability to vote and how you should be tried, otherwise those at the ballot boxes would be treated differently in the courts than those who abstain – this question is barely worth entertaining, and that is before considering its blatant lack of regard for basic child protection principles and international best practice. The question of maturity is the most common, and to that I say get out and volunteer in a youth group, a sports club or a summer camp – I've had conversations with 16 and 17-year-olds about politics where I've learned more than a thing or two, conversations that many of my peers could do with listening to. This is an opportunity to tell the 16 and 17-year-olds of Ireland that they and their voices are valued, that they're trusted, that their insight is important to the present, not just the future, of this country. Deciding the age to vote is an issue of fairness, not competence; of equality, not maturity. This bill is my first as a TD, and one of inherent importance to me as a citizen of Ireland, a youth worker, and a father. We should not undermine the potential and ability of young people to play an essential role in our society. Aidan Farrelly TD is the Social Democrats spokesperson for Children, Equality and Youth
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Inflated Stocks in the Doghouse
Great things are happening to the stocks in this article. They're all outperforming the market over the last month because of positive catalysts such as a new product line, constructive news flow, or even a loyal Reddit fanbase. While momentum can be a leading indicator, it has burned many investors as it doesn't always correlate with long-term success. Keeping that in mind, here are three overhyped stocks that may correct and some you should consider instead. One-Month Return: +17.9% Started by Shay Banon as a search engine for his wife's growing list of recipes at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, Elastic (NYSE:ESTC) helps companies integrate search into their products and monitor their cloud infrastructure. Why Are We Cautious About ESTC? Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating losses Projected 2.3 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin next year reflects the company's plans to increase its investments to defend its market position Elastic's stock price of $90.10 implies a valuation ratio of 5.8x forward price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why ESTC doesn't pass our bar. One-Month Return: +14.3% Founded in 1990 when a group of engineers from five companies decided to merge, AECOM (NYSE:ACM) provides various infrastructure consulting services. Why Are We Wary of ACM? Demand cratered as it couldn't win new orders over the past two years, leading to an average 1.6% decline in its backlog High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 6.4% that must be offset through higher volumes Subpar operating margin of 4.3% constrains its ability to invest in process improvements or effectively respond to new competitive threats At $107.44 per share, AECOM trades at 20.9x forward P/E. If you're considering ACM for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. One-Month Return: +10.9% Spun off from The Ensign Group in 2019 to focus on non-skilled nursing healthcare services, Pennant Group (NASDAQ:PNTG) operates home health, hospice, and senior living facilities across 13 western and midwestern states, serving patients of all ages including seniors. Why Are We Hesitant About PNTG? Smaller revenue base of $748.2 million means it hasn't achieved the economies of scale that some industry juggernauts enjoy Free cash flow margin shrank by 5.1 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 6× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens The Pennant Group is trading at $28 per share, or 25.2x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including PNTG in your portfolio, it's free. Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Journal
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Social Democrats to table Bill to reduce voting age to 16
THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS will later table a Bill seeking to reduce the voting age in Ireland from 18 to 16. Soc Dems TD Aidan Farrelly is the party's spokesperson for children, equality and youth. He will introduce the Bill today and remarked: 'People aged 16 and 17 are as civically informed as their peers aged over 18, but are unjustly restricted when it comes to democratic participation. 'If one can work full time and pay taxes, it is only fair to afford that person with the formal opportunity to influence how these taxes are spent, locally and nationally.' He noted that reducing the voting age to 16 was one of the recommendations of the Convention on the Constitution in 2013-2014. Ahead of last June's local and European elections, Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne had called for the voting age to be lowered to 16 in time for polling day. A Bill sponsored by Byrne and fellow Fianna Fáil Senators Mary Fitzpatrick and Erin McGreehan which would lower the voting age to 16 for local and European elections is currently before the Seanad . Advertisement 'The last government was to consider reducing this change in time for the Local and European Elections in 2024, but failed to do so,' said Farrelly. He said the Bill he will table seeks to facilitate a reduction in the voting age in time for this year's Presidential Election. Farrelly also noted that 16-year-olds were able to vote in the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum and that 16-year-olds can vote in Welsh Parliament and local elections. 'Our youth should be able to participate in our democratic processes, the outcomes of which will affect their lives as much as anyone else's, and more than some,' said Farrelly. While he acknowledged that some 16 and 17-year-olds would not vote if able to do so, he noted that this is also the case for those aged over 18. 'We should focus on the many thousands who care about their communities and their society, who are as passionate about politics, public administration and civic duty as their older peers,' said Farrelly. 'The Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years Bill 2025 is an opportunity to tell the 16 and 17-year-olds of Ireland that they and their voices are valued, that they're trusted, that their insight is needed for the future of this country.' This will be Farrelly's first Bill as a TD and he said that it is 'one of inherent importance to me as a citizen of Ireland, a youth worker, and a father'. 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
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Revealed How She Really Felt About Trump Months Before He Labeled Her as ‘No Longer Hot'
President Donald Trump has declared bad blood with Taylor Swift. The 47th POTUS made his opinion of Swift known in a post on his Truth Social account on May 16, in which he called Swift 'no longer hot.' 'Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?' ' he posted to his almost 10 million followers. Trump's post came after Swift slammed Trump for using AI images of her to endorse his 2024 presidential run. 'Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven't already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country,' Swift captioned a photo of her with one of her cats. More from StyleCaster Blake Lively Subtly Hints at How She's Doing Amid Reports Taylor Swift Is 'Done' With Their Friendship After Feeling 'Exploited' Travis Kelce Is 'Livid' at Trump For Calling Taylor Swift 'No Longer Hot'-Here's How He Feels About 'Trump Supporter' Patrick Mahomes Related: All the celebrities who support Trump She continued, 'Recently I was made aware that AI of 'me' falsely endorsing Donald Trump's presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.' Swift went on to state that she would be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz in the presidential election instead. 'I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election,' she wrote. 'I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman's right to her own body for decades.' Swift ended her post by encouraging her followers to research the presidential nominees before casting their ballots. 'I've done my research, and I've made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make,' she wrote. The day after Swift's post, Trump confirmed that he was not a Swift fan in an interview on Fox & Friends. 'I was not a Taylor Swift fan,' he said at the time. 'It was just a question of time. … But she's a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat. And she'll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.' Trump hasn't always had a negative opinion of Swift, however. In 2012, he thanked her for a photo '@taylorswift13 Thanks for the beautiful picture— you are fantastic!' he wrote in a tweet at the time. That same year, he also commented on Swift's breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Conor Kennedy, a relative of 35th president John F. Kennedy. 'Re: Taylor and Conor–great news for Taylor!' Trump tweeted at the time. Trump's opinion of Swift seemed to have changed in 2018 when urged her followers to vote against Republican Marsha Blackburn, whom Swift later called 'Trump in a wig' in her Netflix documentary, Miss Americana. 'Let's just say I like Taylor's music about 25% less now, okay?' he told White House reporters at the time. In 2024, he called Swift 'unusually beautiful' in an interview for the book, Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass. 'I think she's beautiful — very beautiful!' he said in the book. 'I find her very beautiful.' He continued, 'I think she's liberal. She probably doesn't like Trump. I hear she's very talented. I think she's very beautiful, actually — unusually beautiful!' Based on his recent tweet, Trump no longer shares this opinion. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
