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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Michael McDowell is wrong about RTÉ being infiltrated by ‘Stalinists' at the height of the IRA's war against the Irish people
In doing so he distorted the historical record and recycled the hairy old conspiracy theory that RTÉ had been 'infiltrated' by The Workers Party activists who held the station's current affairs coverage in a 'vice-like grip'. I was one of the 'Stalinists' senator McDowell was getting at in his interview with Dónal Lynch. For the record, I wasn't 'infiltrated' into RTÉ in 1978 but was offered the post of producer/director after a rigorous open public competition. I joined the current affairs programme Today Tonight in 1980 and was part of a large editorial team who robustly debated how to cover the biggest story of the day: the Provisional republican movement's attempt to take power in Ireland, North and south, through 'the ballot box and the Armalite'. Like the majority of my producer and researcher colleagues in RTÉ at the time I supported the ban on Provo and loyalist frontmen appearing on air to justify their terror campaigns. In backing Section 31, I and others like me in RTÉ, believed we were acting in defence of Irish democracy against an evil sectarian insurgency that sought to plunge the island of Ireland into a full scale ethnic civil war. In Dáil Éireann Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Progressive Democrats all embraced this point of view. Workers Party TDs took the opposite view and voted in support of the arguments advanced by purist advocates of free speech and most RTÉ journalists. Their contention was that the apologists for murder would be held to account by tough forensic journalism. That never happened. In 1994 the ban on Sinn Féin appearing on RTÉ was lifted. At that time the Provos had no TDs sitting in Dáil Éireann. Thirty years later, despite being unrepentant about the war crimes of its military wing, Sinn Féin has 39 TDs, one more than Fine Gael. Like senator McDowell I regard the Provisional IRA campaign that Sinn Féin justifies as an 'abomination'. That murderous Provisional 'abomination' was at its most lethal in the 1970s and 80s. I am proud to state that I was one of many RTÉ programme makers who saw the slaughter perpetrated on behalf of 'Irish freedom' by Provo 'volunteers' for what it was, and called it out when it was most needed. Gerry Gregg, Blackrock, Co Dublin Our politicians must act on Gaza genocide Madam — In years to come, a global generation of young people will confront their parents with two simple questions. What did you do to oppose the catastrophic genocide of innocent civilians in Gaza and what did you do to resist the deliberately induced famine? The very least we should be able to answer is that we demanded of our TDs an immediate implementation of the Occupied Territories Bill. A piece of legislation which in and of itself is a totally inadequate response to the incremental displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and yet consecutive Irish governments have found multiple excuses to not apply even this deficient response. If we do not mobilise as a national collective to demand our representatives act on Israeli genocide, we, too, will have to bear the guilt of the morally outraged, yet at the same time otherwise engaged citizen. Kevin McCarthy, Killaloe, Co Clare Put Israel's horrible crimes on front page Madam — I read the article last week, 'Doctor sees nine of her 10 children killed in new IDF atrocity', and wondered why it wasn't on the front page. These awful atrocities by Israel continue and our national news is more interested in what new disrespectful, bully-boy tactics have been dreamed up by Trump, giving him priority. What has happened in the world where poor children can just be killed by a powerful and rich nation, cheered on by the USA (a country I used to respect), while the rest of the world seems afraid to show our total disgust. The bad will continue to wreak havoc uncontested if the good remain silent. I am proud that Ireland is vocal in its condemnation of Israel, but the media needs to give it more priority. Less prominent pages of newspapers can be reserved for Trump news. Siobhán Buckley, Mallow, Co Cork Have we forgotten Hamas started this? Madam — Letter writers last week wrote about the suffering of children in Gaza and accused Israel of genocide. No mention that the current war began when Hamas perpetrated the highest number of murders of Jews in one day since the Holocaust. If the Israeli military campaign in Gaza was genocide then the Allied campaign against Nazi Germany would have been genocide, too. Ciarán Masterson, Cathedral Road, Cavan Stunning lack of empathy by Boyne Madam — John Boyne writes that he came out as gay to unequivocal family support. Many of us were not so lucky. He also says he was too afraid to attend Pride as a teenager. Many of us attend Pride, and campaign for our community, in spite of or even because of that fear. If all he can do at a time of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate across the world is sit on the sidelines and throw barbs at a community he has never needed or aided, that might go some way to explain why our community doesn't need or heed him now. Jess Connor, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Madam — In his recent article, John Boyne argued for the repeal of the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) 2015, referring to it as 'problematic at best, and deeply misogynistic at worst'. Yet he offers no explanation as to what these problems might be. The issue of gender recognition has been thoroughly examined by the Irish courts and the Dáil since Dr Lydia Foy's case began in 1997. To scrap this legislation would make Irish law incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Boyne mentions 'fear of being attacked' as a teenager. Yet repealing the GRA (the mechanism by which trans people can update documents to match their gender, presentation and appearance) would force trans people to out themselves constantly. We face the same hatred, from the same people, but Mr Boyne refuses to empathise with us. He would prefer to split our community based on our differences, rather than unite under our shared struggle. Ciara Witts, Birr, Co Offaly Madam — John Boyne's column reads like a lengthy exercise in privilege, positioning himself as a spokesperson for a 'respectable' gay minority. His account of coming out to unequivocal family support, a string of relationships, and public success is not just his personal experience — it's a profoundly atypical one. His suggestion that Pride is no longer necessary because his life is comfortable reveals a breathtaking detachment from the daily realities still faced by many LGBTQ+ people. Pride was not built for those who never needed it. Boyne's attempt to distance himself from LGBTQ+ culture does not make him brave or insightful. It makes him condescending. To imply that queer students are just 'ruthlessly straight middle-class' dilettantes, or that trans women pose a threat to women's rights, is scapegoating — fear dressed as reason. He praises the Cass Review as if it were universally respected, failing to acknowledge the flaws that have prompted criticism from within the medical and academic communities. What Boyne dismisses as hollow allyship — being told he is 'loved, seen and heard' — is, in fact, empathy. His rejection of it says more about his own discomfort than the intentions of allies. Empathy, not elitism, is what underpins meaningful progress. Caz Koopman, Cobh, Co Cork Brave and balanced column from Boyne Madam — I wish to compliment John Boyne on his brave, balanced, honest and insightful article about being gay. He sums it up very well when he says, 'it is just the way I was born'. I agree. Dr Pat Mc Grath, Monkstown, Co Dublin Madam — It is wonderful to read John Boyne's clear and refreshing refutation of our modern 'Pride' celebration and the LGBTQ+ label. At a time when Pride flags are draped year round outside secondary schools and youth centres, we have to wonder what confusing ideology is being promoted to our youth in the guise of compassion and inclusion. The pendulum has swung too far and clear thinking and maturity is needed from the leaders of our community. Boyne is clearly showing leadership here and I hope our educators listen. Alan Coakey, Roscommon town Vance will continue Trump's vile legacy Madam — As someone who has visited the United States many times, it saddens me that I will probably never go there again. Trump's recent intention to have the social media accounts of visa applicants looked at is not only creepy, but scary. To me it is the last straw. This is going to cause widespread damage to the plans of students in Ireland who go to America every summer to work on a J1 visa. And after he is gone, his legacy will still linger as the much younger and even more right-wing JD Vance, the vice president who has publicly let it be known that he dislikes foreigners immensely, especially Europeans, will carry on Trump's catastrophic policy of ripping America's reputation to bits. Mike Burke, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare Well done Nikki, you are a brave woman Madam — I want to congratulate Nikki Hayes for being so candid with Niamh Horan in last week's Sunday Independent. I was stuck by the veracity of Nikki's story and I want to take this opportunity to wish this brave woman every good wish for the future. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Liberal feminists are opposed to surrogacy Madam — As an Irish pro-choice, pro-gay marriage feminist, I was delighted to read in the Sunday Independent that the commencement of the Government's recently enacted surrogacy legislation has been paused and that a reconsideration is taking place. It is simply not the case that only conservative people oppose this legislation. There are very many liberal feminists in Ireland who oppose surrogacy because they want and work towards the best possible life for women and girls and this does not include having babies for anyone other than themselves. Anne Weadick, Galway city Kane interview a pure masterpiece Madam — How timely was Niall MacMonagle's interview with artist Michael Kane. Niall interviewed the artist before the opening of his exhibition in the Taylor Galleries. Michael died the day after. This particular interview captured the essence of the artist and this particular column is to be treasured because it captures the essence of the man. Niall is a superb interpreter of the art world and we could do with more words and more space from this columnist. Phyl Herbert, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Michelin Man needs to go outside Dublin Madam — Your restaurant critic's review is my 'go-to' page in Life magazine. It is always enjoyable. Last week, Lucinda asked: 'Could this be the first 3-star?' This being Chapter One restaurant in Dublin and the 3-star being the elusive Michelin award. She supports her suggestion by telling us that, at the recent RAI awards, Chapter One, a Michelin 2-star restaurant, took the gong for the best restaurant in Dublin. I have no doubt that this is truly deserved. However, at the very same awards ceremony, Dede in Baltimore, also a Michelin 2-star restaurant, not only took the gong for the best restaurant in Ireland, but, as it happened, retained the gong won in 2024 for the best restaurant in Ireland. I would respectfully suggest that the Michelin Man should be more inclined, if and when they give the 3 stars, to look at the best in Ireland, rather than the best in Dublin — even if it is in West Cork, rather than in the capital. Michael Kenefick, Whitegate, Co Cork Why didn't Harris take housing job? Madam — Gabija Gataveckaite and Mary Regan's timely piece recently highlighted growing coalition unease over James Browne's performance as Housing Minister. It's hard not to ask: why didn't Simon Harris, as FG leader, take the role himself? With housing in crisis, it would have been a clear signal of leadership. Instead, he chose Foreign Affairs and Defence. As Shane Ross noted recently, Ireland is acting like 'a small country with a swollen head'. With record homelessness and housing starts at a four-year low, Harris's decision speaks volumes. When the house is on fire, he is out installing satellite dishes. A housing tsar might yet be appointed, but we needed a political heavyweight months ago. Dylan Redmond, Leixlip, Co Kildare Biden's record will stand test of time Madam — In response to a letter writer who pined for a more charismatic and youthful president of the United States, I wrote a letter to your newspaper with 'Boring Joe Biden is doing just fine. He doesn't have to leave his basement to get votes and instead concentrates on policy and enacting legislation'. Your predecessor edited those words to 'Boring old Joe Biden' and gave me €50. Reading Shane Ross's article last week, 'Politics is a vocation where vanity captures its victims — I should know', I'm reminded of that ageist sentence. Joe Biden was boring but by any standard he was one of the most successful bipartisan legislators of the past 50 years in US politics. What he was not good for though was selling newspapers or advertisements on cable TV. And therein lies the problem in the English-speaking western media. The 46th US president may still have lost to Donald Trump had he resisted the pile-on from the media and others to step down, but his record in government will stand the test of time. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Again, please give us a capital M for mass Madam — If mass is the scientific term for the quantity of matter in a given object, and Mass is the ceremony that celebrates the sacrament of the eucharist, might it be a good idea to differentiate the two by using lowercase and uppercase? Mary Lally, Clontarf, Dublin 3 'Uncharted' crew the real heroes Madam — Having watched Uncharted on RTÉ, may I compliment the real heroes, the camera crew and the back-up team who took serious risks to get the daring footage. Well done also to Ray Goggins and the other amazing participants on their bravery. PJ Callanan, Craughwell, Co Galway
New York Times
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
The Sacred Undergarment That Has Mormon Women Buzzing
Some Mormon women are obsessed with something illicit. They're phoning friends, calling in favors and paying for international shipping to get it: a sacred tank top. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has redesigned its temple garments, which are worn by faithful members under their clothes. The garments are effectively underwear that until recently, looked like white short-sleeve shirts and knee-length shorts. Now, the church has removed the sleeve on some designs, turning them into tank tops. The church is releasing the tops to its more than 17 million members around the world in phases. Last October, it quietly announced that the new garments would first be available to members in 'hot, humid' climates like those in Africa and Asia. They aren't sanctioned for wear in the United States yet, but that hasn't stopped American influencers from sourcing them — and showing them off in recent videos online. 'I was like: I want them now. I will get them at all costs. I will fly to Japan if I need to,' said Andrea Fausett, a 31-year-old influencer based in Hawaii. She secured a few tops from a friend in Asia. Other women told The New York Times that they had asked friends or family in Thailand and the Philippines to mail them. Kim Austin, a 33-year-old consultant living in Provo, Utah, said that she wore the new garments under a sleeveless dress to church, and that women in her congregation asked how they could get them. 'Utah women will stop at nothing,' she said. Alyssa and McKenna Banks, sisters who run master classes for styling modest outfits (advertised as 'garment girlies — but make it vogue'), said their clients were dying to get them. This seemingly small shift is a big deal within the faith. The tank tops contain multitudes: They are a relief for many faithful members who have been hoping for a change for years. They are a source of frustration for many former members who wish they could have come sooner. But above all, they are a tangible reflection of the ways the church's public perception is shifting. While the church was once known for its pioneers and polygamists, it's becoming better known for viral influencers — some of whom are bending or ignoring modesty mandates. A welcome change The garments are an integral part of the faith. They are worn by most faithful adult members as a reminder of covenants they make with God in the church's temples. Many members also believe they provide spiritual protection. The church instructs members to wear them 'day and night throughout your life.' The garments aren't supposed to be seen in public. That's easier for most men, whose clothes rarely show their shoulders or thighs. But for women, garments can limit what shorts, dresses and tops they can wear. While women in the church often repeat the adage 'modest is hottest,' the garments are a quiet source of frustration for many. John Dehlin, the host of the podcast 'Mormon Stories,' said he had interviewed hundreds of women, both practicing and former members of the faith. 'I would say close to all of them expressed significant discomfort, if not aversion to wearing garments,' he said. 'The women said the garments made them feel frumpy, contributed to body shame or negatively affected their sex life with their partners.' The church seems to be listening, and many young women are thrilled. 'I'm stoked,' said Ms. Fausett, the influencer. 'It helps you feel a lot more normal. It won't be so easy to play 'spot the Mormon' everywhere you go.' Other women say they welcome a redesign for health reasons. The garments fit tighter on women, and many complain that the synthetic fabrics cause yeast infections. Ms. Austin said the new tops were less hot and more comfortable for her body after giving birth. 'It makes me want to wear them more as opposed to complaining,' she said. Kaylee Hirai, a 32-year-old woman in Washington, said she had longed to wear tank tops for years and struggled with the church's modesty requirements. 'It also was just healing for me,' she said. As a child, she added, 'I thought somebody was bad if they dressed this way, or I was bad.' A source of resentment Not everyone is pleased with relaxed rules. Both faithful and former members have been posting online about the change, and some of the comments have been angry. Some current members responded that the new garments were too revealing or shouldn't be discussed. 'I still feel like there's judgment from older generations, specifically boomers,' Ms. Hirai said. Former members also expressed mixed emotions. While some said they were glad to see a change, they said they were frustrated that they had spent years following the church's strictly enforced modesty rules, only for them to change without explanation. 'It creates a feeling of: What was all of that for?' said Hayley Rawle, a 29-year-old host of a podcast for former members. The church's official announcement in October cited heat in some regions as a reason for the redesign. The church declined an interview and did not respond to specific questions about the impetus for the change. 'The temple garment remains an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ,' said Irene Caso, a church spokeswoman. She referred people to images and information available on the church's website. But members and nonmembers who spoke to The Times did agree that this shift reflected a broader change in the church's public perception. Once associated with pioneer women in long dresses, Latter-day Saints are increasingly represented by a new vanguard of social media influencers. Women like Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm, Nara Smith and the women of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' are on pageant stages and red carpets in plunging gowns, shoulders bare. They are broadcasting a new vision of the church to their tens of millions of followers. 'None of us depict the 'perfect stereotypical Mormon wife' that is abiding by all the church rules and living exactly as they should or they're told to be,' said Miranda McWhorter of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' In the show, she often wears tank tops.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for a STEM job in Utah? Try these cities, WalletHub says
SALT LAKE CITY () — Three cities in Utah have been ranked among the country's best locations for professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A evaluated 100 of the largest cities in the country across several categories, including 'STEM-friendliness,' job opportunities, and quality of life. The best cities in Utah for STEM jobs are as follows: Salt Lake City (No. 12) Ogden (No. 65) Provo (No. 70) While Provo scored significantly lower than Salt Lake overall, the two cities tied for fourth place for the highest math performance. Provo was also ranked the highest out of all 100 cities for median wage growth among STEM workers. Salt Lake City ranks among the top 10 cities to start a career: WalletHub Salt Lake was ranked third in terms of professional opportunities, which WalletHub ranked by looking at job openings for STEM graduates per capita, job postings, STEM employment growth, and annual median wage for STEM workers, among other metrics. Salt Lake was also ranked in the top 25% for quality of life, which was ranked by looking at things like housing affordability, opportunities for recreation, and family-friendliness, among others. Another category used to determine a city's overall ranking was STEM-friendliness, which compared mathematics performance (with Provo taking first place), engineering schools, invention patents per capita, disparity of women and men in STEM occupations, and more. 'The top metro areas for STEM professionals have high-quality schools, an abundance of jobs and high pay,' WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. 'They're also great places to live, but since many STEM jobs can be done remotely, you might also consider working in one of these areas while living elsewhere.' An interactive map of all the cities and their respective rankings can be viewed below: Source: WalletHub For the full breakdown of the methodology and why each city earned its rank, visit . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Alleged member of ‘juvenile gang' arrested on assault, graffiti charges in Provo
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. PROVO, Utah () — An alleged member of a 'juvenile gang' was charged in Provo for assault, graffiti, and drug charges on Memorial Day. Ryker Karner, 18, was arrested on six charges, including aggravated assault with gang enhancement, a second-degree felony; two counts of defacement by graffiti with gang enhancements, both class A misdemeanors; one count of riot, a class B misdemeanor; one count of possession or use of controlled substance – marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and one count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. According to court documents, police determined that Karner was connected to gang-related graffiti in Provo through a social media post. Three people, including Karner, were seen in the post. Investigators spoke with the mother of a juvenile in the social media post, and his mother gave police permission to look through his phone. Suspect surrenders after hours-long SWAT standoff in West Valley City 'Officers found a group chat on Instagram […] to which the defendant had sent photos of himself in front of the graffiti,' documents said. Court documents also allege that Karner was involved in a fight between 20 people from both his gang and an apparent rival gang. Karner was reportedly recognized by a rival gang member. On May 13, police searched Karner's residence and found 'drug and gang paraphernalia.' Officials also searched his phone and found several videos of him spray-painting a fence with other people, and another video showed Karner and one other rapping one of Karner's songs. On Karner's phone, police also found videos related to the gang fight, as well as a screenshot of a conversation referring to the fight. Karner was involved in several incidents between March and April 2025. Charges were filed against Karner on May 26. Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton arrested for DUI in West Virginia Florida man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by deputies Electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery safety: What to know Alleged member of 'juvenile gang' arrested on assault, graffiti charges in Provo IMS opens ticket renewal for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How BYU helps students innovate new technological patents
From medical devices to technological innovations, BYU's latest accomplishment highlights the number of students inventing new products. BYU was ranked among the Top 100 universities in the nation for most patents issued by the National Academy of Inventors. What's especially unique about this title, however, is how many of the patents have students listed as co-inventors, the university said. 'When more than half of our U.S. patents list a student alongside a professor, that's campus, with our student-mentoring focus, turning into a launchpad for invention,' BYU Technology Transfer director Dave Brown said. 'BYU is building inventors who can serve the world by solving real-life challenges.' Only about 10% to 20% of patents nationally include student inventors. But 10 of the 18 patents issued in 2024 at BYU had students as the inventor or co-inventor, which is 'very unusual … in a good way,' Brown said. 'BYU is in a very select group — fewer than a dozen U.S. institutions — where student inventors appear on a majority of issued patents,' Brown said. 'Making the (National Academy of Inventors) Top 100 ranking shows that BYU is succeeding at training the next generation.' Some BYU student co-inventors were listed on multiple patents: Jacob Sheffield and Lance Hyatt were named on four, and Kendall Seymour and Scott Cunnington were listed on three each. Sheffield graduated from BYU a few years ago, but four of the products he refined in graduate school received patents last year. Sheffield's career path has been defined by what he was able to create at BYU. His startup, Bloom Surgical, depends on tech he developed in school. 'As an undergraduate, I did research that led to some patents. Then, as part of my graduate degree, I worked on refining that technology, which led into a commercializable opportunity for me to go outside the university and create a startup with it and then license that technology back to myself,' he said. The patents issued were on deployable origami-based mechanisms for medical devices. One of these mechanisms is used as a "miniature windshield wiper" to keep a laparoscope clean while doctors examine inside the body. The technologies he innovated rose from the environment and resources he was given in school. Sheffield attributes innovation to his experience in one of BYU's research labs. As an undergrad, Sheffield was given autonomy to research and explore creative outlets like graduate students usually do. Then, as a graduate, he was able to continue that exploration in ways that doctoral students normally experience. 'That innovation comes from the top down and that idea of inventorship. There very much was a culture of innovation and being a part of that. Also, there's a big level of trust,' he said. Having the freedom to explore new ideas and work with people across various disciplines was instrumental in his learning and is what makes it so common for BYU students to develop tech for patents, he said. Sheffield also emphasized the various business and innovation competitions held at BYU as reasons for his success. The Entrepreneur of the Year and Student Innovator of the Year awards helped him see the business side of innovation. 'Being able to do that side of business and marketing, and see how different products could have an impact in different industries, that allowed on the research side, to see a better application and impact for how research can be transformed into tangible ideas or inventions that could be useful,' he said. Other technological inventions for which BYU students hold patents include artificial vertebral endplates, electromagnetic trap multiplexing, an integrated cleaning device for optical instruments, and multistage stent devices. The University of Utah and Utah State University also made the Top 100 with 37 and 16 patents, respectively.
