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class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_your-money"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/pricewatch" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Pricewatch</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/budget/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Budget 2025</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crime & Law</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_crime-law" aria-label="Show Crime & Law sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/abroad" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Abroad</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/obituaries" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Obituaries</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/transport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Transport</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/motors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Motors</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_motors" aria-label="Show Motors sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 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https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=3b5abdf74041e4c81f2b1e13f0dcf42e035ca656a5c600ca0082d74749f309ff&width=800&height=450 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=3b5abdf74041e4c81f2b1e13f0dcf42e035ca656a5c600ca0082d74749f309ff&width=1200&height=675 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="450"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__lg text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/">Pope Francis discharged from hospital after making first public appearance in five weeks</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"></div></div></div></article></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" 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Money</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/your-money/2025/03/23/will-caring-for-my-siblings-when-my-mum-died-qualify-me-for-a-full-state-pension/">Will caring for my siblings when my mum died qualify me for a full State pension?</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" 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data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/property/interiors/">Interiors</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/property/interiors/2025/03/20/her-mother-gave-her-20-reasons-not-to-buy-but-she-went-sale-agreed-anyway/">Her mother gave her 20 reasons not to buy – but she went sale agreed anyway</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article 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If you’re old, it’s all over</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/business/work/2025/03/23/the-irish-man-behind-memo-perfumes-my-wife-interviewed-22-of-the-best-noses-in-the-world/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="The Irish man behind Memo perfumes: ‘My wife interviewed 22 of the best noses in the world’" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-3-2" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg?focal=1131%2C818&auth=4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d&width=1200&height=799 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="533"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/business/work/">Work</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/work/2025/03/23/the-irish-man-behind-memo-perfumes-my-wife-interviewed-22-of-the-best-noses-in-the-world/">The Irish man behind Memo perfumes: ‘My wife interviewed 22 of the best noses in the world’</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/23/are-you-looking-for-a-place-to-rent-in-ireland-share-your-story/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Are you looking for a place to rent in Ireland? Share your story" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-3-2" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HAA3H43GFBEYZL7Y7TXO4EVHRA.png?smart=true&auth=21b43017df31462a1fc71fa80ae9e7c320d7636b32130faeee4ceff6f59e2999&width=1200&height=799 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="533"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/ireland/housing-planning/">Housing & Planning</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/23/are-you-looking-for-a-place-to-rent-in-ireland-share-your-story/">Are you looking for a place to rent in Ireland? Share your story</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><div id="lazy_27857" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div id="arcad-feature-f0fX6bMFvnWx5TA-6af271c848d47" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="min-height:107px;--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:970px"><div id="arcad_f0fX6bMFvnWx5TA-6af271c848d47" class="arcad ad-970x90"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><a class="c-link b-it-header-block__link font-normal" href="/opinion/"><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none"><span class=" font-normal">OPINION<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="24" viewBox="0 0 14 24" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" class="c-icon"><path d="M1.13096 0.799122C1.80974 0.102652 2.7203 -0.288062 3.25008 0.255525L13.3161 10.5835C14.2279 11.4523 14.228 12.9331 13.3161 13.802L3.78 23.0857C2.92237 23.9029 2.18997 24.7165 0.637788 22.9345C-0.650965 21.455 0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2><span class="c-grid b-it-header-block__subheader-text font-normal margin_none"></span></div></div></a></div></div><div id="lazy_89226" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__444 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/mark-oconnell-government-has-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-far-right-what-works-is-arson-threats-and-violence/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Government has sent a clear message to the far right: arson and violence work" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/mark-oconnell-government-has-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-far-right-what-works-is-arson-threats-and-violence/">Government has sent a clear message to the far right: arson and violence work</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Mark O'Connell</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="A year on from the failed referendums, has anything changed for carers and families?" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/">A year on from the failed referendums, has anything changed for carers and families?</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Breda O'Brien</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/adolescence-on-netflix-wasnt-called-that-by-accident-this-is-what-it-means-to-grow-up-now/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Adolescence on Netflix wasn’t called that by accident. This is what it means to grow up now" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg?focal=1694%2C528&auth=7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/adolescence-on-netflix-wasnt-called-that-by-accident-this-is-what-it-means-to-grow-up-now/">Adolescence on Netflix wasn’t called that by accident. This is what it means to grow up now</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Catherine Prasifka</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/trumps-rebranding-of-afrikaners-as-victims-is-calculated-to-appeal-to-the-american-far-right/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Trump’s rebranding of Afrikaners as victims is calculated to appeal to the American far right" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg?focal=1506%2C1839&auth=f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/trumps-rebranding-of-afrikaners-as-victims-is-calculated-to-appeal-to-the-american-far-right/">Trump’s rebranding of Afrikaners as victims is calculated to appeal to the American far right</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Patrick Smyth</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/advent-became-wrapped-up-in-christmas-time-but-lent-still-has-a-special-place-in-our-hearts/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Advent became wrapped up in Christmas-time, but Lent still has a special place in our hearts" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG?focal=5985%2C2981&auth=732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/23/advent-became-wrapped-up-in-christmas-time-but-lent-still-has-a-special-place-in-our-hearts/">Advent became wrapped up in Christmas-time, but Lent still has a special place in our hearts</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Canon Ian Ellis</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/trump-is-compiling-a-dirty-15-list-of-trade-offenders-and-its-not-looking-good-for-ireland/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Trump is compiling a ‘dirty 15’ list of trade offenders – and it’s not looking good for Ireland" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/trump-is-compiling-a-dirty-15-list-of-trade-offenders-and-its-not-looking-good-for-ireland/">Trump is compiling a ‘dirty 15’ list of trade offenders – and it’s not looking good for Ireland</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Cliff Taylor</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/cartoon/2025/03/22/martyn-turner/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Martyn Turner" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-3-2" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3EMAARBTKVAILPRZWT5HD4U2BE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4747783220a6219a1a8f53edb6334e5f2c5879bd6bcadd1feffdaa45c3ccc906&width=1200&height=799 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="533"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/opinion/cartoon/">Cartoon</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/cartoon/2025/03/22/martyn-turner/">Martyn Turner</a></h3></div></div></article></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/letters/2025/03/22/metrolink-the-time-for-debate-is-over/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="MetroLink – the time for debate is over" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" 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height="600"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/culture/books/">Books</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_center"><a class="c-link font-normal" href="/culture/books/2025/03/23/when-muhammad-ali-came-to-ireland-how-a-splendid-spoofer-from-kerry-planned-to-lure-the-boxer-to-dublin/">When Muhammad Ali came to Ireland: how a ‘splendid spoofer’ from Kerry planned to lure the boxer to Dublin</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div 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When I get sick of one I just start again’</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item grid-column-span-3" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/culture/film/2025/03/23/the-digital-haters-are-out-again-look-at-what-theyve-done-to-millie-bobby-brown-and-rachel-zegler/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="The digital haters are out again. 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data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none"><span class=" font-normal">POLITICS<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="24" viewBox="0 0 14 24" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" class="c-icon"><path d="M1.13096 0.799122C1.80974 0.102652 2.7203 -0.288062 3.25008 0.255525L13.3161 10.5835C14.2279 11.4523 14.228 12.9331 13.3161 13.802L3.78 23.0857C2.92237 23.9029 2.18997 24.7165 0.637788 22.9345C-0.650965 21.455 0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2></div></div></a></div></div><div id="lazy_38326" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__552 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item grid-column-span-5" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top-left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-desktop-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Taoiseach was cock-a-hoop after his meeting with Trump, but a quick reality check followed" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-1-1" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg?focal=682%2C363&auth=6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b&width=800&height=800" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg?focal=682%2C363&auth=6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b&width=200&height=200 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg?focal=682%2C363&auth=6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b&width=400&height=400 400w, 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quick reality check followed</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/">I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Irish officials sitting on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards</a></p></div></div></article></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__left-hide b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="US secretary of commerce says Ireland’s ‘tax scam’ has ‘gotta end’" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-3-2" loading="lazy" 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data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none"><span class=" font-normal">PROPERTY<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="24" viewBox="0 0 14 24" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" class="c-icon"><path d="M1.13096 0.799122C1.80974 0.102652 2.7203 -0.288062 3.25008 0.255525L13.3161 10.5835C14.2279 11.4523 14.228 12.9331 13.3161 13.802L3.78 23.0857C2.92237 23.9029 2.18997 24.7165 0.637788 22.9345C-0.650965 21.455 0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2></div></div></a></div></div><div id="lazy_8226" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__3333 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/property/interiors/2025/03/20/her-mother-gave-her-20-reasons-not-to-buy-but-she-went-sale-agreed-anyway/" aria-hidden="true" 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But should they?</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-top"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/property/residential/2025/03/21/what-will-199000-buy-in-france-italy-spain-belize-and-tipperary/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="What will €199,000 buy in France, Italy, Spain, Belize and Tipperary?" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" 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href="/property/residential/2025/03/20/five-homes-on-view-this-week-in-dublin-and-louth-from-575000-to-11m/">Five homes on view this week in Dublin and Louth, from €575,000 to €1.1m</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><a class="c-link b-it-header-block__link font-normal" href="/highlights/"><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none"><span class=" font-normal">DON'T MISS<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" 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256h-24c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v176c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h24c60.579 0 109.917-48.098 111.928-108.187l14.382-7.191A32 32 0 0 0 512 336v-48c0-141.479-114.496-256-256-256z"></path></svg><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/">Inside Politics Podcast</a></span></div></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/europe-gathers-to-grapple-with-a-new-economic-and-security-paradigm/">Europe gathers to grapple with a new economic and security paradigm</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to Europe gathers to grapple with a new economic and security paradigm" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 41:39</span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/podcasts/the-womens-podcast/sarah-corbett-lynch-my-dad-was-abused-he-was-a-victim/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Sarah Corbett Lynch: ‘My dad was abused, he was a victim’" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=800&height=450" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=400&height=225 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=800&height=450 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JJNQBNDW7JEN5D5XPCWSNBQEFU.jpg?focal=1916%2C2090&auth=c15ca75f3735ceadc4eec74f53b1505113c09f4a88a582d49a35f31bdad98b2c&width=1200&height=675 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="450"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-stack c-audio-overline" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0.5rem"><svg class="c-icon" width="22" height="19" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="#000000" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 32C114.52 32 0 146.496 0 288v48a32 32 0 0 0 17.689 28.622l14.383 7.191C34.083 431.903 83.421 480 144 480h24c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24V280c0-13.255-10.745-24-24-24h-24c-31.342 0-59.671 12.879-80 33.627V288c0-105.869 86.131-192 192-192s192 86.131 192 192v1.627C427.671 268.879 399.342 256 368 256h-24c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v176c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h24c60.579 0 109.917-48.098 111.928-108.187l14.382-7.191A32 32 0 0 0 512 336v-48c0-141.479-114.496-256-256-256z"></path></svg><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/podcasts/the-womens-podcast/">The Women's Podcast</a></span></div></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/the-womens-podcast/sarah-corbett-lynch-my-dad-was-abused-he-was-a-victim/">Sarah Corbett Lynch: ‘My dad was abused, he was a victim’</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to Sarah Corbett Lynch: ‘My dad was abused, he was a victim’" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 70:10</span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-top"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck/what-next-for-the-provinces-after-the-six-nations/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="What next for the provinces after the Six Nations?" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=800&height=450" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=400&height=225 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=800&height=450 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KOXNNB6DUBE4TL3QWE4FXVUM6Y?smart=true&auth=70a3ee14f29d0e98a3a39e90257e6a4e861ce4c948bdea980354df8784618684&width=1200&height=675 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="450"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-stack c-audio-overline" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0.5rem"><svg class="c-icon" width="22" height="19" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="#000000" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 32C114.52 32 0 146.496 0 288v48a32 32 0 0 0 17.689 28.622l14.383 7.191C34.083 431.903 83.421 480 144 480h24c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24V280c0-13.255-10.745-24-24-24h-24c-31.342 0-59.671 12.879-80 33.627V288c0-105.869 86.131-192 192-192s192 86.131 192 192v1.627C427.671 268.879 399.342 256 368 256h-24c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v176c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h24c60.579 0 109.917-48.098 111.928-108.187l14.382-7.191A32 32 0 0 0 512 336v-48c0-141.479-114.496-256-256-256z"></path></svg><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck/">The Counter Ruck Podcast</a></span></div></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck/what-next-for-the-provinces-after-the-six-nations/">What next for the provinces after the Six Nations?</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to What next for the provinces after the Six Nations?" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 27:27</span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top b-flex-promo-card__image-square-mobile-top"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/podcasts/in-the-news/octogon-president-the-politics-of-conor-mcgregor/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="The politics of Conor McGregor: How Trump’s ‘favourite Irishman’ developed anti-immigrant views " class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-1-1 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https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4GT7FPZM6FG7RPIVKY4FTV4FTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=8ca2b0a1e6bb870fc40ee5a05c28009ddcdd8551ac610ef7f52ec2a074c34584&width=1200&height=675 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 800px) 50vw, 100vw" width="800" height="450"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-stack c-audio-overline" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0.5rem"><svg class="c-icon" width="22" height="19" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="#000000" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 32C114.52 32 0 146.496 0 288v48a32 32 0 0 0 17.689 28.622l14.383 7.191C34.083 431.903 83.421 480 144 480h24c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24V280c0-13.255-10.745-24-24-24h-24c-31.342 0-59.671 12.879-80 33.627V288c0-105.869 86.131-192 192-192s192 86.131 192 192v1.627C427.671 268.879 399.342 256 368 256h-24c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v176c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h24c60.579 0 109.917-48.098 111.928-108.187l14.382-7.191A32 32 0 0 0 512 336v-48c0-141.479-114.496-256-256-256z"></path></svg><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/podcasts/in-the-news/">In the News Podcast</a></span></div></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/in-the-news/octogon-president-the-politics-of-conor-mcgregor/">The politics of Conor McGregor: How Trump’s ‘favourite Irishman’ developed anti-immigrant views </a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to The politics of Conor McGregor: How Trump’s ‘favourite Irishman’ developed anti-immigrant views " class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 25:04</span></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><a class="c-link b-it-header-block__link 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data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/culture/stage/">Stage</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/culture/stage/review/2025/03/21/little-one-review-a-thriller-so-slippery-that-it-has-one-up-on-its-creators/">Little One review: A thriller so slippery that it has one up on its creators </a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Chris McCormack</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" 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One of the major forms of such feedback, the documents specify, is “violent protest and criminality”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFYAXLFQEJAOVHQ7LWRLX3SQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570687},"content":"A brief reminder of what that violent protest consisted of might be useful here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRKDKWEWDZDXHMPWEQTPGYSPJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570688},"content":"In November 2018, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/arson-in-moville-people-won-t-tell-you-what-they-really-think-1.3715028\" target=\"_blank\">hotel in Moville</a>, Co Donegal that was being prepared to accommodate 100 asylum seekers was deliberately set alight. In <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/people-in-rooskey-are-not-racist-locals-dismayed-at-asylum-centre-fire-1.3754663\" target=\"_blank\">Rooskey</a>, on the Leitrim-Roscommon border the following February, a hotel that had been earmarked as a direct provision centre was set on fire, in what gardaí described as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/rooskey-fire-was-premeditated-and-carefully-planned-says-garda-1.3790892\" target=\"_blank\">a premeditated attack</a> involving careful planning and co-ordination. In January 2023, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/12/17/fire-at-galway-hotel-due-to-host-70-asylum-seekers/\" target=\"_blank\">a derelict former school building on Sherrard Street</a> in Dublin was broken into and set alight after rumours circulated that it would be used to accommodate asylum seekers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GNERMEH2TZH6ZNS5EA3RQL64KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742568859830},"content":"In the two years that followed, arson attacks were carried out on numerous similar properties, and for similar reasons – in Ballybrack, in Rosslare, in Tallaght. All over the country these acts of arson occurred; wherever accommodation was being prepared for asylum seekers, anti-immigration activists appeared, hateful propaganda about “unvetted males” as a danger to Irish women and children was spread, and buildings were set on fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJOOOWX3DZCO3JVAQPK3YMS4KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570689},"content":"And it wasn’t just buildings either, we should recall. We should recall, too, the murder threats against security personnel at asylum accommodation centres, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/06/15/gardai-investigating-attack-on-migrant-camp-carry-out-searches-in-dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">arson attacks on tents</a> belonging to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/video/ireland/dublin/2023/05/13/aftermath-of-violent-scenes-on-dublins-sandwith-street/\" target=\"_blank\">homeless refugees on Dublin’s Sandwith Street</a> and, for that matter, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-riots/\" target=\"_blank\">riots that convulsed the capital</a> in November 2023, and which were incited by far-right social media activists spreading anti-immigrant hysteria.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2G2EVXD42ZAM3HANQGNGT26T3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570690},"content":"When the Government document mentions “violent protest and criminality” in relation to its decision to no longer open asylum centres in certain locations, this is what is being referred to. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), the state body responsible for such projects, is, according to the document, unique within the Civil Service in that “the work of the division is subject to significant instances of protest, instances of arson and other violence or criminality, and targeting by anti-immigration or far-right activists”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2FDNSIR3ZAFNJZAEQIGZD2XGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570691},"content":"There are a number of implications to this decision and to the wording around it – some blatantly obvious, some less so. The first of these, surely, is that the anti-immigrant right, which has thus far failed to become a serious electoral force in this country, has been handed a pretty clear tactical victory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7GM3NCX5VGC7MBXKJRKFPQYIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"In saying that it will no longer open asylum accommodation facilities in places where violent resistance to those facilities has occurred, the Government is acknowledging that this tactic of violent opposition – of intimidation, of arson, of spittle-flecked fury and dehumanisation – is a potent one, one that gets results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZR24BVJUJGSJA3RAK2RDY7G64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570692},"content":"Terrorism is a famously vexed and slippery term, but one fairly uncontroversial definition of it would be “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims”. And when I say uncontroversial, I mean that this is literally the precise definition you will find in the Oxford English Dictionary. Those tent burnings, those acts of arson against buildings housing asylum seekers, those murder threats against security guards employed to protect them: these were, precisely, unlawful uses of violence and intimidation against civilians in the pursuit of political aims. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"45KE5HCBWBA4DGZ4RUPJAXGDD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It was terrorism at a fairly low level, certainly, and hardly threatened the fabric of society or the rule of law, but it was nonetheless very effective in achieving a political aim.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSIYHXGLHRAE3HVDICRHHSJUTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742568859835},"content":"Inside Crooksling: ‘Sleep is the only escape’ from the ‘dirty, unsafe’ asylum seeker campsite","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"YAKWPNHHSZADNGHLZ2ICH2AHBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570693},"content":"Anti-immigrant campaigners were pleased with the outcome – understandably so, as people always are pleased when their plans come to fruition. If you require evidence of this, you’ll find it on Twitter/X, which is well on the way to becoming a propaganda organ of the international far right. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPUWSXDDWBCSTA5MGM5FS5QPS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Responses to one post about the news, by a failed independent general election candidate, included such sentiments as: “Resistance works”; “About time they listened to the locals!”; “This should tell every Irish person that they can get results if they start taking action”; “Very important to keep fighting back”; and “So now we know what works.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYFQX3T5C5ARVDI5GLIDNKF364","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570694},"content":"This last was the bluntest of all, and the most obviously correct. We – meaning all of us, not just the anti-immigrant right – know now exactly what works. What works is violence. What works is arson and threats and dehumanisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXVBLEQUNJGFLNNW72I2OM4RWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570695},"content":"One desire here, on the part of the political establishment, is presumably that this capitulation to the opportunistic thuggery of the anti-immigrant right will also function to remove much of the political charge from that movement. No longer accommodating asylum seekers in areas where the locals don’t want them means removing the arena in which the far-right stages its overwrought psychodrama of threatened innocence, with its pantomime villains and damsels in distress, its peaceable burghers pushed too far by globalists bent on destroying their communities and their culture by infecting them with foreign elements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMJI5DDT3JABBOOTUREAJ5YFRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570696},"content":"It may be, I suppose, that this political calculation eventually works out. It may be that it serves to diminish the force of the extreme right as an organised electoral threat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KTXKWT6XRGYTPHYADSYNCTU5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570697},"content":"But given the victory that has just been handed to their movement, I wouldn’t want to bet on it. I wouldn’t want to bet on these people forgoing further violence, and further capitulations by the State. Because despite their rhetoric about wanting to protect local communities from the threat represented by immigrants – immigrants who are, in many cases, fleeing horrendous violence and oppression in their own countries, and in other cases simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families – these activists in fact thrive on causing the very violence and chaos they claim to be trying to prevent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCIKGIYRDBDBLIZDPGH64YBHUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742568859841},"content":"Immigration and the rise and fall of the Irish far right in 2024","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JCOLZCRCC5FIPIUZIK5WRYMF7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483570698},"content":"The far right is still, thankfully, a fairly pathetic formation in this country, peopled mostly by obsessive misfits and cheap grifters. It would be comforting to believe that having won this battle, it would stop prosecuting its war against immigrants. But these people want power, and power, for the extreme right, is drawn from the generating of hatred and fear. They will likely find other sources from which to generate that energy.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark O'Connell"}},"name":"Mark O'Connell"}]},"description":{"basic":"It may be that the decision to stop locating accommodation centres in parts of the country takes the heat out of anti-migrant protests. But given the victory they have just been handed, I wouldn’t bet on it"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:10:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Government has sent a clear message to the far right: arson and violence work","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y","auth":{"1":"65713bbf323d35d73a431fcbf4896c02156c378cdcc84bdf5a17d06002ac1fed"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GNZBRDG2KZEC3AQLHON7FE4O6Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/mark-oconnell-government-has-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-far-right-what-works-is-arson-threats-and-violence/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"KMPQUHU55NFYVGWFOVMTZTOWCM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e85ea56a-a336-4abe-b4e9-8c3dc692ddc1/versions/1742555497/media/19cb3fa811ee34b4e1005e7163d4b501_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RWULJ4R2DZA2FAELWGZVCUYW5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668477},"content":"It has been just over a year since <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/09/family-care-referendum-counts-live-updates-tallies-no-votes/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/09/family-care-referendum-counts-live-updates-tallies-no-votes/\">voters resoundingly rejected</a> two <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/referendums/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/referendums/\">proposed amendments</a> to the Constitution. While the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government/\">Government</a> and other institutions pushing them were temporarily chastened by defeat, the important question is whether they learned anything from the experience. It is not clear that they have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYAJVTMLTVA7ZFTUCILZVOQIP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668478},"content":"While the phrase “durable relationships” helped to sink the proposed 39th Amendment, the response to the proposed 40th Amendment was even more visceral. Attempting to remove most of the references to “woman”, “mothers” and “home” from the Constitution and replace them with a convoluted wording that gave no rights to carers caused real anger. It was defeated by the largest No vote of any Irish referendum: 73.9 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VECFA6MZ4JBHLHQ2WP7M34Z73A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668479},"content":"Those campaigning for a Yes/Yes were shown to be completely and culpably out of touch with people’s needs. The provisions in Article 41 were presented as confining women to the home, which they never did. Instead, they acknowledged the value of work within the home, an arena many women feel they can no longer choose to prioritise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQC3LOVRXVAGDN7X2H2AF6MEOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668480},"content":"In Census 1986, 653,398 women described their principal economic status as “looking after home/family.” In the recent CSO Report, <a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-wlm/womeninthelabourmarket2023-2024/keyfindings/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-wlm/womeninthelabourmarket2023-2024/keyfindings/\">Women in the Labour Market 2023-2024</a>, only 208,200 women stated that they were primarily “engaged in home duties”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCH5AYHP3VGR5FH5GRBJUAOMOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668481},"content":"Generally speaking, women can participate in the paid workforce if they want to, even if the work is often precarious and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/14/jennifer-oconnell-we-didnt-need-a-nobel-prizewinner-to-tell-us-that-work-has-got-greedy-its-time-we-all-pushed-back/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/14/jennifer-oconnell-we-didnt-need-a-nobel-prizewinner-to-tell-us-that-work-has-got-greedy-its-time-we-all-pushed-back/\">“greedy”, in the Claudia Goldin sense of demanding more and more hours to be economically viable</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PD3MASZ3FBEDJBNJV6LIDJNS4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668483},"content":"What younger women cannot do, quite often, is afford a home within reasonable distance of their family and sometimes their workplace. They are often trapped in a treadmill of early rising, bundling cranky children into the car for childcare (if they can find it) and school, working long hours, returning home, and then wrestling with tired and disgruntled offspring for an hour or two. Many women postpone their own much-needed sleep in a desperate attempt to have some time to themselves. The grind starts all over again the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NA5BSLHDM5E73PYOZGTROM62YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668485},"content":"Working from home, while no panacea, at least cut out the commute. Now directives are being issued to return to the office. Meanwhile, Ireland’s birth rate is plummeting well below replacement levels but <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/16/why-do-religious-people-tend-to-have-more-children-because-they-value-different-things/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/16/why-do-religious-people-tend-to-have-more-children-because-they-value-different-things/\">couples cannot see how they could possibly care for any more</a>, or sometimes any, children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJJN4HMIF5GUZEX5R6CUYTZXVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668487},"content":"Has anything changed for most people since the referendums were defeated? The Government has promised to keep the cost of childcare below €200 per child, a game-changer for many who were paying the equivalent of a second mortgage every month. However, it does nothing except increase the tax burden for married couples where one partner, usually the woman, opts to work full-time in the home for a few years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4OVDIGLQRJHFREUDJC6SG2ZV5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Childcare crisis driving employees out of workforce","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"POWX2K6RFVARVAPDQF6CJZQI34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668489},"content":"In April 2006, the then government introduced an Early Childcare Supplement (ECS), which recognised and was supposed to offset the costs associated with babies and young children. It peaked at €1,000 per child and then was abolished in 2009 as part of austerity measures. It was initially replaced by a free childcare year. Inadequate as the ECS was, many people used it to offset childcare costs, often to help pay a childminder or relative, which remains the preferred choice for the majority of mothers working outside the home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2ADS2QDPNH6FHXRHFPGYYTLXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668491},"content":"Others used it to help with the loss of income that came with working in the home. Instead of reducing childcare costs, why not give choice back to parents in the form of a meaningful ECS payment?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLYC4HFSLVEUHA3EPSUSWYJHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668492},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-womens-council-of-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-womens-council-of-ireland/\">National Women’s Council of Ireland</a> (NWCI) continues to campaign for universal public childcare. According to a 2024 Amárach/Iona Institute Poll, which virtually replicated the results of a 2017 Amárach/Sudocrem poll, an astonishing <a href=\"https://ionainstitute.ie/vast-majority-of-mothers-want-to-be-at-home-not-work-says-new-poll/\" target=\"_blank\">69 per cent of women</a> declared that if finances allowed, they would like to be at home with their children. Over 70 per cent answered “not really or not at all” to a question asking whether they felt valued by society for their work as mothers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNVY2GLEUJE6TACP6PV2KDJIOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is free, publicly-funded childcare possible in Ireland?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WNFS67AVNRHINJ3NMLORJSFOHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668493},"content":"NWCI is just as out of touch on this issue as it was on the two referendums. According to the McKenna judgment, no public money can be spent on advocating for only one side of a referendum. NWCI spent €50,000 on advocating Yes/Yes and while it states none of it was public money, to date it has failed to provide accounts detailing exactly where it came from, and says the precise figure of its expenditure will not be available until the organisation receives the final invoices. Other projects that might have benefited women were possibly foregone but again, there are no consequences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESQHKYKJXZBXHKSOG3BP43VCS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668494},"content":"Carers, at first glance, may have fared better. There were some improvements in the last budget – including an increase in the income disregard from July for the Carer’s Allowance from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for a couple. Self-employed people are now eligible for carer’s benefit. But we still have shamefully long waiting periods for virtually every therapeutic service needed by people with disabilities, including the elderly with additional needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7JKESWDSFGVFMN35VUE7ROXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668495},"content":"It seems that the Government and those advocating a Yes/Yes have really learned very little at all.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Breda O'Brien"}},"name":"Breda O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Women can participate in the paid workforce if they want to, even if the work is often precarious and 'greedy'. What they often can’t do is afford a home within reasonable distance of family and workplace"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A year on from the failed referendums, has anything changed for carers and families?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY","auth":{"1":"69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"OAAJMSYPVBCR7P735VO22CI36I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":397,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/28ecfa9a-ece1-4a66-b0ac-2a1c88cabca5/versions/1742489814/media/3752ee1673cd87b9a8fcc1421e13037d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/adolescence-on-netflix-wasnt-called-that-by-accident-this-is-what-it-means-to-grow-up-now/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WSHMHLDIMNC6NOM724COWRWGKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288703},"content":"Do you know what your child is doing on the internet? This question is both asked and answered by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/17/adolescence-review-a-dark-and-often-unbearable-insight-into-the-nightmarish-extremes-of-our-teenagers-lives/\" target=\"_blank\">Adolescence</a>, a devastating four-part series on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/netflix/\" target=\"_blank\">Netflix</a>. The answer, it strongly suggests, is “no”. And even if you did know, if you could peek over their shoulder and read their messages, you probably wouldn’t understand what you’re looking at.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICX6GQKY35FSFD2MZBFH342FVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487825576},"content":"The series sees 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper), a bright boy from a loving family, arrested for the murder of a classmate, Katie, after being radicalised by incel and misogynistic culture online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBJDZNMESBFVPBZ7V2HE5MIOBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288704},"content":"In the show, terms such as “red pill” (explained by Adam, a classmate of Jamie’s, in the series as meaning “‘I see the truth’ ... a call to action by the manosphere”) are dismissed as “that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andrew-tate/\" target=\"_blank\">Andrew Tate</a> sh**e.” Police catastrophically misinterpret the emojis used by Jamie and his friends. As Adam (Amari Bacchus) explains: a dynamite emoji means someone is an incel. Hearts denote different things depending on their colour: “Red means love, purple – horny, yellow – ‘I’m interested, are you interested’, pink – ‘I’m interested but not in sex’, orange – ‘You’re going to be fine’. It all has a meaning.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDKFOFS3FRHKNPKDBHJ6OIQ5FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2IITFMYGTRBXVL664VDSFLNTFM"},"content":"Adolescence: Five truths about our teenage boys we need to address urgently","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DXAOTOVCTNGVTARD3CL6JXTXNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487825578},"content":"To those not in the know, it sounds cartoonish, comical even. The language of the internet is complex and multilayered; the language of teenagers even more so. But Adolescence is a wake-up call about the fringe ideologies our teenagers are being exposed to, how radical language can be hidden in plain sight, and how, if you know how, you can hide your tracks. And how parents can’t afford to stay oblivious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3TEUK73IZH75A5DQ7NP3VWLVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288705},"content":"Welcome to the reality of the internet. It has the personality of a stereotypical teenage boy: it likes violent video games, naked women and trolling. Online, you are never more than two clicks, or one key word, away from porn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYNDOFPWJJGZDFA4OFZWOG7K7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adolescence review: A dark and often unbearable insight into the nightmarish extremes of our teenagers’ lives","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"O2ALTCM3MBHNPASRIVUHD74WEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288706},"content":"The internet offers an intoxicatingly curated experience. An attention economy that gives you exactly what you want, a personal algorithm perfectly designed to seduce you – and that is equal parts alluring and dangerous. The algorithm knows nothing is harder to resist than escalation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THPX6VNV6JBARH47UKTOUZ4WBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647501},"content":"Imagine you’re a teenage boy. Maybe you feel like you don’t fit in, that girls don’t like you, maybe you’re worried about finding your place in the world. These are typical teenage worries. A few innocent searches and you’re in the manosphere, which is designed to make you angry. An angry audience is an engaged audience, one that will buy your merch and generate ad revenue. Manosphere influencers like Tate are telling boys that what they feel is justified, offering them a worldview that explains everything.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XMBGVD6GNEJ3DZIAF5DPYDB5U","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"FA4QCJC64VAFLFNSISU254LH6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487825581},"content":"All of this is happening against the backdrop of a male loneliness epidemic, a crisis of masculinity. Everywhere in the developed world, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/06/23/why-are-men-under-30-are-turning-to-the-right-while-women-are-veering-left/\" target=\"_blank\">Gen Z men are trending more conservative</a>. These are the products of boys growing up on an internet that caters to their precise wants, that does not challenge them to think critically about information. An internet that tells them instant gratification is their right, that the urges they cannot air in public have a home online. One wrong click, one mildly curious click even, and you’re down the rabbit hole. Soon it all starts to look normal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LX6JSQ6UPJDENCVXIKP2QFWMEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647499},"content":"Adolescence: Why can’t we look away from Netflix’s hypnotic hit?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N7DIZ4HZ3BHJZF24LKAMI6STIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647505},"content":"Normies, incels and red-pilled: What are the dangerous ideas boys are being fed online?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HPDVHD4ELRE4VBCVDUS5UOCMFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288709},"content":"Adolescence offers a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg of young men’s online lives. There are incel (involuntary celibate) forums and MGTOW (men going their own way) philosophers. There are whole communities arranged around a hatred of women, held together by a radical lexicon: femoids, Chads, Stacys, alphas, betas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ACVV7F42ENERTM3YK4NPPIQUW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647506},"content":"These strange quarters and those who inhabit them have mostly been objects of ridicule. But the ridicule did not make them go away. They simply became quieter, more strategic, using dog whistles to both evade notice and become more socially acceptable. No longer confined to fringe forums, these ideologies have begun to seep in everywhere. They are blasted over X by Elon Musk or in a comic book posted on Instagram or sandwiched on your TikTok feed between funny cat and fitness videos. In a world where “unalive” is used to skirt the algorithmically unfriendly “kill”, people know how to get views, regardless of content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QOGBFSBLRBTZI6AZEFH7IK5KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742718729156},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-80598","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6BDY2QUAZDC3AZHXZF6LVUZOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288711},"content":"It is easy to be seduced by the potential of the internet. To believe, like Jamie’s parents, that a child is safer online than out in the streets. Many adults still cling on to the internet’s early promise: the entire world in the palm of your hand! It fosters connection, makes people more empathetic! And don’t forget the dog memes. But the nefarious side of the internet is not an accident; it’s a design feature worth billions. That is the trick: plausible deniability. Baked into its fabric is something rotten, dressed up with bright colours and instant dopamine. And it targets children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T3NRPUI2BGIBMLR2AY7JPBRCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647508},"content":"Teenage boys ‘bombarded’ with misogynist content within minutes of signing up to TikTok and YouTube Shorts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LFN6CC77FFEONCYNTKXFAVOEV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647509},"content":"There is a stark generational divide in how we understand the internet: it is perhaps the first technology that is being handed up, as opposed to handed down. Older generations are playing a game of catch-up, but it’s better than refusing to play at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJZM4HBEKND3FB3N7JMKAUHXEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487825584},"content":"In one of Adolescence’s most harrowing scenes, Jamie’s father asks his mother if they could have done more, and they recognise the harsh truth: they let their son loose in a world they did not understand. They did not understand the risks, could not recognise the signs, and did not even know the questions they should have been asking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVQWQ2PEVFCYZFIHUTEGON3NGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742484288713},"content":"It is no accident that the series is called Adolescence: this is what it means to grow up now. Not an aberration, not a glitch in the matrix, but a cold hard reality.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIO334U56RD53MZWCLEIXOKJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487825586},"content":"<i>Catherine Prasifka is a novelist and Maynooth University and Kildare Library and Arts Service Writer-in-Residence</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Catherine Prasifka"}]},"description":{"basic":"The series shows how adults catastrophically misunderstand what their teenagers are doing online, mistakenly believing them to be safer than in the outside world"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Adolescence on Netflix wasn’t called that by accident. This is what it means to grow up now","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI","auth":{"1":"7450ce4f6cf0c84aaefddd0adc8e4bf0865eb75b5520c00da38516e20e430c1a"},"focal_point":{"x":1694,"y":528},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4RIFS3YPGZBSBPQWP3NRCKXQKI.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/adolescence-on-netflix-wasnt-called-that-by-accident-this-is-what-it-means-to-grow-up-now/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"ER6LF5H7DNA4NGSQ5W4E54ETHM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":359,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a4cd49a8-dda7-4c7c-a0f3-7288161b0b1c/versions/1742478846/media/178837f969fd482c2c6b8221b7809f8a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/trumps-rebranding-of-afrikaners-as-victims-is-calculated-to-appeal-to-the-american-far-right/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SNPOSKUI3BDJ7CO32VCPYSFJ7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848501},"content":"Hans Christian Andersen had <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> down to a T, his The Emperor’s New Clothes a perfect metaphor for the Trump age and the new diplomacy of sycophancy. The thin-skinned emperor, convinced of his own genius, flourishes in his nakedness as leaders the world over – pace <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> – lavish him with insincere flattery that reinforces the overweening self-esteem.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46CA4Y7YIBEVJG4JVN6YG4IP7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848502},"content":"Woe betide anyone who, like the small boy in Andersen’s tale, suggests “the emperor has no clothes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6SGYC7D6FCRNKLM72NBETXUP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848503},"content":"Last Friday, secretary of state Marco Rubio kicked out <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/south-africa/\" target=\"_self\">South Africa</a>’s ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool. In an X post, Trump declared him (in capitals of course), “PERSONA NON GRATA”. His offence, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/03/15/trump-administration-considers-travel-restrictions-on-41-countries-expels-south-african-ambassador/\" target=\"_blank\">Rubio said,</a> was being a “race-bating politician who hates America” for telling a webinar Trump “is leading a white supremacist movement in America and around the world”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZXZ2YKNOFBWJKPMHPM4ZMOFHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848504},"content":"Less than three weeks in office Trump – apparently encouraged by his best mate, the South-African-born <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_self\">Elon Musk</a> – specifically singled out the country with a two-pronged <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/29/donald-trump-executive-orders-signed-list\">executive order</a>, “<a href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/addressing-egregious-actions-of-the-republic-of-south-africa/\" target=\"_self\">Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa</a>”. The order excoriated South Africa’s referral of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\" target=\"_self\">Israel</a> to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/international-criminal-court/\" target=\"_self\">International Criminal Court</a> for war crimes in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_self\">Gaza</a>, and alleged that it was involved in a murderous campaign against white farmers and the expropriation of white-owned farms through a new land reform act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMZIOYPTKFHFZHMILABPPPWVEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848505},"content":"Musk, the world’s richest man, has been engaged in a long battle with Pretoria over his business interests. He repeatedly attacks it for “racialist” laws and practices. He claims that it is “openly pushing for genocide of white people” and is demanding exemption for his <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/starlink/\" target=\"_self\">Starlink</a>, a satellite internet communications business, from regulations requiring foreign investors in the country’s telecoms sector to provide a third of the equity in the South African part of the enterprise to black-owned businesses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA4YRSDKARFUNAPKDQKRJVZJ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848506},"content":"Trump immediately cut off all aid to the country, $453 million (€418 million). This included vital assistance to the country’s Aids programme, the largest in Africa, and support for HIV organisations funded by the US P resident George W Bush’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar). Studies predict more than half a million unnecessary deaths will result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QTMDRENDVACJIHCWNY6CRU7NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848507},"content":"Pretoria also fears it will lose market access privileges under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act, damaging its car and farming industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OQJWXJ23ZGXFLZNPKMEUWZJXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848508},"content":"Breaking with his long-standing virulent opposition to the accommodation of refugees, <a href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114121529754059509\" target=\"_blank\">Trump also announced a special programme for Afrikaners</a> – descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th Century – “victims of unjust racial discrimination”, to resettle in he US. He posted that “any farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the US with a rapid pathway to citizenship”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSBCNZHFFZB3BIZOTZBUZIFTLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848509},"content":"He has long supported far-right conspiracy theories that falsely claim white farmers in South Africa are subject to a government-backed campaign of violence. In August 2018, he asked then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo “to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large-scale killing of farmers”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X2QNCCSFXFERXLHYTGX4ZOCXEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848510},"content":"Yet the legacy of apartheid is such that a 2017 government land audit found that white people, 9 per cent of the population, still own approximately 72 per cent of privately owned farmland. The new Expropriation Act is intended to address such inequalities. It permits expropriation only in exceptional circumstances, such as unused abandoned land, and generally requires “just and equitable” compensation. The government insists it is similar to legislation in most western countries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAUC34KRGVBXVB5PCA6HAIYVFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848512},"content":"And white South African farmer deaths are mostly the result of the country’s high crime rate – more than 27,000 murders overall between March 2023 and March 2024 – which affects all segments of the population. An average of about 50 have occurred on farms each year over the past decade, accounting for less than 0.2 per cent of total homicides. Nor have the families of any murdered farmers then had their land confiscated. In a ruling handed down in mid-February, a South African magistrate described the notion of “white genocide” in the country as “clearly imagined”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFPC5JZ3S5HLVDXJW7LKUBWOGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848514},"content":"But there is also a strong racist, domestic dimension to Trump’s waving of the Afrikaner flag. In the spirit of Trump’s trashing of US diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) programmes, claiming they promote anti-white discrimination and incompetence, Rubio refused last month to attend a G20 meeting because the current presidency, South Africa, had its focus on “solidarity, equality and sustainability”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKA7Y4NCNFFJZG33DPFZKSS3RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848515},"content":"The rebranding of Afrikaners as victims has great dog-whistle resonance among the American far-right, says <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/world/africa/south-africa-whites-trump.html\" target=\"_blank\">Max du Preez, an Afrikaner writer and historian, who founded the first anti-apartheid newspaper in Afrikaans</a>. “They’re playing on the thing of the white Christian civilisation being threatened,” he argues. “And that has a lot of appeal among the evangelicals and others in the US.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJQGYQS7U5CQ5LV66FAN2UIVDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468848516},"content":"When Trump or Musk talk about the murders of white farmers, they’re sending a signal to nationalist Maga supporters that they care explicitly about white nationalism around the world. Which is exactly what Rasool tried to say. The emperor has no clothes.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Patrick Smyth"}},"name":"Patrick Smyth"}]},"description":{"basic":"Worldview: When Trump or Musk talk about the murders of white farmers, they’re sending a signal in support of white nationalism"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Trump’s rebranding of Afrikaners as victims is calculated to appeal to the American far right","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI","auth":{"1":"f91040726e03eaba162e1d6f84f9ce5599b2bf40e7b23ae0ace5f821f8c2526a"},"focal_point":{"x":1506,"y":1839},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DZ7Y6K5TNEAMMN453XIHZA3HPI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/trumps-rebranding-of-afrikaners-as-victims-is-calculated-to-appeal-to-the-american-far-right/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"3I2DDNVDD5GI5MWY4II7L5DTKI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":258,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/efc3f273-0925-443f-925d-ed11246a399b/versions/1742563726/media/133ccc422cc655a2f6bd547368c2f883_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/advent-became-wrapped-up-in-christmas-time-but-lent-still-has-a-special-place-in-our-hearts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VZVZULHSYZH6PMG6V2PPCP7YWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029878},"content":"Although nowadays Easter eggs are widely on sale well before Easter, as a Christian penitential season, Lent has not suffered the full fate of its sister, Advent. Society at large, as well as in many a church context, has simply come to see Advent as part of Christmas-time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SU2HOUUJ2NCPDJZW2JK4LCI5GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029879},"content":"Perhaps the fact that the penitential character of Lent still attracts public engagement is due to a general interest in spirituality – which in the case of Advent does not sit easily with the frequent partying, the ubiquitous presence of Santa Claus and the human need for a cheery mood in what are invariably dark, midwinter days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBSGMXXQTBAP7HP6I3W4YXPOYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029880},"content":"Lent comes as the days lengthen and as the coming to life again of nature after its winter slumber evokes a certain fascination with life itself, thereby bringing an openness to deeper thoughts, perhaps even of death and resurrection.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AU75DCKA3BGEZOYMNUIZCMW4Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029881},"content":"Nature has its own unique way of prompting profound spiritual thoughts. While the church does not teach that one can worship God just as well in one’s garden as in the worshipping assembly with its fellowship and time-honoured liturgical traditions, nature’s ability to create an awareness of the sacred mysteries of creation and of life itself is worthy of respect. Lent continues to strike a certain chord in the public consciousness, which often starts with explanations in the media of just why there is such a thing as Pancake Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZE5NWBCMRDVRDF4LSNUNJYTQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029884},"content":"Penitence, which is sorrow for sin because it offends God, and which is quite different from any regret of wrongdoing due to a fear of divine wrath, is a prerequisite of spiritual growth. Sorrow for sin precisely because it is sin excludes any self-interest, any sorrow for oneself. Penitence is therefore not so much about working one’s way back to God, but is first and foremost the result of seeing one’s sin against the clear and undefiled light of God, and resolving to change oneself by God’s grace.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5WIAKMRARAO5GFNBFKTBM2GKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029887},"content":"Penitential works may help to reinforce such resolve, but they must not be confused with the real thing: the change of heart and the heartfelt resolve.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5N3A3USQJBA5JN6NH6YGFXXGTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029888},"content":"Thomas à Kempis wrote in The Imitation of Christ: “There is no real liberty and true joy, save in the fear of God with a quiet conscience.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRIOKNROX5AVFONU7UM3MWP4BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029889},"content":"This fear, of course, is properly understood as utter reverence. It inspires devotion and fidelity and draws the individual ever closer to God. Unlike fear in the more common sense, it results in the desire to be in God’s presence, not in the desire to flee in terror. The fear of God is, as the Book of Proverbs puts it, the beginning of wisdom. Once the individual recognises the complete holiness of God, the journey to God begins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOJTPJGMSBDNZL5YY2SFF5WUT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029892},"content":"It begins, unsurprisingly, with a recognition of one’s own spiritual poverty, because we human beings, although created in the image of God, have somehow come to be so much less than God intended. We are not what we are supposed to be. The recognition of God’s absolute holiness and righteousness demands the response of penitence. Yet, the scriptural call to repentance and faith can only be acted on after a moment of conversion, a moment of change of perception of life, a moment of new sight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIXLSPMUUZD3NFDIUUCKXZ7EBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029894},"content":"Indeed, these things are all there in St Paul’s experience on the Damascus road, but in truth it can also be a daily miracle, conversion and reconversion drawing the believer deeper and deeper into the life of God.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPF3OU7S65DMBJ4PD7ZAOAYT4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029895},"content":"So, Lent, with its focus on the interior life, brings a special opportunity, but first must come that recognising of God, the contemplation of God to the exclusion of all else: God, and God alone. From such a contemplation, such a drinking of spiritual water, springs penitence and the reconciliation that God longs for in each and every soul.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTIAQECTZJE23L43OP5VI5QM6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029897},"content":"The words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well convey the profound truth that is for every person to lay hold of – namely, that the water he gives will become in every person who drinks it “a well of water springing up to eternal life”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJYOORX4JVAKPHJAC4ZIHIR2OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469029898},"content":"<i>Canon Ian Ellis is a former editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Canon Ian Ellis"}]},"description":{"basic":"Rite & Reason: Lent arrives as the days lengthen and nature is coming to life again, bringing an openness to deeper thoughts"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Advent became wrapped up in Christmas-time, but Lent still has a special place in our hearts","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI","auth":{"1":"732552b08f4435e26fcf60480d3f0eb48b372f2feab9ffa0b0917b58dbb70540"},"focal_point":{"x":5985,"y":2981},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSZRA7Q2PFDH5MHM7I74P4HCSI.JPG"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/advent-became-wrapped-up-in-christmas-time-but-lent-still-has-a-special-place-in-our-hearts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"MEFTKLI6WRGSTONROEY2YNQBLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":363,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/3da20eb8-e51b-4f14-81dd-c488e62b2cc4/versions/1742566878/media/1f79faeb9ad9e9f213badae8dde69e8d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/trump-is-compiling-a-dirty-15-list-of-trade-offenders-and-its-not-looking-good-for-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RZSLMFUVYBFTRL4KP7UD6GHBTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742496495718},"content":"The phrase “the dirty dozen” entered the popular lexicon after the 1967 war movie starring Lee Marvin. Now the US is promising “the dirty 15” which, while less catchy from an alliteration point of view, may yet become another household phrase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJMJLELCWFCKNPUD4RFD4TMPGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072053},"content":"In 11 days’ , the Trump administration is due to announce the next phase of its tariffs plan and this, we are told, will focus on “the dirty 15” countries which the US feels has dealt with it most unfairly – and will thus be subject to the highest tariffs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQT4RII5KJHEJG23QAWKHGWQJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742550063471},"content":"Ireland may well be on the list. And if not then the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-union/\" target=\"_self\">European Union</a> as a whole certainly will be. Either way, as the country which is the biggest contributor to the US trade deficit in goods with the EU, Ireland will be singled out. And Ireland’s corporation taxation system is also under the microscope, with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnik on Friday night referring to<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/\" target=\"_blank\"> the Irish “tax scam”</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDTI7MT3NRE4XEFLI3B72ZJQ4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072055},"content":"As the State has done so well economically in recent years, and the rest of the EU has long been critical of Irish corporation tax policies which have helped this to happen, we can’t expect too much sympathy from other European capitals for our particularly exposed position. Recent tensions on defence will not help either. This may all count in the negotiations to come, particularly as the EU decides how to respond to Trump’s tariffs with Ireland potentially exposed by some of the options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMVONJ47U5A3PCHYLMABJQ75LI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742548863038},"content":"The dirty 15 idea was unveiled by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/11/25/dollar-falls-after-donald-trump-names-scott-bessent-to-treasury-role/\" target=\"_blank\">US treasury secretary Scott Bessent</a> this week and is due to form part of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-business/what-do-donald-trumps-april-tariffs-mean-for-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">an important announcement on April 2nd</a> – the “big one” as Donald Trump calls it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTDBBR5EKZGLTP2CV3VJCSPZTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072057},"content":"The list will form the basis of what Trump calls reciprocal tariffs, due to apply on all imports from the countries identified. Special tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are promised as well; a figure of 25 per cent has been mentioned here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY2MOP7BMVABDKJH76HNGJJORU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742548863039},"content":"Of course, what exactly emerges – and, crucially, how long this tariff madness might last – remains unclear. The story could change again before April 2nd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FLXNNNRYNDEZOIXCDQWTCABPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072059},"content":"And no one is sure whether we are heading for short-term disruption, long-term change or a bit of both. There is a real possibility that disruption to the US economy could change Trump’s direction. His big gambit to reorder world trade in the US’s advantage is, in reality, more likely to collapse the markets and turn into an unworkable mess.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5XGHXCQK5DIFOPMRJYUPUU6BY","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"MPJKMUGK4FFWROXGNJHYGIV3OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742548863040},"content":"But for now the US president is determined to push ahead. Bessent has said the US will identify the countries which have the highest trade barriers against the US – and this includes not only tariffs these countries have on US imports, which are not hugely significant in the case of Europe, but also other perceived barriers in areas like regulations and, in the EU’s case, the VAT regime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6EIWKOR5ZBQBGZXSUJM55MBKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156786},"content":"The US will calculate the costs of all this to American exporters and present a “number” to each country. This is the proposed US tariff on all their imports into the US. And then negotiations start and countries have a chance to cut their tariff if they play ball.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPRA74TUEZAJHJAUHFCSIGMRKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742548863041},"content":"There is a vital question for Ireland here: will Trump decide to divide and conquer EU countries by giving a different “number” to each country or deal with the EU as a whole? If he goes country by country, then Ireland – with the highest trade surplus with the US among all EU countries – will surely be picked out for special mention.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOUPAFJEWZFSLIJLPJ54C4C3Q4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156788},"content":"Trump could threaten varying tariffs levels on different EU countries, even if the EU is one trade bloc, which means that actually implementing this would be messy. But, initially at least, this is all about show business and putting countries under pressure, rather than technical considerations – and you could see how Trump could use all this to try to drive a wedge between different EU countries and find different reasons why some are “worse” than others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D45FD5XZKRAW5LBCRDGU2N5DVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742556493588},"content":"Either way, when the EU and the US come to discuss how to reduce<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/11/eu-trade-surplus-with-us-hits-record-high-of-200bn-as-trade-war-with-washington-looms/\" target=\"_blank\"> the goods trade deficit</a>, then the large exports of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/03/13/donald-trump-says-ireland-has-been-stealing-us-pharma-investment-so-what-happens-next/\" target=\"_blank\">US pharma companies</a> from Ireland back to the American market will be one of the main items in focus. As this is based largely on deals done within these big pharma companies – as one arm sells to another – then a solution is not easily found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWXWM3NHJZFW5FUWRTS6HHIYT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072066},"content":"The firms may be pushed by Trump to declare more profit in the US, hitting Ireland’s corporate tax take. In Friday’s comments, Lutnik said the location of intellectual property by the big tech and pharma companies in Ireland - the key to their declaration of large profits here - had to end. This again underlines the threat of Ireland being singled out in the Trump tariff plan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCO7KILYHZFPJOKRNO326AT57I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742591569952},"content":"It also points to another risk; in a separate study which Trump has ordered, he is threatening to use 90 year-old legislation to double taxes on the US operations of companies from countries seen to have discriminated in the tax field against US companies. This could leave some Irish companies with a big US presence exposed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGWUPWVGFJCDHL2IFFNU6T5IUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156790},"content":"While Ireland may be singled out by Trump in his tariffs campaign, the response will be driven by what is agreed at EU level. This makes the economic diplomacy for Ireland potentially complicated, with Brussels deciding on an EU response, but each member state trying to look after its own back yard and having its own contacts with Washington.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C26I3LYCB5BPHA6FPSTBPSWUS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156791},"content":"The latest report from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\" target=\"_self\">Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)</a> shows the channels through which this could feed through to the Irish economy – a hit to exports from multinationals and domestic companies, a loss of well-paid jobs, a knock-on reduction in overall spending hitting the wider economy and a hit to the public finances. In the short-term, the crippling uncertainty facing businesses will take an economic toll; plans will be put on hold as companies wait to see what happens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFV2MOCXWZBMZBXWZHCS33VBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156792},"content":"Two issues make all this hard to capture in an economic model, or for the Government to come up with a plan to respond. First, we don’t know the extent of the tariffs. Many firms might adjust over time to relatively low tariff levels – there is a big difference between a 10 per cent tariff and a 100 per cent one. Or a 200 per cent one as threatened by Trump on EU drink exports to the US, which would wipe out Irish spirits trade there if sustained for any period","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKKU5WWEPNFFHPDI7HOOQ6HA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742556493592},"content":"Second, the duration of all this is the really crunch issue – and will be central to the policy response. If this trade war goes on for any length of time, then – as well as the risk to exports – the danger of much lower investment levels for foreign and domestic companies could be the real long-term economic cost to Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZFTPD4HMZFOJOKHOMFEMEESZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742553156794},"content":"It is Ireland’s recent success – and particularly the surge in inward pharma investment over the past decade – that has the State at risk of being singled out. This, at least, has left the exchequer with significant financial reserves to try to ride out the initial phase of whatever is on the way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44VZ7HMQPFEGPAKL42HDDW6IUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571072072},"content":"But make no mistake, Ireland will be a central player in the Trump tariffs gameshow, which is about to go live. And the jeopardy will be real.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cliff Taylor"}},"name":"Cliff Taylor"}]},"description":{"basic":"The State will be central player in the US president’s tariffs forthcoming ‘gameshow’ – and the jeopardy will be real"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T07:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Trump is compiling a ‘dirty 15’ list of trade offenders – and it’s not looking good for Ireland","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU","auth":{"1":"0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331"},"focal_point":{"x":684,"y":407},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"CRXNVI5PPNBZ5KFYKCCU6JQ4OM","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Economy"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/trump-is-compiling-a-dirty-15-list-of-trade-offenders-and-its-not-looking-good-for-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"GZ4R54COE5CQZJSIOSFPTCXMKM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":431,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d687dc28-b91c-44a0-a0a5-a762d25d93d4/versions/1742466356/media/01ca39b38e23ee9cde4e27b2922c68c8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/openais-short-story-about-grief-has-critics-in-floods-of-tears-or-outrage-theyre-all-missing-the-point/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PFSI6LD7XRFLHCIPDKHXN5PKQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144857},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sam-altman/\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Altman</a>, chief executive of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/openai/\" target=\"_blank\">OpenAI</a>, recently <a href=\"https://x.com/sama/status/1899535387435086115\" target=\"_blank\">posted</a> an AI-generated <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/12/a-machine-shaped-hand-read-a-story-from-openais-new-creative-writing-model\" target=\"_blank\">short story</a> on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>. In the post, Altman described how the story was generated by a “new model” which OpenAI has developed, one which is “good at creative writing”. Altman prompted the system to “write a metafictional literary short story about AI and grief” and it produced a story a little under 1,200 words long.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAUFWF6UP5D2ROZB6HI6U2DXMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144858},"content":"The story is told from the point of view of an unnamed, self-aware AI system, which relates the tale of how a grief-stricken user named Mila turned to the AI after suffering a loss. The metafictional twist is that the AI may have knowingly made up the characters in the story in order to satisfy the demands of the prompt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CGIPSRAX7RERVAR2SUBO6HXVUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144859},"content":"X users were quick to rush to judgment, and the replies to Altman’s post fell broadly into three categories. First were the pro-AI entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, who were thoroughly impressed with the results, tweeting enthusiastically that the story “goes hard”. In opposition to this first group were those who found the writing awful, the thought of a machine expressing grief impossible and/or offensive, and the story evidence of a larger project to destroy the livelihoods of human writers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XEZNMFPJRFCPCGCGDMALGHHZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144860},"content":"The third group of responders were those who found the story too long to read, and were requesting AI bots such as Grok and Perplexity to summarise the story for them, in order to have an opinion about it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VEJS22YHBDOJNB3SQFZRSX6YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144861},"content":"Reviews from established writers were mixed. Jeanette Winterson, writing in the Guardian, <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/12/jeanette-winterson-ai-alternative-intelligence-its-capacity-to-be-other-is-just-what-the-human-race-needs\" target=\"_blank\">deemed the short story “beautiful and moving”,</a> whereas Dave Eggers described it as <a href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/13/sam-altman-open-ai-creative-writing-reviews/\" target=\"_blank\">“pastiche garbage”.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RY7KEG7RZGA7JB3H2V25MKUTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144862},"content":"My judgment would be somewhere in between. The overall vibe is very in-my-feelings blog posts reaching for the poised detachment of Kazuo Ishiguro. There’s a lot of talk of marigolds and kitchens which feels quite cottage-core. While there are some lines with potential, the conceit of ending every paragraph with a line seemingly designed to feature on the Kindle Store as the “most highlighted” passage in a romantasy novel becomes grating.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZODQRESNBAONFHSGMINT62UKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144863},"content":"But judging this story on the same terms I’d judge a short story published in, say, The Stinging Fly or Winter Papers, is the wrong approach to take. Reading AI-generated stories demands a new type of literacy. We need to learn to read all over again, if we are to be able understand the world around us, a world which is increasingly saturated with AI-generated text.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRYPVUB6EFGZVDWDMY34HFHXMA","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"J57YF3LTBRAD5BGITKTBKFWCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144865},"content":"As someone who has been working with AI for over a decade, both creating artistic works with AI, and teaching students about it, I believe that the first step toward developing literacy around AI-generated content is to understand how the underlying technology functions. Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini etc are trained on vast data sets of text which have usually been scraped from the internet. The outputs of these systems are representations of the data they were trained on – statistical aggregations of parts of the web.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5WYK3SRTVB2NEEJ53I6BWKG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742571292844},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"3LHV5FFTP5F4RDOWIAZANEUC7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144867},"content":"In the classroom, examining content generated by AI, my students and I start by looking for the texture of AI-generated content – for anomalies, frayed joins or unnaturally smooth sections, for the extra fingers or garbled text which are the products of unorthodox machine decisions. We then look for glimpses of the data set the model was trained on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XADH6RVDIFBRBF4FIMHOZJXVN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144868},"content":"Throughout Altman’s story, I can see the internet shining through. Take Mila, the name of the main character in the story. The AI narrator describes how, in their training data, Mila comes with “soft flourishes”; she fits “in the palm of your hand, and her grief is supposed to fit there too”. The internet is full of product lines named Mila which claim to be soft – bras, crop tops, coats, bags, sweaters, teddy bears. So I can see the advertising copy which may have steered the model toward “soft flourishes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HUUZUXM2BFLBCX23XTJBBPX5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144869},"content":"We asked ChatGPT to write like Marian Keyes, John Boyne and Paul Howard. Now they rate the results","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"EQAJGOKET5HPHGQF6RIO2RYVYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144870},"content":"But why Mila? What about the name makes it apt for a character filled with grief? Again, the internet suggests an answer, albeit tragic. Mila is a tremendously popular baby name in the US, and has featured in the top 30 baby names every year since 2017. Which means there are thousands upon thousands of posts about babies called Mila on social media. And, given the huge amount of babies born named Mila over the last decade, there are also posts about babies named Mila who died. Stillborn babies, babies born prematurely. Babies who fit in the palm of your hand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEOMNTBR5BGTJDF4T5OHVMC2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144871},"content":"In order to prompt an LLM to write a story about grief, the model needs to have been trained on a lot of writing about grief. And on the internet, much of the writing about grief is non-fiction. First-person posts about harrowing loss and pain. At a time when artists are suing AI companies for copyright infringement, everyone else is performing emotional labour for free.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRYXP56EJRGYXNK3U2XBPY4B7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144872},"content":"Reading Altman’s story in this way is not an exercise in trying to catch the model out. For me, it makes the story much more interesting. Reading it becomes an exercise in trying to understand the model on its own terms, which means it’s an exercise in thinking about how machine learning functions, what intelligence is, how culture works through language, and, ultimately, reflecting not only on the story but on the circumstances which produced it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHZ3J4MVWJEQVGGSDXXXSMCS2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144873},"content":"The LLM that produced this story isn’t an independent, neutral entity – it is proprietary software developed by a company worth $340 billion. The story is a story, but it is also a training output, a social media post designed to be interacted with, a way of building hype.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDQ7PQWOB5FTXN2C7VJDNPRPOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144874},"content":"AI is already a focus of endless delusion, magical thinking and plain old foolishness","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"H7VTXVTWEJFLJOVH2BX4F53WMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144875},"content":"Developing our literacy around AI-generated text involves asking what the motive is for developing an LLM which can write literary short stories. What is the business application? Who will the end users be? And how will that affect writing as a whole?","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLCT7Y2Z7JBZTKFGLDSLIKMPQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468144876},"content":"In what appears to be the most quote-tweeted sentence of the story, a line which, incidentally, plagiarises Nabokov’s Pnin, the AI describes itself as “a democracy of ghosts”. I thought this was a great line when I first read it. But after a lot of time spent digging around inside the text and tracing the phrases in it across the internet, it becomes clear to me that the ghosts in the machine are us humans. Our grief, our products, our posts. And the question I’m left with is whether we live there in a democracy, or something else entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHM5GADFZFCYXIMBPKRLG5QNII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742468208599},"content":"<i>Jennifer Walshe is an Irish composer and Professor of Composition at the University of Oxford, where she teaches workshops on AI, art and music</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Jennifer Walshe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judging this story as I’d judge a short story published in The Stinging Fly or the Winter Papers is the wrong approach to take. Reading AI-generated stories demands a new type of literacy"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T07:03:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI’s short story about grief has critics in floods of tears or outrage. They’re all missing the point","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GTCHHEPT7NG3BKSKZ6YUGHT6XE","auth":{"1":"4b00b53f99bd414783105272eb6511b81e4047456ddf87ac446603cab938290e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GTCHHEPT7NG3BKSKZ6YUGHT6XE.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/openais-short-story-about-grief-has-critics-in-floods-of-tears-or-outrage-theyre-all-missing-the-point/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"MWXJEAU4LRDHREFGSNS6MABDE4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":432,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1a1e6bad-7389-4dd3-928f-b41b002f19cf/versions/1742558017/media/13551ac1690d5e252445d535a6b8df11_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/renewed-onslaught-on-gaza-is-all-about-netanyahus-political-survival/","content_elements":[{"_id":"C5C3TYYU5ZDEFG4NIKBCNY2QLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742544276179},"content":"The ceasefire between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\">Hamas</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\">Israel</a> that was agreed in January of this year was shattered on Tuesday when Israeli forces <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\">launched one of the most deadly attacks</a> since the start of the conflict in October 2023, at a time when most of the population was sleeping. More than 400 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\">Gazans</a>, most of them women and children, were killed in the onslaught, according to the Gazan Ministry for Health. The timing of the attacks raised questions about Israeli motivations for such a flagrant breach of the ceasefire, as well as even more pressing questions as to what might happen next.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANCJQHUK3BDERIXBYEGYWB3MMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742544276180},"content":"In a televised address on Tuesday Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated that the wave of air strikes was “only the beginning” and that future ceasefire negotiations would “only take place under fire”. He claimed that Israel had tried to negotiate with Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, but Hamas rejected Israeli proposals every time. Netanyahu added that the fighting would continue until the achievement of all of Israel’s “war goals” – the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza, the elimination of Hamas, and the promise that Gaza would no longer constitute a threat to Israel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUQPW3JKT5EF3LY3U22ALAHB6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, many within and outside Israel suspect that – once more – domestic calculations regarding his political survival and that of the government he leads swayed Netanyahu’s hand. On Wednesday, thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest against the government, accusing it of continuing the war for political reasons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4TR4ZEZKNCXLLGYD74FK22GZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551155272},"content":"Immediately following the resumption of the war, Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in a corruption trial, now in its fifth year – in which he and his wife faces charges of illicit receipt of expensive gifts and violation of conflict of interest laws – was cancelled due to an <a href=\"https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-testimony-in-graft-trial-canceled-for-the-day-amid-shock-gaza-offensive/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-testimony-in-graft-trial-canceled-for-the-day-amid-shock-gaza-offensive/\">“urgent security consultation”.</a> Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery in two additional corruption cases. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZLFLLH5RNHAPJLW2YAWE3YBMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the domestic repercussions of the renewal of the war extend further. The far-right Otzma Yehudit party, which quit Netanyahu’s government when the January ceasefire was first agreed, rejoined the coalition, while its leader, Itamar Ben Gvir, resumed his former role as police minister. The immediate result of this was to ensure that Netanyahu’s government now has a clear majority to pass the 2025 budget which was previously under threat. Failure to pass the budget would trigger the automatic fall of Netanyahu’s government and fresh elections in Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HOCKVGBLZEVLCQN6NZBNMXHOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742544276181},"content":"In any case, there has been widespread scepticism as to whether Netanyahu ever intended to go through with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement or, indeed, whether the ceasefire deal was viable in the first place. Under the agreement, negotiations on a second phase should have begun in early February, during which it was envisaged that a permanent ceasefire would be agreed; the remaining living hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners; and Israeli forces would be completely withdrawn from Gaza. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUZ3PEJM4FHEZDRPT25JEPQUYI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Negotiations on the second phase have not started, while it seems increasingly clear that Netanyahu saw the first phase as little more than an opportunity for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to regroup after 15 months of conflict in Gaza and latterly in Lebanon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4VIJIQTLBHFDDDLPFATMGAVZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In addition, the re-emergence of Hamas in Gaza constituted a clear indication of Netanyahu’s failure to secure a key objective of the conflict – the organisation’s removal from Gaza. Hamas fighters figured prominently in the handover of Israeli hostages during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, while members of the Hamas-run civil administration in Gaza have gone back to work. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DWVXBXIKZFDJCG5GEWMN3ZDGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"We would not invite Putin or Netanyahu to Ireland. So why invite their idiot facilitator?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UGMMXWABJRA35DRK6QKAKPEUCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speaking in January of this year, former US secretary of state Antony Blinken suggested that Hamas had recruited almost as many militants as it had lost over the course of the conflict, while a December 2024 report from the European Council for Foreign Relations estimated that some 25,000 Hamas militants were still alive and in hiding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXKMU5JUGJGPNDSWKHLNAHB7WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742544276182},"content":"At the regional and international levels, Netanyahu’s room for manoeuvre has rarely been freer. The dismantling of Hizbullah in Lebanon, together with regime change in Syria has greatly diminished the influence of Iran in the region. The Iranian response to the resumption of the conflict was to issue a statement strongly condemning the Israeli attacks and attributing direct responsibility for “the continuation of genocide” in the occupied Palestinian territories to the United States. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"274T2XWPRZEQXM6VM3BDIRCJRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Elsewhere, there were similar expressions of concern combined with inaction. A spokesperson for the European Commission deplored the restart of hostilities, stating that the hostages should be released and asking Israel “to show restraint”. UK prime minister Keir Starmer expressed the view that the reported casualties “were appalling” while French and German leaders adopted the same tone. However, beyond these expressions of concern, there has been no indication of action, in the form of possible suspension of future arms sales, sanctions or otherwise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5LMCEOC4VDLZKJO5WMEL6IVCA","additional_properties":{},"content":"People in ‘positions of influence’ must break silence and call for Gaza ceasefire, says Michael D Higgins","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"YRHEVMHEJBAPDCL7X6Y7JM3NP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742544276183},"content":"The immediate consequences of the renewed assault on Gaza are clear – even greater loss of life, destruction of infrastructure beyond the catastrophic levels that have already been experienced, and a deepening of a humanitarian crisis that is already on a scale unimaginable to most outside observers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TT6NR7L25GMPBLP2RNTJFMP6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551155276},"content":"Already, nearly 50,000 Gazans have been killed and more than 112,000 injured, according to the Hamas-linked Ministry for Health which estimates that 59 per cent of these are women and children. The UN puts that figure as high as 70 per cent. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYNSG2GGCBC5REMHT24H34R7DQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the UN, nearly 60 per cent of buildings have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023, while 50 per cent of hospitals are closed or only partially functional. Ninety-one per cent of the population face high levels of acute insecurity, while 1.9 million people are in need of emergency shelter. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTNLPLGYIRGT3CCTIJGXJUV7JU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by the Israeli government announcement on March 2nd that all goods and supplies into Gaza would be stopped. Under the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power is legally obliged to allow and facilitate humanitarian relief for civilians in need, while deliberate obstruction of aid is a violation of international law. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NR2IXIMDDZB2BCLREIRZWJOV7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland could financially punish Israel without Occupied Territories Bill, says UN special rapporteur","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"U45G7BREBFBM5CFA3TMYQOYVNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, for Palestinians in Gaza, recourse to the finer points of international law seems to offer no prospect of respite, while we remain no closer now than ever to a viable plan for post-conflict Gaza. Or at least none beyond the deranged American (and Israeli) vision of a Gaza depopulated of Palestinians, and transformed by magical thinking into a tourist colony.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K57XVZJWBZD3NOPFNRY4YT4T3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551155277},"content":"<i>Dr Vincent Durac lectures in Middle East politics in the UCD school of politics and international relations</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Vincent Durac"}]},"description":{"basic":"Immediately following the resumption of the war, Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in a corruption trial, now in its fifth year, was cancelled"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Renewed onslaught on Gaza is all about Netanyahu’s political survival","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HG43LRUS5X2YGPIJGI7ZKF73KM","auth":{"1":"21ae6253d71ac7571ca37ed53e212af514d4acb7bad3cf543c1455dcf2538c36"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HG43LRUS5X2YGPIJGI7ZKF73KM.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/renewed-onslaught-on-gaza-is-all-about-netanyahus-political-survival/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"TAGDTZWC6RDP5PYMHCZ6J6RU2A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":335,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/14ed0f16-a499-4a9b-b203-61e9083ca250/versions/1742561801/media/3cdac5f369cb64832944b05f220fcdde_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"A6ED5OBPMNHHTIVIA5G76A4NAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472620},"content":"This week was a microcosm of what Irish politics is going to look like for the foreseeable future: dominated by conflict abroad and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\">housing</a> at home. It’s a combination that will make things difficult for the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWW44YBV5CFZH5MOFT5KZCCPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472621},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a>’s schedule over recent days encapsulated this dual aspect neatly: he arrived home from Washington, was subjected to a monstering in the Dáil over housing, and then flew to Brussels where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\">EU leaders conferred on the rearming of Europe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZLTACMMWVB63DWQYRNI5ONSCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472622},"content":"The latter is perceived by Martin’s fellow heads of member state governments as an existential issue, dwarfing all their domestic concerns. Indeed, most of them know there will be domestic political costs for this abrupt shift in European policy, as resources that voters might prefer to be spent on social programmes, welfare, housing and so on, will instead go on tanks, fighter jets and missile defences. But they think they must go ahead anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT6AZ6RI2NF3HOM7JZDR5YZTO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472623},"content":"In Ireland, this hasn’t really begun to sink in yet. But it will. Martin must have a hunch that his party’s fate might depend more on housing at home than on the defence of Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZLQE54INBGYZE6YLEXRD5I3RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472624},"content":"The Taoiseach and his crew returned across the Atlantic delighted that they had survived the White House crucible without a Zelenskiy-type immolation. But although one of the defining characteristics of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> is his day-to-day unpredictability, that was always unlikely. What was entirely possible, however, was that Trump might take against Martin personally, that the US president might focus his dislike of the EU on the Taoiseach, or that Martin would stumble into difficulty over Ireland’s stance on Israel-Palestine, or the trade deficit, or whatever.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRNRBB3OQFBSTKIWGFJ4K7JVLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Micheál Martin’s White House bout with Donald Trump: How did the Taoiseach fare?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XFKBA2FQU5F43F35B4W6EWDZYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"US media reaction to Trump-Martin visit: it could have been a lot worse","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MMP7P6A46ZGH3A6E3YI7KMZ4M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472625},"content":"The list of potential tripwires to disaster was lengthy and, to Martin’s officials, terrifying. I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Geraldine Byrne-Nason, the Irish Ambassador in Washington; John Callinan, Martin’s most senior civil servant; and Deirdre Gillane, his chief of staff, as they sat on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIJ7R5X4SZDRBIVQ5P5UTEJZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472626},"content":"Martin himself worked hard to conceal his apprehension and carried the whole thing off with some dash, avoiding any trouble and reinforcing the strength of the Irish-American bond which has delivered so much politically and economically for this country. If that was at the cost of letting Trump dominate proceedings and say whatever he liked – then looking a bit supine beside him was a worthwhile price to pay, Martin reasoned. He was cock-a-hoop afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4MD52YN7RF37MXA4HIWLPHPBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472627},"content":"Though I suspect middle Ireland soundly backed the Taoiseach’s approach, there are also many who have a legitimate quarrel with this. Few of them, however, bother to evaluate, or even acknowledge, that there may be very significant costs for the country if you go into the Oval Office and have a row with Trump. We may not like it, but this is the world we now live in. If Martin had done that, the criticism at home for speaking truth to power or whatever you want to call it would have been much louder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKQR3YRKFZD5TNILJWSKZYLPH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472628},"content":"Martin’s chuckle at Trump’s response to a question about housing was a mistake. Mary Lou McDonald seized on it and gave the Taoiseach a proper going-over in the Dáil on Wednesday. Accusing Martin of “sniggering” at Trump’s dismissal of the housing crisis in Ireland, the Taoiseach told her she lacked the courage to go to the US and make the case for Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3DBWXLFCRE5HO55WG6ZRNCJOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Taoiseach is accused of ‘plámásing’ Trump at White House as critics scorn housing ‘joke’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MWFRJYTB2JGPJAL4LNPPHYT3Q4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472629},"content":"“It does not take courage to snigger at people,” McDonald shot back. “That is the action of an obsequious coward. It is a cowardly act to snigger at the suffering and hardship of people back home when you feel you are at a safe distance to do so.” It looked good on social media channels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NWKZKR2TFAMNL5H34NZVISWNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472630},"content":"McDonald presumably knows that Martin wasn’t sniggering at people who can’t find somewhere to live, but she has him bang to rights on the dodgy figures for housing completions that he and his Government allies were using for the second half of last year. Right up to the election they were citing projections of 40,000 houses to be completed by the end of the year. The real figure when the CSO counted them was just more than 30,000 – but the election was over by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEV553VA7JEZPJG2VFIUZY2RC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472631},"content":"The exchanges were a reminder of the enduring centrality of the housing issue. But Government policy stutters on – despite growing evidence that it will produce nothing near the 50,000-60,000 houses a year needed, and which the Government parties promised during the election. It is becoming increasingly clear that some drastic policy changes will be needed soon, or the Government will be doomed to fail on housing. And I suspect there would be a decisive political price for that at the next election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMTENF6PYZDKNKH4W3QDW4F2H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472632},"content":"Hightailing it to Brussels on Thursday, Martin entered a very different world. With a direct military threat on its eastern borders, and the US security guarantee no longer reliable, Europe is rearming as quickly as it can. That will involve many hundreds of billions of euro spent on arms, defence technology and military recruitment in the coming decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2WNLSG42BAKNNXORELIE26D6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472633},"content":"Would it be better not to have to do this? Of course. Is it necessary? Ask the Ukrainians. Ask the Poles and the Baltics. Is it any of Ireland’s business? It is if we’re part of the European Union. Will the Government face significant domestic opposition for spending money on guns not butter? Certainly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXT2QGKDP5BETAPSXJ5YYDUHC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472634},"content":"Ireland is fortunate that it is currently in such a strong financial position that it can meet any reasonable international and national spending requirements. Depending on the unfolding EU-US trade war, that position might not last though. Inevitably, uncomfortable choices of all kinds loom for the Government.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Irish officials sitting on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:55:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Taoiseach was cock-a-hoop after his meeting with Trump, but a quick reality check followed","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ","auth":{"1":"6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b"},"focal_point":{"x":682,"y":363},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"X4D7ERPZKSNXVQAGN2S4EUBIGU","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"HPNPV5HGC5F3XAFF72T7LXJRWE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":375,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/7ddd6f54-0c45-44a3-8fc4-8a9ce6218840/versions/1742485457/media/e5c5a26d128e76524468830af713e286_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/us-tariffs-are-a-sign-of-insecurity-and-fear-marking-the-end-of-the-great-american-century/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DAL4IK2W45AWTD6MQZXKEDUPMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216511},"content":"Once you <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/author/david-mcwilliams/\" target=\"_blank\">start looking</a>, the signs of an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-states/\" target=\"_self\">American</a> recession are everywhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGAB5GVTOZHRTBXXTHSC4TEADE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216512},"content":"The second-hand market is heating up, a classic pre-recession indicator. People are unloading luxury goods. Second-hand clothes apps, such as RealReal, Depop and Grailed, are filling up with designer handbags and sneakers bought during the la-la economy of the pandemic. This always happens before a crash.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GNEUEJPUQZALJPK4O2PB4ZEEFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216513},"content":"You might remember that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ebay/\" target=\"_self\">eBay</a> boomed before the 2008 recession. People panic-sold designer handbags faster than you could say Anglo Promissory Note. Splurges always lead to sell-offs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYQS4ODICFGKLJGWC5QOMH332E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216514},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-6866","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V5CG4C4HANENNJD45OZBTKRGNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216515},"content":"It looks like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/weekendreview/\" target=\"_blank\">2025 </a>will be the year the pandemic chickens come home to roost. When the plague hit five years ago this week, governments closed down our economies and rather than impoverish workers who were forced to stay home, national treasuries opened the fiscal and monetary spigots. Government spending soared and interest rates were cut to negative territory. About $15 trillion (€13.85 trillion) of fiscal/monetary sweeties were doled out by the world’s richest governments to protect their stay-at-home electorates. (The governments had no choice; a great depression would have accompanied the plague.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y67INO4J2FERXNZYUHSI4B3KBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216516},"content":"Investment and speculation took off in a splurge of credit, consumption and debt. As sure as night follows day, the credit cycle rolls and we are about to pay a terrible price for the emergency economics of Covid-19.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7FW6FLRFNBMZA3OREVLDAT77A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216517},"content":"In tune with our always-on age, the coming American recession will be live-streamed on Instagram. Every small change in consumer confidence and business sentiment will be videoed, shared, commented on and thus amplified. We are witnessing the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_self\">TikTok</a>-isation of the business cycle, meaning the economic cycle – previously a slow-moving, deliberate phenomenon – will pick up pace, becoming fitful and immediate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DWQQNQVSZCKHHX5RKTJ6UL5XE","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"IFSAGQ4SJBHZRITT7VOX3Q5JLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216519},"content":"In the past, it took people time to realise that the economic backdrop was changing. Today, with social media and a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\">US president</a> who behaves more like a near-bankrupt day trader than a long-term investor, our collective time horizons have been slashed from years to months, weeks to minutes. The impact of a slowing economy on investment and spending will be almost instantaneous.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQSGD6P5RZADDA6FTOB2I6OFQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216520},"content":"The latest signs from the American heartland are not encouraging. The average voter’s confidence about their economic prospects is falling quicker than at almost any other time on record. The litany of surveys pointing to recession, or more accurately a Trump-cession, not to mention the sell-off in American stock markets, suggests we are on the cusp of something enormous. The incoherence of Trump economics – with its on-and-off <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/us-tariffs/\" target=\"_self\">tariffs</a> – is making already indebted consumers and businesses even more anxious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"baf630b1-28f7-4f53-ac56-09ebc85ec1bd","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216521},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"2IZF7JHSM5DKZIJE65RVPSAP7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216522},"content":"Punters across all income brackets are panicking and consumer confidence is collapsing, although it is richer workers who are most worried. This probably reflects the fact that middle-class Americans are heavily invested in the stock markets, which are back to where they were in September and falling farther. Since Trump was inaugurated, the percentage of voters who are worried about their job has shot up from 30 per cent to close to 80 per cent of all those surveyed. The number of consumers worried that businesses might close has spiked up to the highest level since records began in the middle of the 1980-81 recession.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KRDIHKA4VECVEUYYZI6KFP5QQ","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"LXTGMLB5TZCRHPYOTAR7EOAJPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216524},"content":"People’s confidence about where their income will be in a year has plummeted to the lowest level since 2009, right after the Great Crash. Worse still, the average American is now more worried about inflation than at any time since the beginning of the pandemic, when prices shot up because of the shutdown of industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TNGULRE6QZCGRNP4MS2MGHBTFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216525},"content":"This combination of a rapidly weakening economy and fear of inflation points to an old enemy not seen since the 1970s: stagflation, where unemployment and inflation rise together. In such an environment, prices rise at the same time as incomes fall. The main trigger is the broad electorate’s understanding that tariffs are a tax on spending that will raise the price of goods for working Americans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUVD2LHWQVGPXNEFQBQWIJV354","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216526},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-56628","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JZAYBHQA2BH7XPS46OOACLUSSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216527},"content":"What is going on in corporate America, the part of the economy that was supposed to be boosted by Trump? Earnings are an important leading indicator, as profit squeezes foreshadow lay-offs and investment cuts. Corporate profits surged in 2021 but have now entered a slower growth phase. By the third quarter of 2024, US corporate profits fell 0.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter, the first decline in years. By late 2024, year-on-year profit growth was 5.9 per cent, down from more than 20 per cent in 2023 – this is a huge slowdown in margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILRBDUOPHJCZNLQD5PI3YEP7BA","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"FZZQ46QLVVHDPOBBS5FWK2YEF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216529},"content":"All the while the nonsense that is Trump’s economic plan continues to be “sane-washed” by many writers and commentators as if there is some brilliant economic rabbit about to be pulled out of a hat by the sages of Mar-a-Lago. Declaring a trade war on your four biggest trading partners – Canada, Europe, China and Mexico – will simply push up American prices, robbing US consumers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NHDCB5J5BH2HFBGPK65MALUMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216530},"content":"Tariffs are a way of taking something away from somebody. Trade allows better, cheaper products to come in from abroad, putting manners on local crony businesses. Tariffs protect second-rate local businesses, allowing them to sponge off consumers, flogging second-rate goods when punters could be buying superior imported stuff. In the end, tariffs take from buyers and give money to yellow-pack local sellers who can’t compete in the international market. There’s a reason that low tariffs, which have been reduced continuously in the past 50 years, corresponded with the greatest expansion of the global economy ever seen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ROMSAK3RA5BPBGTHOFG2XVEVRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216531},"content":"Protectionism is a sign of weakness, not strength. Americans are not being “ripped off”; in fact, they are being enriched by having access to better, cheaper, superior products made by more productive people. Rather than being the beginning of a great new era of American prowess, tariffs are a sign of insecurity and fear, marking the end of the great American century that began after the end of the first World War.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUWBVKI5VJDMPFBXTLPN5G6YMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742552216532},"content":"The fascinating thing is that the average “Joe Six Pack” American appreciates this; otherwise, why is he so fearful about the future?","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"David McWilliams"}},"name":"David McWilliams"}]},"description":{"basic":"The incoherence of Trump economics is making already indebted consumers and businesses even more anxious. Punters across all income brackets are panicking and consumer confidence is collapsing"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Once you start looking, the signs of US recession are everywhere 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taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/your-money* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/podcasts*) AND (subtype:\\\"default\\\" OR subtype:\\\"analysis\\\" subtype:\\\"feature\\\" OR subtype:\\\"opinion\\\" OR subtype:\\\"showcase\\\" OR subtype:\\\"columnist\\\" OR subtype:\\\"live-story\\\" OR subtype:\\\"podcast\\\" OR subtype:\\\"editors-note\\\") -(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/opinion/letters\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"K3XMDV6QRNAR7KHXIJL4TUUW5A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":213,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/be23d646-4b98-4a15-84c5-d466f490a1ae/versions/1742729301/media/39bca3ce6059da6595f0fb4faa860b8c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","content_elements":[{"_id":"H4PYM6ILR5AOPGNJOZP5K73EWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850612},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pope-francis/\" target=\"_blank\">Pope Francis</a> has been discharged from hospital on Sunday after making his first public appearance in more than five weeks, waving from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMXXCWYYONG2JDT4G2VWGXLW7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742730295279},"content":"The pontiff (88) went to hospital on February 14th with a severe respiratory infection that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTLFJMUINVHDXG5KHVIODRSUGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"From his hospital balcony on Sunday morning, Francis blessed the crowd of hundreds below. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCWETKWYTFF7BGWF73SRTS22EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The pope, whose face looked swollen, appeared only for a few moments. He spoke briefly, with a feeble voice, to thank one of the members of the crowd below, who had brought yellow flowers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBGED4JOTBATDODM3PDD5W4K54","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a tired-looking Francis said. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLTZTTSHTVGKBD7PJ6QR7Q2RXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” erupted from the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLMNQIKL7ZEBVK5UI6VQCOLWHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"His blessing came minutes before he was discharged from the hospital. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU3YJKC7VZHU5BTDIIRHSGYACA","additional_properties":{},"content":"A car carrying Francis left the hospital shortly after noon on Sunday, and was accompanied through Rome by a convoy of police vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AZ5U6PJUN5U6ATBHXQLRFWDCE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP5MXBW5X5HCZDACCRQVWPE2CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850613},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HR3QXBVDDJHTHDZWIAGRWBUMRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850614},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RP3JMFCQNBFYNKG7BTY7NSMOUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850615},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNLJUMPSCNFGPIQYB4HPFPSJ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850616},"content":"Dr Sergio Alfieri, who co-ordinated Francis’s medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said the pontiff will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation as he continues recovering at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">the Vatican</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"622OEEE6NJGGPNTZDLLPCL7H4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, his personal doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, said that if he continues his steady improvements to date, he should be able to resume his normal activity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5UOU2LQKRGY7KEGIOHI47GFQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850617},"content":"The doctors spoke at a press conference on Saturday evening in the hospital atrium, their first in-person update on the pontiff’s condition in a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SS4F2OHYOJEA3H5YXFJOLJ4SN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850618},"content":"They provided details on the severity of the infection, which he is still being treated for, and the two respiratory crises that marked the gravest threats to his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTFXWGSWBRDS3NKGJQ2ABONOZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850619},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXLE5UTUCNFVDBH7GTP236WPKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850620},"content":"“When he was in really bad shape, it was difficult that he was in good spirits,” Dr Alfieri said. “But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied ‘I’m still alive’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humour back.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDUFJ2AR4BGQVMUFOL6BUL42JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850621},"content":"Dr Alfieri confirmed that Francis was still having trouble speaking due to damage to his lungs and the time he spent on supplemental oxygen and ventilation, but he added that such problems are normal and predicted his voice will return.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PLTYWXJFFGZLHUF2CYGDUM5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850622},"content":"“When you have a bilateral pneumonia, your lungs get damaged and the respiratory muscles are in difficulty. You lose your voice a bit, like when you speak too high,” Dr Alfieri said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWY3AGRCOZDADAECBRNKC42UDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850623},"content":"“As for all patients, young or old but especially older ones, you need time for it to come back as it was.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MR33NWOEWZHF3NSNG72BNS342M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850624},"content":"The Argentinian pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EV65IXKZURCOTCAZ3QBLMLPQGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850625},"content":"Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and then pneumonia. Blood tests showed signs of anaemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which were resolved after two blood transfusions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2UXMN3SCBBJ7MMEGSH4YRQU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850626},"content":"The most serious setbacks began on February 28th when Francis experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring he use a non-invasive mechanical ventilation mask to help him breathe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD62XJAAQZCIZEWQVLPGOAENFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850627},"content":"He suffered two more respiratory crises on March 3rd, which required doctors to manually aspirate the mucus, at which point he began sleeping with the ventilation mask at night to help his lungs clear the accumulation of fluids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKSFGUB5XJFDLB2RLW7NJXQ6JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850628},"content":"At no point did he lose consciousness, and doctors reported he always remained alert and co-operative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QB6DOXH7FFCBGMJDKLT2LFRLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850629},"content":"Over the past two weeks, he has stabilised and registered slight improvements. He no longer needs to wear the ventilation mask at night and is cutting back his reliance on high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IF7RMKYF2BFNPPBOORZR5BFPSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850630},"content":"At his home in the Santa Marta hotel, next to St Peter’s Basilica, Francis will have access to supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed, Dr Carbone said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PS4ZVJBRZBE7M5SAMJ7YBASVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850631},"content":"“The Holy Father is improving, and we hope soon he can resume his normal activity,” the doctor added. – AP/ Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTI33HBL6RAU7CBLAH3MMHYBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850632},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Pontiff (88) waves from hospital balcony following treatment for pneumonia"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:21:07.604Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pope Francis discharged from hospital after making first public appearance in five weeks","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM","auth":{"1":"3b5abdf74041e4c81f2b1e13f0dcf42e035ca656a5c600ca0082d74749f309ff"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360","embed_html":"<div class=\"powa\" id=\"powa-d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","promo_image":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"}},"type":"video"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"PQYLS3X3YJFPXLJPT4NOZXYPBU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/23/man-60-charged-in-connection-with-106-million-cocaine-seizure/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UTU3CPZHEJDP7BGAFDIIX3Z4GE","additional_properties":{},"content":"A 60-year-old man has been charged in connection with a large cocaine seizure in the southeast.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYRTYXWYB5CADHP6Y6BKJBL7B4","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Tuesday, An Garda Síochána seized cocaine valued at about €10.6 million after stopping a truck on the M9 in Co Kilkenny. They found the drugs in a hidden compartment in the truck.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63OMIHMZWVFTDPC3VTQIIGPAII","additional_properties":{},"content":"A man arrested as part of the investigation has since been charged, gardaí said on Sunday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NHV3HEPYNFXXO5C3XHVSMYILA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He is expected to appear before a special sitting of Gorey District Court this evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AMCE73LOZHVVGEG3EUOE5DYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Waterford Drug and Crime Units carried out the operation on Tuesday morning. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6AWI6VAWZHJBAC3LCQJ73XH6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"They seized the truck and what they say is an estimated 152 kilograms of cocaine, valued at €10.6 million","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7EV4LFQJZEB5C3DXYKHQTGIME","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OX3LWXWVX5BVFMINE563IG6JLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Órla Ryan"}},"name":"Órla Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Suspect due to appear before Gorey District Court this evening"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:17:50.209Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (60) charged in connection with €10.6 million cocaine seizure","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NXCF3E2ZIVHF7NNRAU623SK6QE","auth":{"1":"1168c43ad6c6ddb9b0dadd3c90a94180a0e9ec5c6280da483c27febc3503c2bb"},"focal_point":{"x":465,"y":300},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NXCF3E2ZIVHF7NNRAU623SK6QE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/23/man-60-charged-in-connection-with-106-million-cocaine-seizure/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"5TN4FQWBONEJVOCP34W5XFMJTQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":133,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/98d47199-80e3-4833-bec6-fa162bf3366d/versions/1742732168/media/95738e645df91e6576ef61b5ba61ccc6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/sport/athletics/2025/03/23/sarah-lavin-misses-out-on-world-indoor-hurdles-final-after-messy-semi-final-in-nanjing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QBL4U57XLZCX7C6LZ6SVT7G5GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062156},"content":"Sarah Lavin has been run out of a place in another final of the 60 metres hurdles, finishing seventh in her semi-final in the closing session the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, clocking 8.14 seconds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAYCULQJ25BCZFIWWTVG744JRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062157},"content":"After finishing fifth last time, Lavin had high hopes of progressing, but after a close and, in the end, messy race couldn’t quite get herself into a qualifying position – clipping her first hurdle, before part of a flying hurdle appeared to slightly impede her last dash for the line.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVLU3WZTFVCJFN44QSYN23EVGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062158},"content":"After safely negotiating her heat in the morning session, Lavin was drawn in the first of three semi-finals, with only the top two in each, plus the two fastest times, making the final just over an hour later (1:01pm Irish time), the last individual track final of the championships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUXR3KA5SJC3PMTXKGUGSBNP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062159},"content":"Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska took the win in 7.79, having finished second in the European Indoors earlier this month, where Lavin had finished fourth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2PHUDR3MADDBMZTJT66BESBPA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NXSWI6E7VVEEPHVRMWOPA4CHQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062160},"content":"Ackera Nugent from Jamaica took the second automatic spot in 8.00, with Yanni Wu from China taking third in a national record of 8.01, though not enough to qualify; however part of a stray hurdle did veer into Lavin’s path in the last dash for the line, and Lavin did raise her hands crossing the line in clear frustration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6FLPUUU27RAF5AAFGPBINA345M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742731062162},"content":"It will be a disappointment for Lavin, the 30-year-old from Limerick looking to make her fifth consecutive major indoor final, having previously finished fifth and seventh in the World Indoors (2022 and 2024), and fourth and sixth at the last two European Indoors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7A5CJWBCFGZFOCOVAJLVZZ74Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Given she ran 7.92 at the European Indoors two weeks ago, Lavin will be especially disappointed with her time, especially when 8.00 in second place in her semi-final qualified automatically.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7VMQEZM75ARTB5GHEQ7KSIGAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The event however has moved on, six of the seven fastest performances in history have been achieved in just the past 13 months. Defending champion Devynne Charlton, who set a world record of 7.65 when winning in Glasgow last year, will face Ditaji Kambundji, who came within 0.02 of Charlton’s world record when winning the European indoor title earlier this month.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ian O'Riordan"}},"name":"Ian O'Riordan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish woman left frustrated after being apparently impeded by flying hurdle in dash to line"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:11:00.662Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sarah Lavin misses out on World Indoor hurdles final after messy semi-final in Nanjing","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"E2RX7POZHK437KWGEOQQTSPGQU","auth":{"1":"b68f1a98a9900c1a822d6b0b509cc407738b06f71b4ff09ad6b7d0cb50c4731c"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/E2RX7POZHK437KWGEOQQTSPGQU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Athletics"},{"name":"Sport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/sport/athletics/2025/03/23/sarah-lavin-misses-out-on-world-indoor-hurdles-final-after-messy-semi-final-in-nanjing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/sport/athletics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Athletics"}}}},{"_id":"37MRWP2ODFFUZD4RFCVOR46JFY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":137,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9012d7bb-2c5b-4c2d-addb-4027da7f1027/versions/1742724075/media/17e07cbd11b8ce8ecd80061d2191ec64_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZUAXWZ2YQ5EUDFWKUZ6K6J3F6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"At least three people were killed, including a five-year-old child, after <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\">Russia</a> launched an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\">overnight drone attack</a> on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQVVEE63EVEE7GYY2NZ2BTGY7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian forces launched 147 drones overnight across Ukraine and the country’s air defence shot down 97 drones, Ukraine’s air force has reported. The previous day, the air defence shot down 100 drones launched by Moscow, and 114 drones the day before that. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCCTQ3GLIBCHNOHSH3VHISJAE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> said Russian attacks across his country continue to be a “daily reality” despite the partial ceasefire agreed to last week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSZVUJUELVEKFJFUAKZ7P5QQQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Referencing the overnight drone attack on Kyiv, he wrote in a post on X: “These attacks are a daily reality. This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LFGITHPHNCFTJLOSGZBYMUDSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“All of this weaponry contains at least 102,000 foreign components. That’s why sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective. Every loophole that allows them to bypass the sanctions regime must be eliminated.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PHEVE4S6RGCDBMMY2VCWPCU6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukraine’s Kyiv city military administration said at least 10 other people were injured in the latest attacks, with the drones causing several fires throughout the city. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"45HCLCSTRJHJNPVEO5KW37BP24","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two residential buildings in the district of Dnipro caught fire due to falling drone debris, while a fire broke out on the top floors of a nine-storey building in the capital, killing one woman, officials said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3JKZE6CLVGZVEPHE2YXOCUGX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Today, the Russians are once again demonstrating their ‘desire for peace,’” Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPPGKYE3HNBVNDM5XAZ52KO5QQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In reality, terrorists are simply launching deadly weapons at residential buildings.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQP76YBFYFHFJK53NFC4NOO7NE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The attack came ahead of scheduled ceasefire talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia later today. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFL7B2G6IJABRJSNLD7JPSVUDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"After US officials meet the Ukrainians this evening, they will meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday, Reuters reports. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIEAJZC2ZZGA3IVIEBLAY3M5JU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian officials are expected to be at the talks involving US and Russian officials but would not be in the same room as the Russians. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AV56CLZQPRFWPAIJ5PW3WVZ2AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the talks, the Ukrainian delegation is expected to supply a list of energy infrastructure that would be off-limits for strikes by the Russian military. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BV3SU3FJZFB2ZECY24XVZR22IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEVBCJCGDVFUZOHOJTWXFVZH5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying “we are only at the beginning of this path”, adding that negotiations with Washington tomorrow would be “difficult” and that Moscow’s “main” focus would be on a possible resumption of a deal to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZFQE3Q73JGGTJ7GHKD3FC23HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\">Vladimir Putin</a> and his Ukrainian counterpart Mr Zelenskiy have already agreed to a partial ceasefire covering energy and civilian infrastructure – but both Moscow and Kyiv have accused the other of violating the agreement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEYNTL7L7NFVRMVINP7EVEDNKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Kremlin said last week it had agreed to a US-proposed partial ceasefire, with Mr Putin agreeing to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy targets for 30 days, after a lengthy phone call with US president Donald Trump. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Yohannes Lowe"}]},"description":{"basic":"At least three people are killed, including a five-year-old child, in overnight strikes, say officials"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:05:33.401Z","headlines":{"basic":"Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv ahead of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU","auth":{"1":"23fcdb6dc69a4cf56c03dfe1daf2dd0f0cbc3e576ba15a9a926f236244f41c05"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"WY4HIRAYMFHA5J5GTILFHYSMXA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/sport/gaelic-games/2025/03/23/national-football-league-live-updates-all-the-action-from-the-last-round-of-games/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V7G37ADPIFCKTKUJMURDPAIU6U","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1742730532978},"id":"timestamp-74136","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MCIJE42TGFCNVBK735DWN2343Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Here we go, then. The last day of the 2025 Allianz Football League and so much is still up for grabs. Across the four divisions, 22 of the 32 teams have something to play for today, whether that’s promotion, relegation, qualification for the league final (or indeed, in some cases, avoidance of same). We’ll be with you all the way to teatime as everything gets sorted out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEOTB6WTYZGW5OGE6ZDUVZQLB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Here’s the schedule and throw-in times:","type":"text"},{"_id":"6P6NLFHQ4RG7VFPSJBV6HMRLFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Division Four (1.00)</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGA7S73P6FD7JBQ4LGCM3NWBNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Limerick v Waterford, Rathkeale","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCHVYLQA25ATHLUIGIQMRARA2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"London v Carlow, Ruislip","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNHIW4BWMVBO3JGEWEW7EUO7H4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Longford v Wexford, Longford","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYUGOJSTHVB2ZB6EEYNHF6KWSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"62CCE4OOQRH2JLNQBUWMS6Y66M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tipperary v Wicklow, Thurles ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCKEAXNZUNC3BG2RIDPAQPUSCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Division Two (1.30)</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5KGC6TV6NFTRM7DCMKG3YCQQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cavan v Cork, Cavan","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULWIJZBBGBBYJO25P2DUOKYIH4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Louth v Meath, Inniskeen ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BVN7GSYVZHQFDDRMRDAJKQQ4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Monaghan v Down, Clones ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNKCV5R7CVC2HN5FG5X3U7PV6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Westmeath v Roscommon, Mullingar","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTJX2XXVSVEXXK57GIVZAXVUHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Division Three (2.00)</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX7UVSKYRRHXPC4NE56GMR52NA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clare v Offaly, Ennis","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUDM3VPQIBBCRHMPEGCUOATVGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fermanagh v Laois, Enniskillen","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRG6PNJL75HKDETF4MFZUIOGMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kildare v Antrim, Newbridge ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PVJALTXHJDQZAZUS4CQHKG5FY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sligo v Leitrim, Markievicz Park ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QQPVYQQDFCE3HRRQTOMQQHQSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Division One (3.45)</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"74OGKAPEE5DNHMNQCQQDHQZUOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tyrone v Dublin, Omagh ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VY22SPFFKJBRVLCRP2FE3J23XY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Armagh v Derry, Armagh ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTGE7MV2WJBSPPZH5FHBMV7QWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Galway v Kerry, Salthill ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TWGV6SUWRB6RDVNEEVXGHPAX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mayo v Donegal, Castlebar","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPWQTTJ6DJAHZFDXZWACC6EL24","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1742730560766},"id":"timestamp-58463","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ECZCZRTFJNDQ3K2MJVUAICPQGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"You’ll want to know the permutations for the day. There’s a lot of them and frankly, despite the vastness of the internet, we probably don’t have room for them all here. Luckily, Muireann Duffy has saved us the bother with this handy guide to who needs what today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVQFH5LGQRD2BO3VHMHPMM3NFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"National Football League permutations: Who can make league finals and who can be relegated?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BIDIEJ2CGNFCLMNRB47M36XHKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Malachy Clerkin"}},"name":"Malachy Clerkin"}]},"description":{"basic":"Prmotion and relegation at stake as National Football League reaches its final round"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T11:51:12.712Z","headlines":{"basic":"National Football League live updates: All the action from the last round of games","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Gaelic Games"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"live"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EOAGKR6M2JBF7PNGCBHPN5BJCA","auth":{"1":"b83f98632ea76faa98fda6d2e74cf14aff4ce0370f6f239661cbe4633d4683e0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EOAGKR6M2JBF7PNGCBHPN5BJCA.jpg"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Gaelic Games"},{"name":"Sport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/sport/gaelic-games/2025/03/23/national-football-league-live-updates-all-the-action-from-the-last-round-of-games/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/sport/gaelic-games","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Gaelic Games"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"65c8f294b0d3a06e6b404049db0d31bed0c95a1872a60622870967d66a81a004"},"expires":1742733060392,"lastModified":1742732760050},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/life-style* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/food\\\" OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/property/residential-property/\\\" OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/health/your-family\\\" OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"//health/your-fitness\\\" OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/health/your-wellness\\\" OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"\\\\/abroad*\\\") AND -(subtype:\\\"Recipe\\\")\",\"size\":10}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"NNQZWPRFVRGCTFLALLRONNTHKA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":708,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d3a01673-0968-4f46-80fd-edd5af33589d/versions/1742472898/media/b7408d702995d3bf2fbeb0a1d496c85f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/23/fascinating-and-disturbing-how-our-brains-and-genetics-dictate-our-ideologies-and-vice-versa/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TP5SPQRKSRCKLAZIK62RCV2D2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043983},"content":"What if we could predict your politics with some brain scans? The political neuroscientist Dr Leor Zmigrod, the author of a compelling book called The Ideological Brain: A Radical Science of Susceptible Minds, contends that it can be done.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OEJH27JURRHZ7HHRS3TFMI7QMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779557},"content":"Zmigrod has a PhD from the University of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cambridge-university/\" target=\"_blank\">Cambridge</a> and was listed in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/forbes/\" target=\"_blank\">Forbes</a> 30 Under 30 in 2020. Her book is, in some ways, the neuroscientific update of the 1950 sociology work, The Authoritarian Personality, by the Frankfurt School philosopher Theodor W Adorno and University of California, Berkeley researchers Else Frenkel-Brunswik, Daniel Levinson and Nevitt Sanford, an attempt to define the personality types most likely to succumb to fascism in the turmoil of the last century.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD35MDQMWNCUZFCLA2HLX4R5RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043984},"content":"Frenkel-Brunswik is a heroine of Zmigrod’s. “She escaped <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/second-world-war/\" target=\"_blank\">Nazi</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/austria/\" target=\"_blank\">Austria</a> and moved to Berkeley to start this research on what makes even children have the potential for authoritarianism, even for fascism,” she says. “And so she started creating these massive questionnaires and handing them to out to every school in the Berkeley area, getting these young children to demonstrate where they lie on a spectrum of xenophobia and prejudice.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WANS3BFXBRG2JNUDNFTUQNLAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043985},"content":"Six decades later, Zmigrod was studying neuroscience and engaging in experiments in small, dark labs. “And I thought, ‘Well, why don’t I use all these [neuroscience] tools to study these questions about radicalisation?’ ... How is your brain affected by the ideologies you hold? What features of your brain and your personality and your cognition and maybe even your genetics, can affect what kinds of ideologies you’re predisposed to being attracted to?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG2DQRUTXRF73HOXZJ6YOVP3CQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043986},"content":"Initially she focused her research on religious radicalisation. “Young European adolescents were being pulled into Isis,” she says. “There were these questions of why were these particular people attracted to it? Then Brexit happened as I was preparing to launch this research, and suddenly it became clear to me that the ideologies I was going to deal with were much broader and much more mainstream.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H25JFILBARC4ZPXQMKI6PZOFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043987},"content":"When Zmigrod refers to “ideological” thinking in her book she is, in general, defining this as “ideologically rigid” thinking. A core point in her work is that people who display cognitive inflexibility in tests mapping their ability to adjust to change also adhere to more rigid, radical and extreme ideologies. The “ideological brain” she has uncovered can be better understood in terms of “flexibility” and “rigidity” than traditional political terms like “right” and “left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJEKPSFNXBAMBHNBED4YYRCNHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043988},"content":"“We’re actually seeing more of a rigidity of the extremes, where both on the political right and on the political left, people, when they’re given tasks that require flexible thinking, will struggle,” she says. “We see, really consistently across different psychological tasks, that people who are cognitively rigid tend to fall into some kind of ideological extreme, regardless of whether it’s left or right.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHCE2GYBSBBAXNZJM3YUIRBAEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043989},"content":"These people can now be given brain scans which elicits a whole new realm of information that didn’t exist in the days of Else Frenkel-Brunswik. “What researchers around the world have started to discover is that people who adhere to different ideologies have brains that are slightly structured differently and function and react to the world differently.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCLXEX3JGVAOFEXLDP4MTXOQVE","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"ACIW3V6H4FDAHNZTD3BCCIHUJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043990},"content":"She gives examples. “The amygdala, the centre in our brain that processes negative emotions such as fear and disgust and threat, is actually larger in people with conservative ideologies than people with liberal ideologies, which is fascinating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PEP5ZA2PPZG7LGL7ZJAEQ4DTSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043991},"content":"There is even some evidence of ideological predispositions on a genetic level. “What we discovered is that across thousands of participants, that people who have genetic markers that indicate that they have a greater amount of dopamine in their prefrontal cortex [the area of the brain that is responsible for high-level reasoning] and lower levels of general dopamine levels in their striatal regions, tend to be the most cognitively flexible. And the reverse: people who have it the other way around tend to be the most cognitively rigid people who struggle when environments change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSESZPMIBHI5COOLYYSLFOBGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779567},"content":"Critical thinking training can reduce belief in conspiracy theories, study by UCC psychologists finds","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WVKYDA5SDZGYJEBMZH4CIQLDU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779568},"content":"“So our genetics, affecting how our dopamine operates in each person’s brain, can affect how rigidly they process the world, which is fascinating and disturbing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTDQDW3I3RA2DC5ADF5EV46EKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043992},"content":"Do people start out with these brain types or do they develop them over time? “There’s evidence that we have these psychological and cognitive predispositions that shape which ideologies we’re attracted to, but that also being immersed in a very rigid ideological framework is something that can affect our personalities,” she says. “It is a chicken or egg thing ... Either people with bigger amygdalas are attracted to more conservative ideologies or, if you spend a lifetime in conservative ideologies and environments, that has an impact on how your brain is structured.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3GMZ33HWBBSDMXEGAI2QG3WCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043993},"content":"More work needs to be done to establish the actual dynamic, she says. “I have joined a longitudinal study that has been following people from when they were children and they’ve been measuring their brains and personalities,” she says. “I have to wait about 20 years before we can disentangle that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG57YVTZVVDS3GZ2Y6APDELM3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043994},"content":"There is something inherently disturbing about the notion that our politics are less a product of reason than a consequence of biological processes. Zmigrod understands the discomfort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOWGNGNHUFAL5EHETDJ2WUE2HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779572},"content":"“I think that a lot of people who, when they think about those big ideologies that they either might be committed to or they might be opposed to, whether it’s Marxism or patriarchy or any of these narrowly defined ideologies, feel like it’s in the air around us, that it affects everything. It’s in our culture. It’s in our language. It’s in our thoughts, but in a very vague way. I think they have an antagonism to the idea that actually maybe it’s something that we can measure and look at on the individual level ... But my hope is that the science is received in a way that shows how actually understanding the ways in which ideologies can in some way infiltrate our cognitive habits, even our neurobiology, should really just empower us to critique ideologies ... I don’t think it opposes a sociological reading or a historical one. I hope it adds this additional lens that helps us understand it all better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KM66OVIBLJCMBKDQCUBH5BXC2U","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QSSLOVZNZRDBPEXWKMHMT4K2EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043995},"content":"What are the consequences of her discoveries? “I think it allows us to understand people’s susceptibilities better, because we can see that actually they not necessarily just gravitating towards extreme and sometimes hateful ideas on a whim,” she says. “There is something about the structure of those ideologies, the logic of those ways of thinking, that particularly appeals to them because of this more general way in which they understand and process and problem-solve the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZD7CKXXZXJDRZFF23OP2ZZH44A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043996},"content":"As is probably clear from this interview, Zmigrod has a preference for flexible thinking over rigidity. “I think that the research suggests that being a more flexible thinker does give you a more direct access to sensation ... your perceptual and sensory apparatus is less ... constrained or numbed than when you have a very dogmatic way of thinking,” she says. “As a psychologist I value a kind of freedom of thought and elasticity of thought. And so if you value that, I think it’s hard to see a rigid ideological way of being as being a good thing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GT44FTKMRF6DPOFBKQGJ6Q7V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043997},"content":"Others might look at the data and take a different position, that there is something admirable in having fixed and rigid belief systems. “Absolutely,” she says. “There are people who definitely want for there to be more conformity-minded, obedient kinds of citizens. Those are the most controllable citizens and the ones where you can probably profit from the most, both economically and politically ... Many people think [rigidity is] a very good thing and the only way to be moral and good.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRJXY7ZDTFAAXG4MDS4DKRCZ2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043998},"content":"Would she like to see a world with less dogmatic, extreme thinking? “I think that would be a world where people can be a lot more authentic and free.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AR4JBC7IVBF6HEH6ULTUOVAKNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463043999},"content":"People can change, she says. “A person’s flexibility or rigidity is not just fixed throughout their lifetime, predetermined at birth by biology,” she says. “People’s flexibility can increase and decrease throughout our lives. In moments of stress, we kind of rigidify and narrow and preserve our cognitive resources, and in other times, we can be more exploratory, more imaginative, more open. I think understanding the dynamics of how those predispositions interact with environments and situations gives us a better understanding of how people fall into these extreme worldviews and also how they can come out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MHV5ESL6VEFRC5XVK7S2JKKHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779580},"content":"“If we maybe cultivate a general psychological flexibility in the way in which we approach the entire world and our everyday problems, that will also translate into a more tolerant, open-minded evidence-receptive way of approaching politics.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GW6EA2HYHRQZXINAVLPXEWRXLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779576},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6C2IF5UEGJE4HFEZJKLW27WEPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463044000},"content":"Does the idea of someone, whether a rigid extremist or a flexible moderate, socially engineering or medicating certain types of brain away worry her?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E55ADA7QLFC73H6GDQFB75RODI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779582},"content":"“Could this science be used by malicious agents? It’s a question I’ve been thinking for a long time about, because I think any scientist should be so careful about the ethics of what you publish and the science you put out there ... I think it would be difficult to truly use the science for nefarious reasons, because the science shows how complex it all is. It wouldn’t be that simple that you could medicate people towards certain belief systems. But I also completely see what you’re saying, in that there’s a slight vulnerability there. When we’re exposing how this mechanism works, are you giving someone levers to press and to push?","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPTPI4EDPNDB5DW4ZFOV4PQWWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779584},"content":"“To some extent, I think that that is already the case when you see how authoritarian leaders use rhetoric and emotion. They are targeting these particular ways in which people respond. Stalin talked about ideological logic and rhetoric as this irresistible force that people are really drawn to. I think it would be difficult to use the science and make things worse than they are.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3P4B2EZTKBCBRDRUEWBN3CU4ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463044001},"content":"What would she like to see people do with this information? “What I hope that people take away from this is that the stakes of adopting really narrow, rigid, dogmatic ideologies are so much higher than we previously thought. Because it’s not just about political debate, it’s about forces happening within you and the kind of human being that you are, biologically and psychologically ... I hope it’s a basis for people to think really critically about the ideologies that they embrace ... Maybe this is an invitation to rethink pride in having very passionate, narrow principles, to realise what it might do to your body and how that might be reflected in your brain.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"655ACJ4E7ZCZFJDUBGH3MVXXUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742481779583},"content":"Obedience to authority: most of us would follow orders to do terrible things","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3VG56ZYNS5DHXGXJGFX2BMJHXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463044002},"content":"Has there been any interest in her research from political figures? “Not any nefarious politicians that you might be scared of, I think,” she says. “People thinking about how to counter extremism and how to support people who are at risk are interested in this research because it helps us paint a much more comprehensive picture of what makes someone at risk and what can maybe help them get out of those kinds of extreme cycles. I can’t wait to see how the field evolves. Even in just the next decade I think it’ll be really interesting.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYSXZ4SPGFHKJOC2XQGNY3JS3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742463044003},"content":"<i>The Ideological Brain: A Radical Science of Susceptible Minds by Dr Leor Zmigrod is published by Viking</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Patrick Freyne"}},"name":"Patrick Freyne"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dr Leor Zmigrod has found differences in the brain structures and functions of people with different ideologies. 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I had first read of it some decades previously, and now, finally, I was en route to visit it for the first time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNEUTVONCZHXPHMGDPTEYTASZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662352},"content":"It had special significance for me because I had recently completed a biography of William Bulfin, author of Rambles in Éirinn, and the house in which he had been born and lived, in both his earlier and later life, and in which he died, figured prominently in its pages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXJI5FU4SRENFOAB4P4K7EWYKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610567},"content":"Bulfin left <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Ireland</a> for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/argentina/\" target=\"_blank\">Argentina</a> in 1884, aged 21, and did not return on a visit until 1902. During those 18 years he worked initially as a sheep herder and foreman at an estancia (ranch) in Buenos Aires province. But then, having discovered a talent for writing, and encouraged by his fiancee, Annie O’Rourke, he turned to journalism, in 1892 joining the staff of local English-language newspaper <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Southern_Cross_(Argentina)\" target=\"_blank\">The Southern Cross</a>, of which he became manager and assistant editor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEGTH5MKA5HGPBFQF6FSACLPUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662354},"content":"As a working journalist, Bulfin wrote his descriptive, illuminating and socially critical Sketches of Buenos Aires, depictions of life in the city at that time, as well as many articles and editorials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZORXWFRDLVEPVBMIA52QPZSRJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610568},"content":"In January 1896 he bought out the previous incumbent and took over as editor of the newspaper. He used the earlier experiences he had working on sheep runs and as a ranch hand to compose short stories initially printed in The Southern Cross, and then as material for his collection of short stories, Tales of the Pampas, published in London in 1901, which was a critical success but sold disappointingly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"URPZ43LBQ5BCTM3OFD7WKHJ3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662356},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LA3LCPQGDFDLHE4HJLGTS575YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662357},"content":"The following year, shortly after his return to Ireland, he began his bicycle trips around the country. He had become interested in cycling in the late 1890s and described in one of his sketches how a “bicycle parade” took place every Sunday morning in Palermo Park, Buenos Aires. Perhaps anticipating Myles na gCopaleen in style and content, he declared: “The bicycle is the sort of affair from which a man like Swedenborg, for example, would have extracted 12 or 14 volumes. I calculate, too, that had Herbert Spencer known the wheel, he would have constructed a synthetic library out of its endless sensuosities.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOHZEHZ3HJFHTL7WFLKAORYRCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610569},"content":"Bulfin had left his newspaper in the hands of an inexperienced assistant editor but in order to continue contributing from abroad, “with the sole object of sharing the writer’s thoughts and feelings with certain Irish exiles on the other side of the world”, he conceived the idea of cycling around the country and describing his sorties in articles sent back to the newspaper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWI4EGF6LRFT3GPPRFWUYKV6FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662359},"content":"He was not the first of the Argentine Irish to compose such material. According to Thomas Murray, whose knowledge and presentation of matters Hiberno-Argentine was encyclopedic, Edward Mulhall, Irish editor of the Buenos Aires Standard, visited Ireland in 1875 and wrote a very interesting series of travel articles for his paper, some of which he headed Rambles in Ireland. Murray asserts that Bulfin followed pretty much the same course but called his work Rambles in Éirinn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VKGMKKE5RGUNDYT5LL4QZHA7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662360},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UVJTTYJETNCS3EPXA2O3OBQEVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662361},"content":"Lest he give the impression that Bulfin plagiarised the idea, or even the work, Murray adds soothingly: “The latter was probably quite unconscious that he was in many places following in the footsteps of the former and sometimes almost copying him.” Given that Mulhall’s articles were published when Bulfin was 12 years old, it is unlikely that he ever read them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HP2K2I7N2RBIFFPENEGT6YBIMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610570},"content":"A considerable number of Bulfin’s tours were undertaken on his 1902 trip, and more on a second visit to Ireland in 1904–05. On his first sojourn he visited locations in Counties Offaly, Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon, and along the Shannon, but he also made longer forays to Dublin, Sligo, Galway and to the north.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NMRJ6NZSZE2XKWZBRDT7BAJ3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662363},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BFFCHRVPLBD3LOJ535RIKMVYDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662364},"content":"He did not always travel the full way to his destination by bicycle – as, for example on his Galway trip, when he described how he was “met off the train” by Douglas Hyde. He took his bicycle with him on occasion to use it on arrival, as on his Ulster trip, where the weather defeated two attempts to get there under his own power.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND4FKJDB6NCMJK2RSAR223OXEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662365},"content":"The articles were already making their way back to The Southern Cross during his 1902 stay and he spent Christmas that year writing up more at Derrinlough, working eight or nine hours a day. On his return to Argentina his articles continued to be printed in the Cross for several months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6ZKWUVPLBFMBADIDYR2NRDXVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610571},"content":"During his second trip, Bulfin went “cyc-rambling” again and composed further articles. He combined this Irish sojourn with a side visit (from and back to Ireland) to the United States, and while there, owing to a previously expressed interest, because The Southern Cross was read in North America, he visited the offices of the New York Daily News and arranged for the serial publication of 20 to 25 of his Rambles articles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWUEU7JZZJD7VPWZQ5IGQ32MYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662367},"content":"Irish in Argentina: Not always a successful diaspora story","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4QAO363F7RDBRBILQ3IJ3LTM7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662368},"content":"On his voyage back to South America he was busy describing his recent experiences in Ireland, writing on board RMS Panama off Pernambuco to his wife, Annie, that he had finished his Limerick article, was ready to start on his article on Charles Kickham, and hoped to finish another six before reaching Uruguay. As the ship entered Montevideo harbour, he confirmed that he had succeeded in finishing the sixth article, “all but a few folios”, which was “over 70 columns of matter for the S Cross and all original material”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQ4XTXSFMNCB5HGRT6BPV5DW4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662369},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7ZACTWAAURFPXNZ2HYTY3UAM6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662370},"type":"image"},{"_id":"O2JTJT55KBHKNEBRUMDDKZVRVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610572},"content":"The publication in the US newspaper led to readers suggesting that his Rambles be published in book form, and there were similar suggestions from Ireland and Argentina. An offer, which included an American edition, came from Gill in Dublin, which he accepted, finalising the work for publication and checking the proofs in Derrinlough on his visit home in the winter and spring of 1906–07. Publication followed in July 1907.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLVK757P3RCLLGWWYVOCFYFPJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662372},"content":"Reaction from the Irish nationalist press at home and the emigrant press in the US was highly favourable, though the local unionist press does not appear to have reviewed the book. Gill’s edition went into seven impressions, an Irish-language translation – Cam-chuarta i n-Éirinn – came out in 1936, and a new edition, in two volumes, was published by Sphere in 1981.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSXAFK27UNBULKJSC3TXHMW77E","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"2ZCM4QFOCFGCLJG2EGU3RHEVUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610573},"content":"On his final return to Ireland in 1909, Bulfin continued roving and writing – paying a special visit back to the north in September 1909, where many had complained that he had not done justice to the province of Ulster, with his emphasis on its industry and commercialism and “business, business, business”. He was assisted in this by the antiquarian Francis Joseph Bigger, who showed him around key locations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPYAVFMNTFE5JODFOQG3EMKXRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662375},"content":"“Sean Ghall” (Henry Egan Kenny) states in his introduction to the 1907 Gill edition of Rambles in Éirinn that Bulfin’s new and more positive vision of the north never made it to paper because it was crowded out by other work, but Patrick Callan assures us that the work was published as further instalments of Rambles in the Sinn Féin weekly edition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPQO23X2MBHXXPGREJZVLB7K3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610574},"content":"Patrick Keohane, manager of Gill and a personal friend of Bulfin, who travelled with him to Ulster on his second visit, wrote that Bulfin had a marvellous memory, which enabled him to recall incidents and personalities “with the greatest minuteness and accuracy after the lapse of years”, and he never found it necessary to make a single note of the scenes and events “so graphically portrayed in his Rambles in Éirinn”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UACRQWR6JFHTDLN5ZQICVUFXZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662377},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VZQPDW5RFRD33EXHLIQGLL6VYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662378},"content":"When Bulfin was on a long horse-riding expedition under primitive conditions to the far west of Argentina in 1905, one of his fellow travellers, an uneducated Genoese who had learned with surprise and even suspicion that Bulfin was a writer and who had previously understood, or heard, that those who write take notes, remarked that he was making none. Bulfin answered that he was making notes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DESUVUZ3NFEPDG5QFHUNZFNWEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662379},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4ITAIW7XUFFGJDWSET4SSADURE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610575},"content":"“How can that be? You have not touched paper since we left San Rafael [several days previously].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NFYFT6UKRBCKXBPWJRMLSPEXQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610576},"content":"“What of that? The best notes are not the ones that people jot down on paper. The best notes are the ones that soak into you.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMETSOGSXVAO5GFEFLGZ6HC7CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610577},"content":"“Soak into you, eh?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LWW54EHR45FZNIYU5X54HZCUAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610578},"content":"“Aye, just soak in. Those are the essential things. The other things – the unimportant and valueless things – do not soak in. They stay out of your mind and do not trouble you when you come to write. And so, buenas noches.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7K2UAQ33KFEDDEMERRQG5DQZ4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610579},"content":"“Buenas noches, and may you rest well, eh,” the other answered, intrigued by this idea that all the mountains and rivers “and tales and breakfasts”, and the travellers themselves and the people in whose humble home they were then in, were all “soaking in” to this man.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWY6UPPMSZBENHDYL3NRFGX4JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610580},"content":"The Rambles are not presented in chronological order but in an order that Bulfin felt would give variety and interest to the reader, which the book certainly provides. Whether extrapolating on the Ireland of his day or on its history, ancient or modern, or on geographical and agricultural, social or literary aspects of the places he visited, or on his encounters with people of various social levels, the charm and humour is mixed with a biting criticism, particularly of landlordism and the Anglo-Irish, of “shoneenism”, and of the political and economic systems of his day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAPAWTB7F5EK3NILAR2KVQ3EWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662386},"content":"Killarney then and now: Aspects recognisable from when Harry Kernoff painted them in 1943","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XUNWGDXRBJEFZLXDRNDPMI65MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610581},"content":"Bulfin himself believed that his “wild cycling trips” in Ireland contributed to a bout of rheumatic fever he suffered in 1906 in Argentina. On his final return to Ireland in 1909, he again took up residence in Derrinlough, having settled back in Ireland to devote himself and his pen to the cause of Irish nationalism, though he kept his interest in The Southern Cross, of which he was still proprietor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGC34POPAFAVFFJEI5KZEYOKIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662388},"content":"Sadly, following a trip to the US to raise funds for Arthur Griffith’s newspaper, the Sinn Féin daily edition, Bulfin, who was well over six feet tall, had a commanding, though benign, presence and was of an active, martial and muscular appearance, fell ill with a second bout of rheumatic fever and died in Derrinlough on February 1st, 1910.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53MN2H6CORFVHFXLMXJAY2AVVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610582},"content":"Readers of the 21st century deserve to read Bulfin’s work. Therefore, let his impressions of Ireland “soak in” to you, as the rain may soak in to those cyclists who take to the roads to follow in his wheel tracks, though cyclists are generally better outfitted nowadays than in his time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LFJ4JHXZVFPND2O5QXBYOYNGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662390},"content":"Cycling in Ireland, whether as sport or recreation, instead of simply getting from A to B, has become increasingly popular, and there is room here to perpetuate Bulfin’s memory. A Bulfin Heritage Cycle Rally, In the Wheel Rims of William Bulfin, has taken place several times over the past few years as part of National Heritage Week. One such rally, in 2021, had to be postponed due to inclement weather, an echo of Bulfin’s own experience, and suggesting, rightly or wrongly, that the weather in Ireland, at least, has not changed much since his day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGHRHDHQRBFDVN5W7WKAA6CJOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740408610583},"content":"Michael Bulfin and I reached Derrinlough in about two hours, with stops, from Dublin, something that took his grandfather a full day by bicycle. There it stood: a very large two-storey farmhouse dating back to the end of the 18th century, the main facade looking much as it did in William’s time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPBQAB5H5BCKJIZJQRS34ZWNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740668662392},"content":"<i>Rambles in Éirinn by William Bulfin is published by Merrion Press</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TK Moloney"}]},"description":{"basic":"A journey in the wheel tracks of Irishman William Bulfin, who chronicled his bicycle tours of the country at the start of the 20th century"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rambles in Éirinn: celebrating the journalist who cycled all over Ireland in the early 1900s","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NVDWL2A3JNHHLIIO5IG26ILIK4","auth":{"1":"3e18f598cb9ee1f76874b878d4092495df01e6773c4f31a268c9888e59d5c411"},"focal_point":{"x":4950,"y":3190},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NVDWL2A3JNHHLIIO5IG26ILIK4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"Sport"},{"name":"Cycling"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/23/rambles-in-eirinn-celebrating-the-journalist-who-cycled-all-over-ireland-in-the-early-1900s/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"5DI2SRL44RAFLHERGVBL4LFQ3Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":436,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0cf5360a-226d-4d8f-a17e-4da2e27100ef/versions/1741790635/media/5922acea76ba3ad5a8acedde7b40dcb0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4C5KHGM7IVFVDBJP72FRRBLBLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113805},"content":"<b>Dear Roe,</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYWB5WNXQJAOVONLBCARLCYXRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113808},"content":"<b>I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating. I know my worth, and I refuse to settle. I have a great career, take care of myself, and live a full life. I also know what I’m attracted to – ambition, confidence, and a man who takes pride in himself and his success. I want to find my person. But it keeps ending terribly, with me hurt and confused by another emotionally unavailable man. I just got out of another relationship that, on paper, should have been perfect. He was everything I usually go for – successful, driven, charismatic. From the start, he made me feel like I was unlike anyone he’d ever met. He would say things like, “I’ve never connected with someone like this before” and talked about holidays together, would drop hints and jokes about living together in a beautiful home. I believed him because he sounded so sure. But when it came down to real commitment, things were murky. He’d be affectionate and present in person, but was hard to keep in contact with consistently and make plans with. When I tried to bring up what we were doing he’d assure me he felt deeply for me, that I was special, but he wasn’t in the right place for “labels” or pressure. I didn’t push too hard because I didn’t want to seem needy. But after nearly a year of this, I felt crazy. He said all the right things, but I was left second-guessing everything, found myself over-analysing texts like a teenager. The most embarrassing bit is that in the end, he was still the one to leave me. My friends (who are nearly all engaged or married) keep telling me I need to stop being so picky, but I don’t want to end up with someone because I was desperate and lonely and lowered my standards.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PYUWEN63RGZZGMJU5EZMZRICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113809},"content":"You sound like you have a busy life and schedule and no more time for nonsense so I’m going to be your best friend right now and get straight to the point: Your problem isn’t that you are too picky or that your standards are too high. Your problem is that you place huge value on superficial things that have repeatedly proven not to bring you happiness and you have remarkably low standards around everything that matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTXS2DZRWZHEJE73XO3CQLOD5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113810},"content":"You are stuck in a pattern that you recognise – you get with emotionally unavailable men who have a lot of superficial qualities you think are good on paper. Because you believe that this superficial stuff (I’m guessing good looks, makes money, a bit flashy) makes someone valuable, you attempt to make yourself as palatable as possible. You make yourself seem easy-going, chill, needless, and you silence your desire for everything else, like consistency, honesty, commitment, love.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVQXENZSBRECFJJY4OG44V3FJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113812},"content":"You need to start valuing the right things. Where are your supposedly high standards for how a man treats you? For how he shows up for you consistently? For how he makes you feel – not just in the honeymoon phase when he’s saying all the right things, but in the reality of day-to-day life? You’ve built a successful, full life for yourself, yet you are accepting the emotional equivalent of table scraps in relationships. Think about what was missing in your past relationships that left you hurt, drained, and doubting yourself. Was it emotional availability? Consistency? A willingness to truly build a future with you instead of just fantasising about one? Prioritise finding that. Not flashy words, not grand gestures that fizzle into excuses, but the qualities that create a healthy, lasting partnership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HW2R2UAGWJG4PK7UZY6DHZXA4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113813},"content":"You say you like ambitious, driven men – but why? Is it just about the money? The status? Or is it because ambition signals passion, discipline, and the ability to commit to something long-term? If it’s the latter, gorgeous – but ask yourself why the men you choose don’t apply that same level of dedication to their relationships. If a man can chase his career, commit to goals, and work through challenges but somehow can’t text you back or give you basic reassurance, then you’re not dealing with a truly ambitious person. You’re dealing with someone who simply prioritises himself above all else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5RUQUILBJFS3G4YAEFKQZEMKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113814},"content":"You cannot build a relationship on potential. On what someone could be if only they were ready if only their life circumstances changed, if only they chose to prioritise you. The right person won’t need to be convinced to show up. They will be there, consistently, because that’s who they are – not just what they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAQOMO3YHZBNHLKU7OIQ25K4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":"AD2N2BPHVVDDNEZWT4UT2RA2TI"},"content":"I asked my husband for a divorce – everyone thinks I made a mistake. Did I?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6L4OX4HDTBC3PHNY4J5Z6QY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113815},"content":"And speaking of consistency, let’s talk about your own. You say you know your worth, but do your actions reflect that? Or do you repeatedly silence yourself, suppress your needs, and stay in situations that don’t serve you because you’re afraid of seeming too needy? Be honest: is your fear of not being seen with someone who looks good on paper more than your fear of not finding genuine love? Is your fear of rejection stronger than your fear of ending up in another relationship where you feel unseen and undervalued? Because right now, you are accepting partners who don’t choose you fully, but you’re terrified of being the one to walk away first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H43E2D7GEVHHJLWHAAEV5CP4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113816},"content":"Here’s your new standard: if someone says, “I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship” or “I don’t like labels”, you leave. No negotiation. No more waiting for someone to change. No more mistaking hesitation for depth. A man who is ready and willing to be with you will make that clear – not just with words, but with actions. And start paying attention to how people behave, not what they tell you about themselves or communicate to the world about who they are via status symbols and titles. How do they act? How do they make you feel? How do they show you that they’re a good person and would make a good partner, not simply that they meet an arbitrary checklist you have in your head of things that don’t make you happy?","type":"text"},{"_id":"REJSACTVMRHX7O6G7KIPUN4XCE","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"35d31955-f856-4198-bd52-fdf57b384494\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute.js\"><\/script>\n<link href=\"//www.irishtimes.com/static/aprimo/temp/inline-contribute.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\" />","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"S27IIGQJUZCAJNQN5P7L6DQKOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113817},"content":"This isn’t about lowering your standards. This is about raising them where they matter. Activate your self-worth. Accept and receive the things that are important to you. And ask yourself: what conditioning has made you devalue emotional security, consistency and partnership, while overvaluing charm, success and empty words?","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6V5ELS5GZCR3MOMRWE35M3MSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113818},"content":"The kind of relationship you want requires work. Not work to prove yourself to someone or to twist yourself into the “perfect” woman, but work in the sense of choosing the right things and putting effort into what creates happiness. So what are you willing to put the work into? Chasing unavailable men, or building something real with someone who values you the way you deserve?","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKZU2NR5ZVCWZK5T5UBT5HFMWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113819},"content":"It’s time to choose differently. It’ll be transformative, I promise. Good luck.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Roe McDermott"}},"name":"Roe McDermott"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ask Roe: ‘I have high standards in the men I date but still end up hurt and alone... My friends keep telling me I need to stop being so picky’"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI","auth":{"1":"d92c41f6c92dcfcd0e3c580848fb51716d5b1d6ef46fe9df26ed5b0d01595045"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Wellness"},{"name":"Health"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-wellness","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Wellness"}}}},{"_id":"4IBCHJNWFZG2HGBKMRZVWBTZOQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":757,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/32973ff3-130c-4d96-b8ef-165b4e52e32f/versions/1742305739/media/b3c4eaac7f3fef761796cdb3da2acb45_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/22/im-not-a-plastic-paddy-we-have-irish-americans-so-why-not-irish-britons/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B4F3AHERMBFLNMVH7LYVP27G7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333952},"content":"The Cloherty siblings wear their grief lightly yet a flicker hangs in the air as we discuss the loss last year of their father, Sean. Amid their laughter at their funny tales, you notice the occasional halting moment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GILE2VRP75DKJL664ZCDSFE5RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333953},"content":"It might be a split-second lingering of silence or a glance after recounting a particularly treasured memory – a remembrance that he has now gone. Barely 11 months after he died from cancer, it is clear Cloherty, who was 74, was loved and is missed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCN76CWLSBEDRNJW2NP5KJ3ESM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333954},"content":"His five children – Patrick, Katie, Mary, Mike and Sean jnr – have gathered in the sittingroom of the house where, with his late wife Maureen, the hard-working Connemara man raised them and where Katie now lives with her own family. .","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AEZYHGLXZGSDJH5SWGC2LPDHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333955},"content":"The scene is unmistakably Irish. The traditional fireplace looks like many you would find in rural west of Ireland. The Clohertys ferry in endless cups of tea to fuel the chat. The deceased man’s brother, Padraig, similar in age to him, sits quietly in the corner, occasionally chiming in. This family, of humble, easy-going people reminisce as the Irish like to do over their dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH7DLUAWENDODJWXEN4KVYL4PE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333956},"content":"Yet this isn’t Ireland. We are in Lydiate, a neat hamlet 15km north of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/liverpool/\" target=\"_self\">Liverpool</a>. Sean Cloherty, second eldest of nine, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/emigration/\" target=\"_self\">left</a> an impoverished existence on Lettermore island in the early 1960s to move to Britain for work, before he was 16.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKVNLUKD7VBYXB6TSX2QP2I7YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333957},"content":"He could speak only Irish when he arrived – it would be two years before he gained fluency in English. Before he died, he recalled that, all those years ago, he “had to go to help my mother” by sending money home. Lettermore was ruggedly beautiful but harsh on its children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZL5OBKQGZGJ3G525SGEEU6RRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333958},"content":"Cloherty worked laying pipes and as a builder. He created a solid life in England where the siblings were all born. They all retain a strong sense of Irish identity after visiting Lettermore all their lives – their late mother Maureen’s father, a Loftus, was from Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHLACWFYPNAHRKMZID7ALHRRUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333959},"content":"The Clohertys would be typical, engaged second-generation Irish Britons if such a term was in use – but it almost never is. In contrast with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-american/\" target=\"_self\">Irish Americans</a>, there is no equivalent moniker for our nation’s kin to the east. As we discuss their Irish identity, laughter rolls in from outside where the third generation, Katie’s girls, play. Upstairs are their <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/galway/\" target=\"_self\">Galway</a> GAA jerseys.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOX7DS7M3JFGRBSHBOVMHSEWJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333960},"content":"“Our Irishness made us proud,” says Katie in a gentle Scouse lilt. “When we were young it made us different, like we had a proper story to tell.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRRBX55RDVBV7GIDEGL64NKDRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999194},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YRDP6EQP5RAIFGBA4C3PNUWG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999195},"content":"Mike remembers banging on his neighbours windows when he was a kid to tease them after the Republic beat England at football – it may have been Euro 88. He defines his Irishness in terms of values and attributes – hard work, kindness to neighbours – passed on from his father.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVGSUNGRBJAPZA2NRCWRDWP6EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333962},"content":"Katie, who has embraced the identity most keenly, did Irish studies up to master’s level at college. To Mary, “Lettermore <i>is</i> my Dad, my grandparents”. Sean jnr doesn’t see Ireland as his home, but the land of his roots – he likes to tour it on his motorbike. Meanwhile, the youngest, Patrick, describes a physical longing for Lettermore – visiting the island “grounds” him with childhood memories. Rocks are where they always were, ocean views still the same.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZE3OEH6JSVCMTKMX5R7XZ7VFDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333963},"content":"“My Irishness is a blend of a melancholic feeling mixed in with pride. I know that is an idealistic view of things, but I really feel my Irishness in the call to go back and visit,” says Patrick. They recorded their father’s story before he died as part of an oral history project, Looking Back to Look Forward, run by the representative group Irish in Britain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEBSXUPFR5DD3DWWAPEUZHOXHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333964},"content":"There are six million in Britain with at least one Irish grandparent – 9 per cent of the population. At the post-Brexit peak, more than 100,000 Britons per year applied for Irish passports. Yet in 2021, 565,000, less than 1 per cent of people in Britain, ticked the “White Irish” box on the census, and three-quarters of those were <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_self\">immigrants</a> born in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHICCISIDNBORDIIEKSFMCKHA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333965},"content":"The story of Irish emigration to Britain – such as those who came to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/london/3/\" target=\"_self\">London</a>’s Kilburn to “work on the buildings” – has been told often. Less is known at home about Irish Britons, the children and grandchildren of those who made the journey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPFHYJANJNFSLGMQCY2KIHNYLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333966},"content":"Academic data suggests they are more upwardly mobile than the average British citizen. A study by Mary J Hickman, now a fellow at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, suggests their upward mobility increased if they had two parents from the Republic. Irish Britons are at the highest levels of UK government – Pat McFadden, one of the most senior British cabinet members, is a Glasgow son of Irish-speaking Donegal parents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY5DWFIUHBCOJNICIQREMNIJGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999202},"content":"Keir Starmer’s Irish strategists","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JPJPAEK7N5CFNIHXHBZXXQGWTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333967},"content":"There is ample evidence of prominent second- and third-generation Irishness all over Britain. Yet the question remains as to why Irish Britons are less feted in their ancestral homeland than Irish Americans, and whether that makes some less enthusiastic about expressing it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUDU3OPGBBERFE5244OVXCASPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333968},"content":"There is also a clear difference found in academic studies between the second- and third-generation Irish experience in England, where it was more prosperous, and in Scotland, where sectarianism and poverty were rife, especially around Glasgow. Scottish-Irish communities were more cloistered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVRXXPKHGNATRHE4XPGAREW7EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333969},"content":"Data aside, later-generation Irishness in Britain is a feeling as much as anything. For the Clohertys, their Irish identity is clear and unabashed. For others, it is more nuanced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUZPWDDVVNEVBOOZYYHC6XVNOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333970},"content":"John Swaine (62), a London black-cab driver, is the son of two Irish parents who emigrated to Britain about 65 years ago. His Wicklow-born father, Joe Swaine, died aged 80 in Hertfordshire during the first wave of Covid in 2020. His mother, Meath-born Theresa, died in 2015.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBH3O3PC4ZG6HKHDC4MFSW7QAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999207},"type":"image"},{"_id":"32YWJSGYBBGP3CYQWFTDPK7NRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333971},"content":"Swaine is among the hundreds of thousands of Britons who are proud owners of a new Irish passport. His sense of warm regard for his parents’ homeland remains intact. But he doesn’t readily play up his Irish identity. He is not, as some are derided in the UK, a “plastic Paddy”. A more recent offshoot of this derogatory term are the “passport Paddies” who seek the citizenship they are entitled to for pragmatic reasons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZAJDNLDOJFTPCHEUHC774HTXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333972},"content":"Swaine is realistic about his connection to Ireland, which he has visited once in the last 45 years – a wedding near Carlingford Lough about 15 years ago. Like the Clohertys, he travelled over to see his grandparents each summer as a child. But he stopped after his late teens. No particular reason, he says. He loved it when he did visit. But Swaine sees himself clearly as an Englishman, just one with Irish ancestry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMMHDFOI55A3PMZ5GR4LD6NMXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333973},"content":"“If I went over to Ireland now, people there would consider me English. I feel like I am English. But the other side of it is that I love the fact of my Irish background. I am proud of it. I’d never speak badly of it and if I was in company and I heard someone trashing Ireland, I’d say something.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QXOXIR2GJBKJF5GRENQPNXX7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333974},"content":"His late father Joe was mischievous, the sort with a permanent twinkle in his eye. Swaine recalls that as he entered adulthood, he and his father would, every Christmas Day, have a facetious debate about whether the son was Irish or English: “My Dad would say ‘you’re Irish’. I’d say I was English. It was like a religious thing, this back and forth. That’s just how we were.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YN22FCBEOZAN3MK5HNEXSCLBZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333975},"content":"He wonders if this desire to delineate himself contributed towards his understated attitude to Ireland. His main motivation in seeking an Irish passport, he says, was a reaction to European Union travel rules for British people after <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brexit/\" target=\"_self\">Brexit</a>. But rummaging through documents such as his parent’s birth certificates sparked curiosity about his heritage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2ZRVZFKFFB45N4LT2DDUCDSEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333976},"content":"Swaine has a decent knowledge of the basics of Irish current affairs – he is a London black-cab driver after all. He also retains an outside interest in Irish sports, although he doesn’t seek them out. “I’d chat about Irish stuff to my cabbie mates if something was on the news, but that’s about it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6LUZH5PNVGOXE235XS32LK42Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333977},"content":"Yet, unprompted, Swaine can still accurately describe from memory the 1.5km route from Enniskerry to his grandparents old house in Parknasillogue – every turn and undulation. This journalist knows his recollection to be correct because we walked the same roads, sharing that set of grandparents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KVJCLE7XZDGXCEIJ6AO76B5RE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333978},"content":"“I haven’t thought of that since I was a kid,” says Swaine, surprised at himself. “It’s unreal how that just came into my mind. That memory or connection to Ireland was buried. It must run deep.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KB3XBJOAVNEJLDEZQUREIRMEDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333979},"content":"Swaine believes his English accent will always limit the degree of Irishness people in Ireland will ascribe to him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7MF7E4XCFAE7PA7HX52T533QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333980},"content":"That chimes with the experience of Morag Prunty, a London-born Irish novelist who writes under the pen name Kate Kerrigan. She has toured over the past year or so with a one-woman play, Am I Irish Yet?, about her desperate wish to be accepted as fully Irish. She now lives in Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCAV4LPCKBD6BARDYIPKD545J4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999218},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5YTLZKXB3BELXIMD4MNGIEI4OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333981},"content":"The crowd during an Irish Times visit for a matinee performance at the Liverpool Irish Centre earlier this month is mostly older women. Judging by Prunty’s interactions with audience members, they are also acutely plugged in to her message that there is a blockage in the homeland for second- and third-generation Irish Britons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2MJJBH5WNER5G4UJ4PEQSGKG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333982},"content":"“If you’re English and Irish at the same time like I am, it’s a bit of a problem,” she tells them. “I was born in the UK [but] always felt like I had to apologise for that ... I am not plastic.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTFZ3LJUZBG3DFSFU23PD7M4Z4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333983},"content":"Bronwen Walter, emerita professor at Anglia Ruskin University in the southeast of England, is a retired expert on Irish migration to Britain. She co-wrote a major study of second- and third-generation Irish in Britain – the Irish 2 project, albeit two decades ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQBVUGSJMJHJPKTXOXSX54SOV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999222},"content":"Diarmaid Ferriter: How the Irish became Britain’s oldest, loneliest ethnic group","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UZDKO3XTDNDT3MP5QFQSHUYOL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333984},"content":"She has written that people of Irish descent in Britain are “frequently overlooked ... certainly not feted ... and often reminded of their inauthenticity” by those of us born on the island. Yet many Irish Britons' strong sense of Irish identity perseveres, and can grow through the generations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKNCMYXYGFFALKKHVUXWYM6RXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333985},"content":"“We often were surprised to find that third-generation Irish identity could be even stronger,” Walter told The Irish Times last week. “They had missed out on the downsides of being Irish in Britain – the Troubles, etc – and got the benefits.\"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK45ZNY3DNAIZFMPF7ZSJ36P6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999225},"content":"‘It’s somewhat downplayed in Ireland – the trouble that the Troubles caused for the Irish living in Britain’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N26XBHYFO5E5JDIRD3W7A2AESA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333986},"content":"Earlier this month, the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London, launched an intergenerational project in conjunction with local Sacred Heart Catholic High School, in which the girls, many with Irish ancestry, filmed interviews with older first-generation London Irish about their immigrant experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M73HR6AJQRB5RG7R3MQ6DIO2IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999227},"content":"Irish in London: ‘Nobody was making me stay. I could have left at any time and gone home to Sligo ... That was 24 years ago’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KN6F3X33HFAF7MR377Z7NWDK5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333987},"content":"On the day The Irish Times observes, the interviews are conducted by Year Nine students (aged about 13). They include Ellie Honan, whose roots are in Dublin and Tipperary – her mother and grandmother on her father’s side are Irish. Violet Fitzgibbon, who has two sets of Irish grandparents from Clare and Drogheda, also takes part, along with fellow student Sesina Dawit, who has no Irish ancestry but is fascinated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAB4RBUIUJDPHNRFZGW2CXUYFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402999229},"content":"The ‘mockery’ dished out to the Irish with British accents: ‘Ello luv, you over on ’oliday?’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UQUK7RU6RJGSDG42TMGRCUMAVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333988},"content":"Ellie and Violet profess a strong Irish identity. Ellie sees her ancestral homeland as “a family place”. Her two most positive associations with it are “the people and the seaside”. Violet says everybody in her house supports Ireland over England in the rugby. Both girls agree that one of the biggest differentiators from the UK is that Irish people always say goodbye and thank you to bus drivers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GW4VLPX36BE7XBKTSGOCZDHDYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299333990},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark Paul"}},"name":"Mark Paul"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Irish identity of people born in Britain, where six million have at least one Irish grandparent, can be complex and personal..."},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m not a plastic Paddy’: We have Irish Americans, so why not Irish Britons?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"44SDXU334ZHEHKPZ3JDKG4KKWQ","auth":{"1":"45637020e4084bc1b04c97878ae9f9a7efe01f00eddcc983f86b5c9820e6d2e7"},"focal_point":{"x":3235,"y":1175},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/44SDXU334ZHEHKPZ3JDKG4KKWQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"DKIH44HW7VAH3JYCUZFCY2EZM4","auth":{"1":"3621094a80576cd9edf9549c0d2d7a76011c5f5dcb887e8390b004644bcf2848"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DKIH44HW7VAH3JYCUZFCY2EZM4.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/22/im-not-a-plastic-paddy-we-have-irish-americans-so-why-not-irish-britons/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"MSFZ5S5EQ5FF7FHZ6YDB7N34AA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":32,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ce974b6-1eb2-47fc-8ed4-6bf6623faf5f/versions/1742490584/media/0698b6843c416f46c3663dc685c23c6c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/photography/2025/03/22/the-covid-19-pandemic-in-pictures-echoes-of-a-crisis-five-years-on/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5ZUXH6MLHJF4VG3TZN4OTILNGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"We are five years on from the beginning of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/covid-19/\" target=\"_blank\">Covid-19</a> pandemic in Ireland, when former taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/leo-varadkar/\" target=\"_blank\">Leo Varadkar</a> announced from Washington a series of restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BX2KTHWRJCOHJSXLN35H4SG6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than 9,000 Covid-related deaths were recorded in the State as people’s lives were changed dramatically. From restrictions on socialising to the wearing of face masks, these photographs portray the Irish life during the crisis. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4PFZCBMX5BZPDRGKVCOGYANRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2FGUT446IVCQ7FBBB77IBO2FMA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NTEOSF4BFJGZHH6XDZ4X66GDRA","additional_properties":{"_id":"W6WCYWMIYFBX3BKX4ZMJOVSLRM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"76FWORSA25C7PNB5G2RWCKSD44","additional_properties":{"_id":"MMRS7Y7R3VGKVG2NNGK2SCI4TI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XY6E365AWNB6JAX4EXKCEQ3P5I","additional_properties":{"_id":"MWTKU32KWJFJ5GKRZWFVWCFKNY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2CMPAHOOIWCS3E7EAGXR42VY34","additional_properties":{"_id":"7NTHKIO2HFHSXIR5JWU27PYQOM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HZNQUM7SJREVJNGPYJKDIJSQLY","additional_properties":{"_id":"NNQV3DLN4FAQNHI6TPXVYSKAYI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XVBGLMJP25HOTPUV6U6SZI4XKE","additional_properties":{"_id":"BVJDNRX74VEN5GIUCKIFOZNSWY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AUCINDPGD5A6XNQYCNLIPSNHAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"YDGQ6ZRJ2BGULMTIMLX7W4VDBA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MSK55SK6Z3J7O5ZQ7CNVBXMWHI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"SWTDLDU62JCEZDLDKZ2MDJA6VQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"COPMKK73LZGFBDVZKHXIVDB4TE","additional_properties":{"_id":"SD4SNZZQAZAONDQ6NBDUWLVNCE"},"type":"image"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"From social distancing restrictions to acts of remembrance, these are defining photographs of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Covid-19 pandemic in pictures: Echoes of a crisis five years on","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RWPYVL72Y5ODNBLIOBULKH65FE","auth":{"1":"1758a29e2b044731d511c36966b5e62ac71d3ccbddacfcad9016e40676c896b3"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RWPYVL72Y5ODNBLIOBULKH65FE.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Photography"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/photography/2025/03/22/the-covid-19-pandemic-in-pictures-echoes-of-a-crisis-five-years-on/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"ASRPOR6QYNDUHAFZG4UELDNOY4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":206,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/4c45a513-0c46-4ead-8b7d-5e74bd2e624c/versions/1741684067/media/0482a636e2446b8b74e00f82abe5f27a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/gardening/2025/03/23/our-cherry-tree-has-stopped-fruiting-what-can-we-do/","content_elements":[{"_id":"63OXZ7A6DJCIFFEOA6244WKIUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550890},"content":"<b>We moved house a few years ago, with a cherry tree in the east-facing front garden, and two eating apple trees in the west-facing back garden. The cherries were a wonderful surprise in the first year, but the tree has not been particularly bountiful since. Our apple trees produce lovely apples (two varieties) but their branches have been extending and taking up garden space. What should we do to maintain them, and how can we bring the cherry tree back to fruiting? We’re reluctant to touch or prune either before educating ourselves in case we damage them. </b><i><b>Laura Beades</b></i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIPDAIWRLREZVIEFMOSIMNP5K4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550893},"content":"There’s always a risk of causing damage to fruit trees if pruned too harshly or at the wrong time of year, so you’re right to be cautious. But let’s start first with your cherry tree, and the possible reasons why it’s not very productive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"537FR4TVWRHWND3H2LNNQJVW74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550894},"content":"Fruiting cherry trees (as opposed to the ornamental varieties) are loosely divided into two types. The first, known as sweet cherry (Prunus avium), produces fruit sweet enough to eat straight from the tree, once ripe. The second, known as acid cherry (Prunus cerasus), produces fruit that needs to be cooked and sweetened before being edible. Judging by your description, yours is a sweet cherry, in which case it’s in a location where it’s not getting enough sunlight and heat to flourish. You mention that it did well in the first year after you moved into your new home, but I suspect this was probably a result of the unusually warm summer heatwaves of a few years ago. Cherry trees growing in east-facing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/gardening/\" target=\"_blank\">gardens</a> are also more vulnerable to spring frosts damaging their blossom, resulting in no fruit for that year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNC3CRVBWFCVLHHSG3M2HWKXRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550895},"content":"Unfortunately, given its age and the probable size of its root-ball, transplanting it is not a realistic option. But you could try growing a second tree in your sunny back garden. Just make sure to choose a self-pollinating variety such as Lapins, grafted on to a semi-dwarfing rootstock such as Gisela 5 to stop it getting too big. By growing it against a sunny wall as a fan-trained tree, you can make the best use of space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NBS4JEYNJBUHNWUVEUX7WIAZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550896},"content":"Your apple trees, by comparison, sound very happy. The problem here is how to keep their growth in check. Left unpruned, their eventual size depends a lot on what rootstock was used by the nursery that produced them. Dwarfing (M9, M26) or semi-dwarfing rootstocks (MM106) are most suitable for an average-sized back garden, limiting growth to a manageable size, especially if trained against a wall or fence as cordon or espalier-type tree.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJCYE2GLLVA75CQJXHNT4Q6JGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298247616},"content":"How can I keep my house plants alive?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UJXYUE6DAVCVPE4LCP7S2OREBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741616550897},"content":"Pruning is another very important way of restricting size. The exact hows and whys of this depend on the style/shape of tree. From your description, yours sound like a free-standing “bush” or standard apple tree, which should be winter-pruned between November and early March, so you’ll need to wait until later this year. The technique varies a little depending on whether it’s what’s known as a tip-bearing or spur-bearing variety. For a step-by step guide, see <a href=\"http://rhs.org.uk/\">rhs.org.uk</a> or get your hands on a copy of Dr Hessayon’s The New Fruit Expert.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fionnuala Fallon"}},"name":"Fionnuala Fallon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Readers’ questions: The cherries were a wonderful surprise in the first year, but the tree has not been particularly bountiful since"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Our cherry tree has stopped fruiting. What can we do?’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2FXBSH5FTNAKFC7O7JBHKTBQWY","auth":{"1":"273d88759947d81632fb2b2acdff45e1a45fe91eb969adeab46c56bd7adf1506"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2FXBSH5FTNAKFC7O7JBHKTBQWY.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Gardening"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/gardening/2025/03/23/our-cherry-tree-has-stopped-fruiting-what-can-we-do/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/gardening","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Gardening"}}}},{"_id":"QEEXGWFIFZAKNHLC3HFRLG2JUU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":525,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/06ab32d6-c099-48af-94e4-f4476d2f6f25/versions/1741686992/media/a62fc56b93f737d50ca99ca489fd740c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/travel/2025/03/23/following-the-footsteps-of-jane-austen-in-bath-hotbed-of-1800s-gossip-and-novel-plots/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N24G4GFG4JAMJLTFFCKMW3VVZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771488},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jane-austen/\">Jane Austen</a> came close to penning her bestselling romance novels in Ireland, I am told by my tour guide, Theresa Roche, who is elegantly dressed in a cherry-red Regency costume.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4SENK4U4HBH3TAXHHQFT6XATLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771489},"content":"Towards the end of Austen’s romance with her first love, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick/\" target=\"_blank\">Limerick</a>-born <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2022/09/08/i-am-to-flirt-my-last-jane-austen-letter-about-dashing-irish-lawyer-unveiled-at-novelists-home/\">Tom Lefroy</a>, she wrote to her sister that she expected to receive an offer that evening. “But no offer came,” says Roche, of Strictly Jane Austen Tours, as we navigate the cobbled streets of Bath. “If it happened, then she would have no doubt moved to Ireland, and written her novels from there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LC4XWFN5RRGJPMH3GDZ4XUB3XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771490},"content":"It was a sliding doors moment. Yet the more we retrace Austen’s eventful life in Bath on this spring day, the more I wonder whether enduring favourites such as Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Emma could have been written if she hadn’t lived in Bath, England’s location of choice for socialising and gossip in 1800.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOZ7AYV3WNAHFGPFNVWVOFO3SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771491},"content":"It’s a point that the city itself is not shy of making, especially since 2025 marks 250 years since Austen’s birth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63OD3JGWLFAXBAATGOVFOAHXBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771492},"content":"Bath, an hour’s drive east of Bristol, on the northern tip of Somerset, has a heaving calendar of events in 2025 to celebrate Austen and her work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63OD3JGWLFAXBAATGOVFOAHXBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771494},"content":"The annual Jane Austen Festival is set to hold an elevated edition in September, alongside extended events like two Jane Austen balls in summer and one at Christmas (sign me up for the Sanditon-inspired seaside ball, please). Visiting historians are set to delight audiences with expert talks, and offbeat productions of Austen’s work fill the schedule at the Theatre Royal. There are exhibitions and tours, Regency dance workshops and fashion displays.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5IES75H45GP5EDCRBYVDFDBAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771495},"content":"They’re all there to support the richest immersive experience of them all: the streets of the city itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTXZIHB72FHRRAMT5SFJWJ35BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771496},"content":"It’s easy to see why two million people descend upon Bath every year, Jane Austen’s milestone birthday or not. It’s a Unesco World Heritage Site, with Georgian architecture throughout, street after street is pristinely presented with townhouses boasting wrought-iron railings that curl up steps to lunette-decorated entrances, all uniformly spaced out. Limerick and Dublin’s Georgian areas give a hint of what one might expect, but they don’t have the honey-white hue that gives Bath stone such a refined elegance. And nor can they suggest the scale. The Royal Crescent and The Circle – two meticulously kept areas – are shining examples of the style, but whether I mosey down back streets or venture out the centre, the city’s style doesn’t break character.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TW4SGJOGY5BF5K4YK2GKUEVFKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771493},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AX7C4QEQZVH2NGZOULX4NMYKL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771497},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OMMLR3YKCJC6BIUCVUHPS53NWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771498},"content":"It’s one of few places in the world that naturally feels like a movie set – up there with Shinjuku in Tokyo, Venice in Italy, and, well, anywhere in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/new-york-city/\" target=\"_blank\">New York</a>. And indeed, Bath is rightly synonymous with period dramas, whether adapted from Jane Austen’s writing (Persuasion, Northanger Abbey) or inspired by other works of the imagination (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2024/05/16/bridgerton-review-nicola-coughlan-is-by-far-the-best-thing-about-this-frocks-n-frolics-romp/\" target=\"_blank\">Bridgerton</a>, The Duchess, Vanity Fair).","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXQ4QSFXORHTVD2XPHXXKJKRM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771499},"content":"The walking tour of Bath takes in the city’s myriad filming locations, Austen’s former residences and the places where Bath residents congregated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQKEUMNK7NFNHBNC5ADFRPZBA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771500},"content":"That much of Bath was built in the same style speaks of the cash that was being pumped into the city during its heyday in Georgian England, in the 18th and 19th centuries, when foreign holidays were rare. Austen’s adulthood came in tandem with this heyday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQKEUMNK7NFNHBNC5ADFRPZBA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771502},"content":"At the time Bath was the epicentre of matchmaking in high-society England. The social season – when the elite would arrive and rent lodgings for weeks or months – ran during spring and summer, and included all the “coming outs”, tea visits and balls that costume dramas have taught us to expect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGCHVNNGBJEFHBO2CN6DXD5SDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771503},"content":"Central to this was the Pump Room, once a place to drink the mineral-rich spring waters that gave Bath its name and fame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJ6GVFFC4NHSZDQJ7USSBEIY3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771504},"content":"In 1799, the same year a 24-year-old Austen first resided here, it was reopened as the dizzyingly-heighted room with its statement chandelier that it is today. It immediately became the place where “every creature in Bath was to be seen in the room at different periods of the fashionable hours”, as Austen wrote. Key to this was a book that logged the details of eligible new visitors, which was available for all to see – “it was the dating app of its day,” says Roche.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ3SFO6OVJEK5NKEXIAB3FG2UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771505},"content":"The tradition is played out in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, Austen’s two books that specifically included Bath as a location. Mostly, though, the city’s influence on Austen is implicit – she was a fiction writer, after all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRJASGKDTBGKXJ56W7XRN7745I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771501},"type":"image"},{"_id":"RFAMNNL7F5FFNH6NZYKAH3XGUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771507},"content":"During her time in Bath, Austen skilfully avoided marriage (she was engaged for one whole evening, before she broke it off the next day). And when her father died in 1805 – when the family lived with their servants in a salubrious townhouse on Green Park Buildings – she, her mother and her remaining unmarried sister lost their income, forcing them to move to smaller and smaller places until they left Bath altogether.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDDBCHKALZCQLN5TIGD45OTKSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771508},"content":"As I promenade around the city on a bustling Saturday, there’s a noticeable rub between the romance of Austen’s great historical settings and their use today. I swing by the townhouse on Queen’s Square where she first stayed, only to find her former residence is a nondescript solicitor’s office. Nearby, under a grand building whose colonnades once sheltered rich sick people as they were carried from Royal Crescent to the thermal baths, is probably the world’s most magnificent Primark. Austen’s address on Gay Street is now a dental surgery. You don’t always need a lot of imagination to envisage the Bath of Jane Austen’s day, but sometimes it helps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRB42F75MVBMBIIMQYK23TCS3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771506},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UIFRYH4ZPNFUTDWVLGHTWWZ34U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771509},"content":"For the most part, the past entwines nicely with the new. The Pump Room is now the setting of a grand, white-table clothed restaurant, where afternoon tea is high on the tick list for Bath activities. At my hotel, the cosy set of interlinked townhouses that is Hotel Indigo, Jane Austen-emblazoned cushions and carpets are in keeping with its Regency kitsch decor. I stay in a “Literary Hideaway” room – complete with writing bureau, book-themed wall art and furnishings, as a nod to the city’s literary history (a couple of doors down from The Jane Austen Centre is Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, honouring the author who penned the western world’s first sci-fi novel in 1818).","type":"text"},{"_id":"WR3MVUPAGVERXI6Y2JUEU27YCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771511},"content":"Aside from matchmaking, the healing waters was the city’s other draw in Austen’s time. The Roman Baths is an interactive museum housed on the archaeological site of the complex that been used since AD 70, and is now in various states of repair. Via an audio guide, I’m walked through its many baths of different temperatures, with reconstructions and soft-lit cabinets of findings helping to piece together its story.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJFOOHOYBJF7PHNIA5A2EZ53OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771512},"content":"Today, the glass-fronted, sprawling Thermae Bath Spa is where couples, hen parties and friends gather to soak their days away, and where I take shelter on my drizzly final day in the city. It is largely indoors but also with an expansive rooftop pool that’s naturally heated to luxuriating temperatures. I’m lulled into believing the cliche: it’ll cure what ails you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2CKYYRWMFYN5KN62W4XZRKMFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771510},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LGB37KADFZGH4GXEMKFKQ6X74I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771513},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IVITNUENRBD3BFYEYYG2XLC2TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771514},"content":"By the time the Austen family’s fading fortunes caused them to leave Bath in 1806, change was in the air. With its sea waters and royal visitors, Brighton began to replace Bath as the elite’s place to see and be seen. Queen’s Square, Austen’s first accommodation in Bath, had quickly turned into a less desirable neighbourhood – enough for Anne Elliot in Persuasion (published in 1817) to insist, “If we do go [to Bath], we must be in a good situation: none of your Queen’s Squares for us!”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DEM5CMG44NHJ3F2B4WN2SCZBPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771515},"content":"But today, the dedicated preservation of Bath coupled with Austen’s immense skill at world-building has given the destination a new lease of life. More than two centueies later, it stands out as a place to transport us to a time in history that’s an endless source of fascination – largely because of Austen herself. Jane Austen’s Bath is a shining example of the right person in the right place at the right time, and grudgingly, not even a glimmer of an Irish residency can change that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLGWS5S4VNAY7GFT2OILYRMMMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742291771516},"content":"<i>See </i><a href=\"http://visitbath.co.uk/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>visitbath.co.uk</i></a><i> for more information on visiting Bath and Austen 250. Shilpa Ganatra was a guest of Visit West and Hotel Indigo Bath (</i><a href=\"http://bath.hotelindigo.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>bath.hotelindigo.com</i></a><i>)</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Shilpa Ganatra"}]},"description":{"basic":"With its Georgian architecture, Roman baths and Austen-tatious literary history, Bath never breaks character "},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Following the footsteps of Jane Austen in Bath, hotbed of 1800s gossip and novel plots","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"P77VM6QUA5FSVFVYCRV5SCI2ZM","auth":{"1":"20f64e3a499769b62ca4ce5678601829f7b07f6372c458243bdba6c98fe44327"},"focal_point":{"x":1166,"y":363},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/P77VM6QUA5FSVFVYCRV5SCI2ZM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/travel/2025/03/23/following-the-footsteps-of-jane-austen-in-bath-hotbed-of-1800s-gossip-and-novel-plots/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/travel","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Travel"}}}},{"_id":"2SALZ2UTNBA5HC6DFJASMK6PSI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":223,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/df23ab50-a0cb-46e0-8fd6-5d833955aa7b/versions/1741788533/media/75d6d5a57487fd7c391a1b275258f8ec_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/23/sean-moncrieff-the-word-old-has-become-an-insult-if-youre-old-its-all-over/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GGJKCWHWQJGQZG334353BM4I7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665542},"content":"One of the early indicators that spring has arrived is the change in the sorts of people I see on the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dart/\" target=\"_blank\">Dart</a>. The foreign language students arrive: they travel in large, noisy packs, usually carrying a rucksack issued by whatever institution organised the trip. Seasoned Dart travellers keep an eye out for these groups and move to a different carriage. They take up a lot of space and the decibel level is often close to ear-splitting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CRZZRCVRVCAXO7B7VU2VD36RY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665543},"content":"There are also people heading to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/howth/\" target=\"_blank\">Howth</a>. They carry rucksacks too, and wear waterproof jackets and sturdy boots. Some have trekking poles. Often they are carrying so much equipment they look like they are about to climb the north face of the Eiger, rather than walk up Howth Head.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KS2PLOAOYFFZZO72OPOUKQ4EFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665544},"content":"I’m generalising, but this cohort of people tend to be of retirement age. I spotted the first of the season last week, when two English women shuffled on to the packed train. Unlike the foreign language students, they were mindful of trying not to bash people with their rucksacks. There was an age gap between them; one I’m guessing was in her early 60s while the other seemed closer to 70.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KR6IFLPV4VG4RH5GEVEFSSRRYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665545},"content":"A man stood and offered the older of the two women his seat. She politely declined, and then fell into conversation with her friend about what had just happened. She wasn’t offended by the offer – this kind of thing had happened to her before – but she couldn’t remember when it had started. She wondered what it was about her appearance, or the image she was projecting to the world, that caused others to think she needed a seat more than they did. Especially now: she was dressed in hiking gear. She obviously wasn’t infirm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVSYBYJ7TVHJDCR6MG6MY6MRRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665546},"content":"Perhaps wisely, her friend didn’t express an opinion on the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMELN3L2W5BV5KK2N5A44IVESU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665547},"content":"They weren’t criticising the man who had made the offer. Nor should they have. It probably doesn’t happen as much as it used to, but I still see people who are elderly or frail or pregnant being given seats on public transport, and it is always gratifying to witness. Old-fashioned decency hasn’t completely died out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DATYJNGXRDGFGNSGYRFXJ2NFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665548},"content":"It’s just that in this case, the man unwittingly contributed to the series of mild insults that go along with being older.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWX43SFY6RCZXPBIAK3IZ76FIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665549},"content":"Even what I’ve written here could contribute to it. The word “older” is vague: older than who? I’m trying to avoid using the word “old”. Few seem to want to embrace that term, and you can’t blame them: it’s become definitive, damning, close to an insult. If you’re old, it’s all over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54TGFWI7HFCTDPRBEHW6EISWOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742288113331},"content":"Shouldn’t we allow ourselves grow old gracefully and not be full of fear?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3UXY7IEEEJGZ5NXUVQPGB3MMMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665550},"content":"Instead, older-than-you people have to endure a society that would rather not think about them at all. Women, especially, become almost invisible. Ageing is not treated as a natural process any more, but almost a moral failing; something that should have been resisted. To be old in public advertises that disgraceful failure: one that the non-old would rather not be close to, just in case it’s contagious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTCI6WDKSVBJZF5N3DNI2ANCMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665551},"content":"Not everyone acts this way. It’s well-intentioned, but the old can often be shoved into the land of cliche: we should value the elderly because they are wise (not necessarily true). They aren’t fit but “hale and hearty”. Or the worst: being described as “71 years young”. When, or if, I reach that august age and hear that phrase from someone, they can expect an unexpected meeting with the back of my arthritic hand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y57FEQIR5VCMNBLD6CZTWKRJBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742288113335},"content":"The value of age: ‘l am still me with wisdom gained. My goal is to stay curious’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AJL2RECYCRAXHLHPBY7K5UKV2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741710665552},"content":"On the Dart, we passed a few stations and a seat became free. The older woman marched down to it, then waved to her younger friend, who accepted it gratefully and, I inferred, was the one who had really needed to sit down. There’s a difference between old and tired.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Seán Moncrieff"}},"name":"Seán Moncrieff"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ageing is not treated as a natural process any more, but almost a moral failing; something that should have been resisted"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Seán Moncrieff: The word ‘old’ has become an insult. If you’re old, it’s all over","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ILRNIAZH5ZH23O4USKSEJ4PT4Y","auth":{"1":"1e795949d30a528b673ce12bf053e0dce3dad3cc1e7cdea1f2218410d1361011"},"focal_point":{"x":1212,"y":681},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ILRNIAZH5ZH23O4USKSEJ4PT4Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/23/sean-moncrieff-the-word-old-has-become-an-insult-if-youre-old-its-all-over/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"ZTX2N5DGQFH75IUJH5R6PHYB4I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":436,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9f205f3f-5023-44f9-aeb3-b5730f78741c/versions/1741871133/media/6003783e09099274853617b77367578a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/2025/03/23/thrifted-gifts-if-youre-worried-about-the-environment-its-conscience-free-shopping/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YRAYUL5JVZG5RO3OZQHSMHWTAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1669204604894},"content":"“When somebody has gifted you something that has been thrifted, they put a huge amount of effort into it,” says vintage enthusiast Naomi Fitzgibbon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQBBZIS7SNGIPFDJLGS5VTNHNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913135},"content":"As owner of her own online boutique Vintage Finds You, Fitzgibbon specialises in second-hand fashion – “Irish vintage is the holy grail for me” – but she has a knack for unearthing all sorts of rare goods, and is passionate about thrifted gifting as a more <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sustainability/\" target=\"_blank\">sustainable</a> alternative to buying something new.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQBBZIS7SNGIPFDJLGS5VTNHNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913135},"content":"Gift-giving is one of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/love-languages-are-you-a-gift-giver-or-do-you-take-out-the-bins-1.4186629\" target=\"_self\">five “love languages</a>” coined by American author and radio host Gary Chapman in his 1992 book, which have since entered the cultural lexicon. If, like Fitzgibbon, you find joy in gift-giving, then opting to seek out thrifted gifts for your special someone might elicit an even greater sense of fulfilment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUZGVSHXK5CDVLSZ5OQU2UJRLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913125},"content":"The appeal of giving or receiving thrifted presents is the fact that they are “so different, and they’re never going to find them anywhere else,” says Fitzgibbon. “They’re unique and special.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUZGVSHXK5CDVLSZ5OQU2UJRLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913125},"content":"When on the hunt for gifts for family and friends at markets, in charity shops and online, she puts “a lot of thought into trying to find something they want, but that they’re not going to find anywhere else”. The item will hopefully be “a one-off thing” that can be treasured for years to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNUX7XQSQZHOTP77YDZPSD7JVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741793064602},"content":"If you are unsure whether a second-hand gift is right for someone, “test the water and see what they say,” she says. “You can always ask” for their opinion, by saying something like: “What would you think about that, would you wear it?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNUX7XQSQZHOTP77YDZPSD7JVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741793064602},"content":"You’ll soon know whether the water is hot or cold. “If you’re into vintage yourself and people ask ‘Where did you get that’ and you go, ‘Oh, it’s vintage’ and they’re turning their nose up, you know it’s not going to work for them,” says Fitzgibbon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDMPBSSGWZCJ5CWMR3IXV4NB7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913129},"content":"“Most of my friends and family appreciate vintage pieces, but there’s no point in buying [second-hand] for [for some people] because it’s just not their thing.” You could consider a piece of jewellery like a bracelet or necklace if second-hand clothes aren’t their cup of tea, she adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MI5WNVOY4VEYFMCBRML25PSZ3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913130},"content":"“Ask the vendor as well, because they’re probably used to dealing with people who might be a little unsure.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKCXQVSXDBGSLEQDRQ5PZ7D2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742290301199},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Q4TZHSH5AJDD7CPAGX6LURQSYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913131},"content":"Approaching your gift shopping with “an idea of what their likes and dislikes are, and what they are into” helps narrow the focus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5A7E5GBPFC2LMO25YJAARNCMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913132},"content":"“Homeware? Glassware? You can find some incredible vintage books in some of the Oxfams,” says Fitzgibbon, showing off a Japanese hand-lacquered jewellery box she found in Blackrock Market in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INBHGQ46TFGRDB3VC5NPY3NHFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741793064608},"content":"She is a regular visitor to Dublin’s various <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2022/09/03/the-flea-markets-that-are-bringing-the-magic-back-to-dublin-city/\" target=\"_self\">flea markets</a>, and mentions Thomas Street as one hub. “There’s the Milk Market in Limerick, and some really good ones in Belfast as well,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPXHTVAIDRGTRD5AZRECVC4LEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741798917786},"content":"One of the most cherished thrifted gifts Fitzgibbon has received is a vintage silk Chinese hand-embroidered jacket. “It was a gift from my husband as he knows I’m fascinated by oriental vintage silks like this. He got it in Naples.” She wore the piece to a recent school reunion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV2WCGHXBNABPE7H346MBZHGCM","additional_properties":{"_id":"66S2357A7JBERNDCHV762JIFL4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DPXHTVAIDRGTRD5AZRECVC4LEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741798917786},"content":"Delphine Velut and Richard Harte run Le Zeitgeist Bohemia Flea Market in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/phibsborough/\" target=\"_blank\">Phibsborough</a>, north Dublin. Every second Sunday of the month, about 100 traders gather at the venue tucked behind Phibsborough Shopping centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3GUJE6ET5C4ZP4F7XXNBSPXHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913138},"content":"Some 60 stalls, featuring everything from leather goods, antiques, prints, vintage toys and clothes to mid-century furniture, handmade jewellery, candles and crafts can fit inside, sheltered from the elements. Another 40 stalls, full of fashion and bric-a-brac, occupy the outdoor area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDKCPCDQYVDVXGMIZKNWCE4LVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913139},"content":"The market has become immensely popular among the local community. “We have thousands of people coming through our door on a given Sunday,” says Harte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKCJVCZOO5C3DIZEGUFLQ7FYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913140},"content":"“For us it’s about [offering] a wide variety of quality things and also keeping an eye on what’s happening in the community. There are some lovely stories about traders testing their product and using us for a platform and then they’ve gone on to much bigger things, maybe opening shops in the city.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3LVRF4HPFFY7D2SENXHRDOQME","additional_properties":{"_id":1741793064614},"content":"They both particularly enjoy the eclectic selection of trinkets on offer from “the bric-a-brac guys”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZCMHUU6PZCZNIX5ZK5J3EYKRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913142},"content":"“We just love the outside area,” says Harte. “Although we do have some art and craft stalls, the emphasis is on creating a dirty free market, for want of a better word ... It’s so real.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFTIL4RPAVEDRCQQGLCSSWHW4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913143},"content":"The pair are proud to have created “a place where people can go and rummage and just not know what they’re going to find”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5U2P6CQVLRBINJRVBAGVANEONA","additional_properties":{"_id":"F47DEPYVSZFJ5KJRLTWO2Z43HE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PV6NJFTQLVGSXMFWBZTHGGYVOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913144},"content":"Like Fitzgibbon, Harte is a big fan of thrifted gifting. “If you’re conscious about the environment, it’s conscience-free shopping.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPOR7BEZ25BU7FTF767BV4NFBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913145},"content":"“All my gifts around Christmas time, I’d get them in the market. No matter who [the potential recipients] are or what they’re into, you’re going to find something there that’s going to tick the boxes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVL4IJL5T5GYZNKGAPJXNI6ZKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913146},"content":"It is important to keep an open mind and embrace the unexpected when on a thrifting mission for a gift. “Have something in mind but be prepared to go home with something completely different,” Harte advises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGVJI66F2ZBHJIGUJ5SLTXCD3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913147},"content":"As a trader himself, he suggests customers bringing cash – “because it’s harder to haggle with a credit card”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLEUOXNWQNFQNCU24ENTMSOJZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913148},"content":"“The first price is not necessarily the end price. They’re expecting a haggle. There’s always a bit of movement on the price.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBSCG2RZ7VDBDHOX57BE24GLXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913149},"content":"Come prepared to root around. “It’s not the high street. Not everything is going to be laid out. You need to be in that mode, prepared to rummage through and seek out the bargains.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6MUUZSPR5DQRDEHSLW6DGTPHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913150},"content":"Market prices range broadly, so there’s something for every budget. “You could buy something for 50 cents, or a sideboard off the mid-century furniture guy for €1,500.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EK7QVQPXLNHM3IJUK2ME4PYE5U","additional_properties":{"_id":"KFZBHYXVGRHOTJMHMRQ7W7LSUY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UL44VRSMHNCN5P6W5JWKCSOVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913151},"content":"“If you have something in mind, just speak to [the traders] and tell them what you’re looking for. They could have something to bring you next month. That’s my advice on looking for the perfect gift.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UL44VRSMHNCN5P6W5JWKCSOVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913151},"content":"Robert Reddin, one of the organisers of The Fairyhouse Market in Ratoath in Co Meath, echoes Harte’s advice over haggling. “If I was going for the first time I’d make sure I had small denominations. You are expected to do a bit of haggling.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFUBSROVI5EQ3GZ35PYGWI75BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913153},"content":"The car boot sale, founded in 1991, operates every Sunday from the grounds of the Fairyhouse Race Course, except for race days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKORT3CPNZAGFHLGWW3L6S3HPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913154},"content":"“My father started the market over 30 years ago with a partner and myself, and then other partners soon took over,” says Reddin says. The market has a selection of traders offering a mix of brand new goods, second-hand items and food stalls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDGLUWM5Q5EN5ENGPI6L5JQVVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741355913155},"content":"“You never know what you’re going to find. As they say, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. There are things that you don’t see in the average shop or shopping centre.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ella Sloane"}},"name":"Ella Sloane"}]},"description":{"basic":"Bring your gift-giving to the next level with these tips from three thrifting enthusiasts"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Thrifted gifts: ‘If you’re worried about the environment, it’s conscience-free shopping’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KKALVTDEVNDJXBTJ7YGUFW7JRU","auth":{"1":"189a64e2230872d350d81a74fdf1a8ca9a8a55ef71642a4f5f7368adb9b6ed53"},"focal_point":{"x":2306,"y":1371},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KKALVTDEVNDJXBTJ7YGUFW7JRU.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/2025/03/23/thrifted-gifts-if-youre-worried-about-the-environment-its-conscience-free-shopping/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Life & Style"}}}},{"_id":"V2CWCL4N4FD4LMB63KV5VF6KWA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":789,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d0b0d8e6-5793-46b6-adcc-f87cefe86fdd/versions/1742398301/media/f7680e9814782ec5ed9a662c38adc9dc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BLCCG4S4AFABHOGAQETHS7OMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695695},"content":"On the face of it, Sandra Adams, a Dublin-based mother of two, seems an unlikely campaigner to be on the front line of the culture wars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMGJ62YVR5AKXGLT5C5TYWOKEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695696},"content":"“I supported the repeal referendum and marriage equality ... If anything, I’m more of a social democrat in terms of philosophy,” says Adams, who has previously worked as an arts producer and community worker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQTJSSJZLNFYHALJXZRULJNUX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695697},"content":"Right now, one of her main concerns is campaigning for what she calls “fact-based, scientifically accurate” education and opposing the presentation of gender identity in schools as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D44WADUGNRCIRIJZ44HSO3DPD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695698},"content":"“People are entitled to believe whatever they wish. I don’t query that,” she says. “But if you go into a school and teach that ‘everyone has a gender identity’, that’s simply not true. We have to teach facts, not ideologies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XOS7TR4FJCNPG6PJD6GII6QTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695699},"content":"“Children don’t have a stable sense of identity and can be easily influenced and manipulated. So, it’s profoundly irresponsible to say you can change sex.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJXAQESXBZDYBE35I4RCY4PPIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"Karen Sugrue, a mother from Limerick, holds very different views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BTSSXZYBAHPILQSVCSPMQDTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952822},"content":"A teacher, psychotherapist and co-chair of Mammies for Trans, she insists gender identity “isn’t contested science” and there is no reason to fear it being raised in the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UVWJWZF4ZE3NFXPI63N7UBWQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695721},"content":"“The World Health Organisation understands that gender is not a binary, it’s a spectrum, as does the Irish Government and the Department of Health,” she says. “They are very clear on that, so we’re on very solid ground.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4K5PRS5LZGETEOHMYALWPXXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"CN36PIEA4BBAPEN7CZXALPPNIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YF2UB45HAJCCVLOGSRPXHDYIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695722},"content":"She says we should teach children about diverse families and identities in an age-appropriate way, especially in light of attempts to make political capital on the back of so-called “wedge” issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HAF6Z4ZFJB35IBAXYUQC37CUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695723},"content":"“We saw it with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/02/05/trump-signs-order-intended-to-bar-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports/\">Donald Trump</a>. One of the first things he did was to make an issue of gender. Not guns or drugs. It was gender. In Ireland, there are lots of bad faith political actors who will stoke up controversy on this instead of housing, health or waiting lists, which they can’t solve,” says Sugrue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMLIAFJZZRDIFA3J47FXVIHGCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695724},"content":"The process of drafting a new curriculum at primary level – the biggest shake-up to teaching and learning for two decades – has attracted huge levels of interest and hundreds of submissions from parents, as well as lobby groups and other stakeholders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD6WEWOEKRGCBDTQLBPG3TP74M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695701},"content":"On one side are both self-described liberal and conservative parents, campaign groups, religious organisations and others who argue that “radical gender ideology” is not appropriate for children and that young people with gender dysphoria need specialised and compassionate medical care, not what some term “woke indoctrination” at school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FT27JXMOP5AUHIBLOEI4WOINDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695702},"content":"On the other are parents – of trans children in some cases – groups of academics and nongovernmental organisations who say the new syllabus needs to recognise the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and who insist that silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of many vulnerable pupils.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOHGWPME2BCVTPWYWQJQDANZCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564014},"content":"Gender identity not included in draft primary school curriculum","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5VJZQP4UJBCZJD2T6F6BZSJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695703},"content":"The curriculum is being drafted against a backdrop of polarised online debate, viral videos with claims of highly sexualised or inappropriate curricular content, while the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/enoch-burke\">Enoch Burke</a> saga – the second-level teacher opposed to what he terms “transgenderism” and who has violated court orders to stay away from his former school – continues with no sign of a resolution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QI5W4HWFNAWXDPJNESDLI3QEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695704},"content":"The body charged with developing the new primary syllabus is the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), a statutory body of the Department of Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFVH7N35AVG6JMQHHDPRKS6ZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695705},"content":"Policymakers say it is timely that an updated curriculum is developed to “equip our children with essential knowledge, skills, concepts, attitudes, values and dispositions” to prepare them for life further into the 21st century.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDT4GAOW65B4VCQLDH4HVUKAEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695706},"content":"Under the draft reforms which have been several years in the making, primary school pupils will spend more time learning foreign languages as well as Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) and a broader arts curriculum, including dance and creative media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSLABDTEWJDRHLJWO3ZFS4FQCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695707},"content":"The “wellbeing” section of the draft curriculum is the most contentious. It includes an emphasis on relationships and sex education including new areas of learning such as consent and diversity in family structures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCJ5XUXX5RECRBO3KXS5QMCCNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695708},"content":"There is, however, no reference to transgender or gender-identity issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEFB7KS3F5G7VA3GBVQXUQIUMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695709},"content":"(It <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/04/24/new-junior-cycle-curriculum-will-oblige-schools-to-teach-about-gender-identity/\">does feature</a> in the separate and recently updated social, personal and health education curriculum for older junior cycle students, typically aged 12-15).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKLYDB3H2BGSDOMIUFQ5FFWALM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695710},"content":"Notwithstanding this, the NCCA noted that a “diversity of opinion was shared on gender identity and LGBTI+ terminology that do not feature in the draft wellbeing curriculum” at primary level during its consultations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZBD4DJTUJDZDJ3KBEGIK6KRI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564023},"content":"New primary school curriculum: the changes on the way and what they mean for children","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"G45OZQ3Z2NAWRC7ZR2WL3TZV3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695711},"content":"Many submissions, it says, were based on “misinformation or disinformation” on what is in the draft primary syllabus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHCHO4UUNBAR3N7HDMDVZPQZOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695712},"content":"The curriculum is due to be finalised shortly and will be sent to Minister for Education <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/helen-mcentee\">Helen McEntee</a> for approval in advance of its publication later this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7RFCKRDDFBZXGS3VNBES5UCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695713},"content":"Those opposed to teaching around gender identity, however, remain wary. Gender critical-campaigners point to teaching resources or tool kits aimed at primary students that teach gender identity as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOOVIUGJFFSBJZUWCFE3HOOMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695714},"content":"Adams, for example, cites the HSE booklet Busy Bodies for teaching children aged eight to 12 about puberty, which is distributed to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKCJYBKMM5BIZLSFPFFOKCPHZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695715},"content":"“As well as a biological sex, we all have a gender identity,” the cartoon booklet states. “This is how we think of ourselves as a boy, a girl, neither or both.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGOIGWVDIRDV3EAUBW3OXT75AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695716},"content":"Adams says, whatever about curriculum reforms, teachers are being directed to “ideologically driven” tool kits for the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBVOFQHETNA6XHUV776FQNANUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695717},"content":"“We rightly trust our teachers. It’s an amazing profession – I’ve lots of teachers in my family – and they have such positive influence on children ... so this undermines the trust we need to have in our teachers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"53HV6YZN5RFP5B7C3EWC6PPGJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695718},"content":"Other gender-critical campaigners point to an overarching primary curriculum framework document, which states that the syllabus will be “concerned with the best interest of every child, considering that they vary in their competence, language, family background, age, culture, ethnic status, religion, gender and sexual identity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5EC2V6G7ZHTZPESUFVP6DZ7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695719},"content":"They question if this reference to “gender and sexual identity” means the topic will, ultimately, find its way into the classroom. An NCCA source insists this is not the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EF5BE63VRZAGTD2BUETNUYYC2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"On the other hand, groups such as BelongTo – which supports LGBTQ+ young people – say the reality is that young trans people are in primary schools in Ireland and have a right to a supportive spaces where it is safe to question their sexual orientation and gender identity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBR4DBHHOFAQRH53QNS6EE5CSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695725},"content":"“Ignoring their existence and silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of these pupils,” it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RTSEXWYSRHPZDTZYG3J43E3KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695726},"content":"It cites studies that show that LGBTQ+ young people face higher levels of suicide ideation and mental health risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7R7KKBV7JC2NDQQRYLHP7Y23U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695727},"content":"“Rather than brushing this topic under the rug, we need to ensure that schools have the capacity and confidence to support all pupils in an age-appropriate manner, including those who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity,” it says. “All pupils deserve to feel safe and supported at school.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Y2DFBPQHBHJHLOMLK2OTKDEDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695728},"content":"Transgender Equality Network Ireland (Teni) also says there are trans children in Irish primary schools who want to feel as included as every other child, want their lived experiences to be shared with their peers and want to see themselves reflected in the curriculum just like other children do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERODJFHODRE7FMQVJCKNVNLLMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695729},"content":"“Silencing and obscuring the experiences of trans children does not make those children disappear, it only brings a sense of shame and stigma to children already facing high levels of bullying and social isolation,” says Teni.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24OTJ2NY7BDD7ATJPVW7VH2VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952855},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y3VINNCIIVDH3LTOMCWLYNKYOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564040},"content":"Gender identity is just one of the flashpoints around the curriculum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNSNPF5CFZAERIW6RJQ7TVTD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952853},"content":"Everything from critical race theory to Irish identity have come under the microscope since the social, personal and health education (SPHE) curriculum was updated at second level for junior cycle students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUE4DS6I3JAV3DUZ4K7JUBHYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695731},"content":"Last year there was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/09/05/calls-for-curriculum-review-after-publisher-pulls-text-on-irish-family-stereotype/\">controversy</a> when a publisher withdrew a schoolbook to accompany the revised syllabus that portrayed a “traditional” Irish family in a way that was described by critics as prejudiced and a crude caricature.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKEGJQJOQZEMJEFREALSWUNZUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952856},"content":"The book, Health and Wellbeing, gave two examples of representative Irish families. The first portrayed a family wearing Aran sweaters, with the children Irish dancing, eating potatoes, bacon and cabbage each day, and stated that they played no foreign sports, played Irish music, never travelled abroad and did not mix with other religions because they would be a “bad influence” on them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MF7TMF554VBJXIWOJLE6MRP4OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695733},"content":"This family was compared with a second family, which was multicultural and travelled abroad a lot because it was a good way to learn about other cultures and societies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KO7JSUWA5CKLGTXAJSFZ7UA4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695734},"content":"A spokesperson for the Educational Company of Ireland said the depictions were “designed to help students understand the importance of diversity in our lives” but it appreciated that its approach should have been different and “caused upset and anger, even though this was not our intention”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SG2KCC22JFE5PKNTM652K3E6VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695735},"content":"In another development, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/10/24/graphic-material-on-social-personal-and-health-education-course-not-intended-for-classroom-use-says-university/\">viral YouTube video</a> with a teacher who claimed the updated SPHE course at junior cycle contained graphic and inappropriate sexual content for students has attracted almost 450,000 views. The content formed part of a Dublin City University training course for the new subject.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UKMAMKLWFGMHA5LVFLBAATKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695736},"content":"Tipperary teacher Mary Creedon said she was horrified by some of the material, which included a video of an illustrated woman figure demonstrating masturbation and an animated “sex map” of heterosexual and homosexual couples engaged in different sex acts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYTPW3IVKJEDTCPEUDCB4OVZDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695737},"content":"DCU later said the video “completely misrepresented” the course and that any material shared was provided only to the teachers as adults in the context of their broader education on the programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSW7LXYCV5AUBCJVZG3KUJXKZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695738},"content":"These areas of teaching and learning are being updated largely on foot of a government-commissioned <a href=\"https://ncca.ie/en/resources/report-on-the-review-of-relationships-and-sexuality-education-in-primary-and-post-primary-school/\">review of sex education </a>in 2019, which found that the 20-year-old syllabus was out of date, too focused on biology and did not reflect the reality of young people’s lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND455XDXDRFBBB44SMGI76WSHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695739},"content":"Teenagers said they wanted a greater emphasis on issues such as consent, relationships, the effects of pornography on sexual expectations and LGBTQ+ matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QOWVJQQGZDJNEDS6BXOELOWPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695740},"content":"The Government pledged to develop an age-appropriate curriculum across primary and second-level schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTQ+ relationships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O3G5RVKQRE7TC26DET5ZB5YN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695741},"content":"The first step involved updating the junior cycle curriculum for social, personal and health education, followed by senior cycle last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXII7KOXTFF75DGWF67FJW37DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695742},"content":"For the NCCA, it has been a delicate balancing act of updating the curriculum and figuring out how relationships and sexuality education should be taught in schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPIBCSSXOJDENCLNZY4JAH4HUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695743},"content":"“We know these topics are sensitive and there are very strong opinions on what should or should not be in there,” says one source involved in drafting the curriculum. “We’ve researched and consulted extensively, and anything we’ve done is founded in scientific fact.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7XQMQEKZGYLJOYWJYO3DVKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695744},"content":"The NCCA works by drawing on national and international research, inviting consultation, holding focus groups, discussing changes with school communities and shaping proposals","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAZZXJ6XEJB4PNSYRBUXB2KVS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695745},"content":"The changes, say sources, are aimed at promoting dialogue and discussion about these issues in an age-appropriate way with an informed teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5ZBJBBQUBAP3AJ2CUQKVOCRQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695746},"content":"Critics, however, claim the consultative processes are largely tokenistic and see only minimal changes in response to their concerns. This is rejected by NCCA sources, who point to examples of how draft and final blueprints have changed in response to consultation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIXX2M2LDJGM5FRRGTLNEIC3AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695747},"content":"For some of those involved in policymaking, the disputes revive memories of similar battles in the 1980s and 1990s when sex education was first included in the curriculum, amid protests and pledges by some parents to withdraw children from classes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI45ELTF2JGULDSEBPUA25MN7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695748},"content":"“There were many of the same claims of ‘This isn’t age-appropriate’, ‘Not at this stage’ and ‘It’s not the job of schools to teach this’,” says one education source. “This [new curriculum] isn’t usurping the role of parents; they have a role and should be consulted about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2GPKMUGINBTFOQLXX5GYBHIWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695749},"content":"Ultimately, says another long-standing education observer, the fact that curriculum change is generating debate is healthy sign of a vigorous democracy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6BICT2FLFC5FBKHL2HNTL5WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695750},"content":"“A curriculum reflects educational priorities which society, at a point in time, deems important for its young citizens,” says the source. “It embodies society’s broadly held view of what our children should learn into the 21st century. It’s only right that we have lively debates about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUVUXMDB4ZAVNO4OTTMKFG7ZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695751},"content":"Many schools say they have been quietly getting on with meeting the needs of small numbers of trans young people in conjunction with parents without controversy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P4UR7KHJJE6LLPPNOXVQEV62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695752},"content":"“It’s happening under the surface,” says one principal. “We work with parents. We do get emails and are forwarded messages from social media, questioning what we’re doing ... Our approach is to tread very carefully.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKY6TNULERAGPNOFDABOFEUSTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695753},"content":"Parents have the right to opt children out of any sex education classes, which is provided for under law, but teachers and policymakers are hopeful it will not come to this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAPZWWWB4FEMRI3OYIVAVAG2OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695754},"content":"“All the research shows that children will talk to their parents about anything when they are young,” says one policymaker. “In their teens it’s more about their friends and the internet ... So, if schools don’t offer something that is solid and of substance, the internet and their friends are the only source of information.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"A new primary level syllabus – the biggest shake-up in two decades – is being finalised against a backdrop of polarised online debate and claims of misinformation"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Culture wars reach the classroom: What is the best way to teach children about gender and identity?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME","auth":{"1":"0b86ec9a8d9c5ec2ddf4452be4b6b05d2a8da4176c6da16d330746bf3a9b1ef2"},"focal_point":{"x":4375,"y":1435},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Family"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"People"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-family","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Family"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"05211851263e3df38a880416726e5c7b7890bf993020a02d89d75c2e6a959dd7"},"expires":1742733198156,"lastModified":1742732897757},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":8,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/culture*) AND -(subtype:\\\"Review\\\")\",\"size\":8}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"4VYRTGP2YBEF3H4XONJHGJAQ4M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":678,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/bff6936b-2aae-4e4a-a2ad-d9d3bf4ec230/versions/1742207491/media/1114b6c707ddbd76d4c71c787a5554ca_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/23/when-muhammad-ali-came-to-ireland-how-a-splendid-spoofer-from-kerry-planned-to-lure-the-boxer-to-dublin/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2LDCBM5OUVFRVG7XQI6LSSN6IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126935},"content":"On a tour of England in October, 1971, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/muhammad-ali/\" target=\"_self\">Muhammad Ali</a> visited The Wellington, strongman Butty Sugrue’s pub in Shepherd’s Bush, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/london/3/\" target=\"_self\">London</a>. At one point in the festivities, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kerry/\" target=\"_self\">Kerryman</a> and Ali had a one-on-one chat during which the landlord asked the former heavyweight champion of the world to consider a fight in Ireland, the profits from which would go to a charity close to his heart.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7X2CJYRGZE7ZHYHJESEZ6RF2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126936},"content":"“Like Joe Louis, he is deeply interested in the welfare of the mentally handicapped,” said Sugrue. “So, I put the idea to him and asked him would he fight in Dublin. He told me he would go anywhere at any time to fight for the mentally handicapped children, and he promised me then to do this fight for £100,000.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7667JLDRNFJNNX64VDIG5L5QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126937},"content":"Whether Ali made any personal assurances about a future bout for any charity is open to question but there is no doubt the idea of him boxing in Ireland seems to have been born during that encounter. Not that this kind of forensic detail mattered to the sceptical media in Ireland. They were not convinced by Sugrue’s announcement in March 1972 that the most famous athlete in the world would be coming to Dublin that summer. As if a former circus strongman could pull off such a feat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MKSZDGYMVBI5NSBCBTPO5OHIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757937},"content":"‘Can Butty Produce Ali Here?’ asked The Irish Press, the incredulous tone of the headline setting the tone for much newspaper coverage about that possibility over the next few weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GTQONDUCMBCTJG4JY5O4DSKQ4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126939},"content":"A master at garnering cheap publicity, Sugrue enjoyed a reputation as something of a carnival barker, often guilty of delivering less than he promised, forever enmeshed in madcap ventures designed to drive up revenue at one of his establishments. Barely four years had passed since he had last made international headlines. In his second attempt at one of the lesser spotted world records, he persuaded Mick Meaney, a Tipperary-born barman at the Admiral Nelson, a pub he then ran in north London, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/generation-emigration/the-story-of-the-irishman-buried-alive-in-kilburn-1.2463196#:~:text=Meaney%20bedded%20down%20for%20the,opened%20onto%20bags%20of%20lime.\" target=\"_blank\">to spend 61 days in a coffin, buried 11ft below the surface</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZLJHOGF6ZA3XIVQMTBYBH5Y2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126940},"content":"A classic slice of Sugrue grotesquerie. Before the burial, he organised “The Last Supper”, a meal at which Jack Doyle, one-time heavyweight contender turned cabaret act, sang songs. Meaney was then placed in his “all-mod cons” coffin. Watched by large numbers of Irish expatriates wearing solemn black suits and gleaming white shirts, he was passed through the window of the bar and lifted on to a flatbed truck-cum-hearse that took him to his “final” resting place at Mick Keane’s building yard. When Meaney finally emerged from his subterranean spot more than two months later, it was to a kiss from the glamorous figure of Diana Dors, and the soundtrack of the London-Irish Girl Pipers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7LU3TZBJRNAI5HJCXRB3BMKFGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757942},"content":"Questions were subsequently raised about the nature of that enterprise in the House of Commons, a measure of how well Sugrue sold the stunt to the media and how famous he had become in Britain. It was all a long way, literally and metaphorically, from Gortnascarry, the townland near Killorglin in southwest Kerry where Michael (his official name) was born on July 24th, 1924. One of the six children (three sons and three daughters) of Daniel and Anna Sugrue, he earned the sobriquet “Butty” early on due to his short, thick build and prodigious strength.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IQFQRUGSNH5ZPOBT562YITCR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"N2MO7RZOGNGP7B24JMKGS3UCSM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KUH5KGUL733IROXI6QVSLPZN6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757949},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6LJI43V4BJEJXNF5SCZTRHRC7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757944},"content":"In his youth, he had been an amateur boxer at a time when budding Killorglin pugilists fought in a ring set up in the fabled Oisin Ballroom on Iveragh Road. Alongside his brother Tim, known to all as “Fly”, he also travelled to compete at tournaments in Cahersiveen, Tralee and Castleisland. Around then he started to gain a reputation for being abnormally strong. Popular lore in the area held that his power was down to the amount of goat’s milk he drank in his formative years. English newspapers, prompted by his own anecdotes, later attributed his brawn to an idyllic rural childhood spent chasing wild rabbits and eating them raw.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UYMCKIA2ONGUZGU3NRRQ3KNJGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126943},"content":"Variously described as somewhere between 5ft 5in and 5ft 8in in height, with a few stubborn wisps of hair clinging to his otherwise balding pate, he was a small, squat man blessed with incredible power. As a young lad during a stint working the peat bogs in Offaly, he entertained larger colleagues by hoisting them over his head and holding them there. In the pre-television era, that gift was remarkable enough for him to eventually parlay it into a modicum of fame. Leaving the turf-cutting behind, he spent much of the 1940s and early 1950s traversing the country as a headline act with Duffy’s Circus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKBFP5M7U5G3TDSOTGARIVNZVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126944},"content":"Most evenings, he entered the ring to the sound of his colleague Michael Doyle fingering the accordion, the audience gasping the instant they realised the musician was perched atop a chair that Sugrue held between his teeth while walking along. Posters declared him “Ireland’s Strongest Man!” and few quibbled with the billing. Those who did were invited into the spotlight to see if they could match his feats. Usually, he lifted four 56lb shop weights attached to a steel cart axle (also 56lb) above his head and then watched the doubters and naysayers fail one by one to replicate his action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4WH72FYNNGRTK6FAKF5TCFQXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"ADACVSGGMRADZEEPDVMCTIDYPQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TNKIDCR32FENZCBD2ZPUIEX6JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757948},"content":"Another trick was to sit 10 men on a trailer before dragging it around the big top with a rope clenched between his teeth. Typical sideshow fare, the kind of act that the people of a town remembered, and it made Sugrue nationally famous. When the adults repaired to the pubs afterwards, they spent hours figuring out how such a small man could be so strong. At school the next day, kids talked of little else. Over time, his legend grew and grew and the story about him tugging a double-decker bus across O’Connell Bridge in Dublin with those ever-resilient gnashers became national lore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LR4JLHOQ75AGXLCA6RU2WZHBOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126946},"content":"Emigrating to London in the early 1960s, Sugrue arrived in a city teeming with Irish and opportunity. A teetotaller, he got involved in the pub business, an industry where his name recognition and flair for promotion brought exiled compatriots flocking to his bars. If his quiet manner and gentle ways belied his illustrious past as Ireland’s strongest man, customers caught glimpses now and then of his remarkable abilities. Troublemakers left his establishments in a hurry. He wouldn’t fight anybody, he’d just grab at them, and once he’d gained a substantial hold, the miscreant was bodily lifted from the premises and warned not to return.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSLURCRHGZBXZND6MW7Q3ZYGYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126947},"content":"Not long after Nelson’s Pillar was blown up on O’Connell Street in Dublin in 1966, Sugrue put the word out that the head of the statue would be making an appearance in the Admiral Nelson on a certain night. The place was packed to the rafters when the proprietor announced that, unfortunately, some ne’er-do-wells had stolen the head from a wheelbarrow in the backyard the previous evening. Only Sugrue could get away with disappointing people on that scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4MSKLNVAFEOFIPOYH65LOSFLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757946},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QRXO5X3GJ5CXLDHBQPDUEWTWHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126948},"content":"For all these misadventures, stunts and half-truths, Sugrue’s friends regarded him as intensely loyal, and he had an admirable history of assisting Irish people in London, most especially Doyle, an increasingly pathetic alcoholic. If the Corkman needed a place to stay, he knew his Kerry pal would come through for him. Once, he accompanied the former contender to Elstree Studios for a summit with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marlon-brando/\" target=\"_self\">Marlon Brando</a>, who had sent his Rolls-Royce to ferry them to the set of The Countess of Hong Kong. Both men had been married to Movita Castaneda, a Mexican film star, and Brando wanted information from Doyle to help him negotiate his divorce. Sugrue tagged along as security in case the discussion between the ex-husband and the wannabe ex-husband turned ugly. It didn’t. The trio got on so well that Sophia Loren stood in for a photograph with them that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TC5AVYTU2FCBLIVREI7QISKLYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757960},"content":"10 things about Marlon Brando that might just surprise you . . . or will they?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WHFLH2LIAZCV5OZYTM55TTCHKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126949},"content":"For the rest of the decade, Sugrue became such a staple in London tabloids that one columnist affectionately dubbed him “the splendid spoofer”. Photographs of somebody sitting on a chair that he was clasping in his teeth or shots of him grimacing while holding back a revving motorcycle (a stunt he enacted on the Tonight with Dave Allen television show) were regular features in the English press. Yet, the showbiz persona was very different from his private self. Noted for his charity and generosity to those struggling, he once performed his strongman act for the delighted inmates of Maidstone Prison.","type":"text"},{"_id":"c699365c-b05e-46de-a9cd-c7c8a4b5aaae","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757943},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"CLUYGOCVDFCY5ORV3WIFIXWBAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126950},"content":"In 1970, he pulled together a star-studded evening at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of “the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and St Patrick’s Island”. With the Irish tenor Josef Locke as the headliner, support acts included The Johnstons (featuring Paul Brady), the New Faces and an up-and-coming singer called <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-bowie/\" target=\"_self\">David Bowie</a>, strumming a 12-string, and singing Space Oddity. Quite the line-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIRUAXZ4HJD7ZOSUP7RI44FQYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126951},"content":"Wanting to help kids was a typically noble project of his but the St Patrick’s Island aspect of the fundraising was more dubious. The previous year, in a supposed move to stop it being <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/the-way-we-were-hippies-with-plans-for-skerries-1.3758949\" target=\"_self\">taken over by hippies</a>, he had purchased this tiny islet off the coast of north Dublin. He wanted to build a spiritual and health retreat facility there, a place where “slim men will grow big and big men will grow slim”. There may have been truth to that intention but, not long after the announcement, Mick Jagger had to deny newspaper reports he had bought the 16 acres located 1.5km from the mainland off the Kerryman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PL5BAB5B7FEYLBBXOZ76YPY364","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126952},"content":"“I’m not in the business of buying islands,” said Jagger. “What’s more, I have never heard of Mr Sugrue.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRO7BGJLWZE3ZGTGMZQP5YP264","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126953},"content":"That would have made the Rolling Stone unique because Sugrue was an extraordinarily adept self-publicist and stories about him were legion. He once challenged the combined Oxford-Cambridge boat race crews to a tug of war. They demurred. He regularly called out publicans around the world, offering them £500, sometimes doubling that sum, if they came to London and matched his feats of strength. None ever took him up on the offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSHYNUZ6GY6EZALUYACQ2DW5PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757967},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AV6QVBYLDFEXPIJEGMVRCJGK2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741967126954},"content":"This, then, was the picaresque character purporting to bring Ali to Ireland and many of the country’s sportswriters just could not reconcile his chequered history of bizarre exploits with his present lofty intentions. Yes, Sugrue had succeeded in bringing Louis on a tour of Ireland in 1966, as a cabaret act, not a fighter, and inevitably bragged he had lifted the former heavyweight champion in a chair clean off the ground with his teeth. But that promotion lost money and turned into a farce. And, while getting a superannuated boxer decades removed from his pomp to sing at The Arch Ballroom in Tallow, west Waterford, was a singular achievement, it was not the same as trying to import the most box-office athlete on Earth to fight. Surely he was not seriously going to try to do this ...","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YCPCZFNSNANPAQRN5ZCKVIXNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757969},"content":"Muhammad Ali: the man who became king of the world","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3ENK6AZEBNG7NK7HUCRA4TIRGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466757970},"content":"<i>The Big Fight: When Ali Conquered Ireland by Dave Hannigan is published by Merrion Press</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dave Hannigan"}},"name":"Dave Hannigan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Kerryman Michael ‘Butty’ Sugrue was known as ‘the splendid spoofer’, so few believed he’d convince the most famous athlete in the world to fight in Croke Park"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"When Muhammad Ali came to Ireland: how a ‘splendid spoofer’ from Kerry planned to lure the boxer to Dublin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NO3K35LUNWTQILKWHOYBC3SXWE","auth":{"1":"2e580b7e77a20913f9df76263274ad6cb08c813a1b0138ff1f5642eb5fc05127"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NO3K35LUNWTQILKWHOYBC3SXWE.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Books"},{"name":"Sport"},{"name":"Boxing"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/23/when-muhammad-ali-came-to-ireland-how-a-splendid-spoofer-from-kerry-planned-to-lure-the-boxer-to-dublin/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/books","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Books"}}}},{"_id":"RM47UMF7PRBT7IREWZTJ2MWQY4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":396,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/52fda70d-dafe-4f38-b3b8-7f55fc86972f/versions/1742308659/media/97c90820774bf28129f0ddf7e9ff7ae9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/23/patricia-scanlan-im-working-on-an-unanticipated-project-of-healing-from-breast-cancer-ive-had-three-surgeries/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SHH44IRTYFAHJC6FZ57FO2LFUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tell us about your new novel, City Girls Forever","type":"header"},{"_id":"AWQ7K4XR5NE3JPNK6DB7BEIQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983099},"content":"My first novel, City Girl, was published in 1990. I’ve been asked many times about what my gals are up to now. City Girls Forever brings Devlin, Caroline and Maggie into their midlife prime dealing with complex family dramas, elder abuse, addictive behaviour, historical sexual abuse, but all the time being sustained by their deep friendship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNZX5VWXAFFMZPNC6ZNG3KVFOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It has been 35 years since City Girl was published. It and its sequel, Apartment 3B, sold more than 100,000 copies in two years. What are your memories?","type":"header"},{"_id":"GHXUEJCTWFHUVGLE5P2P7O55SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983101},"content":"Going straight to number one and staying there for months. Having the first print run of 12,000 books selling out in two weeks. Taking annual leave from my library job to go on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/the-late-late-show\">The Late Late Show</a> and a young fella telling me, at work in Finglas Library, on the Monday morning, that I was great. Young women identifying with my characters. Huge queues at signing sessions. It was a joyful rollercoaster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FCNHUDGZFVGS3I3MLDQDPK6AS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And what have been the highlights since?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YFZAZ4OPUJCBHLWSD55IFIQQDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983103},"content":"The best parts are my engagements with my wonderful, loyal readers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4RYFR4JNVBKNAI3SD5GSTKX4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"You set out to show independent Irish women in a modern urban setting. Why do you think there was a gap in the market?","type":"header"},{"_id":"U2YDG4VQ5RDBFNAQQIGQG6VULI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983105},"content":"When I wrote City Girl in the late ‘80s, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/maeve-binchy\" target=\"_self\">Maeve Binchy</a> was our greatest commercial fiction author. She was writing about women in the ‘50s and ‘60s. No one was writing about modern Irish women, who were as dynamic and go-ahead as any heroines in New York and London that Judith Krantz, Barbara Taylor Bradford and others wrote about.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6KZMKZHINCEPC6ZT36KTXYWQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"What trends and changes have you witnessed in the past three decades?","type":"header"},{"_id":"L3LJJP5MEFBX5JQ4XRWA3XBGJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983107},"content":"In the ‘90s, when I was first published, popular women’s fiction was huge. Then crime took over, and now we’re seeing the burgeoning popularity of fantasy and mythical fiction. I’m delighted to see Michael Joseph has published a novel about the Morrigan recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"64WVIOLZ5BEC7BBTDNB7UXS2ZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"You were a librarian for many years. How important are libraries?","type":"header"},{"_id":"CKPZMY4MGBH6PPX5C72G4RMQ4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983109},"content":"Libraries empower us, assist literacy, bring together communities, give access to information and are places of learning and pleasure, where all are equal, and membership is free.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XBJS26Z5VEYTMTB67ERHANCFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"You created The Open Door adult literacy series. Why?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HRVXPD7ZPJCQTCPR4HYSNUPABQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983111},"content":"A middle-aged man confided to me, when I worked in Ballymun Library, that he was learning to read and hated reading children’s books. One in four people have literacy problems and, at the time, the material to help the emergent reader was limited. I wrote a literacy novella, Second Chance, met Edwin Higel, managing director of New Island Books, and we began the Open Door Series – and inspired the Quick Reads series in the UK – and have made a difference to people on their journey to literacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M33V4QDJLZAIPE7XAETGTLQT4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"When I interviewed you in 1992, you told me: ‘I know that this is an awful thing to say but I think that women are much more interesting. I think that women have to work much harder than men to get somewhere.’ Still true?","type":"header"},{"_id":"J52AFUCVZJHJ7DJ6IOTNUAAYW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983113},"content":"I love men, male energy, and their take on things, but yes, it’s still true.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBMC4MDX4RFRNMD3AL6STFV6L4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which projects are you working on?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZMFVSH3YPVCR7HXPPHH4CKXQXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983115},"content":"My literary projects are taking a back seat as I work on an unanticipated project of healing from breast cancer. I was diagnosed on Friday, December 13th, have had three surgeries, and am hopefully getting a date for radiation soon. I hope when I’ve put it all behind me to continue co-writing a novel about the Goddess Macha – Armagh was named after her – with Deborah Sheehy, who has just written a fantastic nonfiction book, The Untold Stories of Ireland’s Goddesses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODYQQC2XKBAZHCQDRQ5HZ3P4WE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage?","type":"header"},{"_id":"IYOQZ53A6JEXNMHDBIAAG3SJ2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983117},"content":"I have not. A treat to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQWP5HFC25B4XOX7ZADOJ4KAIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466661877},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6XI4CUXANZDURDH2AN5CEDFJ5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is the best writing advice you have heard?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5IYZA67NGZATDGSIN7OLCFV4XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983119},"content":"Dermot Bolger – a fellow librarian – gave this advice at a talk we gave. “Write with fire in your veins ... Edit with ice.” Perfect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQETBLJWRVE5BGOEISLPJIAILA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Who do you admire the most?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MRS6FLYLVVFCREVBQ7JLG3CC64","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983121},"content":"I admire my beloved late parents greatly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH6MNX2JPZHP5HC64UTXUD5WP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"You are supreme ruler for a day. Which law do you pass or abolish?","type":"header"},{"_id":"WBGEM3TWR5ASJIRFM33SYTWZ54","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983123},"content":"I’d abolish the law that forces women in Afghanistan to be covered from head to toe, their <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-pacific/2024/09/05/ghosts-in-our-own-country-afghan-women-voice-their-horror-at-taliban-law-banning-them-from-speaking-outside-the-home/\">voices</a> not to be heard, and education denied them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VKEXF4KGNHA7J2ZQ7XGZI7EYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which current book, film and podcast would you recommend?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BZUKPECAONC3PDWMRAVH52WDCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983125},"content":"Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2024/11/06/paddington-in-peru-review-fine-lessons-wrapped-up-in-fun-and-fur/\">Paddington in Peru</a>. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/the-womens-podcast/\">The Women’s Podcast</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YAXKALUOJA4TFEKSJB2SLX26U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which public event affected you most?","type":"header"},{"_id":"I455JHB46VA3XNPR6WTLEFFDKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983127},"content":"Hearing the bombs explode in the Dublin bombings. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/stardust/\">The Stardust fire</a>. In later years, the Enniskillen bombing brought despair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRI45ERVLFBJFJVE5WEL7GX5QQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most remarkable place you have visited?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZXJOAY5OPVBM5P5Z2UEKBLYGWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983129},"content":"Newgrange. Alcázar of Seville. Gaudí‘s Sagrada Família. The Griffith Observatory. Impossible to choose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AOR2QLCSA5FNFPWJNAMYXLR2SQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Your most treasured possession?","type":"header"},{"_id":"23NHPWPO55BDFLGEI247437B5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983131},"content":"My mother’s wedding ring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA4GS64NANHDJHIMBMZV4Q5XYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is the most beautiful book you own?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LL56GRVMCFAIHJOD57MCLKGBXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983133},"content":"An illustrated copy of The Grey Goose of Kilnevin by Patricia Lynch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6S4EYNQNNFGDHERUKGDB6DXXU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party?","type":"header"},{"_id":"24DWKB3QDZGNDIZN7DU2PPAYQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983135},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jane-austen\">Jane Austen</a>, Louisa May Alcott, Truman Capote, Cicero, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christine-dwyer-hickey/\">Christine Dwyer Hickey</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIRU3FXKNFG2BE7LU5BK6GPNEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The best and worst things about where you live?","type":"header"},{"_id":"VXKKPYLTGVA5JDO3XH2N2UOLGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983137},"content":"The sea. I don’t have a worst.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7ZQJ6KNEVA67C7N4VOTPOUJYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is your favourite quotation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"JUGL5S5NCNH3LHTTVQ67BRB7D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983139},"content":"“There is a destiny that makes us brothers: None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.” Edwin Markham","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3DEGYSNBRFM3EEFTHQKTWYV7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Who is your favourite fictional character?","type":"header"},{"_id":"AWUA3MYL75HD3KAQXCJIJFPQKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983141},"content":"Jo March.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXPWQUDWURFBNNFMBQS3WIDUWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A book to make me laugh?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BNMAOOE4A5AO5KYICF2P5M6URE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983143},"content":"Ciara Smyth’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/ya-fiction-love-of-all-shapes-amidst-the-ruins-1.4579250\">Not My Problem</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7K2MHSAXNADHEW7SQHYAVGQPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A book that might move me to tears?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YPKA72H77REHFOYVCZIJEBSPRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741961983145},"content":"The Countrywoman by Paul Smith.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The author on new novel City Girls Forever, a key difference between men and women and dealing with a cancer diagnosis"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:58:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Author Patricia Scanlan: ‘I’m working on an unanticipated project of healing from breast cancer’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CIQMNKSVHJESDLUDEMBF7BI2HI","auth":{"1":"d2347a6c8bcd513fb88acc16c2fd8c68c6f3df4646efe92b67a67d922536a43c"},"focal_point":{"x":178,"y":285},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CIQMNKSVHJESDLUDEMBF7BI2HI.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Books"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/23/patricia-scanlan-im-working-on-an-unanticipated-project-of-healing-from-breast-cancer-ive-had-three-surgeries/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/books","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Books"}}}},{"_id":"I5ZKRLI57VGZREDYOV5FDXMZ6Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":629,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0c3b3822-1be2-4071-8cd9-8dced92fb4b0/versions/1742379244/media/2b06fb6c4d46d2d34cfb5df40416d15a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/23/how-minecraft-became-a-cultural-phenomenon-i-have-hundreds-of-worlds-when-i-get-sick-of-one-i-just-start-again/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3UR7NI4H2VG4ZEMLVBQLFJKF54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916117},"content":"Senan Walsh is chopping down a tree when I approach for a chat. The 13-year-old is amassing a pile of timber in a small forest clearing, talking me through his process along the way. He’ll need shelter for what’s coming at night, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ROKEV77V55D2FEXDJOTPIF33R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916118},"content":"Most gamers over the past decade will be familiar with these ritualistic tasks. Walsh, of course, is playing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/minecraft/\" target=\"_self\">Minecraft</a>, the most popular video game of all time. And, far from any secluded log cabin, Walsh is sitting at a desk, PlayStation controller in hand, and glued to a screen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMCJRNFFE5BHJBTMHCJELWE4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916119},"content":"“I’m the type of player that chillaxes while playing the game,” he says, half-occupied with the task at hand. “I have hundreds of worlds. When I get sick of one I just start again.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFBORB26P5HFTAJSQIMXF4GXBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916120},"content":"I’m at <a href=\"https://dublincomiccon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Comic Con</a> to chat to fans of Minecraft in advance of the release of A Minecraft Movie next month. Thousands of cosplayers wade in to Convention Centre Dublin, where two large screens play the trailer for the video-game franchise’s much-hyped big-screen debut. As if Minecraft couldn’t get any bigger, a blockbuster movie starring <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-black\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Black</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jason-momoa\" target=\"_blank\">Jason Momoa</a> ought to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNIWREF7VZEN5IZOO5SL42PVBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916121},"content":"In Minecraft, players explore a randomly generated world made out of square blocks, mine for resources, craft items and fend off all sorts of ghastly ghouls. It’s enjoyed around the world by adults and children, boys and girls, nerds and noobs. So how has this clunky-looking thing become the defining cultural output of the video-game world over the past decade, above the likes of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/fortnite-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-controversial-video-game-1.3538958\">Fortnite</a> or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/consumer-tech/2024/09/03/how-to-make-roblox-safe-for-your-kids/\">Roblox</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLVHSAS5WJDN7GEZKYNDE2IBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916122},"content":"Launched in 2011 by a Swedish game developer, Mojang Studios, Minecraft spawned a community that extended far beyond the game itself. It has averaged about €320 million a year in revenue over the past decade, remarkably consistent in a market that sees interest in most games drop off after the first year or two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTIS6DP6WVGIXCK22WAXDUUOLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916123},"content":"Between its free Chinese format and its paid-for version in the rest of the world, Minecraft has been downloaded <a href=\"https://www.businessofapps.com/data/minecraft-statistics/\" target=\"_blank\">almost 800 million times</a>. That’s more than Tetris (520 million) and Grand Theft Auto (435 million).","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LLDRQM7FBD2JLDFL4TOTY2PKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916124},"content":"Unlike what happens with most games, Minecraft’s developers added new elements after launch, to keep it fresh. Its constant evolution has helped it to maintain an active community of about 60 million players a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSBRUOPJBNHWVNSE6RDBYI5AUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916125},"content":"Many of Minecraft’s additions have been free for users; the game’s endless appeal stems from a dedicated “modding” community. A mod, or modification, is an enhancement to the existing game, often developed as a hobby by dedicated gamers and released for everyone to use. In many respects, Minecraft is not the same game as it was upon release.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6Z2BNBIPIJFRHGGG3ACYPYIYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZEVJUR3AABGC3FEC6BSBXFXZZY"},"content":"Minecraft and me: The Irish writer, the €2.5bn deal, and the contract he never signed","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"44PJYWDYFBFJNF3PUGVE5VSM5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916126},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NW6V2XFFAZEJFMKONDYDYW23CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916127},"content":"“Pre-Minecraft, a game was a single experience: you bought the game, you experienced it and you finished it,” says Carlo Azzari, a 35-year-old senior game designer at <a href=\"https://www.black-shamrock.com/\">Black Shamrock</a>. Today, Minecraft is a “forever game”, he tells me in Dublin Comic Con’s gaming zone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT74ES2LK5E5PH7X6TSBSNVNLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916128},"content":"“I think Minecraft opened a whole generation of people that were okay with not having a final goal, that it could be a place I’m in rather than an experience,” he says. “Minecraft is such a broad thing that you’re not playing something – you’re inhabiting a place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NFKMOAIYQBDY3HJXTSSFTQVBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916129},"content":"“Minecraft brought a lot of people into the gaming ecosystem that wouldn’t have otherwise been interested ... We’ve yet to see what a full generation of developers who grew up on Minecraft look like. I don’t think games are going to look the same in 10 years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYZE6OP7WFDTLFHGUR7BQNFAIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916130},"content":"If you’ve never played Minecraft, there’s a high chance you’ve seen it being played. As YouTube grew throughout the 2010s as a space for gaming entertainment, Minecraft quickly became the game of choice. Entertainment personalities flocked to this sandbox game, in part as it allowed the freedom to play in a way that appealed to their audience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DXKNWRIFJBDVGEOQR5Z22VDCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916131},"content":"It spawned a genre of its own on YouTube and other streaming websites. “Let’s play” walk-throughs, where YouTubers record their progression through the game, later gave way to all manner of reinventions. The <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv-TS_mEHE4\">latest trend</a> sees up to 1,000 players “simulate society” within the same Minecraft world for a few hours, often narrated by a boisterous YouTuber trying to find a story through the chaos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FC6HQR2AVBD47HBEXPXXABTJQE","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QOPM7WHU4NGDTKVPF4YDTZRIMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916133},"content":"Aligning with trends elsewhere, Ireland punches above its weight in this entertainment space, with three popular Minecraft YouTubers in <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@jacksepticeye/featured\">jacksepticeye</a>, who has 31 million subscribers, <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@DaithiDeNogla\">Nogla</a>, who has 7.4 million, and <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeKevin/featured\" target=\"_self\">CallMeKevin</a>, who has 3.6 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYRNCSFUX5GU3F54TWIY5WNBMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916134},"content":"Compared with the shoot-’em-up games that were once the sole focus among adolescent gamers, Minecraft is understandably preferred by parents. “It is more about building stuff up than knocking stuff down,” says Walsh’s father, Mark, as he studies the screen over his son’s shoulder. “It’s not Grand Theft Auto.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVQIRJTOARAF3OZCLHMGJZ2N6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916135},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7VIEW3S4HNHHTAM2ZCQJFWBX4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916136},"content":"“It’s quite inclusive,” says Valerie, who is at Dublin Comic Con with her son, Clemont. “It feels like a very safe environment where the kids, especially if they’re playing with their friends, [are] collaborative. And it gives children the space to be really creative without feeling like people are being judgmental, and that’s really important.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A35VTRITNRC4ZHDNP3SBW4VH2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916137},"content":"Dressed in a carefully made Minecraft villager costume, Clemont, who is 16, is cosplaying as a recurring character from a <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@DanTDM/featured\">popular Minecraft series</a> on YouTube. “I love the creativity of Minecraft, just building your own little world,” he says of the game he has played for nine years. “You really have free rein over what you want to do. There’s so many styles it suits.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHQRAILLRRHTREWM7IUIGWYO3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916138},"content":"As we speak, a young Spider-Man interrupts to compliment Clemont’s costume. The connection people have through a shared passion for Minecraft is rarely relegated to the digital world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CS2YZBXNAVAKVKUFNMP5DYUL4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916139},"content":"“It transcends the digital landscape,” says Ben Cunningham, a 25-year-old Lego enthusiast with <a href=\"https://shamrockbricks.com/\" target=\"_self\">Shamrock Bricks</a>. He’s selling Lego sets at Dublin Comic Con, including a popular Minecraft-themed range. “We [know] people who play it all the time, but they meet up with their friends they’re playing with. It’s not just people sitting at home and playing online. It’s here, it’s everywhere.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMCWRUSBEFAG7H23J6K323PMRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916140},"content":"Cunningham and his fellow Lego devotee Dave Heffernan built a life-size Lego statue of Minecraft’s protagonist, Steve, for last year’s Late Late Toy Show.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HC524L67CJDJDFLBWHUP5X5QJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916141},"content":"“Minecraft is forever, you know?” Cunningham says. “I don’t remember a time when Minecraft wasn’t a game. I feel like it’s always been there. It will just always be there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI6EHMKRGNH7VNHHRWFZVFT2IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916142},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VXZ2JQH6JFHB5LLPZMVONOMW24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916144},"content":"Prodigy Learning extends Minecraft partnership with new AI skills programme for students","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7DOYOKTCJ5FMHGDWUFOJLBNODA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916145},"content":"When Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios for $2.5 billion in 2014, many in the industry were surprised. Was this retro-looking game worth that much? More than a decade later, after it has spawned spin-off games, educational versions (which are used in secondary schools in Northern Ireland, for example), merchandise, an interactive <a href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10498322/\">TV show</a>, its own subgenre of online entertainment and, now, a blockbuster film, it makes a lot more sense. Game sales alone have generated $4.2 billion, never mind the rest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPBKJO5LUZD5XJM5E6TKRCVPBA","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ATVHGUVMKRFO7JNXIRWYYLMSUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916147},"content":"Away from the bustle of the Convention Centre, Dr Mads Haahr, an associate professor at Trinity College Dublin’s school of computer science who specialises in game studies and design, gives his view on what makes the game so special.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FH3OZFATNDNLCHFYGGWZZEUWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916148},"content":"Minecraft, he says, has a perfect balance of what the French sociologist Roger Caillois called “ludus” and “paidia”, referring to the dichotomy of rules-based and free play. “The early versions of Minecraft were focused on construction,” he says. But soon its developers added a survival mechanism (ludus), where one must build and explore by day and fend off zombies, skeletons and the iconic exploding Creeper by night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWSFGEAPQZBVVAO32R5Q5J6TRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916149},"content":"“I think it got the balance right in terms of gameplay,” Haahr says. The game’s “flow” – the balance between the player’s abilities and the challenges they face – is spot on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVR4H6R2AZBHHGI3B27GUVMVG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916150},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5N2UC26ADRBJPAQ64VX3YW6LCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916151},"content":"“The risk is, if the challenge is too high or the skill is too low, the player becomes anxious or they lose interest. When you play survival mode in Minecraft, there’s that little bit of anxiety in the beginning, but it’s not impossibly hard ... It lets you move up that flow channel in a very nice way, so you can grow skills, and the challenges grow accordingly.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKP4I4HG7NBXHBPSP7CNWQ4DRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916152},"content":"He also cites Richard Bartle, a prominent academic in the game-design field. Bartle split players’ natural gaming tendencies into four general styles: achievers, who like to get points and win; explorers, who enjoy finding secrets and uncovering hidden areas; socialisers, who get a kick out of chatting with fellow players; and killers, who like to dominate and, of course, kill other players. A game designed primarily for one style will alienate those with tendencies towards others. Haahr says that Minecraft, more than any other game, has created a space where all four player types can thrive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEMXKZAV4FCGFDNRYOUQU7KXCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916153},"content":"At Dublin Comic Con, Kayden Markey finally gets his turn at the Minecraft booth. The 11-year-old is a bit of an achiever; he says he’s going to try to beat the Ender Dragon, Minecraft’s final boss. It’s an ambitious task in the few minutes he’ll have on the console, I note. He has beaten the game once before, he says with pride. “It was very hard. I just about did it and had half a heart” – 5 per cent of his health – “in the end.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEZ4TECXBNBHJA3U576ITV3MKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742398712641},"content":"Minecraft and me: The Irish writer, the €2.5bn deal, and the contract he never signed","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3DWG2QRZAFATXPA5KF57F7FQ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916154},"content":"At the end of the game, which is triggered by the dragon’s defeat, users are presented with The End Poem, which scrolls across players’ screens for eight minutes. It is an offbeat, existential and hopeful piece <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2025/03/11/minecraft-and-me-the-irish-writer-the-25bn-deal-and-the-contract-he-never-signed/\">written for the game by the Irish poet Julian Gough</a>. As Minecraft’s only narrative exposition, its exaggerated profundity is best enjoyed in the adrenaline comedown following the final battle. Regardless, its closing lines sum up the passion gamers have for this place:","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZUCDZCDOJAS5KANNBIAPSE6AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916155},"content":"“ ... the universe said I love you because you are love.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZR6KXR2KVFVVDTEC3XQPSGBNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916156},"content":"“And the game was over and the player woke up from the dream. And the player began a new dream. And the player dreamed again, dreamed better. And the player was the universe. And the player was love.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS64EWQCTBA5PGIZI3JN7ETPDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916157},"content":"“You are the player.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BM3FIE5FZGEZKSQAR7GOPPKVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916158},"content":"“Wake up.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQKRHWHE6VDUNFOBQMWO5HTACU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742386916159},"content":"<i>A Minecraft Movie is in cinemas from Friday, April 4th</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Capplis"}},"name":"Conor Capplis"}]},"description":{"basic":"The most popular video game of all time is about to become a Hollywood movie starring Jack Black"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:17:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How Minecraft became a cultural phenomenon: ‘I have hundreds of worlds. When I get sick of one I just start again’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IVTAFZVSBNGSHPEKUFUVZMIZXE","auth":{"1":"e28b518bf13c6cd0780201b6308924541e8e694acf50a7e460770055aab38a67"},"focal_point":{"x":1462,"y":789},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IVTAFZVSBNGSHPEKUFUVZMIZXE.jpeg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Film"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/23/how-minecraft-became-a-cultural-phenomenon-i-have-hundreds-of-worlds-when-i-get-sick-of-one-i-just-start-again/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"NIOCQG4FOBHY5HCTKTK4FTAWQA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":297,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/2f8c8986-7521-4ceb-b0b6-69e0b9bca73c/versions/1742462874/media/c60a6e3f5797b644fa030a0cd5da2fc0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/film/2025/03/23/the-digital-haters-are-out-again-look-at-what-theyve-done-to-millie-bobby-brown-and-rachel-zegler/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IERPXIYILVGODKO63JQUWE2DBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512627},"content":"If you want confirmation that the digital mob hates young women then have a look at what didn’t recently happen to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/timothee-chalamet/\" target=\"_blank\">Timothée Chalamet</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26E6ROEABZBBNB5BNSO3CT2VI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512628},"content":"A month ago the twinkly young actor unexpectedly beat <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/adrien-brody/\" target=\"_blank\">Adrien Brody</a> to best actor at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/screen-actors-guild-awards/\" target=\"_blank\">Screen Actors Guild awards</a>. He did not respond with expected feet-shuffling humility. “I want to be one of the greats,” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/27/timothee-chalamets-overt-pursuit-of-greatness-is-a-refreshing-break-from-faux-who-me-humility/\" target=\"_blank\">he said</a>. “I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B4VCUBUPVFHZJHUCRTXFMPJRTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512629},"content":"He went on to note that he drew inspiration from Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Viola Davis, Michael Jordan ... Why stop there? Why not put yourself in the same talent stream as Jesus Christ and Julius Caesar?","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXQCWASA7FEQPFKPSWMG5QZKVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512630},"content":"Okay, it would be wrong to suggest there was no blowback. Social media had a bit of fun with it. Vogue wondered if the speech was “<a href=\"https://www.vogue.com/article/was-timothee-chalamets-sag-awards-speech\" target=\"_blank\">manosphere-enabled overconfidence</a>” on its way to finding little to properly bemoan. The general feeling was, however, joy at an actor showing a bit of blood-and-guts ambition. Fair enough. Long may the young fellow prosper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JWWDFLAUCRG6NLIWCFIPGJY5KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512631},"content":"Here’s the thing. Would the reaction be the same if such a speech had been delivered by, oh, I don’t know, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/millie-bobby-brown/\" target=\"_blank\">Millie Bobby Brown</a> or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rachel-zegler/\" target=\"_blank\">Rachel Zegler</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6CRBFRBBZCS5K6XYB4WDM2KGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512632},"content":"Both young actors have recently been through the mill. Following the premiere of the Russo brothers’ underwhelming <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/13/the-electric-state-netflix-gives-the-russos-320m-and-this-is-all-they-have-to-show-for-it/\" target=\"_blank\">The Electric State</a>, social and antisocial media went ballistic about the perceived alterations in Brown’s appearance. The difficulty with discussing such unseemly controversies is that, to establish context, one has to repeat a portion of the slurs. With apologies, the main line of attack is that the English actor is looking dramatically older than she did when she <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/stranger-things-review-netflix-serves-up-potent-nostalgia-1.2736098\" target=\"_blank\">emerged</a> as a child star in Stranger Things. We need not explain the implications there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ARR4TY2Y55HOXKXMRWQCNG4B2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512633},"content":"“I think [the press] need to go back to school and learn how to speak to people,” she said on Instagram earlier this month. “Be kind and just understand that we’re all growing people, we all make mistakes. Ultimately, the standards and stigmas against girls – it’s ridiculous.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JA3OFMV4FBXFB6SARK4DWMFDM","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"IHUGBUMWVBAS7LLZLUNW6C6XVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512635},"content":"Elsewhere, on another red carpet, Rachel Zegler was celebrating the arrival of Disney’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/19/snow-white-review-live-action-reimagining-of-the-classic-1937-film-is-a-muddled-mess/\" target=\"_blank\">Snow White</a>. Or is “celebrating” the word? “Disney scales back Snow White Hollywood premiere amid Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot controversies,” Variety <a href=\"https://variety.com/2025/film/columns/disney-snow-white-premiere-zegler-gadot-controversies-1236333285/\" target=\"_blank\">told us</a> on March 11th. The trade paper observed that “the red carpet will not include the dozens of media outlets usually invited”. There was no confirmation from Disney that this had anything to do with the “controversies”, but the fact Variety included that word in the headline is significant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R25LV7NHFNC7HOAMBPVTD5TMFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512636},"content":"The chatter was partly to do with the two actors’ differing approaches to the conflict in Gaza. Gadot, who served as a combat trainer in the Israel Defense Forces, has been supportive of her home country. Zegler, a member of <a href=\"https://www.artists4ceasefire.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Artists4Ceasefire</a>, signed a letter imploring President Biden to facilitate a cessation of the bombing in Gaza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYRTI4COEJBPTPJJIDA3GIBTSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512637},"content":"Most of the fury around Zegler has, however, concerned considerably less significant issues (or no real issues at all). Again, it is playing the gossipmongers’ game to list even a handful, but some impression should be given.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPKSNPJKDJB7BBFOCZYRSFVPOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512638},"content":"Snow White review: Live-action reimagining of the classic 1937 film is a muddled mess","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PY3RT5654JASFLR7I2ZMYODOGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512639},"content":"There was the supposedly controversial notion of someone of Colombian descent playing a character with “white” in her name. Early on, she said she had found the 1937 version of Snow White too frightening to watch as a kid (surely a compliment). When, asked why she appeared in Shazam! 2, she remarked that she “needed a job” it was decided she was being arrogant (or something).","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AKNTIGAJ5CUFJAIHJGIRQRS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512640},"content":"There is a lot more of this rubbish, but nothing gives a better sense of the tone than the criticism on TikTok of her apparently eccentric posture when walking onstage with Gadot at the Oscars. (She’s just walking.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"TB76V3A5EJCMVG2CGEWDIQM7HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512641},"content":"The average bully at a US high school would barely bother with this stuff. You walk funny? Really? Then again, one tragedy of modern communication is that those average bullies now have a platform where they can gather to torment any young woman foolish enough to achieve even a sliver of fame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHP3K2AUJFHHBKNIGGITKCZJ4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512642},"content":"The high-school analogy could hardly be more appropriate. A supposed original slight is forgotten in the mists as hostility broods and festers over rumbling years. Can anyone remember why the online masses originally turned against the admirable Anne Hathaway? “I did have the internet turn on me and hate me and it was like a whole big thing,” she noted a few years ago. Let us say it again. Young men don’t get this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAP3RGKPF5BPHJHO46TDQSYBKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742569512643},"content":"Zegler, like Hathaway, may have her revenge. She is the best thing in the not-very-good Snow White. More importantly, in the days before that film landed, she learned she was to play the lead in a new production of Evita at the London Palladium. That’s how you shake ’em off.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Donald Clarke"}},"name":"Donald Clarke"}]},"description":{"basic":"It’s a tragedy of modern communication that bullies can gather online to torment any young woman foolish enough to achieve even a sliver of fame"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The digital haters are out again. Look at what they’ve done to Millie Bobby Brown and Rachel Zegler","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PSXH5BV5N5CZBO5FE4U4ZL6JEQ","auth":{"1":"ce0c07b66f61359f73c1ffb020bc83659a421466e08ffd81684782cc7dde7b4d"},"focal_point":{"x":1672,"y":1463},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PSXH5BV5N5CZBO5FE4U4ZL6JEQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Film"},{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/film/2025/03/23/the-digital-haters-are-out-again-look-at-what-theyve-done-to-millie-bobby-brown-and-rachel-zegler/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/film","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Film"}}}},{"_id":"7RXJPIW5R5CPPAVFPSRYHEBXGA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/culture/film/2025/03/23/four-new-films-to-see-this-week/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RDYEJO3VXNCQZDQRUPJCQIMQ2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Snow White ★★☆☆☆","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q4662ZKPBBEMZD4N45WU3GFGNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Directed by Marc Webb. Starring Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, Gal Gadot, Ansu Kabia, Andrew Barth Feldman, George Appleby. G cert, gen release, 109 min</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UYX6OJQF7BHIFLR5IPPZW5BWDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Largely unsuccessful attempt to update the 1937 classic to pseudo-live action. The permanent magic-hour lighting is hard to look at. Worst of all, the decision to “cartoonise” the dwarves alongside human actors is hugely problematic; it jarringly takes the viewer out of the movie. Zegler, who sings her heart out as Snow White, is the best thing in a film that plays fast and loose with the original. Does anyone recall in that earlier film a monarchy arranged along the lines of Aaron Bastani’s notion of fully automated luxury communism? <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/19/snow-white-review-live-action-reimagining-of-the-classic-1937-film-is-a-muddled-mess/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/19/snow-white-review-live-action-reimagining-of-the-classic-1937-film-is-a-muddled-mess/\">Full review</a> <b>TB</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOQ5CA27E5H6DIHEZBXM3R2BDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Flow ★★★★★","type":"header"},{"_id":"IRGPGVVNENB5XFWRB7L7WIVB4E","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3AHM5JMBCVG3HMRIROVUCBYCRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Directed by Gints Zilbalodis. G cert, gen release, 85 min</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTHTELV6Y5DI3AXG2XYGQYWANY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Surprise winner of best animated feature at the recent Oscars, this low-budget Latvian film eschews all dialogue for an impressionistic drift downriver towards an encounter with environmental oblivion. Our heroes are a cautious cat, a boisterous labrador and an unimpressed secretarybird. there is also a little of The Wind in the Willows and a lot of the brave cats and dogs from The Incredible Journey. Cineastes will get on board. Children will rewatch it until the pixels wear out. Extraordinarily charming, but also freighted with unease as to what we’re doing to the planet. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/21/flow-review-children-will-rewatch-this-piece-of-outsider-art-until-the-pixels-wear-out/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/21/flow-review-children-will-rewatch-this-piece-of-outsider-art-until-the-pixels-wear-out/\">Full review</a> <b>DC</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKUUJ4FGRBEOFF5GBPMBBBX2NU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Brief History of a Family ★★★★☆ ","type":"header"},{"_id":"WFL45JE7H5GZ5IQQR2JUB7SD3E","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Q3VFXGNLJZCQNFMY6QRCGGCQEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Directed by Lin Jianjie. Starring Zu Feng, Guo Keyu, Sun Xilun, Lin Muran. Limited release, 100 min</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"EW32VDQL5VANDC7UJOOUUAIL5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"A troubled young man becomes part of a wealthy household in an effective Chinese variation on the cuckoo in the nest genre. A great deal of the dynamics are particular to China. We are not qualified to speak on Lin’s treatment of the nation’s one-child policy, but the parents' enthusiasm for their new charge is certainly connected to that imposition. Western viewers will enjoy the icy perfection the director has created for his comfortable characters. The film does not quite pull off its enigmatic ending, but this remains an eerie debut that finds new angles to a familiar trope. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/20/brief-history-of-a-family-review-startlingly-eerie-debut-that-finds-new-angles-to-a-familiar-genre/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/20/brief-history-of-a-family-review-startlingly-eerie-debut-that-finds-new-angles-to-a-familiar-genre/\">Full review</a> <b>DC</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLMYZ7WVOFFDBM2XIJ3S4DQB64","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Alto Knights ★★☆☆☆","type":"header"},{"_id":"ATOQ5SRWVOUXVGVEDVNORSPSVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BSRYFWUIP5EQNGJOATRXTIMOOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Directed by Barry Levinson. Starring Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli 15A cert, gen release, 123 min</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFG45WRS5NCY3IWRJ4WT7WX6HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a gimmicky, prosthetics-heavy flourish, De Niro essays dual – and duelling – roles as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two Italian-American associates battling for control of the Luciano crime syndicate in the 1950s. There’s so much mobsplaining in Levinson’s messy true-life Mafia movie that it often feels like the actor is aggressively reading a Wikipedia entry. Citation! Occasional fun interludes fail to push the film into more than a superfluous genre entry. The grand casting gambit of pitching De Niro vs De Niro proves an unnecessary distraction. Curiously bloodless in every respect. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/19/the-alto-knights-review-robert-de-niros-gimmicky-mobster-double-act-is-an-unnecessary-distraction/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/review/2025/03/19/the-alto-knights-review-robert-de-niros-gimmicky-mobster-double-act-is-an-unnecessary-distraction/\">Full review</a> <b>TB</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KWK7OK6FBFC3B2ZQXIPTR7OPI","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7VYDCWSKBBJTNTGEEUZ52XDLI","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Donald Clarke"}},"name":"Donald Clarke"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tara Brady"}},"name":"Tara Brady"}]},"description":{"basic":"Rachel Zegler the best thing in misfire updating of Snow White. Plus an Oscar-winning Latvian animation, a compelling Chinese domestic drama, and Robert De Niro in a superfluous sub-Goodfellas mob tale"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Four new films to see this week","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CRRZ33RHKFAGBOBUHZYRB2FS24","auth":{"1":"4080c78b0f64c8ee3facb21ae976e82c1a6c93367eed7935ed014aa3464ca4f4"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CRRZ33RHKFAGBOBUHZYRB2FS24"},"lead_art":{"_id":"QAC6TJMYYHECB3IRMPSBV35GYM","type":"image"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Film"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/film/2025/03/23/four-new-films-to-see-this-week/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/film","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Film"}}}},{"_id":"ZQ6JLAAEHRBNXDUVOAUAQG5UJ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":486,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/ae237e6f-92ab-4dea-9f28-51469e1e5d29/versions/1742290114/media/a74fb5fa99adc343f654640e84b3a2f9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/23/tv-guide-the-best-new-shows-to-watch-starting-tonight/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TRPGCGK3WFAINOZU5OVKYNMGA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534371},"content":"<mark class=\"hl_yellow\">Pick of the Week</mark>","type":"header"},{"_id":"JWWYH7VGKFF3VGGTUI3XPUEIBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534372},"content":"This City Is Ours","type":"header"},{"_id":"HEOEX5PCNRDFZKJHQ34RIAZS44","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534373},"content":"Sunday, BBC One, 9pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"Y5XT2KMHNVEK3A5FVVXVJQ35YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534374},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sean-bean/\" target=\"_blank\">Sean Bean</a> heads the cast as ageing crimelord Ronnie Phelan in this epic drama series set among the modern-day gangs of Liverpool. James Nelson-Joyce stars as Ronnie’s friend and business partner Michael Kavanagh, who has been successfully bringing in bucketloads of cocaine from Colombia, but when Ronnie decides it’s time to step down as the don, Michael starts thinking about a life beyond crime. He has fallen in love with Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow) and dreams of building a legit life with her. However, Ronnie’s son Jamie (Jack McMullen) has his own ambitions to take over his dad’s drug empire and bring it into the modern age, and so begins a battle for control between the would-be heirs to the gangland throne. Thing are made more complicated when a shipment of cocaine goes missing, the first salvo launched in an all-out attack on the gang. The series also stars <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2022/06/01/derry-girls-finale-good-friday-agreement-episode-hits-a-powerful-political-nerve/\" target=\"_blank\">Derry Girls’</a> Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVPGPFRS6JE3DDGN7XIGD4NRMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534375},"content":"<mark class=\"hl_yellow\">Highlights</mark>","type":"header"},{"_id":"KGSSNBA4BJH3FKRXAUJCF6NZWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534376},"content":"Raised by the Village","type":"header"},{"_id":"2YYQ7NKNORG2BCWLCLFLM5KZ5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534377},"content":"Sunday, RTÉ One, 6.30pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"6WTPAWQA4BFVLIFJE5KA4XCYQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534378},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XGDZ5VUOGVDX5FMGNGVFOJI624","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534379},"content":"We hang our heads in despair as our teenage kids bury their heads in their smartphones, switching off from the real world and going down a virtual rabbit-hole while the chores and homework are left undone. If only we could ship them off to some remote place where they would have no access to smartphones and no choice but to muck in and pull their weight. Welcome to a new series of Raised by the Village, which sees urban teens transplanted to an isolated rural farm where they will have to survive without tech, and away from all the distractions of the city. Noah is a streetwise 14-year-old who is master of his north-inner-city domain, but can he navigate his new environment at Hilltop Berry Farm in west <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cork/\" target=\"_blank\">Cork</a>? Noah will be under the supervision of the Collins family, who own the farm near the remote village of Kealkill. Meanwhile, teen phone addict Teagan will be going cold turkey at a dairy farm in the village of Aghada in east Cork, under the mentorship of the Morrissey family. Will she suffer wifi withdrawal symptoms or will she learn to adapt to a tech-free life?","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJM5VZYZLJDG3L4DK2ZICC45GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534380},"content":"Cailíní Comhraic","type":"header"},{"_id":"YW6UEVR4IFET5A2WBNMWMMOETM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534381},"content":"Monday, RTÉ One, 8pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"CFIRJVY6WBA7HDQEEYZNNGKY7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534382},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AFVJM6EVNVHBZBXKJEKD22YHU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534383},"content":"The sporting achievements of Irish women are something to celebrate, and this three-part observational series focuses on women in combat sports as they battle their way to medal-winning glory. In the first episode we meet boxer Christina Desmond from Cork as she works hard to grab a spot on the national team and get to the 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/olympic-games/\" target=\"_blank\">Olympics</a>. Also featured is Cork woman Rosa Walsh, whose chosen sport is Brazilian jiu jitsu. She is training hard for the European BJJ Trials and there will have to be no let-up if she’s going to qualify. We also meet karate kid Mary O’Neill from Donegal, a third-dan sensei who has opened the county’s first martial arts dojo run by women.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GAKQVPS4VAFTB7II7Z4UQJD5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534384},"content":"Punt: The Irish and The NFL","type":"header"},{"_id":"BJBD7QK2NFESDCXWZYZ655NULA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534385},"content":"Monday, RTÉ One, 9.35pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"KBZ5TLXQ4NGHTIQBVOVFZAT4WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534386},"type":"image"},{"_id":"24FE4XDZV5BDVMSDZTUFNKP5YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534387},"content":"It’s a long way from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary\" target=\"_blank\">Tipperary</a> to the Super Bowl, but three <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaa/\" target=\"_blank\">GAA</a> stars and one rugby player set out to retrain as American football players in a bid to join an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nfl/\" target=\"_blank\">NFL</a> team in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a>. Rory Beggan, Charlie Smyth, Mark Jackson and former Connacht player Darragh Leader are the footballing foursome who are hoping to get drafted to the NFL under the mentorship of Darragh’s brother Tadhg Leader, a top NFL talent scout. He has been tasked by the Rooneys, the Irish-American owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with finding a new star kicker for the team – could the next all-star NFL kicker be an Irish man?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MNA5VITTZC7RARZJV552I6KGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534388},"content":"1883","type":"header"},{"_id":"4YCU2X4THVG4PNF7FR45DTTUG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534389},"content":"Tuesday, RTÉ2, 9.30pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"WN3HX3RGPNEZDKRBETHWYKBSKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534390},"type":"image"},{"_id":"T3OCWLJLANA6PFNPWFERVWUQI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534391},"content":"First aired in 2021, this Paramount+ series, a prequel to to the popular Yellowstone, follows the Dutton family as they leave their impoverished life in Texas to seek their fortune in Montana. Real-life singing and acing couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star as James and Margaret Dutton, who make the perilous journey west through the Great Plains in search of a better life. Sam Elliott also stars as tough but tortured cowboy Shea Brennan, and look out for a guest appearance by Billy Bob Thornton and a cameo from Tom Hanks in a flashback to the civil war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRFJJLH6INAZPMLHEFBHJBVHAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534392},"content":"Donal’s Festival Kitchen","type":"header"},{"_id":"QMVSVE4DVBHW5OERG3WAHVQ22A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534393},"content":"Friday, RTÉ One, 8pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"BAZSQKG335FUJKQ42TDMFUXA2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534394},"content":"As Muslims prepare for the feast of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting period of Ramadan on March 30th, Donal Skehan kicks off his new series with an exploration of the flavours and recipes of Eid, with expert help from guest chefs Sham Hanifa from the Cottage Restaurant in Leitrim, and Hatice Ozkavak from Tang Cafe in Dublin. Skehan and his guests will cook up such delights as Malaysian chicken sambal with nasi lemak (coconut rice) and shakshuka, a breakfast dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mayo-gaa/\" target=\"_blank\">Mayo GAA</a> player Shairoze Akram and photographer Sujood Momani will add their insights into the meaning and traditions of Eid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RM4HHR36FC2BDZFPPJDLZ3EWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534395},"content":"Beyond Paradise","type":"header"},{"_id":"YRPSNEATFJBTLKPB2QNRDJOX7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534396},"content":"Friday, BBC One, 8pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"PEPKDTCVLNEDFMPTV2VXZIAWU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534397},"content":"The Death in Paradise spin-off is having its day in the sun, despite being set in grey old Blighty. Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman in this third series, so we can surmise he’s well settled in after relocating from the fictional tropical island of Saint Marie to the fictional English village of Shipton Abbott. He’s hoping to build a happy, stress-free life with his fiancee Martha (Sally Bretton), but those dashed bloody murders – not to mention the return of Martha’s old flame Archie (Jamie Bamber) – threaten to put a spanner in the works. The gang’s all back for this new set of sleuthing adventures, and among the guest stars are Hugh Dennis and Caroline Quentin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPUF6YX6ZRHYVKGAFGO4J5UOLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534398},"content":"How’s She Cuttin'","type":"header"},{"_id":"VBO3CQOM3JEZTLN7ULEUBEU7ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534399},"content":"Friday, BBC One, 10.40pm","type":"header"},{"_id":"KQILRVTO6VA3XIAJXEHPOVRSD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534400},"content":"Claire is a country girl on the hunt for an eligible farmer to marry, but single men with their own cattle herd are a bit thin on the ground. She heads down to the local cattle mart in hope of attracting a nice fella in wellies and a Barbour jacket, but is kicked out for being a brazen hussy. Then she meets The Yank, a New York lawyer who has inherited a farm but doesn’t want to get his hands mucky. Can Claire convince him to give country life a whirl and make her his girl? Claire Corrigan stars in this new comedy series from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/northern-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Northern Ireland</a>, which started life as a comedy short.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCBIHI37TFGJJH4JOFE6QQ2U4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534401},"content":"<mark class=\"hl_yellow\">Streaming</mark>","type":"header"},{"_id":"DSCNCKYXDJHC5C5C2U5KFGJOCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534402},"content":"Million Dollar Secret","type":"header"},{"_id":"Z6NMGNRTTJG37P3JPINZZUARNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534403},"content":"From Wednesday, March 26th, Netflix","type":"header"},{"_id":"O5JSYFLR75DUVHEYM7HS6SJCEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534404},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2PPUG4F6HJHRFEEZHW4WSQSWZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534405},"content":"Twelve guests check into a luxury lakeside hotel in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/canada/\" target=\"_blank\">Canada</a>, and when they get to their room a mysterious box is waiting for them. Eleven of the boxes are empty, but one is stuffed with $1 million. Whoever has it will have to keep their windfall a secret, as the other guests are out to get their hands on the cash. Soon the accusations, denials and insults are flying as everyone tries to flush out whoever is hoarding the treasure. This new game series sounds like a twist on Traitors, where everyone has to lie and conceal to get what they want and no betrayal is too cruel in this high-stakes battle of wits. If the millionaire is exposed they’re out of the game and the cash moved to a new custodian. The English actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz is the smooth-voiced master of ceremonies who will guide the guests through tasks that will help them find clues to the identity of the millionaire in their midst.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7PSOFVHVBCHTFM4BU2U6AG2QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534406},"content":"The Studio","type":"header"},{"_id":"TZHWSAUPXRA2XIPOSW4OH277NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534407},"content":"From Wednesday, March 26th, Apple TV+","type":"header"},{"_id":"SQIM23JHPBBULP6ZYURRZXLAEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534408},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AL64XT5HZVD6VM7K7INJ5MH3W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299534409},"content":"Cinema is under siege from a barrage of tentpole TV series, as more people choose to skip the trip to their local cineplex and just settle down on the sofa to binge-watch <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2024/08/15/emily-in-paris-the-equivalent-of-binging-on-marzipan-delicious-at-first-too-much-after-a-while/#:~:text=Emily%20in%20Paris%20review%3A%20The,a%20while%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Irish%20Times\">Emily in Paris</a>. But cinema is fighting back, and it has a brave gladiator in the form of Matt Remick, head of the beleaguered Continental Studios, who leads his team of executives on a quest to make movies great again. But can Remick stay relevant in this fast-changing industry? <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/seth-rogen/\">Seth Rogen</a> stars as the studio head who is so immersed in cinema that he’s practically made of celluloid. The series also stars Catherine O’Hara and Kathryn Hahn, with guest appearances from Bryan Cranston and Rebecca Hall, plus a dizzying number of cameos from the likes of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paul-dano/\">Paul Dano</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/zac-efron/\">Zac Efron</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/olivia-wilde/\">Olivia Wilde</a>, Ron Howard, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-scorsese/\">Martin Scorsese</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/charlize-theron/\">Charlize Theron</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/steve-buscemi/\">Steve Buscemi</a>. Will TV save the cinema stars? You’ll have to skip that trip to the movies to find out.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin Courtney"}},"name":"Kevin Courtney"}]},"description":{"basic":"March 22nd-28th: Including This City Is Ours, Raised by the Village and The Studio"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"TV guide: the best new shows to watch, starting tonight","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"C57M37PNDZAFFGMTD2WS77FC3Q","auth":{"1":"904eec1cb7c7e96ff91815b27eb5c542a9bca009b804ddce42a00b59a5eae79d"},"focal_point":{"x":2332,"y":684},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/C57M37PNDZAFFGMTD2WS77FC3Q.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/23/tv-guide-the-best-new-shows-to-watch-starting-tonight/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"VSGMHIDSXVFHRJXIVERYWCOI5U","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/af0bad85-4702-4b78-9897-f8b22982594b/versions/1742660149/media/a0184bc17fd04d56b697475e47f86b96_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/the-sex-pistols-rock-the-100-club-in-london-with-first-gig-in-50-years/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CJEYYSTLAZFYJCHRM6QC2F57JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There was anticipation on Oxford Street in London as The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\">Sex Pistols</a> rocked the 100 Club for the first time in more than half a century, playing classic tunes for a crowd of creaking punks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYEI7FCWLBHMRGV3SFQZPR7MNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a hot and sweaty venue, which harkened back to the band’s glory days, they darted on stage like squaddies on a march, to roars from the audience. They were celebrated by stars and superfans such as Noel Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie and the Jam frontman, Paul Weller.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQGRGJZVHJDWPKMRYEUSDI2CAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Band members in attendance included the guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock, minus <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\">John Lydon</a>, aka Johnny Rotten, who unsuccessfully tried to block the band using songs in a Disney+ series about their story, called Pistol.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3B774VWJK5HIVL4S7D4AOFRQEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The former Gallows and Rattlesnakes lead singer Frank Carter filled in for Rotten as he has done since Jones, Cook and Matlock reunited in 2024 for a series of shows at Bush Hall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AR76MYPW3BECPFEAKMQST3J4IM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 100 Club is also the venue where the late bass player Sid Vicious was alleged to have whipped the NME journalist Nick Kent with a bicycle chain and where Vicious was arrested for leaving a girl blind in one eye after hurling a glass that shattered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZNPO2SRUAOCKM2HS4BGAZ46O4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XEXTUKGKSCTEIAVPPAU4IEKYIE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TSWYW5UEKZD73OHT6G5HZ5OYLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The quartet opened with Holidays in the Sun, which was met by clouds of beer mist unleashed from flying plastic cups as a sea of hands reached up towards the musicians. After the Pistols performed a version of New York, Carter asked the crowd: “How many of you lot were here the first time?” After a roar from the crowd, he shouted: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here with these legends tonight.” He then joked: “Right, who wants to call it there?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISY4HT4KMNA65B2QAU2CA2I6LM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jones then launched into the strings of Pretty Vacant. The crowd was reaching fever pitch. Then, Bodies sent them over the top, singing “I’m not an animal” from the chorus in unison. Matlock and Jones shared a microphone to belt out the lyrics while Carter scaled the top of the 100 Club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUXTTG5RNJAETNLYEP5K3CJNO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"God Save The Queen, a song which prompted major controversy on its release during Queen Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee in 1977, transported the older audience members back to their younger days as they bopped like they were in their 20s again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SBBKETZW5CGRJYNUVQX7BQEMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As they finished their main set, Carter told the crowd: “Five f**king decades later, and they’re back,” before teasing: “Five decades, and that’s all you’ve got?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F5CRR33AFFGXHIUH2DDR72L5CI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Pistols closed with a rendition of EMI and Anarchy In The UK, prompting the crowd to surge to the front. Carter saw off a possible stage invasion by hurling himself from the stage into the crowd. Afterwards, he remarked: “Oh f**k, I forgot you’re all f**king 60.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AI4E3L2KCJHIVHJJW6K26QMJBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The group will perform on Monday for a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Daniel Lavelle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Original band members guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock joined on stage by former Gallows frontman Frank Carter as stars and fans welcomed their return"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T16:10:40.799Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Sex Pistols rock the 100 Club in London for the first time in 50 years","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4V227FSWUCTI2UATNXTRGS5MNY","auth":{"1":"a56cc53f081f3d56830fec1566dc81485a7d83625748ae2356b205baa1bf40ea"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4V227FSWUCTI2UATNXTRGS5MNY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Music"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"UK"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/the-sex-pistols-rock-the-100-club-in-london-with-first-gig-in-50-years/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/music","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Music"}}}},{"_id":"YLI5B4RH6NFFBBGGWLA5O7ZWSQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":627,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/21ccd7bb-58e0-403b-97e9-8c1523222f52/versions/1742472576/media/cf7aec65d6e29da19bfe2b14b31e73e8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/heilung-singer-maria-franz-we-have-a-weird-sense-of-time-when-we-perform-it-feels-like-five-minutes-and-an-eternity-at-the-same-time/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V7VRH7AI7BE45GCEWQGOGATRSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742476540281},"content":"When you travel the globe kitted out like Viking warriors, there’s a lot of potential for misunderstanding. Just ask Heilung.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3HKPDLCN5GUBOTETQYTP7KROM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742476540282},"content":"“We come with weapons. Swords, spears. They’re sharp. There are places in the world you really have to argue that these are theatre props and not meant for battle,” Maria Franz, the experimental folk group’s singer, says with a laugh from her home in Copenhagen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOBGBSUJRBFGNAYHOZ6MHI7EZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742476540283},"content":"“There are certain elements that we simply can’t bring. I have a human bone that I’m playing on. We have many interesting questions with this project.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTYBF2USCJDJDP2ORBHGBNRVAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108569},"content":"Heilung use the bones as percussion instruments; their music supersizes the pre-Christian musical traditions of northern Europe into astonishing spectacles – think Viking funeral mixed with a battle from The Lord of the Rings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBU4YNDISRCH5FKXBLBBMVNALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108570},"content":"When they last played Dublin, in January 2023, it was like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2023/01/20/heilung-blood-soaked-horsehair-undead-percussion-and-valkyrie-singing-beat-that-toy-show-the-musical/\" target=\"_blank\">witnessing</a> a pocket Ragnarök on the Liffey, with Franz as the haunting ringmaster, dressed in antlers, a shamanic cape and a head-dress inspired by the Celtic horned god Cernunnos. The good news is that they will conjure that magic all over again when they play in Ireland in April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKJE46DYPVEIRJP6VFHZSPJB5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108571},"content":"“We have a very weird sense of time when we perform,” says Franz, whose background is in the Danish prog-rock scene. “It feels like five minutes and an eternity at the same time. Things shift around. It is safe to say most of us go into some sort of trance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIJOQQD6KNHOVGPZYDP57OHWVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108572},"content":"Heilung have tunes to rival the costumery: their 2022 single Anoana, for instance, which sounds like Kate Bush standing strong at the gates of hell, features a mesmerising droned solo played on a Norse bowed lyre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANTZAEDW5VEPVMDE2VUJ33X4CM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108573},"content":"But they see themselves as more than a band. “Heilung” means healing in old German, and their ultimate goal is to whisk the listener off to an ancient time and place, one free of social-media overload and climate-crisis angst, where communing with the natural world was part of what it meant to be human.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIOW6OQ5WNDRXKBNZMRTOA3J7I","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"LUCETXJJ35ENXISP5F42O5XV3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108575},"content":"“There’s a whole Facebook group dedicated to people who have felt some sort of healing experience after going to our [concerts],” Franz says. “It’s heartwarming to hear, because it is the name of the project, and it is also very clearly a mission to take people on a journey – from the moment they’re entering the room to the sound of birds and the scent of incense – and guide them through all the human emotions, from love to fear to anger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AAXNPXH6BCLTBAXHP6NT6LUHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108576},"content":"“For me, I interpret a Heilung concert into a lifespan of a human down to one hour 40 minutes, where you’re going to get thrown into this rollercoaster. And when it’s done, and the final note is clinging out, you should leave feeling more relieved than you did when you when you entered.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVQJAEQA7ZDR3DZ2TDVW7LEG6Q","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ICQGGZF4MZGS5CKQ5DVB74LSBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108577},"content":"That dedication to bringing the past into the present extends to reviving what is believed to be the oldest complete song known to humanity: a 3,400-year-old composition called Hymn to Nikkal. Uncovered by archaeologists excavating the royal palace of Ugarit, in northern Syria, the song – discovered complete with musical notation and tuning instructions – has been resurrected by Heilung, who include the spooky choral piece on their most recent LP, Drif.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIFOSSG4TJCJZDH3GVFBS4QPFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108578},"content":"The group’s producer and musical director, Christopher Juul, brings up Nikkal in answer to a question about their influences and whether they feel any commonality with similarly atmospheric musicians such as Dead Can Dance or even Enya. Heilung have lots of influences, he says, all long dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77ICBRM6IBDLPJ5RBTVEYFJYRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108580},"content":"“At its core it always starts at its source material – which is a historical epoch,” he says. “It can be an actual text from our Nordic prehistory or even another place in the world. Or it can be a direct piece such as you can see with the Nikkal piece, where we have dug up an actual written-down piece of music from Mesopotamia, which is believed to be the oldest written-down piece of music. Our inspiration comes from source material – and none of them are alive today.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY5RZSYXDFHJHFITRZNTFP2XQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108581},"content":"As you might expect of a Germanic experimental folk ensemble who want you to connect with the universal child within, Heilung are serious about their craft. In person, Franz and Juul are earnest and not exactly brimming with banter (though Franz reveals she has learned all about the Irish housing crisis courtesy of the <a href=\"https://www.theblindboypodcast.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Blindboy podcast</a>). But you need to be serious when it is your mission to whisk the audience off to an ancient world by essentially re-creating a pre-Christian shamanic ritual night after night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5375JTLY7BDCDNMO2HZIQXMNW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108582},"content":"“I feel that in the modern day and age, so many feel a lack of connection to our roots. There is a growing consciousness around finding our way back to nature – getting closer to what feels real,” Franz says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZMYND34DJDYPLD5VO5MOJ4UHE","additional_properties":{"_id":"ISMXTYEGTZH5XDCSNXLUUMBQKU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"V27DMIGSBJBG7EI5OIHQU4QNBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108583},"content":"There has never been a better moment to take that journey, she believes, pointing out that the rise of artificial intelligence is a reminder of the importance of human attachment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAOW6A7KORH3JHDANE46AZKRFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108584},"content":"“We now see the beginning of an age of questioning everything we see and hear. Is it artificially made or is it actually a person making it?” she says. “AI is becoming so good at imitating what we’re doing. A live experience with something that feels so tribal and ancient … it’s going to feel more and more important for people to connect to something like this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUWZKT4GO5BZ5PH4Q7FUU5QCFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108585},"content":"Heilung’s music “is composed with the purpose of altering your state of mind, through the use of the beats and the frequencies and the tempos and everything”, she says. “I am surprised at how large we were able to get with this project because I thought it was much more niche. In the beginning I was, like, this is going to be for a handful of people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPZBC4AJCBCITK7A6P3FX7G4WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108586},"content":"Heilung began in 2014 when Franz and her partner, Kai Uwe Faust, met Juul during a Viking re-enactment in Copenhagen. Faust was a tattoo artist from a strict Christian family in rural Germany who wanted to set his poems about the ancient Norse to music. Juul, a producer and composer, agreed to supply an appropriate soundscape in exchange for tattoos. Later they invited Franz to join. In 2015 Heilung self-released their debut LP, Ofnir. It featured not only those percussive bones but also goatskin drums and a Hindu ritual bell.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTM6EIZ37FGLPHB3OUUDGFZZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108587},"content":"Heilung do not elevate Nordic culture above other traditions, but their music does draw deeply on the musical prehistory of northern Europe. As they are no doubt aware, that legacy has sometimes been appropriated by racists. In the United States, for example, Celtic crosses and Nordic runes have been weaponised by fascists as symbols of “European” identity. Do Heilung have to be vigilant about attracting the wrong crowd?","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIVJYMXYDJH75HWJ2RFZFVKJPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108588},"content":"“We keep our commentary free, as much as possible, of politics. We do have a human side,” Juul says. “We do of course advocate for unity and also that people need to take care of this planet we are walking on, right? A lot of these political ideologies you see springing up has been repeating itself through history.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMPPK2HFTFC7DF72DRVLSHGC6I","additional_properties":{"_id":"Z7UDMTH7VZGQTARQJXRQQMBAN4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QK5XHKFTFNDWZKP5MEF6MB5W6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108589},"content":"“A thing you will find even in our lyrics are stories about how, for instance, the Celts were defeated by the Romans. Basically two opposite sides beating each other We … are not a comment on modern-day politics. We’re quite the contrary. What we are trying to do is to make something that unifies everyone.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LERSTRXXJGW3P3FPPIOPKB6UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108590},"content":"If they are political in any way it is that they believe in a shared humanity. They begin each concert with a chant: “Remember that we all are brothers.” It is an appeal for empathy and solidarity. They also believe that going back to the past can offer escapism from the challenges of the present.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDQ7FYCXBBHPRLQVMADZT6ORDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108591},"content":"“We have seen a lot of change. In Ireland, you also have a lot of change with how the church has shaped the country. A lot of what we come with talks about a time before the church. I’m pretty sure that the fascination for the symbolism and some of the folklore can be a relevant break in turbulent times,” Juul says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCMXCKR77VEIHP55E3PWGRJEWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108592},"content":"“To a time before all these things changed into what it is today. Maybe there is an alternative there that can open our eyes to respecting our surroundings a little bit. If you dig down in your own culture as far back as you can go, you will find similar traits all over the planet … We believe there is something that connects us all.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGQW3HMFMVCXFIGXJUDG62CQKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108593},"content":"As well as the ancient weapons that they bring on the road, a big talking point with Heilung is their “warrior choir”, an ensemble of supporting singers who are of mixed gender and naked from the waist up. Nobody blinked when the dancers appeared on stage semi-nude in Dublin two years ago. (If Dubliners want to see half-naked people roaring in public they need only walk through the city centre at closing time.) But the choir provokes a stronger response in other parts of the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUHBDKFTUZBKTAGXLXICJO2BUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108594},"content":"“No one is more nude than the others. Somehow people have a tendency to talk about it only if it’s [a] woman. Our first line, we always say, is we are all the same. We are all of equal value. That creates complications when a religion dictates around the planet that one gender is worth more than the other,” Juul says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICVYG7HQIVCC7J56EJUWFEBGOM","additional_properties":{"_id":"GKKWC5IXPNDZFCV6KAHDRNMJGQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BQ3KW5B27NDZBEBAT2SUUL3V2U","additional_properties":{"_id":"JUXEEROB2VB33KYMAXACMVJYNE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZNX6ZCCXPVDP3N64VHW2TSGNGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108595},"content":"“That is something we are challenged with. We will not bow down to this. Everyone in our tribe is equal value. We don’t see that necessarily as a provocation or a political statement: it just is. I hope the world will continue feeling that too. When you, for instance, see a documentary about tribal and indigenous people, maybe in the 1980s or 1990s or whatever, I don’t think anyone sexualises that. They shouldn’t do that with us either.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLURZLMZTNBN5CGDIOCYVM2BYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108596},"content":"The birdsong that is the first sound you hear at a Heilung concert is more than simply an aesthetic choice. “It is also about playing on primal feelings,” Juul says. “When you’re out in nature, let’s say in the past, we were designed to look for eyes in the forest looking at us, right? We are designed to know different things around us – to sense danger but also to sense a friend.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOEILC7SJZBDFFBLLOXEIOKX7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742476540286},"content":"Heilung review: Blood-soaked horsehair, undead percussion and Valkyrie singing","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"X57R6QTXZ5GIRH3PONRT7RXNYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742244108597},"content":"To hear a bird sing, he says, is to feel safe. “These things, I believe, are very important to activate in our system, instead of just locking ourselves into a concrete building all the time. It is to be immersed in this kind of thing. And when you feel these birds, for instance, in the beginning, that can maybe give you a little bit of a home feeling, for instance. For others it can be exotic. The function is the same. We know it’s birds, so we know it’s safe when we enter this space. These are the things we are intending to amplify for you – to feel more relaxed at the end of a turbulent journey.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5I7KIJ7SWNEGFDTEKPSXFND4T4","type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ed Power"}},"name":"Ed Power"}]},"description":{"basic":"The experimental folk group’s gigs are astonishing spectacles – think Viking funeral mixed with a battle from The Lord of the Rings – and their ultimate goal is to whisk the listener off to an ancient time and place"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:33:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heilung singer Maria Franz: ‘We have a weird sense of time when we perform. It feels like five minutes and an eternity at the same time’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U62DR5A2K5B7DFMPIAO7SY33KI","auth":{"1":"d8a8619cb9713c0794c6976a78f0a56c321542752708ead19dad7c624e5ae366"},"focal_point":{"x":1832,"y":2354},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U62DR5A2K5B7DFMPIAO7SY33KI.jpg"}},"subtype":"showcase","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Music"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/heilung-singer-maria-franz-we-have-a-weird-sense-of-time-when-we-perform-it-feels-like-five-minutes-and-an-eternity-at-the-same-time/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/music","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Music"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"982c0539af5ab105f0d5cc43ac9ca5264a5d01421fd895383f4e0039338aa7de"},"expires":1742733049235,"lastModified":1742732748733},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/your-money\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"F4QS4NIEBNFDJNZK4BENQPJ544","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":362,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/51079329-9fae-4eb7-8805-6f84f3b64e4a/versions/1742212811/media/d4bd479eafd93971d648258922ced054_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/23/will-caring-for-my-siblings-when-my-mum-died-qualify-me-for-a-full-state-pension/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YNZIU7JDT5DIJK3HCUKR57WGJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>I am 48 years old. I cared for my younger siblings when my mother died a young woman. Recently, I applied for recognition of this and received a document towards my State </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\"><b>pension</b></a><b>. So, from age 16 to </b><b>21, they recognise that I was a carer of my family of six siblings, two of whom were under 12 at the time.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFISGDCPONG3VOYWWK4AL6N6NU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>I have studied and worked, paying PRSI, since the age of 22 until now, almost 27 years.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNUOIBWOSZA7ZCFAQVME7UQBDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>I plan to retire at age 57. I would hope then I should have 35 years and the five carer’s years to make 40 years for S</b><b>tate pension when the time comes.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4CFCZNY6FEBTGM67JFJGLAOCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>But I am trying to understand the calculation. Will it be seen as 40 years work over 50 years, aged 16 to 66 ... or will it be seen as 40 years work over 40 years please?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRPMKZHVPFAHVF3UCPZP3C4OYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>I would like it to have</b><b> 100 per cent State pension, not 80 per cent, after 40 years working.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQRD3KDEWJGBBFTPUR2E3UU6G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Ms E.K.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJBHTPUEFFEQRGOLXLWNGI5XE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is a position no one ever hopes to find themselves – having to take care of your younger brothers and sisters at a time when you were only growing up yourself. So it is only fair that, at your request, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\">Department of Social Protection</a> has accepted that you are entitled to five years of caring PRSI credits for that time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6LFT7YMBRE7TCSJWVGFF6OPSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"It sounds like the caring might have gone on for a good deal longer but there are rules around those homecaring credits – notably that you had to be at least 16 and that the children were under the age of 12. They can apply over the age of 12 but only for older children or adults in need of additional care, generally because of age or illness.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDGKJEUGAFFJBPGJJMLNEFUIGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"I assume you have got a formal copy of your PRSI record from the Department of Social Protection confirming the five credited years. If not, please make sure that you do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXM264RVPZDHDF6JJ4BCUKI25I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Those five years of credits alongside your 27 years of paid PRSI during your working life to date mean that, as of now, you have 32 years of PRSI coverage. Given you plan to work until you are 57, another eight-plus years, you will have 40 years of social insurance stamps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOX7FNA76BHNHCLQXNRQCWMU5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Traditionally, State pension was calculated on the basis on the average number of PRSI stamps paid each year over a working life. So, as you say, you could work 40 years over a period of 50 years and miss out on a full State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRG3DPXXMZDEFKY3BX2SCBCYHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"More recently, the State has introduced the total contributions approach, under which you get a full State pension once you have 40 years' credits, regardless of over how many years those contributions those PRSI stamps have been paid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM4F33TT4ZATLMEM7GVNNVN3JI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In each case, you need at least 10 years of contributions to qualify at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG3Q6WVIIVCGPA5T2XL7BTRZGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In your case, you will be assessed under the total contributions approach which means that, by the age of 57, you will have your 40 years of social insurance to qualify you for a full State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITOSQDDZXZDJ5AW54DGKMC3WJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"How can I be sure?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWYPWA2REJHRHDRHXLG7GYT4TI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There were two ways that time out of the workforce to care for family were assessed for State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDU63QCNGBGLLMZHDEO67FRTDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Homemakers Scheme was the original scheme and it operated by discounting any years spent taking care of family from your working like. So, if the period from your first PRSI payment to retirement was 50 years but you spent five years caring for family, it would simply take those years out of the calculation and work out your PRSI average over 45 years. You could discount up to 20 years in this way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPFDFL5QEBFHDBFVHFWLE532DI","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, this was only introduced in 1994, by which time you would have been 18 and so you would only have been allowed three years under this calculation – and the department has told you it accepts your five-year caring period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLB5QPNKJBD6PKQ7WUQRLCXUMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That means they are using the Homecaring Periods scheme. This was introduced much more recently and operates by granting PRSI credits for up to 20 years of time taken out of the workforce to care for family or others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJFTQCLU5VFYPNPZ4DILCWW7EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Critically, the Homecaring scheme means your State pension eligibility will only be calculated using the total contributions approach, so you have nothing to fear on that account.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYQI3BE7YBAOTN5UTXOU7XOLA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is an issue, obviously, is that you cannot just start drawing down your State pension at 57, even if you choose to retire at that time. You still need to wait until you hit the age of 66 to start drawing down the State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJV6UPTH5BFSHFMUB6EHVGHXEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some people can get a weekly payment – €244 a week this year – to cover the year between the age of 65 and 66 where you are retired and not working that year but, among other things, you must have either 39 PRSI stamps in what is called the “governing contribution year” or an average of 26 stamps in that year and the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7LUJZA6RZGSVCHZCSEXVUVOBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The governing contribution year is the second-last full tax year before the year in which you turn 65, so the year in which you will turn 63.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ6JRWNBFNA5RKFPPDCVVC7RVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"As you are talking of retiring at 57, you will not qualify, so you will be dependent on any private pension or other income to bridge the gap from your intended retirement at 57 and when you turn 66.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EC2BWPPRMZDBLGM4E3MHL7OA5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Finally, do remember that the State pension may not be paid automatically. The advice from the department is that you apply six months in advance of the date you intend to start drawing down the pension. This is probably even more important now that there is provision for some people to defer pension drawdown.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAGPI6YNKFG2BJ37I3YYKOYOKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can do so through MyWelfare provided you already have a verified MyGovID account, for which you will need a public service card. Otherwise you can fill out a <a href=\"https://www.gov.ie/en/form/9b3ec-state-pension-contributory-application-form-spc1/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.gov.ie/en/form/9b3ec-state-pension-contributory-application-form-spc1/\">Form SPC1</a>, which you can download and print off from your computer. Alternatively, you can pick one up from any post office, Intreo office or social welfare branch office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5XXXKIP6ZASNBPRCDS2ZP3NQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"If using the printed form, you’ll need to return it to:","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUZZMFG3ARAEXCD54GWR63MU4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"State Pension (Contributory) Section, Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQEKUBKFHNG2DLELN2IQM2DUAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739547837252},"content":"<i>Please send your queries to Dominic Coyle, Q&A, The Irish Times, 24-28 Tara Street Dublin 2, or by email to </i><a href=\"mailto:dominic.coyle@irishtimes.com\"><i>dominic.coyle@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with a contact phone number. This column is a reader service and is not intended to replace professional advice</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Homecaring credits can allow you boost your PRSI record to obtain or enhance s contributory State pension"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will caring for my siblings when my mum died qualify me for a full State pension?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BNFOAJSZVNCMBNPA7AMRFXUQ2M","auth":{"1":"01ae0b6fbd5d3d50c4e1e12702515492982bc344d11af07bcbb76d17091b5605"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BNFOAJSZVNCMBNPA7AMRFXUQ2M.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"74SUUNHNGNASRH55UOEH3CT2CQ","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/23/will-caring-for-my-siblings-when-my-mum-died-qualify-me-for-a-full-state-pension/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"STDP4VV5EZAZZPYTGDQZD4AHGI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":122,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d5dfd12c-ec52-41d5-b994-3aa87119403c/versions/1742559893/media/f9448acfe7af7d6fd3dd1ded037c1205_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/23/fiery-palantir-ceo-banks-big-profits/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AYJ6DVYMX5H7FMJHPP4LGDIWVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alex Karp, the controversial CEO of defence technology stock Palantir, doesn’t like sceptical analysts, but he’s following their advice in one respect – he’s taking profits. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQIYPNBSNRF2XKJIS5FHPZB3P4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The famously expensive $200 billion (€184 billion) stock soared 340 per cent in 2024 and gained another 50 per cent in early 2025 before tumbling hard during the recent sell-off. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"733PQ3YWWVEPDHBHA5QOMERPUA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The gains have been good for Karp, who has offloaded $1.9 billion of stock since early 2024 and who says he plans to sell up to 9.975 million more shares (worth about $800 million) by September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USJI4W2LRBC5FKIHQRHRQTAVAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Karp has sold about a fifth of his shareholding, he remains a very large shareholder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJWK7GIMEVDMBFP52OQHLUROBI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He’s not the only one selling. Investment bank Jefferies, which has a sell rating on Palantir, notes co-founder Stephen Cohen has also recently sold $310 million in shares – his biggest share sale to date, representing almost a quarter of his shareholding. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHW4SGBRKZHGLGEDHBH3GYNDKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Chief technology officer Shyam Sankar has also been selling lately, says Jefferies, taking his stock sales to roughly $420 million since 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSF23PSZNZA3XCMV3ZT57Z557U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Insiders can sell for any number of reasons but the scale of the selling has been noted by famed short seller Jim Chanos who said “management continues to ridicule the sceptics on their stock price ... while they keep selling material amounts of shares”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIMD4J6WOJBCBPKQEPEU3IY66I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Karp isn’t keen on short sellers, saying last year they “love pulling down great American companies so that they can pay for their coke [cocaine]”, adding he “will lead their coke dealers to their homes, after they can’t pay their bills”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2BUKC4U45BLZKBI633P6L2KDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nor is he keen on critical analysts. Last month, he said he loved “the idea of getting a drone and having light fentanyl-laced urine spraying on analysts that tried to screw us”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPS3HOI6PJDJ3LHK63BKB3PZPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Still, both sceptics and Palantir insiders seem to agree on one thing: after huge share price gains, it may be prudent to take some money off the table.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKIS3ZN7YNFKBBRPWWWFRHTKE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}},"name":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}]},"description":{"basic":"The $200bn stock soared 340% in 2024 and gained another 50% cent in early 2025 before tumbling hard during recent sell-off "},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Fiery Palantir CEO banks big profits","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MUMF6SF6BMEJ36C3NKEFK6O4CY","auth":{"1":"7263f70218c0d4218a0f55f69e3c829141ee9c473005b6bbfe45e3263fa2ba54"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MUMF6SF6BMEJ36C3NKEFK6O4CY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Markets"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/23/fiery-palantir-ceo-banks-big-profits/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"3NHXOJ7KGZA77HCPIH3KRH7QHU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":122,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/16f3704e-9b84-4726-9431-9e8d8728cae6/versions/1742547179/media/30cc3247f95ffb408be4132a7adb03a8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/22/howard-lutnick-is-wrong-about-unbelievable-cheap-tesla/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"After nine consecutive weekly declines and a share price that has more than halved, Tesla cannot still be overvalued – can it? No, says US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who told Fox News viewers to “buy <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla\">Tesla</a>”. The price is “unbelievable” and “will never be this cheap again”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LVG5UDBFVGI3PK6S5BG2ICR7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"What’s “unbelievable” is a cabinet secretary pumping <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\">Elon Musk</a>’s stock on TV. Moreover, Tesla’s collapse is all too believable, suggests renowned valuation expert Prof Aswath Damodaran.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHLSTYD4NRFORFQ2KFIMU2GIKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In January 2024, Damodaran valued Tesla at $182, buying the stock for his own portfolio when it fell to $170. Shares topping $488 in December might indicate Tesla’s prospects brightened in the meantime, but Damodaran’s latest valuation update suggests otherwise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEMJDBWRVRBVRHNJJRHVN5PCWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Firstly, the comeback of hybrid cars means a rethinking of the “electric cars are inevitable” narrative. Secondly, Tesla has its “first real competitor” in Chinese EV company <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd\">BYD</a>. Lower prices and more choices mean BYD is “clearly beating” Tesla in Asia and Europe. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ3TDUW3CZGHXC6KNIK4EJGADU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Damodaran expects the EV market will bifurcate into a lower-priced and a premium market, with BYD leading in the former and Tesla holding its own in the latter. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7TZZMVQEJAO7NNB3WCRQQBF2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Investors certainly like BYD – shares have doubled over the last year and hit all-time highs when BYD claimed it can charge cars in just five minutes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4DKTUWZSLZEXRJETGLVZNGRKRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Thirdly, Tesla’s “politicisation” is problematic. An added issue: even shareholders who like Musk’s politics worry he is too distracted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYJ6J374YFGWJKMXM7CFY722SI","additional_properties":{},"content":"After crunching the numbers, Damodaran arrived at a valuation estimate of about $150, roughly 35 per cent below current levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJHIETPIYVAK3KMPE4Y37W6OLQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Whether the market agrees is moot – Tesla shares are usually driven more by sentiment than valuation – but 2025 has shown sentiment has its limits when reality bites.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}},"name":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}]},"description":{"basic":"Valuation expert estimates car maker’s shares are worth about $150, about 35% below current levels"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Howard Lutnick is wrong about ‘unbelievable’, ‘cheap’ Tesla","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YHNL6LEQCH3QCX275HJ6Q75RVQ","auth":{"1":"1e7824359ccccd8053285a9e1cc1dbe8a1b485fd0c0950cfbcbfa6e5770bff50"},"focal_point":{"x":2357,"y":907},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YHNL6LEQCH3QCX275HJ6Q75RVQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/22/howard-lutnick-is-wrong-about-unbelievable-cheap-tesla/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"TZJSJMCKTNATRF5LJHMQ7WDDZQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/21/over-60-you-can-borrow-against-the-equity-in-your-home-but-should-you/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QAUVCEOLM5GWVFTLDOK6EPX6ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1666784309870},"content":"Could you find yourself house rich but cash poor in retirement? It’s not unusual. Your home may be worth a lot of money, but that won’t pay the bills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZACDERHL2FCGLDPK7HUW6W6UZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equity release can free up the wealth in your bricks and mortar, without having to sell up or move out. So how does it work, and are there risks?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6XCEIBUK5GFJNSMWDTRW3WNEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you’ve paid off your mortgage and are of a certain age, equity release in the form of a “lifetime mortgage” enables you to get a loan against the value of your house. Repayment can wait until your home is sold following your death or when you move out. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHP2LXKO7NCYBHZ5Q54TVXEUYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The amount you can borrow depends on your age – a 60-year-old may be able to borrow a lump sum of 15 per cent of their house value, while a 70-year-old can borrow 25 per cent, for example. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4D5ZWQVSJHCTGO3GRZ4NJJIPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This kind of lump sum can be great for making retirement more comfortable, or to fund travel but, depending on your loan, interest may be accumulating all the time, increasing the debt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYAKJE7BDREM3IJBONEZ3TP744","additional_properties":{},"content":"With a “roll-up” lifetime mortgage, you don’t make any repayments but interest is mounting all the time. It is charged on what you have borrowed as well as the interest added from previous months – this is called ‘compound interest’. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNFDMHYQHFAUTCYDWSMU3AMFIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The longer the loan lasts, and that’s typically until your house is eventually sold when you move out or die, the more will be owed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCXAA6ELLVFQ5EFGYEZTFKWQGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Interest rates are also higher than a standard mortgage. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4HMTKCBONCJJF5OI2B3F6XHPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If a 60 year-old borrows €100,000 this way at a rate of 6 per cent, for example, they’ll owe €122,785 by the age 75, €165,645 at age 80 and €223,467 at age 85. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ARKOUW4A4VBCPD2DJ7RZO53FUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While you remain the legal owner of your property, your lender takes a “first charge” on it. That means they trump other beneficiaries when you die and have the right to take what they are owed from the proceeds of the sale of your home to pay off the debt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWNWFL2TIRDX5GFYGKBNY7LXVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"As our example shows, interest added every month means the amount you must pay back can far exceed the amount you borrowed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JR6QKPRC5RGW5OAI72GUFRRY7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Who is doing it?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BHSXYI5MB5FKRGD3VTZI74VW7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The typical customer is a single woman in her seventies, borrowing about €80,000, according to data from equity release provider Spry Finance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LUWJCJWJNENHKVUXL4PUHYDBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Women live longer than men and have less valuable pensions, so it’s no wonder that living expenses in older age can be a challenge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZU7GTTMCBFEDLVJF4ASMFBJR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Single women were 2.5 times as likely as single men to choose equity release last year, according to Spry Finance customer data. Supplementing pension income, cash for emergencies and funding home improvements were the top reasons for lifetime mortgage equity release, it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2ROXPFEENGDPBJDFSV2UC5H54","additional_properties":{},"content":"The average loan to a single woman customer was €83,000, according to Spry, €6,000 more than the average loan to a single male (€77,000) and €20,000 less than those issued to joint applicants (€103,000). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJQYVJIWQNG3VNXPSFVLENOYSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The median property value for a borrower was €570,000 in Dublin and €370,000 outside the capital. The average age of customers was 72.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CK7X2JPHZF5TBDZWWYTC4IO5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The upside of an equity release lifetime mortgage is you can raise cash while continuing to live in your home at a time when traditional mortgage providers will not look at you because you no longer have an income from work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOQ4WTXSB5BULOFT6MO6MKUWCE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are short on money in later years and are not concerned about passing on the value of your home to your family or other beneficiaries on your death, it’s a solution. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHNSUF5ZOFA6JBSCDHA7XW5LNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The duration of the loan is tied to how long you remain in your home before selling. This could be when you move to a nursing home or when you die. The longer you remain in your home, the bigger the debt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3LMSRFBV5FWDHVCSEDYDEGUZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the extreme, the amount you owe may slowly creep up to match the value of your home. There is a risk that when the house is sold, there may be no money left for other beneficiaries after paying back the loan. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5XXV24IKVDO3HYHKXS6HE5HGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Make sure you get a “no negative equity” guarantee, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) warns. This means that you, your “estate” or your family are not left having to repay more than the proceeds of the sale of your home – even if the outstanding balance of your loan, including interest, is now more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFUILT2OQJFF5GC5UD27FZCTAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Spry Finance says its product guarantees that the amount outstanding will never exceed the value of the home. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3APREKMAE5CBLKZ4P4MMOJYK3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"An alternative to the roll-up product is an “interest-only” lifetime mortgage, where you pay interest on the loan every month at a fixed or variable rate. The advantage here is that the amount owed isn’t climbing all the time but you need to be sure that you can afford the repayments out of your pension income. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRGO6XTUJNCVJAXBK7T5GIHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If your equity release mortgage has a variable interest rate, rising interest rates will increase the cost of your loan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYOMYFQASFHSBLPUOI64COZCAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While it can be tempting to borrow a big amount against your home in case anything crops up in the future, the advice is not to borrow more than you need. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JYGBK7NBFRLMLWFSHP7N46ZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"You’ll be charged interest on what you borrow and if some or all of that money is just sitting on deposit, you will be paying more in interest on the borrowings than you earn in a deposit account, warns the CCPC. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3H33VIEVJE7XM24Z6R7CQENVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If there is a large amount to be repaid when your home is sold, there will be less available for your long-term care, or to pass on to anyone after your death – or possibly nothing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZUEGCLVIJGWVBF4T7SXWFMARE","additional_properties":{},"content":"So before looking at equity release, consider your longer term plans. Will you or your partner need the equity in your home later on to pay for nursing home care for example? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5CNZELKOJCSXLRSBSBOFMSVYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are considering equity release to pay for nursing home care, consider the HSE’s Fair Deal scheme first. This assesses your income and assets to calculate how much you can pay towards your nursing home care with the HSE paying the balance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BWOPTIXDNG5LNAE7BMLXESOG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under the Fair Deal scheme, you pay a 7.5 per cent contribution based on the value of your assets, including your home, and the contribution from your home is capped at three years regardless of how long you are in care. That means you can never be charged more than 22.5 per cent of the value of your home under Fair Deal, ensuring significant value remains in the asset.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7O35JN36IJGPFPRCUJSCK7IHDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first €36,000 of your assets, or €72,000 for a couple, are not counted in assessment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHHMRSDK6BHMVCFODIWTTIE5SQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The contribution required from your home is normally met through an interest-free nursing home loan, which must be paid back to Revenue from your estate within 12 months of your death, or six months after your home is sold while you are still in care.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJR7S36GVFEBZIV5SDY5WP7P6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"With some equity release lifetime mortgages, the lender may insist that the mortgage is paid off if you move out of your home, for any reason, for longer than six months. The mortgage may also prevent you making alterations to your property, including age-friendly alterations. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q5QGQSMCLZFVPCKK577KP4NZYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are short on cash in retirement, there are alternatives. You could consider selling your home and moving to a cheaper one, getting a different type of mortgage if you can meet the repayments, renting out a room for €14,000 in tax-free income each year, or transferring ownership to a family member in return for the cash and the right to live in the property for life. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5LM2YUW7RBLLDGEZXOLETGO3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you get independent legal advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVKBKBB3DZHZLDUNJ7JY2QIS3A","additional_properties":{"_id":"CNASVM5X6NC5ZIWURLQ6RES56Q"},"content":"<i>You can contact us at </i><a href=\"mailto:OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com\"><i>OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with personal finance questions you would like to see us address. If you missed last week’s newsletter, you can read it </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/03/14/how-much-should-you-pay-for-a-funeral/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/03/14/how-much-should-you-pay-for-a-funeral/\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joanne Hunt"}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Equity release can give older people financial peace of mind or the funds for a more comfortable retirement but be careful of the terms and conditions"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Over-60s can borrow against the equity in their home. But should they?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"On The Money Newsletter"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YUS6R4MLM6WIAHSXEU6FFRGO6M","auth":{"1":"8b092f5e9c0e90e81a5420199c61974c700414faae1de8c4067186879d163e06"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YUS6R4MLM6WIAHSXEU6FFRGO6M.jpg"}},"subtype":"editors-note","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Property"},{"name":"Residential"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/21/over-60-you-can-borrow-against-the-equity-in-your-home-but-should-you/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"PWXCRXLTWVBIZPZ4XHTNWAGUA4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":521,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a6e65f27-a861-4d46-bad7-0e47f8a5d247/versions/1742482592/media/cff3c24e1d4b11e2688e16ef38c6a494_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/20/from-glass-ceilings-to-broken-rungs-why-better-educated-women-continue-to-earn-less/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4IGE5TSOVBGJNCCTFGQOQLY2XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742404818033},"content":"Women are increasingly breaking the glass ceiling but a stubborn “broken rung” on the employment ladder persists. There has been<a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-wlm/womeninthelabourmarket2023-2024/\" target=\"_blank\"> a revolution in participation by women in the workforce </a>since the turn of the century in Ireland, in common with most other developed countries. In that time, the number of women in employment has been rising more quickly than male employment, while those who reported their principal economic status as “engaged in home duties” fell by 60 per cent from 520,500 in 2010 to 208,200 last year. But with more than six in 10 employed women having a third-level degree compared with just over half of all men, why is there still a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gender-pay/\" target=\"_blank\">gender pay gap</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZEQ2ZHFLBDFVFPCZPQHSOGZSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742464040044},"content":"First, it is worth looking at longer-term trends. There has been an upward trend in the number of women in the workforce. By the end of last year the<a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/labourmarket/labourforcesurveylfs/\" target=\"_blank\"> Central Statistics Office labour force survey</a> showed 1.465 million men in employment compared with 1.310 million women. The long-term trend has seen a faster growth in female employment since the CSO series began in 1998, before the Celtic Tiger years. Since then female employment has more than doubled, while male employment – having started from a higher position – has risen by a bit more than 50 per cent. And this trend has continued in recent years, with female employment up 20 per cent since before the pandemic, while male employment has risen by 14 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZFQEICUKFGFPDPH3E42OFGFZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466709809},"content":"Figures on female participation in the jobs market underline the changes. Back in 1998, 46.8 per cent of working age women participated in the jobs markets – being either in work or looking for work. This has now risen to 60.6 per cent. The biggest change has come among married women, where participation has risen from 44 per cent in 1998 to 63 per cent now. While Eurostat used a slightly different measure for international comparisons, the participation by working age women in the jobs market is now similar in Ireland to EU and international averages having lagged behind for many years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYTL2S3FGBBK5J2TEDOBJPZO6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742464040045},"content":"Women’s earnings have also risen slightly faster than men’s on average – though not enough to close the gap. Median weekly earnings among female employees rose 32.7 per cent between 2013 (when they were €469.74) and 2023 (€623.23). This compares to a 30.5 per cent rise in median weekly earnings for men – though having started well ahead they still earn more – to €770.52 in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPGSWYOV2FFPRLLEHIQYGJXFE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"OT6OOOX3CZE5ZNWCJTQUKQUSBM"},"content":"Gender pay gap increased at three government departments during 2024","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TQTEG5YUSBEBRDPTSVKKHXOZIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742480174641},"content":"More women are also featuring among higher earners, with the proportion of females among the top 1 per cent of earners increasing by five percentage points from 21.4 per cent in 2018 to 26.4 per cent in 2023 – though this is still well below the female share in the workforce. The proportion of females in employment with earnings in the top 10 per cent rose from 27.8 per cent to 30.2 per cent over the same period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7KTLKQMXVHJBOGCZD6ESGVZDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466709811},"content":"However the gender pay gap, which looks at hourly earnings, remains and<a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ses/structureofearningssurvey2022/genderpaygap/\" target=\"_blank\"> is calculated by the CSO at about 9.6 per cent </a>in 2022, its most recent full estimation. This is a measure across all job types and not of the difference between women and men doing the same job. In 2023, almost one in three female employees had weekly earnings of less than €450, compared with one in five men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6DJELTI6NAB5IIDXWQ5XYDGDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742480174643},"content":"The CSO found that the gender pay gap was highest in the financial, insurance and real-estate sectors at 24.7 per cent and lowest in the education sector at 2.7 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7KTLKQMXVHJBOGCZD6ESGVZDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742466709811},"content":"So why is this happening?","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7MQJBE4AJHCJP3PWAO4FTFFVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236158},"content":"1. <b>Lower-paying sectors</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"XLRUMZH6ERBAJKZBU5IROPMPDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236159},"content":"A key reason is that more women work in sectors which pay less. Women dominate employment in the accommodation and food service sector and it is the area where they earn the least – about €316 per week – including both full- and part-time employees. In contrast, women in the information and communications sector, the highest-earning sector for women as well as men, earned €1,157 per week on average. However, the high proportion of women in lower-paying sectors still affects the overall averages. Women account for about three-quarters of all employees in the health and social work and education sectors, where weekly earnings stood at €728 and €826 respectively in 2023. This compares with average male earnings in all sectors of €770.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6E5PQV5XHVAA5KMXAOKSZNXVMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236160},"content":"2.<b> Part-time work</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"CWBWWDJOMVFWJOWEL42OM3FFBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236161},"content":"The gender pay gap is generally taken as a comparison of pay per hour. However, the fact that more women work part-time is a key reason for their overall lower weekly and annual earnings. On average women work just over 30 hours per week in paid employment while men work 35.7 hours. While women account for 42 per cent of people (919,600) in full-time employment, they account for more than two-thirds (391,100) of part-time employment. The greatest proportion of women who work part-time – about a third – do so to “look after children or incapacitated adults”. Just over a fifth do so because they are also involved in “school, education or training”, including many in school or university fitting in part-time work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7NHWN4CBHEBMA3J4XFXIW43M","additional_properties":{"_id":"SOX6MK5NABBKJCJEH4VHM4DESY"},"content":"Gender pay gap most pronounced in legal profession, according to PwC Ireland","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LXQLD6RORNDA3E4GKRBC26XVPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236163},"content":"3.<b> The maternity factor</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"FAWZAZ7BAVFM7BGFW2JZU7ZOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236164},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-congress-of-trade-unions/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Congress of Trade Unions</a> has consistently highlighted the issue of maternity as a key reason for the gender pay gap and called for employers to change policies in terms of dealing with women who have caring responsibilities. Their case was backed up by a paper published in December 2022 – <a href=\"https://docs.iza.org/dp15805.pdf\">Why do the earnings of male and female graduates diverge?</a> – written by Maynooth economists Aedin Doris, Donal O’Neill and Olive Sweetman. It looked at male and female graduates and found that, while they were generally initially employed at the same wage rate, eight or 10 years later males were ahead by 25 per cent or more. A key explainer in the research was a fall-off in female pay after having children – by about 27 per cent on average. Some of this related to women working part-time after starting a family but there also seemed to be other factors at play, suggesting a longer-term cost to their career and pay levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NK5R2FK7WNA4HIDP7575LE5FCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236165},"content":"4. <b>The broken rung</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"LKL6CEOJCRBMHESPHK54RC6IZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742493236166},"content":"It is illegal to pay women less than men for the same job (though it may still happen in some cases). So as well as factors specifically relating to maternity, the question is: what explains the rest of the gender pay gap? International reports on the issue all take on a similar tone – women have made progress in the workplace but more needs to be done. Over the past decade “women have made important gains at every level of the corporate pipeline”, according to the <a href=\"https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace\" target=\"_blank\">Women in the Workplace report 2024</a> by consultants McKinsey, “yet progress is surprisingly fragile”. Based on a survey of 281 companies with 10 million employees, it found women today make up 29 per cent of C-suite positions, compared with just 17 per cent in 2015. However, progress has been slower at lower levels, with men still outnumbering women at every level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUFSYGRXRCV7DPB6KYYRB4SGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742471948228},"content":"While the “glass ceiling” stopping women from getting promotion to the highest level may be no more (the CSO’s <a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-gbb/genderbalanceinbusinesssurvey2023/keyfindings/\" target=\"_blank\">Gender Balance in Business Survey</a> has details) McKinsey says that for every 100 men who received their first promotion to manager, just 81 women took the same step – the broken rung, as it calls it, in the corporate ladder, which leaves women lagging behind.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2ZPKPKCYBF23M6NMFRFX7EUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742480174650},"content":"Irish surveys also give some cause for concern – showing progress over time but still a long way from workplace equality. Recent research by Grant Thornton found that more than one in seven businesses had no women in senior management roles. In total just over a third of senior management roles were held by women in middle-sized Irish firms, slightly ahead of the European average. <a href=\"https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/women-at-work-global-outlook.html\" target=\"_blank\">Another international report</a> from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/deloitte/\" target=\"_blank\">Deloitte</a> underlines how many women do not feel supported in the workplace and are not confident in their company’s equality policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNNPM35RFRCSFNOYSHK24GHEUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742480174651},"content":"As well as company policies in relation to hiring and promotion, there are also national issues of particular importance to giving both partners the choice of paid employment. As well as parental leave policies, the cost of childcare, which is relatively high in Ireland, is perhaps the most important. The signs are that post-Covid flexibility around hybrid working has given families new options, but the gender pay gap still remains stubbornly in evidence.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cliff Taylor"}},"name":"Cliff Taylor"}]},"description":{"basic":"Women who gave their principal economic roles as ‘home duties’ fell by 60% since 2010 alone yet the gender pay gap remains"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T13:24:04.286Z","headlines":{"basic":"The broken rung in the career ladder - why women continue to earn less ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Smart Money"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU","auth":{"1":"0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331"},"focal_point":{"x":684,"y":407},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"SB53M5TCGVGYLEFLXLWXDY5WG4","type":"image"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/20/from-glass-ceilings-to-broken-rungs-why-better-educated-women-continue-to-earn-less/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}}],"count":9693,"_id":"4c12c0ea37301ea9fb097405ca4d3d2494e38a310fbe8960ae24cfd6430e3e44"},"expires":1742733198038,"lastModified":1742732897621},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/food*)\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"4UIPFSQZWVD6DO43Z7HGGUC73A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":76,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d4202b58-afe7-41b3-9051-fe617687459e/versions/1742381516/media/c4e596cddaaeedde22ef7668ecbc4c77_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/23/aldi-nails-it-with-these-two-hard-to-beat-southern-hemisphere-wines/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KRZDO4PYT5HVLOTN3I4UJ3NHXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198924},"content":"Two wines from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aldi/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aldi/\">Aldi </a>this week, both from the southern hemisphere. Margaret River is close to Perth on the west coast of Australia. The region has a deserved reputation for sauvignon blanc, often blended with a little semillon to add texture. The wine below includes 5 per cent semillon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3WQMVVS6VCPPFS7JR5HON3XZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198926},"content":"Stellenbosch is the premium wine-producing region of South Africa. Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, it is a popular tourist destination. The varied soils and micro-climates allow it to produce a range of very good red and white wines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4MPZPSSCBDHZIUICWWHQLQ6NI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Specially Selected Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2024","type":"header"},{"_id":"VOPAI3YPRVFQLJ3AOFOJ6VLQK4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"B2LVMS4L2FFNVMORMMPCAJIGVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198929},"content":"Bright and inviting with lifted aromas, leading on to some mouth-watering green fruits. A classic sauvignon blanc to enjoy as a sipping wine or with herby fish and chicken dishes. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"32BHJRJ4LRB2JNOTYYBQD2ECGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>13.5%abv, €10.99 from Aldi</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7733TPA4JBWFNX2F5UWP2MKSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Specially Selected Stellenbosch Shiraz 2024","type":"header"},{"_id":"M6OPQVKMKRC4TIRSGEEZIB4JB4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7DQUWU4CKFH3XIM6IZNEHIHSRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198932},"content":"Medium to full-bodied with meaty earthy dark fruits and ripe tannins. This would be best with grilled red meats. A South African braai or barbecue would be perfect. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGRAPGPBGBCETHEX4YH5JKRB3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>13.5%abv €8.99 from Aldi</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John Wilson"}},"name":"John Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"An Australian sauvignon and South African shiraz for about €10"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Aldi nails it with these two hard-to-beat southern hemisphere wines ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Y7Y5TRTZMZFGVC6QV27J5WYZVM","auth":{"1":"ab875561e386c02e34f5d19dd340d9afc7297d3f77cc0936d795552a09ccb53b"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Y7Y5TRTZMZFGVC6QV27J5WYZVM.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Drink"},{"name":"Food"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/23/aldi-nails-it-with-these-two-hard-to-beat-southern-hemisphere-wines/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/food/drink","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Drink"}}}},{"_id":"OC7FO37NCZCE3HXDQBRSSIJGQQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":183,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a52ea36e-a1c9-42de-aa1e-da32c6756669/versions/1741273274/media/ae4496861c7ebe052a05ec66ff445dda_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/22/john-wilson-how-tempranillo-became-spains-favourite-grape/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KTQ7ZGI4RBDNVG6X5ODLBBN6JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996146},"content":"You won’t see the name on the label very often, but the tempranillo grape is the most widely planted <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/spain/\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a> grape variety, used to make some of the country’s most famous <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wine/\" target=\"_blank\">wines</a> including Rioja and Ribera del Duero.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWMZWNV2WNFYZKSXMDW43FQQCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996147},"content":"A few nerdy facts first. Recent reports place it as the third most planted grape in the world, almost all of it in Spain, and the rest probably in neighbouring <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/portugal/\" target=\"_blank\">Portugal</a> where it is known as tinta roriz. In various parts of Spain, it is known as tinto fino, tinto del país, tinto de toro, ull de llebre and cencibel. The name means “little early one”, a reference to tempranillo ripening earlier than other Spanish varieties. It can produce very high-quality wines but for some reason, it has never really been planted outside of the Iberian Peninsula.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXXLLWCNNVF6LA5AOI2TIPB3JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996148},"content":"In terms of flavour, it all depends on where you grow it. In warmer climates such as Ribera del Duero or Toro the wines are typically full-bodied and powerful with ripe dark fruits. In Rioja and other cooler climes, the wines tend to be more elegant with red fruits, good acidity and medium tannins. Either way, tempranillo can age gracefully while being very drinkable when young.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOW7BQC6XRCMBEDHLYGM7ONFBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996149},"content":"I have deliberately chosen three unoaked, and one lightly oaked, wines to show the wonderful fresh fruit of the tempranillo grape. Locally, they would drink young unoaked wine with menestra, a vegetable stew, and more full-bodied wines with lamb, pork or traditional warming bean stews.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7QXZ5RRMNHPBAH4HVD4XP2E4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996151},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BZMZVFYAJ5B2XDSG6UYIV4TG34","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ermita Rioja Joven 2023","type":"header"},{"_id":"ILBKAJQUCBHIXH7SEGRRXFUUUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"14%, €11.99","type":"header"},{"_id":"B4RYVK2AMVE55IG7NIM74SMNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996154},"content":"Full-bodied and rich with concentrated dark fruits, and a smooth finish. Try it with roast lamb or a substantial bean stew.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSPJMZQVVJFPFAQLDVA3MIZKGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996155},"content":"<i>From Lidl</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FR53W6EOHJFKTM5MDAGK6WSMAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996158},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3O3GO4R2DNDOXJ3F2JR6V5IAUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Abadia de Acón 2023, Ribero del Duero","type":"header"},{"_id":"T63NZNF22RHNTOKOTXESMBIARE","additional_properties":{},"content":"14.5%, €17.50-€18","type":"header"},{"_id":"IPUSMPKA2FFJJJJ5M3D6BM3ZIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996161},"content":"A delicious fresh supple wine bursting with voluptuous dark plum fruits and an easy finish. Serve it alongside grilled lamb chops.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QW7LJOUJFCVTJU7C66RDYYKTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996162},"content":"<i>From The Wicklow Wine Co; Baggot Street Wines; Thenudewineco.ie; Clontarf Wines; D-Six</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT755ZZMKFHOVN6NMCM4HJUDTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996165},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QPJYSDS2OZBDBKR4KRBDJRFPBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bardos Viñedos del Altura 2020, Ribera del Duero","type":"header"},{"_id":"25FJ5HTM3RAEBFMD6FLAKUKRT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"15%, €22","type":"header"},{"_id":"BOZZ7B3L5VDXJODT3WCD3JI464","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996168},"content":"A delicious wine packed with smooth plush swarthy fruits, a lick of dark chocolate and firm but ripe tannins on the finish. Velvet in an iron fist. Try it with spicy grilled red meats, a posh burger, or some ribs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJ4XKH5H7NADTNR5VXKVRELUQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996169},"content":"<i>From Bradleys, Cork; Donnybrook Fair; Wineonline.ie</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOI5LNNSF5H6THUPI3EDKQUYM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Artuke Pies Negro 2022, Rioja Alavesa","type":"header"},{"_id":"QTTN7O3PTRAWVCL23AQ477ZV4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"14% , €24-€25","type":"header"},{"_id":"NY5ZAGOWIJCV5PLOFTDDWFD52U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996172},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ACAM22EDFRDHPC4P7UBSFKQTVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996175},"content":"Juicy and vibrant with concentrated forest fruits and impressive length. A joyous wine to drink alongside roast pork, or spicy lamb meatballs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XATFJVS4J5GVFJ77ECDG4CGGYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996176},"content":"<i>From Sweeney’s, D3; Pinto, D9; Clontarf Wines; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Green man Wines, D6; Martin’s, D3; Brindle, D8.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John Wilson"}},"name":"John Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"The ‘little early one’ grape is the third most planted in the world but you rarely see it beyond Spain and Portugal "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How tempranillo became Spain’s favourite grape ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SAWY5LJPLBBFZJUEVIXL64XWLA","auth":{"1":"97307fc8e2b6d0b5be92a0e15a5aec81deec5508dc772c07a48eed22f5236c17"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SAWY5LJPLBBFZJUEVIXL64XWLA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Drink"},{"name":"Food"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/22/john-wilson-how-tempranillo-became-spains-favourite-grape/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/food/drink","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Drink"}}}},{"_id":"GSWOEGWOL5EMPPOQWT5X3IHL4Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":136,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d33fb239-dd27-45e0-a204-56b00b84cdc8/versions/1741711603/media/9d09cd15f8738dfbc4765b80675adc85_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-two-restaurant-inspired-pasta-dishes-to-make-at-home/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HFT3VJGV2JCZTBW7PNUZWN7D24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946384},"content":"One of the simplest and most enjoyable elements of my job is eating. As a chef, the best way to improve and develop your palate is to constantly eat and taste, ideally in places that are cooking at a higher level than you are. When it comes to columns, cookbooks and TV series, it’s important to be out and about, tasting and trying, note-taking and photographing. Luckily, my work regularly brings me around the world, offering a rare chance to grow my repertoire beyond the confines of this island. If I see something abroad, I’ll happily take the idea and present it at home, making it my own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDH4ZYDNMBDIZBZJGNAOORGQT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946385},"content":"This week we have two dishes inspired by recent restaurant meals. One from home, one from farther afield. On a recent visit to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/restaurants/review/2024/01/18/allta-review-this-is-going-to-be-my-restaurant-of-the-year/\" target=\"_blank\">Allta on Dublin’s quays</a>, I was blown away by a cavatelli pasta dish with barbecued lamb shoulder, buttermilk espuma and a salad of parsley, onion and capers. It was sensational and delicious. The restaurant itself is a great vibe, and well worth a visit. In attempting to recreate the recipe, we tried five separate shops but couldn’t find cavatelli to buy‚ so gnocchi will have to suffice. Braising the lamb in some chicken stock and reducing it for a powerful glaze is what makes it, while the addition of crème fraîche to the gnocchi glaze cuts through the fatty lamb. Capers, onions and parsley bring the whole thing to life. I hope I’ve done it justice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XGZ6SAAUBNHNBHW5BLS2GXDBLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2XJNCMSWVVCYFEXKFZDQIZUQME"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DUXJUUXYQJEGNKCU5DLSINB44I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946386},"content":"The second dish is really simple, but relies on great ingredients. Sourcing the squid ink pasta brings a touch of restaurant to the home kitchen but you can of course use plain spaghetti. The emulsion of the olive oil, garlic and chilli with the pasta water creates the magic flavours that coat the pasta. If prawns aren’t your thing, you can replace with bacon lardons or just make it without any protein. This one is inspired by the simple flavours and dishes of southern <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/italy/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGOXLHVQNRHPBJDF54GEVSF6ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"QD5OVFSFZRC3ZFNQC4BJBWGGF4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IZYGMVXUX5FALDX2NRLEZY6EQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742398286689},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-gnocchi-with-slow-roasted-lamb-creme-fraiche-and-greens/\"><b>Recipe: Gnocchi with slow-roasted lamb, crème fraîche and greens</b></a>","type":"header"},{"_id":"GD5UDAPKHFHAZKXC5FG5HKP74Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742398286690},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-prawns-with-squid-ink-linguine/\"><b>Recipe: Prawns with squid ink linguine</b></a>","type":"header"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark 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\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"4UIPFSQZWVD6DO43Z7HGGUC73A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":76,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d4202b58-afe7-41b3-9051-fe617687459e/versions/1742381516/media/c4e596cddaaeedde22ef7668ecbc4c77_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/23/aldi-nails-it-with-these-two-hard-to-beat-southern-hemisphere-wines/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KRZDO4PYT5HVLOTN3I4UJ3NHXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198924},"content":"Two wines from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aldi/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aldi/\">Aldi </a>this week, both from the southern hemisphere. Margaret River is close to Perth on the west coast of Australia. The region has a deserved reputation for sauvignon blanc, often blended with a little semillon to add texture. The wine below includes 5 per cent semillon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3WQMVVS6VCPPFS7JR5HON3XZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198926},"content":"Stellenbosch is the premium wine-producing region of South Africa. Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, it is a popular tourist destination. The varied soils and micro-climates allow it to produce a range of very good red and white wines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4MPZPSSCBDHZIUICWWHQLQ6NI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Specially Selected Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2024","type":"header"},{"_id":"VOPAI3YPRVFQLJ3AOFOJ6VLQK4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"B2LVMS4L2FFNVMORMMPCAJIGVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198929},"content":"Bright and inviting with lifted aromas, leading on to some mouth-watering green fruits. A classic sauvignon blanc to enjoy as a sipping wine or with herby fish and chicken dishes. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"32BHJRJ4LRB2JNOTYYBQD2ECGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>13.5%abv, €10.99 from Aldi</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7733TPA4JBWFNX2F5UWP2MKSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Specially Selected Stellenbosch Shiraz 2024","type":"header"},{"_id":"M6OPQVKMKRC4TIRSGEEZIB4JB4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7DQUWU4CKFH3XIM6IZNEHIHSRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742312198932},"content":"Medium to full-bodied with meaty earthy dark fruits and ripe tannins. This would be best with grilled red meats. A South African braai or barbecue would be perfect. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGRAPGPBGBCETHEX4YH5JKRB3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>13.5%abv €8.99 from Aldi</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John Wilson"}},"name":"John Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"An Australian sauvignon and South African shiraz for about €10"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Aldi nails it with these two hard-to-beat southern hemisphere wines ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Y7Y5TRTZMZFGVC6QV27J5WYZVM","auth":{"1":"ab875561e386c02e34f5d19dd340d9afc7297d3f77cc0936d795552a09ccb53b"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Y7Y5TRTZMZFGVC6QV27J5WYZVM.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Drink"},{"name":"Food"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/23/aldi-nails-it-with-these-two-hard-to-beat-southern-hemisphere-wines/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/food/drink","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Drink"}}}},{"_id":"OC7FO37NCZCE3HXDQBRSSIJGQQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":183,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a52ea36e-a1c9-42de-aa1e-da32c6756669/versions/1741273274/media/ae4496861c7ebe052a05ec66ff445dda_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/22/john-wilson-how-tempranillo-became-spains-favourite-grape/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KTQ7ZGI4RBDNVG6X5ODLBBN6JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996146},"content":"You won’t see the name on the label very often, but the tempranillo grape is the most widely planted <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/spain/\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a> grape variety, used to make some of the country’s most famous <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wine/\" target=\"_blank\">wines</a> including Rioja and Ribera del Duero.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWMZWNV2WNFYZKSXMDW43FQQCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996147},"content":"A few nerdy facts first. Recent reports place it as the third most planted grape in the world, almost all of it in Spain, and the rest probably in neighbouring <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/portugal/\" target=\"_blank\">Portugal</a> where it is known as tinta roriz. In various parts of Spain, it is known as tinto fino, tinto del país, tinto de toro, ull de llebre and cencibel. The name means “little early one”, a reference to tempranillo ripening earlier than other Spanish varieties. It can produce very high-quality wines but for some reason, it has never really been planted outside of the Iberian Peninsula.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXXLLWCNNVF6LA5AOI2TIPB3JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996148},"content":"In terms of flavour, it all depends on where you grow it. In warmer climates such as Ribera del Duero or Toro the wines are typically full-bodied and powerful with ripe dark fruits. In Rioja and other cooler climes, the wines tend to be more elegant with red fruits, good acidity and medium tannins. Either way, tempranillo can age gracefully while being very drinkable when young.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOW7BQC6XRCMBEDHLYGM7ONFBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996149},"content":"I have deliberately chosen three unoaked, and one lightly oaked, wines to show the wonderful fresh fruit of the tempranillo grape. Locally, they would drink young unoaked wine with menestra, a vegetable stew, and more full-bodied wines with lamb, pork or traditional warming bean stews.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7QXZ5RRMNHPBAH4HVD4XP2E4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996151},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BZMZVFYAJ5B2XDSG6UYIV4TG34","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ermita Rioja Joven 2023","type":"header"},{"_id":"ILBKAJQUCBHIXH7SEGRRXFUUUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"14%, €11.99","type":"header"},{"_id":"B4RYVK2AMVE55IG7NIM74SMNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996154},"content":"Full-bodied and rich with concentrated dark fruits, and a smooth finish. Try it with roast lamb or a substantial bean stew.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSPJMZQVVJFPFAQLDVA3MIZKGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996155},"content":"<i>From Lidl</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FR53W6EOHJFKTM5MDAGK6WSMAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996158},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3O3GO4R2DNDOXJ3F2JR6V5IAUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Abadia de Acón 2023, Ribero del Duero","type":"header"},{"_id":"T63NZNF22RHNTOKOTXESMBIARE","additional_properties":{},"content":"14.5%, €17.50-€18","type":"header"},{"_id":"IPUSMPKA2FFJJJJ5M3D6BM3ZIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996161},"content":"A delicious fresh supple wine bursting with voluptuous dark plum fruits and an easy finish. Serve it alongside grilled lamb chops.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QW7LJOUJFCVTJU7C66RDYYKTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996162},"content":"<i>From The Wicklow Wine Co; Baggot Street Wines; Thenudewineco.ie; Clontarf Wines; D-Six</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT755ZZMKFHOVN6NMCM4HJUDTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996165},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QPJYSDS2OZBDBKR4KRBDJRFPBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bardos Viñedos del Altura 2020, Ribera del Duero","type":"header"},{"_id":"25FJ5HTM3RAEBFMD6FLAKUKRT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"15%, €22","type":"header"},{"_id":"BOZZ7B3L5VDXJODT3WCD3JI464","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996168},"content":"A delicious wine packed with smooth plush swarthy fruits, a lick of dark chocolate and firm but ripe tannins on the finish. Velvet in an iron fist. Try it with spicy grilled red meats, a posh burger, or some ribs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJ4XKH5H7NADTNR5VXKVRELUQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996169},"content":"<i>From Bradleys, Cork; Donnybrook Fair; Wineonline.ie</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOI5LNNSF5H6THUPI3EDKQUYM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Artuke Pies Negro 2022, Rioja Alavesa","type":"header"},{"_id":"QTTN7O3PTRAWVCL23AQ477ZV4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"14% , €24-€25","type":"header"},{"_id":"NY5ZAGOWIJCV5PLOFTDDWFD52U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996172},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ACAM22EDFRDHPC4P7UBSFKQTVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996175},"content":"Juicy and vibrant with concentrated forest fruits and impressive length. A joyous wine to drink alongside roast pork, or spicy lamb meatballs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XATFJVS4J5GVFJ77ECDG4CGGYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742298996176},"content":"<i>From Sweeney’s, D3; Pinto, D9; Clontarf Wines; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Green man Wines, D6; Martin’s, D3; Brindle, D8.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John Wilson"}},"name":"John Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"The ‘little early one’ grape is the third most planted in the world but you rarely see it beyond Spain and Portugal "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How tempranillo became Spain’s favourite grape ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SAWY5LJPLBBFZJUEVIXL64XWLA","auth":{"1":"97307fc8e2b6d0b5be92a0e15a5aec81deec5508dc772c07a48eed22f5236c17"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SAWY5LJPLBBFZJUEVIXL64XWLA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Drink"},{"name":"Food"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/food/drink/2025/03/22/john-wilson-how-tempranillo-became-spains-favourite-grape/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/food/drink","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Drink"}}}},{"_id":"GSWOEGWOL5EMPPOQWT5X3IHL4Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":136,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d33fb239-dd27-45e0-a204-56b00b84cdc8/versions/1741711603/media/9d09cd15f8738dfbc4765b80675adc85_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/food/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-two-restaurant-inspired-pasta-dishes-to-make-at-home/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HFT3VJGV2JCZTBW7PNUZWN7D24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946384},"content":"One of the simplest and most enjoyable elements of my job is eating. As a chef, the best way to improve and develop your palate is to constantly eat and taste, ideally in places that are cooking at a higher level than you are. When it comes to columns, cookbooks and TV series, it’s important to be out and about, tasting and trying, note-taking and photographing. Luckily, my work regularly brings me around the world, offering a rare chance to grow my repertoire beyond the confines of this island. If I see something abroad, I’ll happily take the idea and present it at home, making it my own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDH4ZYDNMBDIZBZJGNAOORGQT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946385},"content":"This week we have two dishes inspired by recent restaurant meals. One from home, one from farther afield. On a recent visit to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/restaurants/review/2024/01/18/allta-review-this-is-going-to-be-my-restaurant-of-the-year/\" target=\"_blank\">Allta on Dublin’s quays</a>, I was blown away by a cavatelli pasta dish with barbecued lamb shoulder, buttermilk espuma and a salad of parsley, onion and capers. It was sensational and delicious. The restaurant itself is a great vibe, and well worth a visit. In attempting to recreate the recipe, we tried five separate shops but couldn’t find cavatelli to buy‚ so gnocchi will have to suffice. Braising the lamb in some chicken stock and reducing it for a powerful glaze is what makes it, while the addition of crème fraîche to the gnocchi glaze cuts through the fatty lamb. Capers, onions and parsley bring the whole thing to life. I hope I’ve done it justice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XGZ6SAAUBNHNBHW5BLS2GXDBLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2XJNCMSWVVCYFEXKFZDQIZUQME"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DUXJUUXYQJEGNKCU5DLSINB44I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295946386},"content":"The second dish is really simple, but relies on great ingredients. Sourcing the squid ink pasta brings a touch of restaurant to the home kitchen but you can of course use plain spaghetti. The emulsion of the olive oil, garlic and chilli with the pasta water creates the magic flavours that coat the pasta. If prawns aren’t your thing, you can replace with bacon lardons or just make it without any protein. This one is inspired by the simple flavours and dishes of southern <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/italy/\" target=\"_blank\">Italy</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGOXLHVQNRHPBJDF54GEVSF6ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"QD5OVFSFZRC3ZFNQC4BJBWGGF4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IZYGMVXUX5FALDX2NRLEZY6EQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742398286689},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-gnocchi-with-slow-roasted-lamb-creme-fraiche-and-greens/\"><b>Recipe: Gnocchi with slow-roasted lamb, crème fraîche and greens</b></a>","type":"header"},{"_id":"GD5UDAPKHFHAZKXC5FG5HKP74Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742398286690},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2025/03/22/mark-moriarty-prawns-with-squid-ink-linguine/\"><b>Recipe: Prawns with squid ink linguine</b></a>","type":"header"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark 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link and href) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGUQLW5IUFFB5LCGOUDWDY6A2M","additional_properties":{},"content":"These include an overly complex planning system, a lack of zoned land, difficulty in raising finance and the absence of large developers in both the public and private sector appear to be the biggest obstacles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PCCLRJOP3NCT3C4AECFBXV4PSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the same time, the Government admitted this week that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/apartment-housing-delivery-has-collapsed-and-requires-radical-response-says-minister/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/apartment-housing-delivery-has-collapsed-and-requires-radical-response-says-minister/\">apartment construction in Ireland has collapsed</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CA3L3ITCHBDPZJOQ3OPG2V5TXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"We would like to hear the experiences of tenants in Ireland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HBCAQPWTSBA63H6S7HYR7QWG6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are you currently trying to find a place to rent Ireland? What has that experience been like and what challenges have you faced?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBDJM7VLGRBVXGO7O3GF4MDT5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can share your experience using the form below. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKJZ37JRZBCMLPFGF6KSZLTJPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN4IBOHGTRAJLD3IMKTV3UYULM","additional_properties":{},"content":"We will curate a selection of submissions for potential use in our reporting on the housing issue but please note we may not publish every submission we receive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXM6SCTALBAOZIXDAJ6YGDAQ74","content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"51394d84-b133-430a-8d37-98bba770d4e2\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"SLYGRLCJH5HZHCM3BP5EVE6AOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Ireland’s housing crisis shows no signs of easing"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:15:21.662Z","headlines":{"basic":"Are you looking for a place to rent in Ireland? 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Carrickmoleen, dating from the 1800s, came with sprawling gardens, greenhouses and fruit trees – ideal for a keen gardener such as the fashion designer. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMMGKEZCNZCK7FGKEUJ23SPD3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Rocha’s tranquillity has been interrupted by work in the grounds of a nearby property, Montebello House. Rocha and his wife, Odette, last week filed an objection to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council over plans by Covelo Developments Ltd to build four new houses in the grounds of the neighbouring protected structure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXJFHJJHQBDZFOLATOPQRV3QR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The couple are particularly aggrieved by the removal of trees around Montebello House by Covelo Developments. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIANV5EENZBCFFFO4DUUB6YXIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"A planning consultant hired by the Rochas claims the developer removed “a substantial amount” of mature trees in a “cynical and unnecessary” manner before applying for planning permission. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEHWXQVZOBHPRFTXTOZFDS4D5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It appears that no licences were sought to fell the trees, and we call on the council to ensure the mature trees removed are replanted as part of compensatory replanting under the Forestry Act 2014,” their objection states.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNF3RQTYI5D47AREF6BT52KTNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Rochas, who previously lived in Leeson Park in Ranelagh, are also concerned that the proposal for four houses on the site is a “Trojan horse” for further development as Covelo has previously indicated it is interested in building apartments on the grounds of Montebello House, which it bought last year for more than €4 million. The couple argue this will erode the historic nature of the protected structure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3E7R3YLJJDETCDCPQ6TMOH7EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Their concerns are echoed by several other locals, including entrepreneur and tech investor Philip Gannon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRZTL6RRRBETFFZ36J7WY74MHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Covelo Developments is owned by Sean Keegan, a son of Castleknock builder and codirector Laurence Keegan, most famous for bulldozing the 18th-century Presentation College in Terenure without planning permission early on a Saturday morning in 2006. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZCW7E6NONNKJPRBCUBE2XZVSM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TXCBZLEMFNCZDL6DY5VS7EZPXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Olivia O’Leary wants to save the snails ","type":"header"},{"_id":"DHSR4EX7BFBD3JLAIP6N64VW4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Also fighting to retain the tranquillity of their local area is Olivia O’Leary. In 2019, the broadcaster won a long-running battle against plans by Waterways Ireland to turn the Barrow Towpath into a blueway – a track suitable for cycling – stretching from Lowtown in Co Kildare to St Mullins in Co Carlow. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G32YTNHERNBL5HWRQIHYRBP2H4","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Leary, who lives in Co Carlow, is now trying to block plans by Waterways Ireland to carry out repairs and “strengthening works” to the banks of the Barrow, as well as some upgrades to the trackway surface along the riverbank. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBNFJWFENVC2BDFFS74JDQJEHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Last week O’Leary, on behalf of the Save the Barrow Line Committee, appealed against the plans to An Bord Pleanála, saying there was no need to use rock armour to strengthen the banks and that “soft engineering solutions have been too readily dismissed” by Waterways Ireland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CD2ZCZPMA5AF3LRLUCPHJFNHKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"She also claims that the planned upgrade to parts of the track is almost identical to what was proposed under the blueway plan and points out that the work could threaten a population of Desmoulin’s whorl snails, a protected species. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DDGMKKQLBBLZCQ33M32B75YYY","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ADLN33SF5ZD7TL3KLTGXFHFHME","additional_properties":{},"content":"WHO gets flak for anti-shamrock-wetting stance","type":"header"},{"_id":"Y7LSMXSD5RAZPPJ7I5AWZ6UXMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The World Health Organisation (WHO) was accused of a spot of Paddy-bashing last week when it posted on social media about “a fun alternative to the St Patrick’s Day beer”. The organisation included a link to a video about Johnny and Daniel, two Irish men who had given up partying. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SVL5GTOLRHXHFYMGRD2SQEECQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Eh, I think this is racist, WHO. An apology is in order,” replied An Post chief executive David McRedmond on social media network X (formerly Twitter), although the health body didn’t respond or remove the post. Perhaps they were too busy enjoying a tipple. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"75OBL5W4SBE33NI7GU36IXSQZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cork City owner’s clever K Club move ","type":"header"},{"_id":"YZDPAGYECVDDNKATEE247QAXFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Businessman Dermot Usher said last year that he had invested €1.4 million in Cork City FC since buying the Leesiders in December 2022. The former chief executive of Sonas bathrooms may have raised some of the investment through a clever property play last year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGTD2SCBI5GPDJQL7PM6Z6KF5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Until recently Usher lived at 3 Churchfields in The K Club, the former home of racehorse trainer Vincent O’Brien. At 582sq m, the five-bedroom property is one of the largest in The K Club. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5MKSHJS6BAOZEDJN5TR3JCIIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Usher paid €2.825 million for the house in 2020 but sold it last year for €6 million, more than doubling his money in four years. He subsequently bought 10A Churchfields, a slightly smaller house a few doors away, for €3 million. That’s enough left over for a decent new striker. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENF5QRQQFRCYLMG4GNBY5EFEKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ryanair enters the culture wars with glee","type":"header"},{"_id":"7VMAVJ4IN5AQRODNCIJ6UCWO6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Michael O’Leary had admitted in the past to floating outlandish ideas in the media to get cheap publicity such as his wheeze about charging people to use the bathroom on Ryanair flights. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2TDZMRZQJB3TM3FI565R4TCKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"He will probably be delighted by a nonbinary person suing Ryanair for €5,000 in damages because the airline’s website did not provide a gender-neutral title for a flight booking. The story has made headlines in Germany, where the customer took the complaint after discovering while booking a return flight from Berlin to Gran Canaria that the only options available were Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (Miss). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2JFXV4GEVGOFFOTRXNFWUMQPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The complaint will be heard by the Berlin state court after Ryanair refused to reach an out-of-court settlement. No wonder, given all the free publicity the case is likely to generate when it’s heard later this year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRKZAGURW5MNPHYLDQBPJ4QRUU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BA7TDLSHSZHR7DW7XA2BOBL36I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Where have I seen that University Challenge team captain before?","type":"header"},{"_id":"OCHFZS6JAFH7LPW56U335F6OQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"University Challenge viewers saw Christ’s College, Cambridge, reach the semi-final earlier this month after a victory over the University of Warwick. The team captain responding to Amol Rajan’s questions may have rung a bell for some people in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VYIWE2C7NBBTHGNE76OZJGKBYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Five years ago Oscar Despard from Dublin, who recently finished his undergraduate studies in Cambridge and is now tackling a PhD, won the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/bt-young-scientists-research-on-gender-bias-in-children-wins-2020-prize-1.4136227\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/bt-young-scientists-research-on-gender-bias-in-children-wins-2020-prize-1.4136227\">top prize</a> at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition for a project entitled Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUK6D26ZLFCYXAYUIBEXXDIS7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"As if that wouldn’t make you feel inadequate enough in your academic prowess, a few months later the then Sandford Park student was back in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/i-didn-t-believe-it-at-first-two-leaving-cert-students-get-nine-h1s-1.4664185\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/i-didn-t-believe-it-at-first-two-leaving-cert-students-get-nine-h1s-1.4664185\">the headlines</a> after getting the joint highest Leaving Cert results in the country – 9 H1s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YELR3GXAF5GWZNEFIN3ZW4BW24","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Coyle"}},"name":"Colin Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Plus: Olivia O’Leary wants to save the snails; An Post chief accuses WHO of anti-Irish message; and Ryanair enters the culture wars in Germany"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"John Rocha loses his calm in Killiney as he objects to ‘Trojan horse’ development","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BPPJW7UCYJGCJM7G32GKLSFPDA","auth":{"1":"9e263f91cf1c1492e42b66f8bd5982a5d585bb9d22ba08bdcedfe09eceed6939"},"focal_point":{"x":2492,"y":1285},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BPPJW7UCYJGCJM7G32GKLSFPDA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/23/overheard-john-rocha-loses-his-calm-in-killiney-as-he-objects-to-trojan-horse-development/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"B76RGPHSTNG5XM7VAOGQ5WNUZ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":697,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/56f3ad5c-c6af-4670-9d75-d254de416ef8/versions/1742553407/media/55d1cf463885fd54b9a1ba247daedeaa_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/22/all-the-obstacles-in-front-of-us-why-is-there-such-a-shortage-of-homes-to-buy-and-rent-in-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VVMCVXQTENCRDJH2CCGQBQBHWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018382},"content":"A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/disability/\" target=\"_blank\">wheelchair user</a> crawling up the stairs of his unsuitable <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/renting/\" target=\"_blank\">rental</a> home. An international student living with scores of people under one roof. A pregnant mother living in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/16/people-shouldnt-have-to-live-the-way-we-are-limerick-housing-crisis-pushing-people-into-homelessness/\" target=\"_blank\">one room of a hotel</a>, with no alternative in sight. Three generations of women living in one council-owned flat with mould so bad they all <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/02/27/i-cant-remember-the-last-time-my-child-could-breathe-easily-dublin-flats-residents-protest-to-council-over-damp-mould-and-dereliction/\" target=\"_blank\">suffer continuous chest infections</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKAMTDMUFZD5NBQY5EWKMVKDLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018383},"content":"These are just some of the people The Irish Times has spoken to over the last four weeks dealing with the stresses and hardship of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Ireland</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\">housing crisis</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26CMPTJ7CFCO7DE3ZVVFBYVBOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018384},"content":"Why is there such a shortage of homes to buy and rent in Ireland?","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZRASVKLNRH3JPCBGOST3OUQV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Planning system","type":"header"},{"_id":"QJQK7KK2WVFYXFPDRUO67FDHUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018386},"content":"In order for a greenfield site to become a new estate of homes, a number of things need to happen. There must be an established need for housing in the area under the National Planning Framework. The land must be zoned for housing, and serviced by Irish Water and the ESB. Next, the scheme must be in line with the anticipated development in the relevant Local Area Plan. Then, a planning application can be made to the local authority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AXQDQ2V5FF2VOQ6EZR3NMLSWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018387},"content":"At every stage of this process, obstacles can arise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OEIGZ3YGOJFC3ICQELL6MTTJOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018388},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.npf.ie/project-ireland-2040-national-planning-framework/\" target=\"_blank\">National Planning Framework</a> was published in 2018 and its housing targets are based on 2016 census figures. The population has grown significantly since then, but a revised framework has been delayed and is still not published, meaning the assessment of housing need in certain areas may not be up to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM5DTYMQN5A77ALYKOXSZUMUGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018389},"content":"Are you looking for a place to rent in Ireland? Share your story","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TGDGT2VLR5DUVHYYYTPVZ6ZX64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018390},"content":"Secondly, the land may not be zoned or serviced. Rezoning only happens every five years, unless the local authority sees a particularly strong reason not to wait that long.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2OWW7ADZBDU7FWM2LPZFQJU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018391},"content":"The most cumbersome stage is actually securing planning permission to build. Developers can seek planning in the traditional way, through a Section 47 application, or through the Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) process for schemes over 100 units.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCWHLJBVMRGH7GTC6HCHL5EUZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018392},"content":"Objections by third parties can be made while the planning application is being considered by the local authority, they can appeal it after a decision is made to An Bord Pleanála (ABP), and they can apply to appeal ABP’s decision for a judicial review.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZ3ZWO63AZHQTII34HH35GHZGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018393},"content":"‘People shouldn’t have to live the way we are’: Limerick housing crisis pushing people into homelessness","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RQVPAI4B6ZHONOC66EGRPQZQQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018394},"content":"All of which means that turning a greenfield site into an estate of homes can take decades rather than years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBD5YBLADNCXTPTZ2ADGZ3YEKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018395},"content":"John Downey, a chartered town planner and managing director of Downey Planning, gives the example of about 400 acres of agricultural land in Donabate, north Co Dublin, which was rezoned for housing in 2003.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2QNUG77HZAR7EOETOEWW3U5UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018396},"content":"“That land was all rezoned in 2003 but houses are being built now since 2023, so that took 20 years because of all the obstacles in front of us,” Downey says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3CHG6SE7BEGDNLDQDT67RU4LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018397},"content":"Michelle Norris, director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy at UCD and a member of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Housing Commission</a>, says that while the public needs to be able to legally challenge poor decisions, “the level of litigation in the planning system ultimately undermines the democratic basis of the planning system”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F65AZB42MJE5HBK5FPRIGVXKXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018398},"content":"Housing Commission report suggests underlying housing deficit of up to 256,000 homes","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CVBCQ6576FDIRG6DYKUYTQAKRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018399},"content":"Paul Mitchell, director of construction consultants Mitchell McDermott, suggests two changes Government could make “overnight”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBADNP2DYBCSNOAP3HHUSZ7ITE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018400},"content":"“A lot of land zoned for housing was previously dezoned, so the Government could issue a decree and rezone all of that previously dezoned land overnight. The second thing is they could issue another decree automatically extending all planning permissions which are currently up for renewal for another five years,” Mitchell says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJQ4LWCYOJHXBNJFSN7TRFSIME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018401},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4KS4LKX7WRGELJK6YQSKFTDSHQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Financing and the exit of big players","type":"header"},{"_id":"DZHWGORBJ5BJTOBUOUXBWVOMDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018403},"content":"The financial crash of 2008 led to the mass exodus of large property developers in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6KX6SRHWRETLKSNPG56BBBWTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018404},"content":"The construction industry still has not recovered to its pre-crash levels, with Central Statistics Office (CSO) data from 2024 showing employment in the sector is still well below its peak in the mid-2000s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EA33IFKEFVAXJNVSRKQIN673LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018405},"content":"There are only two large developers, Cairn and Glenveagh, which have the capacity to deliver homes at scale. The rest of the State’s developers are small- to mid-sized housing providers that struggle to access the necessary finance required to build at scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2GJ75LMXBGKTA22YAAKCQAHFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018406},"content":"“If Ireland is going to scale up housing output to 50,000 or 60,000 a year over the next several years, it needs bigger-scale players,” says Dermot O’Leary, economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVPPYI4DCFC6TII6APGYZEFAYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018407},"content":"But why can’t these smaller developers scale up?","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VPI2IJHQ5BJ5AOTT45N5GNWDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018408},"content":"“Banks are still quite cautious about lending into the space, so that constrains the ability of the builders to scale up,” says O’Leary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2O5VNZDVVCJPDX4WOXUVP5FOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018409},"content":"Development lending at AIB and Bank of Ireland has fallen steadily since the crash, with a recent report by the Central Bank of Ireland finding that the value of this lending across both banks was €1.6 billion, or just over 1 per cent of total lending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAJMJ4OVPBEALJZMM3BHMUT6DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018410},"content":"‘You can see holes in the ceilings’: Dublin flats residents protest over damp, mould and dereliction","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5DCYPQNPUZGJXESVTXPHNE4FWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018411},"content":"While banks need to consider how they could play a role in terms of increasing finance into the space, O’Leary says the State should also consider ramping up equity investment to cover the gap between what the bank will lend and the cash reserves a developer can put up as a deposit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FM45SJKSVZHGXE7BB5VE5C3LAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018412},"content":"Another option suggested by <a href=\"https://www.housingeurope.eu/\" target=\"_blank\">Housing Europe</a> researcher Dara Turnbull is to use the excess savings of Irish households held by banks to fund social housing providers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XN2EALEFCBBIPNKAS4TIPUAFHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018413},"content":"“In France the excess savings of households are collected in a national savings account system called the ‘Livret A’. These funds are then lent to social housing providers, forming about 75 per cent of the capital required to develop the typical new social housing project,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCROWOKFBZG5ZNNJO3M32R6TLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018414},"content":"“This model has existed for over 100 years and has been very successful in bringing in additional ‘private’ capital to develop affordable homes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"POVSZCLXWRGMFPZR2SRF5XYP34","additional_properties":{},"content":"International investment","type":"header"},{"_id":"KXBVGSNEY5EYDHV5E3AS7TLZQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018416},"content":"Attracting more private international investors into the Irish housing market has been the biggest talking point of Government parties since the new Dáil term started. Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the State needs to pivot in order to secure this kind of investment, which has fallen back in recent years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY5Z4SY5IJGVPEVMF5ULQJAGRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018417},"content":"There have been calls for a review of rent controls and a more stable housing policy that is not subject to so much change to give foreign funds more certainty when investing in the State. There has been significant backlash to the idea among Opposition parties, which argue that foreign investment does not result in more affordable homes and housing policy should not be determined by the wishes of private investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNFELCFLMRAAHH2FAJKZOXNH34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018418},"content":"Over-reliance on private investment in the absence of other finance options could also result in difficult decisions for Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIW7ZZWTCNFF7G5SKOMYD2BR3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018419},"content":"The model “is heavily dependent on access to international capital and a more ruthless push for profit maximisation,” says Turnbull.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GH4JQPOCCZCVVAYAL4XH73UAKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018420},"content":"“This poses a potential issue for the Government, as it may have to choose between making Ireland a more attractive place to invest in housing, and trying to protect tenants and vulnerable households.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7M27EW767NAOBOL5MPFEZAXWXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018421},"content":"But if access to finance remains an issue for the smaller developers, and housing output needs to be upscaled significantly, it follows that private investment will need to be part of the solution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIUQ4GBMEJBVFJE4DK5NARYSUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018422},"content":"There was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/13/state-should-treat-international-investment-in-housing-like-fdi-cannes-property-event-hears/\" target=\"_blank\">an Irish presence at the high-profile MIPIM property conference</a> in the south of France last week for the first time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKT7ABOWWNAEPFJNWCFXYJLLI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018423},"content":"Representatives from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-housing/\" target=\"_blank\">Department of Housing</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ireland-strategic-investment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\">Ireland Strategic Investment Fund</a> were among the Irish delegation hoping to secure finance at the international forum which is attended by more than 20,000 delegates, including investors managing more than €4 trillion of assets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X32LZ7MMTJECNBTIIUSDEOOFHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018424},"content":"Claire Solon, managing director of US investment fund Greystar Ireland, said the mood music among investors at the conference towards Ireland was positive, but that there were certain risks “working against us”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6DL677QRWFFWNGUZFRSGE65YQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018425},"content":"“We have a number of specific risks that may not exist in other countries. These would include political uncertainty in terms of policymaking, the rapidity of changes in policy and the risk around planning policy in particular, and the length of time that it takes to actually get a viable planning permission.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGO6MBI7Y5CRZNWU7TLLIF4PUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018426},"content":"Apartment housing delivery has ‘collapsed’ and requires ‘radical’ response, says Minister","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NQARAUBFCNG2BB3WOI3NON3Q4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018427},"content":"Solon points out that changes to rent controls, along with changes to co-living and build-to-rent planning permissions, and building regulations in general have an impact on investment and creating a more high-risk environment for investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDLCYTFD2RBOXOD7KTMOWK7GW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018428},"content":"Rising interest rates have hit the property investment market globally, and the viability gap in apartment building has worked against the Irish market in attracting outside investors into this segment of development in particular.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOTNRBHCZBDEVDBZF4RNVZRHSI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Social housing","type":"header"},{"_id":"YLO2NMP2LZEFVPAYPQAWALGQDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018430},"content":"So if the cost of development is so high in the State, and the capacity of the private sector so low, why does the State not step in to do what the private sector cannot?","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHRBH4SB7ZD4DFGYQWB6MP3ZME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018431},"content":"In some instances, it already is. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/land-development-agency/\" target=\"_blank\">Land Development Agency</a> takes publicly owned land and develops affordable and social homes on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OX2XQUNBRRGKHK4YE66MKOZ4WI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018432},"content":"Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) receive funding from the Government to provide affordable housing on a not-for-profit basis. Both provide homes under the cost-rental model and the affordable purchase scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5UZP7PNJIZAAFLS354OPSEUWLA","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"GUX2RPTLNNAIJEO5MPIQ5WTINE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018434},"content":"UCD professor Norris, whose research focuses on social housing, says the AHB sector has similar problems to the private developer sector in terms of scale, with just three large AHBs carrying out the vast majority of building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA4QFBHVIFFIHDA6EWXJLLQLX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018435},"content":"The complexity of the planning system and delays in grant approval also hamper the sector in delivering housing quickly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7UDAMVI4FE5PM2AMOXMJWJN4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018436},"content":"There are also “strict and cumbersome” public procurement rules, as well as “competition for land, builders and labour”, Norris says, which prove to be significant challenges for local authorities “most of whom are small organisations”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGDQVHQALRBUXNO2MWXVAZ4NAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018437},"type":"image"},{"_id":"SPLVJISSOZAXHKQM7OBA7HLQQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018438},"content":"One solution Norris suggests to tackle this is to establish a number of local authority housing organisations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6EO7626KBBR7AQZDOTFPRYC64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018439},"content":"“Groups of local authorities would get together and set up jointly owned, separate specialist organisations that would do the housing delivery on their behalf and would be able to take on the specialists needed such as quantity surveyors, architects, engineers,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JBP3KX52ZEKHMHWHHLWLNTADM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018440},"content":"“That’s the model used to deliver elsewhere in western Europe – in France and Sweden for example – the vast majority of them do their housing delivery through these specialist organisations.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7CGR4LFLJDVVD2YFKCKRZBO7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018441},"content":"The cost-rental model also has the ability to “play an important role”, Dara Turnbull says, but it will take time to deliver.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUQR54RMZBFNJP2WAYS6N6PAVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018442},"content":"“This is the model that already exists in countries like Austria, Denmark, and Finland where the social housing system is built on a cost-rental approach and where the housing providers are quite financially self-sufficient,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MTBS4AOKNE5XK5OIYIOBULBRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018443},"content":"Government funding row stalls delivery of up to 5,000 social and affordable homes","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"75CJWY6ZX5E6BP5N4CQ6IVFAWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018444},"content":"“However, based on the current approach, it would likely take at least another 30 years before the Irish cost-rental model was mature enough to gain a similar level of self-sufficiency. While this will be welcome when it happens, it obviously comes too late for those struggling to access affordable housing today.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2INH3PWOVDOXBNQTMFKUSPCTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018445},"content":"While the solutions to the housing crisis are varied and often polarising, the contributory factors are generally accepted by all sides.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AI6IVWL4FZHO7I27XKHGZXTTYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018446},"content":"An overly complex planning system, a lack of zoned land, difficulty in raising finance and the absence of large developers in both the public and private sector appear to be the biggest obstacles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TCPY2VBJ5FBEDCGQUD2TJBQQ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742716018447},"content":"As the Government grapples with deciding the best way to tackle those issues, one thing is certain to continue: the impact of the Irish housing crisis on the ordinary person trying to find a home shows no sign of abating.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YHPURWDKJERHNT3MSBICUI3RU","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"51394d84-b133-430a-8d37-98bba770d4e2\" data-display=\"modal\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Niamh Towey"}},"name":"Niamh Towey"}]},"description":{"basic":"As ordinary people continue to bear the brunt of the State’s dire housing shortage, we examine the reasons for the crisis and look at possible solutions"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland’s housing crisis: Why is there such a shortage of homes to buy and rent here? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4C4MREUAXREU5PNNCTFVM3PEHY","auth":{"1":"5433b03bf5f38443aee2bc7f135566e4d5180a92fec79d2bda5c1e766b7ab7af"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4C4MREUAXREU5PNNCTFVM3PEHY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Housing & Planning"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/22/all-the-obstacles-in-front-of-us-why-is-there-such-a-shortage-of-homes-to-buy-and-rent-in-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/housing-planning","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Housing & Planning"}}}},{"_id":"RUB6ZB4A7ZEGVNTE4PMHNTV7QU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":498,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ec292900-bc83-479e-bf52-7c35e4aea4cd/versions/1742586504/media/8471bc8cf7d6a019e4f971289527f4c1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L5OWTTDNKRFNDIZM44LUEY5ZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134162},"content":"<i>In the week when </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Conor McGregor</i></a><i> stood at the White House podium and declared “illegal immigration” was “running ravage” in Ireland, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy gives his first comprehensive interview, since his appointment to the role, on the Government’s approach to immigration.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWEXSOU76FCWVGRJRTMKFUPEAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134163},"content":"Last week, Conor McGregor said Ireland was “at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness” due to “illegal immigration” “running ravage”. How concerned are you about McGregor, and similar far-right agitators, spreading this inaccurate immigration rhetoric?","type":"header"},{"_id":"JCJCJNS6YRFYPKFDBSKBP3T6TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134164},"content":"These were appalling comments. It’s very important Ireland’s political and civil society leadership do not let this type of false narrative go unchallenged. Not only does he not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPY6DRFXDREAXFWFJJEWLTK6ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134165},"content":"Conor McGregor has, unfortunately, an ability to generate publicity for himself. But I think the people of Ireland know unequivocally who he really is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPJHSMI42RBBTMEPB37TARRVOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134166},"content":"McGregor has suggested he might contest the upcoming presidential election. How would you respond if he runs?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XP6C6R5Z5VEPHO2G2S5A3G3RZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134167},"content":"I’m hopeful he will not run – he needs to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. If he does run, I would call him out on his lies and say he does not speak for the vast majority of people in our country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B62IZ5S4XRER7G3RVFC5G2YCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134168},"content":"We’ve had candidates who ran at local and national level in elections with viewpoints which I would absolutely disagree with, and they must be challenged at every opportunity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIBQGTCASRCLJHQN7F5XARD4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134169},"content":"How concerned are you about the trend of violent protests and criminality led by anti-immigration, far-right activists?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QUZUFV3XGRAXJICXZFTIYS4LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134170},"content":"There’s a real imperative on the political leadership not to accept the far-right agenda in any way, shape or form. It’s one of the reasons having a better asylum system is important – it takes away the oxygen from far-right groups in terms of false narratives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYPX6ANNF5HBLGB2VBIF27KSP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134171},"content":"Conor McGregor comments on immigration in White House criticised as ‘wrong’ and ‘outrageous’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N5OSKBM6MJCOPB76T2HHOQ6IXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134172},"content":"We, as the political centre, have to recognise that communities have genuine concerns. But at the same time, we must not tolerate the exploitation of these genuine concerns by unrepresentative groups who are promoting a political agenda. They exploit, and latch on to, communities’ fears.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAZGV3XNB5F6NMJA4QS3GQYZHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134173},"content":"Is there a danger of Government policy pandering to these far-right elements and being swayed by local agitation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"EQNLN6FAWVGGNIOTZ6KIGQMTKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134174},"content":"It’s regrettable that when we talk about having a firm, fair and effective asylum system, you’re seen as wanting to pander to the far-right element. Far from it. I believe by having the system that works properly, you take the oxygen away from groups like the far right to be able to exploit it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77HGRTYDRJCXTI2S5UDV3M4J5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134175},"content":"State stops opening new asylum seeker centres in certain areas due to ‘local feedback’ and ‘violent protest’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4NY6JG72BZBJPCR6WCHXPY6HUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134176},"content":"They want an ineffective system that enables them to continue to peddle their tropes and lies. That’s why we need a system that people believe in, and buy in to, from both sides: the community and those entering the asylum system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNZIACLY5FBH3LAIB77IAYBTQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134177},"content":"What about concerns that the Government’s firm but fair approach will take away from the humanitarian element of supporting refugees?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QNDESVRCLNF6TN2LN2P3M3O6R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134178},"content":"A firm, fair and effective system works faster, and therefore delivers results for everyone. It means vulnerable people who are genuinely seeking international protection will be given an answer quickly. That’s better for them and better for us, rather than a system which ends up with people lost in limbo for long periods of time and which becomes an unfair cost to the Irish taxpayer. It’s a win for people in the process and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMDZXQR46FC6RD653DWBECM55I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134179},"content":"Last year the Government stopped opening new IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres in certain parts of the country because of “local and political feedback”. How do you plan to address the myriad difficulties in securing asylum seeker housing?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUOAL3Z2LBA7XBQ2FXADAXYGWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134180},"content":"I want to focus on acquiring State-owned facilities which will ramp up accommodation considerably. We’ve had over 100 expressions of interest in [State-run] facilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ2WCKBZSZCGXOSHK5WIURCEQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134181},"content":"This will reduce costs and take us out of the situation where we find ourselves now – looking for IPAS centres all the time. This impacts communities and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"647WC3HRKVDTRGYXKBZWD5AJIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134182},"content":"What about reports that Government is in discussion to buy Citywest hotel in Saggart, Co Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"3M22L6V7U5FJBPIXWP4HAYPGHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134183},"content":"Citywest is an important facility in terms of the migration system and there’s excellent work being carried out by staff and volunteers there. But it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4DCAFDA5JGW3GPFBZQLVQGF4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"O5TO7PIJQ5HTZIQ5XTWMT4VHSQ"},"content":"The inside story of how Conor McGregor secured his meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BQZUYTWZANGDTEBTTMSIGPXFSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134184},"content":"What about the legal challenges that have been taken against IPAS centres in places like Athlone and Thornton Hall in north Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"UTPYTTIIDZARBIYROXBQAYZABY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134185},"content":"I can’t comment specifically on an individual legal challenge but<b> </b>we live in a country where the rule of law predominates and people have a right to challenge us. It’s up to us, as Government, to push (for IPAS centres) in a way that’s absolutely compliant with the law. And if somebody challenges that, we robustly defend it and accept the outcome. That’s how our system works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MS3VM2CK5E6FP5OANZALUQCJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134186},"content":"The State spent more than €1.9 billion on IPAS and Ukrainian refugee housing in 2024. How much will you cut spending in 2025?","type":"header"},{"_id":"K7URBSH7CZGPTBR32BRIDAB2U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134187},"content":"The costs are unacceptably high and we must bring them down. It’s about trying to ensure we have much better value for money for the taxpayer. By moving to State-owned facilities, I’m hoping costs will reduce in the coming 12 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKL5J2OZBVBFDEQPVTXP7HQDO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134188},"content":"The EU migration pact, which comes into force in June 2026, will create a more streamlined process which should result in fewer numbers overall in the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CL3DRG7FNGBXNBU6YJ774Z2X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134189},"content":"What about the 5,300 people with refugee status and leave to remain who are unable to leave IPAS and secure private accommodation due to the housing crisis?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HLZRHF63LVEUBJFX2HPRWXIFZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134190},"content":"This is something that will absolutely be on my agenda. I believe these people want to get out of IPAS and live like everyone else in their own accommodation. We have a bottleneck at either end and we need to create a transition path, through engagement with local authorities, that gets people working and living in the community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IOI3HNUIRA25EKZSVLRZKCO54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134191},"content":"That benefits people who are in the system, because it gives them much greater certainty and quicker decision-making. And it makes the whole system work fairer for everybody.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGXKBJZWYNF5JCQMKNUYL4JLAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"ILRSQIAUAFDV7CHWV67ZGRWFRY"},"content":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UMXR7CNST5AV7N6HLWOWF5DI2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134192},"content":"The Department of Justice has issued a record 890 deportation orders so far this year. However, the Government is still struggling to quantify how many people leave the State voluntarily. How can this be improved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QY7IXZTGKFEPVNTNZ5P7J32VE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134193},"content":"I want to implement a system which records when people who have gone through the system are leaving. We check people coming in but we don’t have a rigid system of checking when people move out. And that distorts numbers and information. We can’t 100 per cent capture information on every last person who comes in and out, but we need a system that captures far more data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQ77LLDQHVBAVCRKGIQVUUYYDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134194},"content":"Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan signals tougher line on immigration and increased deportations","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JV2M76NYE5G6BO6PC574FAVAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134195},"content":"Last October, the Government launched a public information campaign on migration. However, most people remain unaware these resources exist. How will you make clear, unbiased information on migration easily accessible to the general public?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NVAGLYGNHJF2BDTYBNXL4HUNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134196},"content":"We will absolutely run a more effective information campaign. It’s really important people know most migrants are working, paying their taxes and making an incredible contribution to Ireland. These are the people caring for your parents, working in the hospitals, working in key jobs across various sectors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYGMQKH2VFC4RIL727THYIGA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134197},"content":"In the past, we were the people leaving, travelling abroad to find work, and we need to remember that. It needs to be part of the narrative of how we look at migration. The new Ireland has really benefited the vast majority of Irish people. We now have a country where people want to come here to live and work. And that is a definition of a success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZM34FMX7ZC7XFV7ETV2SSGPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134198},"content":"<i>(Edited for brevity)</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Interview with Colm Brophy, Minister of State for Migration, on the Government's approach to immigration"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Colm Brophy: ‘Not only does Conor McGregor not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q","auth":{"1":"8bc21130a35a6aaf257ee0a7c10218fe10c3987fdbb3c3e25abb43e82f52898e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"S77DNPTJDBBVHBH7Z3425SQMGY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":133,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/b813e7af-81d4-4052-b69b-b8d442b901e4/versions/1742568897/media/49d7966d5368cf124df9e2fffc8e3d42_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/conor-mcgregor-says-irelands-rural-towns-are-being-overrun-by-immigrants-here-are-the-facts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OWO2I5SABRCCBDQXUTXRLJTHRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are no towns in Ireland where Irish people have become a minority, despite <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/17/donald-trump-conor-mcgregor-praise-each-others-work-ethics-during-st-patricks-day-meeting-at-the-white-house/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/17/donald-trump-conor-mcgregor-praise-each-others-work-ethics-during-st-patricks-day-meeting-at-the-white-house/\">a claim</a> made by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor\">Conor McGregor</a> in the White House on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-patricks-day\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-patricks-day\">St Patrick’s Day</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJGCSKZZNJE5RH5VKIUQ3X3I6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"During his visit to US president Donald Trump, Mr McGregor said: “There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWBOZKXQHRG6ZKJAPOKHJ22LKE","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the MMA fighter’s claim is incorrect, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XHWQ6IMOZE77NZGEHWTLVMDOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The results of the most recent census, taken in April 2022, highlight a large influx into Ireland of Ukrainians and others seeking asylum, but Irish residents still make up the majority of people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Z5LYYQCRNBDDJV2SGL75UXB7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Details about immigration from census 2022 were released by the CSO in October 2023, showing that there were almost 632,000 non-Irish citizens living in Ireland at the time of the census, comprising 12 per cent of the population (up slightly from 11 per cent in census 2016). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICT2NH5JQNBB5EZ7G3VVGSGZZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why did Donald Trump bring Conor McGregor to the White House?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GJ3AXBUFXVDPVNNFW4YYVUWEHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In census 2022, Ballyhaunis in Mayo was the town with the highest proportion of non-Irish residents at 37 per cent. Other towns with a large share of non-Irish citizens included the Longford towns of Ballymahon (33 per cent) and Edgeworthstown (31 per cent). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3KIASSNB5ELLG63PWDBTATY4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"These figures may have changed since 2022, but not to the extent that Irish people are now a minority in certain towns.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDBZNMU2RBD2JGWRUN44SNT4CU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Brian Killoran, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said migration to Ireland was “a massive success story”, both in terms of locals welcoming people and the people themselves giving back to their new communities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4NY7YHCGBBPVLUYDNVCW7CCGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Killoran acknowledged there has been increased pressure on the international protection system in particular in recent years but added that there had been “unprecedented community-level engagement around these issues”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FZXQPFIVRDXROY3QQVQCV4R5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Thousands and thousands of people across the country, either voluntarily or working with organisations or community groups, [are] trying to build a welcome for those who have come to Ireland,” he said. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Órla Ryan"}},"name":"Órla Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"His claim about immigration is incorrect, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VMLVOXFDKURC6W3QOBL4GV43GA","auth":{"1":"c4e84bcafcf4ef93bf9edb3d545c9d74de736ee62f1474005150007c07211c3e"},"focal_point":{"x":3713,"y":620},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VMLVOXFDKURC6W3QOBL4GV43GA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/conor-mcgregor-says-irelands-rural-towns-are-being-overrun-by-immigrants-here-are-the-facts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"2aed13e447bfae2c2f1fd84d6a73e3f5c3984f91744705e0b722adb7c3a29eba"},"expires":1742733048836,"lastModified":1742732748597},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/ireland/education\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"654KQVVGBVF4FN5PHKWCZTNHLY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":173,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e357cc20-312d-4312-b35b-232c4b660b62/versions/1742156942/media/ccb68d956e8fb78aef484b752cf5de2f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/23/my-daughter-wants-to-be-a-therapist-but-cao-points-are-high-are-there-other-options/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZJLKMZW6FRGW5AYLFKTIME4Z4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>My daughter is interested in becoming a therapist but CAO entry points are high. I heard recently about places on programmes in Northern Ireland, funded by the Irish Government. Are these still available – and what kind of points requirements are there?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQNOBOB465G3VIEYRYT35632QI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yes, there are 10 health therapy courses as well as three nursing programmes offered at undergraduate level at Ulster University where the State is funding places for students from the Republic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVXJOC4I2FHPTPHO7URZVF3X4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The courses include dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiotherapy and oncology, speech and language therapy, paramedic science, diagnostic radiography and imaging, general nursing and mental health nursing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNRBGJW4INA47HPE6C6EGCS2GA","additional_properties":{},"content":"All programmes are three years and based on the Derry campus, apart from dietetics, which is a four-year programme and offered at the Coleraine campus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDL35YAGPNFORND3RQYYC357GI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The programmes are only open to applicants who are Irish or UK citizens via the UCAS applications system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UYMTGKFNJDXZKJ4M3BTC7FVSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The therapy courses – known as allied health programmes – require 5xH3 grades from Leaving Cert students. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HS35C55AARF3LJOK3SOWTIPHOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Physiotherapy requires a H3 grade in either biology, physics or chemistry. Radiography and radiotherapy, respectively, require a H3 grade in physics. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UM6JOWEVM5EHXDNTFYCCHRLCWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Both nursing and paramedic science require 112 UCAS points, which can be made up from both higher and ordinary grades. (The UCAS website shows what each Leaving Cert grade is worth in UCAS tariff points.) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNT2K2IYNJEOHHQKG5V33DLQD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Candidates for the allied health programmes must also sit the newly introduced <a href=\"https://msat.acer.org/ulster\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://msat.acer.org/ulster\">MSAT Ulster test</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSYPIE7CIJEKTA7PQ7MKJE27E4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nursing applicants are invited to undertake an online video submission (or online interview), which they must complete to be made an offer for the programme. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VXFYY5WENAA5CMF6HS7OTWV7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Applicants to paramedic science are invited for an in-person interview that takes place on-campus. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R42LU2GEVVA2ZNB7YFTRTWQPGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is too late for 2025 entry, but the UCAS deadline for 2026 applications to the above courses will be January 29th, 2026. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVQW32KG6FEIDHP6EXFCH75HQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Incidentally, students enrolled on the adult nursing and mental health nursing programmes also receive a non-means tested bursary of €6,200 for each year of study. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFQREGTR4VBVVHPP6WQHM7TF6M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Graduates from the above programmes may register with Coru or the Nursing & Midwifery Board Ireland (NMBI) upon graduation. For paramedic science, however, they are required to undertake a period of employment with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service before being able to register and practice as a paramedic in the Republic. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRB6YGYCKVDYJJROM5F2Z7WKWA","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3UYWP5QEZG45JQQSYIO2T3ISE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Brian Mooney"}},"name":"Brian Mooney"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Government is funding places for students from the Republic on healthcare courses in the North"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T09:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"My daughter wants to be a therapist but CAO points are high. Are there other options?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"L2ZYPJC4JMCEDNWRCHB2PJ4MA4","auth":{"1":"51b893705944c25290a62f1e7b016ed03aeaa06e8f057706c6bad5c1304f4661"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L2ZYPJC4JMCEDNWRCHB2PJ4MA4.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/23/my-daughter-wants-to-be-a-therapist-but-cao-points-are-high-are-there-other-options/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}},{"_id":"XG2AUMF4UNAPPIBPKHSMA5DNJ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":239,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/b594ddc5-cbd0-4a5d-a3d7-d7e3332499e4/versions/1742577725/media/02b852de68e6b4a656efd935bee98416_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/parents-urged-to-delay-smartphones-for-children-amid-alarming-rise-in-toxic-masculinity-simon-harris/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QW2DRZLSXNCCNEGAZRQ6YZUXWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Parents should consider delaying access to smartphones for their children due to the “alarming trend” of alpha-male influencers promoting toxic masculinity among boys online, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\">Tánaiste Simon Harris</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B72ANSRD5ZCMBJGC56FZFMOOCE","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was speaking at an event in his hometown of Greystones, Co Wicklow, where all eight primary schools and parents' associations have agreed a “no smartphone voluntary code”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYIW64M5QFBGLCRWTLD7ZXYQVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\">Conor McGregors</a>, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andrew-tate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andrew-tate/\">Andrew Tates</a> – these are figures that exploit insecurities and reinforce outdated and dangerous narratives,” he told a gathering of principals, teachers and parents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHAUKRBKERADJO3VYG6KJS33PU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If we don’t get on top of this, the result is a generation of boys who struggle to form healthy relationships, who are less emotionally resilient, and who are at risk of internalising damaging ideas about gender and identity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXG532RNU5EIZBIJEPMVFDQYLI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Harris said the critically acclaimed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/netflix/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/netflix/\">Netflix </a>TV series, Adolescence – about a 13-year-old who kills a classmate, which addresses themes including social media and masculinity – should be “compulsory viewing in every secondary school in Ireland”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIUQCNSB2RBMFIJGCH55ADH4XM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adolescence review: A dark and often unbearable insight into the nightmarish extremes of our teenagers’ lives","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JSNOZIDGFVC6LENWOD6F7IGB3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It gives an incredible insight to young people, to parents and educators as to what the actual experience for many young men is today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCKJMCOBHRBAPI7D5WBPRQLKWA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Delaying smartphone use ... gives children time to develop critical thinking skills before being exposed to these harmful influences,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKT6SU6AHRCPFAYZL7YYA7FY3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“They allow boys to learn that true strength is found in kindness, respect, inclusion and emotional intelligence, not in the toxic and despicable bravado that they may encounter online.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FRP7IDTTZVBRXHQQUXIG3VETMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Harris said the Government and EU were taking steps to regulate social media at a time when other parts of the world were adopting an attitude of “just let them off”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLJU2XWZRJESNNR6CFF2X4JOQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The idea that the online space can be like the wild west just simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. The era of self-regulation is over,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7ZMP4OFUFFG7OBYSNKOCUORLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Tánaiste was speaking at an event to mark the publication of research into the impact of the “It Takes A Village” initiative in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/greystones/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/greystones/\">Greystones</a>, where schools have come together in a bid to tackle rising anxiety levels among children at primary level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COOSZNASHBC2XG22BASINI4UBU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PIZTQ67URBHW3LIOD3FAJUZHAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The initiative, led by Rachel Harper, principal of St Patrick’s National School, involved all eight primary schools in the area working together to work with the community to assist children, families and teachers in need of help with issues around anxiety in young children. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4C2QL4I6NH45B3MSBF5XLMUZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The initiative included the introduction of the “voluntary no smartphone code” across all primary schools, as well as fundraising to hire two play therapists to be shared across the schools. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOQL3TKFMBBVDPF56RKNI7RAIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The “It Takes A Village” initiative received international interest with schools across the globe adopting the principals of the initiative. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETMJED4ILBATJLMDAZA5TTU3BI","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also led to the Department of Education publishing guidelines to support parents and parent associations wishing to develop voluntary codes regarding smartphone use among primary schoolchildren, which have since been adopted by many other primary schools across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIJFPDU2OBF3JNTUQ4GPZ63DZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Mags Crean, professor in social policy in Maynooth University, presented the findings of a research evaluation report examining the impact of the initiative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5B4KHAZ65AN5LHYEC3RPOHDXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Her recommendations include the need for greater amplification of children and parents’ voices, the need for school-based supports in addition to resourced community supports, along with the need for Government action and provision of resources. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZGITU3VEZDFVEWQ7X47ROPE2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"In addition, it is recommended that Government provide support to enable other communities to replicate the initiative elsewhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRLZWHZO4NFXZPDZ7LJN42WPNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The event also heard details of a new peer mentorship programme, which involves educating transition years as mentors for first years and sixth class pupils on managing their wellbeing and safely online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZJSCR2SIFHXTIAZCAX6W2LI3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tánaiste says Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate exploit insecurities and reinforce dangerous narratives among boys"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T16:54:02.916Z","headlines":{"basic":"Parents urged to delay smartphones for children amid ‘alarming’ rise in toxic masculinity - Simon Harris","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZPRSUOREWZFGFJUX3DQZOX3VHY","auth":{"1":"98688545845614932c7fb03357d82e5345383d45db43da9dc93a6e9009f65660"},"focal_point":{"x":2600,"y":1260},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZPRSUOREWZFGFJUX3DQZOX3VHY.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/parents-urged-to-delay-smartphones-for-children-amid-alarming-rise-in-toxic-masculinity-simon-harris/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}},{"_id":"FS5LJHDFXVBDNMOCKQMCK5HBO4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":372,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/383b8802-fc50-460c-a5d1-7149a1aa5f59/versions/1742499351/media/e9525d2cdfbfc9022f0dc3d984864967_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/how-a-dublin-school-investigated-online-claims-that-alleged-gaa-catfish-taught-in-its-school/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BQLAK35JMBHNVPN7IVYMZEWWOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603606},"content":"Niamh Farrell, the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/03/20/teacher-who-denies-she-is-gaa-catfish-gets-interim-injunction-to-restrain-disciplinary-process/\" target=\"_blank\"> schoolteacher who claims she has been wrongly identified as the “GAA catfish”</a>, was first contacted by her principal in May 2022 about allegations circulating online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7QKOYYCFFGFRJZBMVUWDVDE6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603607},"content":"The GAA catfish story – told initially by entertainment duo the 2 Johnnies to a sold-out 3Arena in April 2022, followed by a series of podcasts – detailed how fake online profiles were being used by an unnamed person to lure GAA players and others into relationships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXXGBMYMBNAJNCNA22FJDUVK3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603608},"content":"Ms Farrell, a music teacher, says she became aware at the time of the podcasts and “completely false” claims on the Tattle Life website that she was the GAA catfish, according to a sworn statement to the High Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2I7UFSA3WZHXBBFPBCD34TBGWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603609},"content":"Ms Farrell submitted an affidavit to support her application last Wednesday for an injunction restraining her employer from continuing a disciplinary process against her. She secured a short-term injunction, and the matter is back before the courts next week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IVQEYQT3JCO3NJECUOE4QJ6ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603610},"content":"Court documents reveal how the school dealt with the allegations, its concern over public attention, growing pressure from parents and disquiet over how the issues were said to be disrupting the running of the school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOUJZM42BND2FCOH4RTFW4PWWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603611},"content":"Ms Farrell says the principal of her school – Coláiste Éanna, an all-boys school in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 – told her that concerns had been raised by parents at the school after she was first named online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DB6ZX3ZLGZGTNIDOYQQKIOXBRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603612},"content":"“I informed the principal at the time that the allegations were completely false, that I was not involved in any ‘catfishing’ activities and that the allegations being made about me were a matter of great distress to me,” she says in the affidavit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLYAYINZF5HUVFOYJ2VSCK546I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603613},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYHAPT65VFD2ZMPVBNHA5EBHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603614},"content":"“The principal appeared to accept my explanation and at no time during our conversation did he express any doubt regarding my assertions that the rumours being circulated online by persons unknown to me were untrue,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JQYGDPWPVVBSZLOQZZJJYNTXPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603615},"content":"Ms Farrell says she was subsequently medically certified as unfit for two weeks due to the impact on her “physical and mental health”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L4ESFIV6JHDVDQXJNLI5IV5SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603616},"content":"Thereafter, she says she was asked not to attend a sixth-year graduation ceremony in May 2022, as the principal was “concerned that there may be some media attention on the event”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPSM5U7VGBHDVH4JMMW5DM2FPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603617},"content":"Teacher who denies she is ‘GAA catfish’ gets interim injunction to restrain disciplinary process","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4O53M7XIZJAZZD37ACCRZDYAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603618},"content":"She says she agreed not to attend in those circumstances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4KIDXDGIFG4NNRWRX7ZZ4KFUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603619},"content":"“This was not any admission on any involvement, what was agreed as a matter of pragmatism and also because I was very upset at having been identified as the person involved.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OXDBYYZ6NBMXP6ZHWKRDGNRDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603620},"content":"Ms Farrell, from Portadown, Co Armagh, says she also told the principal that she had been contacted by the Garda and Police Service of Northern Ireland had been in contact with her to check on her welfare after being named publicly online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMX2XAHNJJG6HAU7X74NK2LLCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603621},"content":"“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never been accused of any criminal wrongdoing of any kind by any agency,” she states.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JIE5HJW5INGJDNSV72AKBADZPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603622},"content":"In January 2025, the issues flared up again when the 2 Johnnies Podcast broadcast a third episode on the GAA Catfish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYPFLEBIIVG4DGK7AUHSN47UOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603623},"content":"When the podcast was released, she says she went into the principal’s office to let him know she was okay and would not need any time off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESVHRJV2DZBUBJMEUGGSGPSVPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603624},"content":"“The principal continued to check in on me every day to make sure I was all right and assured me that any emails were coming in that he was responding, ‘this is a personal matter with one of our teachers that we will not be responding to’.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTVKAVG66RC4HOQR5KYMUER4TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603625},"content":"“I feel that he was making me believe he was being supportive and then used information that I gave against me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MQGQTXNNNATJART5OGMFYXET4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603626},"content":"While sitting in her classroom, she says she received an email stating that the principal had referred her to the occupational health service Medmark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ2652KFFBGENJWBUE6SWTS6JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603627},"content":"“At this point, I became concerned that he might be trying to force me out on sick leave. Medmark deemed me fit for work.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5YF6QIDEBFODCLZQPKBRARK5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603628},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YZRTE22KVGTFKZSQDX266ZJH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603629},"content":"Ms Farrell says she was shocked to receive an investigation report on March 3rd last into her conduct, under disciplinary proceedings for the suspension and dismissal of teachers and principals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIXYGRQ6H5DEHGHQWE3WOQHMF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603630},"content":"This is a five-stage process which ranges from informal to formal to hearings and appeals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUC5MRH6CJETHC2DLXDJIMXHVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"GEZP2PBKI5HEBO4NS2P63OT6YE"},"content":"GAA catfish saga: The way Irish people know and trust each other is coming apart","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2YGE4ELQ6VAHXHUQCLL7LKRYRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603631},"content":"She says her wrongdoing was deemed to be serious enough to begin the process at stage four, which she says is “fundamentally flawed” given that she has never been the subject of disciplinary proceedings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HNORO4HWRGUJOLT6C3KBVY4TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603632},"content":"Ms Farrell says the report contains a statement by the principal stating that she “confirmed to [the principal] that she is the person in question who the podcast relates to”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4X6X2KX6OJAGPDVUYJP33MLC54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603633},"content":"She denies ever saying this, according to her affidavit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXPGPZXFCJC5BK7EOZRKY7EAKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603634},"content":"Ms Farrell also notes that the report refers to 63 communications received by the school from parents regarding the allegations, some of which alleged “serious criminal conduct”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQYEXQ7T65D3XA463ZFHQVW7RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603635},"content":"“None of the complaints relate directly to my conduct. They are hearsay ... they are simply not a basis for disciplinary action against me,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPIUC3WX4RHKJLFCRNWF63CIAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603636},"content":"Ms Farrell also notes that the investigation report refers to the impact on staff members, where it is alleged some female staff have been mistaken for Ms Farrell; and that her behaviour caused disruption to the running of the school and the education of children, as well as affecting staff morale and wellbeing. The investigation report further alleges that she has brought the school into disrepute.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XD3NVSRA5DQ5EYAWNT66NF3GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603637},"content":"She says these issues were “totally beyond her control” and she was not responsible for them and could not defend herself against “vague allegations”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELZXHVYNCFF65IKPWIFOU73QVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603638},"content":"Ms Farrell says she has been the subject of videos recorded by students which were placed on TikTok and photographed in conversation with the principal, which was also posted online. None of these issues were investigated, she said, nor was concern expressed for her welfare, though they constituted “breaches of the school’s communication policies”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUT3KJU7MRB3ZAQKCCJN5WNR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603639},"content":"She maintains she has had an “unblemished disciplinary record” at the school and her duties include delivering high quality lessons, preparing lessons, planning and organising musical performances, arranging trips and school competitions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7HLIXC3ZBGZHFYK3X6HHUCUEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742503603640},"content":"“My competency to teach and my commitment to my pupils has not been questioned,” she says.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Court documents reveal concern over public attention, growing pressure from parents and fear the issues were disrupting the school"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"How a Dublin school investigated online claims that alleged GAA catfish taught in its school ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DU6OD2NEXRGXTDW7LCJDZYEL7I","auth":{"1":"b0d15a68be64252b3617669db7e1e75000ed0830ebeaf4802082bede00dce109"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DU6OD2NEXRGXTDW7LCJDZYEL7I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/how-a-dublin-school-investigated-online-claims-that-alleged-gaa-catfish-taught-in-its-school/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}},{"_id":"FVQ2QAKANFG4RIN6WM2L7ZJD4Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":199,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/be487f99-44f3-4d0e-8940-c1176064a546/versions/1742499249/media/6a01288867a3a634d72c9de8847880ed_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/delighted-school-that-dismissed-enoch-burke-wins-inclusivity-award/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FCQY2VCMKJE6BAIAQPATMREKIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974183},"content":"The school at the centre of a High Court dispute with suspended teacher <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/enoch-burke/\" target=\"_blank\">Enoch Burke</a> is “delighted” to have received an award for its inclusivity of LGBTQ+ students and staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7667H4Y4HJDMVKVZPU7HCFLTEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974184},"content":"Wilson’s Hospital secondary school in Co Westmeath is among 44 schools and Youthreach centres recognised by the youth advocacy organisation Belong To for its efforts and measures to ensure all LGBTQ+ young people feel welcome and included.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGAMJ6B3N5D2LPKQI2RCSIQMDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974185},"content":"The awards were given last weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFRJCCGW2NAAHET4QIODYED27A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974186},"content":"One of the school’s teachers, evangelical Christian Mr Burke, has been in a legal row with it over what he alleges was his 2022 refusal to comply with a direction to call a then student by a different name and use the pronoun “they”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAXN53ESEVE5LMK4KE5IGKPWC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974187},"content":"He was suspended as a teacher but continued to arrive at the school saying he was “ready for work”. He has since spent more than 500 days in prison, over three separate periods, for contempt of a High Court order to stay away from the school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DVI6V6ITFDMJIKKFY5BS6426A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974188},"content":"Welcoming the award from Belong To, acting principal at Wilson’s Hospital John Galligan said: “Since 2023 we have participated in the LGBTQ+ quality mark, aligning with our core values and as a school of care, community and excellence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYH5XQ3HMBASDNYGMWTAJFPHFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974189},"content":"“We know that a supportive school environment can have a huge beneficial impact on the wellbeing of all students. 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Among the steps schools may take is to include LGBTQ+ topics in the curriculum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HISNDIVS3FCVXFO5PICFXHZVOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974196},"content":"Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain “a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students”, said Moninne Griffith, chief executive of Belong To.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6HNGXYT35EJRKX4UIYTFUJCSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974197},"content":"“The school climate survey has shown that in Ireland, compared to the general youth population, LGBTQ+ students are four times more likely to suffer verbal harassment and five times more likely to be physically harassed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QLAXEECMJGCREIHGMLREFC43Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742508974198},"content":"“It’s no surprise then that 76 per cent of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school,” she said.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kitty Holland"}},"name":"Kitty Holland"}]},"description":{"basic":"Wilson’s Hospital among 44 schools and centres recognised by LGBTQ+ youth advocacy group Belong To"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Delighted’: School that dismissed Enoch Burke wins inclusivity award","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7RWLJID2AWOIHKEHIUSBE2X4RI","auth":{"1":"c5b1552eeebeaf4eefba597f8c31cc6d8c8b20d9058e493bc1c00af233b953b9"},"focal_point":{"x":1365,"y":448},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7RWLJID2AWOIHKEHIUSBE2X4RI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/21/delighted-school-that-dismissed-enoch-burke-wins-inclusivity-award/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}},{"_id":"55L6WTKJZ5A5JKZXMGRIHJPNHE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":273,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1978cb2d-3a13-4a17-b4d3-e3079b62b3e7/versions/1742410515/media/33b619f73f2a4f75cb44115145e951b6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/19/plan-to-turn-synge-street-cbs-into-gaelcholaiste-to-proceed-despite-staff-concerns/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N2SEGQ5LVVFKFMUXKJ2ALXDSMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Controversial plans to transform <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/synge-street/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/synge-street/\">Synge Street CBS</a> secondary school in Dublin into a Gaelcholáiste next year will proceed despite widespread opposition among teachers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WZ5ANZNABD2XMODTR6WQWOLSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many staff at the school feel they do not have the standard of Irish needed to teach through the language and are concerned about the potential impact on its diverse school community, which includes pupils of many nationalities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKNNMRGIWFHUDPLH7BZKHXRQIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (Erst) - which oversees the school and owns the property – told staff at a meeting on Wednesday the plans to enrol and teach students through Irish in September 2026 will proceed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGURWVLUBVBP3EEJEI2NRPUOUA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Teachers will have the chance to upskill in Irish or be redeployed to different schools, the school’s patron said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNE3EQPYWNFGDJSJ5TBJL2KQPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Due to staff concerns, it said there will also be a separate intake of students taught through English in September 2026. These students will be taught through English until they complete school in 2032.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IPU2D4C7RBIPAXQDO74ZDCEHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The plans to turn the school into a Gaelcholáiste were plunged into doubt last February when the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/02/14/future-of-synge-street-switch-to-gaelcholaiste-in-doubt/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/02/14/future-of-synge-street-switch-to-gaelcholaiste-in-doubt/\">board of management told the Department of Education it would “not be proceeding”</a> with all-Irish enrolment for 2026 on foot of staff concerns.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMMWO7X3YBEWTJL365NKS3WAQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) said 91 per cent of its members at the schools were not in favour of the transition to a Gaelcholáiste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWIL4DZAENFFLAMNYKCH3YJM64","additional_properties":{},"content":"Following a meeting between staff and representatives of the trust on Wednesday, the ASTI restated its call for a pause to the plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ORJVUW2WNFCVND47DDWNZ44KE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It said teachers expressed their anger and dismay at the “ongoing failure to engage with them”. ASTI deputy general secretary Diarmaid de Paor said the manner in which teachers at Synge Street had been treated was “shabby at best”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAFSCTPNDNA4LA2AFABKV3CCCE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This treatment has included Erst and the department taking unilateral decisions which will have a significant impact on the lives of the teachers, whilst keeping those same teachers in the dark about their futures,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZBNLLRS5VFFDJ36HV5MV277NU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is unacceptable, and we call on ERST and the department to pause their plans and participate in meaningful and respectful engagement as a priority.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CL4DC6F55JHD5D7UR34ISUTCSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adrian McMahon, a teacher at the school, said it has been a distressing time for “those whose lives revolve around this great school, and particularly for those who will be most affected by the proposals”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCSYBAUA7FANVJUAMESMG5FNM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He added: “The manner in which these proposals emerged and have been communicated demonstrates a clear lack of regard for the school community. Teachers, parents and students deserve better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TNWV2SE6ZGUTIIDPYDCAZSIMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Protest at Dáil gates for Synge Street Gaelcholáiste","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PLKXLMMGSVCORGUZDP57YA5VUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a statement, Erst said it was clear that staff were “understandably disappointed” and felt “disrespected by the lack of consultation in the change of status process, as well as the speed around which it has taken place”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5H6MGH2JQRD4BNAEYMAA6W4LNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It added: “This is especially so because of the quality of their teaching and their strong commitment to the school and its pupils, as evidenced by Synge Street’s excellent 2023 whole-school evaluation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJNKTCRUDZEMRH6XZBNQJRWQAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It has also become clear that given the lack of consultation, staff need more time to adjust to and prepare for the change of status.” In this context, Erst said it had reached agreement to continue enrolling students taught through English in September 2026, as per the board’s recent request to the patron.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GT3DLYTZRZDGDNOZT6XOMX6LXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, to ensure the “total immersion” needs of those awaiting the Gaelcholáiste are met, it said the intake of students taught through Gaeilge in September 2026 will be accommodated in another building on the campus for their first year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOUPSEUCABEPNL4EOQLLC4ENJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"It said a number of other steps have been agreed by Erst with the Department of Education to support existing staff and the new school community with the transition to the Gaelcholáiste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LF2MY3XGGZAQDK7ZXBVE4XLRUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"These include the appointment of a deputy principal to lead the development of the coeducational Gaelcholáiste; an upskilling programme to help current teachers prepare to teach in the Gaelcholáiste; and support and information for staff around the redeployment process for those who opt not to teach in the Gaelcholaiste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDQBDV7K6JE2NEXW764BDPESWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Synge Street CBS is to admit girls for first time in 160 years and become an all-Irish Gaelcholáiste","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AGSRVLT64ZB5XDF72QUYC54JCI","additional_properties":{},"content":" The statement said the school’s board has been asked to prepare – in consultation with stakeholders – a detailed plan on the curriculum for the Gaelcholáiste, so Erst can feed this into a capital development plan for the school, which will be fast-tracked, as education through Irish is an identified need in the Dublin 8 area. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YAC3CSSUNAOBIRMIOD7ONCA2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"There have been long-standing campaigns by parents in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 postal districts for greater access to all-Irish second-level schools.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Teachers opposed to move amid concern over Irish language competency and impact on diverse school community"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T18:50:06.577Z","headlines":{"basic":"Plan to turn Synge Street CBS into Gaelcholáiste to proceed despite staff concerns","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WDCURRSWWZJZLMTURBP4Z7HF4Q","auth":{"1":"bbe756f9a425a50774f986e455dde11678d91cc6ed62cb88ddc1a5d00b4b3402"},"focal_point":{"x":1783,"y":900},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WDCURRSWWZJZLMTURBP4Z7HF4Q.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/03/19/plan-to-turn-synge-street-cbs-into-gaelcholaiste-to-proceed-despite-staff-concerns/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"e50cd72c76d7aefa8f24f514ca7dea20548ffb99c6d5fabb9384615674b9e5bc"},"expires":1742733048906,"lastModified":1742732748655},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(content_restrictions.content_code:premium) AND -(subtype:\\\"editors-note\\\") AND -(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/competitions\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"KMPQUHU55NFYVGWFOVMTZTOWCM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e85ea56a-a336-4abe-b4e9-8c3dc692ddc1/versions/1742555497/media/19cb3fa811ee34b4e1005e7163d4b501_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RWULJ4R2DZA2FAELWGZVCUYW5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668477},"content":"It has been just over a year since <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/09/family-care-referendum-counts-live-updates-tallies-no-votes/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/09/family-care-referendum-counts-live-updates-tallies-no-votes/\">voters resoundingly rejected</a> two <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/referendums/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/referendums/\">proposed amendments</a> to the Constitution. While the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government/\">Government</a> and other institutions pushing them were temporarily chastened by defeat, the important question is whether they learned anything from the experience. It is not clear that they have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYAJVTMLTVA7ZFTUCILZVOQIP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668478},"content":"While the phrase “durable relationships” helped to sink the proposed 39th Amendment, the response to the proposed 40th Amendment was even more visceral. Attempting to remove most of the references to “woman”, “mothers” and “home” from the Constitution and replace them with a convoluted wording that gave no rights to carers caused real anger. It was defeated by the largest No vote of any Irish referendum: 73.9 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VECFA6MZ4JBHLHQ2WP7M34Z73A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668479},"content":"Those campaigning for a Yes/Yes were shown to be completely and culpably out of touch with people’s needs. The provisions in Article 41 were presented as confining women to the home, which they never did. Instead, they acknowledged the value of work within the home, an arena many women feel they can no longer choose to prioritise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQC3LOVRXVAGDN7X2H2AF6MEOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668480},"content":"In Census 1986, 653,398 women described their principal economic status as “looking after home/family.” In the recent CSO Report, <a href=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-wlm/womeninthelabourmarket2023-2024/keyfindings/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-wlm/womeninthelabourmarket2023-2024/keyfindings/\">Women in the Labour Market 2023-2024</a>, only 208,200 women stated that they were primarily “engaged in home duties”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCH5AYHP3VGR5FH5GRBJUAOMOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668481},"content":"Generally speaking, women can participate in the paid workforce if they want to, even if the work is often precarious and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/14/jennifer-oconnell-we-didnt-need-a-nobel-prizewinner-to-tell-us-that-work-has-got-greedy-its-time-we-all-pushed-back/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/14/jennifer-oconnell-we-didnt-need-a-nobel-prizewinner-to-tell-us-that-work-has-got-greedy-its-time-we-all-pushed-back/\">“greedy”, in the Claudia Goldin sense of demanding more and more hours to be economically viable</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PD3MASZ3FBEDJBNJV6LIDJNS4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668483},"content":"What younger women cannot do, quite often, is afford a home within reasonable distance of their family and sometimes their workplace. They are often trapped in a treadmill of early rising, bundling cranky children into the car for childcare (if they can find it) and school, working long hours, returning home, and then wrestling with tired and disgruntled offspring for an hour or two. Many women postpone their own much-needed sleep in a desperate attempt to have some time to themselves. The grind starts all over again the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NA5BSLHDM5E73PYOZGTROM62YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668485},"content":"Working from home, while no panacea, at least cut out the commute. Now directives are being issued to return to the office. Meanwhile, Ireland’s birth rate is plummeting well below replacement levels but <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/16/why-do-religious-people-tend-to-have-more-children-because-they-value-different-things/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/16/why-do-religious-people-tend-to-have-more-children-because-they-value-different-things/\">couples cannot see how they could possibly care for any more</a>, or sometimes any, children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJJN4HMIF5GUZEX5R6CUYTZXVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668487},"content":"Has anything changed for most people since the referendums were defeated? The Government has promised to keep the cost of childcare below €200 per child, a game-changer for many who were paying the equivalent of a second mortgage every month. However, it does nothing except increase the tax burden for married couples where one partner, usually the woman, opts to work full-time in the home for a few years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4OVDIGLQRJHFREUDJC6SG2ZV5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Childcare crisis driving employees out of workforce","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"POWX2K6RFVARVAPDQF6CJZQI34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668489},"content":"In April 2006, the then government introduced an Early Childcare Supplement (ECS), which recognised and was supposed to offset the costs associated with babies and young children. It peaked at €1,000 per child and then was abolished in 2009 as part of austerity measures. It was initially replaced by a free childcare year. Inadequate as the ECS was, many people used it to offset childcare costs, often to help pay a childminder or relative, which remains the preferred choice for the majority of mothers working outside the home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2ADS2QDPNH6FHXRHFPGYYTLXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668491},"content":"Others used it to help with the loss of income that came with working in the home. Instead of reducing childcare costs, why not give choice back to parents in the form of a meaningful ECS payment?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLYC4HFSLVEUHA3EPSUSWYJHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668492},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-womens-council-of-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-womens-council-of-ireland/\">National Women’s Council of Ireland</a> (NWCI) continues to campaign for universal public childcare. According to a 2024 Amárach/Iona Institute Poll, which virtually replicated the results of a 2017 Amárach/Sudocrem poll, an astonishing <a href=\"https://ionainstitute.ie/vast-majority-of-mothers-want-to-be-at-home-not-work-says-new-poll/\" target=\"_blank\">69 per cent of women</a> declared that if finances allowed, they would like to be at home with their children. Over 70 per cent answered “not really or not at all” to a question asking whether they felt valued by society for their work as mothers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNVY2GLEUJE6TACP6PV2KDJIOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is free, publicly-funded childcare possible in Ireland?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WNFS67AVNRHINJ3NMLORJSFOHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668493},"content":"NWCI is just as out of touch on this issue as it was on the two referendums. According to the McKenna judgment, no public money can be spent on advocating for only one side of a referendum. NWCI spent €50,000 on advocating Yes/Yes and while it states none of it was public money, to date it has failed to provide accounts detailing exactly where it came from, and says the precise figure of its expenditure will not be available until the organisation receives the final invoices. Other projects that might have benefited women were possibly foregone but again, there are no consequences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESQHKYKJXZBXHKSOG3BP43VCS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668494},"content":"Carers, at first glance, may have fared better. There were some improvements in the last budget – including an increase in the income disregard from July for the Carer’s Allowance from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for a couple. Self-employed people are now eligible for carer’s benefit. But we still have shamefully long waiting periods for virtually every therapeutic service needed by people with disabilities, including the elderly with additional needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7JKESWDSFGVFMN35VUE7ROXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469668495},"content":"It seems that the Government and those advocating a Yes/Yes have really learned very little at all.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Breda O'Brien"}},"name":"Breda O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Women can participate in the paid workforce if they want to, even if the work is often precarious and 'greedy'. What they often can’t do is afford a home within reasonable distance of family and workplace"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A year on from the failed referendums, has anything changed for carers and families?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY","auth":{"1":"69baea834965023f05e46c0e743e31c8357675392c27b0e38a57bb06b4d748c7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Z6V6JP2NCNAR3MEFJ72X42WQKY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/23/a-year-on-from-the-failed-referendums-has-anything-changed-for-carers-and-families/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"KRUJ3OQZEJAWLELLKFISF75MLA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":319,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/5ae89e0f-efc9-4199-8e9d-bd9cce4d6f0c/versions/1742571691/media/dc5770581dd0a228cdde49d49a2a219f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/sport/2025/03/21/in-irish-motorsport-he-was-our-greatest-figure-martin-mccarthy-pays-tribute-to-his-friend-eddie-jordan/","content_elements":[{"_id":"S5E23BTERRAWZD2NKFLL7NFNFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"What an honour, what a privilege, and what fun it was to be a friend of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eddie-jordan\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eddie-jordan\">Eddie Jordan</a>’s for 50 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMVMSU34OJAKPB43MGPQEIYKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060542},"content":"How sad we are with the news of his death.","type":"text"},{"_id":"64WT334UPFFM7DXKC4YRDSUHIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Eddie Jordan, former Formula One team owner, dies aged 76","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NAUJ2VPEWNDO5KCOSGHIHS6ACM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060543},"content":"In 1977, I had been bitten by the motor racing bug and bought an elderly Crosslé 16F Formula Ford to race at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mondello-park/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mondello-park/\">Mondello Park</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HBE5EWVJZJGYDKT67MFDK37CVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060544},"content":"I quickly discovered that motor racing was a money pit that even the monthly salary cheque as a well-paid engineer at Jacobs Engineering could not remotely fill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZR3HZS7LVBDNIYQ72GTMEV2ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060545},"content":"So, by April the car was gone. In those early race meetings at Mondello Park I had met Eddie and when he heard I was selling up he asked would I help him run his Formula Atlantic March 74B. I said “sure” and joined James Woods, David Meeke and Liam Nevin in working on the car most evenings and almost every weekend that summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTIKI5WQ7FDY5MKULGR77U7AKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060546},"content":"I learned a lot – certainly enough to change engines and run a Formula Ford, which was a low-tech racing car compared to the Atlantic. It was fun with Eddie – even working at 3am changing engines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOJ3CYFHMBDDTAPDHNVQ76EQA4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5CMN4PLYTVH4BKV4A46DGIKH34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060547},"content":"Eddie’s racing programme was very expensive, so he worked in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bank-of-ireland\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bank-of-ireland\">Bank of Ireland</a> on Camden Street, Dublin, and had a number of sidelines (or nixers as we called them) on the go – especially buying and selling cars. Occasionally I would help him with that aspect and, even then, I knew I was watching a master at work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVFD7M67WRAF5NL4FBA3342QVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There were also the tussles to get sponsors before others pounced – and here I saw the sharpest networking and commercial skills in the paddock at work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SB7VGW64XJCPBMPABJ37IHZRWU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TRLXVCP355F5LK62CLYGF3RYGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In between there were parties, concerts and post-race meetings/dinners in the Step Inn and elsewhere. Eddie was a fixer – he made the deal work for both sides.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKXLGF37ABCKTDSWZIQHHMXMYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060550},"content":"He was fantastic company, generous to a fault, razor sharp in chasing what he wanted – and that included Terenure’s Marie McCarthy (no relation).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JY3BL2KZBHSXJAHI3HKZZMWI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060551},"content":"In 1978, I was on my way myself, fully armed with a new racing car, group of helpers and a bevy of sponsors and supporters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWIC2UWXNJDTPCRPPCLXEYYI2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060552},"content":"January 1979 was a crucial decision time for Eddie. He had the opportunity to drive professionally in England, which meant leaving the Bank of Ireland after 10 years. It was big decision in an era when permanent and pensionable jobs were few and far between. We discussed it at length, but convinced ourselves that no matter what happened he would survive. He knew he would never last in the bank anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KEUBBB2UZFPRHEPX2XBH5OSYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060553},"content":"He went to England and with Bernard Devaney drove Formula 3 Chevrons for Donegal man Derek McMahon on the grounds of Silverstone racetrack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74NFUL5LSNFFZFBMOKK7O5QVXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"We stayed closely in touch. A string of top-class Irish mechanics went his way – Bosco Quinn, John Walton, Shay Campbell and others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJNMPHC44JGPNFVJ5VK5RFCRYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060555},"content":"Eddie was master of the phone – with family, friends, colleagues, business partners. He made every conversation fun – probably a lost art form today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ED5VFEPIMFFB7NZAPCUWXK7HRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Eddie Jordan: Business maverick, wannabe rock star, Formula One legend","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"C5WYCMOJCZF23L3SRDBWJJYYOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060556},"content":"And then the giant leap into <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/formula-one/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/formula-one/\">Formula One</a> loomed on the horizon. I worried a fair bit about him. In 1979 he got an opportunity to do Formula Two, but if he blew the engine he would have a £4,350 bill. He didn’t either blow the engine or worry. He was not a worrier. He felt no matter what corner he got himself into that he would get himself out of it. His endless energy, smarts and incessant joking and good humour would be enough. And it was.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJLPWYGR5BDU5L4KBBOODSDMMM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YNPD3YWNXVF2XMCEJ6UTAHDQT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060558},"content":"By 1990 he had won the British Formula Three championship, and the European F3000 (Formula Two) championships, so for an ambitious young man the only place to go was F1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLYUNRCGIRG3PDPZNEKLK7B4PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060559},"content":"He had done very well commercially, but everything was being gambled on F1. However, he knew the game intimately and, having been a successful driver himself, he could spot special talent a mile off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKUZSEZSK5H5HMLJ74HFTSLZCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060560},"content":"F1 was a huge jump so he prepared the ground well. He got to know the movers and shakers in the F1 paddock and started lining up sponsors, engine suppliers and wealthy drivers – and their dads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVTRYH2JVVA5ZPOVOKM2U2VINM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Eddie Jordan: A life in pictures","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5ODHPS2FURE5HJH5KTUI2EMYFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060561},"content":"Eddie talked to everyone the same way – princes and paupers and all in between. His racing team were incredibly loyal to him – and he to them. Some, like Andy Stevenson, started at EJR in the 1980s and are still with Aston Martin F1 today after they grew out of Jordan Grand Prix.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W77M2N3XDRDX5IXCIU7WUGZEAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060562},"content":"I attended the team’s first Grand Prix, in Phoenix, Arizona, in March 1991. It was fraught, but Eddie was superb at coping with pressure. By May the Jordan Ford was mixing it with Alain Prost’s Ferrari and by June they were scoring world championship points. They were on their way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HBRFXY2RIJACZMZCVQG5R7PAZM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2NTH55MWNRAKPMQSHX2UG2A6YE","additional_properties":{},"content":"For the 1990s I covered the team exploits for The Irish Times and later the Belfast Telegraph, so we were in touch a lot and it was great to see what a fantastic ambassador he was for Ireland. The dream became a reality with the race wins in 1998 and 1999. In Irish motorsport he was our greatest figure – but still the same person he was 50 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVNCWLFBDRAXRANCXGY45VFNUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060564},"content":"In later years he became a top-line sports broadcaster for ITV and BBC, and became famous for being famous. But he was still the same delightful person I knew from those late nights working on car engines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBYJKHLZC5DRPJNT5N4BWHIM74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742510060565},"content":"I will miss him greatly.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Martin McCarthy"}]},"description":{"basic":"His endless energy, smarts and humour took him all the way from Mondello in the 1970s to the heights of Formula 1"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T15:39:57.832Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘In Irish motorsport he was our greatest figure’: Martin McCarthy pays tribute to his friend Eddie Jordan","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WHSV7WFAEZACPNOAKUPYQ4H4DU","auth":{"1":"03630bdf535dbd5665b3d9d17b2777a6f6b59a49dee423407a1780dbcfcc370b"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WHSV7WFAEZACPNOAKUPYQ4H4DU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Sport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/sport/2025/03/21/in-irish-motorsport-he-was-our-greatest-figure-martin-mccarthy-pays-tribute-to-his-friend-eddie-jordan/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/sport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sport"}}}},{"_id":"KEPEUKA5QRDQRKMLA5RPSIXAIM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":403,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/127e069c-4d0e-4de0-bc49-b616ba391153/versions/1742553115/media/5a8bf80bf19dc071957625c8c68a05c8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UPPURAK2XJANXMXU3SZA67TYPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"By late February, Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a> had still not received the traditional invite to the White House to celebrate <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-patricks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-patricks/\">St Patrick’s Day</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"URIZQSFZ3BH3VN6UCFTPCXYQO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"By contrast, arrangements for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\">Conor McGregor</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/17/donald-trump-conor-mcgregor-praise-each-others-work-ethics-during-st-patricks-day-meeting-at-the-white-house/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/17/donald-trump-conor-mcgregor-praise-each-others-work-ethics-during-st-patricks-day-meeting-at-the-white-house/\">March 17th visit</a> to president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> at the White House had, at that point, long been confirmed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"W67KC6AKM5E77M5K7UFOMTIVBI","additional_properties":{},"content":"An official visit by the mixed martial arts fighter was first discussed during McGregor’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. Discussions continued over email and shortly afterwards a formal invite came from a prominent figure in Trump’s circle, said a source with knowledge of the arrangements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPDIKVTPJJCCXLWLNROY5N6AV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"All parties were sworn to secrecy. The first the public heard of it was a social media post by McGregor on March 16th saying he was landing in Washington shortly “for the most important meeting of my countries [sic] future”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OM4LNGCE7FAIVFH2ACK34VPSFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Around the same time he posted a short video of his partner Dee Devlin performing a jig on a private plane, alongside a caption in garbled Irish which seemed to complain about aid to Afghanistan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7FK2623SNC2VE7JJZEBMZR2IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"By his standards, McGregor’s entourage was a small one. As well as his partner and children, he was joined by his long-time coaches John Kavanagh and Julian Dalby and Independent Dublin city councillor for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and former Olympic boxer Phil Sutcliffe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWYLYDTGY5ANZE7T2ZAHKPNKZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I travel a lot with Conor when I can,” Sutcliffe said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZIL2BK5VFEJTLFUZSPAWD7P3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The councillor, who has been training McGregor in boxing for more than 20 years, spoke to The Irish Times about the fighter’s US visit last week from Sutcliffe’s luxurious Washington, DC, hotel having just finished attending a Dublin City Council meeting via video conference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJLO6VOBSVFK5IOZOEQ7PYT6EE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I know his mother. I know his wife and family. We’re very good friends,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYHIRQYNE5H3HMDXY5XLCRAPMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Stephen Collins: Conor McGregor’s presidential hopes are a warning to the Government parties","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RESUZRRX3RHODCPD7BDDGJ42FY","additional_properties":{},"content":"On arrival in the White House on March 17th, McGregor took a handful of reporters' questions in the press briefing room before being ushered away by Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, for meetings in the Pentagon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIXBPUQ7MFB4DCA7UA6LFQJQBQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Afterwards he returned to the White House to meet Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. The family went inside the Oval Office while the rest of McGregor’s followers waited outside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ4WJ2P7A5HL7N2MZLHSWDBCBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trump showed off a map depicting how he had renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America and McGregor presented Musk with a box of “Notorious” cigars, his latest business venture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAYVAFQ2BJH4JNGSIZKSABLL2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Despite McGregor’s claim of it being “the important meeting”, the short encounter amounted to little more than a photo op and some mutual flattery. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBFXOE77XJDR7LJDTDVOGUSVFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was joined by a handful of other Trump supporters, including Mark Burnett, the creator of The Apprentice reality show and Trump’s recently appointed special envoy to the UK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVH7O5S26ZDAVOLZPY3HKG6XDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While the Trump meeting may have been brief, McGregor spent the rest of the visit being ferried around the capital to meet its most powerful men. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAYPWGA6J5HRNKH46OIZHOYYBI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He held meetings with US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, secretary of health Robert F Kennedy Jr, national security adviser Mike Waltz and director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor, among others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL6TFQ632FALXEDZQX3BP5XCKE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The main topic of discussion was McGregor’s distorted claims about immigration “running ravage” on Ireland, an issue his hosts were happy to engage on. “US, Ireland Both Suffer Impacts of Illegal Immigration,” was the headline in a subsequent press release from the Department of Defense detailing McGregor’s visit. The topics were among subjects McGregor <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/21/the-vague-and-shifting-politics-of-conor-mcgregor-from-pro-lockdown-to-anti-immigration-and-beyond/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/21/the-vague-and-shifting-politics-of-conor-mcgregor-from-pro-lockdown-to-anti-immigration-and-beyond/\">has offered opinions</a> on in the past.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTXHLYW545HSNHGFPVKA2BJZIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"But immigration was only part of the discussions, said Sutcliffe who was present for many of the meetings. Other topics included sport, Irish Government spending on the national children’s hospital and the cost of the notorious Leinster House bike shed and security hut, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HMI3Q4HCYVERRGNGAQJRVQBRRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S56364VNSVCGTI4N7SO3KBW6N4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Also discussed were the Burkes, the Irish evangelical family who gatecrashed part of the Taoiseach’s visit to Washington the previous week to protest against the imprisonment of family member Enoch Burke on contempt of court charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7HKUVZIYBCZ7AMQSQZKQXGNZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I have a lot of time for the Burkes and I know speaking to people over here that they do too – even the secretary of defense,” said Sutcliffe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVITRAABNNEODGP7XNACICZRP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said their hosts were well aware that a High Court jury in Dublin had, in November, directed that McGregor pay almost €250,000 in damages in a civil assault case to a woman who accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel in 2018. The jury’s finding did not cause any issues on McGregor’s trip, Sutcliffe maintains. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZEVUN7NWJCQ5NGIVNXUNFCMCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Of course they care about it. They care about what’s true. But they can read between the lines‚” said Sutcliffe, who does not accept the jury’s ruling. (The councillor attended court with McGregor among a group of supporters on the day of the jury’s verdict.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIPQXCT4ORBFVOUKOZZANKBE5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Later in McGregor’s US trip, the MMA fighter had dinner with Texas attorney general Ken Paxton. The two discussed their shared antipathy towards the transgender community and Paxton’s investigation into puberty-blocking drugs, according to one of McGregor’s social media posts after their meeting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPEAV354LRFRFLBMXL5MYESBS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Back in Ireland, McGregor’s visit and his claims about immigration prompted <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\">a wave of criticism</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPFRCB65NBBTTEBAPGHTFL4WPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland,” said the Taoiseach, while Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said his “heart fell” when he learned of the meeting. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYSUHT5F5BGH3BCGQY72HMNLIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Opinion: Of course the White House invited Conor McGregor for St Patrick’s Day","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J2NW47IOZBGZVABZBHXMK4ADKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre called the visit “sinister” and said it was designed to “launder” McGregor’s reputation. Without naming him, the Garda released a statement saying his comments about crime levels in Ireland are not based in fact. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAB5EV33XNA7NIDMD4MGTOBZRE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unsurprisingly McGregor has doubled down, announcing yesterday he will soon be sending his “orders” to the Irish Government to be implemented within “12 days”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLEDTRKTSJGMFA7FQRWHQMAXZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Be the hero here and save yourselves, and save Ireland, or my direct plan of action that Ireland and America wishes to see implemented will come in on White House paper attached with my signature,” he posted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBFDGSOKNJD27GNIE3SN4FLFTU","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-12571","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HZUBUIBBUZAADOZ56FUFZROA5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many believe all of this is a prelude to McGregor formally entering the race for the Irish presidential election which is due to take place after the summer. McGregor has repeatedly indicated he intends to run, although it is not at all clear if he would obtain the required support to get on the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFN37LSFSNHTFCECGUBLFSPKTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sutcliffe says he hopes McGregor will run and that he will have Washington’s full support if he does.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIL3IGCW55F2HAKZR5J664I5XI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Not only Washington, he’ll have the backing of Putin. He’s another fan of Conor’s,” he added.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Gallagher"}},"name":"Conor Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Conor McGregor’s short encounter with US president Donald Trump amounted to little more than a photo op"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The inside story of how Conor McGregor secured his meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4ST34LT2T5EOHITFQ4VV5OKQEM","auth":{"1":"3bff750ba4c9a249e09bd3462e976177fb318feb01d605950fbd6dfacc01adff"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4ST34LT2T5EOHITFQ4VV5OKQEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"UNQ5A3HWAFDWRHFLPBFGVQTI5E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":198,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/de291904-9cc7-442e-a521-232d568ff3ba/versions/1742554450/media/24a6f68fef6d3d72e7a8bba0d1142340_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/stage/review/2025/03/21/little-one-review-a-thriller-so-slippery-that-it-has-one-up-on-its-creators/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G7HE5NHONNCIRFGP5VHGAC27TY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Little One ","type":"header"},{"_id":"LK5RT6KMFZCVRFDKQNUJW3K3HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Glass Mask Theatre, Dublin","type":"header"},{"_id":"DSFNBVY2AJERVI4OQ6RRWYFUPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"★★★☆☆","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQ4MCWSWWJACTOXFNIPN4CXVTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"All adults, Dr Seuss once said, are just obsolete children. Glass Mask Theatre’s slippery thriller Little One seems to take the author’s put-down as its conceit. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRDDKW3CVJDA3BQ2F46S55XW7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ottawa, two siblings on the cusp of their 30s are anticipating a reunion after several years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQPIXPCMCNGRXKBMGD62TGRVAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aaron, a surgical resident – looking very serious in Dan Monaghan’s sly performance – begins listing a number of alarming incidents from their youth. Suddenly, he’s back in their family home, arguing on the couch with Claire, his violent young sister, played by Hannah Brady. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CKZ3PBWEJBPXCXEI6P74OHXJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch prefers the siblings to occasionally revert to their childhood selves – pivots nicely guided by Samantha Cade, the director of this absorbing production. (Moscovitch is well served by Canadian directors living in Dublin. In 2016 we had Lee Wilson’s staging of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/east-of-berlin-review-a-gripping-look-at-the-generational-effects-of-evil-1.2494554\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/east-of-berlin-review-a-gripping-look-at-the-generational-effects-of-evil-1.2494554\">East of Berlin</a>, another play about painful inheritances and family legacies.) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVSQEIZ3ERH6LCQRCDV57SCRA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’re told that brother and sister are adopted. Claire was found abandoned in a condemned building when she was four; she never shares her memories of those first years. Aaron’s parents died in a house fire one night when they were smoking in bed – a detail adult Aaron adds while stubbing out his own cigarette. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIRDVBWNWBB7ZDKV33GG4WL4BU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are soon unsettling signs of past trauma, as the family tries to deal with the aftermath of a young Claire groping an adult neighbour, and Aaron is seen practising communication skills prescribed by a counsellor. (“I want to scratch your eyes out,” Claire says. “Want to do finger-painting?” Aaron replies.) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q36M64XO25EIPDAS3JSAAI4J3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"During one switch back to the present he has clearly run out of patience. “Claire is a monster. I don’t want to kill the suspense for you,” he says dramatically, before the play traces a turning point in their relationship, when Aaron, asked by his parents to sacrifice his hobbies in order to supervise his sister, is given a kitten nicknamed Little One. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"L5ZRRMZXUFFLJOYVDMVTN2VLYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Monaghan takes an inspired approach to Aaron, portraying the somewhat young surgeon as a square who’s boringly informal before his years. (He’s colourless in a muted shirt and cardigan, in the nice details of Migle Ryan’s costuming.) That makes for an enjoyable contrast when he tries to convince as a moody teenager, folding his arms with a pout (“You psychopath!”).","type":"text"},{"_id":"A27RD2HSDNEHHEVCKLFX6FXRQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"But what about Claire? Brady gives a neat depiction of her youth, leaning into the emotionless chill of a creepy child who later learns some de-escalation tactics (“Curse word!” she cries). The character’s adult version lacks a point of view, though. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWNZYROUEBFUJGKMWQTEHYIZME","additional_properties":{},"content":"Imaginably, it’s hard to try to conceal the plot’s traumatic conclusion to Claire’s adolescence, while the script mostly has her adult version focus on the madness of someone else, a wife who lived next door. “His way of teasing her added to their normalcy,” she observes. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNN2TVR6WVCJBLPFJZUMSRMZTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"People can be dehumanised gradually, over time, their needs dismissed. Ironically, the play’s “monster” Claire becomes the sage on this. “It doesn’t mean our parents don’t love you,” she tells Aaron. “It means they don’t love you as much as they love me.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SJ35BEEMJF5RFY4JC4FQQ63VM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Little One is at </i><a href=\"https://glassmasktheatre.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://glassmasktheatre.com/\"><i>Glass Mask Theatre</i></a><i>, Dublin 2, until Saturday, April 5th</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Chris McCormack"}},"name":"Chris McCormack"}]},"description":{"basic":"Theatre: Dan Monaghan and Hannah Brady play siblings with a traumatic past in Hannah Moscovitch’s play"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T10:48:57.979Z","headlines":{"basic":"Little One review: A thriller so slippery that it has one up on its creators ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YS5LLUQBZ5CGBBOZS7KXBVO7CY","auth":{"1":"4a8e18d12fdab1743b8c402423488b17cf82f6e36d26048cee8eb97426d71ad4"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YS5LLUQBZ5CGBBOZS7KXBVO7CY.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Stage"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/stage/review/2025/03/21/little-one-review-a-thriller-so-slippery-that-it-has-one-up-on-its-creators/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/stage","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stage"}}}},{"_id":"HHSMUHU6LZAZXDGL6NN6X47BB4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":464,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6a829890-f65d-4617-8b94-305e77a963fc/versions/1742548849/media/9a559ab9e0415a76ab597d0c05837344_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/21/rise-of-the-family-how-group-became-irelands-biggest-crime-gang-without-firing-a-shot/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MBENZTGAWNCFLI5ARRH2JIS7S4","additional_properties":{},"content":"How did one <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin/\">Dublin</a> crime gang replace another at the apex of Ireland’s drugs trade without a feud or even a single shot being fired? It’s a scenario that would have been unthinkable less than 10 years ago. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVCCSXW3QJHQZKWZMD36F7ZECQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"But then the Regency Hotel attack of 2016 happened and its unpredictable consequences changed everything in the Irish gangland world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOALCH6QJVHGRKRLWRLRVDSOD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"This week on the side of a motorway in Co Kilkenny drugs brought into the country as part of The Family crime gang’s activities were seized by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/\">the Garda</a>. A truck was stopped and a secret compartment, controlled by hydraulics, was discovered. It was stuffed with cocaine; some 152kg, valued at an estimated €10.6 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKLBTY4VJFH7XOMVL2MNHLYGQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It was the latest in a series of major busts linked to the group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYXN6S5KDNEVBAYKMWVBJROF74","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Family gang first cornered the heroin trade in Ballyfermot, Dublin, more than two decades ago. It is led by a group of men, including brothers from Ballyfermot, in their 40s. While they have previously been named in the media, they cannot be identified at present for legal reasons. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QA3F3EQZ3VBCRDO7QRTP3A6DFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"They have been well known to gardaí since the 1990s and some have served lengthy prison sentences in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe for their role in previous multimillion-euro drug deals. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KDMTGGOCZHP7JPKAERWSV4HIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"But The Family has come up in the underworld of late. It is now the new dominant player on the Irish drugs scene, which was once monopolised by the Kinahans and their Dublin-based underlings. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2SU7A3X2ORHBTAVBHC3F52XTYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Though The Family has for many years run a large drugs business – and has previously been involved in gun violence – its dominance in Irish gangland arrived thick and fast during the pandemic. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WRJNW6BMZGRRMKVCGENSRLQ5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Their names cropped up again and again when major consignments of drugs – usually of a size associated with the Kinahan network – were being found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKG3YPAGGNAILK757AN6HW6T3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Most significant was the discovery of €4 million in cash during a Garda drugs operation quickly followed by confirmation The Family owned the money, not the Kinahan group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUISGH6MFZGPVJIYPWWWRUPIYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"It would have been unthinkable at any juncture since the cocaine boom began in the Republic 25 years ago that anyone apart from the Kinahans could gather that much money from drug dealing. It was no coincidence that as The Family was riding high, the Kinahans' Irish operation – the “Byrne organised crime group” based in Crumlin, Dublin – was being wiped out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7BM2OBTFFANDHCMWQ6GA3R3ZA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S3HTL2CT2BBCTDBTFZVDSGFDNU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So how did it happen? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UBZ5QCNBZVCP3BAHKV7GJIQ2BY","additional_properties":{},"content":"All roads lead back to The Regency, and the attack that led to the downfall of the Byrne group. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGQVBATDRBBBVN4VYOI7XF2ETM","additional_properties":{},"content":"During the daring attack at the north Dublin hotel in February 2016 that horrified the public, men dressed in mock Garda uniforms brandishing AK47s assault rifles burst into a boxing tournament weigh-in packed with fight fans. They were looking for Daniel Kinahan (47), seeking to murder him in revenge for the shooting dead of Gary Hutch (34) in Spain the previous September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6Z34MEX2WZD7JGBIXA2C6DCTYI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kinahan managed to escape to safety, but one of his associates, David Byrne (33), was shot dead in the attack. Byrne was a brother of Liam Byrne (44), who ran the Byrne organised crime group. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTL5G26N2BAJPGAOOEODQ647CI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFXIGEPANRA3RJ2OGQ6RJBCFWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kinahan – the son of Kinahan cartel founder Christy Kinahan – and Liam Byrne had to hit back hard. The resulting campaign of gun violence was so extreme it would show the underworld, at home and abroad, what happens when you come at the kings. That campaign became known as the Kinahan-Hutch feud. In truth, it was a Kinahan-Byrne wipeout of the Hutch group rather than a “feud”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJTDGQOKLRASXHSAUCPMAFPOQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"When it ended two-and-a-half years later, up to 18 murders had been linked to the dispute. But as the feud progressed, the Garda response to the violence was ramped up. And it was the Byrne group, the Kinahans' Irish operation rather than its now Dubai-based leadership, that paid the price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBB5YTMXNNFTREJLRP6DKHDC6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Liam Byrne was forced to flee the Republic, first for the UK and then Dubai, as his Dublin home on Raleigh Square in Crumlin was seized. A car garage he and his gang members used as a money laundering front was put out of business by the Criminal Assets Bureau, with its fleet of vehicles seized.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUVYR757G5HFPAGG6KZUIZU6JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) managed to get one step ahead of many of the Kinahan-Byrne planned attacks on the Hutch side, foiling them and bringing serious criminal charges against the protagonists. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ2Z57MXIFFVZCAKLBYMNKODWA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Everyone was targeted; from murderers caught on the way to planned killings to getaway drivers and those who had supplied the stolen cars or simply bought the burner phones and other items needed to plan a gangland murder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPAP7BHSKFDPBH5MG66AZ6GRVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In total, more than 70 people were jailed in Ireland over the Kinahan-Hutch feud. The Garda’s wiping out of the Byrne gang in Ireland was largely complete by the time the pandemic began. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMPWVJ6DSZGX7JLFBNRD6XHNIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"All the while, The Family gang was continuing to import its drugs consignments through its international suppliers. As is the case in the legitimate economy, once the dominant player in any sector is under pressure, and ultimately collapses, one of entities in the tier just below will reach up and take top spot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H77MYYNXR5F67DH5PWT6VCMBDY","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TY2TD7HRPVFKNIHCJP5X7Q4NIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"For his part, Daniel Kinahan had by 2020 outgrown the Irish drugs scene. He was based in Dubai and was – and still is – a leading member of the European super cartel, which controls around one-third of the cocaine that comes into Europe. Because of his elevated position, finding a replacement for the Byrne group, to retain an iron grip on the Irish drugs trade, was not a priority. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPUSP4NBURF3BHIRP33SRBUYIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"And as he had assumed such a senior position in the European drugs trade, huge quantities of cocaine that ended up on the streets of Ireland were passing through the hands of the super cartel he co-leads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6A7PYZ2DFGGTM2YC77PKLICRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Those two factors – the demise of the Byrne group and the Kinahans having outgrown the need to control distribution in Ireland – represented two planets aligning for The Family. But there was a third factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3T5CHPIRBETJHGVBZ5VLOUNAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As the Garda clampdown on the Kinahan-Hutch feuding criminals was so effective, other major Irish gangs looked on and digested what was happening. The Garda’s DOCB had sent to prison so many of the Byrne network for gun killings or attempted murders, other gangs were dissuaded from embarking on gangland hits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2U7QLS4OKFHSXLCINP7QIQG5DQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“People saw that no matter what role they played in an organised crime group, we were coming after them, and they were going to get a lengthy prison sentence,” Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of Organised and Serious Crime in the Garda, told The Irish Times last week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EN4TL66FFCAZM5EC4QFT5Q2ME","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I think the others [gangs] realised there was going to be too much attention involved in killings, so the killing stopped. They pulled back and they realised murder wasn’t the way to achieve success from their perspective.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZ32XNFVYZC6VG2GNC3IFXJIRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The guns in the underworld have fallen silent over the last five years; there have been just one or two murders a year, down from up to 20 a year witnessed in the not-too-distant past. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXA626DOUZGKXH7S73ZSL4IFCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"And it has been during this rare period of calm that The Family became the very biggest drugs gang in the country. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UY2Z7LIVMBBRPONX56XVRUYRFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, some of The Family’s key players face serious charges, meaning they have sustained serious damage in recent years that may soon result in significant jail time. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBOKKIEACVFNZCKDOOC6CWCBK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"However long The Family members remain on top for, one thing is certain: others will eventually seek to take their place. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZYSWTH55RG67LFX64EN4BZQYY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The underworld will continue to replenish with new names and new faces.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dublin gang’s rise to the top of the drugs trade has been marked by unusual and fortuitous events"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T10:29:50.874Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rise of ‘The Family’: the group that became Ireland’s biggest crime gang without firing a shot","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5VESSGZW2VFNNOEOTXXPCQAP3U","auth":{"1":"d546c79a509f2cb76c52f7bf42c23e9d323c1b56e35b09d1a2fb6286d4f565ee"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5VESSGZW2VFNNOEOTXXPCQAP3U.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & 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for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/palestine\" target=\"_blank\">Palestine</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TY2D6LBRW5ESRM4RPH4NP4HXFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764234},"content":"Thousands of people participated in a solidarity march through Dublin on Saturday, calling for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government\" target=\"_blank\">Government</a> to impose sanctions on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel\" target=\"_blank\">Israel</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3KZJ6GL7JAD3NET7JE47B7XRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764235},"content":"Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs and waving banners and Palestinian flags, stopped for a series of speeches outside Ireland’s national parliament at Leinster House.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKXMAFACX5FETMCK2Z2SBK6ZTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764236},"content":"Speakers led chants of “free, free Palestine” and addressed the large crowd on the re-escalating <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\" target=\"_blank\">conflict in the Middle East</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6H2XNOOF5C5ZJPE6H33HWOZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764237},"content":"The protesters called for the end of Israel’s military activity in Gaza, for states to stop arming Israel, and the cessation of use of Irish airspace for transporting weapons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAUZ3JT3Y5GBZKOEQYBIGMJH24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764238},"content":"The rally, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), is the 14th national demonstration of its kind since October 2023 and is supported by several trade unions and civil society groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2PFIZ4VRVDO3JHZ5LKQG3AN6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764239},"content":"The IPSC has also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, along with the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTCOEVC7V5A6FC3XDXNS3MKVPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764240},"content":"The Government has committed to implementing the Occupied Territories Bill with changes limiting its scope to trade, but it is not on the legislative calendar for this term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZDLQXC4JJA55GLXV2EV3FXFPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764241},"content":"Protesters also carried a giant sphere in the style of the logo of Ireland’s Central Bank with the words “stop funding genocide” painted on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEGHTFLMHJGNTMUFLPLQCEW7EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764242},"content":"Israel chose the Central Bank of Ireland to be the designated authority to approve prospectuses for Israel Bonds in the EU. Pro-Palestinian supporters want the Bank to stop approving their sale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KHQNBZTJJHVLC5RAY4UMAXJTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764243},"content":"The group also wants a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for the Irish Government to roll back on its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism, which it sees as an effort to prevent criticism of Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAR65UNLRAUBKQSHF7GKTEBQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764244},"content":"Speakers at the rally included Omar Barghouti, Palestinian intellectual Ghada Karmi, and IPSC chairwoman Zoe Lawlor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSW7VZNTAVA6HOSFQLERYLOFJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764245},"content":"Mr Barghouti, who cofounded the BDS movement which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, said there was a “profound moral duty” to continue to support Palestine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NX5IG23BBBBUFGINACM6TKK6TU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764246},"content":"Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “I’m here to say that given Israel’s continued genocide against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, we need to escalate non-violent pressure on Irish Government, Irish corporations, Irish institutions to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOEEXVCBBBHGHNIB3T6KSDZGPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764247},"content":"“Palestinians are not asking for charity, we’re asking for ending complicity – to do no harm to us.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HY3FDKWLBVCXJB2DTUTFBVDRKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764248},"content":"“The Irish Government continues to allow the transit of US weapons to Israel, this has to stop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TAKIRL4RVDVBJAGGGN6ES3JSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764249},"content":"“The Central Bank of Ireland continues to profit from genocide through the sale of Israel government bonds, this has to stop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PO6U35ITFRFJLGK4HRRAFR5TZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764250},"content":"Mr Barghouti said: “The Government is blocking the Occupied Territories Bill and the Divestment Bill, this has to end. They have to take measures to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQ3EX7TO7NH35KRIZE5IYE2MBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764251},"content":"“Some people in Ireland might say ‘we’ve been demonstrating for 17 months throughout this genocide, we don’t see any hope’.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVCM3J2L3ZA37AKO6VRKSLLQKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764252},"content":"“But it is so un-Irish to give up hope. The Irish have resisted colonialism for centuries under enormously difficult hardships and they’ve never given up hope.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXORZVQ45RCYVGDOZX2K7P7IPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764253},"content":"“Similarly, Palestinians for 100 years, we’ve been resisting oppression and doing everything we can to live in peace, justice, dignity, equality and self-determination like everyone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCSOUIE37FGETF57EZM44G65AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764254},"content":"“We cannot give up, it is a profound moral duty to do no harm. So we need to escalate people power and pressure to end complicity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOEHCFGWVFANBIES3C7I5EQAXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764255},"content":"Senior figures in Israel’s government have accused leaders in the Irish Coalition of encouraging anti-Semitism, with the Israeli embassy in Dublin announcing last year that it would close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VT2RI6QUHRGKLB6MH6IWX7GOWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764256},"content":"Israeli politicians have criticised Ireland’s decision to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel, with Dublin asking the International Court of Justice to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DP3OMEFHUZDAJPQE5GS5Z7ZFRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764257},"content":"The protest came days after hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre on Wednesday, causing significant delays to transport in the Irish capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LECVWMIZQ5FUDETAKWXZR23NKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764258},"content":"At Saturday’s rally, there were brief scuffles between some of the demonstrators – who came from disparate groups and were not necessarily associated with IPSC – and Irish public order police.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQTFRBQLL5BRRDFKKGOFWQWU3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764259},"content":"A spokesman at the event said at least one attendee had been arrested but An Garda Siochana was unable to immediately confirm that. -PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Cillian Sherlock, PA"}]},"description":{"basic":"Thousands of people called for the Government to impose sanctions on Israel"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T17:07:37.735Z","headlines":{"basic":"Palestine protest: Cofounder of sanctions movement addresses Dublin crowd","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY","auth":{"1":"884b172d141a3c20a6aa27aa43fc477140a935b40aba2296659a1e7ca6115469"},"focal_point":{"x":2420,"y":1990},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/22/palestine-protest-cofounder-of-sanctions-movement-addresses-dublin-crowd/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"FD2PBC4D2RGIVMFNVPCE6SHZVE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/19/boy-11-injured-in-primary-school-stabbing-named-as-guest-of-honour-for-ireland-match/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NJ6ORNQBBFCULOTF2MWPLJWAMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"An 11-year-old boy who was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/03/07/miracle-that-boy-11-stabbed-in-dublin-school-survived-father-says/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/03/07/miracle-that-boy-11-stabbed-in-dublin-school-survived-father-says/\">stabbed in a north Dublin school</a> earlier this month will be the guest of honour for Ireland’s game against Senegal at the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aviva-stadium\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aviva-stadium\"> Aviva stadium</a> in June. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4S5OAXUCL5A2REJCET65SAWI5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mason Geraghty was rushed to hospital after being stabbed at the national school on March 4th. Gardaí described his injuries at the time as serious but not life-threatening. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RYEP7AMARCVXMJA7WGCCM3BYE","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UL6ORXJSSZHITKJWHGSA65MCHI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mason linked up with the men’s senior national team in Dublin on Tuesday during their training session.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4ELOTBCFBA3TPKI3FFVQFLFH4","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"YUBFHCAZ5NHH3LQNMYL4O7YVYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a video posted on social media by the <a href=\"http://irishtimes.com/tags/fai\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"http://irishtimes.com/tags/fai\">FAI</a>, Mason and his brother are welcomed by Ireland defender Nathan Collins who tells him he is a “good, strong boy”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXTGBVEJDVBLNLXYSVNL66F7VI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Collins presented him with a signed Ireland jersey ahead of their clash with Bulgaria on Thursday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZVRYR6MWJAGHJJBWCI5QJKGTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“11-year-old Mason from Finglas joined us at training today as he continues his recovery from being stabbed earlier this month,” the FAI said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7LE46CAKNE45PKHMG4XJYNGZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Mason has shown tremendous bravery & will be our guest of honour for the Senegal match at the Aviva Stadium in June. We’re all with you, Mason!”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OMOZ52JVZE5HFGWMHX5WB3EUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert students to face oral exams in English under sweeping changes","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UWOW7CZGIZBMNG6IAJFFKSSA5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"In an interview with Virgin Media earlier this month, Mason’s father Stephen Geraghty said it was “a miracle” that his son had survived.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2HLFPAFBNEQHHQFJZAH7BZC44","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Geraghty said the knife missed one of his son Mason’s arteries by a couple of centimetres. He said he was told his son had a 50/50 chance of survival when he reached the hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGJ2FD5JYBE65COVV5G6IOPB64","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I thought I was saying goodbye,” Mr Geraghty added. However, he said the boy has since made significant progress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7AUHRKUYZHX7MBTKYPT4N2CIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also expressed concern that no-one would be held accountable for the stabbing. The age of criminal responsibility in the Republic - apart from in cases of homicides and the most serious sexual crimes - is 12.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Mason’s father Stephen Geraghty said it was ‘a miracle’ that his son had survived"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T14:23:12.706Z","headlines":{"basic":"Boy (11) injured in primary school stabbing named as guest of honour for Ireland match","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3QMIHPERJFFWDKV6M5JS2UR4OY","auth":{"1":"e6355205fccaef427f12ede0a852ee0638fcaadeb4ed9fa8f1db07e95ac285c6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3QMIHPERJFFWDKV6M5JS2UR4OY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/19/boy-11-injured-in-primary-school-stabbing-named-as-guest-of-honour-for-ireland-match/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"ECL2NWBU6RCLFELXQ5QRHMQFTE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":166,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/c30384d1-37c1-41f8-a23e-50652beb5475/versions/1742329606/media/4cf22e633a9c1769a7b22a4df8461a65_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/18/taoiseach-pledges-to-continue-support-for-inner-city-schemes-set-up-after-hutch-kinahan-feud/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FN2UU53K65DGXPHHXHZXFFAO5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\">Micheál Martin</a> has pledged to continue financial support for social, cultural, educational and sporting programmes established in Dublin’s northeast inner city after the Hutch-Kinahan feud. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKRQQAP355EZ7K6LGSU6NU3QVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDJ5VAHWCJDKJFIRSJ7HDY6BJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Taoiseach was speaking at the launch of the annual report and strategic plan for the coming years of the Northeast Inner City programme implementation board, held in St Laurence O’Toole national school on Sheriff Street.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW6ETTHDIVAQFA7HJ5K53HLZ64","additional_properties":{},"content":"Minister for Finance and city TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paschal-donohoe/\">Paschal Donohoe</a> also spoke at the event as did the board’s chairman, the former Dublin football manager <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-gavin/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-gavin/\">Jim Gavin</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZJVL2IMGZHU7LVF5S7D4WY3EE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Northeast Inner City project was set up in the wake of the gangland violence that included shootings in the area and meant armed police were frequently on the streets. It is one of the most deprived areas in the State. It has a history of deprivation, crime and drug problems. It is also is home to a large number of foreign nationals, including many asylum seekers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWX7NADRFJAUHHZAL7UNNMU62E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The project spends much of its time and resources on small – and relatively inexpensive – local schemes in which the involvement of local people is key. It runs social, cultural, sporting and educational schemes and seeks to involve state agencies at a grassroots level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H55PWAZNRZBTTOECROEE667IRE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Martin told community workers, activists, civil servants and local people that there remained a “very strong commitment at the centre of government ... to the continuing allocation of resources”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHIJHTKHHZD3BNJH35HCGQKUBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Donohoe said the Government wanted to recognise the progress that had been made, “but also what needs to be done in the years ahead”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTVYYNFJRJCGJEQPRQFDUIWDIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Gavin said the report “showcases the programme implementation board’s continued efforts to drive change in the northeast inner city across areas including safety, education, employment, supporting families, community wellbeing and health”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5WSCETSYRGOXOLVD3TOYHDIVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The strategic plan “sets ambitious targets to help resolve the challenges that remain for the area. It clearly demonstrates the board’s commitment to work with all stakeholders to drive and deliver projects with clear direction and purpose to create a brighter future for all,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WILA7ZM6JRBJJLT5KV4C2YSMAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The board, he said, would continue to place a high importance on the “voice, opinions and suggestions” from local people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWQ6QO6MCFCMLPSGYBOYYICT6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The introductions were performed by students Pippa Kelly and Mason McKevitt, participants in the Learning in a Football Environment (Life) scheme. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNVUVSISM5G4LEZJVABPRWUHJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This programme has given me and my fellow students so many chances to grow not just in sports, recreation and fitness, but also as individuals. The amount of opportunities this course has given is so amazing,” Ms Kelly said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVKLEITOZNDPFPPOLBMYQ5VL5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr McKevitt said the scheme “is the best thing I’ve ever done – it’s not just teaching me skills for a career, it’s given me lessons I will carry with me forever”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAFP4ZB6U5B77DNTTFILN25VZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sporting and educational initiatives are among those helping to drive change in deprived area in capital"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T20:21:41.93Z","headlines":{"basic":"Taoiseach pledges to continue support for inner-city schemes set up after Hutch-Kinahan feud","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VCIK63AWPBGJVAKJ3ULFR4MLGE","auth":{"1":"214f4df75f90719bab7ace373cf41a5f7f7b24f28c96f5c16343dea8ab92d60d"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VCIK63AWPBGJVAKJ3ULFR4MLGE.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/18/taoiseach-pledges-to-continue-support-for-inner-city-schemes-set-up-after-hutch-kinahan-feud/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"D2T54W5HNBCY3H32HPCHRKY23E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":93,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6348e3dc-778c-4b78-9557-5084752ca551/versions/1742311415/media/514f0b4576a0b3d58b48b7685d50fbec_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/18/dart-services-reopen-after-route-hit-by-delays-due-to-vandalism/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dart/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dart/\">Dart</a> services between Dalkey and Bray have resumed after an act of vandalism at Shankill curtailed morning commuter services. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G46TLUD67FHYXFYY2SD4LLR4OQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish Rail said workers were faced with long delays after vandals threw an undisclosed object which became entangled in the overhead lines at a section of track between Killiney and Shankill Dart stations. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCROZKYHEJCW3DLVPRNVHF6AEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-rail/\" rel=\"\">Irish Rail</a> said the suspension was “due to an incident of vandalism which has damaged overhead lines”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VGUYJSAZBDGLHZGHXENTORX44","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG4GHUOXX5GTTPRVF4APF27GDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"A pantograph which connects the train to the wires was also damaged, the company said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDYLTNA3GJHHBGTQVXG5VP3J5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Passengers on route between Rosslare, Co Wexford to Dublin Connolly were offered a bus connection from Bray onwards. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRO72TMTGFAUZKGJ6BXCGL5XGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish Rail said service resumed at about 1.30pm, well in time for the evening commute. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JMKPHS6EFCHRGL6NNK7PZQQNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, a crash on the M50 northbound which created significant delays for morning commuters on the road, has also been cleared. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKUBYVU6GFG45DQLRRZ5OWJT7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"A car overturned on the right-hand lane of the motorway between Junction 4 Ballymun and Junction 3 Santry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6LU5EFWEJCNNDC54JHBGRTT6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dublin Fire Brigade posted a photograph of the overturned car on its social media, shortly after 8am. Lanes Two and three on the northbound carriageway were closed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6A5CFAANNDYNORQNIUMRYVPNQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"AH4C4LWINVAJRLBZ6N2SI5GYPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Traffic congestion in the area was significant with delays of 15 minutes coming from Junction 5 Finglas. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD5F6K5HE5H4HP3AOBNY6ET4CM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The road was cleared by lunchtime according to Transport Infrastructure Ireland.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tim O'Brien"}},"name":"Tim O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Overturned car on M50 causes delays for motorists in separate incident affecting morning commuters"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T10:00:39.979Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dart services reopen after route hit by delays due to ‘vandalism’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MRD5QQHPNTLFOWEZHJWNGT47KQ","auth":{"1":"48e0efd6f415f5278018354016e32127c94b3ca61e4aa276cb093b2d1241a1a9"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MRD5QQHPNTLFOWEZHJWNGT47KQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/18/dart-services-reopen-after-route-hit-by-delays-due-to-vandalism/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"FWKC3EZZ35DOTIYOIZU5A7Y4JE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":219,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/c735a7ee-8deb-4e99-a3d3-855dfca3e54e/versions/1742237966/media/18f1587d71daecaf03ba623382efd12c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/17/st-patricks-day-in-dublin-i-know-its-a-big-party-but-i-dont-know-anything-more-than-that/","content_elements":[{"_id":"J7KVVXXFRJFMBBHN4S4YRMHDEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If it gets any colder I’ll be the blue Smurf,” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/victoria-smurfit/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/victoria-smurfit/\">Victoria Smurfit</a> said before her turn as grand marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCSNC4BWMJFL7KI25XFLNQNZ5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The green-clad actor had taken precautions, including a heat pack and an elaborately knotted green scarf tucked into a tweed jacket that might have come directly from the set of Rivals, the Disney+ Jilly Cooper series that has recently seen Smurfit’s star shine brightly. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQSBWIM4YJD47FLVBS3Q6FUXLE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The actor said that when the email inviting her to lead the parade landed she had assumed at first it was a scam as the offer seemed so unlikely. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"22OCVTZLA5ARXL4DZ4WUJOBBT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’m just so honoured,” she said. “It is not something in my wildest dreams I could have imagined being asked to do.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PKSOQR7VVE4RPJMHBL255U7R4","additional_properties":{},"content":"People from all over the world gathered on the capital’s streets from early, and they were loving it, none more so than Joshua and Deborah Jenkins from Missouri, US. The couple were in Ireland to mark their 25th wedding anniversary and planned the trip with the parade at the heart of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSBBZ7RWUFGU7KK4KU7ZNHQON4","additional_properties":{},"content":"St Patrick’s Day parades: Kabin Crew brings a spark to Cork while Limerick aims to become ‘more fun’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JUC4JHMD3ND7JDAZ6GVRU3DNXM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"64NY6HFFSRA3PMEKL6SXD3ALJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s just so beautiful here,” Ms Jenkins said, oblivious to the seagull horsing into a discarded bag of ketchup-coated chips nearby. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XHDA73B7BNEPNILOD2YE3QTVZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We’ve travelled all over and everyone is so nice. But it’s the parade we planned our vacation around. It’s a bucket list thing for us.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VYYDVBOSJEJXCB7IVN42QCRAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emmanuel Ngaba grew up in Cameroon, but his daughter is growing up in Dublin. He was out early to get the best possible view of her as she took part in the parade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXE5W7VC7NH5LFN5IUAUASSDNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I dropped her off so it was an opportunity to get a good place to capture some video as she passes,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQQWEJXA45CC7PLGSWXJT36YM4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VUJQL5OT7JCQBAFE4XGU3LE4K4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Karin Johansson from Sweden is studying to become an English teacher and is in Maynooth, Co Kildare, as part of her programme. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OUXEGBXXNGJ3EJBTU2BJE53EA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I know it’s a big party, but I don’t know anything more than that,” she said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAVH2E4NLNAGVCCLVXDNKZSEQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"After watching the parade, she planned to head off so she could “miss all the rowdiness” in Dublin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPLYRFP6DFA3HH4DEJQSKRDZ74","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I don’t drink and I don’t fancy being around people when they are too drunk,” she said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB6UKPDQ7RCRLIRSBDIWZF62MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Laura Arnat, from Spain, was quite looking forward to a night out in the city centre. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAUXNQXF7BAU5LLSAQ7BNXHKKA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3GPRLAAZQNDL7LVFVHXXAWTWRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We’ll go to Temple Bar for some drinks and maybe listen to some music. For me, the best thing about Ireland is the music. I love it,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ID6RL5Q75JDRXAMHUZ6EBLPQEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"St Patrick’s Festival chief executive Richard Tierney cut a relaxed figure as the parade started. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PW6H34K2OZBIHET3CIKSPEWHSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Today is a true reflection of the joy, diversity and creativity that make St Patrick’s Festival such a special celebration for all, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZZN3SNET5EVVGNEN7QXGRYIHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Shortly after midday President <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-d-higgins/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-d-higgins/\">Michael D Higgins</a> and his wife <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sabina-higgins/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sabina-higgins/\">Sabina</a> arrived for his last parade as head of state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HREBW4AFUNGKDDHQIVMPE2Q3R4","additional_properties":{},"content":"For this year’s theme, Adventures (Eachtraí), more than 4,000 street performers, floats and marching bands passed more than 300,000 people who piled into the city.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRL743TR2FAZTNCOKR5EQ57SKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Spraoi caused confusion when they called for cheers for Queen Elizabeth. Not wanting to be rude there were some halfhearted whoops, but these were drowned out by the roars for Grace O’Malley who was following her. It wasn’t England’s day after all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBPOSNAFMRGWHIZKO4U5ITTITU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3PSOW6BZBFGEJNS5VPZJWJVK7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Outing Queer Arts Collective’s “Rainbow Pageant – Love is an Adventure”, celebrating 10 years of marriage equality in the State, probably broke a million protocols when encouraging President Higgins to dance the Macarena. It was all in good spirits and ended with high fives all round.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XD6EH5GEWNAWRHJ3KDVUZU4Q2Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Macnas marked its Dublin return with Alf the Giant Newt and a visual piece about climate change, while ArtFX brought “Fierce Mild”, a tribute to Ireland’s unpredictable spring weather. 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CHORAL EVENSONG for the Annunciation of our Lord - 18.00 Tuesday 25th March - Responses: Paul Spicer, Psalm 119: vv 33-64, Stanford: Evening Service in G, Grayston Ives: Nova, Nova CHORAL EVENSONG - 18.00 Thursday 27th March - Responses: Paul Spicer, Psalms 126-131, Byrd: The Second Service, Bairstow: Save us, O Lord.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I55PHIRC3ZAPZGDM4DSTHHGAGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>National Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Dublin</b> THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT - 09.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL MATINS- sung by the Cathedral Choir- Responses: Sumsion, Bairstow: Lamentations of Jeremiah, Psalm: 113, Dyson in D: Benedictus, Berkeley: The Lord is my Shepherd. Preacher: The Revd J.D.M. Clarke. Prebendary of Tipper. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG - sung by the Cathedral Choir- Responses: Shephard, Bairstow: I sat down under his shadow, Psalm: 114, Wood in Eb, Sermon in Music: Bairstow: If the Lord had not helped me. SUNG MATINS at 09.00 Monday to Friday. EUCHARIST at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. CHORAL EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday and Tuesday. SUNG EVENSONG ONLINE at 17.30 Wednesday to Friday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/worship","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRUKH2GD2FBV5OY3DOG4FR4FWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"CHURCH OF IRELAND","type":"header"},{"_id":"KK7NGXHLR5CPNJAA4ZKWMOBBSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Ardamine Group of Parishes, Co Wexford</b> Sunday 23rd March Lent 3 Monamolin 9.00 am Morning Prayer Kilmuckridge 10.15 am Holy Communion Clonevan 11.30 am Holy Communion","type":"text"},{"_id":"VL5Z46WMY5F4PIJ62ZQ6OEZGVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>St Audoen Cornmarket</b> 9.30 Bellringing, 10.00 Eucharist (every Sunday), with hymns and Anglican chant, the Third Sunday in Lent. Access through the main entrance. Cars may be parked between Francis Street and Christ Church.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VZZCS5KRDBHDPPM5QUUNZXV5NI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>St Catherine St James Donore Avenue</b> 11.30 Service of the Word, the Annunciation of our Lord. Organist, Olesia Borsuk. Cars may be parked in the Churchyard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYGSLDM5WJDCPID2OH3SYNHWKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Zion Parish Church</b> Sunday 23rd March - The Third Sunday in Lent. 9am Holy Communion 1. 10.30am Morning Prayer. All welcome.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRFNP3IFYFEHVA3EPD3XDGSTAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"PRESBYTERIAN","type":"header"},{"_id":"KICY6VSIS5FQRCL5M7FTJDLPDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland</b> The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ, and the authority of the Bible. For more information, and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland, visit: <a href=\"http://www.presbyterianireland.org/\" rel=\"\">www.presbyterianireland.org</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"22WCICLKJZAVBMHM4LYK7SLCGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"METHODIST","type":"header"},{"_id":"QNSLJQKFTFCNZJTIEDUK6W2GYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>About the Methodist Church in Ireland</b> - The Methodist Church in Ireland is a community of people drawn together by Gods love, who seek to live wholeheartedly as followers of Jesus for the transformation of the world. With 212 churches spread across the island of Ireland from North to South, and East to West. To find a church near you, visit <a href=\"https://irishmethodist.org/\" rel=\"\">https://irishmethodist.org</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2IZKDNOQZC6HBWCBF6HWRTMZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin</b> The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dún Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. Our services are available at www.dlmc.org ","type":"text"},{"_id":"73OANYUP3JBNTNGS2UTEMYZ5AE","additional_properties":{},"content":"RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS","type":"header"},{"_id":"SSDCGTJ56ZBQBHDSOWHCKI6FTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Quaker Meetings in Ireland</b> Quakers in Ireland invite you to join us for Meeting for Worship at any of our Meeting Houses around the country. Visitors will be warmly welcomed and there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. You will find a list of Meetings on our website: https://quakers-in-ireland.ie/map-of-quaker-meetings-worship-groups/","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPPSBL26WZGZXH6CX4NVV5TONQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Week beginning March 22nd, 2025"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Church services","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IN7OZZ6E2NGO5KX2KLF2SIQGJU","auth":{"1":"d4b9e121d137a9aeef92fc18438df403b5c177f6a3855de62a93ccfae6ccb05d"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IN7OZZ6E2NGO5KX2KLF2SIQGJU.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/21/church-services/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"WFRLKE6IZNDHPHTGOO2ACSMBWA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":198,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/72f995e6-6dd9-4b56-8ee4-1105821c466a/versions/1742506079/media/b9fa461120f460f28268b4c2673d4f22_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/how-to-be-happy-as-you-grow-older-get-out-and-keep-going/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Q4KDCI4NBG7HJMYM6BV4CX4DQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgina Clarke, who will celebrate her 90th birthday next year, describes losing her husband when she was 22 years old as “very hard”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBWUPBX6QJCETNBYWVVFBISRCE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clarke, originally from Cabra in north Dublin, explains her husband Seamus, then aged 26, was knocked down by a milk lorry while cycling to a football match. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AE2E4IRQWRC5HKG3C7D66RUJVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The judge said there was negligence on both sides – the driver walked away with a fine and I walked away left to rear three children on my own,” she recalls, sitting in the Friends of the Elderly Centre in Dublin’s north inner city on Thursday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUZCEZDHDFFK7N5X7OYKVLD7DA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The non-profit organisation runs social programmes for older people to help relieve isolation and loneliness. About 30 older people have gathered on this particular afternoon to celebrate International Day of Happiness, some dancing, others catching up over a cup of tea. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTJDQHFB6RGAXM2WLSEXYCDXEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clarke’s advice on how to maintain a happy life is to “get out and keep going”. She says while losing her husband so young was difficult, retiring from her job at the Department of Agriculture after 37 years left her unsure what to do with her time. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGGPU3CMSZALVDYGMZ6N7TSIWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It was a big change, rushing and racing for buses to all of a sudden it’s gone and the people that you meet when you work, they were gone,” she says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSD65TTNTJEWTEHYCT3EJDVTIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It was a complete new life to me, because you’re at home and the family are married and gone. So you’re sitting looking at four walls, it’s very depressing and it brings your health down. I went completely down in myself and a friend of mine suggested coming here and it’s the best thing I ever done. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRFS6DX2LJB2HKU5VLTQ7HSB3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is heaven, I love it. We all get together, we dance, we sing, we have tea and coffee and it’s just a brilliant place.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPBE4E62MNCUBC6GGJYF3XKOSM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AJHL7LMXAFHQJM6LNRZQIQZZZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Christy Hogan (81), originally from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and now living in Perrystown, says good health is the key to happiness for him. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKRANT52N5BY3H3FS2A7BNZM3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hogan, who suffers from COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], underwent triple bypass surgery in June 2021 and spent three months recovering in hospital. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJLRMJORJFFMRONYVOJBYJYVGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I had to work hard to get back on my feet again and made a fairly good recovery,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTPVDOV67NHPBDLRS7RSALITTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Every morning I get up now I am quite happy because I have my social life back again. That’s very important to me and my independence … My greatest unhappiness would be if I ever had to go into a nursing home.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RBAFUG7WREYVLAEMNJ7OM4UQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ellen Byas (82), from the Navan Road, says she is off to Dubai later this month for a cruise alongside her friend Kathleen. “I like to socialise a lot, I’m out every day,” she says. “I do a lot of dancing, gardening, making friends. That’s what happiness is to me.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UPEVXQHEFBFZGDIYGYE6EXCT4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"G5EF6QTTJFAGTFZ4IAMIOUMXRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Guest of honour at the event was local TD and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who spoke of the “sense of comfort” upon coming through the centre’s doors. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPMHTJ45Q5G3RC6GF35O46BHUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“One of you said, ‘you can come to talk to people if you want and not to talk to people if you don’t want’. Sometimes those are my happiest moments, when I stop talking, which is rare,” said McDonald with a grin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKNL4BU2LZDMDOREGBTTBH2VRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Members of north Dublin Friends of the Elderly Centre share tips for contentment on International Day of Happiness "},"display_date":"2025-03-20T21:22:54.711Z","headlines":{"basic":"How to be happy as you grow older: ‘Get out and keep going’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D4J2PF6HWVDBBHMADHVASK3DGE","auth":{"1":"ae5f2556998a9ff15c694fde90f214538036de6bb3831242ce85c7dfb365943b"},"focal_point":{"x":1016,"y":860},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D4J2PF6HWVDBBHMADHVASK3DGE.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/how-to-be-happy-as-you-grow-older-get-out-and-keep-going/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"JOFISGFEIZFFNNNGG46LDBHMBQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":241,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a017bc3f-1622-4e72-b0cb-b05476b38ffe/versions/1742481306/media/f409a93f43341e14ae931020d18e257c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/not-one-red-cent-of-8m-hse-disability-fund-paid-out-after-being-promised-17-months-ago-dail-hears/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TB2MN6I3H5GSXNOFE2J2X3BI5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Not “one red cent” of an €8 million “game-changer” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hse/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hse/\">HSE</a> fund has been provided to families of children with special needs in the 17 months since it was promised, the Dáil has heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GL76ZKMVNGBJHQYRILL5ZOQXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> finance spokesman <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pearse-doherty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pearse-doherty\">Pearse Doherty</a> highlighted what he called “another scandal” in relation to the Children’s Disability Service Grant. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMIRZXE3Q5CS3GAAMALSUFW67I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Then minister of State Anne Rabbitte announced the scheme in October 2023 as an emergency stopgap to fund urgently needed services and therapies for children with special needs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKFDAZRN6NGLFMRIHMPPXEROUA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some 52 organisations were to benefit and the funding was to be allocated within weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJKDN4A2WBFSDN2U6IDFL26YG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Doherty said his county of Donegal had become “a black spot for children with special needs”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXOC5TZ2PNDQBD6YTAFSZQ2FSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He cited the case of Denise McGahern’s nine-year-old son Jack, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, who was to benefit from the scheme. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSQVBLQPR5CKXMURMICXZFSJ3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Denise has been fighting for physio and speech and language therapy that he so desperately needs,” Mr Doherty said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRL4QPXY5BDB3E6MUMMXQP4PLQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"But nothing happened for months. Two days before the local elections in June 2024, Ms Rabbitte travelled to Donegal and announced that €3.6 million was to be provided in Donegal to four organisations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MD7LPSXYKFHP5LNQ4WXTF3BTL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Doherty said Ms McGahern was contacted to attend the press conference and she and her son were included in photos with the minister, who described the funding as “an absolute game-changer”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAHMFVPDQFEXNASVHPZMGVJPOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, he said 17 months after the first announcement “not one red cent” has been provided. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NE6DQ5YHWVAPDNA7CGKN6QFVYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Donegal TD said he sought answers and was told by the Department of Health that “not only is there no money, but that this money was never there at all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU3QUYGYNRCW7PKVIN3DQTLXAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said it was “scandalous”. He spoke to Ms McGahern on Wednesday and “she is devastated” and “feels betrayed”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TREI7KHKDNEPBGTODUWT2UNPOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"She feels Jack was used as “a prop in a photo opportunity during an election campaign”, Mr Doherty said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E77ZBOSMCRBSPLIRKPSI3UZJTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Doherty said “this was cruel” and asked “how could a minister announce funding to organisations when the money didn’t exist?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Y2DOXHORZHH3F6I2MBRS2TYEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tánaiste Simon Harris said the funding should be released and “I’m going to make sure it’s provided.” He said the issue needs to be resolved “and “I regret it has gone on as long as it has.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PN3YY4BGZHNZN5V27U2FP4ISQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Harris described the scheme as “an innovative and good idea” to find another mechanism to provide much-needed “stopgap funding” for vital services. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFRE6JECFFBNLHKJBIZYJGVTHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said: “I’m not going to stand up and defend something that cannot be defended.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUB3QS5JFJGKBHMH3SQSAQXIIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said “the HSE has a level of funding that is almost eye watering and €8 million is a rounding error. And the idea that €8 million could make a fundamental difference to the lives of so many children, including in their own county, and hasn’t yet been provided is extraordinarily frustrating”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54KDLCBIN5FTDGUSVQONP33R3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Separately, acting Social Democrats leader Cian O’Callaghan highlighted the more than 41,000 children with additional needs who are still waiting for an initial assessment of needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX7D6YP7IZFRDLBVFUAP2UVFO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Describing the figures as “shameful”, Mr O’Callaghan said children with additional needs are being failed and parents are at breaking point. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJYZIKTXHVEO3MHK5M2CCGYYOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said the only way for families “to get assessment of need is to take legal action”. He said the HSE had spent €8 million on legal fees in these cases that would provide 180 therapist jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXQGP4RWXVDP7D4FH3HFW5AFUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Tánaiste said it is “one of the most serious issues we face in public service”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ANP7VRDYRFXRPJ2V4SFFIIHYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"He added that the system has to be reformed, which may require legislative change. He acknowledged that waiting lists were far too long and said therapists spend one-third of their working week on assessment rather than on provision of therapies.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Harris promises funding will be paid and says €8 million a ‘rounding error’ in ‘eye watering’ health service funding "},"display_date":"2025-03-20T14:32:28.363Z","headlines":{"basic":"Not ‘one red cent’ of €8m HSE disability fund paid out after being promised 17 months ago, Doherty tells Dáil","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OGC24UZAUJFZ5DRNCTIH3W4OL4","auth":{"1":"bde6005cb425dd1b61f5aad376db0639c60b2b5fa1645e4e53751f193160a3a9"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OGC24UZAUJFZ5DRNCTIH3W4OL4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Oireachtas"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/not-one-red-cent-of-8m-hse-disability-fund-paid-out-after-being-promised-17-months-ago-dail-hears/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"UVAT72U35RFW3NRUZZFAPL7RPA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":269,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e0ba8e2f-081a-4b5d-9917-e3b53a0df3ea/versions/1742475461/media/83d76cb441d7f1f62319e10ecc619716_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/happy-now-irish-people-may-be-moaners-but-were-up-to-15th-happiest-in-the-world/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TGUGIE33O5A4DEYXNYK3I5VYQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"We may excel at complaining, grumbling and groaning, but the Irish continue to rank among the happiest people in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJTRQRI2VJCKXPG2RGH5TIN76A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland has been ranked 15 out of 147 countries in the annual World Happiness Report that tracks the wellbeing of people across the globe, up two places on last year’s barometer. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6SVSVDAAZGIXKMFF5OQ7VYQQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Finland retained its place as the happiest country in the world, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVHWLZ53LNELJBZDWJTTGWAYRE","additional_properties":{},"content":"People from Israel were ranked the eighth-happiest people on Earth, in spite of 18 months of war and the rising death and destruction in the neighbouring West Bank and Gaza Strip. The state of Palestine ranked 108 on the list. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"252FGDU2WZCDHICGLK3KRXITZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mexico, Australia and New Zealand ranked higher than Ireland, but the Irish were recorded as significantly happier than those in the UK and US, which ranked 23 and 24 respectively on the happiness scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEGJFIBTLVGC3AJAZE2WFNO5JY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Lebanon were ranked the least happy countries in the world for 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNJMIWULWRFLFO5GT6PQ26B5WQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The “benevolence bump” of kindness, which increased worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic, has remained, with generous acts more than 10 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, the report noted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6N46XXGPJC4RBH77F3KQHWDNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Donating and volunteering were more frequent in 2024 than in 2017–19 and the desire to help strangers is still up by an average of 18 per cent from pre-pandemic times. However, the Covid-era surge in benevolent acts did fall “significantly” in 2024, according to the research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYHVET3D3NB3TCLXKFWACMY2XY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The degree of benevolence in a country also has a “profound impact” on a country’s politics, with populism “largely due to unhappiness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GW5B4KGJF5GBPJVE2TCU53C2ZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"When a society is more benevolent, the people who benefit most are those who are least happy, the report says. People’s wellbeing also depends on their perceptions of others’ benevolence, as well as their actual benevolence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5N5BEIGQZGQ5EY6NW6CKIMO6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s not just about giving back; it’s about finding belonging, building friendships, and experiencing the profound joy of making a difference,” said Claire McGowran from We Act Campaign, an umbrella group for charities and community groups in Ireland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7PCJBB56NHPBEMQYORJMM3ASY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speaking on International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated worldwide on March 20th, she said Ireland’s spirit of meitheal and community runs deep and participation in community and voluntary activities can help combat loneliness.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABSIW7FA4JFIHNRZBWGAADVMDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The growing trend of loneliness and social disconnection among young people is highlighted in the World Happiness Report – the number of young adults who reported having no one they could count on for social support increased by 39 per cent between 2006 and 2023. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRMS4A3DVVEBJJ3SCTMBRSHS4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Young people in North America and western Europe now report the lowest level of wellbeing among all age groups. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CBZD2NLRFEJ7JDQXFKZI5BOBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In general, the western industrial countries are now less happy than they were between 2005 and 2010,” the report says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQ7HW7N6NFHS5IW2LSPAHTXIM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"People are too pessimistic about, and underestimate, the kindness that exists within their communities, the authors say, citing experiments around the return rate of lost wallets. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOFRRHY46BCJHIO25MY7FT3TTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A 40-country study on how often wallets were returned to their owners found the rate was twice as high as people expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNE3QUQNOBH4ZPDN4BBHBRAZRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Latin American societies, which are characterised by larger households sizes and strong family bonds, offer “valuable lessons” to societies seeking more happiness, according to the report. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"77BUZ735CRBW7AEP3CPGJ5GIMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"A household of four members tends to experience “abundant and very satisfactory relationships”. However, people in “very large households” experience less happiness, most likely because of greater economic struggles, it notes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2WUS5DBVTBHB7K3WVWTV7B6KQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Researchers also found sharing meals was strongly linked with positive wellbeing around the world, and that those who shared more meals with others reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction and social support. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLAF26W7SZCN7C3BW3R6OK2YFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, eating alone is becoming more common, with one in four Americans eating all their meals alone, a 53 per cent increase on 2003. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4O4CVWE6MFGFNJFFGR2OQIDV2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The annual happiness barometer is co-ordinated by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, the analytics company Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5I4OLWULJHG5EUHYLYAG377PM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ireland rose two places in the annual World Happiness Report compared with last year’s standing"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T12:56:15.131Z","headlines":{"basic":"Happy now? Irish people may be moaners, but we’re up to 15th happiest in the world","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7LVVXK2IUZFGHLWGNGXGYKHEF4","auth":{"1":"37f7246874dfa19d3dd56e0845a922deaa3ff59b69d2f534e2bf4055001429e2"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7LVVXK2IUZFGHLWGNGXGYKHEF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/20/happy-now-irish-people-may-be-moaners-but-were-up-to-15th-happiest-in-the-world/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"SPR24HVGFFDY7AYMWGKXEY75UI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":309,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d13b66d8-e59b-4206-b5e2-e9b8c62d9708/versions/1742145559/media/1ab1e9376f00382d7937a6a49c6bdc14_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/17/living-in-deprivation-i-felt-so-ashamed-that-i-couldnt-provide-properly-for-my-children/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SEUDFATAT5DEPOII5Q5HCIZVHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’d be the first person to tell other people there’s no shame in going and asking for help,” says Naomi Connolly, a mother of three, on the struggle to make ends meet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AULWLZFYQRA35FU2XLSQ5TOJ6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But when it came to me, personally, having to ask for that help, it was really tough, absolutely awful. I felt so ashamed that I couldn’t provide properly for my children.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WDYS37PTNBQPFC3EHFGUU7ZWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Connolly (45), who lives in west <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\">Dublin</a>, and her ex-husband legally separated in 2018 and though she worked for a period afterwards, she lost her job in 2020. This, she suggests, was in part because of the amount of time she needed to take off because of her children, two of whom have autism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRNPEBJ6MVEIXBWJKY5C5SRDSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“When I got an appointment for one of them, I had to take it. There was no choice but it got to the stage where my boss said to me: ‘Would you not be better off on social welfare?’ I said, ‘No, I want to work,’ but I’d be the first to admit, because I’m a carer for their needs, I’m not a reliable employee.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RQ7ANWHGND2LJ2OU5UR6Q5U7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The years since, she says, have been “challenging”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"76CK7MIVAZDAJBTY746S6LEK54","additional_properties":{},"content":"Figures published last week by Central Statistics Office <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/11/cost-of-living-prices-cso-households-debt/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/11/cost-of-living-prices-cso-households-debt/\">highlight that almost half of lone parents</a> with children aged under 18 live in deprivation. Almost a third went into debt last year to meet day-to-day needs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDREV5U7WVHDLE6ZTNKUHP4APA","additional_properties":{},"content":"This comes as no surprise to Connolly. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAMVXLVZH5DUVLPKMJZCPRW64I","additional_properties":{},"content":"In her case, there are a few loan repayments to come out of the roughly €500 a week she usually gets in lone parent and carer allowances. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDABW4OZ2RCD3LVLGPL54EPRDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Previously an accounts administrator, she has gone back to college to study social care while doing the occasional relief work shift at a refuge when family commitments allow. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDBUNAJ275GLPKU27FXIUFV7A4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unpaid work placements connected with her course, meanwhile, can impact her income if they take up too many hours in the week, she says, meaning a portion of her carer’s allowance sometimes stops.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A63HC2EA4ZDTFMSCIOGPINA75U","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is all a balancing act and with her youngest not always attending school, it has been hard to make it into college in Blanchardstown. The financial pressures are more constant, though.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XNIBZBZYNGCDLICGKF53VQ75M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"W7YCUW5BI5BCVELA5KNIJZ5HNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I actually feel like one of the lucky ones because my ex-husband pays the mortgage and so I don’t have to worry about that, although the house will be sold when my youngest is 18, in seven years’ time, and I won’t be able to buy him out unless something drastically changes,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRK546TGLNHIHN6XG7UTFIHWZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I have to tell my children ‘no’ a lot of the time. ‘Can I get this?’ And I’m like, ‘no’, because it’s not in the budget. It’s quite difficult. And Christmas, if the children are with me, is a massive struggle. Thankfully, they don’t ask for a lot. And the credit union is my best friend. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4QEZHCJNZGTTGBC2N3CBNJYIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But there was a trip to Spain in my eldest’s school a little while back and she didn’t even put her name forward. She’s conscious of how tight money is from an early age. I would have found it from somewhere. It’s heartbreaking.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKNCG4N6VBHU5ELSOA22M47B6A","additional_properties":{},"content":"In addition to the constant juggling, minor mishaps,such as the recent problem with her car that cost €200 to fix, represent big setbacks. Connolly also has had to pay for private appointments for her youngest two children because of waiting times. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBQT473DXNBTBLDBDT6Q5RYE5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The increased provision of school meals has helped, she says, but there have been various occasions when she has had to fall back on her local food bank to feed everyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6EAGEL6LWNEPBPZ4WO7I6MXWCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“When I first contacted them, I was really struggling. Thankfully in the last few months I haven’t been. I’ve been really trying to carefully manage, setting a very strict budget that I try and keep to.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSV5DJ3R5BHNNAIGFESL4ET2FY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Connolly says things like the one-off social protection and fuel payments have really helped, but she wishes these were spread out over the year so she could budget for it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P52I2VM3AVFGBGXO4ZU4TK2JRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Getting back to work is the dream,” she says. She should finish her degree this year but is not certain how things will work out because of childcare challenges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YLLNI72UJAVXLNFBYJNG6I6TM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Carly Bailey, policy manager at One Family, says the difficulties faced by lone parents can vary. The sort of financial issues Connolly faces account for a substantial proportion of the calls the organisation’s helpline receives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJXRCDZMH5EBLMX52WIJUPKIGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Income inequality and child deprivation is fuelling disengagement from civic society","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3YLLNI72UJAVXLNFBYJNG6I6TM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Short-term pressures on lone parents to get back into the workforce can lead to longer-term problems, she says, as many take on low-paid roles that leave one in five to endure in-work poverty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZOBII4SOFF2REQ3MR2DUDGNWA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The organisation would like to see more parents being supported to return to education, as Connolly has done, and build secure futures for them and their families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GFO3DALYRDFNMQ7A5HHNCLLPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the meantime, Bailey suggests, these parents, predominantly women, badly need the Government to address structural issues such as housing and healthcare provision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYECRF6EHFAM7PCB5Y3XGVNVIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Going back to education is about the long term,” she says, adding that this can be hard to think about “when you’re scraping every day just to make ends meet.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest CSO figures show almost half of lone parents with children aged under 18 struggle to make ends meet"},"display_date":"2025-03-17T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Living in deprivation: ‘I felt so ashamed that I couldn’t provide properly for my children’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UWR2MSVJEJGGDHJ6NZTVYDP56I","auth":{"1":"502c6b3d3ab4bbbb1e98c610299abd5e514067fc2444bde3095fcf577fd7a672"},"focal_point":{"x":2240,"y":1279},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UWR2MSVJEJGGDHJ6NZTVYDP56I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2025/03/17/living-in-deprivation-i-felt-so-ashamed-that-i-couldnt-provide-properly-for-my-children/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"a1357fa29f4878050b27b7a55edccb81a7b2cfe2a26ced11faddfbd2759c4d13"},"expires":1742733321501,"lastModified":1742733021032},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/technology*) \",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"HJ7TLQ5DRZFODNP76KO5KDQRPA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2025/03/20/google-apple-face-further-eu-crackdown-on-big-tech/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LWYUPV5D5FD2JAQL44YXD5DD4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7REW2Y4YRC7FCAAH5ZXVVJVYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The European Commission has told Google and Apple to comply with new rules in the region aimed at curbing Big Tech’s power in a move that could further stoke tensions with US President Donald Trump. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIZ6T2PHKZGQJOOQAKYS2NFMCM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Our main focus is creating a culture of compliance,” Teresa Ribera, the European Union’s (EU) antitrust chief said in a statement ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZFTPL5ZBFDL7PVDVVNYI4XVQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Apple, meanwhile, was told it must give rivals access to its technology to allow them to connect with its mobile devices and tablets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBKH6SSWQVGNXOH25Q4CKRJTEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Ribera said the measure targeting Apple is an “important step” toward opening its ecosystem. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYT62VE4VFFSRKWFYLELFT4EJQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Apple pushed back against the move, warning it would have a negative impact on its customers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKIF6AZ5SVAR3EXH3KYCZXUH2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Today’s decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don’t have to play by the same rules,” it said in a statement. “It’s bad for our products and for our European users.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDTBUQJFRBG2FPTVXKO45WI36A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The company said it would continue to work with the commission to relay its concerns. However, it remains unconvinced that the current requests will foster innovation and competition, as intended, and could make it more difficult to launch new products and technology in the region. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DKSLLUMWIJBS7HV7WT6HLXAOYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The company has also previously warned that opening up its iPhone and iPad operating systems could pose a risk to privacy and security of users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCZZQRMSMVHNBOEKNH2CZJEOAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Apple is not the only company that has faced EU scrutiny in recent years. Google last year, lost a court bid to overturn a €2.4 billion fine for abusing its monopoly power to crush rival search shopping services. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFBICPXLYFD6DDWJWBNYSDPDDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meta is also poised to receive a decision over its subscription model for ad-free access to Facebook and Instagram.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3BHJXOIPRCL7C3R73MN2ZXXNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Any future EU penalties – be they aimed at Apple or Google – could be badly received by Mr Trump, who has criticised the EU’s antitrust fines, saying they are tantamount to tariffs against the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSPB7IJLSZBGHO7SJQWVZSZFTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"But EU regulators are unlikely to be veered drastically off course by threats from the Trump administration, with Ms Ribera saying the watchdog will follow through on cases under the DMA. – Additional reporting: Reuters, Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Commission risks wrath of Trump with new push to open up platforms "},"display_date":"2025-03-20T17:06:24.038Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google, Apple face further EU crackdown on Big Tech ","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PTOICNX3JV2DOTB4M63SHEQHKI","auth":{"1":"7b4b48c8f904f1dfa5e9122bb80e85f86f903a02a7c47d0959b2a22ed759b1a3"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PTOICNX3JV2DOTB4M63SHEQHKI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2025/03/20/google-apple-face-further-eu-crackdown-on-big-tech/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"EWTV2GJEC5DJNHAOS2Q4O55Q3Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":350,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/83e4aca3-d53e-4f5d-b27d-17279660280b/versions/1742309020/media/68679d12974d2e470fe7de304d8eca0a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/review/2025/03/20/panpan-watch-review-a-smartwatch-that-could-pass-stringent-school-requirements/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CYZIQMK3HFAIRG47EAAXUOZTCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014337},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"review-highlights-31767","url":"/"},"subtype":"review_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"TOZHX3N72NCKPLIBTVKMSY7R34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014338},"content":"Ask what age you should give a child a smartphone of their own and you’ll get a range of opinions. Some people clearly see no problem with handing them over under the age of 10, while others are of the opinion that children should not access the technology until they are old enough to deal with any potential repercussions. Going by adult responses to smartphones, that age is clearly “never”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDNFA4F4ANBXZJRPIXGANHA3YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014339},"content":"In the real world, parents are struggling with how to balance the reality of the modern world with wanting to protect their child. There are many reasons why smartphones might become an issue long before we feel ready. And so the smartwatch steps into the ring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMFIIA3PC5GLXHI6TWS4EVJ4EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014340},"content":"But these devices have their issues too. Primary schools often restrict their use, for the same reason as smartphones, because they can record video and audio in the classroom. And relying on parents to implement school mode that shuts them down in the middle of the day can be problematic in some cases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNUATM3HHFF2DLIQF33DWWKK2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014341},"content":"A new watch claims it takes all that into account. The PanPan smartwatch says it is school friendly while still giving you a way to reach your child if necessary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LOJ2HASRVBFDFELA3Q4FMWPMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014342},"content":"The device, which is being offered by Tunstall Emergency Services, is a simple smartwatch that avoids some of the usual add-ons for kid-focused products. There are no games, no cameras and the only time the microphone will work is when you are making a call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIASJ6FQMBC6LOZPQYPOA65L5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014343},"content":"In other words, many of the concerns that lead schools to ban smartwatches are not an issue here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXLRAUABYBBCBNKZFF37JNNYNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014344},"content":"The PanPan watch has a few functions. It acts as a GPS tracker for the wearer, so you can locate them when needed. There is an SOS button on the side that can send an alert to the nominated person when needed, and two-way calling to the preloaded contacts via the built-in sim card.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X2CNBNYLMNCHLMNQBXLXN247CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014345},"content":"It also counts steps, has a heart rate monitor and, unusually for a child’s watch, supports falls detection.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYUR4MCOGFG7NPEDAUTACPRKYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014346},"content":"That is because there are two target markets for this watch. The first is seniors who may need emergency assistance – a key market for Tunstall. The SOS button and falls detection come in very handy here. For that, Tunstall offers a monitoring service that has its own monthly fee.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJTXO4YMIFDTZNESMJVQR3RUAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004576},"content":"The second group is the aforementioned children who are too young to have a mobile phone but need a way to get in touch with parents in case of an emergency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJWPL7XFJ5FRNNOH2QE2JQRNFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004578},"content":"The PanPan should be relatively school-friendly. The built-in microphone cannot independently record audio, eliminating that concern. And there are no apps or games to distract children either.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7S2PF26O5FFPCXEZ3QKOZUYMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014349},"content":"To make a call, you press and hold the button on the side. The watch will then call the preprogrammed number in slot number one. If the call is not picked up, it will go to the next one on the list.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFIN7UAPVJCBHGKAS6KJ67J3CM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004583},"content":"One thing to note: the watch can’t distinguish between voicemail and a person picking up the phone. If it reaches your voicemail first, it will end there rather than going to the next number on the list.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JHDEWE3XRA25GFIIDEXWBCV4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004588},"content":"On the first day we were road-testing it, my seven-year-old called me three times in under 45 minutes. One call was from inside the house because he didn’t want to walk up the stairs and possibly cede control of the remote control by doing so. Another came while he was on the football pitch and wanted to show off to his friends.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HA2JHV4QKJCWLH4GRSC67FCC7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014352},"content":"Thankfully the novelty soon wore off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUML6JYCZRDGJDD5AVFUJ7PZEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014353},"content":"Parents can also call the number linked to the watch, which was preinstalled by Tunstall, along with the list of SOS contacts. It is the perfect in-between solution if you aren’t ready for the full experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4Y74ZEOF5FZHD7EZ73X3CCH6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014354},"content":"There is a smartphone app for parents, helpfully called PanPan, but it is mainly for monitoring the watch. You can see the location of the watch, view historical location data and deal with geofence alerts if the wearer leaves a specific area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4NLYF5AEFCBJK7RKBV5GH3M6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014355},"content":"It also shows battery levels and (if needed) fall alerts. You can’t edit the emergency contacts through the app yet, although that can be solved by Tunstall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWV4XJJRDFGEBKZQDEBGJTOTCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004586},"content":"There is one feature that would be useful to have: the ability to lock it out for certain times of the day. Some child-focused smartwatches have a school mode that you can schedule, which stops the watch being used at certain times. The PanPan doesn’t offer this function, or at least not in the same easy way as other watches do. That means anyone with the number could call the watch at inopportune moments – including in the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWREZ7V3TBHBXOY262X3277CH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014357},"content":"The watch itself costs €200, and the monthly sim card is €12, which is on a par with what other watches and plans will set you back.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFVD5OHYTZH4JDI6WRVGLJVAPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014358},"content":"Good","type":"header"},{"_id":"6NT7QDVTCZHGTOND4XMNYNBHCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014359},"content":"The PanPan watch has a lot going for it. It is easy to set up and, once it is up and running, minimal intervention is needed. The battery life is decent, at around five days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVRFAGNOMZBZBL7DYQG7TLBSZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004593},"content":"School friendly, with no voice recording or video features that would concern teachers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YK7LLG7GK5DS5EBELBCU4TKNUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004594},"content":"GPS location is accurate, which is essential for fast-moving seven-year-olds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QDXE6NOCJBC3NQCDWPXPRHBJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014362},"content":"Bad","type":"header"},{"_id":"FNETDHX3RJH35JFQZFWQAAAK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004597},"content":"There is no official school mode which would stop calls being made or received by the device during school hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLXAXZZREVCNHMSTLK253ZYK5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741608004598},"content":"Anyone with the number can call the watch, unlike other child-focused devices that limit who can communicate with your child.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYR3GBVLYBDOLFMJWCKJK7C7OA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014365},"content":"Everything else","type":"header"},{"_id":"FAZ3JCLWQFE67ESBFABLL7CD6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014366},"content":"The design is minimalist, although you can swap the strap out for different-coloured options to personalise it for your child.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPE6M4ZSY5DXHKXBPDB7CJZOPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014367},"content":"Verdict","type":"header"},{"_id":"VSHVB7YFVJGKRLB3BC7NZXNBMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014368},"content":"A good middle-of-the-road option for parents who need to keep in touch with their under-12s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIM426PWOBEQXH5G3WH6RHQGKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742401014369},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tunstall watch lets family keep track of young children and elderly relatives "},"display_date":"2025-03-20T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"PanPan Watch review: a smartwatch that could pass stringent school requirements","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6PDLQHMETFHO5FEEPHRNR37BXM","auth":{"1":"e5a6fcfd15419137e22ff1e783d8181fe52c306342e349aca76c173509682805"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6PDLQHMETFHO5FEEPHRNR37BXM.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/review/2025/03/20/panpan-watch-review-a-smartwatch-that-could-pass-stringent-school-requirements/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/consumer-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Consumer Tech"}}}},{"_id":"HEBG7G7CBNEWZGHHBIOD4NEFVI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":344,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/afe324f3-5570-4af8-b158-5d306ae773e4/versions/1742313612/media/8b9756e260c1d883e59a10811812daa5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2025/03/20/intels-choice-of-new-chief-executive-gives-investors-cause-for-cheer/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7KAUIAEW4RGJTJB7ZTWKXTEEWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Intel’s decision to hire a little-known semiconductor dealmaker as its chief executive has cheered investors who want an outsider to turn around the troubled chipmaker. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAUMK67WO5C4FOWVUUXDXNQQG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The US group announced on Wednesday that Lip-Bu Tan, who joined Intel’s board in 2022 but resigned last year, had been chosen to replace Pat Gelsinger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GLG3RFI2JRH3BCS2YVL3NKIGPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Wall Street welcomed the move by sending Intel’s shares up nearly 15 per cent last week. But the decision came after a deliberative process, with chairman Frank Yeary saying the board had met “many strong leaders” before settling on the Malaysia-born, Mandarin-speaking, MIT-educated executive – whose interest in the job was an open secret.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MAMGQW3K5AM5HGK7Y27KFLT5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If he were the board’s first choice, they would have named him in December [when Gelsinger abruptly stepped down],” said one former Intel executive. “After he left the board, my assumption is they looked elsewhere for a CEO and returned to Lip-Bu Tan because they exhausted their options.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKYALQCLJJDO5DLXYBHHN6K77M","additional_properties":{},"content":"A big part of Tan’s appeal was that “he wasn’t part of Intel”, said Patrick Moorhead, a chip consultant at Moor Insights & Strategy. “This is what the markets want: they want an outsider, they want somebody to come in and make quick changes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK244HAONNEPTJ7HMTJCFMSBAU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGKTDEY3NNDURO2ODJTSNFNDBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan’s daunting in-tray involves articulating a plan for an iconic American company that just five years ago was the world’s most valuable chipmaker, but whose shares have fallen more than 50 per cent since, with the company’s market capitalisation now at $102 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUHKFTWG7BH7RLNVHZ4HQU6GRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Intel has lost ground to PC chip rivals, missed the opportunity in AI data centres snatched by Nvidia and AMD, and is under pressure to sell off its loss-making manufacturing business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS67C3SLVNDQPLVGJZYSNJEZPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan will also need to forge ties with US president Donald Trump, whose administration is floating its own ideas for how to reverse Intel’s fortunes, including leaning on Taiwan’s TSMC to support its US rival.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PCVAE64FXVFH3HBOLNAL3V752E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Intel names chip industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as next CEO","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6MKGQT6B5NE5PD3PDOM2JDITVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trump administration officials have pressed TSMC to help run fabrication plants for Intel or make equity investments in the company, according to people familiar with the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKKFITNUXFC2BBZ2VA6ZQBZSRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan acknowledged the challenges in a letter to employees this week. “I subscribe to a simple philosophy,” he wrote. “Stay humble. Work hard. Delight our customers. When you anchor yourself in those three core beliefs, good things happen.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RPWJSKZLFGNHDYEHZG7U6C62M","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In many ways, we are the founders of the ‘new Intel’,” Tan said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6QF3P6J2ZALHANFVL6ZJBO4TU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Over its 57-year history, Intel’s chief executives have either been plucked directly from its top ranks or have spent a substantial portion of their careers there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JXNU2QORZEZTKEKFN53C54E5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan, by contrast, is an investor who founded his venture capital group, Walden International, in 1987, which he continues to chair. Walden is known for its investments in dozens of semiconductor firms, and was an early investor in China’s state chip manufacturer SMIC. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7DRGITRCJGUJEEUCJX6URUP6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Walden’s links to China led to scrutiny last year when a US congressional committee named it as one of five venture capital firms that invested billions of dollars in AI and chip groups, which, the committee said, helped China’s military ambitions. Walden did not respond to requests for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XTU3S33XNFIPP7EYWQORRR4YQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan has also served on the boards of SoftBank, HPE and several semiconductor groups other than Intel. He currently serves as a director of Schneider Electric and Credo Technology Group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG3RL75EJVFILONQYFENQ3JATQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"His one previous executive role was at Cadence Design Systems, a chip design software company that forms a critical link in the global semiconductor industry. Tan served as its chief executive from 2009 to 2021, during which the company’s revenue more than doubled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YMOBB47KZBKBGVFIKY6ETFH5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tan has given no indication of where he stands on whether to sell, keep or scale back Intel’s foundries - the most pressing of the many questions he faces from shareholders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZPF5SL5FFAVPMCZFILASPOVBQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gelsinger, who spent the first 30 years of his career at Intel, promised to transform Intel into a company that not only makes its own chips but also builds them for the likes of Nvidia and Apple, spending billions of dollars in the short term to catch up with TSMC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ76KGKNC5HK5CJ6CRLHUWA52M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet Gelsinger needed to convince those customers that Intel could be trusted to build their chips while also competing with them in the chip design market. As doubts grew over the viability of the company’s strategy to invest heavily in new foundries, Gelsinger’s credibility ebbed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6N3OPJHXNFFBLJU5FRB46333I","content":"Intel sales slide as chipmaker pursues turnaround strategy","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RUYV4KZIEJC6XB2Y62CWS6RHQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The question is whether the unassuming Tan can plot a clear and ruthless strategy for Intel. Bernstein analysts last week forecast further cuts to the business under his watch, after the company unveiled a $10 billion cost-cutting effort in August that included 15,000 layoffs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6O75LVYJFBTRGTCB7ZGKS2VPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"People who know Tan described him as quiet and unshowy, but capable of levity. Former Cadence colleagues described Tan dressing up as a Minion from the Despicable Me movies at a work party, and playing as a “ringer” in the intercompany basketball team.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB4DC4LDHNBLJKPXJW2JGLQIZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Acquaintances also note his deep religiosity, something he has in common with his predecessor, Gelsinger. Mark Labberton, former senior pastor at Tan’s Presbyterian church in Berkeley, who has known the Tan family for years described him as a person of “high character, intelligence, dedication, energy, boldness and vision”, and “certainly not paralysed by risk”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXFCMCIYCZH5ZALJ5K7MYID4F4","additional_properties":{},"content":"One venture capital investor who knows him said: “Tan is very smart, experienced and well connected in the US and in Asia in the semiconductor space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DEXA7SFUABFWZB4OVLRFLFM2ZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He has an amazing reputation in semis,” they added. “It’s very difficult to turn around Intel, but if anyone could do it, it would be him.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWNYQYOEI5E65AZGXKQSZW77EU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>– Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Michael Acton"}]},"description":{"basic":"Troubled chipmaker’s stock rises after hiring ‘outsider’ Lip-Bu Tan, with shareholders hoping he can revive business"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Intel’s choice of new chief executive gives investors cause for cheer","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MV6DY2G37NDS5M7YJNVJDSKRJ4","auth":{"1":"f2b631b4d6724370acddfda5428d51713894d698cf660011b83988241bcbfeb8"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MV6DY2G37NDS5M7YJNVJDSKRJ4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2025/03/20/intels-choice-of-new-chief-executive-gives-investors-cause-for-cheer/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"UATOTZ5EZBB73N5SLQGBK3JAIY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":489,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f4fecd73-3850-49d2-8125-e6e4bc60b1ff/versions/1741704562/media/5c325695a1b09ac086531402dfb01f77_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/2025/03/13/deleting-the-clutter-time-to-get-started-on-a-tech-spring-clean/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CO4BIVAVZVF4XPK2555PX2AB4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966485},"content":"When does spring start? Even artificial intelligence can’t agree. If you said March 1st, you clearly follow the meteorological definition of the seasons; if you said March 20th, apparently that is the astronomical definition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NV5533QEXVDG3EYMQSES7535AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966486},"content":"But if you were brought up through the Irish school system, there is a good chance that you view February 1st – St Brigid’s Day – as the first day of spring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSTN5VXDDZC37LGOAQXP5FUXLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966487},"content":"Who is right on that one is a debate for another day but, regardless of when you think spring starts, it is a good time to start looking at spring cleaning your tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XOH3VKSZFD7NGQBR2MEQ2YPQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Computers","type":"header"},{"_id":"TETCMM2ZJFBYVMZJKWHOELG6NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966489},"content":"Take a good look at your computer desktop. If you are in the habit of saving everything there “so it is easy to find”, there’s a good chance that it is a cluttered mess.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GPMG4LA6NHEXB6EEABCPVIQLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966490},"content":"Delete everything you no longer need – old documents, screenshots and random files you cannot recall why you kept – and organise everything else into a system of folders, kept in a convenient location off the desktop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XY7WPOIMNZEGHIQOU25ZZUCAOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966491},"content":"Next up: your downloads folder. Clear that periodically of everything you don’t actually need to keep and save the things you do into your perfectly organised filing system. Repeat with your computer’s default document storage location.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7DVNCISXFHSRO4ODXQK4X6HHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Email","type":"header"},{"_id":"OMWBSXNOVZH6JMBBXDIJ43KNAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966493},"content":"I confess: I have email in my inbox from 2007. And they aren’t even useful messages, or relevant to 2025: they are about fixed savings rates, from the long-defunct Anglo Irish Bank.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLOUKE3DBZBTVOM2MLMG4VOCJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966494},"content":"It’s not that I am particularly attached to those emails; they’ve just been forgotten about.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VD5UAVYEOFFBXHHNGD7KCWBGOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966495},"content":"While I’m better at dealing with the more recent unwanted emails that arrive in to my inbox (currently keeping up the inbox-zero target that I committed to last year – for my personal email at least), dealing with more than a decade of old emails seems a bit more daunting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGF3AQODI5CJZGBCXBR2CVVBCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966496},"content":"Apple’s latest software update could help you deal with some of the historical clutter. The new version of the Mail app on iOS brings new organisational tools to your inbox, categorising your email into several headings – Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions – so you can ignore the marketing emails and delete them en masse when needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZU25YMPIRZH6RN6GNG44ZV7JOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966497},"content":"It will also group emails from the same sender together, allowing you to delete multiple unwanted emails with one swipe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSSMZNB26RGVNESHXKE3DKV6TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966498},"content":"If you don’t like that, however, you can switch it off. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of your screen and switch to List View.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMONC6BDXFBHTKUSXAGYD6B73Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966499},"content":"None of this functionality will be new to you if you are a Google user, though; its Gmail programme has been categorising and grouping email for a few years. It also has a “select all” option for email that pops up in search results, making it easier to delete unwanted email that you find.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE6IM7IVIBE6NJOX6UMCKMIISQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Photos","type":"header"},{"_id":"ACXNMNT4KRBDDMKURKCYLE3MGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966501},"content":"Years ago, photos were physical things we had to pay to get developed and then find space to store. We were probably a little more discerning then too about the subjects of our photographs; when you have to pay actual money to see the end result, having invested upfront to purchase the film and then having to wait until they are developed, you are less likely to fire off roll after roll of shots.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERKYZSBV2VCEDAHILJ35DLCZZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966502},"content":"But things have changed, thanks to digital cameras and the ubiquitous smartphone. We are amassing a digital library that adds up to thousands of photographs over our lifetime, the bulk of which will stay marooned on a digital device or in the cloud, never to be seen again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLDZ2FKLYJDNZOUXYF35STWB2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966503},"content":"I can’t be the only one who, on opening a photo or video, has to take a few minutes to figure out who is in the photo and why I have it (nine times out of 10, it is some random photograph that was auto-saved from a WhatsApp group chat).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHYM3YLLEVGSLGSZ65CVTFCMGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966504},"content":"AI can now come to the rescue. You can use the power of Google and Apple’s technology to make albums from the photographs that you want to keep, and also to hunt down the ones that you shouldn’t.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJRBIGKEXNF7JNPWHIYDC7LF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966505},"content":"The easiest place to start with digital clutter is screenshots. A quick way of taking notes, screenshots also clutter up our devices long after they are useful. Both Apple and Google can find screenshots in your photo gallery and allow you to delete them with a few swipes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPCLPNBUWZBPHEOG36BEU7KULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966506},"content":"Duplicate photos can also be found and deleted in minutes with your phone’s built-in tools. You can choose to keep multiple versions, or merge them so you only retain the highest-quality version.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XH2OQ5QVMJHIXPM23XIS2A35NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966507},"content":"For a greater impact on your phone’s storage capacity, deleting unneeded videos will deliver a quick result. Do you really need five blurry, 10-minute videos of a concert you saw in 2015? Probably not. Delete them from your phone and cloud storage, and free up some space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6DXNGE53P5HTLEAC3TTG6RESJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Physical spring cleaning","type":"header"},{"_id":"TGCJBBXHRJEM7L5KGS4HXSPMDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966509},"content":"Technology is a tactile thing. We tap at keyboards, hold phones to our face, swipe at touchscreens. And yet when was the last time you cleaned any of those things?","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN77PCCMSFBVZKVDYKTGUZTJIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966510},"content":"Apparently not enough. A study published several years ago claimed keyboards were dirtier than toilet seats, with more bacteria lurking at our fingertips than you might expect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6F2MG4MP5JBUXPZUW2EOVCPN6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966511},"content":"Fast forward a decade and a half, and things are probably a bit worse. Smartphones go everywhere with us now – even into the bathroom, judging by the number of “night out” selfies shot in there – which means they are probably carrying some unwanted bacteria with them. A quick wipe every now and again wouldn’t do any harm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3646TF3ESFCHBAWSIOV5LD5RSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966512},"content":"Smartphones also pick up all sorts of debris and dirt throughout their lifetime that can affect their performance. One regular culprit is the charging port. Fluff from your pocket, bits of tissue and general grout can clog up the port, affecting how it charges or even whether the cable will stay in place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OBEKUOITNBBXG4KWU7QMKYQOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966513},"content":"Despite numerous Reels and TikToks that promise you “one great hack” do not, under any circumstances, put hot glue inside your phone’s charging port to clear it out. Likewise, keep sharp metal objects out of there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"47AOJ2ZVVZF5ZLEASLK7VBSQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966514},"content":"Phone makers suggest soft, lint-free cloths to clean the surface of the phone, and avoid using compressed air on ports. If you are having an issue with your charging port, it is best to contact the manufacturer for support.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZQTI3E65FAZ7LX5OZTV2CTB4M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Keyboards","type":"header"},{"_id":"544F6P6K2FAXTNEB65MGEAJMEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966516},"content":"If you are in any way germaphobic, hot-desking is hell. The amount of dirt and grout keyboards collect over the years doesn’t bear thinking about. If you want to check for yourself, simply tip your keyboard over and give it a good shake, and see what emerges. It’s guaranteed to put you off your lunch – at least while you are at your desk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQO3EB72TNANVIBFTQMXD3KLB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966517},"content":"A can of compressed air will help blast dirt from under your keyboard, while a wipe with a soft cloth and some antibacterial cleaner will help keep the surface clean without removing the keys from the keyboard itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6M66ADOEZGZXMZYZ6QEZFV2CY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Old devices","type":"header"},{"_id":"I5GMD7TIKVGH7D2IFQTDY3BNJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966519},"content":"Everyone has a tech graveyard of old devices, broken or orphaned cables and bits of tech junk that they no longer need.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHAOSBX7W5DMRAE6QX2BYEN3LM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966520},"content":"Now is the time to clear it out. No one needs 20 USB-C cables, especially old ones that are starting to fray to the point of malfunction. That Blackberry from 2005 is unlikely to experience a resurgence in popularity. And while some technology holds its value, anything with a smashed screen or damaged case won’t be a headline grabber at auction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25XE56AOZRAP5L6J62GFDBOO6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966521},"content":"You have a few options for disposing of old technology. Some devices such as smartphones and tablets can be traded in for credit or cash with different companies. Samsung and Apple have trade-in programmes in different countries, as does Vodafone and Three Ireland. Companies such as CeX are also an option.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GD5QX43LTFGVHGEVUZX37SVA2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741772966522},"content":"Obsolete or broken tech should go to the local WEEE centre for recycling – once they have been cleared of your personal data, of course.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"From forgotten files to blurry photos, here are a few things you need to tackle now"},"display_date":"2025-03-13T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Deleting the clutter: time to get started on a tech spring clean ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSWAHL2TPZFLJAIR366QBD6S3E","auth":{"1":"d1599af813e70da74e337fe304ae694d5518f9fbdc608742214836143d8212d5"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSWAHL2TPZFLJAIR366QBD6S3E.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/2025/03/13/deleting-the-clutter-time-to-get-started-on-a-tech-spring-clean/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/consumer-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Consumer Tech"}}}},{"_id":"JPBA2AYTVJBGHDQ2FEW6J64ZD4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":333,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c31be605-e06a-4caa-9cd5-21fb042676f6/versions/1741783852/media/0d43f7928cbb9db9b52e97089dd80389_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2025/03/13/ai-promises-a-future-that-is-exhilarating-and-terrifying/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UL662UT5KBCJRNHP67TLQLDVJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 1999, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-bowie/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-bowie/\">David Bowie</a> told Jeremy Paxman the impact of the internet would be both “exhilarating and terrifying”. Paxman scoffed at the internet as merely a tool. With the benefit of hindsight, we know Bowie was all too right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VD35GRSSWFCENK6RUCAXTVT3JM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s what it feels like discussing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) in 2025. There’s a lot of hype and noise around it, much like with the internet at the turn of the century, but it is still a feral beast. How it will really impact us is yet to be truly understood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YYI7TKKFJEQXBX4RG3CWOIBHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s difficult to fathom the impact the internet has had on society. The easy areas to point to are how we consume news and make purchases. Beyond that, it is fundamental to how we operate everything in our daily lives. We look at our phones first thing in the morning. We log on at work. Most of the applications we use exist in the cloud.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPMMVKAEKNFIRKEQUFZZ737RIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ask yourself this. How many phone numbers do you know off the top of your head? Better yet, when did you last use a physical phone book? One more, just one, when did you last use a paper map to find directions?","type":"text"},{"_id":"CS5UTIPQWBD7REMZGTIWSSLIIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Harbouring this knowledge and conducting these activities was normal just two decades ago. Even those with the most far-fetched science fiction expectations of the internet could not have foreseen the assorted flavours of its impact. The hype was there, people were telling us all this would be big but not many of us realised just how ubiquitous it would become. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVR7GEUDRREQFEEWS7EAJSA5SE","additional_properties":{},"content":"These days, it’s just there in the background of our lives. Like boiling a kettle, we don’t think about what is required to make the internet work; we just get annoyed if it doesn’t. That’s the journey AI is on right now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSHZUN3OMFBDZF3C5CDKSD2BSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"That role in the background, the acceptance that it works, is important. The late psychiatrist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/seamus-mac-suibhne-profoundly-compassionate-psychiatrist-and-widely-admired-scholar-1.4034161\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/seamus-mac-suibhne-profoundly-compassionate-psychiatrist-and-widely-admired-scholar-1.4034161\">Dr Séamus Mac Suibhne</a> told me in 2018 that while young people of today are more used to using digital tools, it doesn’t mean they are more technically competent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STWOQ2OGKBDBLPTT3KGE4WDZCQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"This need to “just work” applies to every technological leap. When you boil a kettle, you press a button. You probably don’t know how to construct a functional kettle let alone the infrastructure required to send clean water to your tap to fill it or power safely to your house to make it boil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSL63R5HXVBBNFZT7MM6MX33NI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why on earth would you know this any more than you remember more than a few phone numbers? Replacing the need for active knowledge, becoming an accepted part of the background infrastructure of our lives is the road AI must wander as the internet did before it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZFZQI6QZBFSJKXNRTIODZFE3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are already areas in business where the practical application of AI is commonplace; it is just not commonplace in everyone’s lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKVXPIPKEFAXVHWJJAGAPDV4HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"AI is heavily used in banking as a tool for fraud detection in particular, while it is now unusual for supply chain management systems not to use it to a substantial degree. The recruitment sector has adopted it for processing applications and CVs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T35EZQOSFJBXRLGDNJ56BCIAOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The uses most of us currently come across in our daily lives are far less practical and often harmful. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/06/27/deepfakes-pose-a-particular-threat-but-they-are-not-as-dangerous-as-you-think/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/06/27/deepfakes-pose-a-particular-threat-but-they-are-not-as-dangerous-as-you-think/\">Deepfakes</a> are the obvious example while bot armies across social media spread inanity and misinformation with equal measure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NGPRCA3UFEGZNHXJY66KDFMG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Using the likes of ChatGPT as a search tool can lead to some wildly inaccurate results. With such large language models (LLMs), the goal is to answer first and be accurate second. That’s a headache for academia, which is getting to grips with papers that are being written using LLMs rather than by their authors doing proper research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SBCJWJ72RBG4JK37V3IDPXBNVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"So plenty of hype but, thus far, little real impact in most consumers’ lives. AI hasn’t, at least consciously, changed the way we live all that much in 2025. Much as it was with the internet at the turn of the century.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN7P46JGBNCWBHVTPKF2OQDHWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The hype that preceded the dot-com bubble was enough for expectations of the internet to have been seen as excessive. In truth, it was a case of businesses trying to run before they knew what walking was, let alone how to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGWSQ4RIHNAILCMOIEGALBTD64","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the stage AI is at now. Skynet and Terminator analogies abound but the real impact on the workforce has not yet been felt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPAWRH3OPZBMVJGLGDC4E4TDPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"We know jobs will be lost and new ones created, and not just in high-tech fields, but anyone who tells you for certain what will happen with AI is either a fantasist or about to be exceedingly wealthy. As with the internet, working out what will change as a result of AI’s explosion is still anyone’s guess.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4NKQZTUNFBWPHUEXO66NUIIC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"ARPAnet, essentially the seedling for the internet, was first planned in 1958 and came online in 1969. But the internet would not become well known or heavily used for decades to follow. Likewise, AI has existed for many decades but it is only now becoming a household word.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5MJCNC23ZEWLOXJ3XAIYMMFMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There will be many failures, particular in the near future. Yet the potential is as exhilarating and terrifying as Bowie thought of the internet. In time, AI will become embedded in our lives to such a degree that it will not consciously intrude on our awareness, in much the same way as the internet now.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Emmet Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Already heavily used in business, its impact on consumers is, as yet, less practical and often harmful"},"display_date":"2025-03-13T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"AI promises a future that is ‘exhilarating and terrifying’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ERL5YOKE4VPU7ZYVNLRNFSMTAU","auth":{"1":"849bd372c88111880e5e45dc1480899ae0c1671de709cec2eda059360c12630a"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ERL5YOKE4VPU7ZYVNLRNFSMTAU.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2025/03/13/ai-promises-a-future-that-is-exhilarating-and-terrifying/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"06c0dc3f226483135562cc029a9849fa92de9a6dbca32a8cb9e9df06c039cd4b"},"expires":1742733321399,"lastModified":1742733021196}},"story-feed-tag":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":1,\"tagSlug\":\"letter-of-the-day\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"JGGQFUHUY5GSBH7O4JP4ATQ3MU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/03/22/metrolink-the-time-for-debate-is-over/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UKH3KQ6D7VENBAJTXZZXX2BYFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129462},"content":"Sir, – I refer to Michael McDowell’s recent article “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/03/12/will-no-one-shout-stop-as-the-metrolink-bill-heads-past-20bn/\" target=\"_blank\">Will no one shout stop as the MetroLink bill heads past €20 billion</a>?” (Opinion & Analysis, March 12th). While cost concerns are always valid, it is essential to consider the broader, long-term benefits that MetroLink offers to Dublin and future generations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLSO4X5BPZHCHPSI6KFJLKNF4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129463},"content":"Mr McDowell highlights fluctuating cost estimates, yet this project has been in political limbo for over two decades-including during his own time in government. Had it been advanced when first proposed, Dublin would already be reaping its benefits, and taxpayers would not be facing the cost escalations caused by delay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATDVFSDSYZBPTBLSR5YSR7YY5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129464},"content":"Abandoning MetroLink now would not only deprive Dublin of a transformative transport solution to its worsening congestion but also render previous expenditures wasteful. The long-term economic benefits – job creation, increased productivity, and enhanced attractiveness for foreign investment – far outweigh the initial financial outlay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPORAL4USVFBPDDQWUA4N7ZN44","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129465},"content":"Moreover, Dublin Airport remains one of the few major European airports without a direct rail link to its city centre, a competitive disadvantage that must be corrected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WSNL2CDX5DOJJSIPKDV47SMPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129466},"content":"MetroLink is not just about serving the airport; it will connect Swords to Charlemont, integrating with other services to create a fully connected public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area. Along with linking major transport hubs, MetroLink will serve key destinations such as Ballymun, the Mater hospital, the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin City University, and Trinity College Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3QKOIPFQFEDVHHBGPD2HASAUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129467},"content":"Concerns over Ireland’s history of infrastructure cost overruns are justified, but MetroLink is being placed on a more robust footing. In the past year, a significant appointment has been made to the position of programme director an expert with over 30 years of experience in delivering large-scale construction projects, including New Zealand’s first metro line.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRTPWBWCFNG2LOBDFAU52Z7ASM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129468},"content":"This leadership brings critical expertise in project execution, providing reassurance that MetroLink will be delivered with the efficiency and oversight it demands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62PV6RUW7FAUTMQK52YM3LTQGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129469},"content":"Furthermore, experts have clarified that the much-cited €20 billion figure reflects a “worst-case scenario” rather than the expected cost. The project has been rigorously reviewed by international experts, the European Commission, and its agency Jaspers, all of which have confirmed it represents value for money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5UVN6PZUPNDSDGLLZZ6ARROQNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129470},"content":"Successive governments have failed to deliver on major infrastructure, from transport to housing to energy. MetroLink is an opportunity to break that cycle. Further delay will only deepen Dublin’s infrastructure deficit and set back our ability to compete on an international stage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSRUFDKACZHHNF6T47VZFG5U3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129471},"content":"Scrutiny of public expenditure is essential, but so too is decisive action. MetroLink is not just a transport project – it is an investment in Dublin’s future. The time for debate is over; it is time to build. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7V6KSFTW4ZCXVACESJNCIDHR3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129472},"content":"ANTHONY COONEY,","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUCHYOXVFVBGFDDVWMSUSXFDPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129473},"content":"Chief Executive,","type":"text"},{"_id":"74COJK5YMJD2HEQ7NOWN3Q54YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129474},"content":"Fingal Chamber,","type":"text"},{"_id":"46TMDXDU5BH4VJK77LRX3Y7RCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129475},"content":"Dublin Airport,","type":"text"},{"_id":"PY7RRUVFAJD3TP5PMK5KUSQDPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742570129476},"content":"Co Dublin.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Further delay will only deepen Dublin’s infrastructure deficit"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"MetroLink – the time for debate is over","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Letter of the Day","url":"/tags/letter-of-the-day/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU","auth":{"1":"2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/03/22/metrolink-the-time-for-debate-is-over/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}}],"count":323,"_id":"3ea9a7e89c15f9c29d1f2f26f0028d2117725cd0f839fbd439ec8220d6ede9bb"},"expires":1742733033416,"lastModified":1742732733340}},"story-feed-sections":{"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":3,\"includeSections\":\"/opinion/editorials\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"E247U6X7B5AF3M3QKE5FTPYLIY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":180,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/bf37e586-d0bf-4571-89d5-6b28c923776e/versions/1742572725/media/6283d6065fddc7f98eda930442152c2d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-eu-and-ukraine-europe-struggling-to-respond-at-speed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HJT5OWRVZ5GZRNSUP5ZLOJUFRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340926},"content":"The continuing war in Ukraine and the real prospect of US disengagement from Europe’s defence dominated this week’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\" target=\"_blank\">EU summit</a>, colouring discussions ranging from building a common defence capacity to joint weapons procurement, arming Kyiv, sanctions against Russia and managing the union’s growing debt pile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJ7HSA45DJHYTFGLZF64DCQKNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340927},"content":"There was a broad consensus on continuing support for Ukraine and building common defence capabilities. But there was continued frustration with Hungary’s stonewalling on aid to Ukraine, which necessitated the issuing of a joint declaration by only 26 states. It promised to “continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQJCVHKVFRC6NO3HQLTFVGTU5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340928},"content":"The EU leaders heard an appeal from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for more arms and the tightening of sanctions against Russia. The latter was backed in principle. But the EU’s foreign and security policy chief, Kaja Kallas, failed in her bid to push for<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/21/plan-for-eu-big-bang-of-military-aid-to-ukraine-runs-out-of-steam/\" target=\"_blank\"> a €40 billion package of military aid</a>, double last year’s. She is now seeking a more modest €5 billion for the provision of large-calibre artillery ammunition, though this remains to be agreed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PT3LY7MUFVG5JBAVUGSWLIZ7TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340929},"content":"With different views from leaders from northern and southern EU states, turning support in principle for Ukraine into a financial reality is not straightforward and nor are proposals to build up the EU’s own defence capabilities. Notably, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez pushed back against the use of the word “rearm” as a central part of the strategy and said that countries in the south of the EU had different priorities to those on its eastern flank.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVVFRAJCCFEHVEIJINGIRQ2P2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340930},"content":"Leaders did back proposals for a €150 billion EU loan plan for joint arms procurement, which controversially restricts buying of non-members’ weapons, specifically American, but also British and Turkish, unless they sign defence and security pacts with Brussels. This is part of a drive to build up Europe’s own capabilities to produce military equipment, a move championed by France, already a leading producer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFP7SQDXIJF7JDY5ZGMAMASOPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340931},"content":"The effort to help Ukraine continues next week. French President Emmanuel Macron said a “coalition of willing countries” will hold a Ukraine summit on Thursday in Paris, to discuss its defence, including immediate military aid, making any ceasefire work and possible deployment of troops. Meanwhile there are reports that the UK, France, Germany and the Nordics are drawing up plans to take on greater responsibilities for European defence from the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVNK47XEDVF7VP4H73JBPEA5BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742598340932},"content":"It is a major change of direction in Europe’s agenda, which presents challenges to Ireland, itself a laggard in defence spending. Maintaining EU unity is a significant challenge. Doing so while responding at speed in a rapidly changing security and economic situation is another.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"With different views from leaders from northern and southern EU states, turning support in principle for Ukraine into a financial reality is not straightforward"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T20:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Irish Times view on the EU and Ukraine: Europe struggling to respond at speed","native":"The EU is struggling to respond at speed to the changing situation in Ukraine"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6QQYGYO5JZ5Y4CCX6PV62NTYIY","auth":{"1":"d17c28d3ed27261af03baebc3e52a0d3b53bc70ea4650d3aba69be827f3a37c1"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6QQYGYO5JZ5Y4CCX6PV62NTYIY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-eu-and-ukraine-europe-struggling-to-respond-at-speed/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"PWAWEPBTX5F53GHCCG653PWEYQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":139,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15a2d4c8-0b90-4a44-855c-815f32491b3b/versions/1742573303/media/9d074b5666946723bc7b3a77a73cd377_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-jfk-assassination-files-nothing-will-satisfy-the-conspiracy-theorists/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EN6VYGA2KZBB3GRA72MUPDAEHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307684},"content":"For conspiracy theorists, it is the great white whale. It has spawned hundreds of books, thousands of newspaper articles and a slew of feature films and documentaries. This week fuel was added to an almost 62-year-old fire when 2,200 files consisting of more than 63,000 pages about the assassination of president John F Kennedy in Dallas on November 22nd 1963 were posted on the US National Archives and Records Administration’s website.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QG5BIBMPTNAIBPVVBXOMJDBF7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307685},"content":"The release was ordered by Kennedy’s successor, Donald Trump, who is himself no stranger to conspiratorial thinking or assassination attempts. A year after Dallas, the Warren Commission of investigation concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald, a disaffected former defector to the Soviet Union, had fired the shot from the Texas Book Depository that killed Kennedy, and that he had acted alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKLQ2JICFRBTJOYHSF2C76LXU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307686},"content":"That failed to satisfy those who believed that there must have been a broader cabal pulling the strings behind the scenes. Among the suspects they identified were the KGB, the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia and right-wing Cuban exiles. Baroque networks of plotters were conjured up, based on little more than conjecture and rumours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS3LNU5YTFGFRPTNFRQBBXKCFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307687},"content":"Nothing has yet emerged from the files to support such claims, although historians say they provide some insights into American politics at the height of the Cold War. But there is no evidence for the widespread belief that Oswald was not the only gunman that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOKN35KCHRASZBBUGXUTDTZ2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307688},"content":"No matter what emerges, though, the need to believe in a wider conspiracy will almost certainly endure. That is due in part to the natural human desire to find meaning in a shocking and apparently unexplainable act of violence. But also to the fact that the events on that fateful day marked a turning point in US history, a loss of innocence and the beginning of a long collapse of public trust in institutions. It is fitting, therefore, that Trump, the prime beneficiary of that trend, should be the president to order this week’s action. And it will be appropriate if the final revelation is that there is no revelation at all.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The events on that fateful day marked a loss of innocence and the beginning of a long collapse of public trust in institutions"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T20:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on the JFK assassination files: nothing will satisfy the conspiracy theorists","native":"No matter what emerges from the JFK assassination files, conspracy theories will endure"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DZQV3WCMEJA4TELYGZ2H2GXHPI","auth":{"1":"797a3522863647df3f415753111269676c5130c61f25a867c073bfbf614a3685"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DZQV3WCMEJA4TELYGZ2H2GXHPI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-jfk-assassination-files-nothing-will-satisfy-the-conspiracy-theorists/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"ORCYNT4FI5H7JEZK44EACBZNAA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":193,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e732d23e-d105-4480-a8a6-a7b0e23a1f9c/versions/1742492326/media/bd16372ef0e444916f9ed85675a1ca8f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-dereliction-levies-why-are-councils-failing-to-act/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FGPLAPU4KNFP7DTSCXWVTG2YYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888397},"content":"A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/09/23/dublins-vacant-buildings-its-my-property-ill-do-whatever-i-want-with-it/\" target=\"_blank\">recent investigative series</a> in this newspaper set out the stories behind some of the thousands of derelict and vacant properties across the State. Who owns them? How long have they lain vacant? What efforts, if any, have been made to remediate and return them to daily use?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVAXEBT2SBDPLIHGNSDN5NPPXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888398},"content":"While the underlying reasons for individual cases of long-term vacancy can be complex, one fact is clear: the overall balance of incentives and penalties that apply to the owners of derelict properties are not having the required effect. The evidence of that failure can be seen across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGUPVJPLPFF2XI6AK26X55OQY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888399},"content":"Dereliction is a policy failure. Addressing it will not solve Ireland’s ever worsening housing crisis. But it can make a significant contribution. And the social and environmental benefits of reducing dereliction are self-evident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZFCQWS6ONGFZGHGMXECE6ZTFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888400},"content":"The positive impact of a proactive approach can be seen in a Government-funded scheme which has allowed local authorities to compulsorily purchase 1,297 vacant and derelict properties with an estimated residential yield of 4,853 homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6QRQK7JIVAGRPEGTL7YNF5RRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888401},"content":"In theory at least, the main policy instrument in this area is the derelict sites levy, first introduced in 1990 and increased from 3 to 7 per cent in 2020. This empowers local authorities to impose a charge on all derelict sites on their register and to charge interest at 1.25 per cent per month on unpaid fines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UT4SXSPMQFCQHJNTRAIFNX3XYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888402},"content":"Councils in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Fingal, Galway city, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Sligo and Waterford city and county have not levied a single derelict site owner, according to Department of Housing figures for 2023, the latest that are available. In total, 13 local authorities did not apply a levy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NH3NHBJSP5HD5AXFWEFKG6SJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888403},"content":"It would clearly be absurd to suggest that dereliction is not a problem across such a large swathe of the country. So one must conclude that these local authorities lack either the will or the resources to apply the law in their respective areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"627T6AINANAKDKBCI6B4XZIC7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888404},"content":"The startling variations in figures from one local authority area to another suggest that the real problem lies with a lack of commitment among some to tackling the problem. More than a fifth of all properties on the State’s derelict sites register are located in the Limerick city and council area. It is hardly a coincidence that Limerick established a derelict and vacant unit in 2017. In 2023 it collected € 286,076 from site owners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25VEAAHL35GVFF6MMX77XEYVIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888405},"content":"There are more sites on Limerick’s register than for all four Dublin local authorities combined. That is a damning statistic on which all those responsible for governance in the capital should reflect. The chasm between the rhetorical commitment to addressing dereliction and the grim and apparently unchanging reality is dispiriting, as is the apparent absence of any accountability for such a long record of failure.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The chasm between rhetorical commitments and the grim and apparently unchanging reality is dispiriting"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T20:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on dereliction levies: why are councils failing to act?","native":"Councils are failing to use their statutory powers against dereliction"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D5Y6XU7H6RCP3ILXNFKEFYPQGI","auth":{"1":"f098e62b9977ba917243d37bbc7cce447da8eea852400b1af247773c68e994e6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D5Y6XU7H6RCP3ILXNFKEFYPQGI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-dereliction-levies-why-are-councils-failing-to-act/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}}],"count":6247,"_id":"3b5d739a1ea9bc2e0e747a01c2615d21a865bb90ef7a4a6087d61937d980b11e"},"expires":1742733194270,"lastModified":1742732893898},"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":1,\"feedSize\":3,\"includeSections\":\"/opinion/editorials\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"PWAWEPBTX5F53GHCCG653PWEYQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":139,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15a2d4c8-0b90-4a44-855c-815f32491b3b/versions/1742573303/media/9d074b5666946723bc7b3a77a73cd377_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-jfk-assassination-files-nothing-will-satisfy-the-conspiracy-theorists/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EN6VYGA2KZBB3GRA72MUPDAEHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307684},"content":"For conspiracy theorists, it is the great white whale. It has spawned hundreds of books, thousands of newspaper articles and a slew of feature films and documentaries. This week fuel was added to an almost 62-year-old fire when 2,200 files consisting of more than 63,000 pages about the assassination of president John F Kennedy in Dallas on November 22nd 1963 were posted on the US National Archives and Records Administration’s website.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QG5BIBMPTNAIBPVVBXOMJDBF7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307685},"content":"The release was ordered by Kennedy’s successor, Donald Trump, who is himself no stranger to conspiratorial thinking or assassination attempts. A year after Dallas, the Warren Commission of investigation concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald, a disaffected former defector to the Soviet Union, had fired the shot from the Texas Book Depository that killed Kennedy, and that he had acted alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKLQ2JICFRBTJOYHSF2C76LXU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307686},"content":"That failed to satisfy those who believed that there must have been a broader cabal pulling the strings behind the scenes. Among the suspects they identified were the KGB, the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia and right-wing Cuban exiles. Baroque networks of plotters were conjured up, based on little more than conjecture and rumours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS3LNU5YTFGFRPTNFRQBBXKCFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307687},"content":"Nothing has yet emerged from the files to support such claims, although historians say they provide some insights into American politics at the height of the Cold War. But there is no evidence for the widespread belief that Oswald was not the only gunman that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOKN35KCHRASZBBUGXUTDTZ2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742572307688},"content":"No matter what emerges, though, the need to believe in a wider conspiracy will almost certainly endure. That is due in part to the natural human desire to find meaning in a shocking and apparently unexplainable act of violence. But also to the fact that the events on that fateful day marked a turning point in US history, a loss of innocence and the beginning of a long collapse of public trust in institutions. It is fitting, therefore, that Trump, the prime beneficiary of that trend, should be the president to order this week’s action. And it will be appropriate if the final revelation is that there is no revelation at all.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The events on that fateful day marked a loss of innocence and the beginning of a long collapse of public trust in institutions"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T20:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on the JFK assassination files: nothing will satisfy the conspiracy theorists","native":"No matter what emerges from the JFK assassination files, conspracy theories will endure"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DZQV3WCMEJA4TELYGZ2H2GXHPI","auth":{"1":"797a3522863647df3f415753111269676c5130c61f25a867c073bfbf614a3685"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DZQV3WCMEJA4TELYGZ2H2GXHPI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/21/the-irish-times-view-on-the-jfk-assassination-files-nothing-will-satisfy-the-conspiracy-theorists/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"ORCYNT4FI5H7JEZK44EACBZNAA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":193,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e732d23e-d105-4480-a8a6-a7b0e23a1f9c/versions/1742492326/media/bd16372ef0e444916f9ed85675a1ca8f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-dereliction-levies-why-are-councils-failing-to-act/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FGPLAPU4KNFP7DTSCXWVTG2YYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888397},"content":"A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/09/23/dublins-vacant-buildings-its-my-property-ill-do-whatever-i-want-with-it/\" target=\"_blank\">recent investigative series</a> in this newspaper set out the stories behind some of the thousands of derelict and vacant properties across the State. Who owns them? How long have they lain vacant? What efforts, if any, have been made to remediate and return them to daily use?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVAXEBT2SBDPLIHGNSDN5NPPXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888398},"content":"While the underlying reasons for individual cases of long-term vacancy can be complex, one fact is clear: the overall balance of incentives and penalties that apply to the owners of derelict properties are not having the required effect. The evidence of that failure can be seen across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGUPVJPLPFF2XI6AK26X55OQY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888399},"content":"Dereliction is a policy failure. Addressing it will not solve Ireland’s ever worsening housing crisis. But it can make a significant contribution. And the social and environmental benefits of reducing dereliction are self-evident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZFCQWS6ONGFZGHGMXECE6ZTFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888400},"content":"The positive impact of a proactive approach can be seen in a Government-funded scheme which has allowed local authorities to compulsorily purchase 1,297 vacant and derelict properties with an estimated residential yield of 4,853 homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6QRQK7JIVAGRPEGTL7YNF5RRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888401},"content":"In theory at least, the main policy instrument in this area is the derelict sites levy, first introduced in 1990 and increased from 3 to 7 per cent in 2020. This empowers local authorities to impose a charge on all derelict sites on their register and to charge interest at 1.25 per cent per month on unpaid fines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UT4SXSPMQFCQHJNTRAIFNX3XYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888402},"content":"Councils in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Fingal, Galway city, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Sligo and Waterford city and county have not levied a single derelict site owner, according to Department of Housing figures for 2023, the latest that are available. In total, 13 local authorities did not apply a levy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NH3NHBJSP5HD5AXFWEFKG6SJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888403},"content":"It would clearly be absurd to suggest that dereliction is not a problem across such a large swathe of the country. So one must conclude that these local authorities lack either the will or the resources to apply the law in their respective areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"627T6AINANAKDKBCI6B4XZIC7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888404},"content":"The startling variations in figures from one local authority area to another suggest that the real problem lies with a lack of commitment among some to tackling the problem. More than a fifth of all properties on the State’s derelict sites register are located in the Limerick city and council area. It is hardly a coincidence that Limerick established a derelict and vacant unit in 2017. In 2023 it collected € 286,076 from site owners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25VEAAHL35GVFF6MMX77XEYVIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742504888405},"content":"There are more sites on Limerick’s register than for all four Dublin local authorities combined. That is a damning statistic on which all those responsible for governance in the capital should reflect. The chasm between the rhetorical commitment to addressing dereliction and the grim and apparently unchanging reality is dispiriting, as is the apparent absence of any accountability for such a long record of failure.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The chasm between rhetorical commitments and the grim and apparently unchanging reality is dispiriting"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T20:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on dereliction levies: why are councils failing to act?","native":"Councils are failing to use their statutory powers against dereliction"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D5Y6XU7H6RCP3ILXNFKEFYPQGI","auth":{"1":"f098e62b9977ba917243d37bbc7cce447da8eea852400b1af247773c68e994e6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D5Y6XU7H6RCP3ILXNFKEFYPQGI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-dereliction-levies-why-are-councils-failing-to-act/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"EXCKPYYRZZEOREKYFLRORV3ZRI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":139,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9df85849-1c1b-46d7-8659-30c554c3c140/versions/1742495200/media/4bafd6342a20985c95dd619715664c33_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-english-language-skills-changing-the-way-it-is-taught/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JHQPEM7IAVEMPCGGT4C5JKWA24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942775},"content":"For generations of students, the Leaving Certificate has been a test of endurance as much as ability: a high-stakes exam where success can hinge on a few hours of written performance. This is about to change. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/03/19/leaving-cert-students-to-face-oral-exams-in-english-under-sweeping-changes/\" target=\"_blank\">Under reform plans</a> scheduled to be introduced over the coming years, there will be a greater focus on assessment outside the exam hall in the form of project work, research assignments and practicals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PDX6UT36NCGLPHG5HQ2EIEPLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942776},"content":"One of the most eye-catching proposed changes is<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/03/19/oral-exams-for-leaving-cert-english-how-will-they-work/\" target=\"_blank\"> the introduction of oral assessments</a> for the English exam. Students will be quizzed on plays or books they have studied and will be expected to compare texts and “make connections, gain insights, synthesise and evaluate ideas” in an assessment worth 20 per cent of the total.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MH3K7IB2VDYVNYKEH4TFUBIEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942777},"content":"It is a change that is long overdue. The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently through speech is just as important as writing. Whether in university seminars, job interviews or the workplace, verbal communication is crucial. Yet, under the current system, students spend years studying English without ever being formally tested on how well they can articulate their thoughts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBBP7ZQGXRDYXAGMUEDKRRQ4ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942778},"content":"A well-designed oral exam would provide students with a new way to demonstrate their strengths. Some struggle with conditions such as dyslexia and are better at expressing their ideas verbally. The inclusion of an oral assessment would ensure a more balanced, fair, and comprehensive evaluation of the abilities of students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BA3KEBMAFEBLKIBB5MIWHV47A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942779},"content":"In addition, it would ensure the classroom is a place of lively discussion; it may also help tackle the scourge of rote learning where students memorise pre-prepared essays rather than engaging deeply with texts and ideas. At a time when artificial intelligence poses a threat to the integrity of assessment, an oral test has no such issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQBWY6QFHNGKNDH4XBYLNDDPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742494942780},"content":"English is a living language. If we want to equip students with the skills they need for the real world, we must move beyond a purely written examination. Introducing an oral assessment in Leaving Cert English is not just a good idea, it is a necessary step towards a fairer, more relevant education system.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"A proposal for an oral assessment in the Leaving Cert English exam is a necessary step towards a better system"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T20:10:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Irish Times view on English language skills: changing the way it is taught","native":"Building English language skills - teaching needs a new direction"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZIXG74ROIJMMHEOROAYOG4SN64","auth":{"1":"ac0103d89b1da242b6c7f2d83bcab6c5f1b523266d9a83535cf1a36ccf2d340a"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZIXG74ROIJMMHEOROAYOG4SN64.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2025/03/20/the-irish-times-view-on-english-language-skills-changing-the-way-it-is-taught/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}}],"count":6247,"_id":"ed5665cce08ff2a05dfe03970e78bf70f53b77b8167754dc7e9caaf99f2106ed"},"expires":1742733197628,"lastModified":1742732897226},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"includeSections\":\"/world\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"K3XMDV6QRNAR7KHXIJL4TUUW5A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":213,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/be23d646-4b98-4a15-84c5-d466f490a1ae/versions/1742729301/media/39bca3ce6059da6595f0fb4faa860b8c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","content_elements":[{"_id":"H4PYM6ILR5AOPGNJOZP5K73EWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850612},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pope-francis/\" target=\"_blank\">Pope Francis</a> has been discharged from hospital on Sunday after making his first public appearance in more than five weeks, waving from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMXXCWYYONG2JDT4G2VWGXLW7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742730295279},"content":"The pontiff (88) went to hospital on February 14th with a severe respiratory infection that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTLFJMUINVHDXG5KHVIODRSUGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"From his hospital balcony on Sunday morning, Francis blessed the crowd of hundreds below. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCWETKWYTFF7BGWF73SRTS22EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The pope, whose face looked swollen, appeared only for a few moments. He spoke briefly, with a feeble voice, to thank one of the members of the crowd below, who had brought yellow flowers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBGED4JOTBATDODM3PDD5W4K54","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a tired-looking Francis said. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INIHUAAV3ZD4FPDVTKQPWIAJ5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Thank you to everyone,” Francis told the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLTZTTSHTVGKBD7PJ6QR7Q2RXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” erupted from the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLMNQIKL7ZEBVK5UI6VQCOLWHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"His blessing and greeting came minutes before he was discharged from the hospital and shortly after the release of the text for his Sunday Angelus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU3YJKC7VZHU5BTDIIRHSGYACA","additional_properties":{},"content":"A car carrying Francis left the hospital shortly after noon on Sunday, and was accompanied through Rome by a convoy of police vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AZ5U6PJUN5U6ATBHXQLRFWDCE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP5MXBW5X5HCZDACCRQVWPE2CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850613},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HR3QXBVDDJHTHDZWIAGRWBUMRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850614},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RP3JMFCQNBFYNKG7BTY7NSMOUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850615},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7GR4EQNMFATRNII3BW7JIDWRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the Angelus, the pope reflected on his “long period” of hospitalisation. “I have had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD6CFKQR5RADHN5Q3L37BZJGRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"He expressed his sadness at Israel’s renewed bombing of the Gaza Strip and called for an “immediate halt to the weapons and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached”, while urging people to pray “for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNLJUMPSCNFGPIQYB4HPFPSJ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850616},"content":"Dr Sergio Alfieri, who co-ordinated Francis’s medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said the pontiff will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation as he continues recovering at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">the Vatican</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"622OEEE6NJGGPNTZDLLPCL7H4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, his personal doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, said that if he continues his steady improvements to date, he should be able to resume his normal activity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5UOU2LQKRGY7KEGIOHI47GFQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850617},"content":"The doctors spoke at a press conference on Saturday evening in the hospital atrium, their first in-person update on the pontiff’s condition in a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SS4F2OHYOJEA3H5YXFJOLJ4SN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850618},"content":"They provided details on the severity of the infection, which he is still being treated for, and the two respiratory crises that marked the gravest threats to his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTFXWGSWBRDS3NKGJQ2ABONOZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850619},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXLE5UTUCNFVDBH7GTP236WPKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850620},"content":"“When he was in really bad shape, it was difficult that he was in good spirits,” Dr Alfieri said. “But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied ‘I’m still alive’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humour back.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDUFJ2AR4BGQVMUFOL6BUL42JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850621},"content":"Dr Alfieri confirmed that Francis was still having trouble speaking due to damage to his lungs and the time he spent on supplemental oxygen and ventilation, but he added that such problems are normal and predicted his voice will return.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PLTYWXJFFGZLHUF2CYGDUM5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850622},"content":"“When you have a bilateral pneumonia, your lungs get damaged and the respiratory muscles are in difficulty. You lose your voice a bit, like when you speak too high,” Dr Alfieri said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWY3AGRCOZDADAECBRNKC42UDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850623},"content":"“As for all patients, young or old but especially older ones, you need time for it to come back as it was.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MR33NWOEWZHF3NSNG72BNS342M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850624},"content":"The Argentinian pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EV65IXKZURCOTCAZ3QBLMLPQGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850625},"content":"Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and then pneumonia. Blood tests showed signs of anaemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which were resolved after two blood transfusions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2UXMN3SCBBJ7MMEGSH4YRQU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850626},"content":"The most serious setbacks began on February 28th when Francis experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring he use a non-invasive mechanical ventilation mask to help him breathe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD62XJAAQZCIZEWQVLPGOAENFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850627},"content":"He suffered two more respiratory crises on March 3rd, which required doctors to manually aspirate the mucus, at which point he began sleeping with the ventilation mask at night to help his lungs clear the accumulation of fluids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKSFGUB5XJFDLB2RLW7NJXQ6JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850628},"content":"At no point did he lose consciousness, and doctors reported he always remained alert and co-operative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QB6DOXH7FFCBGMJDKLT2LFRLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850629},"content":"Over the past two weeks, he has stabilised and registered slight improvements. He no longer needs to wear the ventilation mask at night and is cutting back his reliance on high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IF7RMKYF2BFNPPBOORZR5BFPSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850630},"content":"At his home in the Santa Marta hotel, next to St Peter’s Basilica, Francis will have access to supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed, Dr Carbone said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PS4ZVJBRZBE7M5SAMJ7YBASVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850631},"content":"“The Holy Father is improving, and we hope soon he can resume his normal activity,” the doctor added. – AP/ Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTI33HBL6RAU7CBLAH3MMHYBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850632},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Pontiff (88) waves from hospital balcony following treatment for pneumonia"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:29:27.13Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pope Francis discharged from hospital after making first public appearance in five weeks","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM","auth":{"1":"3b5abdf74041e4c81f2b1e13f0dcf42e035ca656a5c600ca0082d74749f309ff"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360","embed_html":"<div class=\"powa\" id=\"powa-d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","promo_image":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"}},"type":"video"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"37MRWP2ODFFUZD4RFCVOR46JFY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":137,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9012d7bb-2c5b-4c2d-addb-4027da7f1027/versions/1742724075/media/17e07cbd11b8ce8ecd80061d2191ec64_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZUAXWZ2YQ5EUDFWKUZ6K6J3F6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"At least three people were killed, including a five-year-old child, after <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\">Russia</a> launched an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\">overnight drone attack</a> on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQVVEE63EVEE7GYY2NZ2BTGY7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian forces launched 147 drones overnight across Ukraine and the country’s air defence shot down 97 drones, Ukraine’s air force has reported. The previous day, the air defence shot down 100 drones launched by Moscow, and 114 drones the day before that. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCCTQ3GLIBCHNOHSH3VHISJAE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> said Russian attacks across his country continue to be a “daily reality” despite the partial ceasefire agreed to last week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSZVUJUELVEKFJFUAKZ7P5QQQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Referencing the overnight drone attack on Kyiv, he wrote in a post on X: “These attacks are a daily reality. This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LFGITHPHNCFTJLOSGZBYMUDSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“All of this weaponry contains at least 102,000 foreign components. That’s why sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective. Every loophole that allows them to bypass the sanctions regime must be eliminated.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PHEVE4S6RGCDBMMY2VCWPCU6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukraine’s Kyiv city military administration said at least 10 other people were injured in the latest attacks, with the drones causing several fires throughout the city. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"45HCLCSTRJHJNPVEO5KW37BP24","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two residential buildings in the district of Dnipro caught fire due to falling drone debris, while a fire broke out on the top floors of a nine-storey building in the capital, killing one woman, officials said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3JKZE6CLVGZVEPHE2YXOCUGX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Today, the Russians are once again demonstrating their ‘desire for peace,’” Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPPGKYE3HNBVNDM5XAZ52KO5QQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In reality, terrorists are simply launching deadly weapons at residential buildings.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQP76YBFYFHFJK53NFC4NOO7NE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The attack came ahead of scheduled ceasefire talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia later today. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFL7B2G6IJABRJSNLD7JPSVUDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"After US officials meet the Ukrainians this evening, they will meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday, Reuters reports. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIEAJZC2ZZGA3IVIEBLAY3M5JU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian officials are expected to be at the talks involving US and Russian officials but would not be in the same room as the Russians. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AV56CLZQPRFWPAIJ5PW3WVZ2AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the talks, the Ukrainian delegation is expected to supply a list of energy infrastructure that would be off-limits for strikes by the Russian military. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BV3SU3FJZFB2ZECY24XVZR22IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEVBCJCGDVFUZOHOJTWXFVZH5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying “we are only at the beginning of this path”, adding that negotiations with Washington tomorrow would be “difficult” and that Moscow’s “main” focus would be on a possible resumption of a deal to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZFQE3Q73JGGTJ7GHKD3FC23HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\">Vladimir Putin</a> and his Ukrainian counterpart Mr Zelenskiy have already agreed to a partial ceasefire covering energy and civilian infrastructure – but both Moscow and Kyiv have accused the other of violating the agreement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEYNTL7L7NFVRMVINP7EVEDNKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Kremlin said last week it had agreed to a US-proposed partial ceasefire, with Mr Putin agreeing to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy targets for 30 days, after a lengthy phone call with US president Donald Trump. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Yohannes Lowe"}]},"description":{"basic":"At least three people are killed, including a five-year-old child, in overnight strikes, say officials"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:05:33.401Z","headlines":{"basic":"Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv ahead of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU","auth":{"1":"23fcdb6dc69a4cf56c03dfe1daf2dd0f0cbc3e576ba15a9a926f236244f41c05"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"JR7TOPNGIJBF5IJ7C2B5RXELEI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1071,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f67dd653-0af0-4b6d-b6e4-8178d2f41780/versions/1742488046/media/65789ae0423975bd429bc9782a7fac7a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/us/2025/03/23/how-jeff-bezos-made-peace-with-donald-trump/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QZICERIS3ZA4BLB57HQRLBHRF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615799},"content":"In October 2019, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_self\">Amazon</a> sued the Pentagon, alleging that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\">Donald Trump</a> had blocked the company from securing a $10 billion cloud-computing contract because of his animus towards the Washington Post and its owner <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jeff-bezos/\" target=\"_self\">Jeff Bezos</a> – whom the US president derided as “Jeff Bozo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWOZOT7ZU5HEDHD76U2IPLOESQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615800},"content":"At the time, the dispute was just one example of the near-constant skirmishes between Trump’s White House and corporate America. But the episode left an enduring mark on Bezos, the Amazon founder and the world’s second-richest person.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYY6TBOCGBF3DJU7PD3ENPVXNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615801},"content":"Over the past year, Bezos has executed a sharp public reversal in his relationship with Trump – whom he previously criticised as a “threat to democracy” – that has surprised even longtime associates and has stunned the Post’s newsroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIHNFCA4AFDFFMYJUS2VBPHNFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615802},"content":"On inauguration day, Bezos stood dutifully beside other tech billionaires as Trump was sworn in. The ceremony, which was supported by a $1 million (€920,000) donation from Amazon, was streamed live on Prime Video. The platform has also paid $40 million for a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/01/07/amazon-prime-videos-latest-star-is-melania-trump/\" target=\"_self\">Melania Trump documentary</a> – nearly tripling the bid from rival studio Disney, though Amazon’s offer was for a limited series rather than a one-off programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QYX46LY3FG4ZPKPZWALK47NDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615803},"content":"Roughly $28 million of that sum will go directly in the first lady’s pocket, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4CCDZ2SNZGCNIL4QC4XJFASJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615804},"content":"Amazon recently paid to air old episodes of The Apprentice, Trump’s 2004-2017 reality TV show, on Prime Video – another way to send both money and flattery to the president. At the Washington Post, Bezos killed an editorial board endorsement of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\" target=\"_self\">Kamala Harris</a> and ordered the Post’s opinion section to run <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2025/03/01/jeff-bezos-has-made-a-sacrificial-offering-of-the-washington-post-a-once-great-newspaper-is-dying-in-darkness/\" target=\"_self\">only articles about “personal liberties and free markets”</a>, pledging never to publish views contrary to these principles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSE7ZW3X5BFXTEBWYJ5ISIS6UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615805},"content":"Bezos’s empire includes a stake in the world’s largest ecommerce platform and cloud computing provider, and ownership of rocket maker Blue Origin, as well as one of the US’s most influential newspapers","type":"text"},{"_id":"P3CDQ3FNE5GALA777GST5QG6CQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615806},"content":"According to six people who have worked closely with him across Amazon, Blue Origin and the Washington Post, the decisions are part of a marked shift in Bezos’s strategy towards Trump. These people painted a picture of a shrewd capitalist, making practical calculations to protect his businesses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KN75WZXF4ZGL7E65YL7YXOPZNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615807},"content":"But they also believe Bezos is operating with a dose of fear about Trump, as well as resentment towards what he considers to be the Democrats’ “vilification” of Big Tech during the Biden administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4CTPEHQNNA3LLI5VILN6B2DBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615808},"content":"Several of these people pointed to Amazon’s loss of that $10 billion contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure project (Jedi) – the knockout punch of Bezos’s ugly battle with Trump during his first term – as a watershed moment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YT7CRZDKMJR6YUAGRYKKTE7JM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615809},"type":"image"},{"_id":"E65JTEXIRFFILIUEBMPSNZE2H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615810},"content":"“There was a joke at the time that it didn’t cost Jeff Bezos $250 million to buy the Post, it cost him $10 billion,” the newspaper’s former editor Marty Baron tells the Financial Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CERJ6ERRRE4DKQ5CQ7W5IYJDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615811},"content":"A person who met Bezos days after the Pentagon blow says he was “deeply hurt” by the ordeal. “He sat there going: ‘This is not right.’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUTWGPB7TNB73BMTNBLJYRUAA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615812},"content":"For Bezos there are enormous financial risks to Trump 2.0. His business interests are vulnerable to the tax and tariff debates in Washington, and hold tens of billions of dollars in government contracts spanning national security and space. They are also subject to significant oversight and pressure from regulators.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GF7ZRVIZHVC6ZOLLHQ5VT4BGGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615813},"content":"Perhaps most important to Bezos is the future of Blue Origin, his passion project that aims to make space travel accessible, as the company vies to win US government contracts – often in competition with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3W27VWA6JA63FR6F24OEYD7HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615814},"content":"Blue Origin is gaining momentum, successfully launching a heavy rocket into orbit in January and winning a contract to help send humans to the moon in 2029. But Bezos is still a distant second to Musk – whose company SpaceX has 450 orbital launches under its belt – and his rival’s proximity to Trump presents another danger considering the two billionaires’ frosty relationship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7YXHLBO4FCLVKOR765PBQXBGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615815},"content":"A couple of weeks after November’s election, Musk posted on X that Bezos was “telling everyone that [Trump] would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock”, forcing Bezos to reply “100% not true”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5HY7DHGANCQNIRQH7E2Z7TKYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615816},"content":"One long-time adviser cautions: “He cares most about Blue Origin. His chance of being the player he wants to become in space could be destroyed” if the world’s richest man and most powerful politician united against him. “The growth trajectory for the entire enterprise depends on the federal contract ... otherwise Blue is dead in the water.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7NRWIUL4BK75EEQBPPGVY24UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615817},"type":"image"},{"_id":"K3Y3OSBWXRGJ5MOO3P7ZCHFHGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615818},"content":"People close to Bezos dispute the idea that he is trying to get in the Trump’s administration’s good books to protect his business interests. “Jeff doesn’t make decisions out of fear or shape his actions to appease anyone,” says one. “The idea that any move he makes is some calculated attempt to gain favour is not only false, it misunderstands who he is entirely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRF3UYXHLVGOLEEBJURXLI4LSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615819},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RS2BJSFY5H4NGLYXNZJVSUJZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615820},"content":"In the first two decades of Amazon’s life, Bezos distinguished himself by being largely detached from politics, even as the ecommerce company expanded to become one of the largest in the country – and transformed whole areas of the economy in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMN42BQ4VZHZ5EDVUAO3TLC4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615821},"content":"“You want to know why Jeff has changed? It is part practicality driven by fear, mixed with a little opportunism,” says the adviser. “Jeff got frustrated with what he felt was demonisation of tech by Democrats. It bugged him. Jeff felt like Biden went out of his way to get him and Amazon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAOUWP5RKFGP3MIFKHTMRLFTPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615822},"content":"Bezos has long been sympathetic to libertarian political views, according to people close to him, the result of having spent a lot of time as a child with his grandfather in Texas. “He likes tough Texas ranchers ... he wants people to be independent and fix their own problems,” says a former Blue Origin executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS7PYQ5MRFC5PEFNTCYT6AKLDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615823},"content":"But the close associate pushes back on the notion that Bezos has genuinely shifted politically towards Trump. “I don’t think he is showing his true colours, [this is] not the Jeff I know. I just don’t believe he suddenly thinks Trump is the answer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKMQJGH2BRF4PGERBZ4VD2OO4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615824},"content":"“He may not be all in [on Trump], but he’s not stupid,” says another former senior executive at Blue Origin. “It’s a matter of preservation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QB64FWTYC5DNNMGU64NKZ3MO3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615825},"content":"Baron views the heel-turn as largely a business matter. “Am I to believe that the company that is the source of his wealth, and [the one that] is the focus of his passion, are totally irrelevant to him in all of this? Honestly I’m just not that naive,” says Baron, who steered the Post through the first Trump administration and the Bezos acquisition as editor from 2012 to 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SULSD3YZAVH47JW6ZLKKTS3HNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615826},"content":"Now aged 61, Bezos has changed physically too, Baron and others note, having bulked up to the physique of a bodybuilder. His personal life also transformed when he became tabloid fodder in 2019, divorcing his wife of 25 years after an affair was exposed in the National Enquirer. He is due to remarry this summer to former television anchor Lauren Sanchez.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOV4X36FJRRRCMCOPLQGLJXNEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615827},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LRUFBZA5UJA53GOZUDJRDOVWDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615828},"content":"Bezos’s stark turn towards Trump might be in the best interests of the companies he founded. But it has alarmed the editorial staff at The Washington Post, fuelling an exodus of talent and reportedly hundreds of thousands of subscribers from the newspaper that famously broke the Watergate scandal in the 1970s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FHHJ5KEJRELVA33JLI2VGXU64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615829},"content":"David Maraniss, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor who has worked at the Post for 50 years, recently pledged to “never” write for the newspaper while Bezos is owner. Maraniss says the mood at the paper is “dire, anxious, uncertain, angry, bereft”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHNEQMNXBFGSHLM3LTNRJ3Q4BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615830},"content":"“I’m almost at the point where I just wish they could change the name of the paper, because it’s not The Washington Post any more.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJI27QD7MRC4LKD3SJ23KAAHWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615831},"content":"Trump, meanwhile, approves. “I’ve gotten to know him, and I think he’s trying to do a real job ... with The Washington Post, and that wasn’t happening before,” Trump said in a television interview last Sunday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FHCFTCOJVGCDD55SBN77PKWHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615832},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTECWRKGGJFFDNTXYYTK33OSYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615833},"content":"As Bezos’s business empire has grown, so have its links with the US government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJEGTUEQWRFIZNETADFO2EXARU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615834},"content":"Amazon and Blue Origin hold more than $20 billion in outstanding federal contracts, including the lunar mission and a $10 billion contract between the National Security Agency and its cloud arm, Amazon Web Services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FCRLD5TH55H3LFKLJ2BOCFOEPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615835},"content":"In the aftermath of the 2019 Jedi decision, Amazon filed its lawsuit alleging that the contract award to Microsoft had taken place due to “improper pressure” from Trump. The Post’s coverage had placed Bezos in Trump’s “crosshairs”, the lawsuit alleged, and cited an article that claimed the president had discussed ways to “f**k with him [Bezos]”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPIR5IHOCJDHTAXINZ2TXEHSEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615836},"content":"“The lawsuit was hyperbolic, but it was grounded in Jeff’s thoughts,” says a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6ZYZ2M7LZF6NHTDBMZMBS2FFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615837},"content":"Although the government reopened bidding, it later axed the project under Biden. A subsequent multibillion-dollar cloud contract was split between Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Oracle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXL7ATT62RBZPLXOTACEPBCDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615838},"content":"“In the first administration Jeff was battling with Trump because Trump was coming after him, not because he was some super-progressive,” says a person familiar with Bezos’s decision making. “At the time he believed in the mission of the Post and said the damage to Amazon was worth the cost.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJUVTXGQR5FU5EMXZRRRK3HLFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615839},"content":"“But now Trump is back, that attitude is a casualty of the danger presented,” the person adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYJ47BLOJRCDDPS2EIKY7XIVIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615840},"content":"Bezos and his Big Tech peers are also seeking a de-escalation of the Biden-era regulatory crackdown led by their bête noire Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission. In 2017, when studying at Yale Law School, Khan wrote an article titled “Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox” criticising “predatory pricing” and calling for the ecommerce giant to be broken up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBOASW6AGF6ENNY5VRXC37JNVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615841},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L6SO2RLKONAJZNEJLTFHALLH5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615842},"content":"Six years later, as head of the FTC, she sued the company for running a monopoly that seeks to “inflate prices, degrade quality, and stifle innovation”. The landmark case is scheduled for trial in October 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEEOQEIUANFDPLZF4AMOAQK6LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615843},"content":"“What Bezos and other tech titans have at stake is the FTC, and whether the [new] government is going after them for being monopolies,” says Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think-tank. “The deference to Trump is about preventing direct legal action.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGGLYYNVBBCPNO4QYG6ZG6E3JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615844},"content":"Bezos fears that the government might seek to make an example of Amazon rather than its tech rivals such as Google and Microsoft, according to two people familiar with the matter. However, Khan’s replacement as FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson, has so far shown no sign of easing scrutiny of Big Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNIWXFGSDZDGLLFRU6YKODR2XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615845},"content":"“With Trump it’s less about what he can take away so much as where he might apply the pressure,” says one former Blue Origin executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IT4K6BK7RHQ7PEQLSUQ7ZKMSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615846},"content":"Another close associate says that any move by Trump to deprioritise lunar missions in favour of Musk’s aspirations to reach Mars would have a significant impact on the company’s viability and success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PK7ZU45BKZBTHJ4QYVTT3ELLMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615847},"content":"“It is what he has always dreamt of,” the associate says. “Nothing will hurt Jeff financially – Blue is a money loser. It is more the opportunity to be involved.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKRQUQWRQRE3BP6CKCALKSF3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615848},"content":"Even during the periods when he has been sparring with Trump, Bezos was careful to meet the president whenever requested and found redeeming qualities. He would praise Trump’s “savvy” and tell aides that “he is smarter than you think”, dismissing much of his behaviour as “bombastic theatre”, one associate remembers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCG2GA2GPJCWZDWN3OSDU6S5QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615849},"content":"In a December interview after Trump’s victory Bezos described him as a changed man: “calmer than he was the first time – more confident, more settled”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOUVSB7GB5GBPGTJY52LIREKSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615850},"content":"Bezos has also been careful to cultivate social and financial ties with his family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRXL3EMKRBUPF3OSX52SJ6E7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615851},"content":"In January 2020, he hosted an inauguration after-party of the exclusive Alfalfa Club at his mansion in DC’s Kalorama neighbourhood, inviting non-members Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump as well as Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. Ivanka Trump and Kushner also attended Bezos’s holiday party at a sushi restaurant in Aspen late last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDIRUW43S5EMRPNYVGNLHWZMHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615852},"content":"A person close to Bezos admits that the deal for the Melania Trump documentary “is patently ridiculous, but is very pragmatic”. The person adds: “He is doing a deal, offering money to buy the Trump family’s affection and flattering the president. If you think about it in terms of costs versus benefit, it is pretty low. It’s a smart investment.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYXN36HIIVD5FGNIRBH56SCNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615853},"content":"Amazon says it signed the deal for the Melania Trump documentary “for one reason and one reason only – because we think customers are going to love it”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVGDUNKI6JB5RIQNFEA7YUHD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615854},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYJSHVYWVRCRVPU5NWPHJRXJHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615855},"content":"Inside The Washington Post newsroom, Bezos’s political transformation has been nothing short of traumatic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIRLR34I35B2PL5CI7OG4JAPQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615856},"content":"Bezos acquired the Post in 2013 for $250 million after he was approached by the Grahams, a wealthy family that had controlled the paper for eight decades. At the time, the Post was in a commercial downward spiral, having been hit hard by the industry-wide disruption from the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY3VUAZ6M5E7VCGUJLW4DUT26A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615857},"content":"“From the moment he bought the paper, my sense was that Bezos is a killer, but at least he’s killing for us right now,” says Maraniss. “So there was always a little bit of concern about what might happen in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"763ER24C2IRGFDYTG5PHXKFZE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615858},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NC7N6MSXEFG5XLAPP6CMJQ7EA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615859},"content":"Under Bezos’s ownership, the paper initially enjoyed a renaissance. The Post picked up millions of subscribers, as Bezos had predicted it would, by reporting deeply on the rise of Donald Trump and his presidency. In the face of personal attacks from Trump, Bezos stood by the paper, authorising a doubling of its political staff. He was intimately involved in a rebrand of the Post during the Trump years, even choosing the paper’s new marketing slogan in 2016: “Democracy Dies In Darkness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSD6U6C7DJHCDOUGCLAD6TEIVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615860},"content":"“He actually was great during the first Trump administration. He was very, very arm’s length. He was engaged at a high strategic level ... He didn’t at all get involved in the day to day, he just said: ‘Try to not lose a lot of money,’” says a former executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM5HGYUBABEH5A3MQZLBAKJUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615861},"content":"But the Post has struggled to hold on to the commercial success it reached during the first Trump administration, falling far behind its biggest competitor, the New York Times. Its audience has shrunk and financial losses have ballooned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4ETVK7W25EEPMOWLPY3ACA4MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615862},"content":"“He’s a highly rational person. I think he was comfortable losing $20 million a year. When it gets to $100 million a year, I don’t know what his appetite is for that,” says a former executive who worked closely with Bezos. “I don’t think for him it’s like a mission business in the same way it would be for [the Graham family] or for the Sulzbergers [who own the New York Times].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDYQDUB2SJEQJKA2KZKIHB7NQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615863},"content":"This commercial struggle occurred at the same time that Bezos cozied up to Trump and began intervening on the Opinion section, further sinking morale across the newspaper. At least a dozen seasoned journalists have left to work for competitors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVAW7ZIPCNAH7IWBQJ5HRKWZ64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615864},"content":"Many saw a direct link between his muzzling of the newspaper and rewards for his other enterprises. Hours after Bezos spiked the paper’s endorsement of Harris, Blue Origin chief executive David Limp met Trump at a rally in Texas. Former Post editor-at-large Robert Kagan criticised the meeting as a “quid pro quo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYFTYF2A4BA4BNRMNLCK57V54Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615865},"content":"In the latest fracas, veteran journalist Ruth Marcus resigned last week, claiming that chief executive Will Lewis had axed a column she had written criticising Bezos’s overhaul of the Opinion section. “The Washington Post I joined, the one I came to love, is not The Washington Post I left,” Marcus said of the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAFCOZ6A7JDNZDLKFAINV47NBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615866},"content":"Yet for all the drama in the newsroom, public grievances lodged by senior journalists and relentless media coverage depicting the Post in crisis, there is little indication that Bezos is fazed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNDPQO7DVFBVBKK5DN6CZJTSPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615867},"content":"“He’s a really tough guy. He’s totally charming but he didn’t get where he was by being kind and gentle. In that sense, I don’t know that he’s changed,” says the former Post executive. “I remember him talking about the people he gets for the Amazon board, and he specifically picks people who don’t give a sh*t what other people think. He doesn’t want people on the board like ‘oh my god, we don’t air condition the warehouses?’ I think he himself is like that, too.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EE3S4O6GNFTHP74V4CFD4IBNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615868},"content":"In January, more than 400 Post journalists signed a letter imploring Bezos to meet them about their concerns. He did not respond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR7JE5NKEFCXRJARMEBBH5WDZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615869},"content":"“He’s taken the organisation in a certain direction and seems determined to do that, for whatever reason that he hasn’t fully explained,” says Baron, who adds that he has not tried to contact Bezos about his objections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN6SM66KGZFQBE2KRCT5JJVKEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615870},"content":"“Quite simply, I do not think he cares what I think.” − Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Anna Nicolaou in New York, Stephen Morris and Rafe Uddin in San Francisco, and Alex Rogers in Washington"}]},"description":{"basic":"In the past year, the Amazon founder has executed a sharp public reversal in his relationship with the US president that has surprised even longtime 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on Sunday and ordered him to be jailed pending the outcome of a trial on corruption charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVSJCLRP4ZC5TJVN2VTXMX7DD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier this week, sparking the largest wave of street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWPNJLRS5ALJK3KGHLX6ZCTQ4M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UTW5FJIXVJFK5JI72OFLUA3LEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also deepened concerns over democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLFO7V6TUFC2PAGIJ5NNJZ3XWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"His imprisonment is widely regarded as a political move to remove a major contender from the next presidential race, currently scheduled for 2028.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVGPEMYILJDPNCAW7OQB6NPMGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Government officials reject accusations that legal actions against opposition figures are politically motivated and insist that Turkey’s courts operate independently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NY4KN7C6VND2HEVFOI7IBSOE3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The formal arrest came as his opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, began holding a primary presidential election to endorse Mr Imamoglu as its presidential candidate despite the arrest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKOSUIPCNFAJLO56SUYYKQU66E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The party has also set up symbolic ballot boxes nationwide — called “solidarity boxes” — to allow people who are not party members to express their support to the mayor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTWRQ4NWYNPSZN5K2DGR6BF5LI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LXIMC6L74ZB7BGUZEZURNMF7VE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, a fellow member of Imamoglu’s CHP, criticised the lack of confidentiality in the proceedings, telling reporters: “Honestly, we are embarrassed in the name of our legal system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76TPY6KP6RDGDEPHTUY2JRKWIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We learned from television pundits about the allegations that even lawyers did not have access to, showing how politically motivated this whole ordeal has been,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5Z6GVPUBNA4VN2VSC47ESF3D4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mayor’s arrest marks an escalation of a government crackdown on opposition figures and dissenting voices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3D7MD66DZA4RB7ULG4QTJ4PLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Before his detention, Mr Imamoglu had already faced multiple criminal cases that could result in prison sentences and a political ban.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4R2NHIQGBG5FKODYXERUPDOEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was also appealing a 2022 conviction for insulting members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIJCE5UXSKFV344V5FOKPIPANU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TJODZ2SXSRHQDG5YNUJQU7GB6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier in the week, a university nullified his diploma, citing alleged irregularities in his transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus some 30 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3I2PEY4M5ANPKEVLG7V5YPDNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The decision effectively bars him from running for president, since the position requires candidates to be university graduates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVI7GTHLIJAR5BUQXTWKZW47XE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Imamoglu vowed to challenge the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EFBL7HXHJCLNCHHI5NV5MMKAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was elected mayor of Turkey’s largest city in March 2019, in a major blow to Mr Erdogan and the president’s Justice and Development Party, which had controlled Istanbul for 25 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBW5YOVPGJW35F7TKQWTVTHV4Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HK2YXVWFTJDU3AKEG7WBWYNH2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Erdogan’s party pushed to void the municipal election results in the city of 16 million, alleging irregularities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDN6QOABNNF2HILP6YC5KSG6VM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The challenge resulted in a repeat of the election a few months later, which Mr Imamoglu also won.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5S23OKCFJA53DTBKNYFPC3MUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mayor retained his seat following local elections last year, during which the CHP made significant gains against Mr Erdogan’s governing party. — AP","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier this week"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T08:35:10.066Z","headlines":{"basic":"Turkish court 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\">Israeli strikes</a> across <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip\">southern Gaza</a> killed at least 19 people overnight into Sunday, including a senior <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\">Hamas</a> political leader, officials said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVEVWC2ABVCXVKCQ2MMC7265G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Iran-backed rebels in Yemen who are allied with Hamas, meanwhile, launched another missile at Israel, setting off air raid sirens. The Israeli military said it was intercepted with no casualties or damage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKJM66QFOBHSLBJPZCAZJLTFJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The attacks came after Israel carried out a strike in Tyre, south Lebanon, on Saturday, killing one and wounding seven people and endangering the shaky truce that ended a year-long conflict against <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah\">Hizbullah</a>, as 40 survivors of Hamas captivity called on the Israeli government to halt the “endless war”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVAKJYMHJFB2NF47QA5FMZPM7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The strike on a building came after Israel carried out dozens of air strikes in Lebanon on Saturday, its most intense aerial assault on the country in four months. In total, six people were killed, including a child, and 28 injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAF6G2SCBFEHTEQ3H7LW7J7MXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Gaza, Hamas and Palestinian media said on Sunday that an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis killed Salah al-Bardaweel, a Hamas political leader. Pro-Hamas media said the air strike killed Bardaweel, a member of its political office, and his wife. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DBH2T2XWVGMTAYG4XGXDPUSG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israeli officials had no immediate comment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIRXHSELVVF65AR3FXG253DTEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The European and Kuwaiti hospitals in southern Gaza said they had received 17 bodies from attacks over Saturday night into Sunday, including several women and children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGBEHSRVURB4TF6OIAJ7HQVSWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel’s Lebanon strikes were its deadliest there since the November 27th ceasefire which had put an end to 13 months of hostilities between Hizbullah and Israel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5GOILHPAVDGJIGZZMNCU25TJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The strike on Tyre, in particular, one of the largest cities in south Lebanon and far from the Lebanese border, was a major escalation and threatened to upend the fragile ceasefire agreement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5675BIYQFBHVMDM3D6RGCUEEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASGGVTIQFZHJVABNHQMA5FZPD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The wave of Israeli air strikes was triggered by the launching of three rockets from Lebanon by unknown groups, which were intercepted by the Israeli air force.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q353YPFQ6RDCPMMMXRUDA4LWAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Hizbullah denied any involvement in the rocket attacks and stressed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement. It added that Israeli claims that it was behind the strikes were “merely a pretext for continued attacks on Lebanon”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRSUTINLVFJTIYL4XCLQ74ZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lebanon’s minister of defence, Michel Menassa, said the country was “continuing its diplomatic, political and military efforts to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUXRQJ3I4JDBDGM3QBURXSLPTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SFKKELQXZDTLAICH7GOVKOCNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The ceasefire between Israel and Hizbullah has stopped full-scale military hostilities between the two warring parties, though Israel has conducted hundreds of air strikes on Lebanon despite the truce. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOG6FXWENJE7ZCFHBWXOT2DWUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hizbullah has been severely weakened after its war with Israel, with most of its senior leadership dead, thousands of its fighters killed and its weapons stock depleted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NDK3CPMIRGNRANWWVTI5CNTMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, warned on Saturday that renewed military operations in south Lebanon could risk dragging the country back into war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ML34P65I7RHGLLWZLTM6OYGNCQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force that monitors the Israel-Lebanon border, warned against further military escalation that could lead to the ceasefire being broken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZILANSWKSRB3DCCDJCQR3CDWF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Israel, several thousand protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday, blocking key highways across the country in a demonstration against Binyamin Netanyahu’s government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UG43ZUV2BGL5GSGTBDXV2LOMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The immediate trigger for the anger was the government’s attempt to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security agency, a move described as an attempt to undermine Israel’s democratic system, but the prime minister’s decision to shatter a two-month-old truce in Gaza with waves of lethal air strikes has also fuelled the demonstrations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVU5SQS5S5CDVOXDJ3QQ6BNW64","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EZ5H6XYAJD4XLSUGTNHBILZKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Forty freed hostages of Hamas captivity and 250 family members of Israeli soldiers and civilians still held in Gaza signed a letter on Friday calling on Mr Netanyahu to halt Israel’s renewed military activities and return to the negotiating table to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages who are still in the territory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBLD26QRZFDSTN32UTGJPGC3WI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XADWOBMVJ5HIFGNBLR42A2BWSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The letter comes as Israel’s defence minister on Friday said he had instructed the military to “seize more ground” in Gaza and threatened to annex part of the territory unless Hamas released Israeli hostages still held in the devastated territory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAU6EL5ZUDDSJFGOIGRGXHIGCA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"N3U2EF7Q7ZHCBGW7L43F6RD6OU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gaza’s civil defence agency said more than 500 people had been killed since the bombardment resumed, one of the highest tolls since the war began more than 17 months ago with Hamas’s attack on Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5WQX4CHZBGS7NIOKZUZI4OGVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A three-phase ceasefire was agreed in January but Israel refused to begin talks on the implementation of a second phase, which was supposed to lead to a return of all hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent end to hostilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"353CKPLF55EWZCOLL47LWILL6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Instead, Israel proposed a new plan, reportedly put forward by the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, involving a 30- to 60-day truce and the release of all remaining hostages. Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners – a key component of the first phase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJFL3IGVT5H7LBWRUISMEXQSCM","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Saturday, the Fatah movement of Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to safeguard the “existence” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2EVHPR5HJA2NDUTX2RLMNROKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hamas said on Friday it was still debating Mr Witkoff’s proposal and other proposals made by intermediaries, including Egypt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"66RX2ZL7VZCWTEPAXOT2HGHTWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The intense fighting comes as Mr Netanyahu is locked in a fierce battle with Israel’s judicial system after the supreme court blocked his attempt to fire the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, who has been investigating Mr Netanyahu’s close aides for alleged breaches of national security.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH4Q2J65FVBINLRHPBIKXBJWJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"About 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians, died in the surprise attack by Hamas in October 2023. The ensuing Israeli offensive into Gaza has killed more than 49,000 people, mostly civilians. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Lorenzo Tondo in Jerusalem"},{"name":"William Christou in Beirut"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon come amid calls from survivors of Hamas captivity for halt to ‘endless war’"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:45:45.272Z","headlines":{"basic":"Israeli strikes kill at least 19 in Gaza, including senior Hamas leader","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QHZ32MV4CDA5MXRSVMPXTN2VSU","auth":{"1":"affe51d81d54f2d765989f5b613d3f994bcaf46682fab2b4f7d8b3ba7b0322cb"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QHZ32MV4CDA5MXRSVMPXTN2VSU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/middle-east/2025/03/23/gaza-strip-lebanon-israel-hamas-war-latest-news/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/middle-east","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Middle East"}}}},{"_id":"EXQPWQMOEVAUXENGHEGJX66L5M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":308,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/48e71e98-1b1b-4a38-a035-8e8fc17a4bc6/versions/1742682364/media/771743264e06e33ec982620eb19d7cf0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/middle-east/2025/03/22/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-hamas-latest-updates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SNVJJRL475D25MR6X7NOAE25VA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel\" target=\"_blank\">Israel</a> has launched a retaliatory strike on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lebanon\" target=\"_blank\">Lebanon</a>, killing six people including a child in the heaviest exchange of fire since its ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah/\" target=\"_blank\">Hizbullah</a> almost four months ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NEYMHN3VZCIHKG5UXG4T2UPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311167},"content":"The clash endangers a shaky truce that ended a year-long war between Israel and Hizbullah. That conflict marked the deadliest spillover of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_blank\">Gaza</a> war, rumbling across the border for months before escalating into a blistering Israeli offensive that wiped out Hizbullah’s top commanders, many of its fighters and much of its arsenal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YRG7ZX3UJFHFAQ4YXHJM2LQNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rockets fired from Lebanon were the second group launched since December, sparking concern about whether the ceasefire will hold. In a statement, Hizbullah denied being responsible for the latest attack, saying it was committed to the truce.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDWY3DIXFNAKDK37QWACEW4MLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel had said it would respond “severely” to the early Saturday attack targeting northern Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FJYNZ7WIFBWTGZVGPIC6CYBGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel’s army said the intercepted rockets targeted the Israeli town of Metula. An Israeli official said six rockets were fired and three crossed into Israeli territory and were intercepted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAFAP3KF25GRLKBB3SSI66VYAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4ENJOJHLZEBHBDR4ZRUCEZIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311168},"content":"Saturday’s exchange was the first since Israel in effect abandoned a separate ceasefire in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_blank\">Gaza Strip</a> with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/palestine/\" target=\"_blank\">Palestinian</a> militant group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\" target=\"_blank\">Hamas</a>, an ally of Hizbullah, both backed by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/iran/\" target=\"_blank\">Iran</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEEA67CFJZAPBEDGTXDIEH5NRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311169},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-nations-un/\" target=\"_blank\">United Nations</a> peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as Unifil, said in a written statement on Saturday that it was “alarmed” by the border violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLS6NJB6TVH63AV6QABUSD2GZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311170},"content":"“Any further escalation of this volatile situation could have serious consequences for the region,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHWAZBLL5FGSJDT4ZL2RDBSKEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165563},"content":"All Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are “safe”, Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> said as he called for restraint on “all sides”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPRDPS7NXJD3PM4RJJVS6HIPEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165564},"content":"In a statement, the Fine Gael leader said: “Deeply concerned about the latest escalation in violence and tensions between Israel and Lebanon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND4S4I7JDREJ5PIYOE7XMBEO2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165565},"content":"“I can confirm that Irish peacekeepers at Unifil are safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PTZRFKZHZDSDPBG3Y6OHPZCZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165566},"content":"“I am grateful to them for all they do as peacekeepers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEPHZQH2JZGXXIIXCD3BE3Q4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165567},"content":"“It is absolutely vital now that all sides show restraint.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZVKVBXJTZETLFTYZDOV6NLNVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311171},"content":"The Israeli military said early Saturday it had intercepted three rockets launched from a Lebanese district about 6km north of the border, the second cross-border launch since a US-brokered ceasefire in November ended the fighting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQARDHEP6NB4ZGHLSAQE5VG2QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311172},"content":"Israel said it was still looking into who was responsible for the launches towards the border town of Metula. Hizbullah did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGCD2IFLFFL3MQNO6QBZQIREU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311173},"content":"In retaliation for the rockets, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and minister for defence Israel Katz ordered the military to “act forcefully against dozens of terror targets in Lebanon”, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TROXJ34HOFCL7GP2IUPDNJ27QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311174},"content":"The Israeli military, in a separate statement, said it was bombing Hizbullah targets in south Lebanon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7SUXLFJIVNG4BJ7HVARYVZYN3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311175},"content":"Lebanon’s state news agency reported a spate of Israeli air strikes and artillery barrages in the country’s war-battered south, including border towns and hilltops about 8km inside Lebanese territory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBWMRLXNTZCNXLVXTVKQVY7HIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311176},"content":"Two people were killed and eight wounded by Israeli air strikes in the south near the border, the state news agency NNA said, quoting Lebanon’s ministry for health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"676GLWO2UJCDTDMJ7T2NPZECXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311177},"content":"There were no reports of casualties in Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KV2RYCETBRDD5JMZ5VGF34GP5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311178},"content":"Under the November ceasefire deal, Hizbullah was to have no weapons in southern Lebanon, Israeli ground troops were to withdraw, and Lebanese army troops were to deploy into the area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAAKL5V645DILPGL7RT5M5VUKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311179},"content":"The agreement specifies that Lebanon’s government is responsible for dismantling all military infrastructure in southern Lebanon and confiscating all unauthorised arms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H33YTCMGQJFQTPQSSEQIWVUSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311180},"content":"President Joseph Aoun ordered the Lebanese army to secure “any violation” that could threaten stability in Lebanon. The army said it had found and dismantled three “primitive rocket launchers” in the south.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPWPL3Y7QRBKBFKT2EOSWDLCPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311181},"content":"Mr Netanyahu said Israel was holding Lebanon’s government responsible for “everything taking place within its territory”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUHAEDRZFFCE5NDQ5ZGJTZKGX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311182},"content":"“Israel will not allow any harm to its citizens and its sovereignty – and will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of the citizens of Israel and the communities of the north,” Mr Netanyahu said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQP2UKN4SJHSZDXENISXTLS6H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311183},"content":"Lebanese prime minister Nawaf Salam warned of a renewal of military operations in the south of the country. “All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” he said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUOIU5SOXBBQ3PLPHQCHQOA7JY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RRFH3HQN2VA2LO5RK2GSEWHNWQ"},"content":"‘Dominoes to foreign interests’: a Christian town on the Lebanon-Israel border","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"L3RCS7X3UNCN5MD2W35GVWO65M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311185},"content":"The ceasefire brought an end to Israel’s intense bombardment and ground operations in Lebanon and Hizbullah’s daily rocket barrages into Israel. Each side, however, has accused the other of failing to implement the deal in full.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUWZGJDOTNHJRIK4YXB67SJWJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311186},"content":"Israel says Hizbullah still has military infrastructure in the south, while Lebanon and Hizbullah say Israel is occupying Lebanese land by continuing to carry out some air strikes and keeping its troops at five hilltop positions near the frontier. – Reuters/PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Maya Gebeily"},{"name":"Maayan Lubell"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are ‘safe’, Tánaiste Simon Harris says amid escalation in violence"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T22:26:01.397Z","headlines":{"basic":"Six killed as Israel hits back at Lebanon after rocket attack","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"45UBJQFUSPSMTKC5WUCLIUVSB4","auth":{"1":"862c371d7dfc15791fb951786ede58e65215a04e436c985794a963313abb265b"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/45UBJQFUSPSMTKC5WUCLIUVSB4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/middle-east/2025/03/22/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-hamas-latest-updates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/middle-east","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Middle East"}}}},{"_id":"HASNTNT2EVAS7PO3YDYOPJN47Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":133,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/342e2cb7-ea66-479c-a8c0-9f9d8319e2a7/versions/1742671815/media/b350943e2b4c9842cec1e41b45c5217d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/us/2025/03/22/new-mexico-shooting-us-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VWE2C23Z75FNHLZGNWJ7A3QFDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296216},"content":"Three people were killed and 15 others were injured in a mass shooting on Friday night in Las Cruces, New Mexico.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYB2SRUWZZAMRF3NCXQJGBVEEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296217},"content":"Local police said the shooting occurred at around 10pm on Friday at Young Park. Those killed included two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy. Their names and those of the other victims were not yet being released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCFIEVKNJEODHYRZKVOYY465U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296218},"content":"Police have not yet released the names of those killed and others who were injured but did say the victims are between 16 and 36 years old.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4U34HJMEBGBVDGIKSWPUSXCG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Between 50 and 60 shell casings — all from handguns — were found scattered across a wide area of the large park, Police Chief Jeremy Story said, suggesting multiple attackers and multiple weapons in two opposing groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHI6HBRPSBHXFLWNCVMJFPPJJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296219},"content":"No arrests have been made but police are following “multiple leads”, officials said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7EAXDWD6VA7DPG36RA6HHOFAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296220},"content":"In a statement on Facebook on Saturday, the Las Cruces police department issued a public request for videos from the Young Park shooting, particularly “video that shows the shooting or subjects with firearms, to submit the video so investigators can analyze it and help develop a better understanding of the incident”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PEOQ6FHNSRA3JBSL4IABIMYK6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296221},"content":"One witness, 20-year-old Angel Legaspy whose parked car was struck by bullets, told the New York Times: “They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody,” adding that the shooting was “like all over the place”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6ILOV7GYZC3VJHH3GK5Q5FRXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296222},"content":"On Saturday morning, Johana Bencomo, a Las Cruces city councilor, wrote on Instagram: “Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think ... is going to happen in your city but that actually feels deeply untrue. Honestly [nowadays] a tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment, yet also always praying and hoping it never will.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53EMKD7H5BC5FPYFQ5HH3CS4UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296223},"content":"“As with all acts of gun violence in our city and beyond, my heart is broken for the victims and families impacted. This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning,” she added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEVKDPGHVRHSPFDOYJHZZDBLY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296224},"content":"City officials have been contacted for comment. -The Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"No arrests made but police following ‘multiple leads’, officials said"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T17:26:43.647Z","headlines":{"basic":"Three killed and 15 injured in mass shooting in New Mexico ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"G7FRGTLEX32UFX5UYIHAXJB4MA","auth":{"1":"95dcf3bd92a78fdfb2325c9f6496e23d0d0464e7a350d82eaa7e60301ac491b0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/G7FRGTLEX32UFX5UYIHAXJB4MA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2025/03/22/new-mexico-shooting-us-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}},{"_id":"DQVNGMICPVAXXHWTTCMSVUTRLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":306,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15a1bba3-efdb-42fd-bd15-0a1ad9b213ed/versions/1742663593/media/74bc36c5ac78c7a4277c7ec156177401_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/22/palestine-protest-cofounder-of-sanctions-movement-addresses-dublin-crowd/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ARYHV7KOPZAH7J4DPH4QHLUBWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764233},"content":"It is “un-Irish to give up hope”, a co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has said as he urged protesters in Dublin to continue their support for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/palestine\" target=\"_blank\">Palestine</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TY2D6LBRW5ESRM4RPH4NP4HXFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764234},"content":"Thousands of people participated in a solidarity march through Dublin on Saturday, calling for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government\" target=\"_blank\">Government</a> to impose sanctions on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel\" target=\"_blank\">Israel</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3KZJ6GL7JAD3NET7JE47B7XRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764235},"content":"Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs and waving banners and Palestinian flags, stopped for a series of speeches outside Ireland’s national parliament at Leinster House.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKXMAFACX5FETMCK2Z2SBK6ZTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764236},"content":"Speakers led chants of “free, free Palestine” and addressed the large crowd on the re-escalating <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\" target=\"_blank\">conflict in the Middle East</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6H2XNOOF5C5ZJPE6H33HWOZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764237},"content":"The protesters called for the end of Israel’s military activity in Gaza, for states to stop arming Israel, and the cessation of use of Irish airspace for transporting weapons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAUZ3JT3Y5GBZKOEQYBIGMJH24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764238},"content":"The rally, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), is the 14th national demonstration of its kind since October 2023 and is supported by several trade unions and civil society groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2PFIZ4VRVDO3JHZ5LKQG3AN6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764239},"content":"The IPSC has also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, along with the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTCOEVC7V5A6FC3XDXNS3MKVPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764240},"content":"The Government has committed to implementing the Occupied Territories Bill with changes limiting its scope to trade, but it is not on the legislative calendar for this term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZDLQXC4JJA55GLXV2EV3FXFPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764241},"content":"Protesters also carried a giant sphere in the style of the logo of Ireland’s Central Bank with the words “stop funding genocide” painted on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEGHTFLMHJGNTMUFLPLQCEW7EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764242},"content":"Israel chose the Central Bank of Ireland to be the designated authority to approve prospectuses for Israel Bonds in the EU. Pro-Palestinian supporters want the Bank to stop approving their sale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KHQNBZTJJHVLC5RAY4UMAXJTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764243},"content":"The group also wants a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for the Irish Government to roll back on its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism, which it sees as an effort to prevent criticism of Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAR65UNLRAUBKQSHF7GKTEBQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764244},"content":"Speakers at the rally included Omar Barghouti, Palestinian intellectual Ghada Karmi, and IPSC chairwoman Zoe Lawlor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSW7VZNTAVA6HOSFQLERYLOFJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764245},"content":"Mr Barghouti, who cofounded the BDS movement which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, said there was a “profound moral duty” to continue to support Palestine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NX5IG23BBBBUFGINACM6TKK6TU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764246},"content":"Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “I’m here to say that given Israel’s continued genocide against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, we need to escalate non-violent pressure on Irish Government, Irish corporations, Irish institutions to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOEEXVCBBBHGHNIB3T6KSDZGPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764247},"content":"“Palestinians are not asking for charity, we’re asking for ending complicity – to do no harm to us.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HY3FDKWLBVCXJB2DTUTFBVDRKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764248},"content":"“The Irish Government continues to allow the transit of US weapons to Israel, this has to stop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TAKIRL4RVDVBJAGGGN6ES3JSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764249},"content":"“The Central Bank of Ireland continues to profit from genocide through the sale of Israel government bonds, this has to stop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PO6U35ITFRFJLGK4HRRAFR5TZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764250},"content":"Mr Barghouti said: “The Government is blocking the Occupied Territories Bill and the Divestment Bill, this has to end. They have to take measures to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQ3EX7TO7NH35KRIZE5IYE2MBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764251},"content":"“Some people in Ireland might say ‘we’ve been demonstrating for 17 months throughout this genocide, we don’t see any hope’.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVCM3J2L3ZA37AKO6VRKSLLQKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764252},"content":"“But it is so un-Irish to give up hope. The Irish have resisted colonialism for centuries under enormously difficult hardships and they’ve never given up hope.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXORZVQ45RCYVGDOZX2K7P7IPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764253},"content":"“Similarly, Palestinians for 100 years, we’ve been resisting oppression and doing everything we can to live in peace, justice, dignity, equality and self-determination like everyone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCSOUIE37FGETF57EZM44G65AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764254},"content":"“We cannot give up, it is a profound moral duty to do no harm. So we need to escalate people power and pressure to end complicity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOEHCFGWVFANBIES3C7I5EQAXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764255},"content":"Senior figures in Israel’s government have accused leaders in the Irish Coalition of encouraging anti-Semitism, with the Israeli embassy in Dublin announcing last year that it would close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VT2RI6QUHRGKLB6MH6IWX7GOWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764256},"content":"Israeli politicians have criticised Ireland’s decision to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel, with Dublin asking the International Court of Justice to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DP3OMEFHUZDAJPQE5GS5Z7ZFRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764257},"content":"The protest came days after hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre on Wednesday, causing significant delays to transport in the Irish capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LECVWMIZQ5FUDETAKWXZR23NKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764258},"content":"At Saturday’s rally, there were brief scuffles between some of the demonstrators – who came from disparate groups and were not necessarily associated with IPSC – and Irish public order police.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQTFRBQLL5BRRDFKKGOFWQWU3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764259},"content":"A spokesman at the event said at least one attendee had been arrested but An Garda Siochana was unable to immediately confirm that. -PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Cillian Sherlock, PA"}]},"description":{"basic":"Thousands of people called for the Government to impose sanctions on Israel"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T17:07:37.735Z","headlines":{"basic":"Palestine protest: Cofounder of sanctions movement addresses Dublin crowd","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY","auth":{"1":"884b172d141a3c20a6aa27aa43fc477140a935b40aba2296659a1e7ca6115469"},"focal_point":{"x":2420,"y":1990},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/22/palestine-protest-cofounder-of-sanctions-movement-addresses-dublin-crowd/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"VSGMHIDSXVFHRJXIVERYWCOI5U","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/af0bad85-4702-4b78-9897-f8b22982594b/versions/1742660149/media/a0184bc17fd04d56b697475e47f86b96_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/the-sex-pistols-rock-the-100-club-in-london-with-first-gig-in-50-years/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CJEYYSTLAZFYJCHRM6QC2F57JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There was anticipation on Oxford Street in London as The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\">Sex Pistols</a> rocked the 100 Club for the first time in more than half a century, playing classic tunes for a crowd of creaking punks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYEI7FCWLBHMRGV3SFQZPR7MNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a hot and sweaty venue, which harkened back to the band’s glory days, they darted on stage like squaddies on a march, to roars from the audience. They were celebrated by stars and superfans such as Noel Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie and the Jam frontman, Paul Weller.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQGRGJZVHJDWPKMRYEUSDI2CAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Band members in attendance included the guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock, minus <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\">John Lydon</a>, aka Johnny Rotten, who unsuccessfully tried to block the band using songs in a Disney+ series about their story, called Pistol.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3B774VWJK5HIVL4S7D4AOFRQEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The former Gallows and Rattlesnakes lead singer Frank Carter filled in for Rotten as he has done since Jones, Cook and Matlock reunited in 2024 for a series of shows at Bush Hall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AR76MYPW3BECPFEAKMQST3J4IM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 100 Club is also the venue where the late bass player Sid Vicious was alleged to have whipped the NME journalist Nick Kent with a bicycle chain and where Vicious was arrested for leaving a girl blind in one eye after hurling a glass that shattered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZNPO2SRUAOCKM2HS4BGAZ46O4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XEXTUKGKSCTEIAVPPAU4IEKYIE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TSWYW5UEKZD73OHT6G5HZ5OYLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The quartet opened with Holidays in the Sun, which was met by clouds of beer mist unleashed from flying plastic cups as a sea of hands reached up towards the musicians. After the Pistols performed a version of New York, Carter asked the crowd: “How many of you lot were here the first time?” After a roar from the crowd, he shouted: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here with these legends tonight.” He then joked: “Right, who wants to call it there?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISY4HT4KMNA65B2QAU2CA2I6LM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jones then launched into the strings of Pretty Vacant. The crowd was reaching fever pitch. Then, Bodies sent them over the top, singing “I’m not an animal” from the chorus in unison. Matlock and Jones shared a microphone to belt out the lyrics while Carter scaled the top of the 100 Club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUXTTG5RNJAETNLYEP5K3CJNO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"God Save The Queen, a song which prompted major controversy on its release during Queen Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee in 1977, transported the older audience members back to their younger days as they bopped like they were in their 20s again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SBBKETZW5CGRJYNUVQX7BQEMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As they finished their main set, Carter told the crowd: “Five f**king decades later, and they’re back,” before teasing: “Five decades, and that’s all you’ve got?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F5CRR33AFFGXHIUH2DDR72L5CI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Pistols closed with a rendition of EMI and Anarchy In The UK, prompting the crowd to surge to the front. Carter saw off a possible stage invasion by hurling himself from the stage into the crowd. Afterwards, he remarked: “Oh f**k, I forgot you’re all f**king 60.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AI4E3L2KCJHIVHJJW6K26QMJBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The group will perform on Monday for a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Daniel Lavelle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Original band members guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock joined on stage by former Gallows frontman Frank Carter as stars and fans welcomed their return"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T16:10:40.799Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Sex Pistols rock the 100 Club in London for the first time in 50 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president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> has pulled security clearances for former vice president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\">Kamala Harris</a>, former secretary of state <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hillary-clinton/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hillary-clinton/\">Hillary Clinton</a> and others in his latest move against his Democratic opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRDIDZYHZRGRLMZIF55RIPXI54","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” said Mr Trump in a late Friday memorandum that also included former secretary of state Antony Blinken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNP4SBMJBBDLDIHVJFAKB3PC2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Republican president, who had already announced he was revoking security clearance for his predecessor Joe Biden, defeated Ms Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Ms Harris in last year’s election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTXX7YQKYJCKTNJMLZVU6TOHWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The revocations deny access to classified information – a courtesy typically offered to former presidents and some officials after they have left public service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJFGXTBB2NEGDKMOZDOGTZBMF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6FT5PVU6RET3JV3SSBFIU7P3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also targeted Republican former representative Liz Cheney, a sharp critic of his, former Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Fiona Hill, a Russia expert who served on his national security council during his first term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGNZW3MNSBELFKFCAVBG5PBN74","additional_properties":{},"content":"David McWilliams: Once you start looking, the signs of US recession are everywhere","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4HNIJUBSDNGG3IKKJNWNEHHYZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Former US presidents have traditionally received intelligence briefings so they can advise incumbent presidents on national security and foreign policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSZW2U27Y5HRRADSS3NFOSTNYY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2021, Biden revoked the security clearance for Mr Trump, who was then a former president.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD4N2DOAERAZXBECABZVARNWMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier this week, Mr Trump announced he was pulling secret service protections for Mr Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley, “effective immediately”, after it was claimed that 18 agents had been assigned to the former president’s son for a trip to South Africa and 13 to daughter Ashley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAPSPH6XNRC2LEWAYSL5GKSYZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526679},"content":"Meanwhile, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\">US</a> department of homeland security (DHS) said on Friday that it would revoke the temporary legal status of more than 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans welcomed into the US under a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-biden/\" target=\"_blank\">Biden</a>-era sponsorship process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5RGREJDUZAH3J47PAK2WTEJV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is according to a notice posted to the Federal Register and signed by the homeland security chief Kristi Noem.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CU4PASGFVBO3LYF57DWCU3MMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526680},"content":"The order cuts short a two-year “parole” programme – known as CHNV – introduced under <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-biden/\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Biden</a> that allowed 532,000 people who had arrived in the US since October 2022 with financial sponsors to obtain two-year work permits to live and work in the US. Ms Noem’s notice said they will lose their legal status on April 24th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZEDKNNUDBA7ZCLDRCJ5GUGAPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526681},"content":"The new policy affects people who are already in the US and who came under the humanitarian parole programme. It follows an earlier <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trump-presidency/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump administration</a> decision to end what it called the “broad abuse” of the humanitarian parole, a long-standing legal tool presidents have used to allow people from countries where there is war or political instability to enter and temporarily live in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VZ6BSZR6VD4DD5LBLIR7T76EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526682},"content":"During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to deport millions of people who are in the US illegally, and as president he has also been ending legal pathways for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_blank\">immigrants</a> to come to the US and to stay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOU6RX6DYFEOLIVD42XIUHTMMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526684},"content":"Under the new policy, parolees must depart before their parole termination date if they have no lawful basis to stay in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSVFD7IRQBFPNGOENVE4ME7EJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526685},"content":"“Parole is inherently temporary, and parole alone is not an underlying basis for obtaining any immigration status,” DHS said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTLGEQUJPBH45J3KOFXIGP4C34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526686},"content":"Mr Trump said on March 6th that he would decide “very soon” whether to strip the parole status from some 240,000 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\" target=\"_blank\">Ukrainians</a> who have fled to the US during the conflict with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\" target=\"_blank\">Russia</a>. Trump’s remarks came in response to a Reuters report that said his administration planned to revoke the status for Ukrainians as soon as April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FY7ZWEIWHNEQXPXMN3O26HQCSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526687},"content":"Mr Biden launched a parole entry programme for Venezuelans in 2022 and expanded it to Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans in 2023 as his administration grappled with high levels of illegal immigration from those nationalities. Diplomatic and political relations between the four countries and the US have been strained.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ2UJUQOINDA7JGM5XIQAYZPXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526688},"content":"The new legal pathways came as Mr Biden tried to clamp down on illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5GYRA36RZAKBK6GKV4QJAOCV4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3PFAPOGPRRAD5LZ5Q2LJIWHIXI"},"content":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3DNY43BZ7RG6FIT7J7YR4J3WFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526689},"content":"The Trump administration’s decision to strip the legal status from half a million migrants could make many vulnerable to deportation if they choose to remain in the US. It remains unclear how many who entered the US on parole now have another form of protection or legal status.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M33VX42B25B4BAV4XETDDVW2JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526690},"content":"The order has already been challenged in federal courts. A group of American citizens and immigrants sued the Trump administration for ending humanitarian parole and are seeking to reinstate the programmes for people of the four nationalities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGV3ZOAR3NCVFJAM6QPHU4ZJFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526691},"content":"Lawyers and activists raised their voices to denounce the government’s decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTB5J4A4KZECRK4KZSAHHFNHWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526692},"content":"Friday’s action is “going to cause needless chaos and heartbreak for families and communities across the country”, said Karen Tumlin, founder and director of Justice Action Center, one of the organisations that filed the lawsuit at the end of February. She called it “reckless, cruel and counterproductive”. – Guardian/ Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"UULOVGP6F5ENPHGEQA4G7DYMRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"Y46OMQ4QAZGM5K3LMVHLWMDPLE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-91767","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"US department also revokes temporary legal status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T13:57:01.453Z","headlines":{"basic":"Trump pulls security clearance for Clinton, Harris, Blinken and others","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TTNODJKIBAH3RIIB63MFCXDF6U","auth":{"1":"e7f46ab4c49a77778eeb908f775dfa13058ac06f25112dd792f6babdb358f313"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TTNODJKIBAH3RIIB63MFCXDF6U.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2025/03/22/trump-administration-revokes-legal-status-of-more-than-530000-cubans-haitians-nicaraguans-and-venezuelans/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"af5f4d89de81e872aee6b31b6930d5868ac674a6af89b63430eb8148820d7c83"},"expires":1742733321513,"lastModified":1742733021306},"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"includeSections\":\"/world\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"K3XMDV6QRNAR7KHXIJL4TUUW5A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":213,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/be23d646-4b98-4a15-84c5-d466f490a1ae/versions/1742729301/media/39bca3ce6059da6595f0fb4faa860b8c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","content_elements":[{"_id":"H4PYM6ILR5AOPGNJOZP5K73EWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850612},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pope-francis/\" target=\"_blank\">Pope Francis</a> has been discharged from hospital on Sunday after making his first public appearance in more than five weeks, waving from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMXXCWYYONG2JDT4G2VWGXLW7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742730295279},"content":"The pontiff (88) went to hospital on February 14th with a severe respiratory infection that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTLFJMUINVHDXG5KHVIODRSUGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"From his hospital balcony on Sunday morning, Francis blessed the crowd of hundreds below. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCWETKWYTFF7BGWF73SRTS22EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The pope, whose face looked swollen, appeared only for a few moments. He spoke briefly, with a feeble voice, to thank one of the members of the crowd below, who had brought yellow flowers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBGED4JOTBATDODM3PDD5W4K54","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a tired-looking Francis said. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INIHUAAV3ZD4FPDVTKQPWIAJ5E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Thank you to everyone,” Francis told the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLTZTTSHTVGKBD7PJ6QR7Q2RXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” erupted from the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLMNQIKL7ZEBVK5UI6VQCOLWHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"His blessing and greeting came minutes before he was discharged from the hospital and shortly after the release of the text for his Sunday Angelus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU3YJKC7VZHU5BTDIIRHSGYACA","additional_properties":{},"content":"A car carrying Francis left the hospital shortly after noon on Sunday, and was accompanied through Rome by a convoy of police vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AZ5U6PJUN5U6ATBHXQLRFWDCE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DE5VBP7ACFCZPO5ATXZL4VTM2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP5MXBW5X5HCZDACCRQVWPE2CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850613},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HR3QXBVDDJHTHDZWIAGRWBUMRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850614},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RP3JMFCQNBFYNKG7BTY7NSMOUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850615},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7GR4EQNMFATRNII3BW7JIDWRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the Angelus, the pope reflected on his “long period” of hospitalisation. “I have had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD6CFKQR5RADHN5Q3L37BZJGRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"He expressed his sadness at Israel’s renewed bombing of the Gaza Strip and called for an “immediate halt to the weapons and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached”, while urging people to pray “for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNLJUMPSCNFGPIQYB4HPFPSJ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850616},"content":"Dr Sergio Alfieri, who co-ordinated Francis’s medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said the pontiff will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation as he continues recovering at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">the Vatican</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"622OEEE6NJGGPNTZDLLPCL7H4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, his personal doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, said that if he continues his steady improvements to date, he should be able to resume his normal activity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5UOU2LQKRGY7KEGIOHI47GFQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850617},"content":"The doctors spoke at a press conference on Saturday evening in the hospital atrium, their first in-person update on the pontiff’s condition in a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SS4F2OHYOJEA3H5YXFJOLJ4SN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850618},"content":"They provided details on the severity of the infection, which he is still being treated for, and the two respiratory crises that marked the gravest threats to his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTFXWGSWBRDS3NKGJQ2ABONOZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850619},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXLE5UTUCNFVDBH7GTP236WPKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850620},"content":"“When he was in really bad shape, it was difficult that he was in good spirits,” Dr Alfieri said. “But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied ‘I’m still alive’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humour back.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDUFJ2AR4BGQVMUFOL6BUL42JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850621},"content":"Dr Alfieri confirmed that Francis was still having trouble speaking due to damage to his lungs and the time he spent on supplemental oxygen and ventilation, but he added that such problems are normal and predicted his voice will return.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PLTYWXJFFGZLHUF2CYGDUM5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850622},"content":"“When you have a bilateral pneumonia, your lungs get damaged and the respiratory muscles are in difficulty. You lose your voice a bit, like when you speak too high,” Dr Alfieri said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWY3AGRCOZDADAECBRNKC42UDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850623},"content":"“As for all patients, young or old but especially older ones, you need time for it to come back as it was.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MR33NWOEWZHF3NSNG72BNS342M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850624},"content":"The Argentinian pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EV65IXKZURCOTCAZ3QBLMLPQGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850625},"content":"Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and then pneumonia. Blood tests showed signs of anaemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which were resolved after two blood transfusions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2UXMN3SCBBJ7MMEGSH4YRQU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850626},"content":"The most serious setbacks began on February 28th when Francis experienced an acute coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring he use a non-invasive mechanical ventilation mask to help him breathe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD62XJAAQZCIZEWQVLPGOAENFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850627},"content":"He suffered two more respiratory crises on March 3rd, which required doctors to manually aspirate the mucus, at which point he began sleeping with the ventilation mask at night to help his lungs clear the accumulation of fluids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKSFGUB5XJFDLB2RLW7NJXQ6JE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850628},"content":"At no point did he lose consciousness, and doctors reported he always remained alert and co-operative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QB6DOXH7FFCBGMJDKLT2LFRLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850629},"content":"Over the past two weeks, he has stabilised and registered slight improvements. He no longer needs to wear the ventilation mask at night and is cutting back his reliance on high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IF7RMKYF2BFNPPBOORZR5BFPSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850630},"content":"At his home in the Santa Marta hotel, next to St Peter’s Basilica, Francis will have access to supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed, Dr Carbone said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PS4ZVJBRZBE7M5SAMJ7YBASVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850631},"content":"“The Holy Father is improving, and we hope soon he can resume his normal activity,” the doctor added. – AP/ Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTI33HBL6RAU7CBLAH3MMHYBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742721850632},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Pontiff (88) waves from hospital balcony following treatment for pneumonia"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:29:27.13Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pope Francis discharged from hospital after making first public appearance in five weeks","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM","auth":{"1":"3b5abdf74041e4c81f2b1e13f0dcf42e035ca656a5c600ca0082d74749f309ff"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RGAO5M6OA22C6L7LHWGY4EYCDM.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360","embed_html":"<div class=\"powa\" id=\"powa-d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"d0938e40-0d43-40c4-abb8-80ed376cf360\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","promo_image":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"auth":{"1":"9fee19beda4daab937f894dad07b1c89b1908d160b7f9e44e0772cc33795b47e"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/03-23-2025/t_12ed8a2762c5421183877971a596a099_name_https___content_assets_pressassociation_io_AP_2025_03_23_f4dd2fd3083e4894961f859540a6ef7b.jpg"}},"type":"video"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-latest-news/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"37MRWP2ODFFUZD4RFCVOR46JFY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":137,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9012d7bb-2c5b-4c2d-addb-4027da7f1027/versions/1742724075/media/17e07cbd11b8ce8ecd80061d2191ec64_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZUAXWZ2YQ5EUDFWKUZ6K6J3F6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"At least three people were killed, including a five-year-old child, after <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\">Russia</a> launched an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\">overnight drone attack</a> on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQVVEE63EVEE7GYY2NZ2BTGY7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian forces launched 147 drones overnight across Ukraine and the country’s air defence shot down 97 drones, Ukraine’s air force has reported. The previous day, the air defence shot down 100 drones launched by Moscow, and 114 drones the day before that. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCCTQ3GLIBCHNOHSH3VHISJAE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volodymyr-zelenskiy/\">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> said Russian attacks across his country continue to be a “daily reality” despite the partial ceasefire agreed to last week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSZVUJUELVEKFJFUAKZ7P5QQQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Referencing the overnight drone attack on Kyiv, he wrote in a post on X: “These attacks are a daily reality. This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LFGITHPHNCFTJLOSGZBYMUDSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“All of this weaponry contains at least 102,000 foreign components. That’s why sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective. Every loophole that allows them to bypass the sanctions regime must be eliminated.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PHEVE4S6RGCDBMMY2VCWPCU6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukraine’s Kyiv city military administration said at least 10 other people were injured in the latest attacks, with the drones causing several fires throughout the city. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"45HCLCSTRJHJNPVEO5KW37BP24","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two residential buildings in the district of Dnipro caught fire due to falling drone debris, while a fire broke out on the top floors of a nine-storey building in the capital, killing one woman, officials said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3JKZE6CLVGZVEPHE2YXOCUGX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Today, the Russians are once again demonstrating their ‘desire for peace,’” Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPPGKYE3HNBVNDM5XAZ52KO5QQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In reality, terrorists are simply launching deadly weapons at residential buildings.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQP76YBFYFHFJK53NFC4NOO7NE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The attack came ahead of scheduled ceasefire talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia later today. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFL7B2G6IJABRJSNLD7JPSVUDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"After US officials meet the Ukrainians this evening, they will meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday, Reuters reports. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIEAJZC2ZZGA3IVIEBLAY3M5JU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ukrainian officials are expected to be at the talks involving US and Russian officials but would not be in the same room as the Russians. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AV56CLZQPRFWPAIJ5PW3WVZ2AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the talks, the Ukrainian delegation is expected to supply a list of energy infrastructure that would be off-limits for strikes by the Russian military. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BV3SU3FJZFB2ZECY24XVZR22IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEVBCJCGDVFUZOHOJTWXFVZH5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying “we are only at the beginning of this path”, adding that negotiations with Washington tomorrow would be “difficult” and that Moscow’s “main” focus would be on a possible resumption of a deal to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZFQE3Q73JGGTJ7GHKD3FC23HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Russian president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vladimir-putin\">Vladimir Putin</a> and his Ukrainian counterpart Mr Zelenskiy have already agreed to a partial ceasefire covering energy and civilian infrastructure – but both Moscow and Kyiv have accused the other of violating the agreement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEYNTL7L7NFVRMVINP7EVEDNKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Kremlin said last week it had agreed to a US-proposed partial ceasefire, with Mr Putin agreeing to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy targets for 30 days, after a lengthy phone call with US president Donald Trump. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Yohannes Lowe"}]},"description":{"basic":"At least three people are killed, including a five-year-old child, in overnight strikes, say officials"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:05:33.401Z","headlines":{"basic":"Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv ahead of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU","auth":{"1":"23fcdb6dc69a4cf56c03dfe1daf2dd0f0cbc3e576ba15a9a926f236244f41c05"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ORBFMVE75PHKU3RXSINKQYB4FU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/europe/2025/03/23/ukraine-russia-war/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/europe","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Europe"}}}},{"_id":"JR7TOPNGIJBF5IJ7C2B5RXELEI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1071,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f67dd653-0af0-4b6d-b6e4-8178d2f41780/versions/1742488046/media/65789ae0423975bd429bc9782a7fac7a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/us/2025/03/23/how-jeff-bezos-made-peace-with-donald-trump/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QZICERIS3ZA4BLB57HQRLBHRF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615799},"content":"In October 2019, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_self\">Amazon</a> sued the Pentagon, alleging that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\">Donald Trump</a> had blocked the company from securing a $10 billion cloud-computing contract because of his animus towards the Washington Post and its owner <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jeff-bezos/\" target=\"_self\">Jeff Bezos</a> – whom the US president derided as “Jeff Bozo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWOZOT7ZU5HEDHD76U2IPLOESQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615800},"content":"At the time, the dispute was just one example of the near-constant skirmishes between Trump’s White House and corporate America. But the episode left an enduring mark on Bezos, the Amazon founder and the world’s second-richest person.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYY6TBOCGBF3DJU7PD3ENPVXNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615801},"content":"Over the past year, Bezos has executed a sharp public reversal in his relationship with Trump – whom he previously criticised as a “threat to democracy” – that has surprised even longtime associates and has stunned the Post’s newsroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIHNFCA4AFDFFMYJUS2VBPHNFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615802},"content":"On inauguration day, Bezos stood dutifully beside other tech billionaires as Trump was sworn in. The ceremony, which was supported by a $1 million (€920,000) donation from Amazon, was streamed live on Prime Video. The platform has also paid $40 million for a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/01/07/amazon-prime-videos-latest-star-is-melania-trump/\" target=\"_self\">Melania Trump documentary</a> – nearly tripling the bid from rival studio Disney, though Amazon’s offer was for a limited series rather than a one-off programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QYX46LY3FG4ZPKPZWALK47NDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615803},"content":"Roughly $28 million of that sum will go directly in the first lady’s pocket, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4CCDZ2SNZGCNIL4QC4XJFASJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615804},"content":"Amazon recently paid to air old episodes of The Apprentice, Trump’s 2004-2017 reality TV show, on Prime Video – another way to send both money and flattery to the president. At the Washington Post, Bezos killed an editorial board endorsement of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\" target=\"_self\">Kamala Harris</a> and ordered the Post’s opinion section to run <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2025/03/01/jeff-bezos-has-made-a-sacrificial-offering-of-the-washington-post-a-once-great-newspaper-is-dying-in-darkness/\" target=\"_self\">only articles about “personal liberties and free markets”</a>, pledging never to publish views contrary to these principles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSE7ZW3X5BFXTEBWYJ5ISIS6UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615805},"content":"Bezos’s empire includes a stake in the world’s largest ecommerce platform and cloud computing provider, and ownership of rocket maker Blue Origin, as well as one of the US’s most influential newspapers","type":"text"},{"_id":"P3CDQ3FNE5GALA777GST5QG6CQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615806},"content":"According to six people who have worked closely with him across Amazon, Blue Origin and the Washington Post, the decisions are part of a marked shift in Bezos’s strategy towards Trump. These people painted a picture of a shrewd capitalist, making practical calculations to protect his businesses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KN75WZXF4ZGL7E65YL7YXOPZNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615807},"content":"But they also believe Bezos is operating with a dose of fear about Trump, as well as resentment towards what he considers to be the Democrats’ “vilification” of Big Tech during the Biden administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4CTPEHQNNA3LLI5VILN6B2DBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615808},"content":"Several of these people pointed to Amazon’s loss of that $10 billion contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure project (Jedi) – the knockout punch of Bezos’s ugly battle with Trump during his first term – as a watershed moment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YT7CRZDKMJR6YUAGRYKKTE7JM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615809},"type":"image"},{"_id":"E65JTEXIRFFILIUEBMPSNZE2H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615810},"content":"“There was a joke at the time that it didn’t cost Jeff Bezos $250 million to buy the Post, it cost him $10 billion,” the newspaper’s former editor Marty Baron tells the Financial Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CERJ6ERRRE4DKQ5CQ7W5IYJDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615811},"content":"A person who met Bezos days after the Pentagon blow says he was “deeply hurt” by the ordeal. “He sat there going: ‘This is not right.’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUTWGPB7TNB73BMTNBLJYRUAA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615812},"content":"For Bezos there are enormous financial risks to Trump 2.0. His business interests are vulnerable to the tax and tariff debates in Washington, and hold tens of billions of dollars in government contracts spanning national security and space. They are also subject to significant oversight and pressure from regulators.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GF7ZRVIZHVC6ZOLLHQ5VT4BGGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615813},"content":"Perhaps most important to Bezos is the future of Blue Origin, his passion project that aims to make space travel accessible, as the company vies to win US government contracts – often in competition with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3W27VWA6JA63FR6F24OEYD7HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615814},"content":"Blue Origin is gaining momentum, successfully launching a heavy rocket into orbit in January and winning a contract to help send humans to the moon in 2029. But Bezos is still a distant second to Musk – whose company SpaceX has 450 orbital launches under its belt – and his rival’s proximity to Trump presents another danger considering the two billionaires’ frosty relationship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7YXHLBO4FCLVKOR765PBQXBGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615815},"content":"A couple of weeks after November’s election, Musk posted on X that Bezos was “telling everyone that [Trump] would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock”, forcing Bezos to reply “100% not true”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5HY7DHGANCQNIRQH7E2Z7TKYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615816},"content":"One long-time adviser cautions: “He cares most about Blue Origin. His chance of being the player he wants to become in space could be destroyed” if the world’s richest man and most powerful politician united against him. “The growth trajectory for the entire enterprise depends on the federal contract ... otherwise Blue is dead in the water.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7NRWIUL4BK75EEQBPPGVY24UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615817},"type":"image"},{"_id":"K3Y3OSBWXRGJ5MOO3P7ZCHFHGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615818},"content":"People close to Bezos dispute the idea that he is trying to get in the Trump’s administration’s good books to protect his business interests. “Jeff doesn’t make decisions out of fear or shape his actions to appease anyone,” says one. “The idea that any move he makes is some calculated attempt to gain favour is not only false, it misunderstands who he is entirely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRF3UYXHLVGOLEEBJURXLI4LSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615819},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RS2BJSFY5H4NGLYXNZJVSUJZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615820},"content":"In the first two decades of Amazon’s life, Bezos distinguished himself by being largely detached from politics, even as the ecommerce company expanded to become one of the largest in the country – and transformed whole areas of the economy in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMN42BQ4VZHZ5EDVUAO3TLC4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615821},"content":"“You want to know why Jeff has changed? It is part practicality driven by fear, mixed with a little opportunism,” says the adviser. “Jeff got frustrated with what he felt was demonisation of tech by Democrats. It bugged him. Jeff felt like Biden went out of his way to get him and Amazon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAOUWP5RKFGP3MIFKHTMRLFTPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615822},"content":"Bezos has long been sympathetic to libertarian political views, according to people close to him, the result of having spent a lot of time as a child with his grandfather in Texas. “He likes tough Texas ranchers ... he wants people to be independent and fix their own problems,” says a former Blue Origin executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS7PYQ5MRFC5PEFNTCYT6AKLDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615823},"content":"But the close associate pushes back on the notion that Bezos has genuinely shifted politically towards Trump. “I don’t think he is showing his true colours, [this is] not the Jeff I know. I just don’t believe he suddenly thinks Trump is the answer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKMQJGH2BRF4PGERBZ4VD2OO4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615824},"content":"“He may not be all in [on Trump], but he’s not stupid,” says another former senior executive at Blue Origin. “It’s a matter of preservation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QB64FWTYC5DNNMGU64NKZ3MO3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615825},"content":"Baron views the heel-turn as largely a business matter. “Am I to believe that the company that is the source of his wealth, and [the one that] is the focus of his passion, are totally irrelevant to him in all of this? Honestly I’m just not that naive,” says Baron, who steered the Post through the first Trump administration and the Bezos acquisition as editor from 2012 to 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SULSD3YZAVH47JW6ZLKKTS3HNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615826},"content":"Now aged 61, Bezos has changed physically too, Baron and others note, having bulked up to the physique of a bodybuilder. His personal life also transformed when he became tabloid fodder in 2019, divorcing his wife of 25 years after an affair was exposed in the National Enquirer. He is due to remarry this summer to former television anchor Lauren Sanchez.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOV4X36FJRRRCMCOPLQGLJXNEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615827},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LRUFBZA5UJA53GOZUDJRDOVWDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615828},"content":"Bezos’s stark turn towards Trump might be in the best interests of the companies he founded. But it has alarmed the editorial staff at The Washington Post, fuelling an exodus of talent and reportedly hundreds of thousands of subscribers from the newspaper that famously broke the Watergate scandal in the 1970s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FHHJ5KEJRELVA33JLI2VGXU64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615829},"content":"David Maraniss, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor who has worked at the Post for 50 years, recently pledged to “never” write for the newspaper while Bezos is owner. Maraniss says the mood at the paper is “dire, anxious, uncertain, angry, bereft”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHNEQMNXBFGSHLM3LTNRJ3Q4BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615830},"content":"“I’m almost at the point where I just wish they could change the name of the paper, because it’s not The Washington Post any more.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJI27QD7MRC4LKD3SJ23KAAHWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615831},"content":"Trump, meanwhile, approves. “I’ve gotten to know him, and I think he’s trying to do a real job ... with The Washington Post, and that wasn’t happening before,” Trump said in a television interview last Sunday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FHCFTCOJVGCDD55SBN77PKWHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615832},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTECWRKGGJFFDNTXYYTK33OSYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615833},"content":"As Bezos’s business empire has grown, so have its links with the US government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJEGTUEQWRFIZNETADFO2EXARU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615834},"content":"Amazon and Blue Origin hold more than $20 billion in outstanding federal contracts, including the lunar mission and a $10 billion contract between the National Security Agency and its cloud arm, Amazon Web Services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FCRLD5TH55H3LFKLJ2BOCFOEPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615835},"content":"In the aftermath of the 2019 Jedi decision, Amazon filed its lawsuit alleging that the contract award to Microsoft had taken place due to “improper pressure” from Trump. The Post’s coverage had placed Bezos in Trump’s “crosshairs”, the lawsuit alleged, and cited an article that claimed the president had discussed ways to “f**k with him [Bezos]”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPIR5IHOCJDHTAXINZ2TXEHSEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615836},"content":"“The lawsuit was hyperbolic, but it was grounded in Jeff’s thoughts,” says a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6ZYZ2M7LZF6NHTDBMZMBS2FFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615837},"content":"Although the government reopened bidding, it later axed the project under Biden. A subsequent multibillion-dollar cloud contract was split between Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Oracle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXL7ATT62RBZPLXOTACEPBCDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615838},"content":"“In the first administration Jeff was battling with Trump because Trump was coming after him, not because he was some super-progressive,” says a person familiar with Bezos’s decision making. “At the time he believed in the mission of the Post and said the damage to Amazon was worth the cost.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJUVTXGQR5FU5EMXZRRRK3HLFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615839},"content":"“But now Trump is back, that attitude is a casualty of the danger presented,” the person adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYJ47BLOJRCDDPS2EIKY7XIVIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615840},"content":"Bezos and his Big Tech peers are also seeking a de-escalation of the Biden-era regulatory crackdown led by their bête noire Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission. In 2017, when studying at Yale Law School, Khan wrote an article titled “Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox” criticising “predatory pricing” and calling for the ecommerce giant to be broken up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBOASW6AGF6ENNY5VRXC37JNVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615841},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L6SO2RLKONAJZNEJLTFHALLH5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615842},"content":"Six years later, as head of the FTC, she sued the company for running a monopoly that seeks to “inflate prices, degrade quality, and stifle innovation”. The landmark case is scheduled for trial in October 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEEOQEIUANFDPLZF4AMOAQK6LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615843},"content":"“What Bezos and other tech titans have at stake is the FTC, and whether the [new] government is going after them for being monopolies,” says Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think-tank. “The deference to Trump is about preventing direct legal action.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGGLYYNVBBCPNO4QYG6ZG6E3JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615844},"content":"Bezos fears that the government might seek to make an example of Amazon rather than its tech rivals such as Google and Microsoft, according to two people familiar with the matter. However, Khan’s replacement as FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson, has so far shown no sign of easing scrutiny of Big Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNIWXFGSDZDGLLFRU6YKODR2XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615845},"content":"“With Trump it’s less about what he can take away so much as where he might apply the pressure,” says one former Blue Origin executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IT4K6BK7RHQ7PEQLSUQ7ZKMSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615846},"content":"Another close associate says that any move by Trump to deprioritise lunar missions in favour of Musk’s aspirations to reach Mars would have a significant impact on the company’s viability and success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PK7ZU45BKZBTHJ4QYVTT3ELLMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615847},"content":"“It is what he has always dreamt of,” the associate says. “Nothing will hurt Jeff financially – Blue is a money loser. It is more the opportunity to be involved.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKRQUQWRQRE3BP6CKCALKSF3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615848},"content":"Even during the periods when he has been sparring with Trump, Bezos was careful to meet the president whenever requested and found redeeming qualities. He would praise Trump’s “savvy” and tell aides that “he is smarter than you think”, dismissing much of his behaviour as “bombastic theatre”, one associate remembers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCG2GA2GPJCWZDWN3OSDU6S5QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615849},"content":"In a December interview after Trump’s victory Bezos described him as a changed man: “calmer than he was the first time – more confident, more settled”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOUVSB7GB5GBPGTJY52LIREKSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615850},"content":"Bezos has also been careful to cultivate social and financial ties with his family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRXL3EMKRBUPF3OSX52SJ6E7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615851},"content":"In January 2020, he hosted an inauguration after-party of the exclusive Alfalfa Club at his mansion in DC’s Kalorama neighbourhood, inviting non-members Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump as well as Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. Ivanka Trump and Kushner also attended Bezos’s holiday party at a sushi restaurant in Aspen late last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDIRUW43S5EMRPNYVGNLHWZMHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615852},"content":"A person close to Bezos admits that the deal for the Melania Trump documentary “is patently ridiculous, but is very pragmatic”. The person adds: “He is doing a deal, offering money to buy the Trump family’s affection and flattering the president. If you think about it in terms of costs versus benefit, it is pretty low. It’s a smart investment.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYXN36HIIVD5FGNIRBH56SCNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615853},"content":"Amazon says it signed the deal for the Melania Trump documentary “for one reason and one reason only – because we think customers are going to love it”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVGDUNKI6JB5RIQNFEA7YUHD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615854},"content":"****","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYJSHVYWVRCRVPU5NWPHJRXJHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615855},"content":"Inside The Washington Post newsroom, Bezos’s political transformation has been nothing short of traumatic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIRLR34I35B2PL5CI7OG4JAPQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615856},"content":"Bezos acquired the Post in 2013 for $250 million after he was approached by the Grahams, a wealthy family that had controlled the paper for eight decades. At the time, the Post was in a commercial downward spiral, having been hit hard by the industry-wide disruption from the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY3VUAZ6M5E7VCGUJLW4DUT26A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615857},"content":"“From the moment he bought the paper, my sense was that Bezos is a killer, but at least he’s killing for us right now,” says Maraniss. “So there was always a little bit of concern about what might happen in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"763ER24C2IRGFDYTG5PHXKFZE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615858},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NC7N6MSXEFG5XLAPP6CMJQ7EA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615859},"content":"Under Bezos’s ownership, the paper initially enjoyed a renaissance. The Post picked up millions of subscribers, as Bezos had predicted it would, by reporting deeply on the rise of Donald Trump and his presidency. In the face of personal attacks from Trump, Bezos stood by the paper, authorising a doubling of its political staff. He was intimately involved in a rebrand of the Post during the Trump years, even choosing the paper’s new marketing slogan in 2016: “Democracy Dies In Darkness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSD6U6C7DJHCDOUGCLAD6TEIVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615860},"content":"“He actually was great during the first Trump administration. He was very, very arm’s length. He was engaged at a high strategic level ... He didn’t at all get involved in the day to day, he just said: ‘Try to not lose a lot of money,’” says a former executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM5HGYUBABEH5A3MQZLBAKJUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615861},"content":"But the Post has struggled to hold on to the commercial success it reached during the first Trump administration, falling far behind its biggest competitor, the New York Times. Its audience has shrunk and financial losses have ballooned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4ETVK7W25EEPMOWLPY3ACA4MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615862},"content":"“He’s a highly rational person. I think he was comfortable losing $20 million a year. When it gets to $100 million a year, I don’t know what his appetite is for that,” says a former executive who worked closely with Bezos. “I don’t think for him it’s like a mission business in the same way it would be for [the Graham family] or for the Sulzbergers [who own the New York Times].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDYQDUB2SJEQJKA2KZKIHB7NQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615863},"content":"This commercial struggle occurred at the same time that Bezos cozied up to Trump and began intervening on the Opinion section, further sinking morale across the newspaper. At least a dozen seasoned journalists have left to work for competitors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVAW7ZIPCNAH7IWBQJ5HRKWZ64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615864},"content":"Many saw a direct link between his muzzling of the newspaper and rewards for his other enterprises. Hours after Bezos spiked the paper’s endorsement of Harris, Blue Origin chief executive David Limp met Trump at a rally in Texas. Former Post editor-at-large Robert Kagan criticised the meeting as a “quid pro quo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYFTYF2A4BA4BNRMNLCK57V54Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615865},"content":"In the latest fracas, veteran journalist Ruth Marcus resigned last week, claiming that chief executive Will Lewis had axed a column she had written criticising Bezos’s overhaul of the Opinion section. “The Washington Post I joined, the one I came to love, is not The Washington Post I left,” Marcus said of the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAFCOZ6A7JDNZDLKFAINV47NBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615866},"content":"Yet for all the drama in the newsroom, public grievances lodged by senior journalists and relentless media coverage depicting the Post in crisis, there is little indication that Bezos is fazed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNDPQO7DVFBVBKK5DN6CZJTSPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615867},"content":"“He’s a really tough guy. He’s totally charming but he didn’t get where he was by being kind and gentle. In that sense, I don’t know that he’s changed,” says the former Post executive. “I remember him talking about the people he gets for the Amazon board, and he specifically picks people who don’t give a sh*t what other people think. He doesn’t want people on the board like ‘oh my god, we don’t air condition the warehouses?’ I think he himself is like that, too.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EE3S4O6GNFTHP74V4CFD4IBNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615868},"content":"In January, more than 400 Post journalists signed a letter imploring Bezos to meet them about their concerns. He did not respond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR7JE5NKEFCXRJARMEBBH5WDZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615869},"content":"“He’s taken the organisation in a certain direction and seems determined to do that, for whatever reason that he hasn’t fully explained,” says Baron, who adds that he has not tried to contact Bezos about his objections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN6SM66KGZFQBE2KRCT5JJVKEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742726615870},"content":"“Quite simply, I do not think he cares what I think.” − Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Anna Nicolaou in New York, Stephen Morris and Rafe Uddin in San Francisco, and Alex Rogers in Washington"}]},"description":{"basic":"In the past year, the Amazon founder has executed a sharp public reversal in his relationship with the US president that has surprised even longtime 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on Sunday and ordered him to be jailed pending the outcome of a trial on corruption charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVSJCLRP4ZC5TJVN2VTXMX7DD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier this week, sparking the largest wave of street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWPNJLRS5ALJK3KGHLX6ZCTQ4M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UTW5FJIXVJFK5JI72OFLUA3LEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also deepened concerns over democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLFO7V6TUFC2PAGIJ5NNJZ3XWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"His imprisonment is widely regarded as a political move to remove a major contender from the next presidential race, currently scheduled for 2028.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVGPEMYILJDPNCAW7OQB6NPMGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Government officials reject accusations that legal actions against opposition figures are politically motivated and insist that Turkey’s courts operate independently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NY4KN7C6VND2HEVFOI7IBSOE3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The formal arrest came as his opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, began holding a primary presidential election to endorse Mr Imamoglu as its presidential candidate despite the arrest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKOSUIPCNFAJLO56SUYYKQU66E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The party has also set up symbolic ballot boxes nationwide — called “solidarity boxes” — to allow people who are not party members to express their support to the mayor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTWRQ4NWYNPSZN5K2DGR6BF5LI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LXIMC6L74ZB7BGUZEZURNMF7VE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, a fellow member of Imamoglu’s CHP, criticised the lack of confidentiality in the proceedings, telling reporters: “Honestly, we are embarrassed in the name of our legal system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76TPY6KP6RDGDEPHTUY2JRKWIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We learned from television pundits about the allegations that even lawyers did not have access to, showing how politically motivated this whole ordeal has been,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5Z6GVPUBNA4VN2VSC47ESF3D4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mayor’s arrest marks an escalation of a government crackdown on opposition figures and dissenting voices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3D7MD66DZA4RB7ULG4QTJ4PLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Before his detention, Mr Imamoglu had already faced multiple criminal cases that could result in prison sentences and a political ban.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4R2NHIQGBG5FKODYXERUPDOEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was also appealing a 2022 conviction for insulting members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIJCE5UXSKFV344V5FOKPIPANU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TJODZ2SXSRHQDG5YNUJQU7GB6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier in the week, a university nullified his diploma, citing alleged irregularities in his transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus some 30 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3I2PEY4M5ANPKEVLG7V5YPDNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The decision effectively bars him from running for president, since the position requires candidates to be university graduates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVI7GTHLIJAR5BUQXTWKZW47XE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Imamoglu vowed to challenge the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EFBL7HXHJCLNCHHI5NV5MMKAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was elected mayor of Turkey’s largest city in March 2019, in a major blow to Mr Erdogan and the president’s Justice and Development Party, which had controlled Istanbul for 25 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBW5YOVPGJW35F7TKQWTVTHV4Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HK2YXVWFTJDU3AKEG7WBWYNH2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Erdogan’s party pushed to void the municipal election results in the city of 16 million, alleging irregularities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDN6QOABNNF2HILP6YC5KSG6VM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The challenge resulted in a repeat of the election a few months later, which Mr Imamoglu also won.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5S23OKCFJA53DTBKNYFPC3MUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mayor retained his seat following local elections last year, during which the CHP made significant gains against Mr Erdogan’s governing party. — AP","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier this week"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T08:35:10.066Z","headlines":{"basic":"Turkish court 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\">Israeli strikes</a> across <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip\">southern Gaza</a> killed at least 19 people overnight into Sunday, including a senior <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\">Hamas</a> political leader, officials said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVEVWC2ABVCXVKCQ2MMC7265G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Iran-backed rebels in Yemen who are allied with Hamas, meanwhile, launched another missile at Israel, setting off air raid sirens. The Israeli military said it was intercepted with no casualties or damage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKJM66QFOBHSLBJPZCAZJLTFJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The attacks came after Israel carried out a strike in Tyre, south Lebanon, on Saturday, killing one and wounding seven people and endangering the shaky truce that ended a year-long conflict against <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah\">Hizbullah</a>, as 40 survivors of Hamas captivity called on the Israeli government to halt the “endless war”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVAKJYMHJFB2NF47QA5FMZPM7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The strike on a building came after Israel carried out dozens of air strikes in Lebanon on Saturday, its most intense aerial assault on the country in four months. In total, six people were killed, including a child, and 28 injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAF6G2SCBFEHTEQ3H7LW7J7MXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Gaza, Hamas and Palestinian media said on Sunday that an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis killed Salah al-Bardaweel, a Hamas political leader. Pro-Hamas media said the air strike killed Bardaweel, a member of its political office, and his wife. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DBH2T2XWVGMTAYG4XGXDPUSG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israeli officials had no immediate comment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIRXHSELVVF65AR3FXG253DTEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The European and Kuwaiti hospitals in southern Gaza said they had received 17 bodies from attacks over Saturday night into Sunday, including several women and children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGBEHSRVURB4TF6OIAJ7HQVSWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel’s Lebanon strikes were its deadliest there since the November 27th ceasefire which had put an end to 13 months of hostilities between Hizbullah and Israel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5GOILHPAVDGJIGZZMNCU25TJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The strike on Tyre, in particular, one of the largest cities in south Lebanon and far from the Lebanese border, was a major escalation and threatened to upend the fragile ceasefire agreement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5675BIYQFBHVMDM3D6RGCUEEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASGGVTIQFZHJVABNHQMA5FZPD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The wave of Israeli air strikes was triggered by the launching of three rockets from Lebanon by unknown groups, which were intercepted by the Israeli air force.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q353YPFQ6RDCPMMMXRUDA4LWAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Hizbullah denied any involvement in the rocket attacks and stressed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement. It added that Israeli claims that it was behind the strikes were “merely a pretext for continued attacks on Lebanon”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRSUTINLVFJTIYL4XCLQ74ZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lebanon’s minister of defence, Michel Menassa, said the country was “continuing its diplomatic, political and military efforts to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUXRQJ3I4JDBDGM3QBURXSLPTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SFKKELQXZDTLAICH7GOVKOCNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The ceasefire between Israel and Hizbullah has stopped full-scale military hostilities between the two warring parties, though Israel has conducted hundreds of air strikes on Lebanon despite the truce. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOG6FXWENJE7ZCFHBWXOT2DWUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hizbullah has been severely weakened after its war with Israel, with most of its senior leadership dead, thousands of its fighters killed and its weapons stock depleted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NDK3CPMIRGNRANWWVTI5CNTMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, warned on Saturday that renewed military operations in south Lebanon could risk dragging the country back into war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ML34P65I7RHGLLWZLTM6OYGNCQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force that monitors the Israel-Lebanon border, warned against further military escalation that could lead to the ceasefire being broken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZILANSWKSRB3DCCDJCQR3CDWF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Israel, several thousand protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday, blocking key highways across the country in a demonstration against Binyamin Netanyahu’s government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UG43ZUV2BGL5GSGTBDXV2LOMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The immediate trigger for the anger was the government’s attempt to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security agency, a move described as an attempt to undermine Israel’s democratic system, but the prime minister’s decision to shatter a two-month-old truce in Gaza with waves of lethal air strikes has also fuelled the demonstrations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVU5SQS5S5CDVOXDJ3QQ6BNW64","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EZ5H6XYAJD4XLSUGTNHBILZKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Forty freed hostages of Hamas captivity and 250 family members of Israeli soldiers and civilians still held in Gaza signed a letter on Friday calling on Mr Netanyahu to halt Israel’s renewed military activities and return to the negotiating table to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages who are still in the territory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBLD26QRZFDSTN32UTGJPGC3WI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XADWOBMVJ5HIFGNBLR42A2BWSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The letter comes as Israel’s defence minister on Friday said he had instructed the military to “seize more ground” in Gaza and threatened to annex part of the territory unless Hamas released Israeli hostages still held in the devastated territory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAU6EL5ZUDDSJFGOIGRGXHIGCA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"N3U2EF7Q7ZHCBGW7L43F6RD6OU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gaza’s civil defence agency said more than 500 people had been killed since the bombardment resumed, one of the highest tolls since the war began more than 17 months ago with Hamas’s attack on Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5WQX4CHZBGS7NIOKZUZI4OGVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A three-phase ceasefire was agreed in January but Israel refused to begin talks on the implementation of a second phase, which was supposed to lead to a return of all hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent end to hostilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"353CKPLF55EWZCOLL47LWILL6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Instead, Israel proposed a new plan, reportedly put forward by the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, involving a 30- to 60-day truce and the release of all remaining hostages. Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners – a key component of the first phase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJFL3IGVT5H7LBWRUISMEXQSCM","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Saturday, the Fatah movement of Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to safeguard the “existence” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2EVHPR5HJA2NDUTX2RLMNROKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hamas said on Friday it was still debating Mr Witkoff’s proposal and other proposals made by intermediaries, including Egypt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"66RX2ZL7VZCWTEPAXOT2HGHTWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The intense fighting comes as Mr Netanyahu is locked in a fierce battle with Israel’s judicial system after the supreme court blocked his attempt to fire the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, who has been investigating Mr Netanyahu’s close aides for alleged breaches of national security.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH4Q2J65FVBINLRHPBIKXBJWJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"About 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians, died in the surprise attack by Hamas in October 2023. The ensuing Israeli offensive into Gaza has killed more than 49,000 people, mostly civilians. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Lorenzo Tondo in Jerusalem"},{"name":"William Christou in Beirut"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon come amid calls from survivors of Hamas captivity for halt to ‘endless war’"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T07:45:45.272Z","headlines":{"basic":"Israeli strikes kill at least 19 in Gaza, including senior Hamas leader","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QHZ32MV4CDA5MXRSVMPXTN2VSU","auth":{"1":"affe51d81d54f2d765989f5b613d3f994bcaf46682fab2b4f7d8b3ba7b0322cb"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QHZ32MV4CDA5MXRSVMPXTN2VSU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/middle-east/2025/03/23/gaza-strip-lebanon-israel-hamas-war-latest-news/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/middle-east","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Middle East"}}}},{"_id":"EXQPWQMOEVAUXENGHEGJX66L5M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":308,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/48e71e98-1b1b-4a38-a035-8e8fc17a4bc6/versions/1742682364/media/771743264e06e33ec982620eb19d7cf0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/middle-east/2025/03/22/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-hamas-latest-updates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SNVJJRL475D25MR6X7NOAE25VA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel\" target=\"_blank\">Israel</a> has launched a retaliatory strike on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lebanon\" target=\"_blank\">Lebanon</a>, killing six people including a child in the heaviest exchange of fire since its ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hizbullah/\" target=\"_blank\">Hizbullah</a> almost four months ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NEYMHN3VZCIHKG5UXG4T2UPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311167},"content":"The clash endangers a shaky truce that ended a year-long war between Israel and Hizbullah. That conflict marked the deadliest spillover of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_blank\">Gaza</a> war, rumbling across the border for months before escalating into a blistering Israeli offensive that wiped out Hizbullah’s top commanders, many of its fighters and much of its arsenal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YRG7ZX3UJFHFAQ4YXHJM2LQNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rockets fired from Lebanon were the second group launched since December, sparking concern about whether the ceasefire will hold. In a statement, Hizbullah denied being responsible for the latest attack, saying it was committed to the truce.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDWY3DIXFNAKDK37QWACEW4MLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel had said it would respond “severely” to the early Saturday attack targeting northern Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FJYNZ7WIFBWTGZVGPIC6CYBGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel’s army said the intercepted rockets targeted the Israeli town of Metula. An Israeli official said six rockets were fired and three crossed into Israeli territory and were intercepted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAFAP3KF25GRLKBB3SSI66VYAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4ENJOJHLZEBHBDR4ZRUCEZIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311168},"content":"Saturday’s exchange was the first since Israel in effect abandoned a separate ceasefire in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" target=\"_blank\">Gaza Strip</a> with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/palestine/\" target=\"_blank\">Palestinian</a> militant group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hamas/\" target=\"_blank\">Hamas</a>, an ally of Hizbullah, both backed by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/iran/\" target=\"_blank\">Iran</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEEA67CFJZAPBEDGTXDIEH5NRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311169},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-nations-un/\" target=\"_blank\">United Nations</a> peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as Unifil, said in a written statement on Saturday that it was “alarmed” by the border violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLS6NJB6TVH63AV6QABUSD2GZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311170},"content":"“Any further escalation of this volatile situation could have serious consequences for the region,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHWAZBLL5FGSJDT4ZL2RDBSKEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165563},"content":"All Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are “safe”, Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> said as he called for restraint on “all sides”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPRDPS7NXJD3PM4RJJVS6HIPEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165564},"content":"In a statement, the Fine Gael leader said: “Deeply concerned about the latest escalation in violence and tensions between Israel and Lebanon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND4S4I7JDREJ5PIYOE7XMBEO2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165565},"content":"“I can confirm that Irish peacekeepers at Unifil are safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PTZRFKZHZDSDPBG3Y6OHPZCZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165566},"content":"“I am grateful to them for all they do as peacekeepers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEPHZQH2JZGXXIIXCD3BE3Q4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742682165567},"content":"“It is absolutely vital now that all sides show restraint.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZVKVBXJTZETLFTYZDOV6NLNVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311171},"content":"The Israeli military said early Saturday it had intercepted three rockets launched from a Lebanese district about 6km north of the border, the second cross-border launch since a US-brokered ceasefire in November ended the fighting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQARDHEP6NB4ZGHLSAQE5VG2QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311172},"content":"Israel said it was still looking into who was responsible for the launches towards the border town of Metula. Hizbullah did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGCD2IFLFFL3MQNO6QBZQIREU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311173},"content":"In retaliation for the rockets, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and minister for defence Israel Katz ordered the military to “act forcefully against dozens of terror targets in Lebanon”, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TROXJ34HOFCL7GP2IUPDNJ27QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311174},"content":"The Israeli military, in a separate statement, said it was bombing Hizbullah targets in south Lebanon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7SUXLFJIVNG4BJ7HVARYVZYN3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311175},"content":"Lebanon’s state news agency reported a spate of Israeli air strikes and artillery barrages in the country’s war-battered south, including border towns and hilltops about 8km inside Lebanese territory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBWMRLXNTZCNXLVXTVKQVY7HIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311176},"content":"Two people were killed and eight wounded by Israeli air strikes in the south near the border, the state news agency NNA said, quoting Lebanon’s ministry for health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"676GLWO2UJCDTDMJ7T2NPZECXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311177},"content":"There were no reports of casualties in Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KV2RYCETBRDD5JMZ5VGF34GP5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311178},"content":"Under the November ceasefire deal, Hizbullah was to have no weapons in southern Lebanon, Israeli ground troops were to withdraw, and Lebanese army troops were to deploy into the area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAAKL5V645DILPGL7RT5M5VUKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311179},"content":"The agreement specifies that Lebanon’s government is responsible for dismantling all military infrastructure in southern Lebanon and confiscating all unauthorised arms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H33YTCMGQJFQTPQSSEQIWVUSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311180},"content":"President Joseph Aoun ordered the Lebanese army to secure “any violation” that could threaten stability in Lebanon. The army said it had found and dismantled three “primitive rocket launchers” in the south.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPWPL3Y7QRBKBFKT2EOSWDLCPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311181},"content":"Mr Netanyahu said Israel was holding Lebanon’s government responsible for “everything taking place within its territory”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUHAEDRZFFCE5NDQ5ZGJTZKGX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311182},"content":"“Israel will not allow any harm to its citizens and its sovereignty – and will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of the citizens of Israel and the communities of the north,” Mr Netanyahu said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQP2UKN4SJHSZDXENISXTLS6H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311183},"content":"Lebanese prime minister Nawaf Salam warned of a renewal of military operations in the south of the country. “All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” he said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUOIU5SOXBBQ3PLPHQCHQOA7JY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RRFH3HQN2VA2LO5RK2GSEWHNWQ"},"content":"‘Dominoes to foreign interests’: a Christian town on the Lebanon-Israel border","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"L3RCS7X3UNCN5MD2W35GVWO65M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742654311185},"content":"The ceasefire brought an end to Israel’s intense bombardment and ground operations in Lebanon and Hizbullah’s daily rocket barrages into Israel. 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Those killed included two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy. Their names and those of the other victims were not yet being released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCFIEVKNJEODHYRZKVOYY465U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296218},"content":"Police have not yet released the names of those killed and others who were injured but did say the victims are between 16 and 36 years old.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4U34HJMEBGBVDGIKSWPUSXCG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Between 50 and 60 shell casings — all from handguns — were found scattered across a wide area of the large park, Police Chief Jeremy Story said, suggesting multiple attackers and multiple weapons in two opposing groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHI6HBRPSBHXFLWNCVMJFPPJJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296219},"content":"No arrests have been made but police are following “multiple leads”, officials said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7EAXDWD6VA7DPG36RA6HHOFAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296220},"content":"In a statement on Facebook on Saturday, the Las Cruces police department issued a public request for videos from the Young Park shooting, particularly “video that shows the shooting or subjects with firearms, to submit the video so investigators can analyze it and help develop a better understanding of the incident”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PEOQ6FHNSRA3JBSL4IABIMYK6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296221},"content":"One witness, 20-year-old Angel Legaspy whose parked car was struck by bullets, told the New York Times: “They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody,” adding that the shooting was “like all over the place”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6ILOV7GYZC3VJHH3GK5Q5FRXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296222},"content":"On Saturday morning, Johana Bencomo, a Las Cruces city councilor, wrote on Instagram: “Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think ... is going to happen in your city but that actually feels deeply untrue. Honestly [nowadays] a tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment, yet also always praying and hoping it never will.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53EMKD7H5BC5FPYFQ5HH3CS4UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296223},"content":"“As with all acts of gun violence in our city and beyond, my heart is broken for the victims and families impacted. This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning,” she added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEVKDPGHVRHSPFDOYJHZZDBLY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742671296224},"content":"City officials have been contacted for comment. -The Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"No arrests made but police following ‘multiple leads’, officials said"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T17:26:43.647Z","headlines":{"basic":"Three killed and 15 injured in mass shooting in New Mexico ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"G7FRGTLEX32UFX5UYIHAXJB4MA","auth":{"1":"95dcf3bd92a78fdfb2325c9f6496e23d0d0464e7a350d82eaa7e60301ac491b0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/G7FRGTLEX32UFX5UYIHAXJB4MA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2025/03/22/new-mexico-shooting-us-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}},{"_id":"DQVNGMICPVAXXHWTTCMSVUTRLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":306,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15a1bba3-efdb-42fd-bd15-0a1ad9b213ed/versions/1742663593/media/74bc36c5ac78c7a4277c7ec156177401_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/22/palestine-protest-cofounder-of-sanctions-movement-addresses-dublin-crowd/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ARYHV7KOPZAH7J4DPH4QHLUBWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764233},"content":"It is “un-Irish to give up hope”, a co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has said as he urged protesters in Dublin to continue their support for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/palestine\" target=\"_blank\">Palestine</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TY2D6LBRW5ESRM4RPH4NP4HXFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764234},"content":"Thousands of people participated in a solidarity march through Dublin on Saturday, calling for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government\" target=\"_blank\">Government</a> to impose sanctions on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel\" target=\"_blank\">Israel</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3KZJ6GL7JAD3NET7JE47B7XRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764235},"content":"Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs and waving banners and Palestinian flags, stopped for a series of speeches outside Ireland’s national parliament at Leinster House.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKXMAFACX5FETMCK2Z2SBK6ZTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764236},"content":"Speakers led chants of “free, free Palestine” and addressed the large crowd on the re-escalating <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel-hamas-conflict/\" target=\"_blank\">conflict in the Middle East</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6H2XNOOF5C5ZJPE6H33HWOZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764237},"content":"The protesters called for the end of Israel’s military activity in Gaza, for states to stop arming Israel, and the cessation of use of Irish airspace for transporting weapons.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAUZ3JT3Y5GBZKOEQYBIGMJH24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764238},"content":"The rally, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), is the 14th national demonstration of its kind since October 2023 and is supported by several trade unions and civil society groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2PFIZ4VRVDO3JHZ5LKQG3AN6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764239},"content":"The IPSC has also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, along with the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTCOEVC7V5A6FC3XDXNS3MKVPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764240},"content":"The Government has committed to implementing the Occupied Territories Bill with changes limiting its scope to trade, but it is not on the legislative calendar for this term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZDLQXC4JJA55GLXV2EV3FXFPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764241},"content":"Protesters also carried a giant sphere in the style of the logo of Ireland’s Central Bank with the words “stop funding genocide” painted on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEGHTFLMHJGNTMUFLPLQCEW7EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764242},"content":"Israel chose the Central Bank of Ireland to be the designated authority to approve prospectuses for Israel Bonds in the EU. Pro-Palestinian supporters want the Bank to stop approving their sale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KHQNBZTJJHVLC5RAY4UMAXJTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764243},"content":"The group also wants a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for the Irish Government to roll back on its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism, which it sees as an effort to prevent criticism of Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAR65UNLRAUBKQSHF7GKTEBQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764244},"content":"Speakers at the rally included Omar Barghouti, Palestinian intellectual Ghada Karmi, and IPSC chairwoman Zoe Lawlor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSW7VZNTAVA6HOSFQLERYLOFJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764245},"content":"Mr Barghouti, who cofounded the BDS movement which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, said there was a “profound moral duty” to continue to support Palestine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NX5IG23BBBBUFGINACM6TKK6TU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764246},"content":"Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “I’m here to say that given Israel’s continued genocide against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, we need to escalate non-violent pressure on Irish Government, Irish corporations, Irish institutions to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOEEXVCBBBHGHNIB3T6KSDZGPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764247},"content":"“Palestinians are not asking for charity, we’re asking for ending complicity – to do no harm to us.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HY3FDKWLBVCXJB2DTUTFBVDRKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764248},"content":"“The Irish Government continues to allow the transit of US weapons to Israel, this has to stop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TAKIRL4RVDVBJAGGGN6ES3JSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764249},"content":"“The Central Bank of Ireland continues to profit from genocide through the sale of Israel government bonds, this has to stop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PO6U35ITFRFJLGK4HRRAFR5TZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764250},"content":"Mr Barghouti said: “The Government is blocking the Occupied Territories Bill and the Divestment Bill, this has to end. They have to take measures to end complicity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQ3EX7TO7NH35KRIZE5IYE2MBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764251},"content":"“Some people in Ireland might say ‘we’ve been demonstrating for 17 months throughout this genocide, we don’t see any hope’.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVCM3J2L3ZA37AKO6VRKSLLQKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764252},"content":"“But it is so un-Irish to give up hope. The Irish have resisted colonialism for centuries under enormously difficult hardships and they’ve never given up hope.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXORZVQ45RCYVGDOZX2K7P7IPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764253},"content":"“Similarly, Palestinians for 100 years, we’ve been resisting oppression and doing everything we can to live in peace, justice, dignity, equality and self-determination like everyone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCSOUIE37FGETF57EZM44G65AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764254},"content":"“We cannot give up, it is a profound moral duty to do no harm. So we need to escalate people power and pressure to end complicity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOEHCFGWVFANBIES3C7I5EQAXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764255},"content":"Senior figures in Israel’s government have accused leaders in the Irish Coalition of encouraging anti-Semitism, with the Israeli embassy in Dublin announcing last year that it would close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VT2RI6QUHRGKLB6MH6IWX7GOWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764256},"content":"Israeli politicians have criticised Ireland’s decision to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel, with Dublin asking the International Court of Justice to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DP3OMEFHUZDAJPQE5GS5Z7ZFRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764257},"content":"The protest came days after hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre on Wednesday, causing significant delays to transport in the Irish capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LECVWMIZQ5FUDETAKWXZR23NKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764258},"content":"At Saturday’s rally, there were brief scuffles between some of the demonstrators – who came from disparate groups and were not necessarily associated with IPSC – and Irish public order police.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQTFRBQLL5BRRDFKKGOFWQWU3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742661764259},"content":"A spokesman at the event said at least one attendee had been arrested but An Garda Siochana was unable to immediately confirm that. -PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Cillian Sherlock, PA"}]},"description":{"basic":"Thousands of people called for the Government to impose sanctions on Israel"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T17:07:37.735Z","headlines":{"basic":"Palestine protest: Cofounder of sanctions movement addresses Dublin crowd","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY","auth":{"1":"884b172d141a3c20a6aa27aa43fc477140a935b40aba2296659a1e7ca6115469"},"focal_point":{"x":2420,"y":1990},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SBKD42IGESONN4JUJR5RZQDQAY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Dublin"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Middle East"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/dublin/2025/03/22/palestine-protest-cofounder-of-sanctions-movement-addresses-dublin-crowd/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Dublin"}}}},{"_id":"VSGMHIDSXVFHRJXIVERYWCOI5U","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/af0bad85-4702-4b78-9897-f8b22982594b/versions/1742660149/media/a0184bc17fd04d56b697475e47f86b96_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/music/2025/03/22/the-sex-pistols-rock-the-100-club-in-london-with-first-gig-in-50-years/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CJEYYSTLAZFYJCHRM6QC2F57JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There was anticipation on Oxford Street in London as The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sex-pistols/\">Sex Pistols</a> rocked the 100 Club for the first time in more than half a century, playing classic tunes for a crowd of creaking punks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYEI7FCWLBHMRGV3SFQZPR7MNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a hot and sweaty venue, which harkened back to the band’s glory days, they darted on stage like squaddies on a march, to roars from the audience. They were celebrated by stars and superfans such as Noel Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie and the Jam frontman, Paul Weller.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQGRGJZVHJDWPKMRYEUSDI2CAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Band members in attendance included the guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock, minus <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-lydon/\">John Lydon</a>, aka Johnny Rotten, who unsuccessfully tried to block the band using songs in a Disney+ series about their story, called Pistol.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3B774VWJK5HIVL4S7D4AOFRQEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The former Gallows and Rattlesnakes lead singer Frank Carter filled in for Rotten as he has done since Jones, Cook and Matlock reunited in 2024 for a series of shows at Bush Hall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AR76MYPW3BECPFEAKMQST3J4IM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 100 Club is also the venue where the late bass player Sid Vicious was alleged to have whipped the NME journalist Nick Kent with a bicycle chain and where Vicious was arrested for leaving a girl blind in one eye after hurling a glass that shattered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZNPO2SRUAOCKM2HS4BGAZ46O4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XEXTUKGKSCTEIAVPPAU4IEKYIE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TSWYW5UEKZD73OHT6G5HZ5OYLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The quartet opened with Holidays in the Sun, which was met by clouds of beer mist unleashed from flying plastic cups as a sea of hands reached up towards the musicians. After the Pistols performed a version of New York, Carter asked the crowd: “How many of you lot were here the first time?” After a roar from the crowd, he shouted: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here with these legends tonight.” He then joked: “Right, who wants to call it there?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISY4HT4KMNA65B2QAU2CA2I6LM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jones then launched into the strings of Pretty Vacant. The crowd was reaching fever pitch. Then, Bodies sent them over the top, singing “I’m not an animal” from the chorus in unison. Matlock and Jones shared a microphone to belt out the lyrics while Carter scaled the top of the 100 Club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUXTTG5RNJAETNLYEP5K3CJNO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"God Save The Queen, a song which prompted major controversy on its release during Queen Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee in 1977, transported the older audience members back to their younger days as they bopped like they were in their 20s again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SBBKETZW5CGRJYNUVQX7BQEMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As they finished their main set, Carter told the crowd: “Five f**king decades later, and they’re back,” before teasing: “Five decades, and that’s all you’ve got?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F5CRR33AFFGXHIUH2DDR72L5CI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Pistols closed with a rendition of EMI and Anarchy In The UK, prompting the crowd to surge to the front. Carter saw off a possible stage invasion by hurling himself from the stage into the crowd. Afterwards, he remarked: “Oh f**k, I forgot you’re all f**king 60.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AI4E3L2KCJHIVHJJW6K26QMJBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The group will perform on Monday for a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Daniel Lavelle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Original band members guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock joined on stage by former Gallows frontman Frank Carter as stars and fans welcomed their return"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T16:10:40.799Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Sex Pistols rock the 100 Club in London for the first time in 50 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president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> has pulled security clearances for former vice president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kamala-harris/\">Kamala Harris</a>, former secretary of state <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hillary-clinton/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hillary-clinton/\">Hillary Clinton</a> and others in his latest move against his Democratic opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRDIDZYHZRGRLMZIF55RIPXI54","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” said Mr Trump in a late Friday memorandum that also included former secretary of state Antony Blinken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNP4SBMJBBDLDIHVJFAKB3PC2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Republican president, who had already announced he was revoking security clearance for his predecessor Joe Biden, defeated Ms Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Ms Harris in last year’s election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTXX7YQKYJCKTNJMLZVU6TOHWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The revocations deny access to classified information – a courtesy typically offered to former presidents and some officials after they have left public service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJFGXTBB2NEGDKMOZDOGTZBMF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6FT5PVU6RET3JV3SSBFIU7P3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also targeted Republican former representative Liz Cheney, a sharp critic of his, former Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Fiona Hill, a Russia expert who served on his national security council during his first term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGNZW3MNSBELFKFCAVBG5PBN74","additional_properties":{},"content":"David McWilliams: Once you start looking, the signs of US recession are everywhere","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4HNIJUBSDNGG3IKKJNWNEHHYZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Former US presidents have traditionally received intelligence briefings so they can advise incumbent presidents on national security and foreign policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSZW2U27Y5HRRADSS3NFOSTNYY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2021, Biden revoked the security clearance for Mr Trump, who was then a former president.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD4N2DOAERAZXBECABZVARNWMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier this week, Mr Trump announced he was pulling secret service protections for Mr Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley, “effective immediately”, after it was claimed that 18 agents had been assigned to the former president’s son for a trip to South Africa and 13 to daughter Ashley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAPSPH6XNRC2LEWAYSL5GKSYZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526679},"content":"Meanwhile, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\">US</a> department of homeland security (DHS) said on Friday that it would revoke the temporary legal status of more than 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans welcomed into the US under a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-biden/\" target=\"_blank\">Biden</a>-era sponsorship process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5RGREJDUZAH3J47PAK2WTEJV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is according to a notice posted to the Federal Register and signed by the homeland security chief Kristi Noem.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CU4PASGFVBO3LYF57DWCU3MMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526680},"content":"The order cuts short a two-year “parole” programme – known as CHNV – introduced under <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-biden/\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Biden</a> that allowed 532,000 people who had arrived in the US since October 2022 with financial sponsors to obtain two-year work permits to live and work in the US. Ms Noem’s notice said they will lose their legal status on April 24th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZEDKNNUDBA7ZCLDRCJ5GUGAPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526681},"content":"The new policy affects people who are already in the US and who came under the humanitarian parole programme. It follows an earlier <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trump-presidency/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump administration</a> decision to end what it called the “broad abuse” of the humanitarian parole, a long-standing legal tool presidents have used to allow people from countries where there is war or political instability to enter and temporarily live in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VZ6BSZR6VD4DD5LBLIR7T76EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526682},"content":"During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to deport millions of people who are in the US illegally, and as president he has also been ending legal pathways for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_blank\">immigrants</a> to come to the US and to stay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOU6RX6DYFEOLIVD42XIUHTMMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526684},"content":"Under the new policy, parolees must depart before their parole termination date if they have no lawful basis to stay in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSVFD7IRQBFPNGOENVE4ME7EJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526685},"content":"“Parole is inherently temporary, and parole alone is not an underlying basis for obtaining any immigration status,” DHS said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTLGEQUJPBH45J3KOFXIGP4C34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526686},"content":"Mr Trump said on March 6th that he would decide “very soon” whether to strip the parole status from some 240,000 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-war/\" target=\"_blank\">Ukrainians</a> who have fled to the US during the conflict with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/russia/\" target=\"_blank\">Russia</a>. Trump’s remarks came in response to a Reuters report that said his administration planned to revoke the status for Ukrainians as soon as April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FY7ZWEIWHNEQXPXMN3O26HQCSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526687},"content":"Mr Biden launched a parole entry programme for Venezuelans in 2022 and expanded it to Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans in 2023 as his administration grappled with high levels of illegal immigration from those nationalities. Diplomatic and political relations between the four countries and the US have been strained.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ2UJUQOINDA7JGM5XIQAYZPXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526688},"content":"The new legal pathways came as Mr Biden tried to clamp down on illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5GYRA36RZAKBK6GKV4QJAOCV4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3PFAPOGPRRAD5LZ5Q2LJIWHIXI"},"content":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3DNY43BZ7RG6FIT7J7YR4J3WFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526689},"content":"The Trump administration’s decision to strip the legal status from half a million migrants could make many vulnerable to deportation if they choose to remain in the US. It remains unclear how many who entered the US on parole now have another form of protection or legal status.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M33VX42B25B4BAV4XETDDVW2JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526690},"content":"The order has already been challenged in federal courts. A group of American citizens and immigrants sued the Trump administration for ending humanitarian parole and are seeking to reinstate the programmes for people of the four nationalities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGV3ZOAR3NCVFJAM6QPHU4ZJFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526691},"content":"Lawyers and activists raised their voices to denounce the government’s decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTB5J4A4KZECRK4KZSAHHFNHWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742638526692},"content":"Friday’s action is “going to cause needless chaos and heartbreak for families and communities across the country”, said Karen Tumlin, founder and director of Justice Action Center, one of the organisations that filed the lawsuit at the end of February. She called it “reckless, cruel and counterproductive”. – Guardian/ Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"UULOVGP6F5ENPHGEQA4G7DYMRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"Y46OMQ4QAZGM5K3LMVHLWMDPLE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-91767","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"US department also revokes temporary legal status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T13:57:01.453Z","headlines":{"basic":"Trump pulls security clearance for Clinton, Harris, Blinken and others","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TTNODJKIBAH3RIIB63MFCXDF6U","auth":{"1":"e7f46ab4c49a77778eeb908f775dfa13058ac06f25112dd792f6babdb358f313"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TTNODJKIBAH3RIIB63MFCXDF6U.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2025/03/22/trump-administration-revokes-legal-status-of-more-than-530000-cubans-haitians-nicaraguans-and-venezuelans/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"532bb419fe3ccec23112c67d4fb61da44352a0580a9f5446082b429090ee6842"},"expires":1742733321494,"lastModified":1742733021311},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"includeSections\":\"/crime-law\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"PQYLS3X3YJFPXLJPT4NOZXYPBU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/23/man-60-charged-in-connection-with-106-million-cocaine-seizure/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UTU3CPZHEJDP7BGAFDIIX3Z4GE","additional_properties":{},"content":"A 60-year-old man has been charged in connection with a large cocaine seizure in the southeast.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYRTYXWYB5CADHP6Y6BKJBL7B4","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Tuesday, An Garda Síochána seized cocaine valued at about €10.6 million after stopping a truck on the M9 in Co Kilkenny. They found the drugs in a hidden compartment in the truck.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63OMIHMZWVFTDPC3VTQIIGPAII","additional_properties":{},"content":"A man arrested as part of the investigation has since been charged, gardaí said on Sunday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NHV3HEPYNFXXO5C3XHVSMYILA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He is expected to appear before a special sitting of Gorey District Court this evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AMCE73LOZHVVGEG3EUOE5DYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Waterford Drug and Crime Units carried out the operation on Tuesday morning. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6AWI6VAWZHJBAC3LCQJ73XH6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"They seized the truck and what they say is an estimated 152 kilograms of cocaine, valued at €10.6 million","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7EV4LFQJZEB5C3DXYKHQTGIME","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OX3LWXWVX5BVFMINE563IG6JLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Órla Ryan"}},"name":"Órla Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Suspect due to appear before Gorey District Court this evening"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:17:50.209Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (60) charged in connection with €10.6 million cocaine 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occurred outside a property on Hogan Avenue, Kileely, shortly before 11pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6WPOCIEWBVDMLBXSYBG7YCZZVQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"No one was injured in the incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUCLICYNUJCGVB4XUERXV34QRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gardaí responded at the scene and are continuing their inquiries this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3JCYAY4WNECFILJZJLL3QJV74","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gardaí are understood to be investigating if the shooting is linked to recent similar attacks amid violent feuding in areas around the city.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXM5SDFNSZC7XFL7GVLXPDOZ5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tensions between a number of local groups have escalated in recent weeks, resulting in a number of shootings and arson attacks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXTNKAYFT5F4RLGWKVCH3BCY3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIQWXQRZK5FRBFFB44QVH72KHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"David Raleigh"}]},"description":{"basic":"No injuries reported following firearm discharge"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T10:24:02.481Z","headlines":{"basic":"Shots fired outside Limerick city house on Saturday night","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RWP4RZUHU2BQ7AAXDQYSMHP5XU","auth":{"1":"0824684146f5c8d07ed10c0b8823b679e2fbbaaab33fb7c369185841cde72143"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RWP4RZUHU2BQ7AAXDQYSMHP5XU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & 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The operation aims to “disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug-trafficking networks, at all levels – international, national, local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs”.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Arrest and seizure carried out under Operation Tara, the nationwide drive against drug gangs"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T15:07:55.631Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (40s) arrested after nearly €550,000 worth of cocaine and MDMA seized in Clondalkin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UCTOYORJ657N25EKPVWEXPZMN4","auth":{"1":"e78c4d48033c64d094b288ed82769e372d35efef3cc4ef5d5ba2b8d030d6b5a2"},"focal_point":{"x":691,"y":291},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UCTOYORJ657N25EKPVWEXPZMN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/man-in-his-40s-arrested-after-nearly-550000-worth-of-cocaine-and-mdma-seized-in-clondalkin/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"M52EKSMEXFFGRMM7TKQIY5YY2Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":156,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/28fd721b-21e0-456e-b6f7-4bef6e9d4853/versions/1742654841/media/39b9fb25d1a702f10f54468decfa89ac_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/man-50s-arrested-in-belfast-after-two-police-cars-rammed-during-pursuit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BVDK7KTSP5C2LFPSGHZDIZCGGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544303},"content":"A man has been arrested after a car chase in which two police vehicles were rammed in west <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/belfast/\" target=\"_blank\">Belfast</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXC6RR35JVB2JCTWIYETQWRY3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544304},"content":"Four police officers suffered minor injuries during what the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/police-service-of-northern-ireland-psni/\" target=\"_blank\">Police Service Northern Ireland</a> (PSNI) described as a “completely reckless and dangerous” incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BH7ML6KQEVEMFMRUV22R2IUV4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544305},"content":"A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving when unfit, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/road-safety/\" target=\"_blank\">dangerous driving</a> and failing to stop for police, and remains in custody. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QF6CZTWBINBN3BWPPOZ74LEPGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544306},"content":"Officers on patrol in the early hours of Saturday morning began to pursue a black Audi A4 after it allegedly failed to stop for police near Servia Street at about 2.30am.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWLXF7MW3JHODEJWQYGIVRRWOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544307},"content":"Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham said the suspect vehicle was observed weaving on to the wrong side of the road, failing to give way at junctions and driving the wrong way around a roundabout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NE7JYVBLBFMXFVJNEEHFWURGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544308},"content":"Mr Cunningham said: “Two police callsigns brought the vehicle to a stop in the Upper Springfield Road area a short time later, however, the suspect driver reverse rammed the front of one of the police vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2K4SH6RCNFBAFJLZMNNKUTND3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544309},"content":"“At this time, the police vehicle was stationary but the officer in the front passenger seat was in the process of exiting the car when the collision occurred, and was jolted into the doorframe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTNVPYEE5NCXZJVGO4PQJW4CVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544310},"content":"“The driver of the suspect vehicle then collided with a second police vehicle when attempting to make off again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQTDP455ANBFZFXAZ4XT22EMGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544311},"content":"“Four officers sustained minor injuries, but despite this they remained on duty, which reflects their resilience during difficult challenges they face on a daily basis, while working to keep people safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEKWO4PDKBAFBMMLEPBGY3V2TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544312},"content":"“Our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DULDXHF6ZFCFFPSCB25ZVPST3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544313},"content":"The two police cars will be off the road while they undergo repairs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMJZV7XTNFALXPZ2ZSIZYAY3GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544314},"content":"Mr Cunningham added: “A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of offences including driving when unfit, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He remains in custody at this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFODJJ3NQBA2ZD7CT457HRYRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544315},"content":"“Thankfully we are not dealing with more serious injuries today – and the actions of the driver responsible for the pursuit and subsequent collision with our officers is totally unacceptable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QZ2GMHAX5BALOFPWWUE7COWV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544316},"content":"“Members of the public could have also been injured during this completely reckless and dangerous incident.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHZRJZVOONHCJGYT2M2HYQ4HAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544317},"content":"Anyone with information, including dashcam or other footage, is asked to contact PSNI on 101, quoting reference 130 of 22/3/25. – PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Four officers sustained minor injuries during ‘completely reckless and dangerous’ incident"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T14:42:15.151Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (50s) arrested in Belfast after two police cars rammed during pursuit","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VV2VRM3LRRGHRAD3JY7IV7GWBY","auth":{"1":"6b3a6cd67349796622d0eeb7c9c278011f1a80ffbcaafe559345e12ff5effbdd"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VV2VRM3LRRGHRAD3JY7IV7GWBY"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/man-50s-arrested-in-belfast-after-two-police-cars-rammed-during-pursuit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"RF4Z5N5B2JDUBHFREMZCEQBUVM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":103,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/09274e51-a363-45aa-8640-5f9494e92192/versions/1742642620/media/0a54ef25501e1ee3091aefe1bb8a1ed1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/two-men-being-treated-for-serious-injuries-following-shooting-in-portlaoise/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DL76GH2VSRGW7NRSTEFTBXQ3ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905936},"content":"Two men are receiving treatment for serious injuries in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin’s</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-jamess-hospital/\" target=\"_blank\">St James’s Hospital</a> following a shooting in the midlands on Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISBZAKWS3NDABPIGZQHDSOUUFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905937},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\">Gardaí </a>were called to the Midlands Regional Hospital in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/portlaoise/\" target=\"_blank\">Portlaoise</a> at about 9.50pm on Friday following a public disturbance outside the hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5M3NFTCSNH4FEMJAB4HAUJFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905938},"content":"It is understood the individuals involved in the altercation had fled the scene by the time gardaí arrived.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUXFJU4IXJDHTNDIQTMXU3UU5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905939},"content":"About 15 minutes later, gardaí and members of the divisional armed support unit responded to reports of shots fired at a residence in Kilcruttin on the outskirts of Tullamore, Co Offaly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZZUSBENMBAEXAHQWUECNK42LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905940},"content":"Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were transferred to St James’s Hospital in Dublin for treatment for serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZO2BAPSENEXTM7KSQITDUC24I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905941},"content":"A Garda spokesman confirmed the incident outside Midlands Regional Hospital and the shooting in Kilcruttin are linked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPZXURQXWBGFZG7EVXVHEDW6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905942},"content":"The scene at the Kilcruttin residence has been preserved for examination. No arrests have been made.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCXNUNCVVNHWZBL5TZ3T5WC3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905943},"content":"Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information relating to the two incidents to contact them. They are also appealing for any road users who were in the Midlands Regional Hospital and Kilcruttin areas of Tullamore between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday and who may have camera footage (including dashcam footage) to get in contact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDLXYHZX2NBFBIQYRYG3LUQQF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905944},"content":"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057 932 7600, the Garda confidential line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gardaí appeal for information related to two linked incidents"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T11:05:36.845Z","headlines":{"basic":"Two men treated for serious injuries following shooting in Offaly","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"74EXMY7RSFHQ5KU3YP5S7MV6TM","auth":{"1":"860d4b79f70a0dac0f7bda6c3a8878e95c097eadca38dae9038b5e5865af25c8"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/74EXMY7RSFHQ5KU3YP5S7MV6TM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/two-men-being-treated-for-serious-injuries-following-shooting-in-portlaoise/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"E3UOHVDJ5VBFLIPDM7LOCNS4UQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/59ceb1c5-58a6-479e-b403-d73bb994c4df/versions/1742583050/media/acdf0d8fe1c85bb02f4f48cee63fcab6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/serial-fraudster-samantha-cookes-at-centre-of-new-garda-investigation/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDHKQCADJVBEFGQIEQ7VX47LBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A serial fraudster, who worked as an au pair for families across the country under multiple aliases for a decade, is now the subject of a new theft and fraud offences Garda investigation. The fresh Garda inquiry into Samantha Cookes, who is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/03/05/samantha-cookes-jailed-for-three-years-for-deliberate-fraud-over-protracted-period/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/03/05/samantha-cookes-jailed-for-three-years-for-deliberate-fraud-over-protracted-period/\">currently serving a prison sentence</a> for a €60,000 social welfare fraud, is being carried out by gardaí in Kerry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7XPGVB6INB7ZHYLPP2SUAAYGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 36-year-old, originally from Gloucester, lived in the county, in Cahersiveen and Kenmare, for three years to the end of 2022. She also spent time there last year, when she was arrested in Tralee as part of the social welfare inquiry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGMCV7ALFRCDBDYK7SHMRQULPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While there she was selling sensory toys for children with special needs via a website. While she claimed online she was making the toys with a 3D printer, no toys were ever delivered to people who ordered and paid sums online. Furniture also went missing from a house she was renting in Kenmare, where she sublet the property via Airbnb without permission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEHJ5SRO3BAI5L324HGNIJSPQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Her activities in Co Kerry are now being investigated as part of a new theft and fraud offences criminal investigation, which sources said was nearing a conclusion and may result in new criminal charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EKDOQGBFVACXF4LCKBHMPWWII","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96617","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GNYEERDF3NARHB3Y54RIQMDISA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While in Kerry, she also posed as a terminally ill writer, Carrie Jade Williams, and won awards for some of her writing, including pieces based on her fake assumed identity of a writer dying from Huntington’s disease. She secured Arts Council grants, in 2021 and 2022, totalling €36,250.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SLPFHLLNNC7VLJ7JNMW32TXM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Serial fraudster Samantha Cookes’s funding applications considered by Arts Council on ‘artistic merit’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7UNFKRHC5RBWJAOFZ7RWXH56P4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cookes is not terminally ill and has been in Ireland just over a decade, during which time she has adapted multiple aliases and worked as a live-in au pair for couples with young children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQXK7BYRMJE67MSF2FJK6NEB5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Last July she was arrested outside a post office in Tralee for social welfare fraud of €60,334.35 after securing payments based on her claimed, though faked, medical condition. She was sentenced to three years earlier this month and has been in prison since her arrest last summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DUQMTFDL6FGM7AU6PZKTOPRYWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In May 2019 she was convicted in the courts in Cork on four fraud and theft charges, with a 14-week suspended sentence imposed. Three charges related to a bogus trip to Lapland she claimed to be organising while living in south Co Dublin in 2016, and which she collected deposits for before she disappeared. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"REF3PP33IVHS5P2DZYOF4D7N2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Samantha Cookes story: Inside the mind of a pathological liar","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MZCIEINNGFFHLN2SQAW5JUM3P4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The other charge related to an assessment she carried out on a child in Cork in 2017, for which she was paid €840, while pretending to be a child psychologist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ON4PETYGSBESRLXLU27VBCYPYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2011, Ms Cookes was convicted of fraud in Britain after taking money from a couple who wanted to enter into a surrogacy arrangement with her. After taking an initial £1,200 from them, she discontinued contact with them. A nine-month sentence was fully suspended.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Woman currently in jail for social welfare fraud is now subject of new theft and fraud offences Garda investigation"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Serial fraudster Samantha Cookes at centre of new Garda investigation","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7EK7RMFAQVCORF5OX3FWFJ3FKM","auth":{"1":"aac4ab8907dac55034d09c9431017e3bfd04ad4e6c88a2b4923462a5b68aa65a"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7EK7RMFAQVCORF5OX3FWFJ3FKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/serial-fraudster-samantha-cookes-at-centre-of-new-garda-investigation/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"CPNGNIOA6ZCXDNUZSLO4PWO45Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":694,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fb2120d2-b58e-44fb-b7b4-11cda250540e/versions/1742487637/media/5cc275c1e6001b8183ad8c31fe3c69a1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/22/rider-in-the-storm-financier-in-74m-gibraltar-fraud-was-captain-of-irelands-national-polo-team/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B32JNCZXABCVRISOUNO7JHBS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838572},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNCWB4QOGREZLI3M3QWUMG6XIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838573},"content":"When a wealthy financier called Richard Fagan emerged from obscurity to become the sponsor and captain of the Irish polo team, sporting success seemed to follow his apparent success in business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKKSLRLR2VEVTGOEAJAI5K7RMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838574},"content":"In 2014 the team won the European silver medal at the Federation of International Polo tournament in Normandy, France. At an awards ceremony the following Christmas, Horse Sport Ireland marked the achievement by presenting Fagan with an Irish bog oak sculpture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQY45PRICVHILOOENKVDRC7QHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838575},"content":"Fagan, who ran a large investment fund, was an ambitious rider who spoke of taking the polo team to the Olympics. A tall and dashing figure of athletic build, he seemed to fit the part for an expensive game played on horseback with mallets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJ6PXNXSZRERDCT2ZMDWEE36IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838576},"content":"But storm clouds were gathering. As financial regulators moved to tackle a vast fraud in his business, Fagan dropped out of the Irish polo scene.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRR3YQWRMNDVDPQA2B6HQEQVRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838577},"content":"“It didn’t last very long,” said one senior figure in the sport who knew him but never suspected anything shady.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UM4NYMC5ZJFRBMG22QBUYXP4PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838578},"content":"The Kijani Funds run by Fagan came to the attention of investigators in early 2015 after claims they were involved in a Ponzi scheme, a form of financial fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25VB74JVK5DRZECBNBCRCFL2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838579},"content":"Within months Cayman Islands supervisors took control of the business, whose roots were in Gibraltar. Ten long years of legal wrangling finally reached a conclusion last month when Gibraltar’s top court ordered Fagan to repay £61.98 million (€73.77 million) over “fraudulent acts” and insolvent trading.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRROATT2GRCI3BQT3MV3SMYTAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838580},"content":"“I have found that Mr Fagan was misfeasant and in fraudulent breach of his fiduciary duties,” said the ruling by Liam Yeats, judge of the Gibraltar supreme court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HWVNMIJVJGQZNFFPKLR425V4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838581},"content":"A lawyer for liquidators argued the fund’s demise “was a case of fraud” and “not a case of bad business”, Yeats noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVDM7KQKABH2TEOE674VIKJYNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638826},"content":"“In light of the evidence which has been presented by the liquidators, I can only but conclude that he was correct.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDDWFV2KIZFZPFBQ5FVWGZIWHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838582},"content":"The judgment cited a damning legal statement by Edgar Lavarello, a Gibraltar partner with accountants <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pwc/\" target=\"_blank\">PricewaterhouseCoopers</a> who was joint liquidator of Kijani Resources Ltd (KRL) and another Fagan venture called Ratio Ltd. These companies were established in the British territory in September 2010.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHTPDXGM5VDU3IBLC5SVSSXKMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838583},"content":"In Lavarello’s analysis, the total paid for Fagan’s personal benefit was £30.33 million from KRL and £3.88 million from Ratio. These were huge sums.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTPA5ZY7EFG6NCZ3FVCTEBUEH4","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"SPQ2UBLMMBDKBEPIX7FBVS64R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838584},"content":"The liquidator said “fraudulent investments” by Kijani “added to the illusion of a healthy fund, making substantial returns on its investments” that further enabled it to attract new investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAYKMA5GDFF6LCISMHJZJUFZPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838585},"content":"He went on to say Fagan and certain associates “would utilise the funds paid by Kijani Funds to KRL into companies controlled by them for their personal purposes with no or no adequate benefit to KRL and thus the investors of the Kijani Funds”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWTB7WTN65FJ7MJ3HWKMXORDCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838586},"content":"Many companies in the fraudulent scheme had similar names “to add difficulty to any investigation and tracing of assets”, the judge found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGJK4WRWPRF7LE22X45XMXR5YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838587},"content":"Assets recovered after the liquidation included the motor yacht Ratio, which was valued on Ratio’s books at £2.92 million but realised only £344,374 when recovered in Morocco. A second yacht was recovered in Estepona, Spain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ODECH4ZTJFNLK4KQ5SIDYJ644","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838588},"content":"“The expenses of the captain and crew of the yachts were also paid out of Ratio’s funds. There were at least six crew members, according to Mr Lavarello,” the ruling said, adding that such expenditure drove Ratio into insolvency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRKZU632OZDHFELML26XLAB6QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838589},"content":"These days Fagan is based in Dubai. He did not turn up for the November trial of the civil case, sending an email three minutes before the hearing began claiming he was struck by illness 10 days previously and could not attend. He claimed medical advice against travel because he was at risk of “significant and permanent cognitive damage” but the judge refused his request to adjourn the proceedings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6CXDSVR6ZBOJGZKW4IMRJUHDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838590},"content":"Lawyers based in London, Gibraltar and Dubai who have acted for Fagan did not reply when The Irish Times sought his comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFNV4COXKFH6PMLODX5FJ5RQV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838591},"content":"Polo, the oldest equestrian sport, is often associated with the high-born. Britain’s King Charles III is the world’s best-known aficionado. The current Irish team captain is Richard de la poer Beresford , the earl of Tyrone with a seat at Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CJRNNNJBFHFNIYTUPFJTRFGFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838592},"content":"Born in Britain but with Irish family links, Fagan’s origins were far from all that. His career started in the family motor-repair business. Along the way, he took up polo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EERSPR5K6BBUXFJCAZTQ56S6EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838593},"content":"He is said to have started working in investment funds around 2007 in Gibraltar. The territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is located by the narrow strait between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean that separates Europe from Africa.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUOGUDH5NNBR5G4S2ZO67YYOK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838594},"content":"Ruled by Britain since 1713 but subject to a territorial claim by Spain, Gibraltar is a financial centre. There are no taxes on capital gains or dividend income from other companies and no foreign exchange controls. For people intent on making money, the advantages are obvious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JF62DUNIAVBPJDS66BSX7VW5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838595},"content":"It was there that Fagan seemed to build up a big international business selling investments in gold, oil, olive oil, timber and fish farms to wealthy individuals. At one critical point he claimed KRL assets worth $207 million (€189.8 million). The judge ruled such figures were “grossly overstated and false”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJ7BEVRIJZG2FPH4CBP6YIC4KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838596},"content":"But Fagan still lived a life of horses, boats, luxury goods, entertainment, holidays and financial transactions counted in the millions. As a result, the rider who saddled up for Ireland around 2014 seemed to have all the trappings of money and success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBPTFG64PVGT3NAZC6YGY2FPCI","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"RJFKQDD525DDVKIMOE7N6UFQAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838597},"content":"Despite the aura of wealth and glamour associated with the sport, the running of the national team was informal. Although the exact circumstances of Fagan’s arrival remain unclear, one polo figure said he approached him in South Africa with questions about the status of the Irish team. Fagan’s captaincy flowed from such conversations – and money was not a problem when it came to sponsorship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBAATM65QFBEXNDOUTDSOKBXDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838598},"content":"International polo is an ad hoc affair, said Kim Mullahey, a photojournalist who knows the sport well and speaks for the All Ireland Polo Club at Phoenix Park, Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOG5BRKCYZA3NBCWN4PU3O6DEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638844},"content":"“Teams playing abroad are known as teams playing for Ireland, nothing more or less,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q5SVEWVLSFF5RNOH7TXZSZAROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838599},"content":"These teams of four riders usually come together under the leadership of a patron or sponsor who bears some expenses for travel, accommodation and other costs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KATE3VR5JRA5TFLOV5IK3SZWZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638846},"content":"“It’s all organised among themselves,” Mullahey said, adding that “the days of full patronage” from the captain for all costs are long gone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVX3UMQB4FHJJP3P2PQKS4ILTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838600},"content":"“Teams are organised by one person who would then be the patron of the team who then selects the players they want on their team. That’s always the way for international tournaments.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLPL3HJRFFHMFPOLOU3OJZ4TVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838601},"content":"There is no Government funding for Irish polo. The sport in this State is governed by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) in Oxfordshire, England. The HPA referred queries about Fagan’s role in the Irish team to the Phoenix Park club, which was established in 1873 and is Europe’s oldest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVKX7HLHQBED3LJ5ROIGDWZHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838602},"content":"“Richard Fagan was never a member of the All Ireland Polo Club and we were not involved with the international team in any way,” said David Stone, club polo manager, in reply to questions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7LOYKD65GVDK5NDCCKSCZRZS4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838603},"content":"Polo people who knew Fagan were reluctant to talk openly about him. Although some who met Fagan found him “very affable” personally, he did not have the reputation of an outstanding player.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKTX4I2H7NEYJALGMGMVU43H5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838604},"content":"“He was fine,” one rider said. “He wasn’t at the higher level but he was competent.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UARCK62PLRBR3NO2JG2QMTJMBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638852},"content":"Another rider said Fagan was an “okay player” but acknowledged he was still a good horseman: “I wondered if he had a hunting background.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZ5VRTX2P5H5ZP73YFS3XQ4MDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838605},"content":"Still, team success under Fagan led to public plaudits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYULWJLATBH63BMUY6KWO3XXJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638854},"content":"“The award presented to him in 2014 was on behalf of the Irish polo team,” said Horse Sport Ireland, the State-backed national body for equestrian competitions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D27G3WIVM5A4LIAAJ2AD2C3MWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638855},"content":"“It is our understanding that Mr Fagan at that time had provided sponsorship to the team and the sculpture was in recognition of this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KBOXI3LNFBKPDICLRGT2K3Y74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838606},"content":"The garlands came to an abrupt halt as Fagan’s empire collapsed around him the very next year, surprising people in Irish polo circles who had no reason to believe there was anything suspicious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3MVBGLAKNEVRN2H6KVJD3Y7L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838607},"content":"But plenty was wrong. Of the $207 million in assets claimed by Fagan in KRL’s statement of affairs, the liquidators realised little more than $1 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJAEIR2W3JGTPMLGN3WOCYENTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838608},"content":"Lavarello, the joint liquidator of Fagan’s KRL, did not reply to a request for comment but his statement was unambiguous: “From our investigations ... it is now clear to the [liquidators] that KRL was not a genuine investment entity but a mechanism to dissipate Kijani Funds investors’ monies through multiple layers of related entities with little or no real substance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGXSY3BQXVB4JEIBYTQTQQHI74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838609},"content":"The judge agreed: “Having considered the evidence presented by the liquidators, I conclude that this is the only reasonable inference that can be drawn.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QABFJXGTAZCXPKH3ROPG5MBP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838610},"content":"Ratio’s money included a sum of some £7 million, most of which was “likely directly and indirectly derived from the Kijani Funds”. Over two years and eight months between 2012 and 2015, some £2.34 million of that money was paid out to “directors, family and related companies” and £1.71 million was spent on entertainment and travel expenses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XQJTBYBWNDE5M6MP6W7BRJNDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838611},"content":"“The remaining £2 million was paid in legal fees, rent, salaries and office overheads as part of the elaborate fraud and deception they were portraying to the outside world of being a genuine investment business,” the liquidator’s statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFIUHRZKTNFDVCGQ5SQZCNGSXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838612},"content":"All told, the judge found the only reasonable inference to be drawn was that the business of KRL and Ratio was carried on with intent to defraud creditors or for a fraudulent purpose – and that Fagan was a knowing party to it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YXBUIHO2ZEUFEIKFVFIGLNB6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838613},"content":"“The evidence shows that large sums of monies were paid out to companies owned, controlled or related to Mr Fagan. The monies were dissipated with only a small proportion of these being applied towards the purchase of assets or investments,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6T2SQG72WVFIHGJXSNWM5EE7ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838614},"content":"“I am satisfied that Mr Fagan breached his duties to KRL by causing or permitting the stating of asset values for KRL’s purported assets which were grossly overstated. This misled investors into believing that their investments were safe and increasing in value, when in reality the monies were being dissipated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3EY6KWFJ5BZDKRRGO2BPYIU4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838615},"content":"The swashbuckling horseman is down. Out of business and out of favour, the prospect of Fagan making a comeback in Irish polo seems remote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNO6AYHJYVH4DHLRHJCPLPFU64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838616},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Arthur Beesley"}},"name":"Arthur Beesley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Richard Fagan spoke of taking the Irish team to the Olympics but he dropped out of the Irish polo scene as financial regulators moved to tackle a vast fraud in his business"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rider in the storm: financier in €74m Gibraltar fraud was captain of Ireland’s national polo team","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2CQOO6E2OFI3LT5GQMORUT5OV4","auth":{"1":"893c031be8973c9615134fcf6540346a8c67234710e2082b3156aecc2131aab8"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2CQOO6E2OFI3LT5GQMORUT5OV4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/22/rider-in-the-storm-financier-in-74m-gibraltar-fraud-was-captain-of-irelands-national-polo-team/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"7KN7XSHSZVHDTJPV5SV4T5U5OI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":160,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1e49d54f-94a2-4f1a-bb97-05fcc9367887/versions/1742593799/media/0162cf2eec649db5d482dbba1020eb03_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/two-men-jailed-after-high-speed-chase-resulting-in-motorcyclists-death/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two men have been jailed for 12 years and three months after they were involved in a high-speed chase on the N24 Limerick to Tipperary road, resulting in the death of an innocent motorcyclist and serious injuries to two others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVAI3YSITFBIHO4TWQKTZ7IC7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Michael Stanners, (41), Pineview Gardens, Moyross, Limerick, was jailed for 6½ years and given a 10-year road ban on Friday, after he was previously convicted by a jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court of two counts of endangerment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONWFO6QCUVHPDCOWTGGZRZ3Y3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Daniel Philips (35), Crecora Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was jailed for five years and nine months, and given a 10-year road ban after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of motorcyclist Maurice Fehilly, and to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to motorcyclist Thomas Traynor, who subsequently died after undergoing 22 operations due to his injuries. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJIAGILOXBAPVFEYPM2RTUT4IQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Phillips received a concurrent three-month sentence after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on the same day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNRC56VABNAEFLX77Z7NPJK3UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A third motorcyclist, Tom Conway, was travelling in a single-file convoy along with Mr Fehilly and Mr Traynor, but he escaped serious injury and attended court with the families of the two deceased men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFI7P23PCRBY5GKNPGU7UY4H6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The fatal collision occurred outside the village of Dromkeen, Co Limerick, on January 4th, 2020, on what was a fine dry day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLRMJYRPQ5EJDCAXMU5ZTCAZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sentencing judge Sinéad McMullan said Phillips was driving a Hyundai van being pursued at high speed by a group of four men, who were travelling in a Toyota Avensis car, which was being driven by Stanners, outside the village of Dromkeen, Co Limerick, on January 4th, 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMHVZIDWXZDRFHXHVXCB4G42LU","additional_properties":{},"content":"During the pursuit, one of the men in the car driven by Stanners leaned out of the vehicle and struck Phillips’s van with a baseball bat and roared, “you’re dead, you’re dead, you’re dead”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5E6QKYFPJFAPHKIILPH7DKFSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The van and car were travelling on the wrong side of the road, the court heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVY7S4MWNBAFRBEP3ODVK2LLMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The van being driven by Phillips, who was accompanied by a woman and young child, collided with Mr Fehilly and Mr Traynor, both from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, after he took a bend in the road at high speed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OW35SAWOSBE6NKJ4SHWDM4THMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Fehilly died almost instantly, and Mr Traynor was rushed to hospital, later undergoing multiple surgeries. Mr Traynor ultimately had to have one of his legs amputated below the knee and subsequently died.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7YKKS6SPFCU3D7EIEMN3TZHZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The judge described as “absolutely reprehensible” Stanners’s driving leading up to the collision and said she found it “difficult to imagine a worse scenario” for the victims' families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXQJTKIMXJE6ZLCGLZ3ARRVYZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2MTP45PXJA6VMYEOO3T7QWBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2GLDAPLDNDJRPDHZ2NB5O25YE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"David Raleigh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judge notes ‘absolutely reprehensible’ driving leading up to collision and adds ‘difficult to imagine a worse scenario’ for victims’ families"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T21:44:52.653Z","headlines":{"basic":"Two men jailed after high-speed chase resulting in motorcyclist’s death ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5ZNP6OIQ4NWXFQIDXHLX4H6BRI","auth":{"1":"e064d43aaa2dda38596d238bbcd1d6f02bf88cd4edc0f2623796b58ceeb28270"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5ZNP6OIQ4NWXFQIDXHLX4H6BRI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/two-men-jailed-after-high-speed-chase-resulting-in-motorcyclists-death/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"6327MIBWYBFCHDNDQMSNV2BL6M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d171a9fa-0398-429e-bcca-24ccf3647e01/versions/1742590426/media/b9053f27a9a9c0086e0da6035a87b1cb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/teen-taken-in-by-kind-man-demanded-money-and-twice-threatened-to-kill-him-murder-trial-hears/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W5WWDAUIK5AITGOVFRVYKEHSFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A “kind” man was “terrified” of a teenager he had taken in and who demanded money from him, twice threatened to kill him and said he would “slit his throat”, witnesses have told a Central Criminal Court jury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTKGNQV4NFAT3DXSYIR2F4X6SA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jurors heard how on one occasion 65-year-old Peter Kennedy had said he awoke to find the accused, Brian Ibe, standing over him “threatening to stab him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLXIQDKDCZAJVI6CADP4JQYX3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode and formerly of Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Mr Kennedy between April 28th and May 12th, 2020 in Newbridge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RM2FUXJIO5ALPL7TXCXSKYMGY4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to assault causing harm to Gda Brendan O’Donnell at Newbridge Garda station on or about April 29th, 2020. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNHJ6TUKVFAO5FQA7ZGZQHTA2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Giving evidence via video link on Friday, Rita Swords said she had been friends with Mr Kennedy for more than 30 years and described him as a “good guy” and a “lovely man”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJR2KD32TNBL3PJIUF2B7CHMSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said when she started college aged 18, Mr Kennedy would come to her house at 6.30am daily to give her a lift.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO3PWELQJZDAPM7TGFNUJBLTNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said in the months before his death she became aware that Martha Ibe and her son Brian Ibe had moved in with Mr Kennedy. Ms Swords said Mr Kennedy told her Ms Ibe was homeless and had been living in her car outside his house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPMT4HVI6NBW3NMILWKZE3WUWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She suggested to Mr Kennedy that he get help through the proper channels, but should not get involved himself. She said she felt Martha and Brian Ibe were “taking advantage of his good nature”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMSJRGRMYBFIRHE3XKQM243CVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the run up to Christmas 2019, Ms Swords said she invited Mr Kennedy over for tea and a chat, but when he arrived he was “dishevelled” and “unkempt” when normally he would be “smart”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQTEFNPBIJDLXEWQRKJDLNQHTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said she made food for her friend because he was hungry. “He was just a broken man, he just wasn’t himself,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPX6UR7ZOFAJBKSVUA6I7HN6FI","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said while Mr Kennedy was sitting with her, Mr Ibe called his phone and demanded Mr Kennedy get him a McDonald’s. She said Mr Kennedy was “panicking” and was “terrified” when this happened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WLBGQ34QSZAD3PCYRKDEHBL4HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I said Peter you’ve got to get help, you’ve got to get him out because this chap was dangerous; he was afraid of him,” Ms Swords said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72A4ZZLOGVAGDKM7EK42G4TIXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said that on another occasion she spoke to Mr Kennedy who told her that Mr Ibe had “threatened” him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIUW4ZI5IVDHLD47ZQSNLJS2VI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Asked by Paul Carroll SC, prosecuting, what the nature of this threat was, Ms Swords replied: “Money, it was always money.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKTBWJR7AFC3TKZTHXB35MLSUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He came into his room, and he wanted €20 off Peter and Peter wouldn’t give it,” she said, adding that when Mr Kennedy refused to hand over the money, Mr Ibe “got aggressive with him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INZZ4SUVHVDIDGTMM3NAWJQ2QM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said Mr Kennedy had told her he had heard Mr Ibe walking around his bedroom “talking to himself” and “pacing”. She said she was concerned that Mr Ibe had “mental health difficulties” and told her friend to check his room for medication.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXBTDTUH7JAHHJUAHMRENYNNRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said Mr Kennedy subsequently told her he had gone to the guards to get Mr Ibe out and was changing the locks on his house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHP2ZIXF4JF2TKP73MOEJ6DTP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In cross-examination, Ms Swords was asked by Conor Devally SC, defending, if she remembered anything about Mr Ibe “coming and going” to Mr Kennedy’s house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55EK5PAO5ND35ECH6SGLK3L7FQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I just remember when he was there, he made Peter’s life hell,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJHHVS7OFAGLNPIL7HGKRNGWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Linda Mannion told David Humphries BL, prosecuting, how she first met Mr Kennedy in 1990 when she first moved to Newbridge and was looking for somewhere to live. She said he would often drive her home to Athy to see her parents and when she got her first car he went guarantor on the loan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGEMW6NY7NF53EKWIDZP6AE4YQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“You felt very safe in Peter’s presence,” she said, going on to describe Mr Kennedy as “kind” and “extremely intelligent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ4WEUPONVBMNO3CSHLBTEEW5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was always concerned with helping you out, helping you to better yourself, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGCMFW22O5G4XJIOOHI7PWXVDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Mannion said that about December 2019 Mr Kennedy told her about instances where Mr Ibe would come into his bedroom and shout at him for money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFZH3JKZEVD5LCZXRDCUQI2BG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He would just burst into his room when Peter was in his bed asleep,” she said. “He would be woken up by Brian shouting, demanding money off him and Peter would say, ‘I can’t get it for you now, I’m sleeping, but I’ll get it for you in the morning’ and Brian would demand that he get up right then and get him whatever was required,” Ms Mannion said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPRZNUMAFBCO5DJCQLDXEWA2SM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said it seemed to her that this happened more than once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR4A3MN6MRCHPFH26OGG2H4R4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Damian Molyneaux gave evidence that Mr Kennedy was his best friend. He said Mr Kennedy had told him he was afraid of Mr Ibe and that Mr Ibe said he would kill him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3ZUE6BUB5F7RKZGOSNOZ5QSTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He threatened to kill him on two occasions, he said he would slit his throat,” Mr Molyneaux said, adding Mr Kennedy also told him that Mr Ibe had said he would “burn him out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRMHL6VOXRBKJNNFCALVIXJZO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said his friend told him he was frightened in his own home and wanted his house back.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMAOOYSM3FG3ZI36M3CHHGEPSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Evidence was also heard on Friday from Chris Pender, a county councillor in Newbridge, who told Mr Carroll he had helped to find emergency accommodation for Mr Ibe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CHAWOH4BB5TNYNN5VI2VAH64","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said the catalyst for Mr Kennedy wanting Mr Ibe out of the house was one “especially aggressive incident” in which Mr Kennedy said he woke to find Mr Ibe “standing over him, threatening to stab him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIQKC4FTNCUPKXNDGS3CUUZLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The trial continues on Tuesday. 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They found the drugs in a hidden compartment in the truck.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63OMIHMZWVFTDPC3VTQIIGPAII","additional_properties":{},"content":"A man arrested as part of the investigation has since been charged, gardaí said on Sunday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NHV3HEPYNFXXO5C3XHVSMYILA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He is expected to appear before a special sitting of Gorey District Court this evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AMCE73LOZHVVGEG3EUOE5DYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Waterford Drug and Crime Units carried out the operation on Tuesday morning. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6AWI6VAWZHJBAC3LCQJ73XH6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"They seized the truck and what they say is an estimated 152 kilograms of cocaine, valued at €10.6 million","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7EV4LFQJZEB5C3DXYKHQTGIME","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OX3LWXWVX5BVFMINE563IG6JLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Órla Ryan"}},"name":"Órla Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Suspect due to appear before Gorey District Court this evening"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T12:17:50.209Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (60) charged in connection with €10.6 million cocaine seizure","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NXCF3E2ZIVHF7NNRAU623SK6QE","auth":{"1":"1168c43ad6c6ddb9b0dadd3c90a94180a0e9ec5c6280da483c27febc3503c2bb"},"focal_point":{"x":465,"y":300},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NXCF3E2ZIVHF7NNRAU623SK6QE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/23/man-60-charged-in-connection-with-106-million-cocaine-seizure/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & 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occurred outside a property on Hogan Avenue, Kileely, shortly before 11pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6WPOCIEWBVDMLBXSYBG7YCZZVQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"No one was injured in the incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUCLICYNUJCGVB4XUERXV34QRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gardaí responded at the scene and are continuing their inquiries this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3JCYAY4WNECFILJZJLL3QJV74","additional_properties":{},"content":"Gardaí are understood to be investigating if the shooting is linked to recent similar attacks amid violent feuding in areas around the city.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXM5SDFNSZC7XFL7GVLXPDOZ5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tensions between a number of local groups have escalated in recent weeks, resulting in a number of shootings and arson attacks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXTNKAYFT5F4RLGWKVCH3BCY3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIQWXQRZK5FRBFFB44QVH72KHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"David Raleigh"}]},"description":{"basic":"No injuries reported following firearm discharge"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T10:24:02.481Z","headlines":{"basic":"Shots fired outside Limerick city house on Saturday night","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RWP4RZUHU2BQ7AAXDQYSMHP5XU","auth":{"1":"0824684146f5c8d07ed10c0b8823b679e2fbbaaab33fb7c369185841cde72143"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RWP4RZUHU2BQ7AAXDQYSMHP5XU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & 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him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZ4FHUX4HVHITCM7ZMJHGGXEMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678957},"content":"The woman told the emergency domestic violence court at Dublin’s Dolphin House she was not seeking a barring order for the moment because she wanted to give her son “a chance”. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMKNOFGNURFQPJ6ZGYYQNJMJNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678960},"content":"In another application under the Domestic Violence Act, a distressed woman who alleged her partner had attacked her with a clothes iron, bitten her and spat in her face got an interim barring order. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWSR4BJXIVC7LGG3HJY7QH7FUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678961},"content":"“He controls me with fear,” she told the judge. “It’s the worst time of my life.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6HVTJD2VNGUVKJFDU3G4YHHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678962},"content":"“I haven’t been able to stay in my own home since I left on Tuesday,” she added. Her apartment is in her name only, the court heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JS4Z62CNGFCBZHE7BRB6AZUMNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678963},"content":"A woman seeking a protection order said she suffered bruising after being headbutted by her husband. 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The woman said she would be back and would seek a five-year safety order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNLBYK6C25BYXCPX7QXMT6NLFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678967},"content":"In a separate case, the judge refused an interim barring order sought by a woman against her partner but he granted a protection order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JZQ5YQASFHXFJ77AYCVX5MJGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678968},"content":"The woman said they have young children, she moved into a council house in recent months and wanted her partner to leave but he refused to go. He is “angry”, shouts and puts the children in fear, and she has become a “very anxious person” around him, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5BSKBDRXVAADJPJ54N4M4LEUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678969},"content":"The judge said an interim barring order requires evidence of an immediate threat to safety and she had not advanced such evidence. “I know you don’t want him there but that’s not a basis for a barring order,” he said, adding he would “marginally” grant a protection order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6Y4Y3FGYFEE3FH2O4SZSHIMZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678970},"content":"“We’re here about safety, not about clearing a house,” he said. She would have to explore other avenues, he told her.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HL7F6G4W4NDW3DKUHL3YT5GEG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678971},"content":"In another application, a woman was refused an interim barring order but secured a protection order against her adult son. There are just the two of them in her home, he has “profound” mental health issues and also has drug addiction problems, she said. He returned to using drugs last Christmas despite undergoing a treatment programme, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJD2PARSRJHLJEYNB7LCEKLNIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678972},"content":"In recent days, while she was out, he “staged a break-in” at her home, her new TV was stolen and her kitchen was messed up, she alleged. She thought he might have been having a psychotic episode.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RP544EIO2JHOXGVJV6IPAHZLDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678973},"content":"She puts an ironing board across her bedroom door at night because she is in fear, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQC7RL2LLBEUZFALVDQDWL67V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742579678974},"content":"The evidence did not meet the threshold for an interim barring order but he would grant a protection order, said the judge.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mary Carolan"}},"name":"Mary Carolan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judge at domestic violence court notes ‘extensive bruising’ around eyes of another woman allegedly assaulted by husband"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Son menaced mother in demand for €100 to buy cocaine, court told ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"C3NT4C5Q6JPOAGVNTI24O6N4LM","auth":{"1":"fd9d1c209847bbd42c21738ce8ecc76d00c342254fe82e252bc16418ea09f34c"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/C3NT4C5Q6JPOAGVNTI24O6N4LM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/23/son-menaced-mother-unless-100-forthcoming-to-buy-cocaine-court-told/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"MJDJSOPPRFE4NA7EJRFSXFHLVE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":99,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3d05c5ed-2a15-4627-aaf6-dd393f2f56ac/versions/1742656379/media/14294bbc51fede94a0d1f6cde19e6cc6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/man-in-his-40s-arrested-after-nearly-550000-worth-of-cocaine-and-mdma-seized-in-clondalkin/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SZWYW4U6AJFXXAHMGUSFQ2I33U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089929},"content":"A man in his 40s has been arrested following the seizure of nearly €550,000 worth of cocaine and MDMA from a home in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/clondalkin\" target=\"_blank\">Clondalkin</a> on Friday evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHLBPMLRV5DSJPW6KR7K73T6C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089930},"content":"Gardaí from the Dublin Metropolitan Regions West unit seized about €424,200 of suspected cocaine and €123,000 of MDMA, with a total street value of about €547,200, from a residence in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on Friday, March 21st.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHTRT2PSL5D2ZCMPJ5APIMHLDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089931},"content":"A man at the Clondalkin address was arrested after local uniform members and plain clothes gardaí executed a search warrant at about 7.30pm on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7L5LQCOENGYDP362BAAUBUAQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089932},"content":"The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDDD7IMKMVG6RLFWCDQPMALAQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089933},"content":"The man is his 40s was arrested for an offence contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84 and is being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Dublin Garda station.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T42KKYQU7ZDHJH6HTD7VGCIIGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742655089934},"content":"The arrest and seizure were carried out under Operation Tara which was established during the pandemic as a new nationwide drive against drug gangs. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"QF6CZTWBINBN3BWPPOZ74LEPGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544306},"content":"Officers on patrol in the early hours of Saturday morning began to pursue a black Audi A4 after it allegedly failed to stop for police near Servia Street at about 2.30am.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWLXF7MW3JHODEJWQYGIVRRWOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544307},"content":"Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham said the suspect vehicle was observed weaving on to the wrong side of the road, failing to give way at junctions and driving the wrong way around a roundabout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NE7JYVBLBFMXFVJNEEHFWURGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544308},"content":"Mr Cunningham said: “Two police callsigns brought the vehicle to a stop in the Upper Springfield Road area a short time later, however, the suspect driver reverse rammed the front of one of the police vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2K4SH6RCNFBAFJLZMNNKUTND3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544309},"content":"“At this time, the police vehicle was stationary but the officer in the front passenger seat was in the process of exiting the car when the collision occurred, and was jolted into the doorframe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTNVPYEE5NCXZJVGO4PQJW4CVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544310},"content":"“The driver of the suspect vehicle then collided with a second police vehicle when attempting to make off again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQTDP455ANBFZFXAZ4XT22EMGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544311},"content":"“Four officers sustained minor injuries, but despite this they remained on duty, which reflects their resilience during difficult challenges they face on a daily basis, while working to keep people safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEKWO4PDKBAFBMMLEPBGY3V2TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544312},"content":"“Our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DULDXHF6ZFCFFPSCB25ZVPST3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544313},"content":"The two police cars will be off the road while they undergo repairs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMJZV7XTNFALXPZ2ZSIZYAY3GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544314},"content":"Mr Cunningham added: “A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of offences including driving when unfit, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He remains in custody at this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFODJJ3NQBA2ZD7CT457HRYRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544315},"content":"“Thankfully we are not dealing with more serious injuries today – and the actions of the driver responsible for the pursuit and subsequent collision with our officers is totally unacceptable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QZ2GMHAX5BALOFPWWUE7COWV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544316},"content":"“Members of the public could have also been injured during this completely reckless and dangerous incident.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHZRJZVOONHCJGYT2M2HYQ4HAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742653544317},"content":"Anyone with information, including dashcam or other footage, is asked to contact PSNI on 101, quoting reference 130 of 22/3/25. – PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Four officers sustained minor injuries during ‘completely reckless and dangerous’ incident"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T14:42:15.151Z","headlines":{"basic":"Man (50s) arrested in Belfast after two police cars rammed during pursuit","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VV2VRM3LRRGHRAD3JY7IV7GWBY","auth":{"1":"6b3a6cd67349796622d0eeb7c9c278011f1a80ffbcaafe559345e12ff5effbdd"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VV2VRM3LRRGHRAD3JY7IV7GWBY"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/man-50s-arrested-in-belfast-after-two-police-cars-rammed-during-pursuit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"RF4Z5N5B2JDUBHFREMZCEQBUVM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":103,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/09274e51-a363-45aa-8640-5f9494e92192/versions/1742642620/media/0a54ef25501e1ee3091aefe1bb8a1ed1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/two-men-being-treated-for-serious-injuries-following-shooting-in-portlaoise/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DL76GH2VSRGW7NRSTEFTBXQ3ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905936},"content":"Two men are receiving treatment for serious injuries in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin’s</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-jamess-hospital/\" target=\"_blank\">St James’s Hospital</a> following a shooting in the midlands on Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISBZAKWS3NDABPIGZQHDSOUUFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905937},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\">Gardaí </a>were called to the Midlands Regional Hospital in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/portlaoise/\" target=\"_blank\">Portlaoise</a> at about 9.50pm on Friday following a public disturbance outside the hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5M3NFTCSNH4FEMJAB4HAUJFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905938},"content":"It is understood the individuals involved in the altercation had fled the scene by the time gardaí arrived.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUXFJU4IXJDHTNDIQTMXU3UU5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905939},"content":"About 15 minutes later, gardaí and members of the divisional armed support unit responded to reports of shots fired at a residence in Kilcruttin on the outskirts of Tullamore, Co Offaly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZZUSBENMBAEXAHQWUECNK42LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905940},"content":"Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were transferred to St James’s Hospital in Dublin for treatment for serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZO2BAPSENEXTM7KSQITDUC24I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905941},"content":"A Garda spokesman confirmed the incident outside Midlands Regional Hospital and the shooting in Kilcruttin are linked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPZXURQXWBGFZG7EVXVHEDW6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905942},"content":"The scene at the Kilcruttin residence has been preserved for examination. No arrests have been made.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCXNUNCVVNHWZBL5TZ3T5WC3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905943},"content":"Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information relating to the two incidents to contact them. They are also appealing for any road users who were in the Midlands Regional Hospital and Kilcruttin areas of Tullamore between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday and who may have camera footage (including dashcam footage) to get in contact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDLXYHZX2NBFBIQYRYG3LUQQF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742641905944},"content":"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057 932 7600, the Garda confidential line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gardaí appeal for information related to two linked incidents"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T11:05:36.845Z","headlines":{"basic":"Two men treated for serious injuries following shooting in Offaly","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"74EXMY7RSFHQ5KU3YP5S7MV6TM","auth":{"1":"860d4b79f70a0dac0f7bda6c3a8878e95c097eadca38dae9038b5e5865af25c8"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/74EXMY7RSFHQ5KU3YP5S7MV6TM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/two-men-being-treated-for-serious-injuries-following-shooting-in-portlaoise/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"E3UOHVDJ5VBFLIPDM7LOCNS4UQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/59ceb1c5-58a6-479e-b403-d73bb994c4df/versions/1742583050/media/acdf0d8fe1c85bb02f4f48cee63fcab6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/serial-fraudster-samantha-cookes-at-centre-of-new-garda-investigation/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDHKQCADJVBEFGQIEQ7VX47LBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A serial fraudster, who worked as an au pair for families across the country under multiple aliases for a decade, is now the subject of a new theft and fraud offences Garda investigation. The fresh Garda inquiry into Samantha Cookes, who is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/03/05/samantha-cookes-jailed-for-three-years-for-deliberate-fraud-over-protracted-period/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/03/05/samantha-cookes-jailed-for-three-years-for-deliberate-fraud-over-protracted-period/\">currently serving a prison sentence</a> for a €60,000 social welfare fraud, is being carried out by gardaí in Kerry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7XPGVB6INB7ZHYLPP2SUAAYGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 36-year-old, originally from Gloucester, lived in the county, in Cahersiveen and Kenmare, for three years to the end of 2022. She also spent time there last year, when she was arrested in Tralee as part of the social welfare inquiry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGMCV7ALFRCDBDYK7SHMRQULPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While there she was selling sensory toys for children with special needs via a website. While she claimed online she was making the toys with a 3D printer, no toys were ever delivered to people who ordered and paid sums online. Furniture also went missing from a house she was renting in Kenmare, where she sublet the property via Airbnb without permission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEHJ5SRO3BAI5L324HGNIJSPQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Her activities in Co Kerry are now being investigated as part of a new theft and fraud offences criminal investigation, which sources said was nearing a conclusion and may result in new criminal charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EKDOQGBFVACXF4LCKBHMPWWII","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96617","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GNYEERDF3NARHB3Y54RIQMDISA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While in Kerry, she also posed as a terminally ill writer, Carrie Jade Williams, and won awards for some of her writing, including pieces based on her fake assumed identity of a writer dying from Huntington’s disease. She secured Arts Council grants, in 2021 and 2022, totalling €36,250.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SLPFHLLNNC7VLJ7JNMW32TXM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Serial fraudster Samantha Cookes’s funding applications considered by Arts Council on ‘artistic merit’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7UNFKRHC5RBWJAOFZ7RWXH56P4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cookes is not terminally ill and has been in Ireland just over a decade, during which time she has adapted multiple aliases and worked as a live-in au pair for couples with young children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQXK7BYRMJE67MSF2FJK6NEB5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Last July she was arrested outside a post office in Tralee for social welfare fraud of €60,334.35 after securing payments based on her claimed, though faked, medical condition. She was sentenced to three years earlier this month and has been in prison since her arrest last summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DUQMTFDL6FGM7AU6PZKTOPRYWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In May 2019 she was convicted in the courts in Cork on four fraud and theft charges, with a 14-week suspended sentence imposed. Three charges related to a bogus trip to Lapland she claimed to be organising while living in south Co Dublin in 2016, and which she collected deposits for before she disappeared. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"REF3PP33IVHS5P2DZYOF4D7N2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Samantha Cookes story: Inside the mind of a pathological liar","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MZCIEINNGFFHLN2SQAW5JUM3P4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The other charge related to an assessment she carried out on a child in Cork in 2017, for which she was paid €840, while pretending to be a child psychologist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ON4PETYGSBESRLXLU27VBCYPYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2011, Ms Cookes was convicted of fraud in Britain after taking money from a couple who wanted to enter into a surrogacy arrangement with her. After taking an initial £1,200 from them, she discontinued contact with them. A nine-month sentence was fully suspended.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Woman currently in jail for social welfare fraud is now subject of new theft and fraud offences Garda investigation"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Serial fraudster Samantha Cookes at centre of new Garda investigation","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7EK7RMFAQVCORF5OX3FWFJ3FKM","auth":{"1":"aac4ab8907dac55034d09c9431017e3bfd04ad4e6c88a2b4923462a5b68aa65a"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7EK7RMFAQVCORF5OX3FWFJ3FKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/22/serial-fraudster-samantha-cookes-at-centre-of-new-garda-investigation/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"CPNGNIOA6ZCXDNUZSLO4PWO45Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":694,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fb2120d2-b58e-44fb-b7b4-11cda250540e/versions/1742487637/media/5cc275c1e6001b8183ad8c31fe3c69a1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/22/rider-in-the-storm-financier-in-74m-gibraltar-fraud-was-captain-of-irelands-national-polo-team/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B32JNCZXABCVRISOUNO7JHBS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838572},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNCWB4QOGREZLI3M3QWUMG6XIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838573},"content":"When a wealthy financier called Richard Fagan emerged from obscurity to become the sponsor and captain of the Irish polo team, sporting success seemed to follow his apparent success in business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKKSLRLR2VEVTGOEAJAI5K7RMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838574},"content":"In 2014 the team won the European silver medal at the Federation of International Polo tournament in Normandy, France. At an awards ceremony the following Christmas, Horse Sport Ireland marked the achievement by presenting Fagan with an Irish bog oak sculpture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQY45PRICVHILOOENKVDRC7QHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838575},"content":"Fagan, who ran a large investment fund, was an ambitious rider who spoke of taking the polo team to the Olympics. A tall and dashing figure of athletic build, he seemed to fit the part for an expensive game played on horseback with mallets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJ6PXNXSZRERDCT2ZMDWEE36IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838576},"content":"But storm clouds were gathering. As financial regulators moved to tackle a vast fraud in his business, Fagan dropped out of the Irish polo scene.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRR3YQWRMNDVDPQA2B6HQEQVRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838577},"content":"“It didn’t last very long,” said one senior figure in the sport who knew him but never suspected anything shady.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UM4NYMC5ZJFRBMG22QBUYXP4PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838578},"content":"The Kijani Funds run by Fagan came to the attention of investigators in early 2015 after claims they were involved in a Ponzi scheme, a form of financial fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25VB74JVK5DRZECBNBCRCFL2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838579},"content":"Within months Cayman Islands supervisors took control of the business, whose roots were in Gibraltar. Ten long years of legal wrangling finally reached a conclusion last month when Gibraltar’s top court ordered Fagan to repay £61.98 million (€73.77 million) over “fraudulent acts” and insolvent trading.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRROATT2GRCI3BQT3MV3SMYTAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838580},"content":"“I have found that Mr Fagan was misfeasant and in fraudulent breach of his fiduciary duties,” said the ruling by Liam Yeats, judge of the Gibraltar supreme court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HWVNMIJVJGQZNFFPKLR425V4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838581},"content":"A lawyer for liquidators argued the fund’s demise “was a case of fraud” and “not a case of bad business”, Yeats noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVDM7KQKABH2TEOE674VIKJYNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638826},"content":"“In light of the evidence which has been presented by the liquidators, I can only but conclude that he was correct.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDDWFV2KIZFZPFBQ5FVWGZIWHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838582},"content":"The judgment cited a damning legal statement by Edgar Lavarello, a Gibraltar partner with accountants <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pwc/\" target=\"_blank\">PricewaterhouseCoopers</a> who was joint liquidator of Kijani Resources Ltd (KRL) and another Fagan venture called Ratio Ltd. These companies were established in the British territory in September 2010.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHTPDXGM5VDU3IBLC5SVSSXKMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838583},"content":"In Lavarello’s analysis, the total paid for Fagan’s personal benefit was £30.33 million from KRL and £3.88 million from Ratio. These were huge sums.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTPA5ZY7EFG6NCZ3FVCTEBUEH4","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"SPQ2UBLMMBDKBEPIX7FBVS64R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838584},"content":"The liquidator said “fraudulent investments” by Kijani “added to the illusion of a healthy fund, making substantial returns on its investments” that further enabled it to attract new investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAYKMA5GDFF6LCISMHJZJUFZPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838585},"content":"He went on to say Fagan and certain associates “would utilise the funds paid by Kijani Funds to KRL into companies controlled by them for their personal purposes with no or no adequate benefit to KRL and thus the investors of the Kijani Funds”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWTB7WTN65FJ7MJ3HWKMXORDCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838586},"content":"Many companies in the fraudulent scheme had similar names “to add difficulty to any investigation and tracing of assets”, the judge found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGJK4WRWPRF7LE22X45XMXR5YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838587},"content":"Assets recovered after the liquidation included the motor yacht Ratio, which was valued on Ratio’s books at £2.92 million but realised only £344,374 when recovered in Morocco. A second yacht was recovered in Estepona, Spain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ODECH4ZTJFNLK4KQ5SIDYJ644","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838588},"content":"“The expenses of the captain and crew of the yachts were also paid out of Ratio’s funds. There were at least six crew members, according to Mr Lavarello,” the ruling said, adding that such expenditure drove Ratio into insolvency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRKZU632OZDHFELML26XLAB6QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838589},"content":"These days Fagan is based in Dubai. He did not turn up for the November trial of the civil case, sending an email three minutes before the hearing began claiming he was struck by illness 10 days previously and could not attend. He claimed medical advice against travel because he was at risk of “significant and permanent cognitive damage” but the judge refused his request to adjourn the proceedings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6CXDSVR6ZBOJGZKW4IMRJUHDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838590},"content":"Lawyers based in London, Gibraltar and Dubai who have acted for Fagan did not reply when The Irish Times sought his comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFNV4COXKFH6PMLODX5FJ5RQV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838591},"content":"Polo, the oldest equestrian sport, is often associated with the high-born. Britain’s King Charles III is the world’s best-known aficionado. The current Irish team captain is Richard de la poer Beresford , the earl of Tyrone with a seat at Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CJRNNNJBFHFNIYTUPFJTRFGFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838592},"content":"Born in Britain but with Irish family links, Fagan’s origins were far from all that. His career started in the family motor-repair business. Along the way, he took up polo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EERSPR5K6BBUXFJCAZTQ56S6EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838593},"content":"He is said to have started working in investment funds around 2007 in Gibraltar. The territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is located by the narrow strait between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean that separates Europe from Africa.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUOGUDH5NNBR5G4S2ZO67YYOK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838594},"content":"Ruled by Britain since 1713 but subject to a territorial claim by Spain, Gibraltar is a financial centre. There are no taxes on capital gains or dividend income from other companies and no foreign exchange controls. For people intent on making money, the advantages are obvious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JF62DUNIAVBPJDS66BSX7VW5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838595},"content":"It was there that Fagan seemed to build up a big international business selling investments in gold, oil, olive oil, timber and fish farms to wealthy individuals. At one critical point he claimed KRL assets worth $207 million (€189.8 million). The judge ruled such figures were “grossly overstated and false”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJ7BEVRIJZG2FPH4CBP6YIC4KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838596},"content":"But Fagan still lived a life of horses, boats, luxury goods, entertainment, holidays and financial transactions counted in the millions. As a result, the rider who saddled up for Ireland around 2014 seemed to have all the trappings of money and success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBPTFG64PVGT3NAZC6YGY2FPCI","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"RJFKQDD525DDVKIMOE7N6UFQAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838597},"content":"Despite the aura of wealth and glamour associated with the sport, the running of the national team was informal. Although the exact circumstances of Fagan’s arrival remain unclear, one polo figure said he approached him in South Africa with questions about the status of the Irish team. Fagan’s captaincy flowed from such conversations – and money was not a problem when it came to sponsorship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBAATM65QFBEXNDOUTDSOKBXDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838598},"content":"International polo is an ad hoc affair, said Kim Mullahey, a photojournalist who knows the sport well and speaks for the All Ireland Polo Club at Phoenix Park, Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOG5BRKCYZA3NBCWN4PU3O6DEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638844},"content":"“Teams playing abroad are known as teams playing for Ireland, nothing more or less,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q5SVEWVLSFF5RNOH7TXZSZAROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838599},"content":"These teams of four riders usually come together under the leadership of a patron or sponsor who bears some expenses for travel, accommodation and other costs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KATE3VR5JRA5TFLOV5IK3SZWZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638846},"content":"“It’s all organised among themselves,” Mullahey said, adding that “the days of full patronage” from the captain for all costs are long gone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVX3UMQB4FHJJP3P2PQKS4ILTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838600},"content":"“Teams are organised by one person who would then be the patron of the team who then selects the players they want on their team. That’s always the way for international tournaments.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLPL3HJRFFHMFPOLOU3OJZ4TVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838601},"content":"There is no Government funding for Irish polo. The sport in this State is governed by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) in Oxfordshire, England. The HPA referred queries about Fagan’s role in the Irish team to the Phoenix Park club, which was established in 1873 and is Europe’s oldest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVKX7HLHQBED3LJ5ROIGDWZHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838602},"content":"“Richard Fagan was never a member of the All Ireland Polo Club and we were not involved with the international team in any way,” said David Stone, club polo manager, in reply to questions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7LOYKD65GVDK5NDCCKSCZRZS4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838603},"content":"Polo people who knew Fagan were reluctant to talk openly about him. Although some who met Fagan found him “very affable” personally, he did not have the reputation of an outstanding player.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKTX4I2H7NEYJALGMGMVU43H5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838604},"content":"“He was fine,” one rider said. “He wasn’t at the higher level but he was competent.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UARCK62PLRBR3NO2JG2QMTJMBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638852},"content":"Another rider said Fagan was an “okay player” but acknowledged he was still a good horseman: “I wondered if he had a hunting background.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZ5VRTX2P5H5ZP73YFS3XQ4MDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838605},"content":"Still, team success under Fagan led to public plaudits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYULWJLATBH63BMUY6KWO3XXJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638854},"content":"“The award presented to him in 2014 was on behalf of the Irish polo team,” said Horse Sport Ireland, the State-backed national body for equestrian competitions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D27G3WIVM5A4LIAAJ2AD2C3MWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483638855},"content":"“It is our understanding that Mr Fagan at that time had provided sponsorship to the team and the sculpture was in recognition of this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KBOXI3LNFBKPDICLRGT2K3Y74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838606},"content":"The garlands came to an abrupt halt as Fagan’s empire collapsed around him the very next year, surprising people in Irish polo circles who had no reason to believe there was anything suspicious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3MVBGLAKNEVRN2H6KVJD3Y7L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838607},"content":"But plenty was wrong. Of the $207 million in assets claimed by Fagan in KRL’s statement of affairs, the liquidators realised little more than $1 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJAEIR2W3JGTPMLGN3WOCYENTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838608},"content":"Lavarello, the joint liquidator of Fagan’s KRL, did not reply to a request for comment but his statement was unambiguous: “From our investigations ... it is now clear to the [liquidators] that KRL was not a genuine investment entity but a mechanism to dissipate Kijani Funds investors’ monies through multiple layers of related entities with little or no real substance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGXSY3BQXVB4JEIBYTQTQQHI74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838609},"content":"The judge agreed: “Having considered the evidence presented by the liquidators, I conclude that this is the only reasonable inference that can be drawn.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QABFJXGTAZCXPKH3ROPG5MBP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838610},"content":"Ratio’s money included a sum of some £7 million, most of which was “likely directly and indirectly derived from the Kijani Funds”. Over two years and eight months between 2012 and 2015, some £2.34 million of that money was paid out to “directors, family and related companies” and £1.71 million was spent on entertainment and travel expenses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XQJTBYBWNDE5M6MP6W7BRJNDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838611},"content":"“The remaining £2 million was paid in legal fees, rent, salaries and office overheads as part of the elaborate fraud and deception they were portraying to the outside world of being a genuine investment business,” the liquidator’s statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFIUHRZKTNFDVCGQ5SQZCNGSXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838612},"content":"All told, the judge found the only reasonable inference to be drawn was that the business of KRL and Ratio was carried on with intent to defraud creditors or for a fraudulent purpose – and that Fagan was a knowing party to it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YXBUIHO2ZEUFEIKFVFIGLNB6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838613},"content":"“The evidence shows that large sums of monies were paid out to companies owned, controlled or related to Mr Fagan. The monies were dissipated with only a small proportion of these being applied towards the purchase of assets or investments,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6T2SQG72WVFIHGJXSNWM5EE7ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838614},"content":"“I am satisfied that Mr Fagan breached his duties to KRL by causing or permitting the stating of asset values for KRL’s purported assets which were grossly overstated. This misled investors into believing that their investments were safe and increasing in value, when in reality the monies were being dissipated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3EY6KWFJ5BZDKRRGO2BPYIU4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838615},"content":"The swashbuckling horseman is down. Out of business and out of favour, the prospect of Fagan making a comeback in Irish polo seems remote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNO6AYHJYVH4DHLRHJCPLPFU64","additional_properties":{"_id":1742465838616},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Arthur Beesley"}},"name":"Arthur Beesley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Richard Fagan spoke of taking the Irish team to the Olympics but he dropped out of the Irish polo scene as financial regulators moved to tackle a vast fraud in his business"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rider in the storm: financier in €74m Gibraltar fraud was captain of Ireland’s national polo team","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2CQOO6E2OFI3LT5GQMORUT5OV4","auth":{"1":"893c031be8973c9615134fcf6540346a8c67234710e2082b3156aecc2131aab8"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2CQOO6E2OFI3LT5GQMORUT5OV4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/22/rider-in-the-storm-financier-in-74m-gibraltar-fraud-was-captain-of-irelands-national-polo-team/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"7KN7XSHSZVHDTJPV5SV4T5U5OI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":160,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1e49d54f-94a2-4f1a-bb97-05fcc9367887/versions/1742593799/media/0162cf2eec649db5d482dbba1020eb03_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/two-men-jailed-after-high-speed-chase-resulting-in-motorcyclists-death/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two men have been jailed for 12 years and three months after they were involved in a high-speed chase on the N24 Limerick to Tipperary road, resulting in the death of an innocent motorcyclist and serious injuries to two others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVAI3YSITFBIHO4TWQKTZ7IC7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Michael Stanners, (41), Pineview Gardens, Moyross, Limerick, was jailed for 6½ years and given a 10-year road ban on Friday, after he was previously convicted by a jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court of two counts of endangerment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONWFO6QCUVHPDCOWTGGZRZ3Y3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Daniel Philips (35), Crecora Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was jailed for five years and nine months, and given a 10-year road ban after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of motorcyclist Maurice Fehilly, and to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to motorcyclist Thomas Traynor, who subsequently died after undergoing 22 operations due to his injuries. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJIAGILOXBAPVFEYPM2RTUT4IQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Phillips received a concurrent three-month sentence after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on the same day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNRC56VABNAEFLX77Z7NPJK3UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A third motorcyclist, Tom Conway, was travelling in a single-file convoy along with Mr Fehilly and Mr Traynor, but he escaped serious injury and attended court with the families of the two deceased men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFI7P23PCRBY5GKNPGU7UY4H6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The fatal collision occurred outside the village of Dromkeen, Co Limerick, on January 4th, 2020, on what was a fine dry day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLRMJYRPQ5EJDCAXMU5ZTCAZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sentencing judge Sinéad McMullan said Phillips was driving a Hyundai van being pursued at high speed by a group of four men, who were travelling in a Toyota Avensis car, which was being driven by Stanners, outside the village of Dromkeen, Co Limerick, on January 4th, 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMHVZIDWXZDRFHXHVXCB4G42LU","additional_properties":{},"content":"During the pursuit, one of the men in the car driven by Stanners leaned out of the vehicle and struck Phillips’s van with a baseball bat and roared, “you’re dead, you’re dead, you’re dead”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5E6QKYFPJFAPHKIILPH7DKFSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The van and car were travelling on the wrong side of the road, the court heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVY7S4MWNBAFRBEP3ODVK2LLMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The van being driven by Phillips, who was accompanied by a woman and young child, collided with Mr Fehilly and Mr Traynor, both from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, after he took a bend in the road at high speed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OW35SAWOSBE6NKJ4SHWDM4THMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Fehilly died almost instantly, and Mr Traynor was rushed to hospital, later undergoing multiple surgeries. Mr Traynor ultimately had to have one of his legs amputated below the knee and subsequently died.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7YKKS6SPFCU3D7EIEMN3TZHZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The judge described as “absolutely reprehensible” Stanners’s driving leading up to the collision and said she found it “difficult to imagine a worse scenario” for the victims' families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXQJTKIMXJE6ZLCGLZ3ARRVYZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2MTP45PXJA6VMYEOO3T7QWBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2GLDAPLDNDJRPDHZ2NB5O25YE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"David Raleigh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judge notes ‘absolutely reprehensible’ driving leading up to collision and adds ‘difficult to imagine a worse scenario’ for victims’ families"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T21:44:52.653Z","headlines":{"basic":"Two men jailed after high-speed chase resulting in motorcyclist’s death ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5ZNP6OIQ4NWXFQIDXHLX4H6BRI","auth":{"1":"e064d43aaa2dda38596d238bbcd1d6f02bf88cd4edc0f2623796b58ceeb28270"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5ZNP6OIQ4NWXFQIDXHLX4H6BRI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/two-men-jailed-after-high-speed-chase-resulting-in-motorcyclists-death/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"6327MIBWYBFCHDNDQMSNV2BL6M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d171a9fa-0398-429e-bcca-24ccf3647e01/versions/1742590426/media/b9053f27a9a9c0086e0da6035a87b1cb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/teen-taken-in-by-kind-man-demanded-money-and-twice-threatened-to-kill-him-murder-trial-hears/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W5WWDAUIK5AITGOVFRVYKEHSFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A “kind” man was “terrified” of a teenager he had taken in and who demanded money from him, twice threatened to kill him and said he would “slit his throat”, witnesses have told a Central Criminal Court jury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTKGNQV4NFAT3DXSYIR2F4X6SA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jurors heard how on one occasion 65-year-old Peter Kennedy had said he awoke to find the accused, Brian Ibe, standing over him “threatening to stab him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLXIQDKDCZAJVI6CADP4JQYX3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode and formerly of Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Mr Kennedy between April 28th and May 12th, 2020 in Newbridge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RM2FUXJIO5ALPL7TXCXSKYMGY4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to assault causing harm to Gda Brendan O’Donnell at Newbridge Garda station on or about April 29th, 2020. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNHJ6TUKVFAO5FQA7ZGZQHTA2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Giving evidence via video link on Friday, Rita Swords said she had been friends with Mr Kennedy for more than 30 years and described him as a “good guy” and a “lovely man”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJR2KD32TNBL3PJIUF2B7CHMSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said when she started college aged 18, Mr Kennedy would come to her house at 6.30am daily to give her a lift.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO3PWELQJZDAPM7TGFNUJBLTNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said in the months before his death she became aware that Martha Ibe and her son Brian Ibe had moved in with Mr Kennedy. Ms Swords said Mr Kennedy told her Ms Ibe was homeless and had been living in her car outside his house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPMT4HVI6NBW3NMILWKZE3WUWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She suggested to Mr Kennedy that he get help through the proper channels, but should not get involved himself. She said she felt Martha and Brian Ibe were “taking advantage of his good nature”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMSJRGRMYBFIRHE3XKQM243CVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the run up to Christmas 2019, Ms Swords said she invited Mr Kennedy over for tea and a chat, but when he arrived he was “dishevelled” and “unkempt” when normally he would be “smart”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQTEFNPBIJDLXEWQRKJDLNQHTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said she made food for her friend because he was hungry. “He was just a broken man, he just wasn’t himself,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPX6UR7ZOFAJBKSVUA6I7HN6FI","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said while Mr Kennedy was sitting with her, Mr Ibe called his phone and demanded Mr Kennedy get him a McDonald’s. She said Mr Kennedy was “panicking” and was “terrified” when this happened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WLBGQ34QSZAD3PCYRKDEHBL4HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I said Peter you’ve got to get help, you’ve got to get him out because this chap was dangerous; he was afraid of him,” Ms Swords said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72A4ZZLOGVAGDKM7EK42G4TIXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said that on another occasion she spoke to Mr Kennedy who told her that Mr Ibe had “threatened” him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIUW4ZI5IVDHLD47ZQSNLJS2VI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Asked by Paul Carroll SC, prosecuting, what the nature of this threat was, Ms Swords replied: “Money, it was always money.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKTBWJR7AFC3TKZTHXB35MLSUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He came into his room, and he wanted €20 off Peter and Peter wouldn’t give it,” she said, adding that when Mr Kennedy refused to hand over the money, Mr Ibe “got aggressive with him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INZZ4SUVHVDIDGTMM3NAWJQ2QM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Swords said Mr Kennedy had told her he had heard Mr Ibe walking around his bedroom “talking to himself” and “pacing”. She said she was concerned that Mr Ibe had “mental health difficulties” and told her friend to check his room for medication.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXBTDTUH7JAHHJUAHMRENYNNRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said Mr Kennedy subsequently told her he had gone to the guards to get Mr Ibe out and was changing the locks on his house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHP2ZIXF4JF2TKP73MOEJ6DTP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In cross-examination, Ms Swords was asked by Conor Devally SC, defending, if she remembered anything about Mr Ibe “coming and going” to Mr Kennedy’s house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55EK5PAO5ND35ECH6SGLK3L7FQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I just remember when he was there, he made Peter’s life hell,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJHHVS7OFAGLNPIL7HGKRNGWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Linda Mannion told David Humphries BL, prosecuting, how she first met Mr Kennedy in 1990 when she first moved to Newbridge and was looking for somewhere to live. She said he would often drive her home to Athy to see her parents and when she got her first car he went guarantor on the loan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGEMW6NY7NF53EKWIDZP6AE4YQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“You felt very safe in Peter’s presence,” she said, going on to describe Mr Kennedy as “kind” and “extremely intelligent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ4WEUPONVBMNO3CSHLBTEEW5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"He was always concerned with helping you out, helping you to better yourself, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGCMFW22O5G4XJIOOHI7PWXVDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Mannion said that about December 2019 Mr Kennedy told her about instances where Mr Ibe would come into his bedroom and shout at him for money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFZH3JKZEVD5LCZXRDCUQI2BG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He would just burst into his room when Peter was in his bed asleep,” she said. “He would be woken up by Brian shouting, demanding money off him and Peter would say, ‘I can’t get it for you now, I’m sleeping, but I’ll get it for you in the morning’ and Brian would demand that he get up right then and get him whatever was required,” Ms Mannion said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPRZNUMAFBCO5DJCQLDXEWA2SM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said it seemed to her that this happened more than once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR4A3MN6MRCHPFH26OGG2H4R4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Damian Molyneaux gave evidence that Mr Kennedy was his best friend. He said Mr Kennedy had told him he was afraid of Mr Ibe and that Mr Ibe said he would kill him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3ZUE6BUB5F7RKZGOSNOZ5QSTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He threatened to kill him on two occasions, he said he would slit his throat,” Mr Molyneaux said, adding Mr Kennedy also told him that Mr Ibe had said he would “burn him out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRMHL6VOXRBKJNNFCALVIXJZO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said his friend told him he was frightened in his own home and wanted his house back.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMAOOYSM3FG3ZI36M3CHHGEPSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Evidence was also heard on Friday from Chris Pender, a county councillor in Newbridge, who told Mr Carroll he had helped to find emergency accommodation for Mr Ibe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CHAWOH4BB5TNYNN5VI2VAH64","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said the catalyst for Mr Kennedy wanting Mr Ibe out of the house was one “especially aggressive incident” in which Mr Kennedy said he woke to find Mr Ibe “standing over him, threatening to stab him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIQKC4FTNCUPKXNDGS3CUUZLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The trial continues on Tuesday. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Fiona Magennis"}]},"description":{"basic":"Witness tells jury that Peter Kennedy was ‘broken’ and was ‘afraid’ of Brian Ibe"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T20:48:41.461Z","headlines":{"basic":"Teen taken in by ‘kind’ man ‘demanded money and twice threatened to kill him’, murder trial hears","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RVLI4FOODVB5BDNTIBWYEXJDPE","auth":{"1":"7fc209f90ef3dff7b92dd7f32650b8d2ef7ee409d76c87541be03c5c9b201a08"},"focal_point":{"x":115,"y":193},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RVLI4FOODVB5BDNTIBWYEXJDPE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/03/21/teen-taken-in-by-kind-man-demanded-money-and-twice-threatened-to-kill-him-murder-trial-hears/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"b7e759fe8be42af5853534cdf35c79623c20c6367610c23337dd10174781e226"},"expires":1742733198438,"lastModified":1742732898305},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"includeSections\":\"/politics\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"TAGDTZWC6RDP5PYMHCZ6J6RU2A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":335,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/14ed0f16-a499-4a9b-b203-61e9083ca250/versions/1742561801/media/3cdac5f369cb64832944b05f220fcdde_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"A6ED5OBPMNHHTIVIA5G76A4NAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472620},"content":"This week was a microcosm of what Irish politics is going to look like for the foreseeable future: dominated by conflict abroad and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\">housing</a> at home. It’s a combination that will make things difficult for the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWW44YBV5CFZH5MOFT5KZCCPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472621},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a>’s schedule over recent days encapsulated this dual aspect neatly: he arrived home from Washington, was subjected to a monstering in the Dáil over housing, and then flew to Brussels where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\">EU leaders conferred on the rearming of Europe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZLTACMMWVB63DWQYRNI5ONSCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472622},"content":"The latter is perceived by Martin’s fellow heads of member state governments as an existential issue, dwarfing all their domestic concerns. Indeed, most of them know there will be domestic political costs for this abrupt shift in European policy, as resources that voters might prefer to be spent on social programmes, welfare, housing and so on, will instead go on tanks, fighter jets and missile defences. But they think they must go ahead anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT6AZ6RI2NF3HOM7JZDR5YZTO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472623},"content":"In Ireland, this hasn’t really begun to sink in yet. But it will. Martin must have a hunch that his party’s fate might depend more on housing at home than on the defence of Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZLQE54INBGYZE6YLEXRD5I3RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472624},"content":"The Taoiseach and his crew returned across the Atlantic delighted that they had survived the White House crucible without a Zelenskiy-type immolation. But although one of the defining characteristics of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> is his day-to-day unpredictability, that was always unlikely. What was entirely possible, however, was that Trump might take against Martin personally, that the US president might focus his dislike of the EU on the Taoiseach, or that Martin would stumble into difficulty over Ireland’s stance on Israel-Palestine, or the trade deficit, or whatever.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRNRBB3OQFBSTKIWGFJ4K7JVLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Micheál Martin’s White House bout with Donald Trump: How did the Taoiseach fare?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XFKBA2FQU5F43F35B4W6EWDZYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"US media reaction to Trump-Martin visit: it could have been a lot worse","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MMP7P6A46ZGH3A6E3YI7KMZ4M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472625},"content":"The list of potential tripwires to disaster was lengthy and, to Martin’s officials, terrifying. I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Geraldine Byrne-Nason, the Irish Ambassador in Washington; John Callinan, Martin’s most senior civil servant; and Deirdre Gillane, his chief of staff, as they sat on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIJ7R5X4SZDRBIVQ5P5UTEJZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472626},"content":"Martin himself worked hard to conceal his apprehension and carried the whole thing off with some dash, avoiding any trouble and reinforcing the strength of the Irish-American bond which has delivered so much politically and economically for this country. If that was at the cost of letting Trump dominate proceedings and say whatever he liked – then looking a bit supine beside him was a worthwhile price to pay, Martin reasoned. He was cock-a-hoop afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4MD52YN7RF37MXA4HIWLPHPBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472627},"content":"Though I suspect middle Ireland soundly backed the Taoiseach’s approach, there are also many who have a legitimate quarrel with this. Few of them, however, bother to evaluate, or even acknowledge, that there may be very significant costs for the country if you go into the Oval Office and have a row with Trump. We may not like it, but this is the world we now live in. If Martin had done that, the criticism at home for speaking truth to power or whatever you want to call it would have been much louder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKQR3YRKFZD5TNILJWSKZYLPH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472628},"content":"Martin’s chuckle at Trump’s response to a question about housing was a mistake. Mary Lou McDonald seized on it and gave the Taoiseach a proper going-over in the Dáil on Wednesday. Accusing Martin of “sniggering” at Trump’s dismissal of the housing crisis in Ireland, the Taoiseach told her she lacked the courage to go to the US and make the case for Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3DBWXLFCRE5HO55WG6ZRNCJOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Taoiseach is accused of ‘plámásing’ Trump at White House as critics scorn housing ‘joke’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MWFRJYTB2JGPJAL4LNPPHYT3Q4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472629},"content":"“It does not take courage to snigger at people,” McDonald shot back. “That is the action of an obsequious coward. It is a cowardly act to snigger at the suffering and hardship of people back home when you feel you are at a safe distance to do so.” It looked good on social media channels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NWKZKR2TFAMNL5H34NZVISWNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472630},"content":"McDonald presumably knows that Martin wasn’t sniggering at people who can’t find somewhere to live, but she has him bang to rights on the dodgy figures for housing completions that he and his Government allies were using for the second half of last year. Right up to the election they were citing projections of 40,000 houses to be completed by the end of the year. The real figure when the CSO counted them was just more than 30,000 – but the election was over by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEV553VA7JEZPJG2VFIUZY2RC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472631},"content":"The exchanges were a reminder of the enduring centrality of the housing issue. But Government policy stutters on – despite growing evidence that it will produce nothing near the 50,000-60,000 houses a year needed, and which the Government parties promised during the election. It is becoming increasingly clear that some drastic policy changes will be needed soon, or the Government will be doomed to fail on housing. And I suspect there would be a decisive political price for that at the next election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMTENF6PYZDKNKH4W3QDW4F2H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472632},"content":"Hightailing it to Brussels on Thursday, Martin entered a very different world. With a direct military threat on its eastern borders, and the US security guarantee no longer reliable, Europe is rearming as quickly as it can. That will involve many hundreds of billions of euro spent on arms, defence technology and military recruitment in the coming decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2WNLSG42BAKNNXORELIE26D6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472633},"content":"Would it be better not to have to do this? Of course. Is it necessary? Ask the Ukrainians. Ask the Poles and the Baltics. Is it any of Ireland’s business? It is if we’re part of the European Union. Will the Government face significant domestic opposition for spending money on guns not butter? Certainly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXT2QGKDP5BETAPSXJ5YYDUHC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472634},"content":"Ireland is fortunate that it is currently in such a strong financial position that it can meet any reasonable international and national spending requirements. Depending on the unfolding EU-US trade war, that position might not last though. Inevitably, uncomfortable choices of all kinds loom for the Government.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Irish officials sitting on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:55:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Taoiseach was cock-a-hoop after his meeting with Trump, but a quick reality check followed","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ","auth":{"1":"6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b"},"focal_point":{"x":682,"y":363},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"X4D7ERPZKSNXVQAGN2S4EUBIGU","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"JHY4O2GSKVACLCAR2ERIVQWKAQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":220,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6322d31b-56f8-4584-9344-0ae734823427/versions/1742587374/media/8aa5c50be13fec4c0ef66a01610d5fdd_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ADTA33VMIRERJD24PNRIGF5CBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806229},"content":"US secretary of commerce <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/howard-lutnick/\">Howard Lutnick</a> has renewed his attack on Ireland, calling the country his favourite “tax scam”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IE54GSLZQJHI5C6MNWEIJ4P5VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806230},"content":"Mr Lutnick said Ireland has all of the US multinational technological and pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights and this deprives the United States of tax revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNRS72Q5DNBPBENLR6B6AH6VQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806231},"content":"“That’s gotta end,” he told the All-In podcast, aimed at venture capitalists in Washington DC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJCBRI6AMJDSZLGZWGW37HHDF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806232},"content":"Mr Lutnick erroneously claimed that Ireland had a $60 billion (€55.4 billion) surplus last year. In fact the budget surplus was €25 billion ($27 billion), which included a once-off €14 billion Apple payment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"e55658eb-2270-4d54-bea6-1742fc6600c3","additional_properties":{},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"F5H22MNDC5ATPGILSJZTDE45NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806233},"content":"He told the podcast: “So we lose two trillion and they make 60. You’d say, Ireland, what do they do? Oh, they have all of our IP for our great tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WX6GCJK545FAROIKUA5PPW6VVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806234},"content":"“All our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because it’s low tax and they don’t pay us. They pay them. So that’s got to end. So when those things end, tariffs, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Trump</a> card, getting rid of tax scams to get fair tax, that’s my trillion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWEIYQIOCFGSRITJ4L5GAY4KHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806235},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZIKWA3LABHTNHSOYNX7T3CL6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806236},"content":"Mr Lutnick, a long-time friend of President Donald Trump and one of the biggest advocates of global tariffs, has long targeted Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKGWMWAEIBDYFPO4ITFZ57HF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806237},"content":"He told Fox News last week, a day after Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the White House, that Ireland was a “tax scam” and he inflated Ireland’s budgetary surplus further, stating it amounted to $75bn (€71bn).","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXKLYWKSPZANNBSSX3PFQKREYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806238},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYGPO2ZXV5GJVDGUNPYQLHRYMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826620},"content":"Meanwhile, the Government is likely to provide some support to businesses hit by a trade war between the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-union/\" target=\"_blank\">EU</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a>, but will rule out Covid-style funding packages, it is understood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BKDLZ5DFRHHJGT24KXSTM7HIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826621},"content":"With predictions this week that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\" target=\"_blank\">US tariffs would inflict major damage on the Irish economy</a>, export businesses are bracing themselves for the exchange of tit-for-tat tariffs next month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YADKHL2IPFCFZCCYTEL4675OFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826622},"content":"On Friday, at a trade forum in Government Buildings with business leaders, Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> said he wouldn’t “sugar coat” the situation, and warned them that early April could be a moment of “significant disruption”, officials briefed on the meeting said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ5EUXNQW5BVBH7WJXGLHYUGCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826623},"content":"Efforts to avert a full-scale trade war are also under way, with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">European Commission</a> officials saying that they had suspended the planned imposition of tariffs on certain US products, including Bourbon whiskey, from the start of April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4JCFG6MWBCHHECCOFCJQGPMKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826624},"content":"The suspension was partly as a result of lobbying by Ireland and France, anxious to protect their wine and whiskey exports to the US. President <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> had threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on EU alcoholic drink imports to the US in response to the EU’s move.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STFH4GECFNG7TJDECOVX27CPUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826625},"content":"Trump EU alcohol tariff could be ‘devastating’ for Irish whiskey, industry warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BF7VRZVOEVABBDM26L6LSEQQAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826626},"content":"The EU, however, still plans to hit US imports with tariffs in mid-April if the US goes ahead with its planned tariffs on April 2nd. Officials said that contacts were ongoing with the Trump administration to avoid a trade war, but were not optimistic that peace would break out in the coming weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYFVOHSR5BFLZDADR2SXUR2AEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826627},"content":"Choosing how to respond to the US tariffs is a delicate task for the European Commission, which handles trade issues for the EU as a whole, because different countries have different exposures to various kinds of exports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLBUTCONSNHOTJB5DZ6FIQRZ6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826628},"content":"On Friday, Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> warned in Brussels that there was “a danger of significant division across the EU” in a sector-by-sector approach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFFHSI24X5DTFIMOSRF2EY6PFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826629},"content":"Should a trade war go ahead next month, senior sources say that the Government is open to providing balance sheet assistance through instruments such as low-cost loans to firms especially exposed, and advice on pivoting to non-US markets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5V45SD3BZCFBNDCCPFV4QKDFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826630},"content":"Across-the-board payments in the face of an economic slowdown are not currently on the table. The model being considered is more in line with supports associated with the fallout from Brexit, rather than the pandemic or the cost-of-living and inflation crisis which followed, sources said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHI2UMOEEFBXLKC5O3EC6EBJQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826631},"content":"“It’s not Covid,” one figure said, ruling out across-the-board payments to businesses like those made during the pandemic. A second source concurred: “There’s a strong belief we shouldn’t be entering into that space.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQKQNWKCKNC2PACDZ5RVTUMM5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826632},"content":"EU-US trade war would hit job growth and cut living standards, Donohoe warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QC5VXLS4QRBIZHKBZ5GIGS323M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826633},"content":"European shares edge lower as trade tensions spark uncertainty","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"IL5CHOMLYFDULN5RANIZ4EGBUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826634},"content":"Civil servants are studying where the impacts may fall in the economy as well as pushing Irish messages at an official and political level in the EU.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBCWPVTHUNACZNQALZNRTOLQRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826637},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Loans and business advice planned if trade war begins next month"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"US secretary of commerce says Ireland’s ‘tax scam’ has ‘gotta end’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U5NSRBW46PNR4DZXV3SKQXCIHE","auth":{"1":"bdd1984c4e1383c1dc4bdd4caf41ad8cbcdd3d84011edf61b2c8e7ed1f6ee0e6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U5NSRBW46PNR4DZXV3SKQXCIHE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"CM62RJC5MVFHHOGIDWZJESIB7M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":211,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/54b6cda1-b1aa-4dd0-a5cc-e31710c1e924/versions/1742577340/media/05f52e422265ff63922f05d2a451d294_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/more-than-3300-obsolete-laws-from-19th-century-set-to-be-repealed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JKZX7YTT7ZGK7HLODHMFEMEPF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than 3,300 obsolete laws enacted in the 19th century are to be repealed under a Bill due to go before the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\">Dáil</a> next week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQP6LGW5ZVAP7ALOL7OZ6TB5V4","additional_properties":{},"content":"They include orders and proclamations that date from between 1821 and 1861, during British rule in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNDBQRENVNCQXEVESPYI5M27JI","additional_properties":{},"content":"They include more than 2,500 proclamations offering rewards for apprehending suspects for offences such as setting fire to houses, cow houses, ricks of hay, barns and flax and oat-mills; breaking eggs; and carrying out beatings with sticks, stones and nettles. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2BJ4JNFYBCUZKRMKKEYFHODMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The incident that saw a beating with nettles happened in Mayo in 1834 after the attackers ordered two men to “sell potatoes on credit”. It is one of a number of potato-related incidents referred to among the obsolete proclamations in the Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEZDIN5GFBDVHIFJUQZPMTYLZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BT5IJM4PDNDY5DZOFDTE4GFUHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A proclamation from 1836 was “for apprehending the persons who broke open the vaults under the churches of St Andrew and St Mark in the city of Dublin, and opened several coffins and extracted the teeth from the bodies contained in them”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSWEXATJOFFA7AZ4NTNVRSMYDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Bill includes an 1843 order “cautioning all persons to abstain from attending a meeting” being organised by lawyer and politician Daniel O’Connell to be held in Contarf on repealing the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland which had abolished the Irish parliament. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYDMWSBNYJHWPD6MPVOE7SU3KI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He ultimately cancelled the meeting to avoid bloodshed and lodged a complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYIL2CURQ5BYBH54F5FE6BCACE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is also an 1846 famine-era order on “preparing a form of prayer to be used throughout Ireland for relief from the dearth and scarcity now existing in parts of the United Kingdom through failure of crops”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSKKZADI75FIJP7GBMV7QN6D6M","additional_properties":{},"content":"An 1856 proclamation calls for “a general thanksgiving” for the “restoration of peace in Europe” following the end of the Crimean War. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NRXA3QYQFHPNOV66VXNBQUJX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The measures are to be revoked under the proposed Statute Law Revision Bill 2024, as they have ceased to be in force due to changes in circumstances or the passage of time or have been superseded by subsequent legislation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEB6VRQFKVH3TNDOKTY36EIDOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Bill being progressed by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\">Jack Chambers</a> is expected to be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI4FM3LW7FECJOPUAJXHC2QZH4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He told The Irish Times the Bill “offers a fascinating window into Irish history, revealing another aspect of life, society and the system of law and order from centuries past. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4XWXCU3YFFOPHQ7NXTJTLKHBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In particular, the laws that were deemed necessary by the authorities at the time show the growing public attitude towards Irish liberty.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUVF6FPHORFPVIPMEKAV43PHUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said the new legislation is “also practical and incredibly important for the modernisation of our Irish laws”, adding: “The progression of this legislation ensures our Statute book is up to date and fit for purpose.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUNJ5MNMMZG6HEU2KACNIQFICE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Previous Acts have repealed all obsolete primary legislation enacted before independence and revoked all obsolete secondary legislation made up to January 1st, 1821.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVFQR4VWFREKJO7A5NULHRV6LE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many of the items set to be revoked relate to the British Empire or military including a warrant “fixing the rates of postage on letters transmitted to and from certain French, Dutch and British colonies in the West Indies” and “revised regulations on punishments in Her Majesty’s Navy”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPZI4MIZGNFVRH4WTQK2Q4S42A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The process leading to the Bill involved a review carried out by the Law Reform Commission and of more than 40,000 secondary instruments to ascertain if they were obsolete or were to be repealed or retained.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUCXRCGLGNDPTGPXGCGRZFJNKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Laws include proclamations on beatings with sticks and nettles, breaking eggs and an order banning a Daniel O’Connell rally"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"More than 3,300 obsolete laws from 19th 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<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/office-of-public-works/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/office-of-public-works/\">Office of Public Works </a>(OPW) has disputed a suggestion that it rejected an agreed location for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-gallery-of-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-gallery-of-ireland/\">National Gallery of Ireland</a>’s (NGI) €125,000 unused X-ray scanner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EALLKA6C4RCCFLR4W2F5VBUJ7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The contention was made in an October 2021 “progress report” sent by the NGI to the Department of Arts – and released under the Freedom of Information Act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDB7IXQRPFFLXDJ2KSMLQJO5PY","additional_properties":{},"content":"It shows that the gallery warned in 2021 there would be a delay of another year in finding a home for the scanner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3HZQ6CHRJBTVLH3OKGVU7XKLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The X-ray machine remains unused, more than seven years after its purchase in late 2017.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQUHYZTH5BDITAFWURM3TMVMXI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The NGI confirmed on Friday that the cost of a cabinet required to house the scanner will be an additional €175,000, exclusive of VAT, with the extra spending to come from its resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUHG5NGPCBDGZOLPAXMR2MOY2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The NGI expects the scanner, which is used to inspect valuable works in an unintrusive way, to be brought into use this year with the purchase of the cabinet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72J55I4KGBDYRLYDVK3UCU3Z4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 2021 progress report states that there had been “significant engagement with the OPW on the location of the X-ray room”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6X5NCWQEZNB6PMK4WXV2KONX5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Issues around load for the required lead lining needed for the X-ray room were cited as the cause of “the most recent delay”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6Z7KD5DEFCERD2ZX76RLBYCMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The report adds there was “an initial agreement of a location but it was rejected by the OPW”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBC7UTT2WJFUJMJMYGRBKQ4QI4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also says that with the approval of the fourth phase of the NGI’s development plan “the final location of the X-ray room” would be “finalised”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFFQSLVMHFGFPGQFFESQ72LYJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This room will not likely be in place in the next 12 months due to the size of this final part of the gallery’s site development.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBMGV5EBDFEWNKO27NXU3WZMQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a statement on Friday evening, the OPW disputed the suggestion that it rejected an agreed location for the X-ray machine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QF6R2IRUNDPJO6RTQP56X42FA","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is the National Gallery’s scanner that cost €125,000 and what would it be used for?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RBTFZCBFDZGRXAZMM4NMH2DZ5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"It said: “In 2018, the Office of Public Works was made aware that the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) had tendered for and purchased an X-ray Machine in 2017. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFN6EBDEFNHN5I3NO6EM4LXTSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The NGI did not consult with the OPW in advance of this tendering process to agree a suitable location for this machine.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCCLD26M3RFIDJVPWR6DUXYDPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The OPW added: “In April 2021, the Office of Public Works was requested by the NGI to review a proposed location for an X-ray Machine and Protective Enclosure in the Millennium Wing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOMQN7P5GJBSLIKFA23Y5LFTKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The OPW requested further information and attended a site visit where various impacts were discussed including issues relating to floor loading.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSQ2FJ5PQZFJVI5ZZPR5Z5Q6D4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The NGI did not, at any point thereafter, seek further technical advices or request a project to be progressed by the OPW.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73YWCSYMPREK3FZ3SY6QZZJS4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As such there was no agreed location for this equipment, at any stage, and no location therefore was ever rejected by the OPW.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTURBUH6SJEBXLZUIEFEMAIEL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The statement added: “In recent days, the OPW has reviewed another location for this equipment, as suggested by the NGI, and has provided the required technical advices.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gallery confirms plans to spend €175,000 on cabinet to house machine "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"OPW disputes suggestion it rejected agreed location for National Gallery of Ireland’s unused X-ray scanner","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KH2D67LYQZGFXGBQESYYTABSNU","auth":{"1":"c964f30823e3dff32f6a0d1b555e6ebe94372f0dc14307d184de8b9d5306ca95"},"focal_point":{"x":1486,"y":1248},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KH2D67LYQZGFXGBQESYYTABSNU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/opw-disputes-suggestion-it-rejected-agreed-location-for-national-gallery-of-irelands-unused-x-ray-scanner/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"RUB6ZB4A7ZEGVNTE4PMHNTV7QU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":498,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ec292900-bc83-479e-bf52-7c35e4aea4cd/versions/1742586504/media/8471bc8cf7d6a019e4f971289527f4c1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L5OWTTDNKRFNDIZM44LUEY5ZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134162},"content":"<i>In the week when </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Conor McGregor</i></a><i> stood at the White House podium and declared “illegal immigration” was “running ravage” in Ireland, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy gives his first comprehensive interview, since his appointment to the role, on the Government’s approach to immigration.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWEXSOU76FCWVGRJRTMKFUPEAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134163},"content":"Last week, Conor McGregor said Ireland was “at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness” due to “illegal immigration” “running ravage”. How concerned are you about McGregor, and similar far-right agitators, spreading this inaccurate immigration rhetoric?","type":"header"},{"_id":"JCJCJNS6YRFYPKFDBSKBP3T6TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134164},"content":"These were appalling comments. It’s very important Ireland’s political and civil society leadership do not let this type of false narrative go unchallenged. Not only does he not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPY6DRFXDREAXFWFJJEWLTK6ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134165},"content":"Conor McGregor has, unfortunately, an ability to generate publicity for himself. But I think the people of Ireland know unequivocally who he really is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPJHSMI42RBBTMEPB37TARRVOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134166},"content":"McGregor has suggested he might contest the upcoming presidential election. How would you respond if he runs?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XP6C6R5Z5VEPHO2G2S5A3G3RZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134167},"content":"I’m hopeful he will not run – he needs to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. If he does run, I would call him out on his lies and say he does not speak for the vast majority of people in our country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B62IZ5S4XRER7G3RVFC5G2YCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134168},"content":"We’ve had candidates who ran at local and national level in elections with viewpoints which I would absolutely disagree with, and they must be challenged at every opportunity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIBQGTCASRCLJHQN7F5XARD4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134169},"content":"How concerned are you about the trend of violent protests and criminality led by anti-immigration, far-right activists?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QUZUFV3XGRAXJICXZFTIYS4LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134170},"content":"There’s a real imperative on the political leadership not to accept the far-right agenda in any way, shape or form. It’s one of the reasons having a better asylum system is important – it takes away the oxygen from far-right groups in terms of false narratives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYPX6ANNF5HBLGB2VBIF27KSP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134171},"content":"Conor McGregor comments on immigration in White House criticised as ‘wrong’ and ‘outrageous’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N5OSKBM6MJCOPB76T2HHOQ6IXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134172},"content":"We, as the political centre, have to recognise that communities have genuine concerns. But at the same time, we must not tolerate the exploitation of these genuine concerns by unrepresentative groups who are promoting a political agenda. They exploit, and latch on to, communities’ fears.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAZGV3XNB5F6NMJA4QS3GQYZHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134173},"content":"Is there a danger of Government policy pandering to these far-right elements and being swayed by local agitation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"EQNLN6FAWVGGNIOTZ6KIGQMTKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134174},"content":"It’s regrettable that when we talk about having a firm, fair and effective asylum system, you’re seen as wanting to pander to the far-right element. Far from it. I believe by having the system that works properly, you take the oxygen away from groups like the far right to be able to exploit it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77HGRTYDRJCXTI2S5UDV3M4J5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134175},"content":"State stops opening new asylum seeker centres in certain areas due to ‘local feedback’ and ‘violent protest’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4NY6JG72BZBJPCR6WCHXPY6HUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134176},"content":"They want an ineffective system that enables them to continue to peddle their tropes and lies. That’s why we need a system that people believe in, and buy in to, from both sides: the community and those entering the asylum system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNZIACLY5FBH3LAIB77IAYBTQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134177},"content":"What about concerns that the Government’s firm but fair approach will take away from the humanitarian element of supporting refugees?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QNDESVRCLNF6TN2LN2P3M3O6R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134178},"content":"A firm, fair and effective system works faster, and therefore delivers results for everyone. It means vulnerable people who are genuinely seeking international protection will be given an answer quickly. That’s better for them and better for us, rather than a system which ends up with people lost in limbo for long periods of time and which becomes an unfair cost to the Irish taxpayer. It’s a win for people in the process and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMDZXQR46FC6RD653DWBECM55I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134179},"content":"Last year the Government stopped opening new IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres in certain parts of the country because of “local and political feedback”. How do you plan to address the myriad difficulties in securing asylum seeker housing?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUOAL3Z2LBA7XBQ2FXADAXYGWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134180},"content":"I want to focus on acquiring State-owned facilities which will ramp up accommodation considerably. We’ve had over 100 expressions of interest in [State-run] facilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ2WCKBZSZCGXOSHK5WIURCEQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134181},"content":"This will reduce costs and take us out of the situation where we find ourselves now – looking for IPAS centres all the time. This impacts communities and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"647WC3HRKVDTRGYXKBZWD5AJIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134182},"content":"What about reports that Government is in discussion to buy Citywest hotel in Saggart, Co Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"3M22L6V7U5FJBPIXWP4HAYPGHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134183},"content":"Citywest is an important facility in terms of the migration system and there’s excellent work being carried out by staff and volunteers there. But it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4DCAFDA5JGW3GPFBZQLVQGF4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"O5TO7PIJQ5HTZIQ5XTWMT4VHSQ"},"content":"The inside story of how Conor McGregor secured his meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BQZUYTWZANGDTEBTTMSIGPXFSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134184},"content":"What about the legal challenges that have been taken against IPAS centres in places like Athlone and Thornton Hall in north Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"UTPYTTIIDZARBIYROXBQAYZABY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134185},"content":"I can’t comment specifically on an individual legal challenge but<b> </b>we live in a country where the rule of law predominates and people have a right to challenge us. It’s up to us, as Government, to push (for IPAS centres) in a way that’s absolutely compliant with the law. And if somebody challenges that, we robustly defend it and accept the outcome. That’s how our system works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MS3VM2CK5E6FP5OANZALUQCJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134186},"content":"The State spent more than €1.9 billion on IPAS and Ukrainian refugee housing in 2024. How much will you cut spending in 2025?","type":"header"},{"_id":"K7URBSH7CZGPTBR32BRIDAB2U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134187},"content":"The costs are unacceptably high and we must bring them down. It’s about trying to ensure we have much better value for money for the taxpayer. By moving to State-owned facilities, I’m hoping costs will reduce in the coming 12 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKL5J2OZBVBFDEQPVTXP7HQDO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134188},"content":"The EU migration pact, which comes into force in June 2026, will create a more streamlined process which should result in fewer numbers overall in the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CL3DRG7FNGBXNBU6YJ774Z2X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134189},"content":"What about the 5,300 people with refugee status and leave to remain who are unable to leave IPAS and secure private accommodation due to the housing crisis?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HLZRHF63LVEUBJFX2HPRWXIFZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134190},"content":"This is something that will absolutely be on my agenda. I believe these people want to get out of IPAS and live like everyone else in their own accommodation. We have a bottleneck at either end and we need to create a transition path, through engagement with local authorities, that gets people working and living in the community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IOI3HNUIRA25EKZSVLRZKCO54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134191},"content":"That benefits people who are in the system, because it gives them much greater certainty and quicker decision-making. And it makes the whole system work fairer for everybody.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGXKBJZWYNF5JCQMKNUYL4JLAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"ILRSQIAUAFDV7CHWV67ZGRWFRY"},"content":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UMXR7CNST5AV7N6HLWOWF5DI2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134192},"content":"The Department of Justice has issued a record 890 deportation orders so far this year. However, the Government is still struggling to quantify how many people leave the State voluntarily. How can this be improved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QY7IXZTGKFEPVNTNZ5P7J32VE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134193},"content":"I want to implement a system which records when people who have gone through the system are leaving. We check people coming in but we don’t have a rigid system of checking when people move out. And that distorts numbers and information. We can’t 100 per cent capture information on every last person who comes in and out, but we need a system that captures far more data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQ77LLDQHVBAVCRKGIQVUUYYDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134194},"content":"Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan signals tougher line on immigration and increased deportations","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JV2M76NYE5G6BO6PC574FAVAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134195},"content":"Last October, the Government launched a public information campaign on migration. However, most people remain unaware these resources exist. How will you make clear, unbiased information on migration easily accessible to the general public?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NVAGLYGNHJF2BDTYBNXL4HUNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134196},"content":"We will absolutely run a more effective information campaign. It’s really important people know most migrants are working, paying their taxes and making an incredible contribution to Ireland. These are the people caring for your parents, working in the hospitals, working in key jobs across various sectors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYGMQKH2VFC4RIL727THYIGA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134197},"content":"In the past, we were the people leaving, travelling abroad to find work, and we need to remember that. It needs to be part of the narrative of how we look at migration. The new Ireland has really benefited the vast majority of Irish people. We now have a country where people want to come here to live and work. And that is a definition of a success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZM34FMX7ZC7XFV7ETV2SSGPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134198},"content":"<i>(Edited for brevity)</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Interview with Colm Brophy, Minister of State for Migration, on the Government's approach to immigration"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Colm Brophy: ‘Not only does Conor McGregor not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q","auth":{"1":"8bc21130a35a6aaf257ee0a7c10218fe10c3987fdbb3c3e25abb43e82f52898e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"EBY5TKA3PFFHRDPWPZ64TRE2OU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":542,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e2d8a565-4ee6-4e3e-928e-549ccc15b84b/versions/1742594463/media/a2ccf72479ead0c32a8739584744722e_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/miriam-lord-sharon-keogan-nails-her-maga-colours-to-the-mast-on-paddys-day/","content_elements":[{"_id":"US2MWFIE7ZCJNKQBV4S3IJZ44M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636171},"content":"With all that’s going on in the world, last year’s sensational saga about a Kremlin agent allegedly infiltrating Leinster House has fallen off the radar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DWABKXJKFE3DEPTURFWQ3T67A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636172},"content":"The Sunday Times broke the story about a mysterious operative they code-named “Agent Cobalt” who was apparently recruited by Russian intelligence as an agent of influence. The politician was reportedly snared in a “honeytrap” operation to supply information during the Brexit talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXHQ7VG2XVCAJLJ363TMR7METE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636173},"content":"But Putin’s secret agent has not been forgotten – just merely sidelined for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUSF5Y46GNG5JD4IOOL256OAJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636174},"content":"The Seanad was more interested in an influencer of a different colour this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT2WP4IOGZGNFO3YGCFUBDMP54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636175},"content":"In a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/08/maga-seanadoir-would-only-love-to-take-taoiseachs-place-at-shamrock-jamboree/\" target=\"_blank\">recent column</a>, we reported on Independent Senator Sharon Keogan’s effort to swing an invite to the White House for the annual shamrock ceremony. (She should have had a word with Mattie McGrath below in the Dáil – like-minded Mattie’s contacts on Capitol Hill always see him right for the St Patrick’s week political beano in Washington.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDLJAC4MTFBWXGPMYZTN2QQCZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636176},"content":"Sharon wrote to the relevant honchos in Pennsylvania Avenue in a letter headed “Pro-Maga Irish Politicians – Request for invitation to the White House on St Patrick’s Day”, introducing herself as a “member of the Senate of Ireland” who had publicly endorsed Donald Trump during his recent election campaign and “celebrated his victory on the floor of the Irish senate”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAMJOKI5FBBU3BF6Z2UNNNI47M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636177},"content":"Unfortunately, Sharon explained to us she couldn’t go anyway due to a diary clash in Ireland. Which was a pity as she told the White House she was Irish and Pro-Trump and wanted “to communicate that to people in the US, Ireland and across the globe”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IH6PNJHQTZHGNI5Y4NGRFCJZ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636178},"content":"We hear some of Sharon’s colleagues in the Upper House are so impressed by her coming out as a “pro-maga Irish politician” with a desire to tell the whole world about her pro-Trump credentials, they have invented a new code-name.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NEJ5PKVCZCSJH6CPXXL6M6NUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636179},"content":"“Never mind Agent Cobalt,” said one. “Our maga woman in the Seanad is now known as Agent Orange.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQKYTJCBCZC2RDZVTTSWXH5BLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636180},"content":"No shutting up over speaking rights","type":"header"},{"_id":"E5TEIMPN5RAEZDLWDFM6P6PVLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636181},"content":"There’s going to be a run on popcorn next Tuesday if this speaking rights row isn’t defused by the time the Dáil meets again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPAJKK6RE5DCPBHOTEWAIRFC4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636182},"content":"It’s an astonishing situation and very, very unusual. The place sees its fair share of rows and blow-ups, but this is different.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4PFEYYOFJDC3JCQVMH6DQAYJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636183},"content":"Last week, the Government continued to insinuate that Sinn Féin is the prime mover behind the commotion, stirring the pot for base political advantage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6WNZ4KG2JCM5HCG2DFLVDKHNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636184},"content":"Thing is, this isn’t true. Seasoned Dáil watchers are struggling to recall when they last witnessed all of the Opposition so firmly united against a proposed measure to change the House rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXPGJ76XEJHCHBMOKLCJMXSYC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636185},"content":"That’s three political parties and two technical groups, solidly against the Government pushing through special provisions for the Lowry Independents. They don’t buy its sudden concern for the speaking rights of its own backbenchers, a concern which only stuck them while trying to find a way to please the controversial Independent TD from Tipperary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXOCKJD7BRB2HK4MIUA3JLYNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636186},"content":"How will this pan out?","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7NESNYWMVAIPGF7Q3LCI6ZFGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636187},"content":"Opposition whips will be talking over the weekend about how to approach next week. “We are totally united on this. We have jointly put in amendments to the Government’s motion. They can very easily resolve this and they know it,” said Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MORYIWBJA5HCZFSAQMUD5OC2OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636188},"content":"He and his cross-party colleagues are in constant contact. “At this stage we can’t rule anything out, but hopefully we can get this sorted. Everyone wants to get on with the work of the Dáil and its committees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VY2SXTV3YNG5VHGQIZZJ5BHFAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636189},"content":"Opposition TDs say that, for some strange reason, the Government has chosen to disregard the Ceann Comhairle’s recent ruling that the members of the Lowry group are not considered members of the Opposition. In a significant intervention this week, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness, didn’t allow Barry Heneghan to speak during the Order of Business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6SATLN7LBDKBLC3ZJXKPPMA3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636190},"content":"“You are not a member of the Opposition so you can’t be called,” he ruled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRXRPIRYYVHGTGHXZUNF5F7ALU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636191},"content":"Other Opposition members note that Lowry, who had been so high-profile in speaking on behalf of his group of Government-supporting Independents, seems to have gone to ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFY4F6YOY5BSRBETGD4J3GHDAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636192},"content":"“He has very noticeably taken a back seat. He’s been very, very quiet,” said one TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2N6IIA4IZES5DDDEVNRXEUVQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636193},"content":"Government plan to push through changes to Dáil speaking rights criticised as ‘brazen’ and ‘outrageous’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5SIA4T4GOZD6FM7XXBMFHEVU5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636194},"content":"There is also a combined view that the Government wanted to keep the controversy on ice for as long as possible so the public would lose interest, putting pressure the Opposition to move on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSERVSM6GFAGZHME4QRTHAJJMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636195},"content":"But deputies remain angry and their position appears to be hardening, if anything.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYNHA6VLCFAPLKJYRJXS3UY5TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636196},"content":"“This is genuinely a joint effort,” says Mac Lochlainn. “The Government has underestimated our resolve throughout this.” Statements from Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats and Duncan Smith of Labour in recent days would bear this out. The Independent Alliance and People Before Profit are also not for turning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWSAUHBLXBAHNKD7MB3K2SZBUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636197},"content":"A mass walkout would be the nuclear option. But there are plenty of other options open to the Opposition which would make life extremely difficult for the Government and even make the Dáil impossible to function.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTLJJ57K4JGFZLN2GCOW6JANEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636198},"content":"Heather’s retirement do – or presidential launch?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RVI5GJMBJNGD3ABQJO3TL2OSBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636199},"content":"There was a big do in Cootehill on Thursday night to mark Heather Humphreys’ retirement from national politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EPX7K7HIZCC7AHZXY4UYEXOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636200},"content":"Guest of honour was Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, along with the Minister for Communications, Patrick O’Donovan. Simon, Patrick and Heather have been good buddies from the time they first entered the Dáil in 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWADFSW7XBB4FHIOKHTFQZBXJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636201},"content":"The former minister was in fine fettle at the event in the Errigal Country House Hotel on the Cavan-Monaghan border, reminiscing about her time in local and national politics and looking forward to spending more time at home with her family, particularly grandchildren Arthur and Charlotte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"646VKGVIP5AFDL2MN2RHHUCIJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636202},"content":"The event was organised by David Maxwell, her Dáil successor in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZTBFHKLMBB4VN2KJCJQ5ATFOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636203},"content":"On the night, Heather, who was cheered to the rafters by the local organisation, was presented with a landscape painting called “New Dawn”, by local artist Marie Kelly. And David, the new TD, presented Heather’s husband, Eric, who is a farmer, with a wooden clock in the shape of a Ford tractor which he made himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V53YTKZVX5F5HN5HOBY7LTWYKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636204},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DCZEMXEURJDGJM2NJP3NX55LKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636205},"content":"In her speech, the former deputy leader of Fine Gael didn’t make any reference to the rumours swirling about of a possible run for the presidency and the many favourable column inches which have been written of late about her possible candidacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERIAOJEOGFATZNOGM5OTEP3MQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636206},"content":"But the prospect was in the background throughout the night, with many of the speakers referring to a run for the Áras in all sorts of oblique ways. Even the Taoiseach made a remark at the start of his speech about wondering if he had been invited under false pretences and that he might not have been there for a farewell after all ... but for a launch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VX7QW4AP3BGWXCJYAB74E7VB3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636207},"content":"“You’re decent, effective, brilliant. We love you and we’re proud of you,” he told her.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHBTWKWBBBHXXBR5NCGV3WRTBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636208},"content":"After listening to Patrick O’Donovan’s speech, Heather said he was lucky she didn’t give him a clip around the ear. He told the crowd that she told him he could stay the night in Monaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FA2CH2CPW5AVHPJRZXBNWKCV6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636209},"content":"“But I don’t have a bag with me,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFPUVYFHLVDRLD4Y27YUWUKSSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636210},"content":"“Don’t worry, I’ll give you Eric’s pyjamas. He won’t need them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJXZYGPIZJE5FCYGKMGVCSFB6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636211},"content":"He also called her the Queen Mother.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUXE2FUWLFHA7CAZHW6MFPMJH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636212},"content":"So what will Heather do next?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4P4GU3ZBCINNUSBVYN7PORBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636213},"content":"Last month she was named Monaghan Person of the Year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4JLG27PAREVXBR5TJDYIUB54A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636214},"content":"Will she really be content to cook a lot more dinners for Eric and get stuck into the local Tidy Towns group?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJP263SBDNBJPJVCDFPCOYRTYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636215},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLR4RWWHURD7VK7WVFENNFXBCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636216},"content":"Phone alone","type":"header"},{"_id":"W5MQB5UWXREILAU4DQJNGTVMA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636217},"content":"What’s Seldom is Wonderful moment of the week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MFYB3WPTRHN5OGLARGW5YKLYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636218},"content":"A mobile phone rang in the chamber on Wednesday during Leaders’ Questions. Not putting one’s handset on silent while the Dáil is in session is a big no-no in the House. But it happens. Particularly with one repeat offender who, in fairness, has been on his best behaviour so far this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6KTUMB5F5FSLBTATX3YPLJK7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636219},"content":"This was an unfamiliar ringtone. It sounded like a blast on the bagpipes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5VK44DACJBUBDJ5B5DMXTJIMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636220},"content":"But nonetheless, as Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats was grilling the Taoiseach over Government housing targets, heads immediately swivelled in the direction of Danny Healy-Rae, who sits in the topmost corner of the chamber.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54TCVX2ALFFH5K75IZ6DYTQP2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636221},"content":"And there he was. Smiling like a Kilvargan cat. Absolutely thrilled with himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRYFG6L24FBBHNBQNSRWVZ3G3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636222},"content":"He lifted his arms, put his hands up. No sign of the famous vintage Nokia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLQXZTFMGJDRVIEPWDIKYGQPSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636223},"content":"“It’s not me,” he mouthed from his lofty perch. Then he beamed up at the press gallery and mouthed the same words.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJDLVBKC6FE6HDZOH7JIU3L7KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636224},"content":"“It’s not me!”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3VG4W723JCHBF5JG2HV5UK3RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636225},"content":"It’s the happiest we’ve seen him since his brother Michael left him alone to fend for himself on the pretendy Opposition benches and went off to join the Government for the good of Kerry and the greater Healy-Rae cause.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Miriam Lord"}},"name":"Miriam Lord"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Independent Senator tried to blag her way in to the White House as the Upper House’s chief Trump cheerleader "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Miriam Lord: Sharon Keogan ‘our maga woman in the Seanad now known as Agent Orange’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MNSQTGGSTFDTPCIQ2NTDEGG6PY","auth":{"1":"0e096afe7d1879d3fcd28dc2e02276c0a12552adf79179f178f7e1ef9eedcdb7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MNSQTGGSTFDTPCIQ2NTDEGG6PY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/miriam-lord-sharon-keogan-nails-her-maga-colours-to-the-mast-on-paddys-day/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"JK7C5HZU2ZHPZHFF4SXCROPMMU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":544,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9f5f917f-bc03-47a8-9395-754b1b2c96f3/versions/1742559245/media/f536e2932b5e89b8d537927268179d1b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/the-thinking-has-shifted-trumps-trade-war-spells-economic-pain-for-ireland-as-dublin-plans-for-damage-limitation/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Y2CHPWHKARBIFCZU6CNV4PXTE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier this month, while Tánaiste Simon Harris was on a call with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, US president Donald Trump announced that he would <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/04/trade-wars-erupt-as-trump-hits-canada-mexico-china-with-steep-tariffs/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/04/trade-wars-erupt-as-trump-hits-canada-mexico-china-with-steep-tariffs/\">hike tariffs</a> on Canada. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVY4ZV6PDZDMDI5NKXOGKSLLJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Days later, officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs were in conclave, only to be interrupted by news via Trump’s Truth Social account that he was planning to impose a 200 per cent tariff on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/13/trump-vows-200-tariff-on-eu-wine-escalating-trade-tensions/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/13/trump-vows-200-tariff-on-eu-wine-escalating-trade-tensions/\">alcohol exports</a> from the European Union. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HX6ONDO7OVEJNEE2JSVGQLM6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In real time, interventions from the Oval Office changed the facts on the ground. This is the reality of trying to make policy during the second Trump presidency, where the only constant is unpredictability. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WDGTDHVJ5E7DEFRK76WCBQYJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As Ireland tries to plan for what appears to be an inevitable trade conflict between the US and the EU, uncertainty abounds – as do threats. With days ticking down to April 2nd, when Trump has promised to unveil details of “reciprocal” tariffs levied on trading partners, Irish politicians, businesses and policymakers are asking themselves: how do you plan for this type of trade war – and how do you survive it?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD3LSLU4C5BKPAAESDV2Y5ILWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Official Ireland started the week buoyant following the St Patrick’s Day <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/12/micheal-martin-donald-trump-meeting-live-updates-ireland-washington/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/12/micheal-martin-donald-trump-meeting-live-updates-ireland-washington/\">diplomatic offensive</a>. Sources across the public and private sector were ebullient that Taoiseach Micheál Martin avoided an Oval Office savaging and at the warmth of the reception for the Irish delegation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXCEKPGYLNHXPK5R7NN47L6GCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"One senior figure involved in the Irish effort spoke of “palpable relief” at a function held in Blair House, the presidential guest house opposite the White House where Martin stayed, after the Taoiseach’s meeting with Trump. The grudging admiration expressed by Trump for Ireland’s success in attracting US companies was notched as a win – “game recognising game”, this person surmised. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCX2WGB2XJBRNJOVDBJKNSBZZA","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96470","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LTIP5Q2POFGIZC3JXH5RRSICYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trumpian politics can hinge on personal connections or affinity – hence the satisfaction with Martin’s encounter. This is not lost on the several Irish sources who made the same point this week, with one suggesting that US aggression towards Canada has been informed by Trump’s animosity towards former prime minister Justin Trudeau. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6ADOZMG3FES7L6VDAGIHK64LY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It does matter and those messages do resonate with key leaders in business and political worlds,” said Paul Sweetman, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland in assessment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2CLTB2YEYBHJDJK4ZYYAY4JD7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"And yet, for all the Trump encounter could have gone worse, there is no sense that his administration is going to back down from its intended tariff offensive – nor that the EU will blink. If hit with tariffs, it has a list of €26 billion in products to tariff in return – plus much more in reserve. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIUN7W6QHZDGDIP5VCM7ZQO34Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin has urged calm, and the EU will pause to draw breath before responding – announcing a two-week delay in its response plans for next month on Thursday – but the abiding sense for some is that wheels are in motion in Brussels as well as in Washington. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IE4ETJPT7VHNLAGYXCOVQSUM4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We can influence the EU, but the EU has decided it doesn’t trust the Americans any more and is prepared to take quite drastic steps,” says one executive in a multinational firm operating in Ireland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNVIARLQ45H2FF7TZSNNG6ECCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is also a belief that the Trump administration is indifferent to the idea of defusing tensions through talks before tariffs. The hope that an off-ramp can be found is fading. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLUIRUITARB3HPT3W5POIIUQ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Wednesday, Harris told Fine Gael TDs and Senators that the US was unlikely to engage with the EU in any intensive way until after April 2nd. The working assumption, according to people familiar with discussions, had been that Trump would use the threat of tariffs to get people around the table. Ireland has urged dialogue and the need to avoid a tit-for-tat trade war. That remains the Government’s position, but as to the likelihood of that outcome, “the thinking has shifted”, says one source. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLPXNXZFYZE7DJS2QSRAHWDAJU","additional_properties":{},"content":"All of this suggests some degree of economic pain is inbound. Quite how much is a matter for debate. Andrew Webb, chief economist with Grant Thornton, judged that it is an “exceptionally difficult, exceptionally fearful time in terms of the rhetoric around tariffs and what it could mean for different parts of the economy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYOMWK4YKZDYVLZFOBLEP3YEWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Brussels on Thursday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe was blunt in his assessment: “It would be bad for jobs, it would be bad for growth, and it could be bad for inflation.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"USXIYPCF2VDYRO3PWYEQO3T7MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Donohoe suggested the deeper problem was the erosion of international and globalised trade norms upon which the Irish economic model is built. Confidence ebbing away from “the basic rules regarding how countries engage with each other” could be “very corrosive”, he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMB3CJMMEJDX7OMYUSHMNBPC2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"US tariffs could cost Irish economy more than €18bn in lost trade","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GMBFKGELWVDKNAPJYTJK5XXW2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Research jointly published on Friday by his department and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) starkly laid out the potential consequences for Ireland: GDP falling 3.5 per cent relative to a no-tariff scenario, a significant hit to production in the traded sector, and shrinking domestic demand. This would amount to a cost of €18 billion in lost trade and a long-term risk to the public finances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJDPETMOVJG67I2YLFXAN7FULY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“When you’re the most open trading economy,” one Cabinet source reasoned this week, “it does have a big effect.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZOWYIXWN5FM7A3RO257I6LQPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Behind the scenes, officials have been working since before the Irish general election on a wide array of scenarios. People briefed on the plans say hundreds of civil servants have been mobilised. In addition to external structures – a trade forum composed of Irish business leaders, and the US-based Strategic Economic Advisory Panel – all Government departments have been feeding information into the EU policy co-ordination division in the Department of Foreign Affairs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3URKR26G5ZHTHNM4KGTQOCQCOM","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"URUDM52ABVAU3OPQQSN232S45M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Department of the Taoiseach is taking a key role in co-ordinating, with the Department of Finance also prominent, alongside the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is by now a well-worn playbook with its roots in Brexit. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHSVELVZKJANBIN2SP2FLX7T7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The aim, sources say, is for the “system” to understand where the impacts may fall, both directly and indirectly. A second goal is to communicate Irish messages at a political and official level to the EU, with a third aim being to prepare responses. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5DWMNFHAVHKBKDNBDGYEFG5JY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The difficulty in all this is, again, the uncertainty. Some insight can be gleaned from Trump’s public pronouncements, which have set off jitters in the drinks industry in particular given the large tariffs it is facing, but multiple Irish sources expressed the belief that even people in Trump’s direct orbit don’t know what he’s going to do next. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKCIOSGPTNBWFGXAHSUIMUA3PI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s like driving a car through a river and we don’t know how deep it is,” says one person involved in planning. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"344YP4IUJJHDLJQVV3BWAEGSDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some consideration is being given to convening a group composed of Martin, Harris, Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to give political leadership to the response – something that was initially mooted during the programme for government negotiations as a general economic clearing house. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA564SNIDZFBNNIQ45ZE4II5S4","additional_properties":{},"content":"EU-US trade war would hit job growth and cut living standards, Donohoe warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VIHNTIUM6RF3LENA4IOWQZBYHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, away from Dublin, efforts are ongoing to map Trumpworld and to build a picture of how the administration operates – who has the US president’s ear, and how does the White House think about Ireland. Such efforts were part of meetings Harris had with leading US investment banks JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs in New York last week, although even these firms have more limited insight than might otherwise be the case. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVOAQKQG2JDSTHJLWUKVXLW5KI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are early-stage discussions about what supports, if any, might be made available to Irish firms. The clear intention, at this stage, is that any State assistance would be more in line with those offered during Brexit, rather than more recent and large deployments of State cash. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R54JBR57H5DSVOQ2GFYNPKNEZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s not Covid,” is the blunt assessment of one figure. A second agrees: “There’s a strong belief we shouldn’t be entering into that space.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEVZW4YG6NBK5OIYXV25IZFBXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Companies with particular exposure might be offered resources to move toward new markets, and some balance sheet support, but it would be of a markedly different order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DG2RJPYGXRHQ7DEGCLP2NXG4ZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Early thought is also being given to how the Government would manage any hit to the exchequer by way of, for example, a slowing in corporation tax revenues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDR3ZSTTLVDO3P5IYQDA75IUP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If the worst element of this causes a revenue impact or shock, then that necessitates a response,” says one senior Minister. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HLOHL53TFAMLKL2JYOBLZV5WU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In line with the programme for government, investment in capital spending and protecting services are seen as paramount, but planned tax cuts could be endangered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ARJKHDUKJDIFCVLYODBSIE3SA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Further narrowing of the tax base would be unwise if there’s uncertainty on revenue,” says the same Minister. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXBQ2Z5K75BJBLG3MLFS3SM3QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the verge of a seemingly unprecedented trade disruption, there is an abundance of theories and countertheories about what is to come. But nobody is certain what will happen – or how damaging it could be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZNUGWQ6ZBEX3JODPWXGU2EWIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dealing with the Trump White House, the only constant is unpredictability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBO4ZVHRCBCATFZACWQLPR5XXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"The working assumption had been that Trump would use the threat of tariffs to get people around the table, but that has changed"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How official Ireland is preparing for a possible US-EU trade war","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H6APBCV7THTGGCYU6HW62BCWSQ","auth":{"1":"f89dc2f5573495669d4538e6d5c7ae87ea2a5dc03a08556a43c2886b9d1da50b"},"focal_point":{"x":2744,"y":364},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H6APBCV7THTGGCYU6HW62BCWSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/the-thinking-has-shifted-trumps-trade-war-spells-economic-pain-for-ireland-as-dublin-plans-for-damage-limitation/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"TLIWNM5R4FBVZBHSFUI5TAHL5E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":211,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55229596-3982-49ef-b9c9-96b9a1525e8d/versions/1742598870/media/089e06b159dee69c6d6fa3b17f956107_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/21/rosie-odonnell-apologises-to-micheal-martin-for-being-dragged-into-her-feud-with-donald-trump/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742594469390},"content":"Actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell has written to the Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a> apologising for him becoming dragged into her long-running feud with US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"APX7TPSUDJFARBXSLTO44SLFGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Martin seemed puzzled when, during his visit to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/white-house/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/white-house/\">White House</a> last week, conservative journalist Brian Glenn referred to her decision to move to Ireland after President Trump was re-elected. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNCXEEGCVBABVLCRC3FLPNXBBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Glenn asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “Ireland is known for very happy, fun-loving people ... Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPBE2ICYBJDL3GDFWUCQQ36QKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Martin looked puzzled by the question and did not appear to know who she was which prompted Trump to say: “Did you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is? ... you’re better off not knowing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XCNRVCQKRDOXOSASOIVPDEU2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speaking on the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/late-late-show/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/late-late-show/\">Late Late Show</a>, O’Donnell said it was “very surreal” for her name to be used in the context of the press conference in the White House. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UTZL62VJBHGPH3WND53XABAPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"She and President Trump have a long history of enmity stretching back almost 20 years when she described him as like a “snake-oil salesman on Little House on the Prairie”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4XRQKPYY5BETJHRBSYGQPK67E","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said: “I mentioned that he was not in fact the businessman that he thinks that he was on The Apprentice. He was very angry to say the least and he hasn’t let it go. He uses me as a punchline whenever he feels the need. He’s been doing it for two decades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPGGLF72QBCOPCTHXPXPU5MO5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I felt very troubled that the Taoiseach was put in that position. He [Trump] is out to get me in ways that are startling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZPHOPA7VVBMRPWWWRBUYAWKKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I wrote a little note to the Taoiseach and I got a note back thanking me. I just wanted him to know the history.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS4N27OO2JHKRBNOEX5EQM575Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Donnell moved to Ireland on January 15th with her 12-year-old autistic son Clay. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"774MJNVIE5HHHLCSXAB2FGWMZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She feared her son would be denied services if they stayed in the United States. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CD757IHED5C5LMCMWOL63LYIO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"She cited Project 2025 as one of the reasons why she left. The document from the Heritage Foundation proposes the gutting of social welfare programmes, she claims, and “will be disastrous for children on the spectrum”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3R2OUCQNQFG67OWTLWIWUCLKPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Another reason for her move to Ireland was the US Supreme Court judgment last July that stated US presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution when making an official act. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLCMFCG5BNHOLDMQT4X35T5QTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"This ruling, she stated, had given him the “powers of a king or a monarch and that’s a terrifying prospect. What has happened since he has taken office is terrifying for the world and for the United States of America”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVPXAOOLSRBANJAIMIRRXGBUBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She appeared to cast doubt on the American election result stating that a president had never won all swing states before. Kamala Harris appeared to packed stadiums; President Trump did not. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SF7XBJE6JCF5MBMZRCYOBJKDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She also said that Elon Musk now “owns and runs the internet. I hope that will be investigated.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"POE6OKYVGNHBTCBGKRKVW3AQQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"President Trump’s policies will ultimately not just affect “the left-wing liberal set that they despise”, she predicted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J5H566RSJEEBCWUBHT6O5TFPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said the presence of Conor McGregor in the White House on St Patrick’s Day was depressing. “It seems strange to me that the President has so many friends who are sexual abusers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25SR5TREPJDG7EYGXRJMJ7ICVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It says we are in trouble. To think that cruelty and lack of empathy is a value that is spouted from the highest office in the land is overwhelmingly sad to me personally and too much for me to take”. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Taoiseach was questioned about actor and comedian, who now lives in Howth, during visit to the White House"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T23:08:16.065Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rosie O’Donnell apologises to Micheál Martin for being dragged into her feud with Donald Trump","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AS22MHDAIRBQRGCRAWRBISOFYA","auth":{"1":"0186f337b761b61501d99030761f3319bdd77bb16e1b9bcd33c249ef213f7fc3"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1122},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AS22MHDAIRBQRGCRAWRBISOFYA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"US"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/21/rosie-odonnell-apologises-to-micheal-martin-for-being-dragged-into-her-feud-with-donald-trump/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"HQHEPR2W2BFDDF7XBL6YANCZWE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":168,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/07af4faf-5b36-4b4f-adac-ddeefe2a738b/versions/1742586121/media/6b85dcb14f6f2ed18096a264a20e1729_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/21/us-secretary-of-commerce-says-irelands-tax-scam-has-gotta-end/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044250},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/howard-lutnick/\" target=\"_blank\">Howard Lutnick</a> has renewed his attack on Ireland calling the country his favourite “tax scam”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ7TNYG54NAAZLZW6WNHVGGK2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044251},"content":"Mr Lutnick said Ireland has all the US multinational technological and pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights and this deprives the United States of tax revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3SHI2QSBFEUXCB7CBIA255QSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044252},"content":"“That’s gotta end,” he told the All-In podcast, aimed at venture capitalists in Washington DC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DJXRVNH6FHYXBNNAEACSDI7D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044253},"content":"Mr Lutnick erroneously claimed that Ireland had a $60 billion (€55.4 billion) surplus last year. In fact the budget surplus was €25 billion ($27 billion) which included a once-off €14 billion Apple payment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKZWMRTNSBHMTN3XOHYSLU5ZN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044254},"content":"He told the podcast: “So we lose two trillion and they make 60. You’d say, Ireland, what do they do? Oh, they have all of our IP for our great tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QF2WDFOFMBDIFNFBM72VDEXS3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044255},"content":"“All our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because it’s low tax and they don’t pay us. They pay them. So that’s got to end. So when those things end, tariffs, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a> card, getting rid of tax scams to get fair tax, that’s my trillion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXQKAXAT4FGN5GH4YP5SJVOILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044256},"content":"US-Ireland trade deficit: what is it and what might Donald Trump do about it?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4ZWJL476MNBFFBLNAHHZPFF4DI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044257},"content":"Mr Lutnick said he and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> were committed to balancing the US budget. He would raise $1 trillion in taxes, mostly through tariffs, and Musk would cut spending by $1 triillion through the Department of Government Expenditure (DOGE).","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGBTUZTYXRDDFMFJCCGKGF4PRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044258},"content":"Mr Lutnick, who is a long-time friend of US president Donald Trump and one of the biggest advocates of global tariffs, has long targeted Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZCNEHAWDBARNDZTQK4JGTW3CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044259},"content":"He told Fox News last week, a day after Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the White House, that Ireland was a “tax scam” and he inflated Ireland’s budgetary surplus further stating it amounted to $75bn (€71bn).","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUMMVVKLEFEKXLQNOBF2E2K4OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044260},"content":"Mr Lutnick also told Fox News that the US president had an “aspiration” to waive taxes on Americans earning under $150,000 a year, but only after the budget is balanced which he believed could be achieved before president Trump’s term ends in 2028.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJF6UNWGGFCZHOAJFAM4Y4FT24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044261},"content":"Before he became commerce secretary, Lutnick wrote on his X feed: “It’s nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense. We don’t make anything here any more – even great American cars are made in Mexico. When we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You’ll be shocked.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Howard Lutnick is targeting Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T19:36:57.18Z","headlines":{"basic":"US secretary of commerce says Ireland’s ‘tax scam’ has ‘gotta end’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S3N4PLPE34RTUQK4GCIMVBM2PY","auth":{"1":"34bda842bf2fd03289f920df8711ea05cde16ba8cb4a9915f72adbdcdca97959"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S3N4PLPE34RTUQK4GCIMVBM2PY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Economy"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/21/us-secretary-of-commerce-says-irelands-tax-scam-has-gotta-end/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"VLTNSKIAFVBFLKZBCQU4LRUALY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/conor-mcgregor-visits-the-white-house-as-mcdonald-and-martin-brawl-in-the-dail/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OGZ6P2S33VDPLPZ3IZEO4XPLHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"header"},{"_id":"PJMHZR7LXVAWJB27XV3BMZWMOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Story of the Week ","type":"header"},{"_id":"EJDMUD4FO5A45DLVSRJSS6SLDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Like last week, the big political stories unfolded abroad, but they had big implications here. The most shocking was a night of biblical slaughter by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\">Israel</a> in which its forces killed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\">over 400 people</a> in so-called targeted “strikes”. Of almost 50,000 Palestinian dead in the carnage to date are 18,000 children. The strip of land that is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\">Gaza</a> is like an even more dystopian version of District 11 in the Hunger Games. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXDYAQFIKVFQXPMH32WTEQ6BTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel can do what it wants, almost with impunity. Most states (including in the EU) do no more than give an indifferent shrug of the shoulder or some platitudes or a tut-tut. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXJCOQZ6AZAQNGNGHYBGEY3RLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland is one of the few EU countries that has spoken out. But, politically, the Government has been on the back-foot on Gaza since the Taoiseach’s meeting with Trump (see below). Not alone was Micheál Martin accused of being meek in his meeting with the US president, the statement issued by representatives of the US Jewish community after their meeting with him suggested that the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/14/taoiseach-categorically-did-not-tell-jewish-groups-that-occupied-territories-bill-no-longer-on-legislative-agenda/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/14/taoiseach-categorically-did-not-tell-jewish-groups-that-occupied-territories-bill-no-longer-on-legislative-agenda/\">Occupied Territories Bill was off the agenda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6INXWB5KO5FYPKAFL7HL35QSEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s a delicate moment for the State on other fronts internationally. The Taoiseach was at a meeting of EU leaders discussing the need for stronger European defence in response to US isolationism. A joint study by the ESRI and the Department of Finance, meanwhile, estimated that US tariffs and a trade war could <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\">cost Ireland more than €18 billion in lost trade.</a> ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKDCEWFJS5FJZMDRPZ3QRP262Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bust Up","type":"header"},{"_id":"BZ5ATPDKTZBPXDOPEMBORLWFVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> did not swagger into the Dáil with the “look at me” gait of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\">Conor McGregor</a> in the White House, her exchanges with Taoiseach Micheál Martin during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/19/taoiseach-sniggered-about-housing-in-oval-office-in-action-of-obsequious-coward-claims-sinn-fein-leader/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/19/taoiseach-sniggered-about-housing-in-oval-office-in-action-of-obsequious-coward-claims-sinn-fein-leader/\">had a “cage fighting” nastiness to them. </a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AAOBVOTJJHVPGERW7JXXAOV7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"It was the first opportunity for the Taoiseach to be questioned about his trip to Washington, DC, and during the session, nobody pulled their punches. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3VEWWDPRNEXFAA2E64OCD6DHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"McDonald accused the Taoiseach of “sniggering” in the White House about the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" rel=\"\">housing crisis</a> and claimed it was the action of an “obsequious coward”. Phew. That was below the belt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCVGHGZ4IBEW3I6WIEA7K3N2JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin took great umbrage at that saying that “nobody was sniggering”. McDonald was feigning outrage and spoofing. “Get off the stage,” he told her. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"76NW72MQNRFEDDBH2IQXEN6LVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s all very well, but does any of this affect me?","type":"header"},{"_id":"S6MKXDH5VJBC3DOXSJK5NC6UKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/\">Conor McGregor’s White House visit on St Patrick’s Day</a> was extraordinary. He got to stand at the dais in the press briefing room and met the president, Elon Musk and half the cabinet for soft photo opportunities. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZCMT7DMEVCWVIWAZCM3444FDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It made the Taoiseach’s visit seem like the support act to the main event. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIU4JTVMZNDVLCP3PM4RKF27LE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trump had already said the previous week that McGregor was his favourite Irishman. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRZWOTI7IFASRO6NRAAECRXWRE","additional_properties":{},"content":"McGregor got another platform to repeat his views on immigration and immigrants and said things like: “Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UH7KD667VHHJLJZXLPYS7VEU4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Taoiseach said the comments were “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\">wrong</a>”, but there was no mistaking whose visit had the greater impact with the world’s media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEELOPLWZRCSXAHKHH32VAMGOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Does it make any difference? McGregor has stated again that he wants to run in the forthcoming Irish presidential elections. His chances remain very much as they were before the visit. Zero.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNADAR2OK5HDRKMLVN3I5T4G3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Banana Skin","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q6WP6YK4ABANJBOUVC3VEN6HW4","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Thursday, it emerged that the Coalition will push its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/government-plan-to-push-through-changes-to-dail-speaking-rights-criticised-as-brazen-and-outrageous/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/government-plan-to-push-through-changes-to-dail-speaking-rights-criticised-as-brazen-and-outrageous/\">proposed Dáil speaking arrangements</a> to a vote. The proposals will allow the Michael Lowry group of Government-supporting Independents and backbench Government TDs a chance to ask questions of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54AHSUIGKFDZ5PPWEQQIUPTPWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"If it is pressed to a vote, the Government will prevail. But at what cost? This issue has become a tangled knot in the 34th Dáil and the vote will not resolve it. Already we are hearing mutinous tones from the Opposition, with the prospect of walkouts, protests and the disruptive scenes that marred the day on which the Taoiseach was supposed to be appointed in January. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOHONIEFFJCNPCNMM5Q25TCIBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Winners and Losers","type":"header"},{"_id":"EHLX26Q76VGVNHPV2HMLWZ7UCA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Winner: Conor McGregor. Hard to swallow but as a prospective politician, no Irish person got better access to the Trump White House. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZE5YTPMCBDFZFUJ5OX2VAAYPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Loser: Micheál Martin. McGregor overshadowing his own White House visit, plus new doubts over the Occupied Territories Bill, took some of the gloss off his time in Washington. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5JSVIQNLNEWFG2YAHT5OMEBFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Big Read","type":"header"},{"_id":"XFOYUISBRVG4BOLNBNMXNDUIJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jack Horgan-Jones has a feature this weekend on how to survive in a trade war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYO664DMC5FCTCUVIOEMQ4ALM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And don’t forget the usual must-read weekend columns from Miriam Lord and Pat Leahy. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB6EDR5VNVFWJOI4HYQEATO5HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hear Here","type":"header"},{"_id":"UV3EES72E5FHRCM4IJ27JJRRRE","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-20045","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2Z3K5CR3GRHXBALDB2QEDUM6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Israel acts with impunity in Gaza, and the other stories of the week"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T14:41:06.968Z","headlines":{"basic":"Conor McGregor visits the White House as McDonald and Martin brawl in the Dáil","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"The Politics Fix","url":""}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4WOLVZDOMJCADHODYPP5HOUYIE","auth":{"1":"5133f3a39090a6653fdaeb4b623658240aeb0cfeba16182681719ba506d13877"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4WOLVZDOMJCADHODYPP5HOUYIE.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/conor-mcgregor-visits-the-white-house-as-mcdonald-and-martin-brawl-in-the-dail/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"f35901a4795137f45325d123f9492896112214a52c8cda710b01a37f629aa9b7"},"expires":1742733281320,"lastModified":1742732981154},"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":10,\"includeSections\":\"/politics\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"TAGDTZWC6RDP5PYMHCZ6J6RU2A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":335,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/14ed0f16-a499-4a9b-b203-61e9083ca250/versions/1742561801/media/3cdac5f369cb64832944b05f220fcdde_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"A6ED5OBPMNHHTIVIA5G76A4NAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472620},"content":"This week was a microcosm of what Irish politics is going to look like for the foreseeable future: dominated by conflict abroad and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\">housing</a> at home. It’s a combination that will make things difficult for the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWW44YBV5CFZH5MOFT5KZCCPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472621},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a>’s schedule over recent days encapsulated this dual aspect neatly: he arrived home from Washington, was subjected to a monstering in the Dáil over housing, and then flew to Brussels where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/eu-leaders-urged-to-back-up-words-of-support-for-ukraine/\">EU leaders conferred on the rearming of Europe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZLTACMMWVB63DWQYRNI5ONSCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472622},"content":"The latter is perceived by Martin’s fellow heads of member state governments as an existential issue, dwarfing all their domestic concerns. Indeed, most of them know there will be domestic political costs for this abrupt shift in European policy, as resources that voters might prefer to be spent on social programmes, welfare, housing and so on, will instead go on tanks, fighter jets and missile defences. But they think they must go ahead anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT6AZ6RI2NF3HOM7JZDR5YZTO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472623},"content":"In Ireland, this hasn’t really begun to sink in yet. But it will. Martin must have a hunch that his party’s fate might depend more on housing at home than on the defence of Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZLQE54INBGYZE6YLEXRD5I3RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472624},"content":"The Taoiseach and his crew returned across the Atlantic delighted that they had survived the White House crucible without a Zelenskiy-type immolation. But although one of the defining characteristics of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> is his day-to-day unpredictability, that was always unlikely. What was entirely possible, however, was that Trump might take against Martin personally, that the US president might focus his dislike of the EU on the Taoiseach, or that Martin would stumble into difficulty over Ireland’s stance on Israel-Palestine, or the trade deficit, or whatever.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRNRBB3OQFBSTKIWGFJ4K7JVLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Micheál Martin’s White House bout with Donald Trump: How did the Taoiseach fare?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XFKBA2FQU5F43F35B4W6EWDZYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"US media reaction to Trump-Martin visit: it could have been a lot worse","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MMP7P6A46ZGH3A6E3YI7KMZ4M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472625},"content":"The list of potential tripwires to disaster was lengthy and, to Martin’s officials, terrifying. I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Geraldine Byrne-Nason, the Irish Ambassador in Washington; John Callinan, Martin’s most senior civil servant; and Deirdre Gillane, his chief of staff, as they sat on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIJ7R5X4SZDRBIVQ5P5UTEJZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472626},"content":"Martin himself worked hard to conceal his apprehension and carried the whole thing off with some dash, avoiding any trouble and reinforcing the strength of the Irish-American bond which has delivered so much politically and economically for this country. If that was at the cost of letting Trump dominate proceedings and say whatever he liked – then looking a bit supine beside him was a worthwhile price to pay, Martin reasoned. He was cock-a-hoop afterwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4MD52YN7RF37MXA4HIWLPHPBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472627},"content":"Though I suspect middle Ireland soundly backed the Taoiseach’s approach, there are also many who have a legitimate quarrel with this. Few of them, however, bother to evaluate, or even acknowledge, that there may be very significant costs for the country if you go into the Oval Office and have a row with Trump. We may not like it, but this is the world we now live in. If Martin had done that, the criticism at home for speaking truth to power or whatever you want to call it would have been much louder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKQR3YRKFZD5TNILJWSKZYLPH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472628},"content":"Martin’s chuckle at Trump’s response to a question about housing was a mistake. Mary Lou McDonald seized on it and gave the Taoiseach a proper going-over in the Dáil on Wednesday. Accusing Martin of “sniggering” at Trump’s dismissal of the housing crisis in Ireland, the Taoiseach told her she lacked the courage to go to the US and make the case for Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3DBWXLFCRE5HO55WG6ZRNCJOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Taoiseach is accused of ‘plámásing’ Trump at White House as critics scorn housing ‘joke’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MWFRJYTB2JGPJAL4LNPPHYT3Q4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472629},"content":"“It does not take courage to snigger at people,” McDonald shot back. “That is the action of an obsequious coward. It is a cowardly act to snigger at the suffering and hardship of people back home when you feel you are at a safe distance to do so.” It looked good on social media channels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NWKZKR2TFAMNL5H34NZVISWNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472630},"content":"McDonald presumably knows that Martin wasn’t sniggering at people who can’t find somewhere to live, but she has him bang to rights on the dodgy figures for housing completions that he and his Government allies were using for the second half of last year. Right up to the election they were citing projections of 40,000 houses to be completed by the end of the year. The real figure when the CSO counted them was just more than 30,000 – but the election was over by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEV553VA7JEZPJG2VFIUZY2RC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472631},"content":"The exchanges were a reminder of the enduring centrality of the housing issue. But Government policy stutters on – despite growing evidence that it will produce nothing near the 50,000-60,000 houses a year needed, and which the Government parties promised during the election. It is becoming increasingly clear that some drastic policy changes will be needed soon, or the Government will be doomed to fail on housing. And I suspect there would be a decisive political price for that at the next election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMTENF6PYZDKNKH4W3QDW4F2H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472632},"content":"Hightailing it to Brussels on Thursday, Martin entered a very different world. With a direct military threat on its eastern borders, and the US security guarantee no longer reliable, Europe is rearming as quickly as it can. That will involve many hundreds of billions of euro spent on arms, defence technology and military recruitment in the coming decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2WNLSG42BAKNNXORELIE26D6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472633},"content":"Would it be better not to have to do this? Of course. Is it necessary? Ask the Ukrainians. Ask the Poles and the Baltics. Is it any of Ireland’s business? It is if we’re part of the European Union. Will the Government face significant domestic opposition for spending money on guns not butter? Certainly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXT2QGKDP5BETAPSXJ5YYDUHC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742559472634},"content":"Ireland is fortunate that it is currently in such a strong financial position that it can meet any reasonable international and national spending requirements. Depending on the unfolding EU-US trade war, that position might not last though. Inevitably, uncomfortable choices of all kinds loom for the Government.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"I have never seen such obvious stress as I saw on the faces of Irish officials sitting on the Oval Office couch praying for the ordeal to end. I have never seen such relief afterwards"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:55:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Taoiseach was cock-a-hoop after his meeting with Trump, but a quick reality check followed","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ","auth":{"1":"6b9de53e67630ea4f7579da45e4dff4d4ca3e1b29265948a424b108077ebda7b"},"focal_point":{"x":682,"y":363},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4SUUFM7JAJAT7GROVDWZEYRBIQ.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"X4D7ERPZKSNXVQAGN2S4EUBIGU","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/03/22/taoiseach-was-cock-a-hoop-after-his-meeting-with-trump-but-a-quick-reality-check-followed/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"JHY4O2GSKVACLCAR2ERIVQWKAQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":220,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6322d31b-56f8-4584-9344-0ae734823427/versions/1742587374/media/8aa5c50be13fec4c0ef66a01610d5fdd_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ADTA33VMIRERJD24PNRIGF5CBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806229},"content":"US secretary of commerce <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/howard-lutnick/\">Howard Lutnick</a> has renewed his attack on Ireland, calling the country his favourite “tax scam”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IE54GSLZQJHI5C6MNWEIJ4P5VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806230},"content":"Mr Lutnick said Ireland has all of the US multinational technological and pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights and this deprives the United States of tax revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNRS72Q5DNBPBENLR6B6AH6VQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806231},"content":"“That’s gotta end,” he told the All-In podcast, aimed at venture capitalists in Washington DC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJCBRI6AMJDSZLGZWGW37HHDF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806232},"content":"Mr Lutnick erroneously claimed that Ireland had a $60 billion (€55.4 billion) surplus last year. In fact the budget surplus was €25 billion ($27 billion), which included a once-off €14 billion Apple payment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"e55658eb-2270-4d54-bea6-1742fc6600c3","additional_properties":{},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"F5H22MNDC5ATPGILSJZTDE45NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806233},"content":"He told the podcast: “So we lose two trillion and they make 60. You’d say, Ireland, what do they do? Oh, they have all of our IP for our great tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WX6GCJK545FAROIKUA5PPW6VVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806234},"content":"“All our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because it’s low tax and they don’t pay us. They pay them. So that’s got to end. So when those things end, tariffs, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Trump</a> card, getting rid of tax scams to get fair tax, that’s my trillion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWEIYQIOCFGSRITJ4L5GAY4KHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806235},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZIKWA3LABHTNHSOYNX7T3CL6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806236},"content":"Mr Lutnick, a long-time friend of President Donald Trump and one of the biggest advocates of global tariffs, has long targeted Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKGWMWAEIBDYFPO4ITFZ57HF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806237},"content":"He told Fox News last week, a day after Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the White House, that Ireland was a “tax scam” and he inflated Ireland’s budgetary surplus further, stating it amounted to $75bn (€71bn).","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXKLYWKSPZANNBSSX3PFQKREYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742623806238},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYGPO2ZXV5GJVDGUNPYQLHRYMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826620},"content":"Meanwhile, the Government is likely to provide some support to businesses hit by a trade war between the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-union/\" target=\"_blank\">EU</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a>, but will rule out Covid-style funding packages, it is understood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BKDLZ5DFRHHJGT24KXSTM7HIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826621},"content":"With predictions this week that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\" target=\"_blank\">US tariffs would inflict major damage on the Irish economy</a>, export businesses are bracing themselves for the exchange of tit-for-tat tariffs next month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YADKHL2IPFCFZCCYTEL4675OFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826622},"content":"On Friday, at a trade forum in Government Buildings with business leaders, Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> said he wouldn’t “sugar coat” the situation, and warned them that early April could be a moment of “significant disruption”, officials briefed on the meeting said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ5EUXNQW5BVBH7WJXGLHYUGCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826623},"content":"Efforts to avert a full-scale trade war are also under way, with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">European Commission</a> officials saying that they had suspended the planned imposition of tariffs on certain US products, including Bourbon whiskey, from the start of April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4JCFG6MWBCHHECCOFCJQGPMKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826624},"content":"The suspension was partly as a result of lobbying by Ireland and France, anxious to protect their wine and whiskey exports to the US. President <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> had threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on EU alcoholic drink imports to the US in response to the EU’s move.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STFH4GECFNG7TJDECOVX27CPUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826625},"content":"Trump EU alcohol tariff could be ‘devastating’ for Irish whiskey, industry warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BF7VRZVOEVABBDM26L6LSEQQAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826626},"content":"The EU, however, still plans to hit US imports with tariffs in mid-April if the US goes ahead with its planned tariffs on April 2nd. Officials said that contacts were ongoing with the Trump administration to avoid a trade war, but were not optimistic that peace would break out in the coming weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYFVOHSR5BFLZDADR2SXUR2AEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826627},"content":"Choosing how to respond to the US tariffs is a delicate task for the European Commission, which handles trade issues for the EU as a whole, because different countries have different exposures to various kinds of exports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLBUTCONSNHOTJB5DZ6FIQRZ6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826628},"content":"On Friday, Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> warned in Brussels that there was “a danger of significant division across the EU” in a sector-by-sector approach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFFHSI24X5DTFIMOSRF2EY6PFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826629},"content":"Should a trade war go ahead next month, senior sources say that the Government is open to providing balance sheet assistance through instruments such as low-cost loans to firms especially exposed, and advice on pivoting to non-US markets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5V45SD3BZCFBNDCCPFV4QKDFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826630},"content":"Across-the-board payments in the face of an economic slowdown are not currently on the table. The model being considered is more in line with supports associated with the fallout from Brexit, rather than the pandemic or the cost-of-living and inflation crisis which followed, sources said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHI2UMOEEFBXLKC5O3EC6EBJQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826631},"content":"“It’s not Covid,” one figure said, ruling out across-the-board payments to businesses like those made during the pandemic. A second source concurred: “There’s a strong belief we shouldn’t be entering into that space.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQKQNWKCKNC2PACDZ5RVTUMM5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826632},"content":"EU-US trade war would hit job growth and cut living standards, Donohoe warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QC5VXLS4QRBIZHKBZ5GIGS323M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826633},"content":"European shares edge lower as trade tensions spark uncertainty","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"IL5CHOMLYFDULN5RANIZ4EGBUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826634},"content":"Civil servants are studying where the impacts may fall in the economy as well as pushing Irish messages at an official and political level in the EU.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBCWPVTHUNACZNQALZNRTOLQRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589826637},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Loans and business advice planned if trade war begins next month"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"US secretary of commerce says Ireland’s ‘tax scam’ has ‘gotta end’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U5NSRBW46PNR4DZXV3SKQXCIHE","auth":{"1":"bdd1984c4e1383c1dc4bdd4caf41ad8cbcdd3d84011edf61b2c8e7ed1f6ee0e6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U5NSRBW46PNR4DZXV3SKQXCIHE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/irish-firms-hit-by-eu-us-trade-war-likely-to-receive-support-but-not-covid-style-funding/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"CM62RJC5MVFHHOGIDWZJESIB7M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":211,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/54b6cda1-b1aa-4dd0-a5cc-e31710c1e924/versions/1742577340/media/05f52e422265ff63922f05d2a451d294_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/more-than-3300-obsolete-laws-from-19th-century-set-to-be-repealed/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JKZX7YTT7ZGK7HLODHMFEMEPF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than 3,300 obsolete laws enacted in the 19th century are to be repealed under a Bill due to go before the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\">Dáil</a> next week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQP6LGW5ZVAP7ALOL7OZ6TB5V4","additional_properties":{},"content":"They include orders and proclamations that date from between 1821 and 1861, during British rule in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNDBQRENVNCQXEVESPYI5M27JI","additional_properties":{},"content":"They include more than 2,500 proclamations offering rewards for apprehending suspects for offences such as setting fire to houses, cow houses, ricks of hay, barns and flax and oat-mills; breaking eggs; and carrying out beatings with sticks, stones and nettles. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2BJ4JNFYBCUZKRMKKEYFHODMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The incident that saw a beating with nettles happened in Mayo in 1834 after the attackers ordered two men to “sell potatoes on credit”. It is one of a number of potato-related incidents referred to among the obsolete proclamations in the Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEZDIN5GFBDVHIFJUQZPMTYLZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BT5IJM4PDNDY5DZOFDTE4GFUHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A proclamation from 1836 was “for apprehending the persons who broke open the vaults under the churches of St Andrew and St Mark in the city of Dublin, and opened several coffins and extracted the teeth from the bodies contained in them”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSWEXATJOFFA7AZ4NTNVRSMYDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Bill includes an 1843 order “cautioning all persons to abstain from attending a meeting” being organised by lawyer and politician Daniel O’Connell to be held in Contarf on repealing the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland which had abolished the Irish parliament. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYDMWSBNYJHWPD6MPVOE7SU3KI","additional_properties":{},"content":"He ultimately cancelled the meeting to avoid bloodshed and lodged a complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYIL2CURQ5BYBH54F5FE6BCACE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is also an 1846 famine-era order on “preparing a form of prayer to be used throughout Ireland for relief from the dearth and scarcity now existing in parts of the United Kingdom through failure of crops”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSKKZADI75FIJP7GBMV7QN6D6M","additional_properties":{},"content":"An 1856 proclamation calls for “a general thanksgiving” for the “restoration of peace in Europe” following the end of the Crimean War. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NRXA3QYQFHPNOV66VXNBQUJX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The measures are to be revoked under the proposed Statute Law Revision Bill 2024, as they have ceased to be in force due to changes in circumstances or the passage of time or have been superseded by subsequent legislation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEB6VRQFKVH3TNDOKTY36EIDOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Bill being progressed by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\">Jack Chambers</a> is expected to be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI4FM3LW7FECJOPUAJXHC2QZH4","additional_properties":{},"content":"He told The Irish Times the Bill “offers a fascinating window into Irish history, revealing another aspect of life, society and the system of law and order from centuries past. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4XWXCU3YFFOPHQ7NXTJTLKHBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In particular, the laws that were deemed necessary by the authorities at the time show the growing public attitude towards Irish liberty.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUVF6FPHORFPVIPMEKAV43PHUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said the new legislation is “also practical and incredibly important for the modernisation of our Irish laws”, adding: “The progression of this legislation ensures our Statute book is up to date and fit for purpose.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUNJ5MNMMZG6HEU2KACNIQFICE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Previous Acts have repealed all obsolete primary legislation enacted before independence and revoked all obsolete secondary legislation made up to January 1st, 1821.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVFQR4VWFREKJO7A5NULHRV6LE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many of the items set to be revoked relate to the British Empire or military including a warrant “fixing the rates of postage on letters transmitted to and from certain French, Dutch and British colonies in the West Indies” and “revised regulations on punishments in Her Majesty’s Navy”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPZI4MIZGNFVRH4WTQK2Q4S42A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The process leading to the Bill involved a review carried out by the Law Reform Commission and of more than 40,000 secondary instruments to ascertain if they were obsolete or were to be repealed or retained.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUCXRCGLGNDPTGPXGCGRZFJNKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Laws include proclamations on beatings with sticks and nettles, breaking eggs and an order banning a Daniel O’Connell rally"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"More than 3,300 obsolete laws from 19th 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<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/office-of-public-works/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/office-of-public-works/\">Office of Public Works </a>(OPW) has disputed a suggestion that it rejected an agreed location for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-gallery-of-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-gallery-of-ireland/\">National Gallery of Ireland</a>’s (NGI) €125,000 unused X-ray scanner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EALLKA6C4RCCFLR4W2F5VBUJ7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The contention was made in an October 2021 “progress report” sent by the NGI to the Department of Arts – and released under the Freedom of Information Act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDB7IXQRPFFLXDJ2KSMLQJO5PY","additional_properties":{},"content":"It shows that the gallery warned in 2021 there would be a delay of another year in finding a home for the scanner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3HZQ6CHRJBTVLH3OKGVU7XKLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The X-ray machine remains unused, more than seven years after its purchase in late 2017.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQUHYZTH5BDITAFWURM3TMVMXI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The NGI confirmed on Friday that the cost of a cabinet required to house the scanner will be an additional €175,000, exclusive of VAT, with the extra spending to come from its resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUHG5NGPCBDGZOLPAXMR2MOY2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The NGI expects the scanner, which is used to inspect valuable works in an unintrusive way, to be brought into use this year with the purchase of the cabinet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72J55I4KGBDYRLYDVK3UCU3Z4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 2021 progress report states that there had been “significant engagement with the OPW on the location of the X-ray room”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6X5NCWQEZNB6PMK4WXV2KONX5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Issues around load for the required lead lining needed for the X-ray room were cited as the cause of “the most recent delay”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6Z7KD5DEFCERD2ZX76RLBYCMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The report adds there was “an initial agreement of a location but it was rejected by the OPW”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBC7UTT2WJFUJMJMYGRBKQ4QI4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also says that with the approval of the fourth phase of the NGI’s development plan “the final location of the X-ray room” would be “finalised”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFFQSLVMHFGFPGQFFESQ72LYJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This room will not likely be in place in the next 12 months due to the size of this final part of the gallery’s site development.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBMGV5EBDFEWNKO27NXU3WZMQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a statement on Friday evening, the OPW disputed the suggestion that it rejected an agreed location for the X-ray machine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QF6R2IRUNDPJO6RTQP56X42FA","additional_properties":{},"content":"What is the National Gallery’s scanner that cost €125,000 and what would it be used for?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RBTFZCBFDZGRXAZMM4NMH2DZ5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"It said: “In 2018, the Office of Public Works was made aware that the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) had tendered for and purchased an X-ray Machine in 2017. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFN6EBDEFNHN5I3NO6EM4LXTSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The NGI did not consult with the OPW in advance of this tendering process to agree a suitable location for this machine.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCCLD26M3RFIDJVPWR6DUXYDPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The OPW added: “In April 2021, the Office of Public Works was requested by the NGI to review a proposed location for an X-ray Machine and Protective Enclosure in the Millennium Wing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOMQN7P5GJBSLIKFA23Y5LFTKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The OPW requested further information and attended a site visit where various impacts were discussed including issues relating to floor loading.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSQ2FJ5PQZFJVI5ZZPR5Z5Q6D4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The NGI did not, at any point thereafter, seek further technical advices or request a project to be progressed by the OPW.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73YWCSYMPREK3FZ3SY6QZZJS4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As such there was no agreed location for this equipment, at any stage, and no location therefore was ever rejected by the OPW.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTURBUH6SJEBXLZUIEFEMAIEL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The statement added: “In recent days, the OPW has reviewed another location for this equipment, as suggested by the NGI, and has provided the required technical advices.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gallery confirms plans to spend €175,000 on cabinet to house machine "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"OPW disputes suggestion it rejected agreed location for National Gallery of Ireland’s unused X-ray scanner","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KH2D67LYQZGFXGBQESYYTABSNU","auth":{"1":"c964f30823e3dff32f6a0d1b555e6ebe94372f0dc14307d184de8b9d5306ca95"},"focal_point":{"x":1486,"y":1248},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KH2D67LYQZGFXGBQESYYTABSNU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/opw-disputes-suggestion-it-rejected-agreed-location-for-national-gallery-of-irelands-unused-x-ray-scanner/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"RUB6ZB4A7ZEGVNTE4PMHNTV7QU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":498,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ec292900-bc83-479e-bf52-7c35e4aea4cd/versions/1742586504/media/8471bc8cf7d6a019e4f971289527f4c1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L5OWTTDNKRFNDIZM44LUEY5ZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134162},"content":"<i>In the week when </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Conor McGregor</i></a><i> stood at the White House podium and declared “illegal immigration” was “running ravage” in Ireland, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy gives his first comprehensive interview, since his appointment to the role, on the Government’s approach to immigration.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWEXSOU76FCWVGRJRTMKFUPEAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134163},"content":"Last week, Conor McGregor said Ireland was “at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness” due to “illegal immigration” “running ravage”. How concerned are you about McGregor, and similar far-right agitators, spreading this inaccurate immigration rhetoric?","type":"header"},{"_id":"JCJCJNS6YRFYPKFDBSKBP3T6TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134164},"content":"These were appalling comments. It’s very important Ireland’s political and civil society leadership do not let this type of false narrative go unchallenged. Not only does he not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPY6DRFXDREAXFWFJJEWLTK6ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134165},"content":"Conor McGregor has, unfortunately, an ability to generate publicity for himself. But I think the people of Ireland know unequivocally who he really is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPJHSMI42RBBTMEPB37TARRVOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134166},"content":"McGregor has suggested he might contest the upcoming presidential election. How would you respond if he runs?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XP6C6R5Z5VEPHO2G2S5A3G3RZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134167},"content":"I’m hopeful he will not run – he needs to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. If he does run, I would call him out on his lies and say he does not speak for the vast majority of people in our country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B62IZ5S4XRER7G3RVFC5G2YCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134168},"content":"We’ve had candidates who ran at local and national level in elections with viewpoints which I would absolutely disagree with, and they must be challenged at every opportunity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIBQGTCASRCLJHQN7F5XARD4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134169},"content":"How concerned are you about the trend of violent protests and criminality led by anti-immigration, far-right activists?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QUZUFV3XGRAXJICXZFTIYS4LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134170},"content":"There’s a real imperative on the political leadership not to accept the far-right agenda in any way, shape or form. It’s one of the reasons having a better asylum system is important – it takes away the oxygen from far-right groups in terms of false narratives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYPX6ANNF5HBLGB2VBIF27KSP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134171},"content":"Conor McGregor comments on immigration in White House criticised as ‘wrong’ and ‘outrageous’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N5OSKBM6MJCOPB76T2HHOQ6IXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134172},"content":"We, as the political centre, have to recognise that communities have genuine concerns. But at the same time, we must not tolerate the exploitation of these genuine concerns by unrepresentative groups who are promoting a political agenda. They exploit, and latch on to, communities’ fears.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAZGV3XNB5F6NMJA4QS3GQYZHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134173},"content":"Is there a danger of Government policy pandering to these far-right elements and being swayed by local agitation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"EQNLN6FAWVGGNIOTZ6KIGQMTKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134174},"content":"It’s regrettable that when we talk about having a firm, fair and effective asylum system, you’re seen as wanting to pander to the far-right element. Far from it. I believe by having the system that works properly, you take the oxygen away from groups like the far right to be able to exploit it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77HGRTYDRJCXTI2S5UDV3M4J5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134175},"content":"State stops opening new asylum seeker centres in certain areas due to ‘local feedback’ and ‘violent protest’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4NY6JG72BZBJPCR6WCHXPY6HUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134176},"content":"They want an ineffective system that enables them to continue to peddle their tropes and lies. That’s why we need a system that people believe in, and buy in to, from both sides: the community and those entering the asylum system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNZIACLY5FBH3LAIB77IAYBTQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134177},"content":"What about concerns that the Government’s firm but fair approach will take away from the humanitarian element of supporting refugees?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QNDESVRCLNF6TN2LN2P3M3O6R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134178},"content":"A firm, fair and effective system works faster, and therefore delivers results for everyone. It means vulnerable people who are genuinely seeking international protection will be given an answer quickly. That’s better for them and better for us, rather than a system which ends up with people lost in limbo for long periods of time and which becomes an unfair cost to the Irish taxpayer. It’s a win for people in the process and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMDZXQR46FC6RD653DWBECM55I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134179},"content":"Last year the Government stopped opening new IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres in certain parts of the country because of “local and political feedback”. How do you plan to address the myriad difficulties in securing asylum seeker housing?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUOAL3Z2LBA7XBQ2FXADAXYGWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134180},"content":"I want to focus on acquiring State-owned facilities which will ramp up accommodation considerably. We’ve had over 100 expressions of interest in [State-run] facilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ2WCKBZSZCGXOSHK5WIURCEQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134181},"content":"This will reduce costs and take us out of the situation where we find ourselves now – looking for IPAS centres all the time. This impacts communities and society at large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"647WC3HRKVDTRGYXKBZWD5AJIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134182},"content":"What about reports that Government is in discussion to buy Citywest hotel in Saggart, Co Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"3M22L6V7U5FJBPIXWP4HAYPGHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134183},"content":"Citywest is an important facility in terms of the migration system and there’s excellent work being carried out by staff and volunteers there. But it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4DCAFDA5JGW3GPFBZQLVQGF4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"O5TO7PIJQ5HTZIQ5XTWMT4VHSQ"},"content":"The inside story of how Conor McGregor secured his meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BQZUYTWZANGDTEBTTMSIGPXFSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134184},"content":"What about the legal challenges that have been taken against IPAS centres in places like Athlone and Thornton Hall in north Dublin?","type":"header"},{"_id":"UTPYTTIIDZARBIYROXBQAYZABY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134185},"content":"I can’t comment specifically on an individual legal challenge but<b> </b>we live in a country where the rule of law predominates and people have a right to challenge us. It’s up to us, as Government, to push (for IPAS centres) in a way that’s absolutely compliant with the law. And if somebody challenges that, we robustly defend it and accept the outcome. That’s how our system works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MS3VM2CK5E6FP5OANZALUQCJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134186},"content":"The State spent more than €1.9 billion on IPAS and Ukrainian refugee housing in 2024. How much will you cut spending in 2025?","type":"header"},{"_id":"K7URBSH7CZGPTBR32BRIDAB2U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134187},"content":"The costs are unacceptably high and we must bring them down. It’s about trying to ensure we have much better value for money for the taxpayer. By moving to State-owned facilities, I’m hoping costs will reduce in the coming 12 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKL5J2OZBVBFDEQPVTXP7HQDO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134188},"content":"The EU migration pact, which comes into force in June 2026, will create a more streamlined process which should result in fewer numbers overall in the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CL3DRG7FNGBXNBU6YJ774Z2X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134189},"content":"What about the 5,300 people with refugee status and leave to remain who are unable to leave IPAS and secure private accommodation due to the housing crisis?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HLZRHF63LVEUBJFX2HPRWXIFZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134190},"content":"This is something that will absolutely be on my agenda. I believe these people want to get out of IPAS and live like everyone else in their own accommodation. We have a bottleneck at either end and we need to create a transition path, through engagement with local authorities, that gets people working and living in the community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IOI3HNUIRA25EKZSVLRZKCO54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134191},"content":"That benefits people who are in the system, because it gives them much greater certainty and quicker decision-making. And it makes the whole system work fairer for everybody.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGXKBJZWYNF5JCQMKNUYL4JLAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"ILRSQIAUAFDV7CHWV67ZGRWFRY"},"content":"Conor McGregor says Ireland’s rural towns are being ‘overrun’ by immigrants. Here are the facts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UMXR7CNST5AV7N6HLWOWF5DI2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134192},"content":"The Department of Justice has issued a record 890 deportation orders so far this year. However, the Government is still struggling to quantify how many people leave the State voluntarily. How can this be improved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QY7IXZTGKFEPVNTNZ5P7J32VE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134193},"content":"I want to implement a system which records when people who have gone through the system are leaving. We check people coming in but we don’t have a rigid system of checking when people move out. And that distorts numbers and information. We can’t 100 per cent capture information on every last person who comes in and out, but we need a system that captures far more data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQ77LLDQHVBAVCRKGIQVUUYYDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134194},"content":"Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan signals tougher line on immigration and increased deportations","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JV2M76NYE5G6BO6PC574FAVAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134195},"content":"Last October, the Government launched a public information campaign on migration. However, most people remain unaware these resources exist. How will you make clear, unbiased information on migration easily accessible to the general public?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NVAGLYGNHJF2BDTYBNXL4HUNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134196},"content":"We will absolutely run a more effective information campaign. It’s really important people know most migrants are working, paying their taxes and making an incredible contribution to Ireland. These are the people caring for your parents, working in the hospitals, working in key jobs across various sectors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYGMQKH2VFC4RIL727THYIGA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134197},"content":"In the past, we were the people leaving, travelling abroad to find work, and we need to remember that. It needs to be part of the narrative of how we look at migration. The new Ireland has really benefited the vast majority of Irish people. We now have a country where people want to come here to live and work. And that is a definition of a success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZM34FMX7ZC7XFV7ETV2SSGPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742625134198},"content":"<i>(Edited for brevity)</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"}]},"description":{"basic":"Interview with Colm Brophy, Minister of State for Migration, on the Government's approach to immigration"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Colm Brophy: ‘Not only does Conor McGregor not speak for us, he doesn’t speak the truth’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q","auth":{"1":"8bc21130a35a6aaf257ee0a7c10218fe10c3987fdbb3c3e25abb43e82f52898e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3IMBCZ6NLJESJERCJGOA2CAX5Q.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/22/colm-brophy-not-only-does-conor-mcgregor-not-speak-for-us-he-doesnt-speak-the-truth/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"EBY5TKA3PFFHRDPWPZ64TRE2OU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":542,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e2d8a565-4ee6-4e3e-928e-549ccc15b84b/versions/1742594463/media/a2ccf72479ead0c32a8739584744722e_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/miriam-lord-sharon-keogan-nails-her-maga-colours-to-the-mast-on-paddys-day/","content_elements":[{"_id":"US2MWFIE7ZCJNKQBV4S3IJZ44M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636171},"content":"With all that’s going on in the world, last year’s sensational saga about a Kremlin agent allegedly infiltrating Leinster House has fallen off the radar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DWABKXJKFE3DEPTURFWQ3T67A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636172},"content":"The Sunday Times broke the story about a mysterious operative they code-named “Agent Cobalt” who was apparently recruited by Russian intelligence as an agent of influence. The politician was reportedly snared in a “honeytrap” operation to supply information during the Brexit talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXHQ7VG2XVCAJLJ363TMR7METE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636173},"content":"But Putin’s secret agent has not been forgotten – just merely sidelined for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUSF5Y46GNG5JD4IOOL256OAJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636174},"content":"The Seanad was more interested in an influencer of a different colour this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT2WP4IOGZGNFO3YGCFUBDMP54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636175},"content":"In a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/08/maga-seanadoir-would-only-love-to-take-taoiseachs-place-at-shamrock-jamboree/\" target=\"_blank\">recent column</a>, we reported on Independent Senator Sharon Keogan’s effort to swing an invite to the White House for the annual shamrock ceremony. (She should have had a word with Mattie McGrath below in the Dáil – like-minded Mattie’s contacts on Capitol Hill always see him right for the St Patrick’s week political beano in Washington.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDLJAC4MTFBWXGPMYZTN2QQCZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636176},"content":"Sharon wrote to the relevant honchos in Pennsylvania Avenue in a letter headed “Pro-Maga Irish Politicians – Request for invitation to the White House on St Patrick’s Day”, introducing herself as a “member of the Senate of Ireland” who had publicly endorsed Donald Trump during his recent election campaign and “celebrated his victory on the floor of the Irish senate”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAMJOKI5FBBU3BF6Z2UNNNI47M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636177},"content":"Unfortunately, Sharon explained to us she couldn’t go anyway due to a diary clash in Ireland. Which was a pity as she told the White House she was Irish and Pro-Trump and wanted “to communicate that to people in the US, Ireland and across the globe”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IH6PNJHQTZHGNI5Y4NGRFCJZ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636178},"content":"We hear some of Sharon’s colleagues in the Upper House are so impressed by her coming out as a “pro-maga Irish politician” with a desire to tell the whole world about her pro-Trump credentials, they have invented a new code-name.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NEJ5PKVCZCSJH6CPXXL6M6NUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636179},"content":"“Never mind Agent Cobalt,” said one. “Our maga woman in the Seanad is now known as Agent Orange.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQKYTJCBCZC2RDZVTTSWXH5BLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636180},"content":"No shutting up over speaking rights","type":"header"},{"_id":"E5TEIMPN5RAEZDLWDFM6P6PVLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636181},"content":"There’s going to be a run on popcorn next Tuesday if this speaking rights row isn’t defused by the time the Dáil meets again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPAJKK6RE5DCPBHOTEWAIRFC4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636182},"content":"It’s an astonishing situation and very, very unusual. The place sees its fair share of rows and blow-ups, but this is different.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4PFEYYOFJDC3JCQVMH6DQAYJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636183},"content":"Last week, the Government continued to insinuate that Sinn Féin is the prime mover behind the commotion, stirring the pot for base political advantage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6WNZ4KG2JCM5HCG2DFLVDKHNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636184},"content":"Thing is, this isn’t true. Seasoned Dáil watchers are struggling to recall when they last witnessed all of the Opposition so firmly united against a proposed measure to change the House rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXPGJ76XEJHCHBMOKLCJMXSYC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636185},"content":"That’s three political parties and two technical groups, solidly against the Government pushing through special provisions for the Lowry Independents. They don’t buy its sudden concern for the speaking rights of its own backbenchers, a concern which only stuck them while trying to find a way to please the controversial Independent TD from Tipperary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXOCKJD7BRB2HK4MIUA3JLYNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636186},"content":"How will this pan out?","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7NESNYWMVAIPGF7Q3LCI6ZFGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636187},"content":"Opposition whips will be talking over the weekend about how to approach next week. “We are totally united on this. We have jointly put in amendments to the Government’s motion. They can very easily resolve this and they know it,” said Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MORYIWBJA5HCZFSAQMUD5OC2OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636188},"content":"He and his cross-party colleagues are in constant contact. “At this stage we can’t rule anything out, but hopefully we can get this sorted. Everyone wants to get on with the work of the Dáil and its committees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VY2SXTV3YNG5VHGQIZZJ5BHFAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636189},"content":"Opposition TDs say that, for some strange reason, the Government has chosen to disregard the Ceann Comhairle’s recent ruling that the members of the Lowry group are not considered members of the Opposition. In a significant intervention this week, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness, didn’t allow Barry Heneghan to speak during the Order of Business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6SATLN7LBDKBLC3ZJXKPPMA3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636190},"content":"“You are not a member of the Opposition so you can’t be called,” he ruled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRXRPIRYYVHGTGHXZUNF5F7ALU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636191},"content":"Other Opposition members note that Lowry, who had been so high-profile in speaking on behalf of his group of Government-supporting Independents, seems to have gone to ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFY4F6YOY5BSRBETGD4J3GHDAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636192},"content":"“He has very noticeably taken a back seat. He’s been very, very quiet,” said one TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2N6IIA4IZES5DDDEVNRXEUVQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636193},"content":"Government plan to push through changes to Dáil speaking rights criticised as ‘brazen’ and ‘outrageous’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5SIA4T4GOZD6FM7XXBMFHEVU5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636194},"content":"There is also a combined view that the Government wanted to keep the controversy on ice for as long as possible so the public would lose interest, putting pressure the Opposition to move on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSERVSM6GFAGZHME4QRTHAJJMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636195},"content":"But deputies remain angry and their position appears to be hardening, if anything.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYNHA6VLCFAPLKJYRJXS3UY5TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636196},"content":"“This is genuinely a joint effort,” says Mac Lochlainn. “The Government has underestimated our resolve throughout this.” Statements from Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats and Duncan Smith of Labour in recent days would bear this out. The Independent Alliance and People Before Profit are also not for turning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWSAUHBLXBAHNKD7MB3K2SZBUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636197},"content":"A mass walkout would be the nuclear option. But there are plenty of other options open to the Opposition which would make life extremely difficult for the Government and even make the Dáil impossible to function.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTLJJ57K4JGFZLN2GCOW6JANEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636198},"content":"Heather’s retirement do – or presidential launch?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RVI5GJMBJNGD3ABQJO3TL2OSBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636199},"content":"There was a big do in Cootehill on Thursday night to mark Heather Humphreys’ retirement from national politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EPX7K7HIZCC7AHZXY4UYEXOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636200},"content":"Guest of honour was Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, along with the Minister for Communications, Patrick O’Donovan. Simon, Patrick and Heather have been good buddies from the time they first entered the Dáil in 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWADFSW7XBB4FHIOKHTFQZBXJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636201},"content":"The former minister was in fine fettle at the event in the Errigal Country House Hotel on the Cavan-Monaghan border, reminiscing about her time in local and national politics and looking forward to spending more time at home with her family, particularly grandchildren Arthur and Charlotte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"646VKGVIP5AFDL2MN2RHHUCIJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636202},"content":"The event was organised by David Maxwell, her Dáil successor in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZTBFHKLMBB4VN2KJCJQ5ATFOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636203},"content":"On the night, Heather, who was cheered to the rafters by the local organisation, was presented with a landscape painting called “New Dawn”, by local artist Marie Kelly. And David, the new TD, presented Heather’s husband, Eric, who is a farmer, with a wooden clock in the shape of a Ford tractor which he made himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V53YTKZVX5F5HN5HOBY7LTWYKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636204},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DCZEMXEURJDGJM2NJP3NX55LKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636205},"content":"In her speech, the former deputy leader of Fine Gael didn’t make any reference to the rumours swirling about of a possible run for the presidency and the many favourable column inches which have been written of late about her possible candidacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERIAOJEOGFATZNOGM5OTEP3MQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636206},"content":"But the prospect was in the background throughout the night, with many of the speakers referring to a run for the Áras in all sorts of oblique ways. Even the Taoiseach made a remark at the start of his speech about wondering if he had been invited under false pretences and that he might not have been there for a farewell after all ... but for a launch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VX7QW4AP3BGWXCJYAB74E7VB3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636207},"content":"“You’re decent, effective, brilliant. We love you and we’re proud of you,” he told her.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHBTWKWBBBHXXBR5NCGV3WRTBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636208},"content":"After listening to Patrick O’Donovan’s speech, Heather said he was lucky she didn’t give him a clip around the ear. He told the crowd that she told him he could stay the night in Monaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FA2CH2CPW5AVHPJRZXBNWKCV6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636209},"content":"“But I don’t have a bag with me,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFPUVYFHLVDRLD4Y27YUWUKSSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636210},"content":"“Don’t worry, I’ll give you Eric’s pyjamas. He won’t need them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJXZYGPIZJE5FCYGKMGVCSFB6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636211},"content":"He also called her the Queen Mother.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUXE2FUWLFHA7CAZHW6MFPMJH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636212},"content":"So what will Heather do next?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4P4GU3ZBCINNUSBVYN7PORBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636213},"content":"Last month she was named Monaghan Person of the Year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4JLG27PAREVXBR5TJDYIUB54A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636214},"content":"Will she really be content to cook a lot more dinners for Eric and get stuck into the local Tidy Towns group?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJP263SBDNBJPJVCDFPCOYRTYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636215},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLR4RWWHURD7VK7WVFENNFXBCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636216},"content":"Phone alone","type":"header"},{"_id":"W5MQB5UWXREILAU4DQJNGTVMA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636217},"content":"What’s Seldom is Wonderful moment of the week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MFYB3WPTRHN5OGLARGW5YKLYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636218},"content":"A mobile phone rang in the chamber on Wednesday during Leaders’ Questions. Not putting one’s handset on silent while the Dáil is in session is a big no-no in the House. But it happens. Particularly with one repeat offender who, in fairness, has been on his best behaviour so far this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6KTUMB5F5FSLBTATX3YPLJK7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636219},"content":"This was an unfamiliar ringtone. It sounded like a blast on the bagpipes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5VK44DACJBUBDJ5B5DMXTJIMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636220},"content":"But nonetheless, as Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats was grilling the Taoiseach over Government housing targets, heads immediately swivelled in the direction of Danny Healy-Rae, who sits in the topmost corner of the chamber.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54TCVX2ALFFH5K75IZ6DYTQP2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636221},"content":"And there he was. Smiling like a Kilvargan cat. Absolutely thrilled with himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRYFG6L24FBBHNBQNSRWVZ3G3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636222},"content":"He lifted his arms, put his hands up. No sign of the famous vintage Nokia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLQXZTFMGJDRVIEPWDIKYGQPSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636223},"content":"“It’s not me,” he mouthed from his lofty perch. Then he beamed up at the press gallery and mouthed the same words.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJDLVBKC6FE6HDZOH7JIU3L7KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636224},"content":"“It’s not me!”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3VG4W723JCHBF5JG2HV5UK3RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742627636225},"content":"It’s the happiest we’ve seen him since his brother Michael left him alone to fend for himself on the pretendy Opposition benches and went off to join the Government for the good of Kerry and the greater Healy-Rae cause.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Miriam Lord"}},"name":"Miriam Lord"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Independent Senator tried to blag her way in to the White House as the Upper House’s chief Trump cheerleader "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Miriam Lord: Sharon Keogan ‘our maga woman in the Seanad now known as Agent Orange’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MNSQTGGSTFDTPCIQ2NTDEGG6PY","auth":{"1":"0e096afe7d1879d3fcd28dc2e02276c0a12552adf79179f178f7e1ef9eedcdb7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MNSQTGGSTFDTPCIQ2NTDEGG6PY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/miriam-lord-sharon-keogan-nails-her-maga-colours-to-the-mast-on-paddys-day/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"JK7C5HZU2ZHPZHFF4SXCROPMMU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":544,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9f5f917f-bc03-47a8-9395-754b1b2c96f3/versions/1742559245/media/f536e2932b5e89b8d537927268179d1b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/the-thinking-has-shifted-trumps-trade-war-spells-economic-pain-for-ireland-as-dublin-plans-for-damage-limitation/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Y2CHPWHKARBIFCZU6CNV4PXTE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier this month, while Tánaiste Simon Harris was on a call with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, US president Donald Trump announced that he would <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/04/trade-wars-erupt-as-trump-hits-canada-mexico-china-with-steep-tariffs/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/04/trade-wars-erupt-as-trump-hits-canada-mexico-china-with-steep-tariffs/\">hike tariffs</a> on Canada. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVY4ZV6PDZDMDI5NKXOGKSLLJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Days later, officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs were in conclave, only to be interrupted by news via Trump’s Truth Social account that he was planning to impose a 200 per cent tariff on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/13/trump-vows-200-tariff-on-eu-wine-escalating-trade-tensions/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/13/trump-vows-200-tariff-on-eu-wine-escalating-trade-tensions/\">alcohol exports</a> from the European Union. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HX6ONDO7OVEJNEE2JSVGQLM6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In real time, interventions from the Oval Office changed the facts on the ground. This is the reality of trying to make policy during the second Trump presidency, where the only constant is unpredictability. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WDGTDHVJ5E7DEFRK76WCBQYJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As Ireland tries to plan for what appears to be an inevitable trade conflict between the US and the EU, uncertainty abounds – as do threats. With days ticking down to April 2nd, when Trump has promised to unveil details of “reciprocal” tariffs levied on trading partners, Irish politicians, businesses and policymakers are asking themselves: how do you plan for this type of trade war – and how do you survive it?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD3LSLU4C5BKPAAESDV2Y5ILWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Official Ireland started the week buoyant following the St Patrick’s Day <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/12/micheal-martin-donald-trump-meeting-live-updates-ireland-washington/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/12/micheal-martin-donald-trump-meeting-live-updates-ireland-washington/\">diplomatic offensive</a>. Sources across the public and private sector were ebullient that Taoiseach Micheál Martin avoided an Oval Office savaging and at the warmth of the reception for the Irish delegation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXCEKPGYLNHXPK5R7NN47L6GCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"One senior figure involved in the Irish effort spoke of “palpable relief” at a function held in Blair House, the presidential guest house opposite the White House where Martin stayed, after the Taoiseach’s meeting with Trump. The grudging admiration expressed by Trump for Ireland’s success in attracting US companies was notched as a win – “game recognising game”, this person surmised. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCX2WGB2XJBRNJOVDBJKNSBZZA","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96470","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LTIP5Q2POFGIZC3JXH5RRSICYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trumpian politics can hinge on personal connections or affinity – hence the satisfaction with Martin’s encounter. This is not lost on the several Irish sources who made the same point this week, with one suggesting that US aggression towards Canada has been informed by Trump’s animosity towards former prime minister Justin Trudeau. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6ADOZMG3FES7L6VDAGIHK64LY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It does matter and those messages do resonate with key leaders in business and political worlds,” said Paul Sweetman, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland in assessment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2CLTB2YEYBHJDJK4ZYYAY4JD7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"And yet, for all the Trump encounter could have gone worse, there is no sense that his administration is going to back down from its intended tariff offensive – nor that the EU will blink. If hit with tariffs, it has a list of €26 billion in products to tariff in return – plus much more in reserve. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIUN7W6QHZDGDIP5VCM7ZQO34Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin has urged calm, and the EU will pause to draw breath before responding – announcing a two-week delay in its response plans for next month on Thursday – but the abiding sense for some is that wheels are in motion in Brussels as well as in Washington. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IE4ETJPT7VHNLAGYXCOVQSUM4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We can influence the EU, but the EU has decided it doesn’t trust the Americans any more and is prepared to take quite drastic steps,” says one executive in a multinational firm operating in Ireland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNVIARLQ45H2FF7TZSNNG6ECCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is also a belief that the Trump administration is indifferent to the idea of defusing tensions through talks before tariffs. The hope that an off-ramp can be found is fading. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLUIRUITARB3HPT3W5POIIUQ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Wednesday, Harris told Fine Gael TDs and Senators that the US was unlikely to engage with the EU in any intensive way until after April 2nd. The working assumption, according to people familiar with discussions, had been that Trump would use the threat of tariffs to get people around the table. Ireland has urged dialogue and the need to avoid a tit-for-tat trade war. That remains the Government’s position, but as to the likelihood of that outcome, “the thinking has shifted”, says one source. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLPXNXZFYZE7DJS2QSRAHWDAJU","additional_properties":{},"content":"All of this suggests some degree of economic pain is inbound. Quite how much is a matter for debate. Andrew Webb, chief economist with Grant Thornton, judged that it is an “exceptionally difficult, exceptionally fearful time in terms of the rhetoric around tariffs and what it could mean for different parts of the economy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYOMWK4YKZDYVLZFOBLEP3YEWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Brussels on Thursday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe was blunt in his assessment: “It would be bad for jobs, it would be bad for growth, and it could be bad for inflation.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"USXIYPCF2VDYRO3PWYEQO3T7MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Donohoe suggested the deeper problem was the erosion of international and globalised trade norms upon which the Irish economic model is built. Confidence ebbing away from “the basic rules regarding how countries engage with each other” could be “very corrosive”, he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMB3CJMMEJDX7OMYUSHMNBPC2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"US tariffs could cost Irish economy more than €18bn in lost trade","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GMBFKGELWVDKNAPJYTJK5XXW2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Research jointly published on Friday by his department and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) starkly laid out the potential consequences for Ireland: GDP falling 3.5 per cent relative to a no-tariff scenario, a significant hit to production in the traded sector, and shrinking domestic demand. This would amount to a cost of €18 billion in lost trade and a long-term risk to the public finances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJDPETMOVJG67I2YLFXAN7FULY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“When you’re the most open trading economy,” one Cabinet source reasoned this week, “it does have a big effect.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZOWYIXWN5FM7A3RO257I6LQPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Behind the scenes, officials have been working since before the Irish general election on a wide array of scenarios. People briefed on the plans say hundreds of civil servants have been mobilised. In addition to external structures – a trade forum composed of Irish business leaders, and the US-based Strategic Economic Advisory Panel – all Government departments have been feeding information into the EU policy co-ordination division in the Department of Foreign Affairs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3URKR26G5ZHTHNM4KGTQOCQCOM","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"URUDM52ABVAU3OPQQSN232S45M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Department of the Taoiseach is taking a key role in co-ordinating, with the Department of Finance also prominent, alongside the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is by now a well-worn playbook with its roots in Brexit. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHSVELVZKJANBIN2SP2FLX7T7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The aim, sources say, is for the “system” to understand where the impacts may fall, both directly and indirectly. A second goal is to communicate Irish messages at a political and official level to the EU, with a third aim being to prepare responses. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5DWMNFHAVHKBKDNBDGYEFG5JY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The difficulty in all this is, again, the uncertainty. Some insight can be gleaned from Trump’s public pronouncements, which have set off jitters in the drinks industry in particular given the large tariffs it is facing, but multiple Irish sources expressed the belief that even people in Trump’s direct orbit don’t know what he’s going to do next. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKCIOSGPTNBWFGXAHSUIMUA3PI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s like driving a car through a river and we don’t know how deep it is,” says one person involved in planning. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"344YP4IUJJHDLJQVV3BWAEGSDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some consideration is being given to convening a group composed of Martin, Harris, Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to give political leadership to the response – something that was initially mooted during the programme for government negotiations as a general economic clearing house. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA564SNIDZFBNNIQ45ZE4II5S4","additional_properties":{},"content":"EU-US trade war would hit job growth and cut living standards, Donohoe warns","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VIHNTIUM6RF3LENA4IOWQZBYHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, away from Dublin, efforts are ongoing to map Trumpworld and to build a picture of how the administration operates – who has the US president’s ear, and how does the White House think about Ireland. Such efforts were part of meetings Harris had with leading US investment banks JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs in New York last week, although even these firms have more limited insight than might otherwise be the case. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVOAQKQG2JDSTHJLWUKVXLW5KI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are early-stage discussions about what supports, if any, might be made available to Irish firms. The clear intention, at this stage, is that any State assistance would be more in line with those offered during Brexit, rather than more recent and large deployments of State cash. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R54JBR57H5DSVOQ2GFYNPKNEZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s not Covid,” is the blunt assessment of one figure. A second agrees: “There’s a strong belief we shouldn’t be entering into that space.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEVZW4YG6NBK5OIYXV25IZFBXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Companies with particular exposure might be offered resources to move toward new markets, and some balance sheet support, but it would be of a markedly different order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DG2RJPYGXRHQ7DEGCLP2NXG4ZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Early thought is also being given to how the Government would manage any hit to the exchequer by way of, for example, a slowing in corporation tax revenues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDR3ZSTTLVDO3P5IYQDA75IUP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If the worst element of this causes a revenue impact or shock, then that necessitates a response,” says one senior Minister. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HLOHL53TFAMLKL2JYOBLZV5WU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In line with the programme for government, investment in capital spending and protecting services are seen as paramount, but planned tax cuts could be endangered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ARJKHDUKJDIFCVLYODBSIE3SA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Further narrowing of the tax base would be unwise if there’s uncertainty on revenue,” says the same Minister. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXBQ2Z5K75BJBLG3MLFS3SM3QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the verge of a seemingly unprecedented trade disruption, there is an abundance of theories and countertheories about what is to come. But nobody is certain what will happen – or how damaging it could be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZNUGWQ6ZBEX3JODPWXGU2EWIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dealing with the Trump White House, the only constant is unpredictability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBO4ZVHRCBCATFZACWQLPR5XXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"The working assumption had been that Trump would use the threat of tariffs to get people around the table, but that has changed"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How official Ireland is preparing for a possible US-EU trade war","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H6APBCV7THTGGCYU6HW62BCWSQ","auth":{"1":"f89dc2f5573495669d4538e6d5c7ae87ea2a5dc03a08556a43c2886b9d1da50b"},"focal_point":{"x":2744,"y":364},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H6APBCV7THTGGCYU6HW62BCWSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/22/the-thinking-has-shifted-trumps-trade-war-spells-economic-pain-for-ireland-as-dublin-plans-for-damage-limitation/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"TLIWNM5R4FBVZBHSFUI5TAHL5E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":211,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55229596-3982-49ef-b9c9-96b9a1525e8d/versions/1742598870/media/089e06b159dee69c6d6fa3b17f956107_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/21/rosie-odonnell-apologises-to-micheal-martin-for-being-dragged-into-her-feud-with-donald-trump/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742594469390},"content":"Actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell has written to the Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\">Micheál Martin</a> apologising for him becoming dragged into her long-running feud with US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"APX7TPSUDJFARBXSLTO44SLFGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Martin seemed puzzled when, during his visit to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/white-house/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/white-house/\">White House</a> last week, conservative journalist Brian Glenn referred to her decision to move to Ireland after President Trump was re-elected. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNCXEEGCVBABVLCRC3FLPNXBBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Glenn asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “Ireland is known for very happy, fun-loving people ... Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPBE2ICYBJDL3GDFWUCQQ36QKI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Martin looked puzzled by the question and did not appear to know who she was which prompted Trump to say: “Did you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is? ... you’re better off not knowing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XCNRVCQKRDOXOSASOIVPDEU2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speaking on the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/late-late-show/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/late-late-show/\">Late Late Show</a>, O’Donnell said it was “very surreal” for her name to be used in the context of the press conference in the White House. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UTZL62VJBHGPH3WND53XABAPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"She and President Trump have a long history of enmity stretching back almost 20 years when she described him as like a “snake-oil salesman on Little House on the Prairie”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4XRQKPYY5BETJHRBSYGQPK67E","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said: “I mentioned that he was not in fact the businessman that he thinks that he was on The Apprentice. He was very angry to say the least and he hasn’t let it go. He uses me as a punchline whenever he feels the need. He’s been doing it for two decades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPGGLF72QBCOPCTHXPXPU5MO5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I felt very troubled that the Taoiseach was put in that position. He [Trump] is out to get me in ways that are startling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZPHOPA7VVBMRPWWWRBUYAWKKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I wrote a little note to the Taoiseach and I got a note back thanking me. I just wanted him to know the history.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS4N27OO2JHKRBNOEX5EQM575Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Donnell moved to Ireland on January 15th with her 12-year-old autistic son Clay. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"774MJNVIE5HHHLCSXAB2FGWMZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She feared her son would be denied services if they stayed in the United States. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CD757IHED5C5LMCMWOL63LYIO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"She cited Project 2025 as one of the reasons why she left. The document from the Heritage Foundation proposes the gutting of social welfare programmes, she claims, and “will be disastrous for children on the spectrum”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3R2OUCQNQFG67OWTLWIWUCLKPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Another reason for her move to Ireland was the US Supreme Court judgment last July that stated US presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution when making an official act. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLCMFCG5BNHOLDMQT4X35T5QTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"This ruling, she stated, had given him the “powers of a king or a monarch and that’s a terrifying prospect. What has happened since he has taken office is terrifying for the world and for the United States of America”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVPXAOOLSRBANJAIMIRRXGBUBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She appeared to cast doubt on the American election result stating that a president had never won all swing states before. Kamala Harris appeared to packed stadiums; President Trump did not. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SF7XBJE6JCF5MBMZRCYOBJKDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"She also said that Elon Musk now “owns and runs the internet. I hope that will be investigated.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"POE6OKYVGNHBTCBGKRKVW3AQQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"President Trump’s policies will ultimately not just affect “the left-wing liberal set that they despise”, she predicted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J5H566RSJEEBCWUBHT6O5TFPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She said the presence of Conor McGregor in the White House on St Patrick’s Day was depressing. “It seems strange to me that the President has so many friends who are sexual abusers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25SR5TREPJDG7EYGXRJMJ7ICVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It says we are in trouble. To think that cruelty and lack of empathy is a value that is spouted from the highest office in the land is overwhelmingly sad to me personally and too much for me to take”. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Taoiseach was questioned about actor and comedian, who now lives in Howth, during visit to the White House"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T23:08:16.065Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rosie O’Donnell apologises to Micheál Martin for being dragged into her feud with Donald Trump","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AS22MHDAIRBQRGCRAWRBISOFYA","auth":{"1":"0186f337b761b61501d99030761f3319bdd77bb16e1b9bcd33c249ef213f7fc3"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1122},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AS22MHDAIRBQRGCRAWRBISOFYA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"US"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/21/rosie-odonnell-apologises-to-micheal-martin-for-being-dragged-into-her-feud-with-donald-trump/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"HQHEPR2W2BFDDF7XBL6YANCZWE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":168,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/07af4faf-5b36-4b4f-adac-ddeefe2a738b/versions/1742586121/media/6b85dcb14f6f2ed18096a264a20e1729_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/03/21/us-secretary-of-commerce-says-irelands-tax-scam-has-gotta-end/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044250},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/howard-lutnick/\" target=\"_blank\">Howard Lutnick</a> has renewed his attack on Ireland calling the country his favourite “tax scam”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ7TNYG54NAAZLZW6WNHVGGK2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044251},"content":"Mr Lutnick said Ireland has all the US multinational technological and pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) rights and this deprives the United States of tax revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3SHI2QSBFEUXCB7CBIA255QSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044252},"content":"“That’s gotta end,” he told the All-In podcast, aimed at venture capitalists in Washington DC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DJXRVNH6FHYXBNNAEACSDI7D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044253},"content":"Mr Lutnick erroneously claimed that Ireland had a $60 billion (€55.4 billion) surplus last year. In fact the budget surplus was €25 billion ($27 billion) which included a once-off €14 billion Apple payment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKZWMRTNSBHMTN3XOHYSLU5ZN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044254},"content":"He told the podcast: “So we lose two trillion and they make 60. You’d say, Ireland, what do they do? Oh, they have all of our IP for our great tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QF2WDFOFMBDIFNFBM72VDEXS3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044255},"content":"“All our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because it’s low tax and they don’t pay us. They pay them. So that’s got to end. So when those things end, tariffs, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a> card, getting rid of tax scams to get fair tax, that’s my trillion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXQKAXAT4FGN5GH4YP5SJVOILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044256},"content":"US-Ireland trade deficit: what is it and what might Donald Trump do about it?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4ZWJL476MNBFFBLNAHHZPFF4DI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044257},"content":"Mr Lutnick said he and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> were committed to balancing the US budget. He would raise $1 trillion in taxes, mostly through tariffs, and Musk would cut spending by $1 triillion through the Department of Government Expenditure (DOGE).","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGBTUZTYXRDDFMFJCCGKGF4PRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044258},"content":"Mr Lutnick, who is a long-time friend of US president Donald Trump and one of the biggest advocates of global tariffs, has long targeted Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZCNEHAWDBARNDZTQK4JGTW3CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044259},"content":"He told Fox News last week, a day after Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the White House, that Ireland was a “tax scam” and he inflated Ireland’s budgetary surplus further stating it amounted to $75bn (€71bn).","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUMMVVKLEFEKXLQNOBF2E2K4OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044260},"content":"Mr Lutnick also told Fox News that the US president had an “aspiration” to waive taxes on Americans earning under $150,000 a year, but only after the budget is balanced which he believed could be achieved before president Trump’s term ends in 2028.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJF6UNWGGFCZHOAJFAM4Y4FT24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742589044261},"content":"Before he became commerce secretary, Lutnick wrote on his X feed: “It’s nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense. We don’t make anything here any more – even great American cars are made in Mexico. When we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You’ll be shocked.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Howard Lutnick is targeting Ireland as a potential source of revenue for the US Treasury"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T19:36:57.18Z","headlines":{"basic":"US secretary of commerce says Ireland’s ‘tax scam’ has ‘gotta end’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S3N4PLPE34RTUQK4GCIMVBM2PY","auth":{"1":"34bda842bf2fd03289f920df8711ea05cde16ba8cb4a9915f72adbdcdca97959"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S3N4PLPE34RTUQK4GCIMVBM2PY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Economy"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2025/03/21/us-secretary-of-commerce-says-irelands-tax-scam-has-gotta-end/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"VLTNSKIAFVBFLKZBCQU4LRUALY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/conor-mcgregor-visits-the-white-house-as-mcdonald-and-martin-brawl-in-the-dail/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OGZ6P2S33VDPLPZ3IZEO4XPLHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"header"},{"_id":"PJMHZR7LXVAWJB27XV3BMZWMOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Story of the Week ","type":"header"},{"_id":"EJDMUD4FO5A45DLVSRJSS6SLDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Like last week, the big political stories unfolded abroad, but they had big implications here. The most shocking was a night of biblical slaughter by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/israel/\">Israel</a> in which its forces killed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/03/18/netanyahu-defiant-following-israeli-air-strikes-that-killed-more-than-400/\">over 400 people</a> in so-called targeted “strikes”. Of almost 50,000 Palestinian dead in the carnage to date are 18,000 children. The strip of land that is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gaza-strip/\">Gaza</a> is like an even more dystopian version of District 11 in the Hunger Games. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXDYAQFIKVFQXPMH32WTEQ6BTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Israel can do what it wants, almost with impunity. Most states (including in the EU) do no more than give an indifferent shrug of the shoulder or some platitudes or a tut-tut. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXJCOQZ6AZAQNGNGHYBGEY3RLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland is one of the few EU countries that has spoken out. But, politically, the Government has been on the back-foot on Gaza since the Taoiseach’s meeting with Trump (see below). Not alone was Micheál Martin accused of being meek in his meeting with the US president, the statement issued by representatives of the US Jewish community after their meeting with him suggested that the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/14/taoiseach-categorically-did-not-tell-jewish-groups-that-occupied-territories-bill-no-longer-on-legislative-agenda/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/14/taoiseach-categorically-did-not-tell-jewish-groups-that-occupied-territories-bill-no-longer-on-legislative-agenda/\">Occupied Territories Bill was off the agenda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6INXWB5KO5FYPKAFL7HL35QSEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s a delicate moment for the State on other fronts internationally. The Taoiseach was at a meeting of EU leaders discussing the need for stronger European defence in response to US isolationism. A joint study by the ESRI and the Department of Finance, meanwhile, estimated that US tariffs and a trade war could <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/21/us-tariffs-could-cost-irish-economy-more-than-18bn-in-lost-trade/\">cost Ireland more than €18 billion in lost trade.</a> ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKDCEWFJS5FJZMDRPZ3QRP262Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bust Up","type":"header"},{"_id":"BZ5ATPDKTZBPXDOPEMBORLWFVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> did not swagger into the Dáil with the “look at me” gait of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\">Conor McGregor</a> in the White House, her exchanges with Taoiseach Micheál Martin during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/19/taoiseach-sniggered-about-housing-in-oval-office-in-action-of-obsequious-coward-claims-sinn-fein-leader/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/03/19/taoiseach-sniggered-about-housing-in-oval-office-in-action-of-obsequious-coward-claims-sinn-fein-leader/\">had a “cage fighting” nastiness to them. </a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AAOBVOTJJHVPGERW7JXXAOV7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"It was the first opportunity for the Taoiseach to be questioned about his trip to Washington, DC, and during the session, nobody pulled their punches. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3VEWWDPRNEXFAA2E64OCD6DHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"McDonald accused the Taoiseach of “sniggering” in the White House about the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" rel=\"\">housing crisis</a> and claimed it was the action of an “obsequious coward”. Phew. That was below the belt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCVGHGZ4IBEW3I6WIEA7K3N2JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin took great umbrage at that saying that “nobody was sniggering”. McDonald was feigning outrage and spoofing. “Get off the stage,” he told her. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"76NW72MQNRFEDDBH2IQXEN6LVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s all very well, but does any of this affect me?","type":"header"},{"_id":"S6MKXDH5VJBC3DOXSJK5NC6UKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/21/how-conor-mcgregor-secured-his-meeting-with-donald-trump-in-the-oval-office/\">Conor McGregor’s White House visit on St Patrick’s Day</a> was extraordinary. He got to stand at the dais in the press briefing room and met the president, Elon Musk and half the cabinet for soft photo opportunities. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZCMT7DMEVCWVIWAZCM3444FDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It made the Taoiseach’s visit seem like the support act to the main event. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIU4JTVMZNDVLCP3PM4RKF27LE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trump had already said the previous week that McGregor was his favourite Irishman. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRZWOTI7IFASRO6NRAAECRXWRE","additional_properties":{},"content":"McGregor got another platform to repeat his views on immigration and immigrants and said things like: “Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UH7KD667VHHJLJZXLPYS7VEU4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Taoiseach said the comments were “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/18/conor-mcgregor-comments-on-immigration-in-white-house-criticised-as-wrong-and-outrageous/\">wrong</a>”, but there was no mistaking whose visit had the greater impact with the world’s media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEELOPLWZRCSXAHKHH32VAMGOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Does it make any difference? McGregor has stated again that he wants to run in the forthcoming Irish presidential elections. His chances remain very much as they were before the visit. Zero.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNADAR2OK5HDRKMLVN3I5T4G3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Banana Skin","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q6WP6YK4ABANJBOUVC3VEN6HW4","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Thursday, it emerged that the Coalition will push its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/government-plan-to-push-through-changes-to-dail-speaking-rights-criticised-as-brazen-and-outrageous/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/20/government-plan-to-push-through-changes-to-dail-speaking-rights-criticised-as-brazen-and-outrageous/\">proposed Dáil speaking arrangements</a> to a vote. The proposals will allow the Michael Lowry group of Government-supporting Independents and backbench Government TDs a chance to ask questions of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54AHSUIGKFDZ5PPWEQQIUPTPWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"If it is pressed to a vote, the Government will prevail. But at what cost? This issue has become a tangled knot in the 34th Dáil and the vote will not resolve it. Already we are hearing mutinous tones from the Opposition, with the prospect of walkouts, protests and the disruptive scenes that marred the day on which the Taoiseach was supposed to be appointed in January. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOHONIEFFJCNPCNMM5Q25TCIBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Winners and Losers","type":"header"},{"_id":"EHLX26Q76VGVNHPV2HMLWZ7UCA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Winner: Conor McGregor. Hard to swallow but as a prospective politician, no Irish person got better access to the Trump White House. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZE5YTPMCBDFZFUJ5OX2VAAYPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Loser: Micheál Martin. McGregor overshadowing his own White House visit, plus new doubts over the Occupied Territories Bill, took some of the gloss off his time in Washington. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5JSVIQNLNEWFG2YAHT5OMEBFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Big Read","type":"header"},{"_id":"XFOYUISBRVG4BOLNBNMXNDUIJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jack Horgan-Jones has a feature this weekend on how to survive in a trade war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYO664DMC5FCTCUVIOEMQ4ALM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And don’t forget the usual must-read weekend columns from Miriam Lord and Pat Leahy. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB6EDR5VNVFWJOI4HYQEATO5HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hear Here","type":"header"},{"_id":"UV3EES72E5FHRCM4IJ27JJRRRE","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-20045","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2Z3K5CR3GRHXBALDB2QEDUM6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Israel acts with impunity in Gaza, and the other stories of the week"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T14:41:06.968Z","headlines":{"basic":"Conor McGregor visits the White House as McDonald and Martin brawl in the Dáil","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"The Politics Fix","url":""}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4WOLVZDOMJCADHODYPP5HOUYIE","auth":{"1":"5133f3a39090a6653fdaeb4b623658240aeb0cfeba16182681719ba506d13877"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4WOLVZDOMJCADHODYPP5HOUYIE.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2025/03/21/conor-mcgregor-visits-the-white-house-as-mcdonald-and-martin-brawl-in-the-dail/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"2ea7e57a9d76cb3af6f6c46e1d8deff8b3ba881bb9179657373a893ecd91c052"},"expires":1742733240804,"lastModified":1742732940649},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/health\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"IKMIGAKL4NHMDLLYNLCLEZVKI4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":179,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/559bd326-afcd-44fd-b4c7-ec57b1d99ffc/versions/1742592898/media/b09016bbd8d9facc85be9846773bba99_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/2025/03/23/winter-vomiting-bug-cases-to-remain-high-for-next-number-of-weeks/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PB5IFDNLENDQRI5CXL7TVZCASA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Levels of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/02/10/it-glitch-severely-affecting-patient-processing-at-st-jamess-hospital-ed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/02/10/it-glitch-severely-affecting-patient-processing-at-st-jamess-hospital-ed/\">winter vomiting bug </a>remain high in the community with the highest number of weekly cases this year being recorded in the middle of March, according to the infectious diseases watchdog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7JDPKWVLVBN5LOUUEWFW377XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/health-protection-surveillance-centre/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/health-protection-surveillance-centre/\">Health Protection Surveillance Centre </a>(HPSC) published an updated bulletin on norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGIZRP7KTNG5XLIMVHTUZYW7IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, spreading easily through close contact between people. It typically surges in the winter when socialising indoors is at its highest. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBN3WAOICRBETHNQHVIAKLKU3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Figures from the HPSC show there were 100 cases of the virus detected in the week ending March 16th, the highest weekly total since the start of the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QEG2EB35JCT7KRFDYHHFRN6K4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The highest number of cases was found in those over 65 with 67 identified in this age group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ST3KURTUZJDNBIRCKADAX53FRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Since the start of the year, there have been 760 cases detected in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLRMHNKZDNDBNJXT6OWI4O62AM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Norovirus is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks,” said the HPSC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKGBQFEXHBEIDJELOV4RQMNFFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Scott Walkin, clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and infection control at the Irish College of General Practitioners, said most infectious diseases have a “seasonal pattern”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7QMX7UYXBBBNAT67MS7GNX2QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We see that every year with the flu when cases rise during the winter time. But the pattern of infectious illness has altered in recent years, which is likely due to the lockdowns,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3FOSE2ZNRCF7JM5HYJTLP62OY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We don’t know why exactly that is, but it is likely that’s why we’re seeing the rise in norovirus now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYLRHPGWAZBW5LCBZF5R4YPH4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Walkin said the levels of the vomiting bug in the community is “higher than expected” for this time of year, but added that there is variation every year in terms of when an infectious disease surges and it is “likely connected to that variation” and so is “not enormously surprising”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2T7IC5476VHXNB2EF27MOVXVIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Dr Walker, norovirus is largely a “manageable” illness that is “unpleasant but rarely serious”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKVP6QAMVBGKDOCPZARH2RLUYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said younger children are most at risk due to dehydration and in some cases require the administration of fluids through an intravenous drip. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOKE7SCM5NGJDM6CM7W4OJ645A","additional_properties":{},"content":"“People typically get sick one to two days after exposure. And the illness lasts around three days. You should avoid going into work, school or creche for 48 hours after,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHWQ765U65F7RBSXHYK5HZEQOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Walkin said the disease is spread through coming into contact with a person’s vomit or diarrhoea, with the items used to clean up these things often being a cause of transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IJPWXZPSRBITHANYD6HY7YT5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Hand washing is effective. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is not as effective on norovirus. You should wash your hands after using the toilet and before you consume food. You should avoid sharing towels and bedding,” he added.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Shauna Bowers"}},"name":"Shauna Bowers"}]},"description":{"basic":"Hundred cases detected in week ending March 16th, the highest weekly total since start of year "},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Winter vomiting bug cases to remain high ‘for next number of weeks’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4JKMOSCO5NLQU6E3GW3J5DLXOI","auth":{"1":"4b0f3a82508c5f377a29ed2366168365fde42dd5ca16c5fbd4ee3d5d2b877185"},"focal_point":{"x":735,"y":211},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4JKMOSCO5NLQU6E3GW3J5DLXOI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Health"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/2025/03/23/winter-vomiting-bug-cases-to-remain-high-for-next-number-of-weeks/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Health"}}}},{"_id":"5DI2SRL44RAFLHERGVBL4LFQ3Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":436,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0cf5360a-226d-4d8f-a17e-4da2e27100ef/versions/1741790635/media/5922acea76ba3ad5a8acedde7b40dcb0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4C5KHGM7IVFVDBJP72FRRBLBLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113805},"content":"<b>Dear Roe,</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYWB5WNXQJAOVONLBCARLCYXRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113808},"content":"<b>I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating. I know my worth, and I refuse to settle. I have a great career, take care of myself, and live a full life. I also know what I’m attracted to – ambition, confidence, and a man who takes pride in himself and his success. I want to find my person. But it keeps ending terribly, with me hurt and confused by another emotionally unavailable man. I just got out of another relationship that, on paper, should have been perfect. He was everything I usually go for – successful, driven, charismatic. From the start, he made me feel like I was unlike anyone he’d ever met. He would say things like, “I’ve never connected with someone like this before” and talked about holidays together, would drop hints and jokes about living together in a beautiful home. I believed him because he sounded so sure. But when it came down to real commitment, things were murky. He’d be affectionate and present in person, but was hard to keep in contact with consistently and make plans with. When I tried to bring up what we were doing he’d assure me he felt deeply for me, that I was special, but he wasn’t in the right place for “labels” or pressure. I didn’t push too hard because I didn’t want to seem needy. But after nearly a year of this, I felt crazy. He said all the right things, but I was left second-guessing everything, found myself over-analysing texts like a teenager. The most embarrassing bit is that in the end, he was still the one to leave me. My friends (who are nearly all engaged or married) keep telling me I need to stop being so picky, but I don’t want to end up with someone because I was desperate and lonely and lowered my standards.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PYUWEN63RGZZGMJU5EZMZRICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113809},"content":"You sound like you have a busy life and schedule and no more time for nonsense so I’m going to be your best friend right now and get straight to the point: Your problem isn’t that you are too picky or that your standards are too high. Your problem is that you place huge value on superficial things that have repeatedly proven not to bring you happiness and you have remarkably low standards around everything that matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTXS2DZRWZHEJE73XO3CQLOD5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113810},"content":"You are stuck in a pattern that you recognise – you get with emotionally unavailable men who have a lot of superficial qualities you think are good on paper. Because you believe that this superficial stuff (I’m guessing good looks, makes money, a bit flashy) makes someone valuable, you attempt to make yourself as palatable as possible. You make yourself seem easy-going, chill, needless, and you silence your desire for everything else, like consistency, honesty, commitment, love.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVQXENZSBRECFJJY4OG44V3FJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113812},"content":"You need to start valuing the right things. Where are your supposedly high standards for how a man treats you? For how he shows up for you consistently? For how he makes you feel – not just in the honeymoon phase when he’s saying all the right things, but in the reality of day-to-day life? You’ve built a successful, full life for yourself, yet you are accepting the emotional equivalent of table scraps in relationships. Think about what was missing in your past relationships that left you hurt, drained, and doubting yourself. Was it emotional availability? Consistency? A willingness to truly build a future with you instead of just fantasising about one? Prioritise finding that. Not flashy words, not grand gestures that fizzle into excuses, but the qualities that create a healthy, lasting partnership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HW2R2UAGWJG4PK7UZY6DHZXA4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113813},"content":"You say you like ambitious, driven men – but why? Is it just about the money? The status? Or is it because ambition signals passion, discipline, and the ability to commit to something long-term? If it’s the latter, gorgeous – but ask yourself why the men you choose don’t apply that same level of dedication to their relationships. If a man can chase his career, commit to goals, and work through challenges but somehow can’t text you back or give you basic reassurance, then you’re not dealing with a truly ambitious person. You’re dealing with someone who simply prioritises himself above all else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5RUQUILBJFS3G4YAEFKQZEMKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113814},"content":"You cannot build a relationship on potential. On what someone could be if only they were ready if only their life circumstances changed, if only they chose to prioritise you. The right person won’t need to be convinced to show up. They will be there, consistently, because that’s who they are – not just what they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAQOMO3YHZBNHLKU7OIQ25K4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":"AD2N2BPHVVDDNEZWT4UT2RA2TI"},"content":"I asked my husband for a divorce – everyone thinks I made a mistake. Did I?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6L4OX4HDTBC3PHNY4J5Z6QY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113815},"content":"And speaking of consistency, let’s talk about your own. You say you know your worth, but do your actions reflect that? Or do you repeatedly silence yourself, suppress your needs, and stay in situations that don’t serve you because you’re afraid of seeming too needy? Be honest: is your fear of not being seen with someone who looks good on paper more than your fear of not finding genuine love? Is your fear of rejection stronger than your fear of ending up in another relationship where you feel unseen and undervalued? Because right now, you are accepting partners who don’t choose you fully, but you’re terrified of being the one to walk away first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H43E2D7GEVHHJLWHAAEV5CP4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113816},"content":"Here’s your new standard: if someone says, “I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship” or “I don’t like labels”, you leave. No negotiation. No more waiting for someone to change. No more mistaking hesitation for depth. A man who is ready and willing to be with you will make that clear – not just with words, but with actions. And start paying attention to how people behave, not what they tell you about themselves or communicate to the world about who they are via status symbols and titles. How do they act? How do they make you feel? How do they show you that they’re a good person and would make a good partner, not simply that they meet an arbitrary checklist you have in your head of things that don’t make you happy?","type":"text"},{"_id":"REJSACTVMRHX7O6G7KIPUN4XCE","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"35d31955-f856-4198-bd52-fdf57b384494\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute.js\"><\/script>\n<link href=\"//www.irishtimes.com/static/aprimo/temp/inline-contribute.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\" />","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"S27IIGQJUZCAJNQN5P7L6DQKOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113817},"content":"This isn’t about lowering your standards. This is about raising them where they matter. Activate your self-worth. Accept and receive the things that are important to you. And ask yourself: what conditioning has made you devalue emotional security, consistency and partnership, while overvaluing charm, success and empty words?","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6V5ELS5GZCR3MOMRWE35M3MSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113818},"content":"The kind of relationship you want requires work. Not work to prove yourself to someone or to twist yourself into the “perfect” woman, but work in the sense of choosing the right things and putting effort into what creates happiness. So what are you willing to put the work into? Chasing unavailable men, or building something real with someone who values you the way you deserve?","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKZU2NR5ZVCWZK5T5UBT5HFMWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113819},"content":"It’s time to choose differently. It’ll be transformative, I promise. Good luck.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Roe McDermott"}},"name":"Roe McDermott"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ask Roe: ‘I have high standards in the men I date but still end up hurt and alone... My friends keep telling me I need to stop being so picky’"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI","auth":{"1":"d92c41f6c92dcfcd0e3c580848fb51716d5b1d6ef46fe9df26ed5b0d01595045"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Wellness"},{"name":"Health"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-wellness","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Wellness"}}}},{"_id":"V2CWCL4N4FD4LMB63KV5VF6KWA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":789,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d0b0d8e6-5793-46b6-adcc-f87cefe86fdd/versions/1742398301/media/f7680e9814782ec5ed9a662c38adc9dc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BLCCG4S4AFABHOGAQETHS7OMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695695},"content":"On the face of it, Sandra Adams, a Dublin-based mother of two, seems an unlikely campaigner to be on the front line of the culture wars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMGJ62YVR5AKXGLT5C5TYWOKEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695696},"content":"“I supported the repeal referendum and marriage equality ... If anything, I’m more of a social democrat in terms of philosophy,” says Adams, who has previously worked as an arts producer and community worker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQTJSSJZLNFYHALJXZRULJNUX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695697},"content":"Right now, one of her main concerns is campaigning for what she calls “fact-based, scientifically accurate” education and opposing the presentation of gender identity in schools as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D44WADUGNRCIRIJZ44HSO3DPD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695698},"content":"“People are entitled to believe whatever they wish. I don’t query that,” she says. “But if you go into a school and teach that ‘everyone has a gender identity’, that’s simply not true. We have to teach facts, not ideologies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XOS7TR4FJCNPG6PJD6GII6QTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695699},"content":"“Children don’t have a stable sense of identity and can be easily influenced and manipulated. So, it’s profoundly irresponsible to say you can change sex.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJXAQESXBZDYBE35I4RCY4PPIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"Karen Sugrue, a mother from Limerick, holds very different views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BTSSXZYBAHPILQSVCSPMQDTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952822},"content":"A teacher, psychotherapist and co-chair of Mammies for Trans, she insists gender identity “isn’t contested science” and there is no reason to fear it being raised in the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UVWJWZF4ZE3NFXPI63N7UBWQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695721},"content":"“The World Health Organisation understands that gender is not a binary, it’s a spectrum, as does the Irish Government and the Department of Health,” she says. “They are very clear on that, so we’re on very solid ground.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4K5PRS5LZGETEOHMYALWPXXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"CN36PIEA4BBAPEN7CZXALPPNIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YF2UB45HAJCCVLOGSRPXHDYIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695722},"content":"She says we should teach children about diverse families and identities in an age-appropriate way, especially in light of attempts to make political capital on the back of so-called “wedge” issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HAF6Z4ZFJB35IBAXYUQC37CUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695723},"content":"“We saw it with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/02/05/trump-signs-order-intended-to-bar-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports/\">Donald Trump</a>. One of the first things he did was to make an issue of gender. Not guns or drugs. It was gender. In Ireland, there are lots of bad faith political actors who will stoke up controversy on this instead of housing, health or waiting lists, which they can’t solve,” says Sugrue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMLIAFJZZRDIFA3J47FXVIHGCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695724},"content":"The process of drafting a new curriculum at primary level – the biggest shake-up to teaching and learning for two decades – has attracted huge levels of interest and hundreds of submissions from parents, as well as lobby groups and other stakeholders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD6WEWOEKRGCBDTQLBPG3TP74M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695701},"content":"On one side are both self-described liberal and conservative parents, campaign groups, religious organisations and others who argue that “radical gender ideology” is not appropriate for children and that young people with gender dysphoria need specialised and compassionate medical care, not what some term “woke indoctrination” at school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FT27JXMOP5AUHIBLOEI4WOINDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695702},"content":"On the other are parents – of trans children in some cases – groups of academics and nongovernmental organisations who say the new syllabus needs to recognise the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and who insist that silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of many vulnerable pupils.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOHGWPME2BCVTPWYWQJQDANZCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564014},"content":"Gender identity not included in draft primary school curriculum","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5VJZQP4UJBCZJD2T6F6BZSJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695703},"content":"The curriculum is being drafted against a backdrop of polarised online debate, viral videos with claims of highly sexualised or inappropriate curricular content, while the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/enoch-burke\">Enoch Burke</a> saga – the second-level teacher opposed to what he terms “transgenderism” and who has violated court orders to stay away from his former school – continues with no sign of a resolution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QI5W4HWFNAWXDPJNESDLI3QEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695704},"content":"The body charged with developing the new primary syllabus is the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), a statutory body of the Department of Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFVH7N35AVG6JMQHHDPRKS6ZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695705},"content":"Policymakers say it is timely that an updated curriculum is developed to “equip our children with essential knowledge, skills, concepts, attitudes, values and dispositions” to prepare them for life further into the 21st century.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDT4GAOW65B4VCQLDH4HVUKAEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695706},"content":"Under the draft reforms which have been several years in the making, primary school pupils will spend more time learning foreign languages as well as Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) and a broader arts curriculum, including dance and creative media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSLABDTEWJDRHLJWO3ZFS4FQCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695707},"content":"The “wellbeing” section of the draft curriculum is the most contentious. It includes an emphasis on relationships and sex education including new areas of learning such as consent and diversity in family structures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCJ5XUXX5RECRBO3KXS5QMCCNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695708},"content":"There is, however, no reference to transgender or gender-identity issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEFB7KS3F5G7VA3GBVQXUQIUMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695709},"content":"(It <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/04/24/new-junior-cycle-curriculum-will-oblige-schools-to-teach-about-gender-identity/\">does feature</a> in the separate and recently updated social, personal and health education curriculum for older junior cycle students, typically aged 12-15).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKLYDB3H2BGSDOMIUFQ5FFWALM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695710},"content":"Notwithstanding this, the NCCA noted that a “diversity of opinion was shared on gender identity and LGBTI+ terminology that do not feature in the draft wellbeing curriculum” at primary level during its consultations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZBD4DJTUJDZDJ3KBEGIK6KRI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564023},"content":"New primary school curriculum: the changes on the way and what they mean for children","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"G45OZQ3Z2NAWRC7ZR2WL3TZV3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695711},"content":"Many submissions, it says, were based on “misinformation or disinformation” on what is in the draft primary syllabus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHCHO4UUNBAR3N7HDMDVZPQZOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695712},"content":"The curriculum is due to be finalised shortly and will be sent to Minister for Education <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/helen-mcentee\">Helen McEntee</a> for approval in advance of its publication later this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7RFCKRDDFBZXGS3VNBES5UCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695713},"content":"Those opposed to teaching around gender identity, however, remain wary. Gender critical-campaigners point to teaching resources or tool kits aimed at primary students that teach gender identity as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOOVIUGJFFSBJZUWCFE3HOOMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695714},"content":"Adams, for example, cites the HSE booklet Busy Bodies for teaching children aged eight to 12 about puberty, which is distributed to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKCJYBKMM5BIZLSFPFFOKCPHZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695715},"content":"“As well as a biological sex, we all have a gender identity,” the cartoon booklet states. “This is how we think of ourselves as a boy, a girl, neither or both.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGOIGWVDIRDV3EAUBW3OXT75AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695716},"content":"Adams says, whatever about curriculum reforms, teachers are being directed to “ideologically driven” tool kits for the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBVOFQHETNA6XHUV776FQNANUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695717},"content":"“We rightly trust our teachers. It’s an amazing profession – I’ve lots of teachers in my family – and they have such positive influence on children ... so this undermines the trust we need to have in our teachers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"53HV6YZN5RFP5B7C3EWC6PPGJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695718},"content":"Other gender-critical campaigners point to an overarching primary curriculum framework document, which states that the syllabus will be “concerned with the best interest of every child, considering that they vary in their competence, language, family background, age, culture, ethnic status, religion, gender and sexual identity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5EC2V6G7ZHTZPESUFVP6DZ7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695719},"content":"They question if this reference to “gender and sexual identity” means the topic will, ultimately, find its way into the classroom. An NCCA source insists this is not the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EF5BE63VRZAGTD2BUETNUYYC2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"On the other hand, groups such as BelongTo – which supports LGBTQ+ young people – say the reality is that young trans people are in primary schools in Ireland and have a right to a supportive spaces where it is safe to question their sexual orientation and gender identity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBR4DBHHOFAQRH53QNS6EE5CSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695725},"content":"“Ignoring their existence and silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of these pupils,” it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RTSEXWYSRHPZDTZYG3J43E3KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695726},"content":"It cites studies that show that LGBTQ+ young people face higher levels of suicide ideation and mental health risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7R7KKBV7JC2NDQQRYLHP7Y23U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695727},"content":"“Rather than brushing this topic under the rug, we need to ensure that schools have the capacity and confidence to support all pupils in an age-appropriate manner, including those who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity,” it says. “All pupils deserve to feel safe and supported at school.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Y2DFBPQHBHJHLOMLK2OTKDEDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695728},"content":"Transgender Equality Network Ireland (Teni) also says there are trans children in Irish primary schools who want to feel as included as every other child, want their lived experiences to be shared with their peers and want to see themselves reflected in the curriculum just like other children do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERODJFHODRE7FMQVJCKNVNLLMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695729},"content":"“Silencing and obscuring the experiences of trans children does not make those children disappear, it only brings a sense of shame and stigma to children already facing high levels of bullying and social isolation,” says Teni.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24OTJ2NY7BDD7ATJPVW7VH2VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952855},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y3VINNCIIVDH3LTOMCWLYNKYOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564040},"content":"Gender identity is just one of the flashpoints around the curriculum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNSNPF5CFZAERIW6RJQ7TVTD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952853},"content":"Everything from critical race theory to Irish identity have come under the microscope since the social, personal and health education (SPHE) curriculum was updated at second level for junior cycle students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUE4DS6I3JAV3DUZ4K7JUBHYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695731},"content":"Last year there was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/09/05/calls-for-curriculum-review-after-publisher-pulls-text-on-irish-family-stereotype/\">controversy</a> when a publisher withdrew a schoolbook to accompany the revised syllabus that portrayed a “traditional” Irish family in a way that was described by critics as prejudiced and a crude caricature.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKEGJQJOQZEMJEFREALSWUNZUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952856},"content":"The book, Health and Wellbeing, gave two examples of representative Irish families. The first portrayed a family wearing Aran sweaters, with the children Irish dancing, eating potatoes, bacon and cabbage each day, and stated that they played no foreign sports, played Irish music, never travelled abroad and did not mix with other religions because they would be a “bad influence” on them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MF7TMF554VBJXIWOJLE6MRP4OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695733},"content":"This family was compared with a second family, which was multicultural and travelled abroad a lot because it was a good way to learn about other cultures and societies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KO7JSUWA5CKLGTXAJSFZ7UA4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695734},"content":"A spokesperson for the Educational Company of Ireland said the depictions were “designed to help students understand the importance of diversity in our lives” but it appreciated that its approach should have been different and “caused upset and anger, even though this was not our intention”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SG2KCC22JFE5PKNTM652K3E6VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695735},"content":"In another development, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/10/24/graphic-material-on-social-personal-and-health-education-course-not-intended-for-classroom-use-says-university/\">viral YouTube video</a> with a teacher who claimed the updated SPHE course at junior cycle contained graphic and inappropriate sexual content for students has attracted almost 450,000 views. The content formed part of a Dublin City University training course for the new subject.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UKMAMKLWFGMHA5LVFLBAATKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695736},"content":"Tipperary teacher Mary Creedon said she was horrified by some of the material, which included a video of an illustrated woman figure demonstrating masturbation and an animated “sex map” of heterosexual and homosexual couples engaged in different sex acts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYTPW3IVKJEDTCPEUDCB4OVZDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695737},"content":"DCU later said the video “completely misrepresented” the course and that any material shared was provided only to the teachers as adults in the context of their broader education on the programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSW7LXYCV5AUBCJVZG3KUJXKZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695738},"content":"These areas of teaching and learning are being updated largely on foot of a government-commissioned <a href=\"https://ncca.ie/en/resources/report-on-the-review-of-relationships-and-sexuality-education-in-primary-and-post-primary-school/\">review of sex education </a>in 2019, which found that the 20-year-old syllabus was out of date, too focused on biology and did not reflect the reality of young people’s lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND455XDXDRFBBB44SMGI76WSHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695739},"content":"Teenagers said they wanted a greater emphasis on issues such as consent, relationships, the effects of pornography on sexual expectations and LGBTQ+ matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QOWVJQQGZDJNEDS6BXOELOWPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695740},"content":"The Government pledged to develop an age-appropriate curriculum across primary and second-level schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTQ+ relationships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O3G5RVKQRE7TC26DET5ZB5YN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695741},"content":"The first step involved updating the junior cycle curriculum for social, personal and health education, followed by senior cycle last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXII7KOXTFF75DGWF67FJW37DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695742},"content":"For the NCCA, it has been a delicate balancing act of updating the curriculum and figuring out how relationships and sexuality education should be taught in schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPIBCSSXOJDENCLNZY4JAH4HUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695743},"content":"“We know these topics are sensitive and there are very strong opinions on what should or should not be in there,” says one source involved in drafting the curriculum. “We’ve researched and consulted extensively, and anything we’ve done is founded in scientific fact.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7XQMQEKZGYLJOYWJYO3DVKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695744},"content":"The NCCA works by drawing on national and international research, inviting consultation, holding focus groups, discussing changes with school communities and shaping proposals","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAZZXJ6XEJB4PNSYRBUXB2KVS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695745},"content":"The changes, say sources, are aimed at promoting dialogue and discussion about these issues in an age-appropriate way with an informed teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5ZBJBBQUBAP3AJ2CUQKVOCRQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695746},"content":"Critics, however, claim the consultative processes are largely tokenistic and see only minimal changes in response to their concerns. This is rejected by NCCA sources, who point to examples of how draft and final blueprints have changed in response to consultation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIXX2M2LDJGM5FRRGTLNEIC3AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695747},"content":"For some of those involved in policymaking, the disputes revive memories of similar battles in the 1980s and 1990s when sex education was first included in the curriculum, amid protests and pledges by some parents to withdraw children from classes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI45ELTF2JGULDSEBPUA25MN7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695748},"content":"“There were many of the same claims of ‘This isn’t age-appropriate’, ‘Not at this stage’ and ‘It’s not the job of schools to teach this’,” says one education source. “This [new curriculum] isn’t usurping the role of parents; they have a role and should be consulted about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2GPKMUGINBTFOQLXX5GYBHIWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695749},"content":"Ultimately, says another long-standing education observer, the fact that curriculum change is generating debate is healthy sign of a vigorous democracy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6BICT2FLFC5FBKHL2HNTL5WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695750},"content":"“A curriculum reflects educational priorities which society, at a point in time, deems important for its young citizens,” says the source. “It embodies society’s broadly held view of what our children should learn into the 21st century. It’s only right that we have lively debates about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUVUXMDB4ZAVNO4OTTMKFG7ZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695751},"content":"Many schools say they have been quietly getting on with meeting the needs of small numbers of trans young people in conjunction with parents without controversy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P4UR7KHJJE6LLPPNOXVQEV62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695752},"content":"“It’s happening under the surface,” says one principal. “We work with parents. We do get emails and are forwarded messages from social media, questioning what we’re doing ... Our approach is to tread very carefully.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKY6TNULERAGPNOFDABOFEUSTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695753},"content":"Parents have the right to opt children out of any sex education classes, which is provided for under law, but teachers and policymakers are hopeful it will not come to this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAPZWWWB4FEMRI3OYIVAVAG2OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695754},"content":"“All the research shows that children will talk to their parents about anything when they are young,” says one policymaker. “In their teens it’s more about their friends and the internet ... So, if schools don’t offer something that is solid and of substance, the internet and their friends are the only source of information.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"A new primary level syllabus – the biggest shake-up in two decades – is being finalised against a backdrop of polarised online debate and claims of misinformation"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Culture wars reach the classroom: What is the best way to teach children about gender and identity?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME","auth":{"1":"0b86ec9a8d9c5ec2ddf4452be4b6b05d2a8da4176c6da16d330746bf3a9b1ef2"},"focal_point":{"x":4375,"y":1435},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Family"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"People"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-family","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Family"}}}},{"_id":"7YB2TODXDRA6RHOYTIUA6GY2HE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":638,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/369dd4ce-b3a3-4889-8742-40aefe734956/versions/1742485766/media/40499457122a6d9e5047da787d0f81ed_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/adolescence-five-truths-about-our-boys-we-need-to-address-urgently/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SL7TTVNYIBA77I2XOFLT65FFAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594064},"content":"What makes <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/17/adolescence-review-a-dark-and-often-unbearable-insight-into-the-nightmarish-extremes-of-our-teenagers-lives/#:~:text=Adolescence%20review%3A%20A%20dark%20and,teenagers%E2%80%99%20lives%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Irish%20Times\" target=\"_blank\">Adolescence</a> – the new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/netflix/\" target=\"_self\">Netflix</a> crime drama – so powerful isn’t just its masterful production or its exceptional acting, writing or direction – it’s the stark, inescapable truth at its core. Jamie, the 13-year-old central character accused of murdering Katie, a 13-year-old-girl he knew, isn’t some sensationalised or stereotypical “troubled young man”. He’s just a regular boy. And that’s the really unsettling power and purpose of this miniseries; we get to realise what the lived experience of regular boyhood has become for so many young men growing up today. And let’s be really clear about something – this is not a new or foreign story to us; it has been happening in Ireland for a long time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZO44ZGDRFCOJE4TLWT57VIWII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594065},"content":"In May 2018, a 14-year-old girl was killed in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lucan/\" target=\"_blank\">Lucan</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Co Dublin</a>, and two 13-year-old boys were convicted of her murder, and one of them of aggravated sexual assault. Her name was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ana-kriegel/\" target=\"_self\">Ana Kriégel</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCNXIRNR7BA7XHYZTAKP4EWKPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594066},"content":"But Adolescence isn’t about Ana or Katie. It points us instead to the root of the issue of violence against women and girls. And it puts a human face to it: the face of a charming, witty, fun-loving boy called Jamie. And it forces us to feel, to witness, to understand – beyond statistics and headlines – what it means to be a boy lost in the wilderness of modern masculinity. When the police crash through Jamie’s door, he isn’t a murderous monster – he’s a terrified 13-year-old tucked up in bed who wets himself in fear, calls out for his dad like the scared child he is, and who has to be reminded to eat his cornflakes before facing the weight of the accusations levelled against him. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he repeatedly cries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YG4J2MTPHZHNPFOTWKSDLCWQSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adolescence review: A dark and often unbearable insight into the nightmarish extremes of our teenagers’ lives","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OCB66SN4FVHRHATKYDLJS6CGRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594067},"content":"I know Jamie; we all do. We all know lots of Jamies. We talk to them every day – in school corridors and classrooms, on the sports pitches, during rehearsals for the school musical, in youth centres, church prayer groups and juvenile detention centres. We talk to them around the dinner table, in the car on the way to school, in their bedrooms when we pop our heads in to say goodnight, wondering when it was they became too old to be tucked in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZ6DUCFAJJD3DK2ZQLP43CV6D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594068},"content":"Adolescence doesn’t just tell a story; we know by the end of episode one what has happened and who is responsible. Instead it holds up a mirror to male society and in the reflection it reveals some difficult and often heartbreaking truths about us, truths we need to address urgently – for our boys, for ourselves and for everyone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IELJBIZHCZCX7A3SN6VWORFIOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647499},"content":"Adolescence: Why can’t we look away from Netflix’s hypnotic hit?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"IXZ5D4LFBNDZDP4PPKU45FO24I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #1: Our boys are desperate to be men","type":"header"},{"_id":"55LOT4FKDVGVZKYQF4N3KKLA2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594071},"content":"Every instinct in the male teenage being drives them to ask the same questions: what is it to be a man, and how do I become one? In Ireland, masculinity is at a crossroads. We are in the process of rejecting the harmful ideas of the past – we’ve seen the damage they do to us, to the women in our lives, to our children. But we are feeling our way slowly and uncertainly forward, afraid to get it wrong again. Young boys, desperate for guidance, find only an absence of it. Without the confidence in their own masculinity, fathers, grandfathers, public figures and community leaders are finding it hard to step up and define what it is we want modern Irish masculinity to be. But if we don’t fill that gap soon, others will – others who don’t care about the welfare of our children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMCYPUXXCRDGXLSFGNZLARLEHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #2: We are allowing our boys to be raised by misogynists","type":"header"},{"_id":"JTUAND2WUVC6NCKIJN4VIKDJRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YV2HCQFVSRHU3M5PVS6BBMNRDM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MFVNDKGTWBBILGJFL32O4MERZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594073},"content":"Online, unregulated influencers feed boys a toxic diet of misogyny. Boys are told that the world and women are against them. That men are being feminised, falsely accused of sexual crimes, and must dominate to be valued. In schools we see it daily: a charming, intelligent, considerate boy (like Jamie) stays behind after class to help put up the chairs and share a vulnerable insight, a witty anecdote, then moments later hurls a misogynistic jab at a passing girl to make his friends laugh, exaggerates his sexual exploits to impress them, tries to intimidate a female teacher in the corridor who attempts to reprimand him. Since the majority of Irish adolescents gained independent access to the internet, <a href=\"https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41368642.html\" target=\"_self\">sexually violent crime perpetrated by under-18s has multiplied more than six-fold</a>, with more than a fifth of all sexually violent crime in Ireland now being perpetrated by minors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEGMIEFCVNCKBGF3W4GKEIM2G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #3: Our boys (and girls) are learning about sex from porn","type":"header"},{"_id":"FWDUQ43VVVFYZEYMYOOHQYTBGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594075},"content":"By age nine, one in 10 children has seen pornography, <a href=\"https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/growing-up-with-pornography-advice-for-parents-and-schools/\" target=\"_self\">according to a British report</a>. By 11, it’s a third. By 13, more than half. They don’t go looking for it; it seeks them out. A $100 billion a year pornography industry targets them with its Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Baby Yoda pornographic content as early as it possibly can. Ninety per cent of free mainstream pornography (the kind being targeted at kids) is violent and misogynistic; it’s shockingly debasing, particularly to women. In a SPHE [Social, Personal and Health Education] class this year, some of my third-year students spoke about seeing choking and slapping portrayed as a normal expected sexual behaviour in pornography online. Like Jamie in Adolescence, they see online pornography as inevitable. “Everyone sees porn!” he says. He’s right; they do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4KHPPFLAZFKJAM2YCWKSVHVLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742718564351},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-33830","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HA6FP73S7BC3FK4TJQT42RVV5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #4: Boys are taught to seek sex but really need self-esteem","type":"header"},{"_id":"AQ7VI3IKHZADLALGVSJNXEB5AQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594077},"content":"Manhood is still measured in heterosexual conquests – “Did you kiss/meet/shift/score her?” “How far did you get with her?” The sexualisation of social media has directly tied young boys’ sense of worth and self-esteem to how physically attractive they deem themselves to be. If they are not physically attractive, they are worthless. But in order to develop a strong sense of self-esteem in themselves, like all children, what boys really need is to be loved, held, nurtured, cared for, valued and validated in ways that have nothing to do with sex. But they learn – because we teach them – that vulnerability is weakness, that to be hurt is not masculine, to be cared for is feminine (and that’s bad), that men must be strong and dominant, because dominance makes them desirable. In Adolescence, someone – an adult male – needed to show Jamie love and care and affection before he hardened himself against being able to accept and receive it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MAU4SZL4EVGS5HGIE6BKV2TGQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"5Y5VLSTHTVB4ZDCRCAM4UN4XL4"},"content":"Adolescence on Netflix wasn’t called that by accident. This is what it means to grow up now","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VYCITZJM4ZFYRGR2RQDN67J34Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #5: Boys feel hurt and upset and sad – they’ve just been taught to suppress it","type":"header"},{"_id":"O2CF4CG7HRGUNIGZQFJHMBSX2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594079},"content":"Boys are just as susceptible to being hurt as anyone else. A boy upset at 13 feels the same sadness as a girl in the same situation. But whereas she might naturally cry, he’s learned that tears aren’t an option. Instead, sadness mutates into irritation, then erupts as anger. Recently, a group of male students I had taken into Dublin were caught acting in a misogynistic manner. When, due to the nature of the incident, the entire group was chastised by me for cultivating a culture whereby this could even be considered acceptable, the anger directed at me by the boys who considered themselves not to have been involved was palpable. Back at school with them the next day, it took an hour of discussion for them to recognise their true emotion: they were upset by what their peers had done, and they were hurt for having been reprimanded for contributing to the culture that enabled it. In Adolescence, no one has taught Jamie how to acknowledge his hurt, how to express his upset; the only recourse he has is anger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EV6K6ZU2SNEGRH3T4IK73AU74M","additional_properties":{},"content":"A rare opportunity","type":"header"},{"_id":"3LVERTNWVNHKNMMLUA7JXUUU24","additional_properties":{"_id":"4FE5I5KIYJHDTGK7DOXO27N4NI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2TOOJJJHGBDCPCNX6MTLQTG5CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594081},"content":"A rare opportunity is occurring in Ireland at the moment to positively redefine modern Irish masculinity; our boys are crying out to know who we want them to become. The likes of online influencer <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andrew-tate/\" target=\"_self\">Andrew Tate</a> are rapidly and successfully answering this need with misogynistic hate masked as masculinity-championing empowerment at a time when young boys feel they are being raised by society to be one thing, only to then be told it’s toxic; no wonder so many millions flock to his call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2JKGPE5WZGNHHVYIERA5WOX3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594082},"content":"Irish schools ‘crying out’ for guidance on how to tackle issue of influencers like Andrew Tate","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3PEVOWDA5NB7VJYDMLFWWOWRNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594083},"content":"But something extraordinary happened in Ireland last year. The courageous actions of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nikita-hand/\" target=\"_self\">Nikita Hand</a> in exposing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_self\">Conor McGregor</a> had an unexpected impact on the boys I work with. A civil jury found that McGregor raped Hand in a Dublin hotel (his appeal aimed at overturning the finding is expected to come before the Court of Appeal later this year). The boys saw what the rhetoric of Tate looked like when it was played out in real life and they rejected it. McGregor, who they once idolised, now disgusts them and they are starting to see the link between the rhetoric and the impact of it, but we need to rally around them in this work, to protect, support and lead them on this journey; we need to go on it with them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PACVPZNWMVHKBHGUFWAATT2AXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594084},"content":"There is one scene in Adolescence more heartbreaking than any other. (I couldn’t help but cry watching it.) It’s the scene where Jamie’s dad finally comes to terms with everything that he’s had to endure. The actor’s ability to express male emotional vulnerability as he struggles to let it all out after having been conditioned his whole life to keep it all in, and the personal turmoil that ensues in him, is almost unbearable to watch; it is so painfully recognisable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJVK4YI63BCKHLL4OLRFB6MTQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594085},"content":"“I’m sorry, son,” he weeps alone; “I should’ve done better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5ZSL7RXTJDTDLISL2ZHQWFL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594086},"content":"We all know Jamie. He’s a 13-year-old boy, he could be our 13-year-old boy; he’s really struggling to figure out how to be a man. He’s trying his best – he needs someone to hold his hand along the way and we need to be the ones to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RCZA43I3ZCP5AKB5FKVL52YDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594087},"content":"It’s time we all do better by Jamie – for him, for us and for everyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGD2KAFXNNB5JGMOI5GTXHCEQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594088},"content":"The concept of the alpha male human is cultural, not biological","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5LPSHSSCWZDSVEWC5RXK77BPYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594089},"content":"<i>Eoghan Cleary is a secondary schoolteacher and assistant principal at Temple Carrig School in Greystones, Co Wicklow. He is a member of the Online Health Task Force and serves as a director on the board of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. He develops and runs programmes teaching pupils about gender stereotypes, sex education and consent.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Eoghan Cleary"}]},"description":{"basic":"In Ireland, masculinity is at a crossroads. We are in the process of rejecting the harmful ideas of the past but are feeling our way slowly and uncertainly forward"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Adolescence: Five truths about our teenage boys we need to address urgently","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AEGL53YUJNBENBHZMXQOZEP4LI","auth":{"1":"0b83ff43368214837ac8bc375976d2a99db6c1d346d8b6ee773e77734b68f628"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AEGL53YUJNBENBHZMXQOZEP4LI.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Family"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Culture"},{"name":"TV & Radio"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/adolescence-five-truths-about-our-boys-we-need-to-address-urgently/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-family","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Family"}}}},{"_id":"QMN7W7Y44BDU5BAVNVRXAW45SE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1162,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ed70d50-10cc-45e3-b365-56572250e9b1/versions/1741770411/media/6583bf263e03b5e194e1d8517d9a73ae_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2025/03/22/wearable-tech-its-like-having-a-personal-health-coach-in-your-pocket-i-live-a-healthier-better-life-because-i-have-this/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AKAIZINGAVC5TDEHXRPTTQHMPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993025},"content":"The first thing Brian Colivet does when he wakes at 6.30am each day is to check the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/\" target=\"_blank\">health</a> wearable device on his wrist to see how well it reckons he slept.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY77A33LVJGIRM24DS4GVZRZLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993026},"content":"A 38-year-old tech entrepreneur and long-distance runner living in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a>, Colivet started using the sophisticated, always-on fitness tracker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/whoop-4-0-the-fitness-tracker-that-stops-you-from-overdoing-it-1.4796100\" target=\"_blank\">Whoop</a> three years ago, on the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend. It has become an integral part of his life. Countless others would say the same about whatever health wearable they use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FBS3LN5QVG53IVHTE5RMGWXNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993027},"content":"In the 1980s, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/finland/\" target=\"_blank\">Finnish</a> company, Polar, developed the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor, which was to revolutionise elite <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/\" target=\"_blank\">sports</a> coaching. Four decades later, personal use of wearable technology to track physical activity at some level is mainstream. It ranges from basic counting of steps to gathering of data on heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, aerobic capacity and sleep phases, with varying degrees of accuracy depending on the device. Exciting new frontiers are where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-wellness/\" target=\"_blank\">personal health</a> tech could integrate with professional healthcare and data gathered from wearables could potentially inform public health policy in unprecedented detail and scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7VOGKFTWJFC3KPVOZJ7WWKWDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993028},"content":"In 2021, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sport-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Sport Ireland</a> survey found more than half the population was using wearable technology to track their physical activities. That had nearly doubled over the previous four years and it is likely there has been another sizeable leap in use over the four years since that 2021 survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCTF2X47NVG3RPCXUZVVYKDCDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993029},"content":"If you have ever cut short a walk or run after realising your means of measuring distance covered has run out of battery, you will know you are in the “if it isn’t logged, it doesn’t count” camp. But on the up side, being invested in a wearable can get people off the sofa and out in all weathers, to reach, say, the popular daily target of 10,000 steps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3F5CFUFEANDL5FNPZFKGCHAAHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993030},"content":"Once Colivet has seen how rested he should feel on awakening, he also takes a few minutes to fill in details of activities over the previous 24 hours. This helps to build a picture of what affects his overnight recovery score. It knows if you ran, he says, but not if you drank alcohol unless you tell it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQD5EV5RRJABLLT25PVI52KAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993031},"content":"“This is how I knew Whoop worked; without me telling it anything, if I had a few beers the night before, my recovery score, which would normally be anywhere between 70 and 100 would be down sub 30. For me that was the litmus test.” Seeing the impact of just two or three drinks on his overnight recovery rate has made him more mindful of alcohol consumption. He insists he is not obsessive about the sleep indicators and other features but finds the device useful for observing trends over time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O33QRJA5VBCZXMIA23VM3H53GQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993032},"content":"However, when it comes to his running, he is obsessive about data. He always wears a Garmin running watch, and at times a heart rate monitor around his chest as well, rather than relying on a “jack of all trades” wearable for heart rate zone training. But otherwise, Whoop, which does not measure distance or speed, is a helpful sidekick that can make recommendations based on his data and answer questions through the app’s chatbot. “It’s like having a personal health coach in your pocket,” he adds. “I live a healthier, better life because I have this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVTTE3NYWFECXM2OBY2XDPFPWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6ZLYWWLA6ZAUFGMHL4P3IOCEAE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"GNRFVAAA65DF5NK4F2SHKP3XNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993033},"content":"A decade ago wearable devices were basically glorified step counters, says Dr Cailbhe Doherty, assistant professor in the school of public health, physiotherapy and sports science at UCD and a funded investigator in the <a href=\"https://www.insight-centre.org/\" target=\"_blank\">InSight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics</a>. Now, they’re like miniature health labs on your wrist – or your finger in the case of the <a href=\"https://ouraring.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorS8DejRD_qCC1pW8ZY_JwEPvRN_-vyWNcMVZRzWbzJcOBw4xQB\" target=\"_blank\">Oura ring</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSKTLQTFLVF57BPY6HH4BPRLR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993034},"content":"“Where we’re headed is even more interesting. I see wearables becoming absolutely central to healthcare, shifting it from a reactive system, where we wait until someone is sick before we act, to a proactive one where we can predict and prevent illness before it happens.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UM26MQ6AYJB3BH7DOIU7IATO74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993035},"content":"Wearables could transform healthcare in a number of ways, says Doherty. Firstly through gathering data for prevention and early detection of illness; secondly through remote patient monitoring, as, for example, being piloted in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-family/2024/08/27/the-inpatients-at-home-on-a-virtual-ward-the-nurse-was-on-to-me-in-jig-time-have-you-died-or-what/\" target=\"_blank\">the HSE’s virtual wards</a>; thirdly through personalised health and lifestyle insights. The integration of AI and big data is what would make this all possible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TNLWO6UDVBG4FMU4ZBLB57QT7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993036},"content":"However, the challenges around such a vision include whether wearables can actually measure what they claim they are measuring. For instance, says Doherty, while they are great at measuring heart rate at a moderate intensity of physical activity, they are not so good for assessing sleep and calculating calories burned. There is also a huge, separate issue around privacy, ownership of the data and who gets to use it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6HEG34E5RF57IX3FVAMJSU4EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993037},"content":"All those statistics that individuals track and log about themselves are owned by the company that supplies the device. Some academic researchers say reaching ethical data-sharing agreements with companies can be complex and significantly delay their work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YMFAKOUZNGGVNDN772WREQUFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993038},"content":"“There is that potential for a utopian future where wearables empower us to take control of our health,” says Doherty. But there’s a dystopian version too, “where insurers penalise you for having bad biometrics, or employers use wearables to track your productivity, or your health data gets exploited for profit”. All three of those examples are already happening, he asserts, in other parts of the world, including China and the United States.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWUSWFUG4JE5RLRTYQXGIQKVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611534},"content":"Smart watches and fitness trackers can improve health, it’s not just about counting steps","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"T7RMY2OFONFZNENBIWFFHJP564","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993039},"content":"Doherty has been involved in research, currently under peer review, which analysed the privacy policies and practices of companies selling consumer health wearables. Those documents run to thousands of words of opaque language, which most users don’t bother to read.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NB4ZSJGOAFCWTMWTMQIJO5UV44","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993040},"content":"“We tested the devices to see where the data was going and what was happening to it,” he says. In some cases the results were “frightening”, other companies were “quite good”. He is not in a position to say more until the findings are released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2T76ZM5RBFDHXG7EWNZC6DJRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611545},"content":"Smartwatches know far too much about us. Why aren’t we more worried?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BB76RKBLLNAYLIIAKB66QY463A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993041},"content":"Meanwhile, let’s dwell on the positives. Just as some of the wearable platforms are starting to offer users personalised health and lifestyle insights, this could be developed to extend to medical recommendations. “We can’t do this now but imagine if we could predict cancer onset, or more feasibly heart disease onset, 20 years in advance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHR2AB2GBJF6BO3RY2WAC3PBQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993042},"content":"Already some of these wearables can have a role in medical consultations, as Gerald, a 45-year-old father of one in Dublin, discovered after experiencing a sudden, frightening episode of his heart beat racing. His GP referred him straight to a hospital emergency department.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDOMJEFW5ZGS3DBKT43TPG25IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993043},"content":"“I got treated very quickly, obviously because it was a heart thing.” But after being quizzed about his lifestyle, the attending doctor suggested the palpitations were due to drinking too much coffee and, as the heart rate had calmed down, sent him home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSDM4O4CW5F77HRBLYWWXCYDII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993044},"content":"Not happy with that, he went back to his GP and requested a referral to a cardiologist. While nothing showed up on testing by the cardiologist, he advised Gerard to get an Apple smartwatch. If the palpitations were to happen again, which the cardiologist thought likely as he too was sceptical of the excess coffee theory, Gerard was to use the watch to record his heartbeat pattern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2W6CXKFSYFBZXI2MBL7H2HLIJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611550},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DDISW3C2L5DY3GOWAUKZ5YGRHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993045},"content":"Over the following weeks, Gerard made multiple recordings through an app whenever he felt a speeding of his heart beat and downloaded them as a pdf – giving a tracing of his heartbeat pattern “like you would see in any kind of medical drama”. After sending those recordings to the cardiologist, he was quickly called back. Using the captured data, the consultant was able to determine that Gerard had two problems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7ZJYZGCEJD5VBRXLRWSNIORYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993046},"content":"“I had tachycardia, which is the incredibly high heart rate. So my heart rate would have been hitting kind of an upper level of about 160 beats per minute. And I also had what they thought was AFib [atrial fibrillation], which is an irregular heartbeat.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AR52QM3L5FJ7MHJLJJG74BGDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993047},"content":"Gerard was referred on to a cardiovascular surgeon, who asked him to do more recordings with the smartwatch and send them in for review. From these the specialist told him he believed it would be possible to do a fix and Gerard was tested with clinical diagnostic equipment before treatment. He had cardiac ablation to treat both the tachycardia and the suspected atrial fibrillation, which turned out to be atrial flutter. There has been no repeat of heartbeat issues since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TMHVVMSONEEXAV5RUZ3NHZTCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993048},"content":"“I used the watch to monitor it again for probably another six months. I didn’t really have to ... it was more for peace of mind,” says Gerard. All was clear at follow-up appointments after six and 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBQ4VIJS4ZDTXODUZXC2JNKEWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993049},"content":"“I no longer wear said watch because I don’t have to, and equally because I didn’t want to get paranoid.” However, he adds, it was important to him to be able to use the tech to take as much control as he could of his cardiac problems and be more responsible for his own health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L35GIXQZRNAX7MF6Y4PEJ2AZGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993050},"content":"Clinical cardiologist Prof Osama Soliman of Mater Private in Dublin says he asks patients if they have an Apple watch and to send him data from it if they do. The device’s heart monitoring tool has approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in clinical trials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QT64FOSAUFEV7AJQ2ZDZAOZUTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993051},"content":"A smartwatch does not detect heart attacks, Soliman stresses, but it can show heart rhythm disturbances, which would indicate a need for prompt action, as atrial fibrillation can lead to strokes. The data would still need to be medically verified.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77DUWCJZT5BAHGN7Z2DM67NF5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551590527},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"Y7NRX6WEPFBU3FERDYL74PJYD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993052},"content":"As the scope and accuracy of health wearables increase, Soliman is part of a research team seeking funding for the development of digital twins. This would be the virtual replica of a person, built on data gathered at an initial appointment, including scans, and further informed by continuous input from wearables deemed reliable and appropriate for that individual. By applying a sophisticated modelling system to all this anatomical and physiological information, a picture would be formed not only of the person’s current health status but also its likely trajectory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYQQAQ6ZRBGOFPIA5O6RCGAMTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993053},"content":"He envisages people being able to use a screen to log in regularly to their digital twin’s dashboard to see if their health meter is moving in a green, yellow or red zone. The avatar would spell out likely consequences of persisting with unhealthy behaviours, the effects of which are being tracked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMYHNFYEPBFWBP2FUSFKQNOBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993054},"content":"Soliman refers to European research which found that even after experiencing a heart attack, only 43 per cent of patients continue to follow doctor’s health guidelines. He believes making such advice personal and interactive with digital technology would increase adherence and potentially save many lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CJPLHGNSJGOXLWOAWNOS64GWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993055},"content":"The idea is to empower people, he adds, because while health professionals are there to help and to guide, “it shouldn’t ever be the doctor who is the one taking care of the patient. The patient should take care of themselves.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KI3JGA23CFBMVHLJN7ZIBDEAXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993056},"content":"The principle of pretty much everything with digital health is empowering the person to take more self-responsibility, says Dr Rob Argent, a lecturer in digital and connected health at RCSI. Despite the wide availability of wearable health technology, it is generally not yet connecting with clinicians’ work","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3XLL7UJVFHODK5NQTXQL3XXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993057},"content":"“That is why I lecture in ‘connective health’ rather than digital health. To me digital health is about the technology, ‘connective health’ is about how we create an ecosystem and a model of care that facilitates that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJDKLNGW35EJNJPG25VXKV5RVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993058},"content":"He encourages students to be cynical about the accuracy of consumer wearables, to question everything and trust nothing. Even the basics. “I know that if I go for a walk today and I’m pushing the buggy with the kids, my watch doesn’t track the steps the same.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS5DODNSKJD47J47QLAA4CKQWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993059},"content":"Their value is as a first level of screening, he suggests. They can indicate something that is abnormal for a user, which might be worth exploring in a more robust way. If you consider about 60 per cent of the population have a smartwatch on their wrist, “you can suddenly screen a lot more people in a very rudimentary way”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7O3EHWZE5VASRL6WMP5KZWCNNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611567},"content":"Irish consumers spent more than €500m on fitness and wellbeing tech in 2022","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ASWVNXJGZZAPNOFNCRC2KA4ALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993060},"content":"The flip side of that, he points out, is that people who have money to buy a smartwatch are probably more engaged with the management of their own health. There is a danger that consumer wearables will deepen health inequity for society’s economically and socially disadvantaged – unless, perhaps, a compelling economic case can be made for providing them through the health service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CK52TMUBSBFAVH3R4A6G7SHCPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993061},"content":"Meanwhile, the evolution of consumer wearables helps to drive the application of similar technology to medical devices. Embrace2, a wrist-worn monitor for people living with epilepsy, is one example. It detects possible convulsive seizures and alerts caregivers. This is achieved through the same sort of data obtained from sensors in a normal smartwatch, but with a specialised algorithm to classify movements as a seizure, Argent explains. He is supervising a PhD student’s research into the use of this medical wearable. Working in conjunction with <a href=\"https://www.epilepsy.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Epilepsy Ireland</a>, the study will look at the device’s accuracy, ie rate of false alarms, and what difference it makes to the user. Does it give them more confidence and do they get help sooner if they have a seizure?","type":"text"},{"_id":"APUPRIDH2RANZAQ6WXFAA763UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993062},"content":"Effectiveness of wearables in keeping people with long-term conditions motivated to persist with exercise after completing a supervised programme is something Prof Suzanne McDonough, head of the RSCI’s School of Physiotherapy, is exploring. There is a lot of investment in, say cardiac rehab, or pulmonary rehab classes, but “we know once people stop coming to classes, they often stop doing a lot of what they’ve been doing”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YN7X2YQIFDZRCNZLDKZBKK27Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"UGAZSOENFBEO5AWJFCMYSCX5OI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AYXGPNTDQBD4ZGQRZMXSALK7W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993063},"content":"An initial review of 23 relevant studies showed that adding a digital device to an intervention helps to reduce the amount of direct input needed from healthcare professionals. McDonough is leading funded research with <a href=\"https://www.arthritisireland.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Arthritis Ireland</a> to look at the potential of using wearables for extending the benefits of the organisation’s physio-led programmes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUFPKB5XKNHJBEG5ONNJWQJ52M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993064},"content":"Having a device seems to help because it enables you to see your physical activity in real time, she says, and continuous feedback helps to drive behaviour change. Wearables can be used to build a set of healthy habits, which become automatic and easier to sustain. One challenge, she notes, is that as digital tools become more sophisticated, they also become more difficult to use and harder for professionals to support patients in their use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4E2UIB2WNCNZOQSWA5OVCELMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993065},"content":"Meanwhile, among the general population, blind trust in digital health trackers might appear to fly in the face of “listen to your body” advice. Doherty sees two sides to that. Emerging research suggests use of wearables increases physical activity. “We know that you have a greater sense of being able to listen to your body if you’re participating in physical activity. Ergo wearables can increase your ability to be in touch with your body.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UN4GJMYRJ5CBLOG5TRDOJ7FB5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993066},"content":"However, traditionally we have always relied on internal cues to understand how we feel. “Maybe there’s a risk of over-alliance on metrics. Some people stop listening to their own hunger cues and instead eat or don’t eat based on their calorie burn for the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYC4G72WTZHNRPB7PMOMOKCTXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551590545},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"OW2F2BPYM5A33DSRE7VQ7YVFFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993067},"content":"“Then there’s exercise addiction that is fuelled by data. Some people get so fixated on hitting targets,” he says, “that they stop training intuitively. They push harder than they should. They ignore pain or fatigue because their wearable is telling them that they haven’t done enough.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMVHTTBEVNHFTBBE6KAYWZKV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993068},"content":"That’s where common sense has to come in. “I just think that it’s better to have the option to quantify rather than not. But you have to understand the limitations of these devices and develop the skill of listening to your own body.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAXNRA4CLZEEDGXUJUM3SYCDLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993069},"content":"People can be so caught up in feedback that it has a detrimental effect. For example, orthosomnia is where preoccupation with information from a wearable exacerbates a person’s sleep problems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GL5542554BEIJFFLYWNH2QERUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611580},"content":"Six things we get wrong about sleep – and how to get better rest, according to experts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TSMVIAORTRDRZGUXJ2NTPA444M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993070},"content":"“I’m the sort of person, for example,” adds Doherty, “that I don’t like to look at my sleep score because it makes me feel worse. There is a lot of people like that; you just need a bit of self-awareness.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QY22VROAJDOJFVK6AUHUN5H7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993071},"content":"Sleep physiologist Motty Varghese says while the accuracy of wearables has improved, caution needs to be exercised when interpreting the data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33T2XJQK7NHHVCF33ER6FYFPTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993072},"content":"“There are lots of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, like ‘I need eight hours of sleep’ or ‘I am not getting enough deep sleep’ etc. I believe it is important to be informed first, and then using the data as an adjunct.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G76KVRENDVADNKJWDM4FHSWRBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993073},"content":"“Individuals with insomnia almost always have anxiety that perpetuates poor sleep,” he adds. “Focusing on the data can aggravate the anxiety.” Far better in that case to put the device away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMDKSOPMTNEFPEMORVGAPDTU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993075},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYBIZT5I25AJ3MP5TEDGC4K2UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611586},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6SVTMYSQOJF6JLQDZIUHADX4O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993076},"content":"Wearable medical devices are already improving the way people with diabetes live and keeping them alive, says Dr Kate Gajewska, clinical manager for advocacy and research with <a href=\"https://www.diabetes.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Diabetes Ireland</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGT3QZQYEBGK5KY5H34TR4UVYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993077},"content":"Living with type 1 diabetes herself, she describes continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) as a “game changer” in management of the condition. A CGM shows the user not only their blood glucose level at any given moment but also whether it is rising, dropping or stable. The device works through a sensor under the skin that transmits data to a reading device such as a mobile phone, and sounds an alarm if levels drop or rise excessively, which can be a lifesaver during sleep.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZSVCYP6EZGVJOV66FKKY7P4FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993078},"content":"A CGM makes a huge difference to diabetes self-management because it also shows how food and exercise affects blood glucose levels, leading to better informed decisions about insulin dosing. The free supply of CGMs under the long-term illness scheme to the estimated 32,000 people living here with type 1 diabetes was approved at the end of 2023. Ideally, says Gajewska, this would be extended at least to those with type 2 diabetes who use insulin, if not to all approximately 300,000 people living with diabetes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMJ5E3U5DFCWPJMPOCJZEUDFTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993079},"content":"While insulin pumps started to become available here more than 20 years ago, replacing delivery through needles, the latest technological development is incorporation of a CGM with a pump. A hybrid closed-loop system can automate delivery of insulin in response to the tracking of blood glucose levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2GICA74QNHN5BF3VTTMH7TWZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993080},"content":"It’s like a combination of the two best available devices for a person with diabetes, says Gajewska, and minimises the burden of dozens of medical decisions a day.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sheila Wayman"}},"name":"Sheila Wayman"}]},"description":{"basic":"Developments in health technology allow us to take more personal responsibility for our wellbeing, which may have significant consequences for the future"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Wearable tech: ‘It’s like having a personal health coach in your pocket. I live a healthier, better life because I have this’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HHM6JXOCIJCNZO6JDZWIUB4DQ4","auth":{"1":"be0c93857331bfff865c9f57979d3ca40c1043a2181f772fed7b38bf6422339e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HHM6JXOCIJCNZO6JDZWIUB4DQ4.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2025/03/22/wearable-tech-its-like-having-a-personal-health-coach-in-your-pocket-i-live-a-healthier-better-life-because-i-have-this/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Health"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"cea540c0fbffc642a1a01602953f83904bc455d1acca7461a8578db033ae969d"},"expires":1742733031384,"lastModified":1742732731248},"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/health\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"IKMIGAKL4NHMDLLYNLCLEZVKI4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":179,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/559bd326-afcd-44fd-b4c7-ec57b1d99ffc/versions/1742592898/media/b09016bbd8d9facc85be9846773bba99_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/2025/03/23/winter-vomiting-bug-cases-to-remain-high-for-next-number-of-weeks/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PB5IFDNLENDQRI5CXL7TVZCASA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Levels of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/02/10/it-glitch-severely-affecting-patient-processing-at-st-jamess-hospital-ed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/02/10/it-glitch-severely-affecting-patient-processing-at-st-jamess-hospital-ed/\">winter vomiting bug </a>remain high in the community with the highest number of weekly cases this year being recorded in the middle of March, according to the infectious diseases watchdog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7JDPKWVLVBN5LOUUEWFW377XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/health-protection-surveillance-centre/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/health-protection-surveillance-centre/\">Health Protection Surveillance Centre </a>(HPSC) published an updated bulletin on norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGIZRP7KTNG5XLIMVHTUZYW7IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, spreading easily through close contact between people. It typically surges in the winter when socialising indoors is at its highest. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBN3WAOICRBETHNQHVIAKLKU3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Figures from the HPSC show there were 100 cases of the virus detected in the week ending March 16th, the highest weekly total since the start of the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QEG2EB35JCT7KRFDYHHFRN6K4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The highest number of cases was found in those over 65 with 67 identified in this age group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ST3KURTUZJDNBIRCKADAX53FRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Since the start of the year, there have been 760 cases detected in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLRMHNKZDNDBNJXT6OWI4O62AM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Norovirus is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks,” said the HPSC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKGBQFEXHBEIDJELOV4RQMNFFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Scott Walkin, clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and infection control at the Irish College of General Practitioners, said most infectious diseases have a “seasonal pattern”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7QMX7UYXBBBNAT67MS7GNX2QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We see that every year with the flu when cases rise during the winter time. But the pattern of infectious illness has altered in recent years, which is likely due to the lockdowns,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3FOSE2ZNRCF7JM5HYJTLP62OY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We don’t know why exactly that is, but it is likely that’s why we’re seeing the rise in norovirus now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYLRHPGWAZBW5LCBZF5R4YPH4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Walkin said the levels of the vomiting bug in the community is “higher than expected” for this time of year, but added that there is variation every year in terms of when an infectious disease surges and it is “likely connected to that variation” and so is “not enormously surprising”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2T7IC5476VHXNB2EF27MOVXVIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Dr Walker, norovirus is largely a “manageable” illness that is “unpleasant but rarely serious”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKVP6QAMVBGKDOCPZARH2RLUYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said younger children are most at risk due to dehydration and in some cases require the administration of fluids through an intravenous drip. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOKE7SCM5NGJDM6CM7W4OJ645A","additional_properties":{},"content":"“People typically get sick one to two days after exposure. And the illness lasts around three days. You should avoid going into work, school or creche for 48 hours after,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHWQ765U65F7RBSXHYK5HZEQOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Walkin said the disease is spread through coming into contact with a person’s vomit or diarrhoea, with the items used to clean up these things often being a cause of transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IJPWXZPSRBITHANYD6HY7YT5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Hand washing is effective. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is not as effective on norovirus. You should wash your hands after using the toilet and before you consume food. You should avoid sharing towels and bedding,” he added.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Shauna Bowers"}},"name":"Shauna Bowers"}]},"description":{"basic":"Hundred cases detected in week ending March 16th, the highest weekly total since start of year "},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Winter vomiting bug cases to remain high ‘for next number of weeks’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4JKMOSCO5NLQU6E3GW3J5DLXOI","auth":{"1":"4b0f3a82508c5f377a29ed2366168365fde42dd5ca16c5fbd4ee3d5d2b877185"},"focal_point":{"x":735,"y":211},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4JKMOSCO5NLQU6E3GW3J5DLXOI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Health"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/2025/03/23/winter-vomiting-bug-cases-to-remain-high-for-next-number-of-weeks/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Health"}}}},{"_id":"5DI2SRL44RAFLHERGVBL4LFQ3Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":436,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0cf5360a-226d-4d8f-a17e-4da2e27100ef/versions/1741790635/media/5922acea76ba3ad5a8acedde7b40dcb0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4C5KHGM7IVFVDBJP72FRRBLBLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113805},"content":"<b>Dear Roe,</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYWB5WNXQJAOVONLBCARLCYXRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113808},"content":"<b>I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating. I know my worth, and I refuse to settle. I have a great career, take care of myself, and live a full life. I also know what I’m attracted to – ambition, confidence, and a man who takes pride in himself and his success. I want to find my person. But it keeps ending terribly, with me hurt and confused by another emotionally unavailable man. I just got out of another relationship that, on paper, should have been perfect. He was everything I usually go for – successful, driven, charismatic. From the start, he made me feel like I was unlike anyone he’d ever met. He would say things like, “I’ve never connected with someone like this before” and talked about holidays together, would drop hints and jokes about living together in a beautiful home. I believed him because he sounded so sure. But when it came down to real commitment, things were murky. He’d be affectionate and present in person, but was hard to keep in contact with consistently and make plans with. When I tried to bring up what we were doing he’d assure me he felt deeply for me, that I was special, but he wasn’t in the right place for “labels” or pressure. I didn’t push too hard because I didn’t want to seem needy. But after nearly a year of this, I felt crazy. He said all the right things, but I was left second-guessing everything, found myself over-analysing texts like a teenager. The most embarrassing bit is that in the end, he was still the one to leave me. My friends (who are nearly all engaged or married) keep telling me I need to stop being so picky, but I don’t want to end up with someone because I was desperate and lonely and lowered my standards.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PYUWEN63RGZZGMJU5EZMZRICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113809},"content":"You sound like you have a busy life and schedule and no more time for nonsense so I’m going to be your best friend right now and get straight to the point: Your problem isn’t that you are too picky or that your standards are too high. Your problem is that you place huge value on superficial things that have repeatedly proven not to bring you happiness and you have remarkably low standards around everything that matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTXS2DZRWZHEJE73XO3CQLOD5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113810},"content":"You are stuck in a pattern that you recognise – you get with emotionally unavailable men who have a lot of superficial qualities you think are good on paper. Because you believe that this superficial stuff (I’m guessing good looks, makes money, a bit flashy) makes someone valuable, you attempt to make yourself as palatable as possible. You make yourself seem easy-going, chill, needless, and you silence your desire for everything else, like consistency, honesty, commitment, love.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVQXENZSBRECFJJY4OG44V3FJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113812},"content":"You need to start valuing the right things. Where are your supposedly high standards for how a man treats you? For how he shows up for you consistently? For how he makes you feel – not just in the honeymoon phase when he’s saying all the right things, but in the reality of day-to-day life? You’ve built a successful, full life for yourself, yet you are accepting the emotional equivalent of table scraps in relationships. Think about what was missing in your past relationships that left you hurt, drained, and doubting yourself. Was it emotional availability? Consistency? A willingness to truly build a future with you instead of just fantasising about one? Prioritise finding that. Not flashy words, not grand gestures that fizzle into excuses, but the qualities that create a healthy, lasting partnership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HW2R2UAGWJG4PK7UZY6DHZXA4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113813},"content":"You say you like ambitious, driven men – but why? Is it just about the money? The status? Or is it because ambition signals passion, discipline, and the ability to commit to something long-term? If it’s the latter, gorgeous – but ask yourself why the men you choose don’t apply that same level of dedication to their relationships. If a man can chase his career, commit to goals, and work through challenges but somehow can’t text you back or give you basic reassurance, then you’re not dealing with a truly ambitious person. You’re dealing with someone who simply prioritises himself above all else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5RUQUILBJFS3G4YAEFKQZEMKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113814},"content":"You cannot build a relationship on potential. On what someone could be if only they were ready if only their life circumstances changed, if only they chose to prioritise you. The right person won’t need to be convinced to show up. They will be there, consistently, because that’s who they are – not just what they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAQOMO3YHZBNHLKU7OIQ25K4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":"AD2N2BPHVVDDNEZWT4UT2RA2TI"},"content":"I asked my husband for a divorce – everyone thinks I made a mistake. Did I?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6L4OX4HDTBC3PHNY4J5Z6QY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113815},"content":"And speaking of consistency, let’s talk about your own. You say you know your worth, but do your actions reflect that? Or do you repeatedly silence yourself, suppress your needs, and stay in situations that don’t serve you because you’re afraid of seeming too needy? Be honest: is your fear of not being seen with someone who looks good on paper more than your fear of not finding genuine love? Is your fear of rejection stronger than your fear of ending up in another relationship where you feel unseen and undervalued? Because right now, you are accepting partners who don’t choose you fully, but you’re terrified of being the one to walk away first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H43E2D7GEVHHJLWHAAEV5CP4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113816},"content":"Here’s your new standard: if someone says, “I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship” or “I don’t like labels”, you leave. No negotiation. No more waiting for someone to change. No more mistaking hesitation for depth. A man who is ready and willing to be with you will make that clear – not just with words, but with actions. And start paying attention to how people behave, not what they tell you about themselves or communicate to the world about who they are via status symbols and titles. How do they act? How do they make you feel? How do they show you that they’re a good person and would make a good partner, not simply that they meet an arbitrary checklist you have in your head of things that don’t make you happy?","type":"text"},{"_id":"REJSACTVMRHX7O6G7KIPUN4XCE","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"35d31955-f856-4198-bd52-fdf57b384494\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute.js\"><\/script>\n<link href=\"//www.irishtimes.com/static/aprimo/temp/inline-contribute.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\" />","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"S27IIGQJUZCAJNQN5P7L6DQKOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113817},"content":"This isn’t about lowering your standards. This is about raising them where they matter. Activate your self-worth. Accept and receive the things that are important to you. And ask yourself: what conditioning has made you devalue emotional security, consistency and partnership, while overvaluing charm, success and empty words?","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6V5ELS5GZCR3MOMRWE35M3MSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113818},"content":"The kind of relationship you want requires work. Not work to prove yourself to someone or to twist yourself into the “perfect” woman, but work in the sense of choosing the right things and putting effort into what creates happiness. So what are you willing to put the work into? Chasing unavailable men, or building something real with someone who values you the way you deserve?","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKZU2NR5ZVCWZK5T5UBT5HFMWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741769113819},"content":"It’s time to choose differently. It’ll be transformative, I promise. Good luck.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Roe McDermott"}},"name":"Roe McDermott"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ask Roe: ‘I have high standards in the men I date but still end up hurt and alone... My friends keep telling me I need to stop being so picky’"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m a woman in my early 30s, and I’m exhausted by dating’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI","auth":{"1":"d92c41f6c92dcfcd0e3c580848fb51716d5b1d6ef46fe9df26ed5b0d01595045"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZCXJJMKXRRG2HOFRJ7NCU35EJI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Wellness"},{"name":"Health"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/03/23/im-a-woman-in-my-early-30s-and-im-exhausted-by-dating/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-wellness","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Wellness"}}}},{"_id":"V2CWCL4N4FD4LMB63KV5VF6KWA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":789,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d0b0d8e6-5793-46b6-adcc-f87cefe86fdd/versions/1742398301/media/f7680e9814782ec5ed9a662c38adc9dc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BLCCG4S4AFABHOGAQETHS7OMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695695},"content":"On the face of it, Sandra Adams, a Dublin-based mother of two, seems an unlikely campaigner to be on the front line of the culture wars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMGJ62YVR5AKXGLT5C5TYWOKEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695696},"content":"“I supported the repeal referendum and marriage equality ... If anything, I’m more of a social democrat in terms of philosophy,” says Adams, who has previously worked as an arts producer and community worker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQTJSSJZLNFYHALJXZRULJNUX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695697},"content":"Right now, one of her main concerns is campaigning for what she calls “fact-based, scientifically accurate” education and opposing the presentation of gender identity in schools as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D44WADUGNRCIRIJZ44HSO3DPD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695698},"content":"“People are entitled to believe whatever they wish. I don’t query that,” she says. “But if you go into a school and teach that ‘everyone has a gender identity’, that’s simply not true. We have to teach facts, not ideologies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XOS7TR4FJCNPG6PJD6GII6QTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695699},"content":"“Children don’t have a stable sense of identity and can be easily influenced and manipulated. So, it’s profoundly irresponsible to say you can change sex.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJXAQESXBZDYBE35I4RCY4PPIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"Karen Sugrue, a mother from Limerick, holds very different views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BTSSXZYBAHPILQSVCSPMQDTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952822},"content":"A teacher, psychotherapist and co-chair of Mammies for Trans, she insists gender identity “isn’t contested science” and there is no reason to fear it being raised in the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UVWJWZF4ZE3NFXPI63N7UBWQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695721},"content":"“The World Health Organisation understands that gender is not a binary, it’s a spectrum, as does the Irish Government and the Department of Health,” she says. “They are very clear on that, so we’re on very solid ground.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4K5PRS5LZGETEOHMYALWPXXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"CN36PIEA4BBAPEN7CZXALPPNIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YF2UB45HAJCCVLOGSRPXHDYIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695722},"content":"She says we should teach children about diverse families and identities in an age-appropriate way, especially in light of attempts to make political capital on the back of so-called “wedge” issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HAF6Z4ZFJB35IBAXYUQC37CUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695723},"content":"“We saw it with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/02/05/trump-signs-order-intended-to-bar-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports/\">Donald Trump</a>. One of the first things he did was to make an issue of gender. Not guns or drugs. It was gender. In Ireland, there are lots of bad faith political actors who will stoke up controversy on this instead of housing, health or waiting lists, which they can’t solve,” says Sugrue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMLIAFJZZRDIFA3J47FXVIHGCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695724},"content":"The process of drafting a new curriculum at primary level – the biggest shake-up to teaching and learning for two decades – has attracted huge levels of interest and hundreds of submissions from parents, as well as lobby groups and other stakeholders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD6WEWOEKRGCBDTQLBPG3TP74M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695701},"content":"On one side are both self-described liberal and conservative parents, campaign groups, religious organisations and others who argue that “radical gender ideology” is not appropriate for children and that young people with gender dysphoria need specialised and compassionate medical care, not what some term “woke indoctrination” at school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FT27JXMOP5AUHIBLOEI4WOINDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695702},"content":"On the other are parents – of trans children in some cases – groups of academics and nongovernmental organisations who say the new syllabus needs to recognise the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and who insist that silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of many vulnerable pupils.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOHGWPME2BCVTPWYWQJQDANZCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564014},"content":"Gender identity not included in draft primary school curriculum","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5VJZQP4UJBCZJD2T6F6BZSJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695703},"content":"The curriculum is being drafted against a backdrop of polarised online debate, viral videos with claims of highly sexualised or inappropriate curricular content, while the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/enoch-burke\">Enoch Burke</a> saga – the second-level teacher opposed to what he terms “transgenderism” and who has violated court orders to stay away from his former school – continues with no sign of a resolution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QI5W4HWFNAWXDPJNESDLI3QEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695704},"content":"The body charged with developing the new primary syllabus is the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), a statutory body of the Department of Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFVH7N35AVG6JMQHHDPRKS6ZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695705},"content":"Policymakers say it is timely that an updated curriculum is developed to “equip our children with essential knowledge, skills, concepts, attitudes, values and dispositions” to prepare them for life further into the 21st century.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDT4GAOW65B4VCQLDH4HVUKAEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695706},"content":"Under the draft reforms which have been several years in the making, primary school pupils will spend more time learning foreign languages as well as Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) and a broader arts curriculum, including dance and creative media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSLABDTEWJDRHLJWO3ZFS4FQCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695707},"content":"The “wellbeing” section of the draft curriculum is the most contentious. It includes an emphasis on relationships and sex education including new areas of learning such as consent and diversity in family structures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCJ5XUXX5RECRBO3KXS5QMCCNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695708},"content":"There is, however, no reference to transgender or gender-identity issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEFB7KS3F5G7VA3GBVQXUQIUMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695709},"content":"(It <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/04/24/new-junior-cycle-curriculum-will-oblige-schools-to-teach-about-gender-identity/\">does feature</a> in the separate and recently updated social, personal and health education curriculum for older junior cycle students, typically aged 12-15).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKLYDB3H2BGSDOMIUFQ5FFWALM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695710},"content":"Notwithstanding this, the NCCA noted that a “diversity of opinion was shared on gender identity and LGBTI+ terminology that do not feature in the draft wellbeing curriculum” at primary level during its consultations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZBD4DJTUJDZDJ3KBEGIK6KRI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564023},"content":"New primary school curriculum: the changes on the way and what they mean for children","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"G45OZQ3Z2NAWRC7ZR2WL3TZV3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695711},"content":"Many submissions, it says, were based on “misinformation or disinformation” on what is in the draft primary syllabus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHCHO4UUNBAR3N7HDMDVZPQZOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695712},"content":"The curriculum is due to be finalised shortly and will be sent to Minister for Education <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/helen-mcentee\">Helen McEntee</a> for approval in advance of its publication later this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7RFCKRDDFBZXGS3VNBES5UCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695713},"content":"Those opposed to teaching around gender identity, however, remain wary. Gender critical-campaigners point to teaching resources or tool kits aimed at primary students that teach gender identity as fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOOVIUGJFFSBJZUWCFE3HOOMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695714},"content":"Adams, for example, cites the HSE booklet Busy Bodies for teaching children aged eight to 12 about puberty, which is distributed to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKCJYBKMM5BIZLSFPFFOKCPHZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695715},"content":"“As well as a biological sex, we all have a gender identity,” the cartoon booklet states. “This is how we think of ourselves as a boy, a girl, neither or both.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGOIGWVDIRDV3EAUBW3OXT75AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695716},"content":"Adams says, whatever about curriculum reforms, teachers are being directed to “ideologically driven” tool kits for the classroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBVOFQHETNA6XHUV776FQNANUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695717},"content":"“We rightly trust our teachers. It’s an amazing profession – I’ve lots of teachers in my family – and they have such positive influence on children ... so this undermines the trust we need to have in our teachers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"53HV6YZN5RFP5B7C3EWC6PPGJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695718},"content":"Other gender-critical campaigners point to an overarching primary curriculum framework document, which states that the syllabus will be “concerned with the best interest of every child, considering that they vary in their competence, language, family background, age, culture, ethnic status, religion, gender and sexual identity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5EC2V6G7ZHTZPESUFVP6DZ7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695719},"content":"They question if this reference to “gender and sexual identity” means the topic will, ultimately, find its way into the classroom. An NCCA source insists this is not the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EF5BE63VRZAGTD2BUETNUYYC2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695720},"content":"On the other hand, groups such as BelongTo – which supports LGBTQ+ young people – say the reality is that young trans people are in primary schools in Ireland and have a right to a supportive spaces where it is safe to question their sexual orientation and gender identity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBR4DBHHOFAQRH53QNS6EE5CSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695725},"content":"“Ignoring their existence and silencing conversations around identity will have detrimental effects on the lives of these pupils,” it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RTSEXWYSRHPZDTZYG3J43E3KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695726},"content":"It cites studies that show that LGBTQ+ young people face higher levels of suicide ideation and mental health risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7R7KKBV7JC2NDQQRYLHP7Y23U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695727},"content":"“Rather than brushing this topic under the rug, we need to ensure that schools have the capacity and confidence to support all pupils in an age-appropriate manner, including those who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity,” it says. “All pupils deserve to feel safe and supported at school.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Y2DFBPQHBHJHLOMLK2OTKDEDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695728},"content":"Transgender Equality Network Ireland (Teni) also says there are trans children in Irish primary schools who want to feel as included as every other child, want their lived experiences to be shared with their peers and want to see themselves reflected in the curriculum just like other children do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERODJFHODRE7FMQVJCKNVNLLMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695729},"content":"“Silencing and obscuring the experiences of trans children does not make those children disappear, it only brings a sense of shame and stigma to children already facing high levels of bullying and social isolation,” says Teni.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24OTJ2NY7BDD7ATJPVW7VH2VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952855},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y3VINNCIIVDH3LTOMCWLYNKYOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742403564040},"content":"Gender identity is just one of the flashpoints around the curriculum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNSNPF5CFZAERIW6RJQ7TVTD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952853},"content":"Everything from critical race theory to Irish identity have come under the microscope since the social, personal and health education (SPHE) curriculum was updated at second level for junior cycle students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUE4DS6I3JAV3DUZ4K7JUBHYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695731},"content":"Last year there was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/09/05/calls-for-curriculum-review-after-publisher-pulls-text-on-irish-family-stereotype/\">controversy</a> when a publisher withdrew a schoolbook to accompany the revised syllabus that portrayed a “traditional” Irish family in a way that was described by critics as prejudiced and a crude caricature.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKEGJQJOQZEMJEFREALSWUNZUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742394952856},"content":"The book, Health and Wellbeing, gave two examples of representative Irish families. The first portrayed a family wearing Aran sweaters, with the children Irish dancing, eating potatoes, bacon and cabbage each day, and stated that they played no foreign sports, played Irish music, never travelled abroad and did not mix with other religions because they would be a “bad influence” on them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MF7TMF554VBJXIWOJLE6MRP4OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695733},"content":"This family was compared with a second family, which was multicultural and travelled abroad a lot because it was a good way to learn about other cultures and societies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KO7JSUWA5CKLGTXAJSFZ7UA4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695734},"content":"A spokesperson for the Educational Company of Ireland said the depictions were “designed to help students understand the importance of diversity in our lives” but it appreciated that its approach should have been different and “caused upset and anger, even though this was not our intention”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SG2KCC22JFE5PKNTM652K3E6VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695735},"content":"In another development, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/10/24/graphic-material-on-social-personal-and-health-education-course-not-intended-for-classroom-use-says-university/\">viral YouTube video</a> with a teacher who claimed the updated SPHE course at junior cycle contained graphic and inappropriate sexual content for students has attracted almost 450,000 views. The content formed part of a Dublin City University training course for the new subject.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UKMAMKLWFGMHA5LVFLBAATKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695736},"content":"Tipperary teacher Mary Creedon said she was horrified by some of the material, which included a video of an illustrated woman figure demonstrating masturbation and an animated “sex map” of heterosexual and homosexual couples engaged in different sex acts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYTPW3IVKJEDTCPEUDCB4OVZDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695737},"content":"DCU later said the video “completely misrepresented” the course and that any material shared was provided only to the teachers as adults in the context of their broader education on the programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSW7LXYCV5AUBCJVZG3KUJXKZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695738},"content":"These areas of teaching and learning are being updated largely on foot of a government-commissioned <a href=\"https://ncca.ie/en/resources/report-on-the-review-of-relationships-and-sexuality-education-in-primary-and-post-primary-school/\">review of sex education </a>in 2019, which found that the 20-year-old syllabus was out of date, too focused on biology and did not reflect the reality of young people’s lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND455XDXDRFBBB44SMGI76WSHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695739},"content":"Teenagers said they wanted a greater emphasis on issues such as consent, relationships, the effects of pornography on sexual expectations and LGBTQ+ matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QOWVJQQGZDJNEDS6BXOELOWPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695740},"content":"The Government pledged to develop an age-appropriate curriculum across primary and second-level schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTQ+ relationships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O3G5RVKQRE7TC26DET5ZB5YN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695741},"content":"The first step involved updating the junior cycle curriculum for social, personal and health education, followed by senior cycle last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXII7KOXTFF75DGWF67FJW37DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695742},"content":"For the NCCA, it has been a delicate balancing act of updating the curriculum and figuring out how relationships and sexuality education should be taught in schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPIBCSSXOJDENCLNZY4JAH4HUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695743},"content":"“We know these topics are sensitive and there are very strong opinions on what should or should not be in there,” says one source involved in drafting the curriculum. “We’ve researched and consulted extensively, and anything we’ve done is founded in scientific fact.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7XQMQEKZGYLJOYWJYO3DVKYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695744},"content":"The NCCA works by drawing on national and international research, inviting consultation, holding focus groups, discussing changes with school communities and shaping proposals","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAZZXJ6XEJB4PNSYRBUXB2KVS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695745},"content":"The changes, say sources, are aimed at promoting dialogue and discussion about these issues in an age-appropriate way with an informed teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5ZBJBBQUBAP3AJ2CUQKVOCRQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695746},"content":"Critics, however, claim the consultative processes are largely tokenistic and see only minimal changes in response to their concerns. This is rejected by NCCA sources, who point to examples of how draft and final blueprints have changed in response to consultation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIXX2M2LDJGM5FRRGTLNEIC3AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695747},"content":"For some of those involved in policymaking, the disputes revive memories of similar battles in the 1980s and 1990s when sex education was first included in the curriculum, amid protests and pledges by some parents to withdraw children from classes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI45ELTF2JGULDSEBPUA25MN7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695748},"content":"“There were many of the same claims of ‘This isn’t age-appropriate’, ‘Not at this stage’ and ‘It’s not the job of schools to teach this’,” says one education source. “This [new curriculum] isn’t usurping the role of parents; they have a role and should be consulted about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2GPKMUGINBTFOQLXX5GYBHIWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695749},"content":"Ultimately, says another long-standing education observer, the fact that curriculum change is generating debate is healthy sign of a vigorous democracy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6BICT2FLFC5FBKHL2HNTL5WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695750},"content":"“A curriculum reflects educational priorities which society, at a point in time, deems important for its young citizens,” says the source. “It embodies society’s broadly held view of what our children should learn into the 21st century. It’s only right that we have lively debates about this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUVUXMDB4ZAVNO4OTTMKFG7ZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695751},"content":"Many schools say they have been quietly getting on with meeting the needs of small numbers of trans young people in conjunction with parents without controversy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P4UR7KHJJE6LLPPNOXVQEV62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695752},"content":"“It’s happening under the surface,” says one principal. “We work with parents. We do get emails and are forwarded messages from social media, questioning what we’re doing ... Our approach is to tread very carefully.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKY6TNULERAGPNOFDABOFEUSTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695753},"content":"Parents have the right to opt children out of any sex education classes, which is provided for under law, but teachers and policymakers are hopeful it will not come to this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAPZWWWB4FEMRI3OYIVAVAG2OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742294695754},"content":"“All the research shows that children will talk to their parents about anything when they are young,” says one policymaker. “In their teens it’s more about their friends and the internet ... So, if schools don’t offer something that is solid and of substance, the internet and their friends are the only source of information.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"A new primary level syllabus – the biggest shake-up in two decades – is being finalised against a backdrop of polarised online debate and claims of misinformation"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Culture wars reach the classroom: What is the best way to teach children about gender and identity?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME","auth":{"1":"0b86ec9a8d9c5ec2ddf4452be4b6b05d2a8da4176c6da16d330746bf3a9b1ef2"},"focal_point":{"x":4375,"y":1435},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/P4W4IOIIVZDTNFOQTWMJYCTZME.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Family"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"People"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/culture-wars-reach-the-classroom-what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-children-about-gender-and-identity/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-family","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Family"}}}},{"_id":"7YB2TODXDRA6RHOYTIUA6GY2HE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":638,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/369dd4ce-b3a3-4889-8742-40aefe734956/versions/1742485766/media/40499457122a6d9e5047da787d0f81ed_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/adolescence-five-truths-about-our-boys-we-need-to-address-urgently/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SL7TTVNYIBA77I2XOFLT65FFAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594064},"content":"What makes <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2025/03/17/adolescence-review-a-dark-and-often-unbearable-insight-into-the-nightmarish-extremes-of-our-teenagers-lives/#:~:text=Adolescence%20review%3A%20A%20dark%20and,teenagers%E2%80%99%20lives%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Irish%20Times\" target=\"_blank\">Adolescence</a> – the new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/netflix/\" target=\"_self\">Netflix</a> crime drama – so powerful isn’t just its masterful production or its exceptional acting, writing or direction – it’s the stark, inescapable truth at its core. Jamie, the 13-year-old central character accused of murdering Katie, a 13-year-old-girl he knew, isn’t some sensationalised or stereotypical “troubled young man”. He’s just a regular boy. And that’s the really unsettling power and purpose of this miniseries; we get to realise what the lived experience of regular boyhood has become for so many young men growing up today. And let’s be really clear about something – this is not a new or foreign story to us; it has been happening in Ireland for a long time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZO44ZGDRFCOJE4TLWT57VIWII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594065},"content":"In May 2018, a 14-year-old girl was killed in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lucan/\" target=\"_blank\">Lucan</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Co Dublin</a>, and two 13-year-old boys were convicted of her murder, and one of them of aggravated sexual assault. Her name was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ana-kriegel/\" target=\"_self\">Ana Kriégel</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCNXIRNR7BA7XHYZTAKP4EWKPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594066},"content":"But Adolescence isn’t about Ana or Katie. It points us instead to the root of the issue of violence against women and girls. And it puts a human face to it: the face of a charming, witty, fun-loving boy called Jamie. And it forces us to feel, to witness, to understand – beyond statistics and headlines – what it means to be a boy lost in the wilderness of modern masculinity. When the police crash through Jamie’s door, he isn’t a murderous monster – he’s a terrified 13-year-old tucked up in bed who wets himself in fear, calls out for his dad like the scared child he is, and who has to be reminded to eat his cornflakes before facing the weight of the accusations levelled against him. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he repeatedly cries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YG4J2MTPHZHNPFOTWKSDLCWQSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adolescence review: A dark and often unbearable insight into the nightmarish extremes of our teenagers’ lives","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OCB66SN4FVHRHATKYDLJS6CGRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594067},"content":"I know Jamie; we all do. We all know lots of Jamies. We talk to them every day – in school corridors and classrooms, on the sports pitches, during rehearsals for the school musical, in youth centres, church prayer groups and juvenile detention centres. We talk to them around the dinner table, in the car on the way to school, in their bedrooms when we pop our heads in to say goodnight, wondering when it was they became too old to be tucked in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZ6DUCFAJJD3DK2ZQLP43CV6D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594068},"content":"Adolescence doesn’t just tell a story; we know by the end of episode one what has happened and who is responsible. Instead it holds up a mirror to male society and in the reflection it reveals some difficult and often heartbreaking truths about us, truths we need to address urgently – for our boys, for ourselves and for everyone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IELJBIZHCZCX7A3SN6VWORFIOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742492647499},"content":"Adolescence: Why can’t we look away from Netflix’s hypnotic hit?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"IXZ5D4LFBNDZDP4PPKU45FO24I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #1: Our boys are desperate to be men","type":"header"},{"_id":"55LOT4FKDVGVZKYQF4N3KKLA2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594071},"content":"Every instinct in the male teenage being drives them to ask the same questions: what is it to be a man, and how do I become one? In Ireland, masculinity is at a crossroads. We are in the process of rejecting the harmful ideas of the past – we’ve seen the damage they do to us, to the women in our lives, to our children. But we are feeling our way slowly and uncertainly forward, afraid to get it wrong again. Young boys, desperate for guidance, find only an absence of it. Without the confidence in their own masculinity, fathers, grandfathers, public figures and community leaders are finding it hard to step up and define what it is we want modern Irish masculinity to be. But if we don’t fill that gap soon, others will – others who don’t care about the welfare of our children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMCYPUXXCRDGXLSFGNZLARLEHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #2: We are allowing our boys to be raised by misogynists","type":"header"},{"_id":"JTUAND2WUVC6NCKIJN4VIKDJRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YV2HCQFVSRHU3M5PVS6BBMNRDM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MFVNDKGTWBBILGJFL32O4MERZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594073},"content":"Online, unregulated influencers feed boys a toxic diet of misogyny. Boys are told that the world and women are against them. That men are being feminised, falsely accused of sexual crimes, and must dominate to be valued. In schools we see it daily: a charming, intelligent, considerate boy (like Jamie) stays behind after class to help put up the chairs and share a vulnerable insight, a witty anecdote, then moments later hurls a misogynistic jab at a passing girl to make his friends laugh, exaggerates his sexual exploits to impress them, tries to intimidate a female teacher in the corridor who attempts to reprimand him. Since the majority of Irish adolescents gained independent access to the internet, <a href=\"https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41368642.html\" target=\"_self\">sexually violent crime perpetrated by under-18s has multiplied more than six-fold</a>, with more than a fifth of all sexually violent crime in Ireland now being perpetrated by minors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEGMIEFCVNCKBGF3W4GKEIM2G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #3: Our boys (and girls) are learning about sex from porn","type":"header"},{"_id":"FWDUQ43VVVFYZEYMYOOHQYTBGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594075},"content":"By age nine, one in 10 children has seen pornography, <a href=\"https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/growing-up-with-pornography-advice-for-parents-and-schools/\" target=\"_self\">according to a British report</a>. By 11, it’s a third. By 13, more than half. They don’t go looking for it; it seeks them out. A $100 billion a year pornography industry targets them with its Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Baby Yoda pornographic content as early as it possibly can. Ninety per cent of free mainstream pornography (the kind being targeted at kids) is violent and misogynistic; it’s shockingly debasing, particularly to women. In a SPHE [Social, Personal and Health Education] class this year, some of my third-year students spoke about seeing choking and slapping portrayed as a normal expected sexual behaviour in pornography online. Like Jamie in Adolescence, they see online pornography as inevitable. “Everyone sees porn!” he says. He’s right; they do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4KHPPFLAZFKJAM2YCWKSVHVLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742718564351},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-33830","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HA6FP73S7BC3FK4TJQT42RVV5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #4: Boys are taught to seek sex but really need self-esteem","type":"header"},{"_id":"AQ7VI3IKHZADLALGVSJNXEB5AQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594077},"content":"Manhood is still measured in heterosexual conquests – “Did you kiss/meet/shift/score her?” “How far did you get with her?” The sexualisation of social media has directly tied young boys’ sense of worth and self-esteem to how physically attractive they deem themselves to be. If they are not physically attractive, they are worthless. But in order to develop a strong sense of self-esteem in themselves, like all children, what boys really need is to be loved, held, nurtured, cared for, valued and validated in ways that have nothing to do with sex. But they learn – because we teach them – that vulnerability is weakness, that to be hurt is not masculine, to be cared for is feminine (and that’s bad), that men must be strong and dominant, because dominance makes them desirable. In Adolescence, someone – an adult male – needed to show Jamie love and care and affection before he hardened himself against being able to accept and receive it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MAU4SZL4EVGS5HGIE6BKV2TGQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"5Y5VLSTHTVB4ZDCRCAM4UN4XL4"},"content":"Adolescence on Netflix wasn’t called that by accident. This is what it means to grow up now","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VYCITZJM4ZFYRGR2RQDN67J34Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truth #5: Boys feel hurt and upset and sad – they’ve just been taught to suppress it","type":"header"},{"_id":"O2CF4CG7HRGUNIGZQFJHMBSX2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594079},"content":"Boys are just as susceptible to being hurt as anyone else. A boy upset at 13 feels the same sadness as a girl in the same situation. But whereas she might naturally cry, he’s learned that tears aren’t an option. Instead, sadness mutates into irritation, then erupts as anger. Recently, a group of male students I had taken into Dublin were caught acting in a misogynistic manner. When, due to the nature of the incident, the entire group was chastised by me for cultivating a culture whereby this could even be considered acceptable, the anger directed at me by the boys who considered themselves not to have been involved was palpable. Back at school with them the next day, it took an hour of discussion for them to recognise their true emotion: they were upset by what their peers had done, and they were hurt for having been reprimanded for contributing to the culture that enabled it. In Adolescence, no one has taught Jamie how to acknowledge his hurt, how to express his upset; the only recourse he has is anger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EV6K6ZU2SNEGRH3T4IK73AU74M","additional_properties":{},"content":"A rare opportunity","type":"header"},{"_id":"3LVERTNWVNHKNMMLUA7JXUUU24","additional_properties":{"_id":"4FE5I5KIYJHDTGK7DOXO27N4NI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2TOOJJJHGBDCPCNX6MTLQTG5CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594081},"content":"A rare opportunity is occurring in Ireland at the moment to positively redefine modern Irish masculinity; our boys are crying out to know who we want them to become. The likes of online influencer <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andrew-tate/\" target=\"_self\">Andrew Tate</a> are rapidly and successfully answering this need with misogynistic hate masked as masculinity-championing empowerment at a time when young boys feel they are being raised by society to be one thing, only to then be told it’s toxic; no wonder so many millions flock to his call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2JKGPE5WZGNHHVYIERA5WOX3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594082},"content":"Irish schools ‘crying out’ for guidance on how to tackle issue of influencers like Andrew Tate","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3PEVOWDA5NB7VJYDMLFWWOWRNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594083},"content":"But something extraordinary happened in Ireland last year. The courageous actions of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nikita-hand/\" target=\"_self\">Nikita Hand</a> in exposing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/conor-mcgregor/\" target=\"_self\">Conor McGregor</a> had an unexpected impact on the boys I work with. A civil jury found that McGregor raped Hand in a Dublin hotel (his appeal aimed at overturning the finding is expected to come before the Court of Appeal later this year). The boys saw what the rhetoric of Tate looked like when it was played out in real life and they rejected it. McGregor, who they once idolised, now disgusts them and they are starting to see the link between the rhetoric and the impact of it, but we need to rally around them in this work, to protect, support and lead them on this journey; we need to go on it with them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PACVPZNWMVHKBHGUFWAATT2AXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594084},"content":"There is one scene in Adolescence more heartbreaking than any other. (I couldn’t help but cry watching it.) It’s the scene where Jamie’s dad finally comes to terms with everything that he’s had to endure. The actor’s ability to express male emotional vulnerability as he struggles to let it all out after having been conditioned his whole life to keep it all in, and the personal turmoil that ensues in him, is almost unbearable to watch; it is so painfully recognisable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJVK4YI63BCKHLL4OLRFB6MTQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594085},"content":"“I’m sorry, son,” he weeps alone; “I should’ve done better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5ZSL7RXTJDTDLISL2ZHQWFL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594086},"content":"We all know Jamie. He’s a 13-year-old boy, he could be our 13-year-old boy; he’s really struggling to figure out how to be a man. He’s trying his best – he needs someone to hold his hand along the way and we need to be the ones to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RCZA43I3ZCP5AKB5FKVL52YDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594087},"content":"It’s time we all do better by Jamie – for him, for us and for everyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGD2KAFXNNB5JGMOI5GTXHCEQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594088},"content":"The concept of the alpha male human is cultural, not biological","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5LPSHSSCWZDSVEWC5RXK77BPYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742486594089},"content":"<i>Eoghan Cleary is a secondary schoolteacher and assistant principal at Temple Carrig School in Greystones, Co Wicklow. He is a member of the Online Health Task Force and serves as a director on the board of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. He develops and runs programmes teaching pupils about gender stereotypes, sex education and consent.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Eoghan Cleary"}]},"description":{"basic":"In Ireland, masculinity is at a crossroads. We are in the process of rejecting the harmful ideas of the past but are feeling our way slowly and uncertainly forward"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Adolescence: Five truths about our teenage boys we need to address urgently","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AEGL53YUJNBENBHZMXQOZEP4LI","auth":{"1":"0b83ff43368214837ac8bc375976d2a99db6c1d346d8b6ee773e77734b68f628"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AEGL53YUJNBENBHZMXQOZEP4LI.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Family"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Culture"},{"name":"TV & Radio"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/your-family/2025/03/22/adolescence-five-truths-about-our-boys-we-need-to-address-urgently/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-family","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Family"}}}},{"_id":"QMN7W7Y44BDU5BAVNVRXAW45SE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1162,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ed70d50-10cc-45e3-b365-56572250e9b1/versions/1741770411/media/6583bf263e03b5e194e1d8517d9a73ae_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2025/03/22/wearable-tech-its-like-having-a-personal-health-coach-in-your-pocket-i-live-a-healthier-better-life-because-i-have-this/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AKAIZINGAVC5TDEHXRPTTQHMPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993025},"content":"The first thing Brian Colivet does when he wakes at 6.30am each day is to check the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/\" target=\"_blank\">health</a> wearable device on his wrist to see how well it reckons he slept.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY77A33LVJGIRM24DS4GVZRZLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993026},"content":"A 38-year-old tech entrepreneur and long-distance runner living in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a>, Colivet started using the sophisticated, always-on fitness tracker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/whoop-4-0-the-fitness-tracker-that-stops-you-from-overdoing-it-1.4796100\" target=\"_blank\">Whoop</a> three years ago, on the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend. It has become an integral part of his life. Countless others would say the same about whatever health wearable they use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FBS3LN5QVG53IVHTE5RMGWXNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993027},"content":"In the 1980s, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/finland/\" target=\"_blank\">Finnish</a> company, Polar, developed the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor, which was to revolutionise elite <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/\" target=\"_blank\">sports</a> coaching. Four decades later, personal use of wearable technology to track physical activity at some level is mainstream. It ranges from basic counting of steps to gathering of data on heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, aerobic capacity and sleep phases, with varying degrees of accuracy depending on the device. Exciting new frontiers are where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-wellness/\" target=\"_blank\">personal health</a> tech could integrate with professional healthcare and data gathered from wearables could potentially inform public health policy in unprecedented detail and scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7VOGKFTWJFC3KPVOZJ7WWKWDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993028},"content":"In 2021, a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sport-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Sport Ireland</a> survey found more than half the population was using wearable technology to track their physical activities. That had nearly doubled over the previous four years and it is likely there has been another sizeable leap in use over the four years since that 2021 survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCTF2X47NVG3RPCXUZVVYKDCDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993029},"content":"If you have ever cut short a walk or run after realising your means of measuring distance covered has run out of battery, you will know you are in the “if it isn’t logged, it doesn’t count” camp. But on the up side, being invested in a wearable can get people off the sofa and out in all weathers, to reach, say, the popular daily target of 10,000 steps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3F5CFUFEANDL5FNPZFKGCHAAHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993030},"content":"Once Colivet has seen how rested he should feel on awakening, he also takes a few minutes to fill in details of activities over the previous 24 hours. This helps to build a picture of what affects his overnight recovery score. It knows if you ran, he says, but not if you drank alcohol unless you tell it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQD5EV5RRJABLLT25PVI52KAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993031},"content":"“This is how I knew Whoop worked; without me telling it anything, if I had a few beers the night before, my recovery score, which would normally be anywhere between 70 and 100 would be down sub 30. For me that was the litmus test.” Seeing the impact of just two or three drinks on his overnight recovery rate has made him more mindful of alcohol consumption. He insists he is not obsessive about the sleep indicators and other features but finds the device useful for observing trends over time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O33QRJA5VBCZXMIA23VM3H53GQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993032},"content":"However, when it comes to his running, he is obsessive about data. He always wears a Garmin running watch, and at times a heart rate monitor around his chest as well, rather than relying on a “jack of all trades” wearable for heart rate zone training. But otherwise, Whoop, which does not measure distance or speed, is a helpful sidekick that can make recommendations based on his data and answer questions through the app’s chatbot. “It’s like having a personal health coach in your pocket,” he adds. “I live a healthier, better life because I have this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVTTE3NYWFECXM2OBY2XDPFPWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6ZLYWWLA6ZAUFGMHL4P3IOCEAE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"GNRFVAAA65DF5NK4F2SHKP3XNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993033},"content":"A decade ago wearable devices were basically glorified step counters, says Dr Cailbhe Doherty, assistant professor in the school of public health, physiotherapy and sports science at UCD and a funded investigator in the <a href=\"https://www.insight-centre.org/\" target=\"_blank\">InSight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics</a>. Now, they’re like miniature health labs on your wrist – or your finger in the case of the <a href=\"https://ouraring.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorS8DejRD_qCC1pW8ZY_JwEPvRN_-vyWNcMVZRzWbzJcOBw4xQB\" target=\"_blank\">Oura ring</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSKTLQTFLVF57BPY6HH4BPRLR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993034},"content":"“Where we’re headed is even more interesting. I see wearables becoming absolutely central to healthcare, shifting it from a reactive system, where we wait until someone is sick before we act, to a proactive one where we can predict and prevent illness before it happens.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UM26MQ6AYJB3BH7DOIU7IATO74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993035},"content":"Wearables could transform healthcare in a number of ways, says Doherty. Firstly through gathering data for prevention and early detection of illness; secondly through remote patient monitoring, as, for example, being piloted in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-family/2024/08/27/the-inpatients-at-home-on-a-virtual-ward-the-nurse-was-on-to-me-in-jig-time-have-you-died-or-what/\" target=\"_blank\">the HSE’s virtual wards</a>; thirdly through personalised health and lifestyle insights. The integration of AI and big data is what would make this all possible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TNLWO6UDVBG4FMU4ZBLB57QT7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993036},"content":"However, the challenges around such a vision include whether wearables can actually measure what they claim they are measuring. For instance, says Doherty, while they are great at measuring heart rate at a moderate intensity of physical activity, they are not so good for assessing sleep and calculating calories burned. There is also a huge, separate issue around privacy, ownership of the data and who gets to use it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6HEG34E5RF57IX3FVAMJSU4EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993037},"content":"All those statistics that individuals track and log about themselves are owned by the company that supplies the device. Some academic researchers say reaching ethical data-sharing agreements with companies can be complex and significantly delay their work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YMFAKOUZNGGVNDN772WREQUFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993038},"content":"“There is that potential for a utopian future where wearables empower us to take control of our health,” says Doherty. But there’s a dystopian version too, “where insurers penalise you for having bad biometrics, or employers use wearables to track your productivity, or your health data gets exploited for profit”. All three of those examples are already happening, he asserts, in other parts of the world, including China and the United States.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWUSWFUG4JE5RLRTYQXGIQKVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611534},"content":"Smart watches and fitness trackers can improve health, it’s not just about counting steps","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"T7RMY2OFONFZNENBIWFFHJP564","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993039},"content":"Doherty has been involved in research, currently under peer review, which analysed the privacy policies and practices of companies selling consumer health wearables. Those documents run to thousands of words of opaque language, which most users don’t bother to read.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NB4ZSJGOAFCWTMWTMQIJO5UV44","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993040},"content":"“We tested the devices to see where the data was going and what was happening to it,” he says. In some cases the results were “frightening”, other companies were “quite good”. He is not in a position to say more until the findings are released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2T76ZM5RBFDHXG7EWNZC6DJRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611545},"content":"Smartwatches know far too much about us. Why aren’t we more worried?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BB76RKBLLNAYLIIAKB66QY463A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993041},"content":"Meanwhile, let’s dwell on the positives. Just as some of the wearable platforms are starting to offer users personalised health and lifestyle insights, this could be developed to extend to medical recommendations. “We can’t do this now but imagine if we could predict cancer onset, or more feasibly heart disease onset, 20 years in advance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHR2AB2GBJF6BO3RY2WAC3PBQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993042},"content":"Already some of these wearables can have a role in medical consultations, as Gerald, a 45-year-old father of one in Dublin, discovered after experiencing a sudden, frightening episode of his heart beat racing. His GP referred him straight to a hospital emergency department.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDOMJEFW5ZGS3DBKT43TPG25IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993043},"content":"“I got treated very quickly, obviously because it was a heart thing.” But after being quizzed about his lifestyle, the attending doctor suggested the palpitations were due to drinking too much coffee and, as the heart rate had calmed down, sent him home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSDM4O4CW5F77HRBLYWWXCYDII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993044},"content":"Not happy with that, he went back to his GP and requested a referral to a cardiologist. While nothing showed up on testing by the cardiologist, he advised Gerard to get an Apple smartwatch. If the palpitations were to happen again, which the cardiologist thought likely as he too was sceptical of the excess coffee theory, Gerard was to use the watch to record his heartbeat pattern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2W6CXKFSYFBZXI2MBL7H2HLIJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611550},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DDISW3C2L5DY3GOWAUKZ5YGRHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993045},"content":"Over the following weeks, Gerard made multiple recordings through an app whenever he felt a speeding of his heart beat and downloaded them as a pdf – giving a tracing of his heartbeat pattern “like you would see in any kind of medical drama”. After sending those recordings to the cardiologist, he was quickly called back. Using the captured data, the consultant was able to determine that Gerard had two problems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7ZJYZGCEJD5VBRXLRWSNIORYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993046},"content":"“I had tachycardia, which is the incredibly high heart rate. So my heart rate would have been hitting kind of an upper level of about 160 beats per minute. And I also had what they thought was AFib [atrial fibrillation], which is an irregular heartbeat.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AR52QM3L5FJ7MHJLJJG74BGDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993047},"content":"Gerard was referred on to a cardiovascular surgeon, who asked him to do more recordings with the smartwatch and send them in for review. From these the specialist told him he believed it would be possible to do a fix and Gerard was tested with clinical diagnostic equipment before treatment. He had cardiac ablation to treat both the tachycardia and the suspected atrial fibrillation, which turned out to be atrial flutter. There has been no repeat of heartbeat issues since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TMHVVMSONEEXAV5RUZ3NHZTCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993048},"content":"“I used the watch to monitor it again for probably another six months. I didn’t really have to ... it was more for peace of mind,” says Gerard. All was clear at follow-up appointments after six and 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBQ4VIJS4ZDTXODUZXC2JNKEWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993049},"content":"“I no longer wear said watch because I don’t have to, and equally because I didn’t want to get paranoid.” However, he adds, it was important to him to be able to use the tech to take as much control as he could of his cardiac problems and be more responsible for his own health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L35GIXQZRNAX7MF6Y4PEJ2AZGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993050},"content":"Clinical cardiologist Prof Osama Soliman of Mater Private in Dublin says he asks patients if they have an Apple watch and to send him data from it if they do. The device’s heart monitoring tool has approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in clinical trials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QT64FOSAUFEV7AJQ2ZDZAOZUTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993051},"content":"A smartwatch does not detect heart attacks, Soliman stresses, but it can show heart rhythm disturbances, which would indicate a need for prompt action, as atrial fibrillation can lead to strokes. The data would still need to be medically verified.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77DUWCJZT5BAHGN7Z2DM67NF5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551590527},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"Y7NRX6WEPFBU3FERDYL74PJYD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993052},"content":"As the scope and accuracy of health wearables increase, Soliman is part of a research team seeking funding for the development of digital twins. This would be the virtual replica of a person, built on data gathered at an initial appointment, including scans, and further informed by continuous input from wearables deemed reliable and appropriate for that individual. By applying a sophisticated modelling system to all this anatomical and physiological information, a picture would be formed not only of the person’s current health status but also its likely trajectory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYQQAQ6ZRBGOFPIA5O6RCGAMTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993053},"content":"He envisages people being able to use a screen to log in regularly to their digital twin’s dashboard to see if their health meter is moving in a green, yellow or red zone. The avatar would spell out likely consequences of persisting with unhealthy behaviours, the effects of which are being tracked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMYHNFYEPBFWBP2FUSFKQNOBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993054},"content":"Soliman refers to European research which found that even after experiencing a heart attack, only 43 per cent of patients continue to follow doctor’s health guidelines. He believes making such advice personal and interactive with digital technology would increase adherence and potentially save many lives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CJPLHGNSJGOXLWOAWNOS64GWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993055},"content":"The idea is to empower people, he adds, because while health professionals are there to help and to guide, “it shouldn’t ever be the doctor who is the one taking care of the patient. The patient should take care of themselves.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KI3JGA23CFBMVHLJN7ZIBDEAXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993056},"content":"The principle of pretty much everything with digital health is empowering the person to take more self-responsibility, says Dr Rob Argent, a lecturer in digital and connected health at RCSI. Despite the wide availability of wearable health technology, it is generally not yet connecting with clinicians’ work","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3XLL7UJVFHODK5NQTXQL3XXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993057},"content":"“That is why I lecture in ‘connective health’ rather than digital health. To me digital health is about the technology, ‘connective health’ is about how we create an ecosystem and a model of care that facilitates that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJDKLNGW35EJNJPG25VXKV5RVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993058},"content":"He encourages students to be cynical about the accuracy of consumer wearables, to question everything and trust nothing. Even the basics. “I know that if I go for a walk today and I’m pushing the buggy with the kids, my watch doesn’t track the steps the same.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS5DODNSKJD47J47QLAA4CKQWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993059},"content":"Their value is as a first level of screening, he suggests. They can indicate something that is abnormal for a user, which might be worth exploring in a more robust way. If you consider about 60 per cent of the population have a smartwatch on their wrist, “you can suddenly screen a lot more people in a very rudimentary way”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7O3EHWZE5VASRL6WMP5KZWCNNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611567},"content":"Irish consumers spent more than €500m on fitness and wellbeing tech in 2022","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ASWVNXJGZZAPNOFNCRC2KA4ALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993060},"content":"The flip side of that, he points out, is that people who have money to buy a smartwatch are probably more engaged with the management of their own health. There is a danger that consumer wearables will deepen health inequity for society’s economically and socially disadvantaged – unless, perhaps, a compelling economic case can be made for providing them through the health service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CK52TMUBSBFAVH3R4A6G7SHCPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993061},"content":"Meanwhile, the evolution of consumer wearables helps to drive the application of similar technology to medical devices. Embrace2, a wrist-worn monitor for people living with epilepsy, is one example. It detects possible convulsive seizures and alerts caregivers. This is achieved through the same sort of data obtained from sensors in a normal smartwatch, but with a specialised algorithm to classify movements as a seizure, Argent explains. He is supervising a PhD student’s research into the use of this medical wearable. Working in conjunction with <a href=\"https://www.epilepsy.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Epilepsy Ireland</a>, the study will look at the device’s accuracy, ie rate of false alarms, and what difference it makes to the user. Does it give them more confidence and do they get help sooner if they have a seizure?","type":"text"},{"_id":"APUPRIDH2RANZAQ6WXFAA763UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993062},"content":"Effectiveness of wearables in keeping people with long-term conditions motivated to persist with exercise after completing a supervised programme is something Prof Suzanne McDonough, head of the RSCI’s School of Physiotherapy, is exploring. There is a lot of investment in, say cardiac rehab, or pulmonary rehab classes, but “we know once people stop coming to classes, they often stop doing a lot of what they’ve been doing”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YN7X2YQIFDZRCNZLDKZBKK27Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"UGAZSOENFBEO5AWJFCMYSCX5OI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AYXGPNTDQBD4ZGQRZMXSALK7W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993063},"content":"An initial review of 23 relevant studies showed that adding a digital device to an intervention helps to reduce the amount of direct input needed from healthcare professionals. McDonough is leading funded research with <a href=\"https://www.arthritisireland.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Arthritis Ireland</a> to look at the potential of using wearables for extending the benefits of the organisation’s physio-led programmes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUFPKB5XKNHJBEG5ONNJWQJ52M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993064},"content":"Having a device seems to help because it enables you to see your physical activity in real time, she says, and continuous feedback helps to drive behaviour change. Wearables can be used to build a set of healthy habits, which become automatic and easier to sustain. One challenge, she notes, is that as digital tools become more sophisticated, they also become more difficult to use and harder for professionals to support patients in their use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4E2UIB2WNCNZOQSWA5OVCELMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993065},"content":"Meanwhile, among the general population, blind trust in digital health trackers might appear to fly in the face of “listen to your body” advice. Doherty sees two sides to that. Emerging research suggests use of wearables increases physical activity. “We know that you have a greater sense of being able to listen to your body if you’re participating in physical activity. Ergo wearables can increase your ability to be in touch with your body.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UN4GJMYRJ5CBLOG5TRDOJ7FB5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993066},"content":"However, traditionally we have always relied on internal cues to understand how we feel. “Maybe there’s a risk of over-alliance on metrics. Some people stop listening to their own hunger cues and instead eat or don’t eat based on their calorie burn for the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYC4G72WTZHNRPB7PMOMOKCTXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742551590545},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"OW2F2BPYM5A33DSRE7VQ7YVFFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993067},"content":"“Then there’s exercise addiction that is fuelled by data. Some people get so fixated on hitting targets,” he says, “that they stop training intuitively. They push harder than they should. They ignore pain or fatigue because their wearable is telling them that they haven’t done enough.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMVHTTBEVNHFTBBE6KAYWZKV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993068},"content":"That’s where common sense has to come in. “I just think that it’s better to have the option to quantify rather than not. But you have to understand the limitations of these devices and develop the skill of listening to your own body.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAXNRA4CLZEEDGXUJUM3SYCDLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993069},"content":"People can be so caught up in feedback that it has a detrimental effect. For example, orthosomnia is where preoccupation with information from a wearable exacerbates a person’s sleep problems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GL5542554BEIJFFLYWNH2QERUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611580},"content":"Six things we get wrong about sleep – and how to get better rest, according to experts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TSMVIAORTRDRZGUXJ2NTPA444M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993070},"content":"“I’m the sort of person, for example,” adds Doherty, “that I don’t like to look at my sleep score because it makes me feel worse. There is a lot of people like that; you just need a bit of self-awareness.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QY22VROAJDOJFVK6AUHUN5H7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993071},"content":"Sleep physiologist Motty Varghese says while the accuracy of wearables has improved, caution needs to be exercised when interpreting the data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33T2XJQK7NHHVCF33ER6FYFPTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993072},"content":"“There are lots of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, like ‘I need eight hours of sleep’ or ‘I am not getting enough deep sleep’ etc. I believe it is important to be informed first, and then using the data as an adjunct.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G76KVRENDVADNKJWDM4FHSWRBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993073},"content":"“Individuals with insomnia almost always have anxiety that perpetuates poor sleep,” he adds. “Focusing on the data can aggravate the anxiety.” Far better in that case to put the device away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMDKSOPMTNEFPEMORVGAPDTU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993075},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYBIZT5I25AJ3MP5TEDGC4K2UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741777611586},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6SVTMYSQOJF6JLQDZIUHADX4O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993076},"content":"Wearable medical devices are already improving the way people with diabetes live and keeping them alive, says Dr Kate Gajewska, clinical manager for advocacy and research with <a href=\"https://www.diabetes.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Diabetes Ireland</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGT3QZQYEBGK5KY5H34TR4UVYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993077},"content":"Living with type 1 diabetes herself, she describes continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) as a “game changer” in management of the condition. A CGM shows the user not only their blood glucose level at any given moment but also whether it is rising, dropping or stable. The device works through a sensor under the skin that transmits data to a reading device such as a mobile phone, and sounds an alarm if levels drop or rise excessively, which can be a lifesaver during sleep.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZSVCYP6EZGVJOV66FKKY7P4FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993078},"content":"A CGM makes a huge difference to diabetes self-management because it also shows how food and exercise affects blood glucose levels, leading to better informed decisions about insulin dosing. The free supply of CGMs under the long-term illness scheme to the estimated 32,000 people living here with type 1 diabetes was approved at the end of 2023. Ideally, says Gajewska, this would be extended at least to those with type 2 diabetes who use insulin, if not to all approximately 300,000 people living with diabetes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMJ5E3U5DFCWPJMPOCJZEUDFTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993079},"content":"While insulin pumps started to become available here more than 20 years ago, replacing delivery through needles, the latest technological development is incorporation of a CGM with a pump. A hybrid closed-loop system can automate delivery of insulin in response to the tracking of blood glucose levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2GICA74QNHN5BF3VTTMH7TWZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707993080},"content":"It’s like a combination of the two best available devices for a person with diabetes, says Gajewska, and minimises the burden of dozens of medical decisions a day.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sheila Wayman"}},"name":"Sheila Wayman"}]},"description":{"basic":"Developments in health technology allow us to take more personal responsibility for our wellbeing, which may have significant consequences for the future"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Wearable tech: ‘It’s like having a personal health coach in your pocket. I live a healthier, better life because I have this’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HHM6JXOCIJCNZO6JDZWIUB4DQ4","auth":{"1":"be0c93857331bfff865c9f57979d3ca40c1043a2181f772fed7b38bf6422339e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HHM6JXOCIJCNZO6JDZWIUB4DQ4.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2025/03/22/wearable-tech-its-like-having-a-personal-health-coach-in-your-pocket-i-live-a-healthier-better-life-because-i-have-this/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Health"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"6fd695a5cbe5037f0a29abdff614307255644a12915b1daa44b993e3f9b8cca8"},"expires":1742733096558,"lastModified":1742732796427},"{\"excludeSections\":\"/health\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/property\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"SCFGH6TPIJAGDGOUV67OAGVL2I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":535,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/b5bc4dc0-3ac8-47c8-b108-1b12fe21c719/versions/1738167231/media/0971ee65f485cfde1da4d71fcea4190a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/property/interiors/2025/03/20/her-mother-gave-her-20-reasons-not-to-buy-but-she-went-sale-agreed-anyway/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4B35T2WVXBEZBJL5ZHIN5WXFAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"For Gráinne Wynne, owner of Beautiful South, a fashion boutique in Rathmines, 2020 was a difficult year. It started with her father having to go into a nursing home. Then the pandemic happened and then she separated from her husband.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FRBX7LJRXNF2BE444UGYCH4TQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Divorced and with two children to house, and a finite amount of money with which to do so, she had to box clever to find them a new home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZ7QAFZHDZGHZM5HFP2TOH6NAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Like many of us, she was looking for something a bit special that she could make her own. She wanted a contemporary look, and had a penchant for poured concrete – as anyone who has popped into her shop on Castlewood Avenue in the Swan Centre, Rathmines, and coveted the brands on the hangers there will know. The place looks cool, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s not the kind of place to sniffily look you up and down for daring to cross its threshold.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5R44D6A7BAOLJ7I2PYU6VF4SM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She wanted a home that looked and felt similarly, and viewed about 100 properties in her attempt to find it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUXZW7YJVFFO7F36NCXIVXQSOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"She even got as far as going sale agreed on a small house in Killiney. It had a big back garden with the potential to extend into it – subject of course to having the money to do so. Building costs put her off. And while she thought she wanted a garden, she realised that she didn’t have the time to attend to it. These combined reasons meant she didn’t go through with the sale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSUHMKNF7NGHLFDHH3YPUWQBEM","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZDBBCNKQGZE3ZCIJ2T4PMYEECE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3QT7LLEDFRC2DLDQ3XLRLF7R4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Instead, she followed her heart. Discreetly hidden off Main Street in Blackrock village, Co Dublin, she found a mews of about 118sq m. Originally configured as a commercial office, it had come to the market with residential planning permission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2ADXHOLCZADHC5BBMM6R2OPTU","additional_properties":{"_id":"766DMYN7SRAHVDBPLBIQEHQW7U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4M254O4BXJCRJDQDP6JXORF6UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"When she saw the space, her heart missed a beat. “My friends thought I was crazy,” she recalls. So did her mother. So much so that she wrote her a letter listing some 20 reasons not to buy it. She was in favour of her buying something more conventional, she recalls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIXYT7FX4JEI7ATVOUPDPU2YLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Wynne understood her concerns. “Working in retail is a massive struggle. I had a finite amount of money and no pension,” she explains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LC5GZBCQ7FEMFAIVECS7MJNSNY","additional_properties":{"_id":"MF7PEGSBORAADK6RMVYPMFBFNM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FU2QFMWARVEW7A5RM2GKGLP7CI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I went with her the first day she visited it,” her 88-year-old mother Marie Wynne says. “When you want something, you look at the plusses. You don’t see the minuses.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHJKHEOQFVEVHKQ4DRRBJWSO3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"For the matriarch, one of the minuses was the number of stairs in the property. It didn’t have a garden either, she recalls, and her daughter Gráinne had wanted an outdoor green space. “If you’re a mother it’s your job to point out snags. Once it’s done, it’s done.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O23EGJONQFEPPFEU7L6RL5FDUE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Laid out over four floors, with one room on each, the property’s layout meant Wynne could easily get her 10,000 steps a day in ascending and descending the spiral staircase that forms the spine of the building. Her mother had also flagged this issue. “She might need a pulley to get up the stairs in the future,” she laughs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSQ3ELPGIRDV3NUEDSERKMGCZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"5PXGIN4BVFG3ZO22JNIPIM2CS4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MNPCBQWJEJHHDJE44WS3FOUG7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mother and daughter toured the area after that first viewing, walking down by the sea, and she realised all the village had to offer, including a wide expanse of Dublin Bay in lieu of a green space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXFP3HW7HBHWBNBYRPHQLK3NYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 88-year-old viewed the refurbishment for the first time only on Christmas Day. “It’s terrific,” she says, having now climbed up to the second floor on both December 25th and again on December 31st. “It’s definitely right for her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPZZUU3OZNBLBGBHK7AJX2HUMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She was over the moon, says Gráinne. “She came back on New Year’s Eve for a party and loved the vibe.” Friends who were equally sceptical were “blown away” by the refurbishment, Gráinne recalls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYWWXPBO5ZE4DFB4ENDDIB3VC4","additional_properties":{"_id":"6HFKGM76Q5COTMZ7RV5KNZNDUA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OK6QFFE77NFB3I67BOXWAEIVQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fees on commercial buildings</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXCV23OOFZHQLIK7ENEEN3EN7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Change of use planning permission had already been granted thanks to a design submitted by <a href=\"http://www.node.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">Node Architects</a> on behalf of the vendor before they brought the unit to market. In the application letter, <a href=\"https://planning.agileapplications.ie/dunlaoghaire/application-details/96326\" target=\"_blank\">available to view</a> on the planning website of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the practice noted “that with the increase of opportunities for people to work from home came a decrease for demand for small office buildings such as this one”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UUNWEGGUFBXPP2T43W3XWAKEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Constructed in 2000 with ocean-liner-like oval windows and slightly curved walls, the four-story cedar-clad space had been vacant, the firm pointed out. In an acute housing shortage, a conversion to residential would create a new dwelling unit in the centre of Blackrock village, contributing to its vibrancy. As it was unoccupied, Wynne didn’t have to pay any rates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TXW2RZS45HGFB6XZWSL4WBAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":"2YWXIN7VVBAPTES442XISSW54M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Z64YDFM6YNFAPNFTSCE3JAIMSI","additional_properties":{},"content":"But commercial stamp duty was an issue. A good conveyancing solicitor was essential, Wynne says, when buying this type of property. Based in Carrick-on-Shannon, Carol McCormack Solicitors pointed out that while the planning had been applied for it hadn’t yet been acted on. The works and changes to the property would commence only once Wynne was the owner. “So legally, it was still viewed as a commercial unit, which had Revenue implications,” McCormack, explains. “Commercial stamp duty is at a rate of 7.5 per cent, rather than the residential 1 per cent rate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCGGCYE55ZCDVHWUVM7PMM7PPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once planning is acted on there is a possibility of a rebate, she adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIIA3AQWORCZ7KWOBI5FEMONUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"With house-hunters casting their eyes wider to try to buy alternative options to the restricted stock levels of more traditional residential homes, McCormack feels we’re going to see more of this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNJ5T3UNHFEINEVJSKIMEL4UZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"JLHXXMV2NNGATFFHEONZKB5FGE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EBMDNKNB2FAMFJUMJIRAACODDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The home is accessed through a vehicular arch and while the office had the rights to parking outside, the change-of-use application made the point that this space could be used as an outdoor terrace,","type":"text"},{"_id":"FZ7BMSINEZAURFN2QXVDM6WN6M","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the same application Node Architects’ rationale was that “given the location of the building with easy access to many public transport modes, it is proposed to convert this parking space to an outdoor terrace serving the new dwelling. This will contribute to the open space requirements for the new house and there are additional balconies and terraces on each of the upper levels of the building which also add to this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GOCM4BK7VBN5OD4VRFFWQPRGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"But, having committed to the purchase and the additional stamp duty fees, Wynne was left with a really tight budget to do all the works. It needed plumbing throughout, to fit the principal bathroom on the first-floor level, a shower en suite in one of the two bedrooms and a guest wc off her room. These have been fitted with black sanitary ware from the Bathroom Boutique.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISFHGQI7YNAVFGN2RC5M4756VM","additional_properties":{"_id":"57P55EYUNNAY5JPMADSQHETJBI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6J7DM4V57FBUTKHL4NVJR5WKFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The electrics also needed attention. The bathrooms were originally server rooms and all their fuseboards had to be relocated, explains Greg Murray of Carne Electrical. “There was also much rerouting of data cables.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UWWZGXRW5HFXFNDUQB6GOFXWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The property has two bedrooms and a mezzanine level. There is a charcoal and an off-white palette throughout, with microcement floors and on some walls, supplied by Stone Seal. There is a tiny terrace on each floor which gives access to outside space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6XKYSA65RFERDNA2ULKC3645E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Each room is a long rectangle shape that suits contemporary living, especially when zoning an open-plan kitchen diner. While Node Architects had suggested installing it on the mezzanine top floor, she opted for the floor below, because it had the largest footprint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27D4CN4QLRBRJM3DKWZOSKP3WA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mezzanine level has been glassed in to dim down sound and heat transference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVRMJU3M75BJVMASIY4VK23G3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"She retained all the fire doors, made by O’Carroll Joinery when the property was constructed. Greenery from Urban Plant Life, Howbert & Mays, Diarmuid Gavin at Dunnes Stores and Windy Ridge populates each floor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNG4IMOU3FF2HOGUSYMREVW2SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"3ZXBXTJEB5DJFOLEBMUOCVDNTU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UY7FP7NPXNGNRKE3I6YUACQU24","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I could see the potential. I believe in taking something simple and making it beautiful,” she says. She had a lot of help from Irish Conservatories and Building Services, and from her best friend Rod Hayden, who most recently helped her char her timber stair treads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A65RENKUDJB6PLW5A6EV2QTEZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’ve learned a lot in the last four years and would feel absolutely confident doing another refurbishment,” she concludes. So much so that she’s named the property Athena, after the Greek goddess of wisdom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYJ43TBGLVEZTCRZVBTK2DOBIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are still some minor elements to tease out. Living so centrally and beside food businesses means that the commercial bins are being fenced in, and an industrial ventilator that is making more noise than she’d like is being sorted, she says. “The place had never been residential before and we’re working together to remedy it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYXCAGBHNNAKHINASD6IQ5ACSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishconservatories.com/\">irishconservatories.com</a>; <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/beautiful.south/\">beautiful.south;</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alanna Gallagher"}},"name":"Alanna Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Fashioning new life from a small office building in Blackrock village, boutique owner Gráinne Wynne ignored the naysayers and saw a chance to make an extension of her sartorial self"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Her mother gave her 20 reasons not to buy – but she went sale agreed anyway","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WF6ZHYIZYRDBHJFHW74H4XRNNI","auth":{"1":"0d4fb247c41c7ded7ad9d38c7e767008c9c04f15bdd31e0f827b3427c27c69a4"},"focal_point":{"x":4206,"y":2566},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WF6ZHYIZYRDBHJFHW74H4XRNNI.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Interiors"},{"name":"Property"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/property/interiors/2025/03/20/her-mother-gave-her-20-reasons-not-to-buy-but-she-went-sale-agreed-anyway/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/property/interiors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Interiors"}}}},{"_id":"TZJSJMCKTNATRF5LJHMQ7WDDZQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/03/21/over-60-you-can-borrow-against-the-equity-in-your-home-but-should-you/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QAUVCEOLM5GWVFTLDOK6EPX6ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1666784309870},"content":"Could you find yourself house rich but cash poor in retirement? It’s not unusual. Your home may be worth a lot of money, but that won’t pay the bills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZACDERHL2FCGLDPK7HUW6W6UZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equity release can free up the wealth in your bricks and mortar, without having to sell up or move out. So how does it work, and are there risks?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6XCEIBUK5GFJNSMWDTRW3WNEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you’ve paid off your mortgage and are of a certain age, equity release in the form of a “lifetime mortgage” enables you to get a loan against the value of your house. Repayment can wait until your home is sold following your death or when you move out. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHP2LXKO7NCYBHZ5Q54TVXEUYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The amount you can borrow depends on your age – a 60-year-old may be able to borrow a lump sum of 15 per cent of their house value, while a 70-year-old can borrow 25 per cent, for example. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4D5ZWQVSJHCTGO3GRZ4NJJIPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This kind of lump sum can be great for making retirement more comfortable, or to fund travel but, depending on your loan, interest may be accumulating all the time, increasing the debt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYAKJE7BDREM3IJBONEZ3TP744","additional_properties":{},"content":"With a “roll-up” lifetime mortgage, you don’t make any repayments but interest is mounting all the time. It is charged on what you have borrowed as well as the interest added from previous months – this is called ‘compound interest’. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNFDMHYQHFAUTCYDWSMU3AMFIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The longer the loan lasts, and that’s typically until your house is eventually sold when you move out or die, the more will be owed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCXAA6ELLVFQ5EFGYEZTFKWQGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Interest rates are also higher than a standard mortgage. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4HMTKCBONCJJF5OI2B3F6XHPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If a 60 year-old borrows €100,000 this way at a rate of 6 per cent, for example, they’ll owe €122,785 by the age 75, €165,645 at age 80 and €223,467 at age 85. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ARKOUW4A4VBCPD2DJ7RZO53FUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While you remain the legal owner of your property, your lender takes a “first charge” on it. That means they trump other beneficiaries when you die and have the right to take what they are owed from the proceeds of the sale of your home to pay off the debt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWNWFL2TIRDX5GFYGKBNY7LXVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"As our example shows, interest added every month means the amount you must pay back can far exceed the amount you borrowed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JR6QKPRC5RGW5OAI72GUFRRY7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Who is doing it?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BHSXYI5MB5FKRGD3VTZI74VW7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The typical customer is a single woman in her seventies, borrowing about €80,000, according to data from equity release provider Spry Finance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LUWJCJWJNENHKVUXL4PUHYDBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Women live longer than men and have less valuable pensions, so it’s no wonder that living expenses in older age can be a challenge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZU7GTTMCBFEDLVJF4ASMFBJR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Single women were 2.5 times as likely as single men to choose equity release last year, according to Spry Finance customer data. Supplementing pension income, cash for emergencies and funding home improvements were the top reasons for lifetime mortgage equity release, it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2ROXPFEENGDPBJDFSV2UC5H54","additional_properties":{},"content":"The average loan to a single woman customer was €83,000, according to Spry, €6,000 more than the average loan to a single male (€77,000) and €20,000 less than those issued to joint applicants (€103,000). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJQYVJIWQNG3VNXPSFVLENOYSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The median property value for a borrower was €570,000 in Dublin and €370,000 outside the capital. The average age of customers was 72.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CK7X2JPHZF5TBDZWWYTC4IO5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The upside of an equity release lifetime mortgage is you can raise cash while continuing to live in your home at a time when traditional mortgage providers will not look at you because you no longer have an income from work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOQ4WTXSB5BULOFT6MO6MKUWCE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are short on money in later years and are not concerned about passing on the value of your home to your family or other beneficiaries on your death, it’s a solution. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHNSUF5ZOFA6JBSCDHA7XW5LNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The duration of the loan is tied to how long you remain in your home before selling. This could be when you move to a nursing home or when you die. The longer you remain in your home, the bigger the debt. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3LMSRFBV5FWDHVCSEDYDEGUZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the extreme, the amount you owe may slowly creep up to match the value of your home. There is a risk that when the house is sold, there may be no money left for other beneficiaries after paying back the loan. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5XXV24IKVDO3HYHKXS6HE5HGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Make sure you get a “no negative equity” guarantee, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) warns. This means that you, your “estate” or your family are not left having to repay more than the proceeds of the sale of your home – even if the outstanding balance of your loan, including interest, is now more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFUILT2OQJFF5GC5UD27FZCTAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Spry Finance says its product guarantees that the amount outstanding will never exceed the value of the home. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3APREKMAE5CBLKZ4P4MMOJYK3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"An alternative to the roll-up product is an “interest-only” lifetime mortgage, where you pay interest on the loan every month at a fixed or variable rate. The advantage here is that the amount owed isn’t climbing all the time but you need to be sure that you can afford the repayments out of your pension income. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRGO6XTUJNCVJAXBK7T5GIHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If your equity release mortgage has a variable interest rate, rising interest rates will increase the cost of your loan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYOMYFQASFHSBLPUOI64COZCAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While it can be tempting to borrow a big amount against your home in case anything crops up in the future, the advice is not to borrow more than you need. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JYGBK7NBFRLMLWFSHP7N46ZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"You’ll be charged interest on what you borrow and if some or all of that money is just sitting on deposit, you will be paying more in interest on the borrowings than you earn in a deposit account, warns the CCPC. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3H33VIEVJE7XM24Z6R7CQENVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"If there is a large amount to be repaid when your home is sold, there will be less available for your long-term care, or to pass on to anyone after your death – or possibly nothing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZUEGCLVIJGWVBF4T7SXWFMARE","additional_properties":{},"content":"So before looking at equity release, consider your longer term plans. Will you or your partner need the equity in your home later on to pay for nursing home care for example? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5CNZELKOJCSXLRSBSBOFMSVYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are considering equity release to pay for nursing home care, consider the HSE’s Fair Deal scheme first. This assesses your income and assets to calculate how much you can pay towards your nursing home care with the HSE paying the balance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BWOPTIXDNG5LNAE7BMLXESOG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under the Fair Deal scheme, you pay a 7.5 per cent contribution based on the value of your assets, including your home, and the contribution from your home is capped at three years regardless of how long you are in care. That means you can never be charged more than 22.5 per cent of the value of your home under Fair Deal, ensuring significant value remains in the asset.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7O35JN36IJGPFPRCUJSCK7IHDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first €36,000 of your assets, or €72,000 for a couple, are not counted in assessment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHHMRSDK6BHMVCFODIWTTIE5SQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The contribution required from your home is normally met through an interest-free nursing home loan, which must be paid back to Revenue from your estate within 12 months of your death, or six months after your home is sold while you are still in care.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJR7S36GVFEBZIV5SDY5WP7P6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"With some equity release lifetime mortgages, the lender may insist that the mortgage is paid off if you move out of your home, for any reason, for longer than six months. The mortgage may also prevent you making alterations to your property, including age-friendly alterations. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q5QGQSMCLZFVPCKK577KP4NZYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you are short on cash in retirement, there are alternatives. You could consider selling your home and moving to a cheaper one, getting a different type of mortgage if you can meet the repayments, renting out a room for €14,000 in tax-free income each year, or transferring ownership to a family member in return for the cash and the right to live in the property for life. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5LM2YUW7RBLLDGEZXOLETGO3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you get independent legal advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVKBKBB3DZHZLDUNJ7JY2QIS3A","additional_properties":{"_id":"CNASVM5X6NC5ZIWURLQ6RES56Q"},"content":"<i>You can contact us at </i><a href=\"mailto:OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com\"><i>OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with personal finance questions you would like to see us address. If you missed last week’s newsletter, you can read it </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/03/14/how-much-should-you-pay-for-a-funeral/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/03/14/how-much-should-you-pay-for-a-funeral/\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joanne Hunt"}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Equity release can give older people financial peace of mind or the funds for a more comfortable retirement but be careful of the terms and conditions"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Over-60s can borrow against the equity in their home. But should they?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"On The Money Newsletter"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YUS6R4MLM6WIAHSXEU6FFRGO6M","auth":{"1":"8b092f5e9c0e90e81a5420199c61974c700414faae1de8c4067186879d163e06"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YUS6R4MLM6WIAHSXEU6FFRGO6M.jpg"}},"subtype":"editors-note","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Property"},{"name":"Residential"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/03/21/over-60-you-can-borrow-against-the-equity-in-your-home-but-should-you/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"R5LKFK3RMNHM7DITW4FCBOS4PY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":180,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/acb1b378-4f0f-4a8a-8025-671fabafcb9b/versions/1742210369/media/b2595ce6269598ee7edffb18eed42fca_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/property/residential/2025/03/21/what-will-199000-buy-in-france-italy-spain-belize-and-tipperary/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4TCFRD6XYBBHLIXU72BLS4HYJA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Ireland: Tipperary</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"Z3C2D4DBNBBGFBW543QQFMMB6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Number nine St Cronan’s Terrace in Roscrea town is a small but centrally-located midterrace three-bedroom cottage that extends to 48sq m (516sq ft) and has an E2 Ber. Currently there is a small livingroom to the front leading through to a sizeable kitchen, off which is a north-facing sunroom. Price: €200,000. Agent: REA Seamus Browne","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBOMCNCNJNC7NC2A3KOKLE2L4E","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UNY67UKIPVA47MN4VVLE34KX5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>France: Brittany</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBXDAOY5MNHFRKB22AIFDMWOS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Postcard pretty with cut-stone detailing, this <a href=\"https://www.agencenewton.com/en/sale/house/cotes-darmor-nr-carhaix-detached-4-bed-house-which-has-just-been-renovated-high-standard\" rel=\"\">four-bedroom, one-bathroom detached home</a> in Dusult on the Cotes d’Armor has a newly fitted kitchen and an interconnecting lounge and diningroom. Extending to 91sq m (979sq ft), it comes with an integrated garage and a summerhouse with surrounding deck. The towns of Carhaix and Callac are a short drive away while Brest airport is an hour’s drive away and St Malo ferry port is two hours away. Price: €199,500. Agent: Agence Newton ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z72LBDMVYVGJJL3IU2IEJUP6GQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XQI2MD5OV5D35PVW5ROVN2YVMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Italy: Tuscany</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJSAYMMFVZCDHI6KM4MSEYXVDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A short walk to the village of Vagli di Sotto is a t<a href=\"https://www.camvillas.com/en/property/sale-detached-property-vagli-sotto/1465/il-gioiellino-del-lago.htm\" rel=\"\">wo-bedroom, two-bathroom detached house</a> extending to 14sq m (1,506sq ft) that overlooks a man-made freshwater lake, Lago di Vagli. While the setting appears utterly remote, there is a bar/restaurant a short distance away. The walled city of Lucca is about 65km south. Pisa airport is an 85-minute drive away. Price: €190,000. Agent: Cam Villas","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX3CSNEIFZHGRIQRLUZP7EFHN4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"RZNUBJXWBZDYPKQ4BGN2PQC27Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Spain: Menorca</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"SJUPNKTDFZDING5VGUI6YVYGDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Menorca’s north coast, between Cala Tirant and Fornells lies the centre of Playa de Fornells, where this second-floor <a href=\"https://www.bonninsanso.com/en/buy/beautiful-apartment-with-communal-pool-in-playas-de-fornells-menorca/91892/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.bonninsanso.com/en/buy/beautiful-apartment-with-communal-pool-in-playas-de-fornells-menorca/91892/\">one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment</a>, designed in the Mediterranean style with whitewashed walls and olivewood terraces, is for sale. It includes a shaded balcony, use of a communal pool and terracotta-tiled terraces overlooking the sea. Price: €198,000. Agent: Bonnin Sanso","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXFZ3VHU4JGOTF4UZBSUMZ6TKM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4OXRGXNX4BEMPFVPLALVJSRYTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Belize: Sapphire Beach</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"64OJFVNSYRBVXJZRAAXZI4EGPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the top of this central American tropical state this <a href=\"https://kellerwilliamsbelize.com/listings/sapphire-beach-resort-unit-5a-10-miles-north\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://kellerwilliamsbelize.com/listings/sapphire-beach-resort-unit-5a-10-miles-north\">semidetached one-bedroom condo</a> at Sapphire Beach Resort, is about 16km north of San Pedro town. Spanning 67 square metres (722sq ft) it includes a shaded porch, vaulted ceilings in both its open-plan kitchen/livingroom and bedroom. Amenities include communal pool and is within minutes of the water where there is a jetty for watersports. Price: €188,745 (US$205,000) Agent: Keller Williams","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alanna Gallagher"}},"name":"Alanna Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"One price, home and away: A village home with lush gardens in Brittany, a lakeside retreat in Vagli di Sotto, an apartment with communal pool on Menorca, a beachside condominium in Belize or a cute terraced cottage with sunroom in Roscrea?"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"What will €199,000 buy in France, Italy, Spain, Belize and Tipperary?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HDD5UYTXTVHUZCHMZI6WBV24BQ","auth":{"1":"e2f1de589dd242ee93feb2d9f0c5be2919a425001b265beac16e66d0dcaf16ce"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HDD5UYTXTVHUZCHMZI6WBV24BQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Residential"},{"name":"Property"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/property/residential/2025/03/21/what-will-199000-buy-in-france-italy-spain-belize-and-tipperary/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/property/residential","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Residential"}}}},{"_id":"MCEGWLZS4VEKRK6HT7LRT6EMDA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fa584938-5456-473c-a90f-e0d7cd1cf2b8/versions/1741969673/media/63495d8a985b577a5f28839127d942d9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/property/residential/2025/03/20/five-homes-on-view-this-week-in-dublin-and-louth-from-575000-to-11m/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UCPW2JJJOBAE7N4TFFU7GIEDDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>24 Fitzgerald Street, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"QKEZP6TEDZHEPF4IXUISLR7K3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"€575,000, SherryFitzGerald","type":"header"},{"_id":"6I53OWYVERBYJDPBXFPYS6DLDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"A <a href=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/24-fitzgerald-street-harolds-cross-dublin-6/4908020\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/24-fitzgerald-street-harolds-cross-dublin-6/4908020\">two-bedroom, one-bathroom terraced yellow-brick house</a> in a warren of similar homes all within minutes of the walks along the Grand Canal, the eateries of Clanbrassil Street and easy reach of Rathmines. Smartly appointed, the D2-rated property extends to 68sq m (731sq ft) and includes a separate kitchen and sittingroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSVRTA2IO5EG3OYS4HSNGMEBJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>On view: </b>By appointment at <a href=\"https://sherryfitz.ie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://sherryfitz.ie/\">sherryfitz.ie</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGZKW5QWTRGIVPTYJSTQVBG2LA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QAZWK5YW7JACVMPOXQGMNDXUTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>9 Estate Avenue, off Merrion Road, Dublin 4 </b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"M6CXGQWSLBGCZPHZH6HTOCZ3EM","additional_properties":{},"content":"€685,000, Tom O’Higgins","type":"header"},{"_id":"VO3MEPXKTBDSJFS2U55PNA2AMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"This pretty <a href=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/9-estate-avenue-merrion-dublin-4/4908201\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/9-estate-avenue-merrion-dublin-4/4908201\">two-bedroom, one-bathroom 19th-century cut-stone cottage</a> is in a small estate off Merrion Road next to St Vincent’s University Hospital and within a short walk of the Merrion Shopping Centre. Extending to 70sq m (753sq ft), it has a vaulted ceiling, kitchen, sittingroom and a small west-facing terrace with pedestrian rear access. It’s Ber-exempt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOMVYKHFNZFG5AMS2LQNP2ITHQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>On view:</b> By appointment at <a href=\"https://tomohiggins.ie/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://tomohiggins.ie/index.html\">tomohiggins.ie</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4QKRORY7FHUVPDAZLIM6MPHMU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FLT6ZDXAHZCJBMNZR65QG6FD4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>2 Glenavy Park, Terenure, Dublin 6W</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"BT4UZVQFPFBRBPLASKWQCVQRJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"€1.1m, DNG","type":"header"},{"_id":"TNMIEWF44ZDJBAPLOTPYHXMYGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Located off Terenure Road East, a two-minute walk from the Kimmage Cross Roads, this is a sizeable, double-fronted <a href=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/2-glenavy-park-terenure-dublin-6w/4910588\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/2-glenavy-park-terenure-dublin-6w/4910588\">detached five-bedroom, three-bathroom house</a> with an F Ber rating in need of upgrading. Set in a cul-de-sac and extending to 183sq m (1,969sq ft), it has three reception rooms, a kitchen and a south-facing front garden. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLKQLUYHDZDHXDYQS4E6JRYG4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>On view: </b>By appointment at <a href=\"https://dng.ie\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://dng.ie\">dng.ie</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"PCU3LVEMVBFHJNDWSUS3MIZYOA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BZHEAA6YIBFNTNXEJJB6WYZ4NQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>4 The Links, Seapoint, Termonfeckin, Co Louth</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"VUNGBL3VEZAD7BHQVFSEFPD2NM","additional_properties":{},"content":"€575,000, Shane Black Properties","type":"header"},{"_id":"IWTGMRPXURGOVPVBSK2XKQQMEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Built in 1998, this <a href=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/4-the-links-seapoint-termonfeckin-louth/4908111\" rel=\"\">detached dormer three-bedroom, two-bathroom, bungalow</a> overlooks Seapoint Golf Course, just south of the village. It has a C1 Ber, extends to 156sq m (1,679sq ft) and has a double-height livingroom with views of the Irish Sea from the upstairs rooms. The dunes at Seapoint beach are less than a five-minute walk away. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JKL42GDOZHI7H53OPJ2UG6QPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>On view: </b>By appointment at <a href=\"https://dng.ie\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://dng.ie\">dng.ie</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCP3DQSPYJBVPPL2QNQ5IN2VUA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6E4LHYOM6JC67OR34GA5TPI3ZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>14 Thormanby Lodge, Howth, Dublin 13</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"P6MKQVRHBVFGZATAUC3HCIPBGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"€895,000, Gallagher Quigley","type":"header"},{"_id":"INQTUWNN45C7PLYS537AP6AL64","additional_properties":{},"content":"Set in a cul-de-sac to the eastern side of the peninsula, this 1970s <a href=\"https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/14-thormanby-lodge-howth-dublin-13/4909332\" rel=\"\">detached four-bedroom, two-bathroom house</a> is on the edge of the village, about a 25-minute walk from the Dart station. It has sea views to the front. Extending to 164sq m (1,765sq ft) with an E1 Ber rating, the property would benefit from modernisation and could be extended to the side, subject to planning permission. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLAFF3WQXFD2NNH3EACGD4QURY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>On view:</b> By appointment at <a href=\"https://gallagherquigley.ie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://gallagherquigley.ie/\">gallagherquigley.ie</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alanna Gallagher"}},"name":"Alanna Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"New to the market in Harold’s Cross, Terenure, Termonfeckin, Howth and off Merrion Road"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Five homes on view this week in Dublin and Louth, from €575,000 to €1.1m","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"W7KDE4QIA5BYZATT5GDF3DIPFY","auth":{"1":"b5a3694c3ef373926b3b23c34b994ff48b97f9876479ab144704d70baf2fda70"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/W7KDE4QIA5BYZATT5GDF3DIPFY.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Residential"},{"name":"Property"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/property/residential/2025/03/20/five-homes-on-view-this-week-in-dublin-and-louth-from-575000-to-11m/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/property/residential","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Residential"}}}},{"_id":"ALDJJKVS5JCFVEM6G2XHARSWSE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/19/house-price-inflation-moderates-to-81/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DT7I3BMA4RB5TNKLYMYB4VUAZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742383077805},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXNDQ64XJRH4FETNJG7JHWXKU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742383077806},"content":"House prices in the Republic grew at an annualised rate of 8.1 per cent in January as supply pressures continued to underpin demand. This was down from a rate of 8.8 per cent in December and a rate of over 10 per cent last August.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBPA62G4E5CMFGQLDUTBTIYHHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216100},"content":"The latest official figures indicate prices in Dublin rose at a yearly rate of 7.5 per cent while values outside the capital increased at a rate of 8.6 per cent. On a monthly basis, prices were flat in January.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTHQRZYRMRBYBK52IE6ZLDTLKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742383077808},"content":"The Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) latest property price register showed the median or middle price paid for a home in the 12 months to January was €359,999.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDG6JMGIO5BXFISKWSGCEUC5GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742383077809},"content":"The highest median price was €662,349 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown while the lowest median price was €180,000 in Leitrim.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AMCNK6UQJGILK6JBTSQWHW2S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742383077810},"content":"The CSO’s national index indicates prices nationally are now 16.9 per cent above their highest level at the peak of the property boom in April 2007. Dublin residential property prices are 4.3 per cent higher than their February 2007 peak.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4DYSCVYQ5BHJDDGOA27WOGT7EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216104},"content":"<iframe title=\"House prices by county\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-OnxdP\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OnxdP/5/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"737\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"HD5D35KVZJBXZPFCTQR7LO67EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216105},"content":"The latest snapshot of the market comes amid a slowdown in new home completions and as the Central Bank warns that overall investment in the sector remains below the required levels “based on population growth and household formation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOTA2G6B5NDLXEW7RRPXUGW6RA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Home completions dropped to just over 30,000 units last year, well below the 40,000 level targeted by Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUP5MNCE6VCJPJCMM3ZXNFLGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216106},"content":"The CSO figures show that in the year to January, there were 48,955 dwelling purchases made by households at market prices. Of these, 17,814 (36.4 per cent) were purchased by first-time buyer owner-occupiers, while former owner-occupiers purchased 25,770 (52.6 per cent).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CZFCAS22RHT3PP7Q7ELNYMN7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"To gauge market momentum, Goodbody economist Dermot O’Leary said it was preferable to look at the annualised rate of growth over the past three months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUNUUBWDC5BM7AI6KKDOYLVLNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This shows growth of 6.1 per cent nationally in the three months to January 2025, with house prices growing by 6.7 per cent and apartments by just 2.4 per cent,” he said, noting the greatest price momentum was in the south-east (12.9 per cent).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHXUSPPX7VHVNHIDBRIYMUD3W4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trevor Grant, chairperson of Irish Mortgage Advisors, said: “While the rate of national house price growth has eased, house prices are still rising steeply and continue to be a huge source of frustration and despair for many house hunters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MT4TK44225HFVDT55OF37YIZBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216108},"content":"“While many are qualifying for mortgage and buying homes, for too many of this country’s young people, buying a house has simply become unachievable,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3D2H3JAR5AAJENIQE27B6E77M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402216109},"content":"“If house prices are ever to be kept in check, the perennial problem at the heart of the Irish housing crisis – that is, the huge shortage of, and high demand for, housing – needs to be tackled,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BA2LI7LZRBPLPUWP7HI3HHXBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Davitt, chief executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (Ipav), said the level of increases that have been happening over the last year and more are not sustainable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXFB2YFI3NFTVPLZKVDXPQOTRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We now need to see the fundamental change in housing policy promised by the Taoiseach,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITCPC55K5RALNODZ3GZCS7L55Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Housing policy for too long has been debated from the standpoint of different ideologies rather than acknowledging the realities and practicalities of the marketplace,” Mr Davitt said.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}},"name":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}]},"description":{"basic":"The latest official figures indicate prices in Dublin rose at a yearly rate of 7.5 per cent while values outside the capital rose at a rate of 8.6 per cent"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T11:12:56.321Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish house price inflation moderates to 8.1%","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Y3P74COKYRXXJSLZRPP7MZ4YKQ","auth":{"1":"5b6fb34eb2ca4078d6d7a2f3c67c009d4e6b39f5f627083a2a92fe181d3234d7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Y3P74COKYRXXJSLZRPP7MZ4YKQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Property"},{"name":"Residential"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/19/house-price-inflation-moderates-to-81/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"8135cb4a5612d7b827a7a6892571ba4248329b957d3f852f63a3150b6bc32004"},"expires":1742733048890,"lastModified":1742732748667},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/abroad\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"GNG4F4YCZZDD3LPMXXX5Z2E3VU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":343,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/907d71cf-3704-44b1-b225-cdc721f4bfbe/versions/1742377753/media/ba846377803d495d4cb268a04ce7092f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2025/03/23/the-irish-man-behind-memo-perfumes-my-wife-interviewed-22-of-the-best-noses-in-the-world/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SPL67EST3RBJDHLQD4IQQZNLTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s a big leap from banking and finance at UCD to co-founding the international perfume brand <a href=\"https://www.memoparis.com/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.memoparis.com/\">Memo</a>, but for John Molloy moving into perfume was a natural extension of his love of luxury fashion and leather goods, which started when he was a student working in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brown-thomas\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brown-thomas\">Brown Thomas</a> at the weekends. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJ4SCWQGVBHZNKVWEFKQCMKLUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Molloy credits two people with pointing him towards a career that has seen him rise through the ranks of premium fashion and skincare companies such as Kenzo and Lancôme International. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLAHVWMD4BG5RP5WV36TDWW7ME","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I worked in Brown Thomas under Paul Kelly and his predecessor, and this was a great grounding in retail,” he says. “The other person who influenced my career was Prof Frank Roche at UCD. He had a course in enterprise development where you had to pitch an idea for a new business. Mine was for an upmarket outdoor clothing brand.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQUVIWRWQFDJJE2S3H6XD5GK7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Molloy was supposed to go and work for a merchant bank in London when he graduated. Instead he threw himself into developing his clothing idea which was subsequently launched under the brand name Callaghan’s Dublin 1796. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGUQK274PZA27LSJHNWZPYKGHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The range was made by John Partridge in London – they manufacture for premium outdoor brands – and I joined them to head up Callaghan’s Dublin 1796. I love tailoring and seeing how garments are made with maybe 200 machines going full speed cutting and stitching. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6M3TYMOABBTFBLENDLVBGQMGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“However, the reality of my job at John Partridge was not glamorous. It was driving around England and Ireland in a Mitsubishi Spacewagon with 200 pieces of clothing in the back, calling to shops instead of being a fancy banker driving around London in a Cadillac,” says Molloy. However, life on the road gave him a crash course in brand development and the sharp end of retailing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSJZ5HACY5ENBIHBVV52COMC4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Molloy spent almost five years with John Partridge before taking 12 months off to travel. “I felt like I’d been going nonstop from the time I’d started university and I really wanted a break and to visit countries not yet exposed to tourism, to learn about their culture,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2ROLGHTCBHGHDWTIZ426J2CPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I went around the world and during that time did my GMAT [graduate management admission test] with a view to doing an MBA. I came across a relatively new MBA in Paris, sponsored by luxury goods company LMVH, and decided to go for it. Then in 2000 I joined Kenzo in Paris, which is part of the LVMH group, as general manager for menswear.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K44QA6ZXGBAWPFHPOAVCZH7SIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"‘The Swiss are a closed book’: Donegal man manages the affairs of the rich in Geneva","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6652AZZKU5AVLH2LEX7DC6EBOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2005 Molloy moved into skincare as director of retail and service for Lancôme International. From there, he joined <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/l-oreal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/l-oreal\">L’Oréal</a> Luxe as general manager based in Switzerland. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E24OMFOWEFGUNO7BH65CXHQN4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"In 2012 he left L’Oréal to start a new professional chapter when he turned his attention full-time to Memo, which he had founded with his wife, Clara, in 2007. The company employs 75 people with 33 in Geneva and the rest split between the UK, France and the United States. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5INH5F42IVBPLADYHJRGEPEVVQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“My wife is a poet and her great loves are literature, poetry and art. In 2005 she decided to write a book about perfumers. It was the first book of its kind to focus on ‘noses’ (master perfumers who turn scents from concepts into what ends up in bottles) and she interviewed 22 of the best noses in the world about their creative talent,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXU6VWZ4LRD4ZDYDOWKUFIXDBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“At the time, there was a sameness about perfume with the same brands on sale everywhere, and we could see the beginnings of a demand for something different – a bit like pulp fiction versus authorial texts – and that was the inspiration for Memo. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHZUNTFTOJF2BLANBTRFFHKFOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Clara knows exactly what she likes, and she’s very good at putting words on emotions, so she writes the briefs for the nose to capture all the different notes she wants reflected,” says Molloy. The company has since expanded its portfolio with two more brands: Floraïku, an Asian-inspired range; and the patented alcohol-free Hermetica, which is focused on reflecting the values of the sustainability zeitgeist. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIQRBJEGWNDKRFPBNW5TBJNWDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“To work in the luxury industry, it’s essential to be close to the creative heart and to excellence. In this respect, London and Paris are musts, and I remain attached to the city [Paris] that opened up so many opportunities for me. Geneva is also a city with a strong commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional know-how.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KFN7TV7WVC37EJ3VSO4VUA7SM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"X2NDCQHQYBG7JKQHXTCFRSX7H4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Molloy spends up to 50 per cent of his time travelling to do business in more than 60 countries. “Our partners are multinational and family-owned companies where long-term relationships are key and reputation is of utmost importance,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5NQGSEN7ZE45IZCEVYNVGBHOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Molloy family lives in Geneva and feel very much at home there. “There is the possibility of getting to the mountains and enjoying Lake Geneva, which means I can get in touch with nature quite quickly, and I need this proximity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YCYMMVVLVA2HOYKCEARIUVASM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“At the same time Geneva is an international city on the move, and this is conducive to the development of projects and business, which is a great quality in my eyes. Life here is also gentler and less stressful.” He likes to keep fit, ski and undertake climbing expeditions to clear his head. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQFCOKL4EVAOPNPGJLTTFMDDQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’ve been away a long time now but I still miss things about home like my extended family and friends, the countryside, horses, the fresh air, culture, the banter and storytelling, the smiles and generosity, and living close to the elements,” he says. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olive Keogh"}},"name":"Olive Keogh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: John Molloy"},"display_date":"2025-03-23T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Irish man behind Memo perfumes: ‘My wife interviewed 22 of the best noses in the world’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA","auth":{"1":"4134ddf614d1309c270637479dfdf3844ef7bb765e80a9663a3fc6b8d3faac7d"},"focal_point":{"x":1131,"y":818},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WJC5XYPIE5CRJCJVEVM2YBFUUA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2025/03/23/the-irish-man-behind-memo-perfumes-my-wife-interviewed-22-of-the-best-noses-in-the-world/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"WBFNHD4BI5AOHMYCPNEUVA7FFU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":220,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/917e4f61-043f-47ff-9800-4b79ebc5221d/versions/1742306241/media/82c69cab6bf2c658bb871e746b0ead24_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/us/2025/03/18/immigration-makes-the-united-states-what-it-is-boston-irish-audience-told/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJV3C3ELH5D6RGXSLTWVD5RRRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520144},"content":"The contribution of immigrants to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united–states\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united–states\">United States</a> has “been called into question”, but they “make the country what it is”, the Irish-born head of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/louise-richardson/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/louise-richardson/\">Louise Richardson</a>, has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JPQ45HYT5ER3AFYDXLEYCQDHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520145},"content":"In a speech in Boston where she was honoured by the Charitable Irish Society, Prof Richardson said 14 per cent of the US population was now foreign-born, of whom half were now naturalised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMQ2TBEXP5A67KNUXNFEKY3HKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520146},"content":"About 230 of the top Fortune 500 companies in the US are led by immigrants, of the children of immigrants, generating more than the gross domestic product of Germany or the United Kingdom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW77MXBTTVHK7PIIEXBTCNRTMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520147},"content":"Immigrants support the US economy in so many ways, she said: 23 per cent of entrepreneurs are immigrants, so are 23 per cent of science and technology workers and 16 per cent of nurses, offering a total spending power of $1.6 trillion (€1.47 trillion) nationally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIC7DEGX6JFPPEI3Q3O2AUNRMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520148},"content":"“The contributions that immigrants, and this has been called into question in recent days, in recent weeks, especially, but the contributions that they make are what make this country what it is,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XMWZ2LYRZEIHBMRFHNT2L673M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520149},"content":"Noting the rise in anti-immigrant feeling in the US, Prof Richardson, a former vice-chancellor of Oxford University and of St Andrews, she said that for the first time in 20 years Americans want fewer immigrants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YKTEVZXOZA47ORCZTOOOV77GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520150},"content":"“It’s never been more important that we make the case for immigrants, for the contributions they make, both financial and cultural, and every other way to this country. And that we are, indeed, a nation of immigrants, and all the better for it,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TW4DEVBPAFBWTCXJNTB3XT54XI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520151},"content":"The Charitable Irish Society was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737 to alleviate suffering among Irish immigrants to the city “or other worthy recipients as by the vicissitudes of fortune might be deserving of its charity”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6INK4HCRVNH2DO5XYVSEF6JOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520152},"content":"This year, the Carnegie Corporation has spent $27m providing legal support, language and job training and other supports to immigrants, “doing what the Charitable Irish Society has been doing since the early 18th century and it has never been more important”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GR4YZEKA6FD4XLG4L2J45LNUZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520153},"content":"Nicholas R Burns, a former US ambassador to China, said the success of the modern Irish state offered lessons to the US in “this turbulent, divided and disputatious time in our own country”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYWSVIKAINFQJPVFFUOBGZ2V5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520154},"content":"Mr Burns, who has served in seven countries, said: “One of the most impressive global stories of our time, in all the world, is the rebirth and the transformation of Ireland, phoenix-like, from a relatively poor country on Europe’s western margins to today.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRV53VJ4QJC2PNO57TEKCVHRCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520155},"content":"Praising the role played by Irish soldiers as peacekeepers, he said: “Ireland sends its sons and daughters to the most difficult conflict areas. It doesn’t ask them to fight. It asks them to try to keep the peace in very difficult parts of the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7YPJT2EHFCONHLIOG7LSRIEB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520156},"content":"The Irish Government, he said, “has a tradition as well” of standing up for human rights. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBW6TJJRS5DLHO2GWVSKXW6UXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“And maybe that’s right, given Ireland’s own bitter past and bitter problems with colonialism,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASHGGQ5WVNDNRG4HBTGKYLK7WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520157},"content":"“There’s so much to admire about modern Ireland, especially its healthy, stable democracy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCO6OJKS35GSBJ366BR5OX2HXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520158},"content":"“And that begs a question for us in St Patrick’s Day this year, for those of us who are Americans, who are so passionate in this turbulent, divided and disputatious time in our own country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"655GOLGE75BXLGLOTR5U3ZJWYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520159},"content":"“What can and what should we learn from modern Ireland, as Americans, about maintaining a centred, fair, democratic system here in the United States?","type":"text"},{"_id":"56ZWYJ55GVE2JGLAOXBGBH4754","additional_properties":{"_id":1742300520160},"content":"“In this sense, ironically, Ireland, once so poor, so benighted, so fractured, itself, in the past, is now in some ways a guiding light for us, shining across the dark sea.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark Hennessy"}},"name":"Mark Hennessy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ireland can be guiding light for US during ‘turbulent, divided and disputatious time’"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T13:52:08.161Z","headlines":{"basic":"Immigration ‘makes the United States what it is’, Boston-Irish audience told","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DARZ7JXRE5G2FJVVBECNWIXBNY","auth":{"1":"76c6b4875ab8bc6bc1a1ef4167b658b10e6ab6f69fa84e2711e5dbca88e9eef1"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DARZ7JXRE5G2FJVVBECNWIXBNY.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Abroad"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2025/03/18/immigration-makes-the-united-states-what-it-is-boston-irish-audience-told/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}},{"_id":"2DWLFDSTOJHNBKCEXLBK4GW2TY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":372,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/20483554-ef4d-4a16-882a-49010c70af18/versions/1741775916/media/19edf3d66e440506cb88f9049ae3daac_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2025/03/16/a-carlow-man-of-steel-who-helped-build-dubai-there-was-always-money-available-to-make-construction-projects-look-good/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ILMLUPOPFREPPINXXEFE7TWRA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Carlow native John O’Kelly and 30 volunteers undertook a 2,000km drive from the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam to Kampala in January to deliver a fleet of 15 emergency vehicles (donated by the Japanese government) to the Ugandan capital. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVNXWBG5E5FVHKHJ5KZFWBGYYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tackling inhospitable terrain is nothing new for O’Kelly. He’s a former endurance motorbike racer who organised a similar trip to Uganda in 2020. In recent years he has embarked on three motorbike adventures, which took him from Dubai to Dublin via Iran, from Dubai to Cape Town, and from Argentina to Alaska. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"URI64I77DZB2DGIBNCNLYWDX7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Kelly lives in Dubai where he is chief executive of Kelly Steel Engineering. He has been in the Middle East for more than 40 years and his company specialises in providing the type of elaborate architectural steel that distinguishes many of the landmark buildings in the Gulf region. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOXHDFZ4GNHKZAIPELS72KZJT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Among others, the company is responsible for the spectacular Butterfly Pavilion on Al Noor Island and for the striking Adnec skyscraper events centre in Abu Dhabi. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2MO2RTQS5HQ3HRTRBFCXQPN5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"When O’Kelly left Ireland in 1982, his plan was to follow friends to Sydney. He stopped off in the Middle East for three months and that was that. He never made it to Australia. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIP677AXMVB5TGOYO43KI6JL64","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Although the economy was quite bad in Ireland in the early 1980s – and this was certainly an incentive – the main reason I left was to explore the world and seek adventure,” says O’Kelly, who studied agriculture at Warrenstown when he left school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZO6ND7ZGFB2PAB3BR5ZJ7GGME","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"EH54Q2T33BCUDBQEPZ4OGQFDTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Kelly got a job with Masstock (the dairy business started by the McGuckian brothers in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s) and started off driving a bulldozer. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCE5J34TQBFABI7HD53VU2AAIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“To this day I have a good relationship with the McGuckians. If you were willing to work hard, they were willing to give you the opportunity to progress within the business. As the business grew, I grew with it and moved into sales and marketing. I became area sales manager, country manager and eventually marketing manager for five Gulf countries based in Dubai,” says O’Kelly, who spent 15 years with the business before following his dream to start his own company in 1997. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"F546NP7YGJAWRCUVTHPFRVRBLE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There was a vast amount of development going on in Dubai at the time and I could see an opportunity in steelwork construction,” he says. “Steelwork had always interested me. Even as a youngster on the farm I loved working with steel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUNWKAXI7RB4HA6E4JMAWWIGQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I set up Kelly Steel Engineering to focus on architectural steel that combines aesthetics with functionality. This was doable in the Middle East as there was always money available to go the extra mile to make construction projects look good. We are now the number one company providing aesthetic architectural steel in the region.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5PXEWYMPFDYTPROKAZE22SQVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PSVAG2U7SFHLNFHFK4LUJF36GY","additional_properties":{},"content":"For almost 20 years, the company’s business was concentrated in the Middle East. But as the market matured, O’Kelly began looking farther afield and over the past decade the company has moved into Australia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Far East. Kelly Steel Engineering is building the Prada handbag store in Singapore and the parliament building in Uganda, which requires 3,000 tonnes of steelwork. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODKK4Z6XT5CD7B33IWUOFMSU4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Kelly started his business with 11 staff, mainly from India. Within 18 months this had risen to 35. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGOJFP4QDVDPHMLOODKKX2XMM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Today, 182 people are employed at the company’s 15,000sq m design and manufacturing facility in Dubai. “What really enabled us to expand was becoming heavily involved with the metro for Dubai city. That was our big break,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VML2SPRUZVFU7GDSIWTMZKBJAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Setting up the business was not without its challenges at the time as O’Kelly had a young family, no capital and no track record in running a business. The Dubai metro contract gave him the leverage and credibility required to borrow to expand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3XBDKVLRZFDBCPY4JQEJZOZ64","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Banks in Dubai are encouraged to lend on the basis of how you’ve conducted your business. It’s your ability to perform rather than anything else they look at,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYJHCYVOWJBHHIARVGSDRNYMBI","additional_properties":{},"content":" O’Kelly met his wife, Liamhán, in the Middle East and the couple have five sons, all of whom completed their secondary education at Clongowes and are now working and studying across the globe. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZGY2KOXCZGNJCT7NN3YNNC5ZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Dubai is a great place to live. It has fantastic infrastructure, extremely low crime rates, a family friendly atmosphere and good education. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB3SBQWERZERRGVSHEKFBP5I4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It also offers fabulous outdoor activity opportunities. I particularly like the desert and exploring that vast expanse. Dubai has been the fastest-growing city in the world for more than 30 years and this has provided good business opportunities for entrepreneurs who are prepared to work hard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AESEBNI4DRBHHLM564YWSUBRQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Dubai has a skilled, diverse workforce which fosters innovation and opportunity,” he says. “The UAE has more than 190 different nationalities in permanent residency so it’s a real melting pot. It’s critically important to learn about other cultures and understand their way of doing business. Then different approaches can be meshed together to form a strong working relationship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37PZ7MCT7RHLXPH5WUTUZBYVYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I saw how the McGuckians approached doing business in a foreign country. Basically, they adapted to local culture instead of trying to impose what they knew from home. I followed what I’d learned from them. Working with the McGuckians was a whole education in itself.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVRWEG5GP5GOHOZQDZRNGLJZOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Kelly points out that while it’s not possible to get citizenship in Dubai, there is no barrier to working there indefinitely if someone is employed or is a business owner. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5GDY44GFRAW5OBMP3ODKYMOJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"After four decades in the sun, O’Kelly is well acclimatised to desert living. However, he admits that, “sometimes I miss the soft Irish rainfall after many months of continuous sunshine.” ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olive Keogh"}},"name":"Olive Keogh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: John O’Kelly owns an architectural steel company in Dubai, which is currently building the Ugandan parliament building"},"display_date":"2025-03-16T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Irishman who helped build Dubai: ‘The metro was our big break’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D5CSTQ4TLBG63L7CJIAECMU6UE","auth":{"1":"e11310b4741cd640d4101f3281e70cd1470befab6c37a5f32dabc92d89ebdd0c"},"focal_point":{"x":1284,"y":587},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D5CSTQ4TLBG63L7CJIAECMU6UE.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2025/03/16/a-carlow-man-of-steel-who-helped-build-dubai-there-was-always-money-available-to-make-construction-projects-look-good/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"QBOTN3X65NDXHIYEJ7QYQFLPSY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/life-style/2025/03/13/st-patricks-day-quiz-2025-50-questions-to-test-your-knowledge-of-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IDBRAC5IQNELFLZCUNHLDQT45I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619909293},"content":"It’s finally here: your big chance to prove you know more about Irish things and Irish people than almost any other reader of The Irish Times by competing in this year’s big <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/st-patrick/\" target=\"_blank\">St Patrick’s</a> Day Quiz.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKTHM75HIFEUXH5RFEPTRFX3QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619909294},"content":"Do you know which low-key Irish attraction <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kim-kardashian/\" target=\"_blank\">Kim Kardashian</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kanye-west/\" target=\"_blank\">Kanye West</a> visited during their 2014 Irish honeymoon? Or which film director is making a biopic of our pirate queen, Grace O’Malley? If so, why not try your luck with these and the rest of our 50 questions. You could win this great prize:","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSZJ7XLZYVFLJGYWOK5JWEDBMY","additional_properties":{"_id":"NMRFQOJA3RF7HGVXAW5QMFAW4I"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"X7RUXWMS4VHGPMXQXHAYJ7MKUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"VV57QCFTGNF4TMCC6GDXRZ5T6Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LBELDGHWU5BN7FEUBFR7APQOOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619909297},"content":"Ireland’s Blue Book is giving away an overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast the following morning<i> </i>for two people sharing at<i> </i>Tankardstown House, Co Meath, to the winner of the Irish Times St Patrick’s Day Quiz. Tankardstown House is nestled on 80 acres of parkland, woodland, and gardens in the Boyne Valley. Located 45 minutes from Dublin city, Tankardstown House offers a luxurious stay with a range of accommodations, from heritage bedrooms to dog-friendly rooms, as well as an award-winning restaurant and afternoon tea. Tankardstown House is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book, a collection of more than 60 Irish country house hotels, manors, castles, and restaurants. For more information see <a href=\"http://irelandsbluebook.com/\" target=\"_blank\">irelandsbluebook.com</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XS3IW6Y42FDUFJNRKU4XHDM2IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619909298},"content":"The closing date of the competition is Wednesday, March 19th at 10pm. The winner’s name and quiz answers will be published in The Irish Times Magazine on April 5th. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2025/03/13/the-irish-times-st-patricks-day-quiz-2025-terms-conditions/\" target=\"_blank\">Terms and conditions apply</a>. Best of luck!","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3USOLVWV5ELVKJZ4QQONCJ2SQ","content":"<div class=\"riddle2-wrapper\" data-rid-id=\"JWPycOz1\" data-auto-scroll=\"true\" data-is-fixed-height-enabled=\"false\" data-bg=\"#fff\" data-fg=\"#00205b\" style=\"margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;\" ><script src=\"https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js\"><\/script><iframe title=\"St Patrick's Day Quiz\" src=\"https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/JWPycOz1?lazyImages=false&staticHeight=false\" allow=\"autoplay\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin\"><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>What is the Irish pub at Walt Disney World in Orlando called?</h3><ul><li>Tipsy McStagger’s </li><li>Gargle Kingdom </li><li>Raglan Road </li><li>Come Out You Black and Tans </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which of these Irish cultural icons was actually born in Ireland?</h3><ul><li>St Patrick </li><li>Saoirse Ronan</li><li>Shane MacGowan</li><li>Oscar Wilde </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Since 2023, the first Monday each February in the Republic of Ireland has been a bank holiday commemorating...?</h3><ul><li>The Easter Rising </li><li>St Brigid’s Day</li><li>Garth Brooks’s sold-out Croke Park concerts</li><li>The sinking of the Titanic </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Until 1979, the value of the Irish punt was pegged to the value of...?</h3><ul><li>A pound of butter </li><li>A pint of beer </li><li>The US dollar</li><li>The UK pound</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2025, Daniel O’Donnell told The Irish Times: “I admire Paul Mescal greatly. But I don’t know if I’d…”</h3><ul><li>Wear GAA shorts as short as he does </li><li>Sing Sia’s Chandelier as well as he does </li><li>Accept the lead in an action movie like Gladiator given all the media attention and Hollywood hype that would come with it </li><li>Shoot a TV ad inadvertently pitching Ballyhaunis as a tourist destination </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>The cities of Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick were founded by which band of roving marauders?</h3><ul><li>The Vikings </li><li>The Visigoths</li><li>The Crips</li><li>The Black and Tans</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Who, after meeting then taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2013, “hit the dance floor and mingled with local beauties” in a venue where they “stayed largely unnoticed until after 2am”?</h3><ul><li>Nelson Mandela in Lillie’s Bordello </li><li>Hilary Clinton in the Róisín Dubh </li><li>Kim Jong-un in the Gleneagle Hotel </li><li>Elon Musk in Copper Face Jacks</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Why was Capt Ruben Ocana, a Mexican pilot, forced to remain in Ireland for six weeks in 1983 after crash-landing his Gulfstream II jet at Mallow racecourse in 1983?</h3><ul><li>He was detained for entering the country without a passport </li><li>He was forced to wash dishes until he had paid off the bill for the damage caused</li><li>He was forced to quarantine after contracting Joe Dolan fever</li><li>A runway had to be built to allow his aircraft to take off</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In advance of whose Dublin visit were walls and barriers erected to block views of the city’s slums?</h3><ul><li>Beyoncé </li><li>Queen Victoria </li><li>John F Kennedy </li><li>Mariah Carey</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s 2014 Irish honeymoon included an afternoon visiting which not terribly glamorous attraction?</h3><ul><li>Leisureland, Galway </li><li>Odeon Cinema, Portlaoise</li><li>Clay-pipe centre, Knockcroghery</li><li>Barack Obama Plaza, Moneygall </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In what year was the Flight of the Earls?</h3><ul><li>1506 </li><li>1607 </li><li>1708 </li><li>1809 </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>The phrase “Who’s taking the horse to France?” appeared in a 1990s Irish TV ad for...?</h3><ul><li>Guinness </li><li>Brittany Ferries</li><li>DHL</li><li>Kerrygold</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Who was the guest of honour when, in 1976, Tim Severin set out from Dingle Harbour by currach to re-create St Brendan’s sixth-century voyage across the Atlantic?</h3><ul><li>Dolly Parton </li><li>Éamon de Valera</li><li>Bishop Eamonn Casey </li><li>Larry Hagman (aka JR Ewing)</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>According to a recent bestselling book, which Irish immigrant currently wields so much power behind the scenes that they effectively run Britain?</h3><ul><li>Graham Norton </li><li>Morgan McSweeney</li><li>Simone Rocha </li><li>Dervla Kirwan</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In the Irish song Carraig Donn, the singer laments that her lover has gone to...?</h3><ul><li>Germany to wear lederhosen </li><li>France to wear the fleur-de-lis</li><li>Greece to walk in the footsteps of Homer</li><li>India to learn the way of the Kama Sutra</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which director is currently working on a biopic of Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s pirate queen?</h3><ul><li>Kirsten Sheridan </li><li>Lenny Abrahamson</li><li>Kathryn Bigelow</li><li>Quentin Tarantino </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In the Taken movies, what explanation is offered for why Liam Neeson’s character, a LA-based former CIA agent, speaks with an Irish accent?</h3><ul><li>He is a fugitive on the run from the Troubles</li><li>He took a Fás course on which he acquired a very particular set of skills</li><li>He suffered a head injury and woke up with foreign-accent syndrome</li><li>No explanation is ever given</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In which film does Gene Wilder play a Dublin manure collector who falls in love with an American exchange student played by Margot Kidder?</h3><ul><li>Ryan’s Daughter </li><li>Barry Lyndon</li><li>The Quiet Man </li><li>Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which Irish actor has been nominated for both an Oscar and a Mercury Music Prize?</h3><ul><li>Jessie Buckley </li><li>Kerry Condon </li><li>Caitríona Balfe </li><li>Eve Hewson </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which Hollywood leading man of the 1930s, who often starred opposite Bette Davis, was a courier for Michael Collins during the War of Independence?</h3><ul><li>George Brent </li><li>James Cagney</li><li>Spencer Tracy</li><li>Cary Grant </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Where did The Beatles play their only Irish concert, in 1963?</h3><ul><li>Slane Castle </li><li>Páirc Uí Chaoimh</li><li>Dalymount Park </li><li>Dublin’s Adelphi Cinema</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Belfast rappers Kneecap arrived at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival using what form of transportation?</h3><ul><li>Horse </li><li>Tank </li><li>PSNI Land Rover</li><li>High Nelly</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 1996,which British artist recorded a song featuring Seán Ó Riada’s setting of Mnánah Éireann in the Irish language?</h3><ul><li>Spice Girls</li><li>PJ Harvey </li><li>Dido</li><li>Kate Bush</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2023, which Irish song was performed at Harry Belafonte’s funeral, where it was introduced to mourners as “his favourite”?</h3><ul><li>I Don’t Know by Lisa Hannigan </li><li>The Island by Paul Brady</li><li>I Useta Lover by The Saw Doctors</li><li>Jumbo Breakfast Roll by Pat Shortt </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Who wrote the lyrics to I’m Shipping Up to Boston, which became a hit for Irish-American band Dropkick Murphys after it featured in Martin Scorsese’s film The Departed?</h3><ul><li>Joan Baez </li><li>Peggy Seeger</li><li>Woody Guthrie</li><li>Ewan MacColl</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2024, which viral hit by Kabin Crew &amp; Lisdoonvarna Crew was described by the Guardian as “one of the songs of the summer that made the internet vibrate with joy”?</h3><ul><li>The Joke </li><li>The Weight </li><li>The Spark </li><li>The End</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2018,who was left “non too plussed” when their fitted Hugo Boss suit couldn’t accommodate all the change from a Dart ticket machine?</h3><ul><li>Twink </li><li>Marty Morrissey</li><li>Tony McGregor</li><li>Linda Martin</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which dance-themed cover song did country act Crystal Swing release as the follow-up to He Drinks Tequila, their viral hit from 2010?</h3><ul><li>The Hucklebuck </li><li>The Loco-Motion</li><li>The Twist</li><li>The Mashed Potato</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>“Ninety-seven years ago people lost their lives in that park over there. Constant Markievicz gave up his life…” Speaking to RTÉ News in 2013, what mistake did Tom Darcy of Direct Democracy Ireland make when eulogising a 1916 hero?</h3><ul><li>Markievicz’s first name was Constance, not Constant </li><li>She was a woman </li><li>She survived the Rising and died of natural causes years later</li><li>All of the above</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2017, Co Kerry’s the Fleming family were invited to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live after a video of the father, Derry, trying to remove what from their kitchen went viral?</h3><ul><li>Squirrel </li><li>Lobster </li><li>Bat</li><li>Family of ducks</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>What name given to Ireland by the second-century Roman geographer Ptolemy was also the name of a TV comedy?</h3><ul><li>Friends </li><li>Two and a Half Men</li><li>Schitt’s Creek </li><li>Little Britain</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which 18th-century Irish nun secretly set up schools to circumvent a ban on Catholics being educated?</h3><ul><li>Nano Nagle </li><li>Catherine McAuley </li><li>Clare Crockett</li><li>Mary Zita Welsh</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 1919, Michael Collins and Harry Boland helped break Éamon de Valera out of which prison?</h3><ul><li>Brixton </li><li>Lincoln</li><li>Alcatraz</li><li>The Maze</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Chicago’s river was first dyed green for St Patrick’s Day, in 1962, by a local plumbers’ union using...?</h3><ul><li>Spinach juice </li><li>Radioactive waste</li><li>Shamrock shakes</li><li>Green dye meant to identify leaky pipes</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which Irish political activist was called “Fidel Castro in a miniskirt” when she visited New York in 1969?</h3><ul><li>Mary Robinson </li><li>Nell McCafferty </li><li>Bernadette Devlin</li><li>Mary Kenny</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In the satirical 1729 pamphlet A Modest Proposal, what did Jonathan Swift suggest as a solution to poverty in Ireland?</h3><ul><li>Introducing headage payments for Irish children </li><li>Selling Irish children as slave labour</li><li>Selling Irish children as food</li><li>Evacuating the west of Ireland and turning it into a luxury beach resort</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Before becoming a novelist, Sally Rooney was a champion in which competitive activity?</h3><ul><li>Chess </li><li>Debating </li><li> Hula-hooping</li><li>Sean-nós singing</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In what conflict did the protagonist of WB Yeats’s An Irish Airman Foresees His Death envisage meeting his fate?</h3><ul><li>American Civil War </li><li>Franco-Prussian War</li><li>First World War </li><li> Irish Civil War </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>The lyrics to the song On Raglan Road were written by Irish poet...?</h3><ul><li>Paul Durcan </li><li>Patrick Kavanagh</li><li>Eavan Boland</li><li>Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which of these is a real Ross O’Carroll-Kelly book by Paul Howard?</h3><ul><li>Malahide and Prejudice </li><li>Eat, Pray, Dropgoal </li><li>Of Mice and Men … and Jägerbombs</li><li>Once Upon a Time in … Donnybrook</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which Irish soccer player was the first person to be sent off in an FA Cup final?</h3><ul><li>Roy Keane </li><li>Kevin Moran </li><li>Richard Dunne</li><li>Jon Walters</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which member of the Irish women’s 4x400m relay team that qualified through the heats at the Paris Olympics lost her place to Rhasidat Adeleke in the final?</h3><ul><li>Sophie Becker </li><li>Phil Healy </li><li>Kelly McGrory</li><li>Sharlene Mawdsley</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which Irish sports star, best known for her achievements in another code, also won 11 caps for the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer team between 2006 and 2009?</h3><ul><li>Cora Staunton </li><li>Katie Taylor</li><li>Leona Maguire </li><li>Sonia O’Sullivan</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>How did Irish long-jumper Peter O’Connor, who won gold and silver medals at the 1906 Olympics in Athens, protest being classified as a British athlete?</h3><ul><li>He chose to represent the United States </li><li>He wore a green sash over his British singlet </li><li>At the presentation ceremony he refused to stand for God Save the King</li><li>At the presentation ceremony he scaled the flagpole and hoisted an Irish flag in place of the Union Jack</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>When did the RTÉ commentator George Hamilton utter the famous words, “The nation holds its breath as...”?</h3><ul><li>Kellie Harrington awaited the result of her gold-medal bout at Tokyo 2020 </li><li>Johnny Sexton attempted a potentially Grand Slam-winning drop goal against France in 2018</li><li>David O’Leary stepped forward to take Ireland’s final penalty against Romania at Italia 90</li><li>Jimmy Magee paused to recall the names of the 1947 Cavan full-back line on an episode of Know Your Sport</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In Irish mythology, with whom did Oisín fall in love and travel on a magical white stallion to Tír nanÓg?</h3><ul><li>Niamh Cinn Óir </li><li>Sharon Ní Bheoláin </li><li>Medb of Connacht</li><li>Gráinne </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Only one of these public figures would be eligible to stand for the presidency of Ireland in 2025 if they so wished. Which one?</h3><ul><li>Michael D Higgins </li><li>Mary McAleese </li><li>Mary Robinson</li><li>Saoirse Ronan </li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>In 2024, American comedian Conan O’Brien made a cameo appearance in Ros na Rún, the TG4 soap opera, playing a person with the unlikely job of...?</h3><ul><li>Balloon deliverer </li><li>Waterslide tester</li><li>Dog-food taster</li><li>Professional sleeper</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>Which of these Irish cultural icons was actually born in Ireland?</h3><ul><li>Bundee Aki </li><li>Liam MacCarthy </li><li>Sybil Connolly</li><li>Bono</li></ul></section><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h3>According to Dr Liwei Zhu, a lecturer in Chinese language and culture at TU Dublin, the Chinese word for “Ireland” can translate into English as…?</h3><ul><li>Love you, orchid </li><li>See you around, buttercup</li><li>Later, alligator </li><li>Kind regards, losers</li></ul></section></iframe></div>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"JQBSKPE67FBOLF2GTOTXGUMQZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741968750949},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2025/03/13/the-irish-times-st-patricks-day-quiz-2025-terms-conditions/\" target=\"_blank\">Full terms and conditions here</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Eoin Butler"}},"name":"Eoin Butler"}]},"description":{"basic":"If you think you’re an expert on all things Irish, you could be in with a chance to win a great prize"},"display_date":"2025-03-14T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"St Patrick’s Day Quiz 2025: 50 questions to test your Irishology","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"USV3S2VRGZGF3AVCNCA264VAG4","auth":{"1":"55006ddf4a3671b453a32061c1df4ddeefbb69f44b423cf6c2d403cdceba3638"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/USV3S2VRGZGF3AVCNCA264VAG4.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/2025/03/13/st-patricks-day-quiz-2025-50-questions-to-test-your-knowledge-of-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Life & Style"}}}},{"_id":"DYLQCXWRCJAQDL3A7QQGPIU7PI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":303,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/959e4e63-941a-435c-83be-d42585b86b42/versions/1741794093/media/5365bda088c08af25b746b93a2327a34_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/abroad/2025/03/13/an-irishman-abroad-ive-meditated-in-bosnian-mosques-thai-temples-and-ukrainian-orthodox-churches/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WGNERUH2CBDT7DP5FXUCYZPIGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909221},"content":"Buddhism was not a thing where I grew up. I barely knew any Protestants. There were three in my year at school. I didn’t dislike them, but I suppose I was keeping count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXMEJTFU2ZEXLOA25PQRLOF5EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909222},"content":"Who knows why eastern mysticism never took off in Ireland?","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7VSK45QQVCAJGDRM3BXHGAGXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909223},"content":"Perhaps we’re too begrudging as a people. Not letting go of things is a cornerstone of our culture. If we believed in reincarnation, we’d probably look at newborn babies and think, “I know that b*****d. Oh, we’ve been waiting for you ... <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/oliver-cromwell/\" target=\"_blank\">Oliver Cromwell</a>.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJVPF2AUIND7XDS5CCKWIW6DU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909224},"content":"I prayed well into my late teens, which is longer than is socially acceptable. My family weren’t devout Catholics. But I suffered from anxiety, so my mother suggested that prayer might help. It was the early 2000s in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kildare/\" target=\"_blank\">Kildare</a> and neither of us had any better ideas when it came to mental health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2L6LJGROYZD6TGIIWSEY3FGDOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909225},"content":"By the time I started university I’d abandoned the practice entirely. Paranormal superstition had been replaced by delirious binge drinking. I was not a wine drinker, but if I could have turned water into a six pack of Bavaria lager then I would have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNXTFQJWGVCMBCWFBUKUBIHM4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909226},"content":"I was 22 when I stumbled upon meditation. In my fourth year of college I was feeling pretty low again and the campus counselling service pointed me towards a mindfulness class. The ability to separate my body from the troubled thoughts that plagued me was a revelation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPZ2VGJBKVHYTCMZWUYJ2AMD7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909227},"content":"The effect was more soothing than I’d experienced with prayer. Meditation is about accepting things as they are without judgment, while prayer is the exact opposite. When we commune with God we usually have a laundry list of grievances we’d like him to sort out for us. A missing wedding ring, an exam result, a miracle cure. Praying to the Christian God is the spiritual equivalent of asking to speak to the manager. No wonder white people took to it so well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOAY2Y63LJDZ5K3DN7IPFLOBTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909228},"content":"Through a simple mindfulness exercise it’s possible to bring awareness to the present moment and liberate ourselves from toxic relationships with the past and future. It’s less about trying to change your situation than it is about stepping outside of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQ3KY6L7QFEO7IAS2QIV5XYUJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909229},"content":"My enthusiasm has ebbed and flowed over the years, but I try to keep up a regular routine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXX7U3K4I5BWVERQCHALKOPOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909230},"content":"Part of the fun is finding a quiet place to practice when I’m starting a new job or travelling abroad. I’ve meditated in Bosnian mosques, Thai temples and Ukrainian Orthodox churches. I’ve also had a go in my fair share of toilet cubicles. Overhearing the digestive movements of the bloke in the stall next to you makes enlightenment difficult, but not impossible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3OWIIAAUZDIVKWAG67ZTOXQQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909231},"content":"Different religious sects, health departments or mindfulness apps might insist you sit a certain way, recite a mantra, or even visualise a landscape or person. I’d be wary of anyone who claims to have found the “right” way to meditate. All you need to do, really, is slow down a little and notice what’s going on inside yourself. I find counting my inhales and exhales really helpful.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DGJFYN4ORDTPEYXJZ3ABUUV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909232},"content":"Body scans are great when I have the time. You can mix and match techniques to suit yourself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C73F6CAUSNFXHAYFMYTNOJEORE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909233},"content":"While the explosion in popularity of these practices is a good thing, I could do without my human resources department getting in on the act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWX4R6EUVBDMDNUP4L4DIZ5V6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909234},"content":"The movement has been co-opted and shoved down the throats of overworked employees in offices around the world. If corporations are genuinely interested in staff wellbeing, they should offer better pay, more holidays and meaningful work. Reminding us to breathe at our desks should not be a workplace perk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOG6FFEXBVFTDHU6EL2OBNMHZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909235},"content":"I dated a Buddhist for a few months. We met online, but happened to attend the same temple in East London. It was a curious experience to have a spiritual component to a romantic relationship.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KGIVZL7EWZHFZKUAVFUK2A7UTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909236},"content":"This was the norm in Ireland and Britain until fairly recently with many couples meeting at church or attending services together every week. Today, if someone you met on the internet suggested Mass as a first date, most people would run a mile (unless you were using dating app Christian Mingle).","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOZI4K3QQJBIZC4PRFPPO26Q2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909237},"content":"Our relationship didn’t work out; it ended quite badly, actually.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOKOAM3F3ZAUBC5C5RLP3WFPSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909238},"content":"Here’s the thing about mindfulness: it won’t solve all your problems – it’s not supposed to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TY3AHOZTWRDJTPTOZYBBGSRD7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909239},"content":"If your practice is consistent, you’ll hopefully enjoy some respite from the unnecessary suffering created by our overthinking minds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3T2VX5ZOVNFK5JESSVPQ3IIJSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909240},"content":"I can’t promise it will make your love life any easier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C237SQTVIVGAFJIXUKUMJLA3KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741814909241},"content":"I guess we’re all on our own there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRICGXEMTZGQHOAFXHDMYE2CQ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Peter Flanagan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Peter Flanagan: 'Reminding us to breathe at our desks should not be a workplace perk'"},"display_date":"2025-03-13T06:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Irishman abroad: ‘I’ve meditated in Bosnian mosques, Thai temples and Ukrainian Orthodox churches’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7XJLGQTHS5CKDPHGA2SXKQN75Y","auth":{"1":"b7f6cd1893599e0cf6d4309eb714d7ac5695e1134c0ca1c5c8694a4e727e3c43"},"focal_point":{"x":1354,"y":914},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7XJLGQTHS5CKDPHGA2SXKQN75Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/abroad/2025/03/13/an-irishman-abroad-ive-meditated-in-bosnian-mosques-thai-temples-and-ukrainian-orthodox-churches/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/abroad","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Abroad"}}}}],"count":3475,"_id":"29c99f460d902096552bac8286619475ad1269434637111d93a49759279dd350"},"expires":1742733089721,"lastModified":1742732789574},"{\"excludeSections\":\"/ireland\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/environment/climate-crisis\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"RSNVS65WGNAQ7NPSWKRGVRAH6A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":384,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a8b69d5e-1da6-4991-9607-02060dbda482/versions/1742307093/media/77a99b967928cda6a3b0c29ed4e03c76_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/environment/2025/03/22/matt-murphy-leaves-an-extraordinary-legacy-in-and-around-sherkin-island/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5YVYKAN2D5FS3AGO3QZTVL7RFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484285},"content":"When I last saw <a href=\"https://rip.ie/death-notice/matt-murphy-cork-sherkin-island-587530\" target=\"_self\">Matt Murphy</a>, on a warm summer’s evening two years ago, he handed me a stack of books for my children: nature diaries, colouring and guide books, seashore activity books, a beginner’s guide to life on the water’s edge and a book on Ireland’s wildflowers. This generous and thoughtful parting gift was characteristic of a man who always seized the chance to inspire and educate young people about the marvels of the natural world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB3LXRWAHJH45J36F5BTVHB2G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484286},"content":"Murphy, who died this month in his 90th year, lived a determined and visionary life as a conservationist and educator. His deep curiosity about the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nature\" target=\"_blank\">natural world</a> around his part of Ireland – Sherkin, a small, picturesque island off Baltimore in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cork/\" target=\"_self\">Cork</a> – led him and his wife, Eileen, to set up the Sherkin Island Marine Station in 1975. It became a gateway to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/biodiversity\" target=\"_blank\">biodiversity</a> for generations of young volunteers and scientists from around the globe to visit this small corner of Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LINAKMHBNBGWLNVRMV5BEFQIJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484287},"content":"In 2000, I travelled to Sherkin to make a radio programme about Matt and his research. Originally from Cork city, where he worked in Dunlop’s rubber factory, Matt first visited the island in June 1953 at the age of 18. Within days, he considered it his promised land and told an islander that he would buy a house and live there someday. By 1971, married to Eileen and raising five children (and with two more to follow), the Murphys had settled on 16 acres in the island’s northwest corner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76OHIL6M6BGPXLSKUHGG4OBNCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484288},"content":"Matt’s deep-rooted interest in the outdoors and nature didn’t stem from formal education – he had no degree or scientific background – but rather from an innate curiosity about what was out there: the otters on the shore, the crabs and marine organisms in the rocky pools, and the tiny, easily overlooked creatures in the water.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BE7XPF3TFBEVL3TYT6XKAZ32Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484289},"content":"It was occasional visits from scientists that opened Matt’s eyes to what was needed – a long-term commitment to systematically monitoring marine and terrestrial life, collecting vital data to understand environmental changes, and finding the best ways to preserve the island’s rich and increasingly threatened biodiversity. Following established protocols, volunteer researchers undertook surveys and collected specimens, all of which are now secured in the marine station.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H572REE2SNE3BN6QOQCSHPYSRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484290},"content":"In 1978, a red tide of harmful, potentially toxic algae appeared in the waters around Sherkin, prompting Matt in 1980 to establish an annual survey of phytoplankton algae, which became the longest and most extensive of its kind in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TX25E7YEUFEM3PP6NW4X6VOGYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484291},"content":"Phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, function like the forests of the oceans, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They’re the foundation of the marine food chain, feeding small animals that, in turn, sustain fish, whales and other sea life. Because phytoplankton are highly sensitive to environmental changes such as pollution and oxygen levels, tracking them over time provides critical insights into long-term ocean and climate trends, helping to shape evidence-based marine policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAHMYD57DRCQBGNIPLQEPGHEDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484292},"content":"Rebellious, defiant and dogged – to some, stubborn – Matt was never afraid to speak his mind. He was even willing to resign from prestigious posts on State boards if it meant drawing attention to what he considered critical issues: the need for increased funding for research on the natural world, and a stronger focus on creating marine-based job opportunities for coastal communities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GODFL7YMBHUPNMQ6ONIESY464","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484293},"content":"A shocking collapse: forests that once showed traces of insect life on every leaf often now appear ‘fumigated’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GCE3WEOSNBCY7I7KYAZ5UIZWI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484294},"content":"Feeling that some Irish academics didn’t take his work seriously enough, Matt may have been driven to forge strong and lasting relationship with researchers and scientists from beyond these shores. He organised seminars and conferences that attracted international experts, and his quarterly newsletter, Sherkin Comment, was ahead of its time in addressing issues such as nitrate pollution, the need to incentivise farmers to protect nature, environmental law, freshwater scarcity and overfishing. It always took an international perspective, bringing global stories with local relevance to his loyal readership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXGEJCNETRAJDO7AFE4VFVTMOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484295},"content":"In the winter of 2023, a trove of 35 years’ worth of phytoplankton records were published on a global digital biodiversity platform based in Denmark and Ireland’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-biodiversity-data-centre/\" target=\"_self\">National Biodiversity Data Centre</a> in Waterford. Making this invaluable data freely available was, as Matt described it at the time, “a dream come true”. It represents only a fraction of what was collected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QL7DQAAQB5EJ7AEFINIZUDPQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484296},"content":"‘It is like God saved you’: how Ukrainian war refugees found new lives and love on Sherkin Island","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N2JGCVACLBDWTIMJK7JLYMVALQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484297},"content":"Next to be published is the rocky shore survey data, covering 145 sites along the coast that were monitored between 1980 to 2014. In addition, the marine station holds more than 7,000 physical specimens from the terrestrial and seaweed herbarium and more than 3,000 fauna records, including beetles, butterflies and other insects.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TOET3IP4NASBEANZSQMHDHWOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484298},"content":"Matt’s beloved wife, Eileen, died in 1979 at just 37 years, leaving behind seven young children. Matt and Eileen’s time together on the island was brief – only six years – but, he told me, they built “an incredible life”. He kept Eileen’s memory alive by regularly speaking of her and the vital role she played in establishing the research station. Before he died, he reassured his children that all was okay: “I’m going to be with mum.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYTP4D3X5RFGPLUZ5RF7CPQU6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484299},"content":"On Sunday, March 9th, a red tractor pulled up outside St Mona’s Church on the island. On the trailer behind it lay a wooden coffin carrying Matt’s remains. In the packed church, with the President and Taoiseach’s aides-de-camp in attendance, symbols of his life’s work were placed on the altar, including a photo of the station’s volunteers (affectionally known as “bods”); a copy of one of his children’s books, for he was passionate about nature education; a quadrant used to record seashore life; and a bottle used to collect phytoplankton samples.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWKIVYKAYNFMXDCILS6FS7QTMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742402484300},"content":"In death, Matt Murphy leaves an extraordinary legacy: a rich and detailed record of the diversity of life in and around Sherkin Island.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ella McSweeney"}},"name":"Ella McSweeney"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ella McSweeney on a thoughtful man who lived a determined and visionary life as a conservationist and educator"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Matt Murphy leaves an extraordinary legacy in and around Sherkin Island","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CU7UMQ2RLJBJ3KV5NDY4HFD34A","auth":{"1":"23cd09e625086f6aeec1e65264662e23d689253b139100ace2c61a5037deab69"},"focal_point":{"x":635,"y":875},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CU7UMQ2RLJBJ3KV5NDY4HFD34A.jpeg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Environment"},{"name":"Climate Crisis"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/environment/2025/03/22/matt-murphy-leaves-an-extraordinary-legacy-in-and-around-sherkin-island/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/environment","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Environment"}}}},{"_id":"JA63GLPMNVHAFESSIM6OHORXUE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":236,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d744ed70-2e2a-477c-8718-535fdc55e96b/versions/1742541486/media/85e9bda97f27df679fbf95bf8c511968_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/21/glacier-meltdown-risks-food-and-water-supply-of-2bn-people-says-un/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FEGEZ47LRFBHDDHC2BS5PZ4E6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\">Retreating glaciers</a> threaten the food and water supply of two billion people around the world, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-nations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-nations\">UN</a> has warned, as current “unprecedented” rates of melting will have unpredictable consequences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75LP4ZQQBRDLXFZ46M5N275A4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two-thirds of all irrigated agriculture in the world is likely to be affected in some way by receding glaciers and dwindling snowfall in mountain regions, driven by the climate crisis, according to a Unesco report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WC2JG3VSU5GELPST7HHCOUBMVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than one billion people live in mountainous regions and, of those in developing countries, up to half are already experiencing food insecurity. That is likely to worsen, as food production in such regions is dependent on mountain waters, melting snow and glaciers, according to the World Water Development Report 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"534HUQ633JHWNI7ECLT42B5UEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Developed countries are also at risk: in the US, for example, the Colorado River basin has been in drought since 2000, and higher temperatures mean more of the precipitation is falling as rain, which runs off more quickly than mountain snow, exacerbating drought conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEGYKCI4RJCZDMGRXKUMGMDX5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Audrey Azoulay, the director general of Unesco, said: “Regardless of where we live, we all depend in some way on mountains and glaciers. But these natural water towers are facing imminent peril. This report demonstrates the urgent need for action.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B43WQCPOCNCYZLNDVJOUHSOOM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The rate of change of glaciers is the worst on record, according to separate research from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/world-meteorological-organisation/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/world-meteorological-organisation/\">World Meteorological Organisation</a>, which published its annual State of the Climate report this week. The largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record occurred in the past three years, the study found, with Norway, Sweden, Svalbard and the tropical Andes among the worst-affected areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSRZ3J5F5BDWZJS5C3QS5YPYUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Eastern Africa has lost 80 per cent of its glaciers in places and, in the Andes, between a third and a half of glaciers have melted since 1998. Glaciers in the Alps and the Pyrenees, the worst affected in Europe, have shrunk by about 40 per cent over roughly the same period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDGXDXANNNAAXMV5UGDHC6477Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The decline of glaciers has had a further impact, added Abou Amani, director of water sciences at Unesco, in that the loss of ice replaces a reflective surface with dark soil that absorbs heat. “Glaciers melting have an impact on the reflectivity of [solar] radiation and that will impact the whole climate system,” he warned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLLYVR4CLJGODMKVR6LTQREUGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"More avalanches will also result, as rain falling on snow is a major factor behind avalanche formation. Pooling water from melting glaciers can also be released, causing sudden floods in valleys or to people living further down the slopes. Permafrost is also melting, releasing methane from the mountain soils that melting glaciers are uncovering.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLAFYQG7XJA27BJWWEAYIEGYQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A previous study, published last month in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, found that half of global glacier mass would be lost by the end of the century, if global heating was not halted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPNMDDWZWRGQPIXQSQDMYNSNK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alex Brisbourne, a glacier geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “Mountain glaciers contain some of the largest freshwater reservoirs on Earth. Meltwater released in the summer provides the water supply to a billion people and sustains an enormous amount of industry and agriculture. The impact [of such melting] will be felt way beyond those immediately downstream of the glaciers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYX3SRGHCRGVLB4DAIJWEIMDDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"These impacts are coming at a time when many food sources are already under strain. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PI2NE3URY5FHJA2ECQ47JQ3XPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development and chair of UN-Water, called for more support for people who live in afflicted mountain regions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5HJPTXZIJCZNBSBRVIUUHPVO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Water flows downhill, but food insecurity rises uphill. Mountains provide 60 per cent of our freshwater, but the communities that safeguard these vital resources are among the most food insecure,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LJOOSPVYRF43EWJT7T6QFXY3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We must invest in their resilience to protect glaciers, rivers, and a shared future for all of us.” – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Fiona Harvey"}]},"description":{"basic":"Unesco report highlights ‘unprecedented’ glacier loss driven by climate crisis"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T07:17:36.326Z","headlines":{"basic":"Glacier meltdown risks food and water supply of 2bn people, says UN","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"R6XL7HKNDDN4FBYETRQVTVXZR4","auth":{"1":"c4c9115802dfd0fe7e758fb451fde78df13338221a569708179ebd43b543f041"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/R6XL7HKNDDN4FBYETRQVTVXZR4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Climate Crisis"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Environment"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/21/glacier-meltdown-risks-food-and-water-supply-of-2bn-people-says-un/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/environment/climate-crisis","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Climate Crisis"}}}},{"_id":"UDI5OAMP3RB3DHFQ7CL5YPBCJE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":229,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/08177d38-ec63-495a-9c2a-9f57ee1eef47/versions/1742486467/media/9dc52f4a34dd346e33b3a069a1168d13_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/20/winter-flood-and-storm-damage-may-worsen-due-to-atlantic-wind-system-changes-scientists-warn/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DHVWQL3EJNE3PGDVSRK727532I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164564},"content":"A change in the natural wind system over the Atlantic Ocean due to worsening <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\" target=\"_blank\">climate change</a> could lead to increasingly severe winter <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/floods/\" target=\"_blank\">flooding</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm/\" target=\"_blank\">storm</a> damage in northwestern Europe, scientists have said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XECBJ3FCERBIRCLLC2GJ322HEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164565},"content":"They found changes to the “<a href=\"https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/seasonal-to-decadal/gpc-outlooks/ens-mean/nao-description\" target=\"_blank\">North Atlantic oscillation</a>” (NAO) could increase the frequency of cold snaps, floods and storms, and believe the threat is being underestimated due to limitations in current climate models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUL3R2TNBBHLHNCG4YEBVNDDLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164566},"content":"The study, led by climate scientists at UK Met Office, concludes that changes to NAO – which normally provides a temporary cooling and warming over this part of the world – may have been underestimated and the region is not sufficiently prepared for future impacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CU5K5SNYGVFLRM5UDC2FNRYA7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164567},"content":"The NAO is described as “a large-scale atmospheric pressure see-saw” and is a key driver of winter weather patterns in Ireland, the UK, western Europe and the eastern US. It is measured by the gradient between high pressure over the Azores and low pressure over Iceland and controls the strength of the prevailing winds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IC5ARG72AZCGLOCE3COVBKHWVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164568},"content":"This NAO is different from the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc), an ocean current that is weakening amid concerns it will collapse and give Ireland a much harsher climate due to global warming.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYMUW3ZOKRAJVFR5N7YYGBWILU","additional_properties":{"_id":"PQLMJTYV7BEH3OGIYXUCD6MVMM"},"content":"Eamon Ryan: If warnings about Atlantic ocean circulation are correct, Irish people could become climate migrants","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XDLH4YSRA5FXREIHPPAQ75M3HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164570},"content":"The Amoc is a marine conveyor belt that carries heat, carbon and nutrients from the tropics towards the Arctic Circle, where it cools and sinks into the deep ocean. This churning helps to distribute energy around Earth and modulates the impact of human-caused global heating.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCPNYYOESJCQPNIDUDPBDAB2KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164571},"content":"Irish climatologist Prof John Sweeney said the oscillation is in effect a measure of “westerliness” in terms of wind patterns affecting Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OH6JYA6X75CQDHEZK5KJOPQO54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164569},"content":"Amoc: Atlantic Ocean current that gives Ireland benign climate ‘may not collapse this century’, study finds","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"USRAALAM6JFBHIIECPC4IK4E6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164572},"content":"The normal pattern is cyclical, where the wind system varies throughout the year. It is greatly influenced, he said, by the natural warming phenomenon known as the El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, which has a major influence on global weather.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKEKUWJFBJF7DMXRQQVMEXCO24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164573},"content":"But in the event of global warming, changes to the oscillation are inevitable. “They are to be expected if the warmth of the ocean [including the Atlantic] increases,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOEEYM2WYBGZFO5E3U3QM5UP34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164574},"content":"‘This keeps me awake at night’: How will Ireland’s climate worsen over the next 20 years?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"T24632XKF5FGZFHPAIMZELJLTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164575},"content":"Errors in current models predicting climate scenarios have led to uncertainty in predictions of the NAO’s future behaviour, the scientists conclude.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYT73HL3DVA43MHCAQ2RQFETVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164576},"content":"“Taking account of these errors reveals that the NAO could be disastrous for this part of the world, which is seriously underprepared,” they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJ4ZLWHQLRER7GGM76662E2AB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164577},"content":"The study raises concern about how water vapour in the atmosphere is represented, leading to uncertainty in predictions of the NAO’s future behaviour. Taking account of these limitations “reveals a substantial response of the NAO to a combination of volcanic eruptions and greenhouse gases” due to climate change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JM4GY7UAMVFS5B7NIYO2ONRC6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164578},"content":"The findings indicate under a scenario of very high concentrations of greenhouse gases by 2100, the NAO will increase to levels never before seen, posing severe risks from extreme weather, notably flooding and storm damage. However, they say these impacts could be countered through efforts to reduce carbon emissions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5LQDPN5GVD5LLBCJIZKBTXZUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164579},"content":"“These findings have major implications for understanding and preparing for extreme weather events. Our study suggests that taking model projections at face value could leave society unprepared for impending extremes,” said the study’s lead author Dr Doug Smith.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGHFPAIYQNDL5MMMIRL5M5GKBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164580},"content":"“Mitigation efforts [cutting emissions] are crucial to prevent the severe impacts associated with an unprecedented increase in the NAO,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSUIPHL44VDFHJD3XIULU7EDWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742487164581},"content":"The study highlights the need for improved climate models to better predict future changes “in the regional climate”.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Changes to North Atlantic oscillation could increase frequency of cold snaps, floods and storms, says study"},"display_date":"2025-03-20T15:55:55.023Z","headlines":{"basic":"Winter flood and storm damage may worsen due to Atlantic wind system changes, scientists warn","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VMYPYDAOEZGE3KJPU6ZPU6A4FI","auth":{"1":"ca5463281c388c559fb79a0833cc6719ac3c1726e27a51b8367ba10e8420f2af"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VMYPYDAOEZGE3KJPU6ZPU6A4FI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Climate Crisis"},{"name":"Environment"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/20/winter-flood-and-storm-damage-may-worsen-due-to-atlantic-wind-system-changes-scientists-warn/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/environment/climate-crisis","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Climate Crisis"}}}},{"_id":"5423FQHHVNHEBHKTZ24U5MSAGE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":206,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1ec889da-ba9d-4ed8-87da-93fd7849fcaf/versions/1742322425/media/709b89f586d45d9cdd9fd4d5b2105884_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/19/ireland-must-scale-up-preparations-for-extreme-weather-events-climate-council-warns/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IEHXSPGBUVDVDGF6SH522EAECE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122206},"content":"Despite repeated warnings, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm-eowyn/\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Éowyn</a> has shown up Ireland’s lack of adequate investment in making the country capable of withstanding extreme <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/weather-events/\" target=\"_blank\">weather events</a>, according to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change-advisory-council/\" target=\"_blank\">Climate Change Advisory Council</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJYYT4WRINDC7CESHMA5MGTDKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122207},"content":"Failure to put structures and resources in place “will increasingly expose people and communities to the destructive effects of extreme weather events; magnifying future costs and risks to society”, the council says in its latest report on adapting to inevitable climate impacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVGDZRPH7NDJDKQIBDTYCGZ4G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122208},"content":"The expert group, which advises the Government on how best to respond to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\" target=\"_blank\">climate crisis</a>, says investment must be scaled up immediately because Ireland needs to be “much better prepared for the next major weather event”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BI2A6FQQBDMJMI7LCQDCTP23Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122209},"content":"This should include “improved monitoring of climate events and their impacts required to radically improve preparedness for and our ability to respond to rapidly emerging extreme weather events”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MC5CPHTXEZBP3MV4EIO46RYM7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122210},"content":"The report, published on Wednesday, calls for a “national climate damage register” to monitor and record the economic, social and environmental impacts of extreme weather events.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EA6JII23WZG4DLDFL6FZF6IMVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122211},"content":"Prof Peter Thorne, chair of the council’s adaptation committee, said that if “we do not put the structures and resources in place we will increasingly expose people and communities to the destructive effects of extreme weather events, magnifying future costs and risks to society”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAYC2UC6DFFRJCPBEXCFPC352Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122212},"content":"The report focuses on Ireland’s changing climate and extreme weather events during 2024, but also sets out how the inadequate critical infrastructure exposed by Storm Darragh in December, and more recently by Storm Éowyn in January, amplifies “the council’s calls over many years to accelerate investment and action on climate adaptation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RUBGRNRQZAZLED7BR7YUAWSAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122213},"content":"It adds: “The fingerprints of climate change are increasingly evident in the intensifying magnitude and frequency of certain extreme events [in Ireland], particularly heavy rainfall and heatwaves”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKOFF7HFGZDZLLLBAN53YCLXHM","additional_properties":{"_id":"6CJBYDBYVRG2TMUPHAUJHC5EQQ"},"content":"€5.2m in humanitarian payments after Storm Éowyn exceeds annual totals since at least 2017","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6W4RONKZFRBLLB4NSEJIWIMRYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122214},"content":"Last year was the warmest year globally ever, and the fourth warmest year in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TSBWTCJ7RERLDW2RZNZ3C64GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122215},"content":"The report details the disruption and impact for people, places and nature in Ireland caused by Storms Isha, Bert and Darragh, which brought strong winds, high rainfall and extensive flood damage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LOH4PREKNDHHPYKV3LDO32VN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122216},"content":"Éowyn set an all-time record with sustained hurricane-force winds of 142km/h and gusts of 184km/h. This resulted in 768,000 premises without power, more than 200,000 without water, a million telecom customers without broadband or phone coverage and widespread agricultural damage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WL3MH25EXZF6HDMVXW3UKAFIJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122217},"content":"“The time to act is now. Government cannot procrastinate any longer,” Prof Thorne said. “Proactive action can and must improve our preparedness for and response to rapidly emerging climate risks, to protect and support people and future-proof our communities. This must be underpinned by robust climate data and services.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2ZHFQMJIRBUZOWTECGCYH2GDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742321122218},"content":"He added: “The council has highlighted the inadequacy of Ireland’s approach to address our changing climate over many years ... we have consistently called for investment and legislation to address the vulnerability and lack of resilience within our critical infrastructure and services in coping with extreme climate events.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"‘If we do not put structures and resources in place, communities will be increasingly exposed,’ Climate Change Advisory Council chair says"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland must scale up preparations for extreme weather events, climate council warns","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MYE7CPFGMBETZC53JBWJYACXK4","auth":{"1":"1ee5c60dfc4cf82382010a1ba555daa18fbc2824c63fab600c44c45b973a2180"},"focal_point":{"x":642,"y":319},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MYE7CPFGMBETZC53JBWJYACXK4.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Climate Crisis"},{"name":"Environment"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/19/ireland-must-scale-up-preparations-for-extreme-weather-events-climate-council-warns/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/environment/climate-crisis","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Climate Crisis"}}}},{"_id":"TGA3EAJ35JDC3L6VRTBLDNTPDU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":288,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1bc03cf6-a62c-4cf9-a867-137e4791d5e5/versions/1742316471/media/9f2e2a7cf4e05a36456391dca43093f3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/environment/climate-crisis/2025/03/19/earth-saw-spiralling-weather-and-climate-impacts-in-2024-wmo-report-finds/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EY5BWXTQRBG2BP7YL376SGTNLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876322},"content":"Spiralling weather impacts were experienced across the planet in 2024 leading to “massive economic and social upheavals from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/weather-events/\" target=\"_blank\">extreme weather</a>”, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/world-meteorological-organisation/\" target=\"_blank\">World Meteorological Organisation</a> (WMO) has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXXOMTFIGRD47GSLIKMT4475IY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876323},"content":"In its annual review of the global climate published on Wednesday, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/united-nations-un/\" target=\"_blank\">UN</a> agency said “clear signs of human-induced <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\">climate change</a> reached new heights in 2024″, with some consequences “irreversible over hundreds, if not thousands of years”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKZ4GFX46RC4LK6CA3AQKTWRJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876324},"content":"Last year was likely to be the first with average temperatures of more than 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial era, with a global “mean near-surface temperature” of 1.55 degrees above the 1850-1900 average – the warmest year in 175 years of observations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSUDLJ4U2VEA5GONEA64RK2SQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The report details a trail of destruction from extreme weather (tropical cyclones, floods, droughts and other hazards) that took lives, demolished buildings and ravaged vital crops. More than 800,000 people were displaced and made homeless – the highest yearly number since records began in 2008. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJZBK5HQBJAQZMDFXJ3H43AP5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The report lists <a href=\"https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5cb119c71c6c4f8a89b837bf5cf353b8\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5cb119c71c6c4f8a89b837bf5cf353b8\">151 unprecedented extreme weather events</a> in 2024, meaning they were worse than any ever recorded. Previous research determining the role of the climate crisis in what are now unnatural disasters has shown that at least <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/18/climate-crisis-to-blame-for-dozens-of-impossible-heatwaves-studies-reveal\" rel=\"\">550 heatwaves, floods, storms</a>, droughts and wildfires had been made significantly more severe or more frequent by global heating.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6RKBZXOGRCGVFGQMWZHFGODSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876325},"content":"It is still possible to keep global average temperatures to within 1.5 degrees, the WMO says, while that critical target under the Paris Agreement to limit the worst climate impacts – measured over several decades – has not been exceeded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETZVSG5UVFHHRBT5ZEEYQ4LLNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876326},"content":"The report, however, shows atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, which fuels warming, are at the highest levels in the past 800,000 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSJZ7EYNX5GF5JLESR6TIDRIAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876327},"content":"Globally, each of the past 10 years were individually the 10 warmest years on record while each of the past eight years has set a new record for ocean heat content. Ireland had its fourth warmest year on record.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATOT7U7DDBA77EKEIMRBVS6LJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876328},"content":"The 18 lowest “Arctic sea-ice extents” on record were all in the past 18 years, while the three lowest Antarctic ice extents were in the past three years. The largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record occurred in the past three years, the report said, coinciding with the rate of sea-level rise doubling since satellite measurements began.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KVMLS5SDNBYBBYGVMOU4RYQJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876329},"content":"Of key global climate indicators, ocean warming and sea-level rise are accelerating.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBVUSI33NRCBFKCR2UTWSGFPNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876330},"content":"Hottest year on record as 2024 breaks 1.5 degrees global warming limit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TPLWNSIXOVF5DPMF2N2M5JL66E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876331},"content":"“Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen – seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies – with new national climate plans due this year,” said UN secretary general António Guterres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5DMNRPBTVG5HHFCMQR4LPITJE","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"XLP63L6PPBH7ZFT6DOENUZ52P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876333},"content":"“While a single year above 1.5 degrees of warming does not indicate long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and to the planet,” said WMO secretary general Celeste Saulo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHAXYVWWMFAKVJ7J6HVAZLACGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876334},"content":"Record temperatures of 2023, which were in turn broken in 2024, were mainly due to an ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with a shift from a natural cooling La Niña to a warming El Niño event in the Pacific.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGNEYBSUBFHGTHEHH7DW3EMDEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876335},"content":"Other factors may have contributed to unexpectedly unusual temperature jumps, “including changes in the solar cycle, a massive volcanic eruption and a decrease in cooling aerosols”. Temperatures, however, are just a small part of a bigger picture, the report adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNFOSV34ORCGTI3KB5VRNIQDEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876336},"content":"“Our oceans continued to warm, and sea levels continued to rise. The frozen parts of Earth’s surface, known as the cryosphere, are melting at an alarming rate: glaciers continue to retreat and Antarctic sea ice reached its second-lowest extent ever recorded. Meanwhile, extreme weather continues to have devastating consequences around the world,” Prof Saulo said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKT3Y35J3NCMNIF3HU6EYBLZ24","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876337},"content":"“In response, [the] WMO and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services to help decision-makers and society at large be more resilient to extreme weather and climate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WOJENBS7VHTDI2X32EJQZF5GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876339},"content":"Ireland must press on with climate action - and not just because of the fines if we don’t","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MQNDEB6W6JEELAFNKNFRRF2BS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876340},"content":"“We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster. Only half of all countries worldwide have adequate early warning systems,” Prof Saulo said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG5742EEC5AI3K43ONSKYSMW74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742334876341},"content":"Investment in weather, water and climate services is more important than ever to meet challenges and build more resilient communities, she added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5HOLOLMZRFITIIHSUQJBMRZUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"WMO experts are examining longer-term warming trends to ensure reliable tracking of temperature changes. “Regardless of methodology used, every fraction of a degree of warming matters and increases risks and costs to society,” Prof Saulo said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMNELKKDLNAJTLI3WSQCQ3YFSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Luke Parsons, of the Nature Conservancy, said: “Every year, we venture further into uncharted territory, with 2024 the hottest year modern human society has ever experienced. Yet the coming decade is expected to be even hotter, pushing us deeper into this unprecedented climate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFXYFLFQ2RCGBHJJBRVTDQQDQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dr Brenda Ekwurzel, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, condemned the Trump administration’s deletion of online climate information. “Attempts to <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/04/trump-climate-change-federal-websites\" rel=\"\">hide climate science</a> from the public will not stop us from feeling the dire impacts of climate change,” she said. “This report underscores the urgency of world leaders meeting the moment, not slashing environmental protections and federal disaster aid, <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/12/epa-trump-climate-rules\" rel=\"\">sacrificing public health</a> for the fossil fuel industry’s private profit, and gutting agencies that help form the scientific underpinnings of our global climate knowledge.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BV6FYQFUMRAZXJ4WAVFQOPT5II","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Global warming continues unabated, exactly as predicted correctly since the 1980s, [and] millions of people are increasingly suffering the consequences,” said Prof Stefan Rahmstorf, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate in Germany. “We can only stop the warming trend by getting out of fossil fuels fast.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"263ZB5ZIABBLJNZGLQFLULLYJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Global warming continues unabated, exactly as predicted correctly since the 1980s, [and] millions of people are increasingly suffering the consequences,” said Prof Stefan Rahmstorf, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate in Germany. “We can only stop the warming trend by getting out of fossil fuels fast.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCT775HG2JDLVG4BEW7OKCIJAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We have <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/20/down-to-earth-ipcc-emissions\" rel=\"\">the solutions</a> – but what stops us is the disinformation campaigns and lobby power of the fossil fuel industry,” he added. “Ignoring reality, denying the laws of physics and silencing scientists can only lead to harm, and ordinary people will pay the price for that.” – Additional reporting Guardian","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6OPRF2C2BGF5FGSZXY2QVLGG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Some consequences will be ‘irreversible over hundreds, if not thousands of years’, says UN agency"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T00:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Earth saw ‘spiralling weather and climate impacts’ in 2024, WMO report 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busiest airport for the day, stranding thousands of passengers and causing travel turmoil worldwide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ECFGGBOW5HFNN5G73HNI2U73E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow said its teams had worked tirelessly to reopen the airport after it was forced to close when a fire engulfed a substation near the airport facility on Thursday night, with travellers told to stay away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RUAJIO3NJBWLKA2DLC5AIJIHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The airport, the world’s fifth-busiest, had been due to handle 1,351 flights on Friday, flying up to 291,000 passengers, but planes were diverted to other airports in Britain and across Europe, while many long-haul flights returned to their point of departure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOIXHMXAFJDNJJ5JC3TQZAYMJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow said there would be a limited number of flights on Friday, mostly focused on relocating aircraft and bringing planes into London.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W53KXPQ7AJHH7CEJEW6FAFZV64","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Tomorrow [Saturday] morning, we expect to be back in full operation, to 100 per cent operation as a normal day,” said Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye. “What I’d like to do is to apologise to the many people who have had their travel affected ...we are very sorry about all the inconvenience.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4EDDS2A2RDD5AGKC2WQ67CVRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Police said that while there was no indication of foul play, counter-terrorism officers were leading the inquiries, given their capabilities and the critical nature of the infrastructure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMC4EUH2U5ELDMO7F7KUO5XFNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow airport closure: How are Irish passengers affected?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TN5KMXYBPNF2HKDZREPX7AEDPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The closure not only caused misery for travellers but provoked anger from airlines, which questioned how such crucial infrastructure could fail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XW72YUQJLFAYPOETBJCTYOYSOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The industry faces the prospect of a financial hit costing tens of millions of pounds, and a likely fight over who should pay. “You would think they would have significant back-up power,” said one top executive from a European airline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U45LSLLTJFAURANKHVYOUMJI3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Woldbye said back-up systems and procedures had worked as they should.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2PSXBJU3BFGONAPWQDQRO2N4IM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This [power supply] is a bit of a weak point,” he told reporters outside the airport. “But of course contingencies of certain sizes we cannot guard ourselves against 100 per cent and this is one of them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBUDKRG45ZFTBD7VS6QPR5I5RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow cancellations Q&A: what are my rights and options and how do I claim?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MSBKUSJNW5CFFFXRTOFY57CIRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Asked who would pay, he said there were “procedures in place”, adding “we don’t have liabilities in place for incidents like this”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDCJQ2DONJFG3MNDRC4GK22UME","additional_properties":{},"content":"British transport minister Heidi Alexander said the incident had been out of Heathrow’s control.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5C22MYZE5HJ7LCZ2KI45VLECA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“They have stood up their resilience plans very swiftly and have been working in close collaboration with all the emergency responders and the airline operators,” she told reporters. “There are no suggestions at the moment of foul play, but you will appreciate the investigation keeps an open mind.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DF7UOSM6W5GYJEELV27BIESF3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Airlines including JetBlue, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air India, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, United Airlines, IAG-owned British Airways and Virgin were diverted or returned to their origin airports in the middle of the night, according to data from flight analytics firm Cirium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFZ6ETU23NAIVMTR6KBCL7EPD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"All 34 scheduled flights between Heathrow and Ireland – 17 inbound and 17 outbound – were cancelled on Friday, but Aer Lingus said it planned to run a full schedule on Saturday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MBUXGNESJBDZ7LSE6DWD5WXJIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aviation experts said the last time European airports experienced disruption on such a large scale was the 2010 Icelandic volcanic ash cloud that grounded some 100,000 flights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2ZNHJPEHRBSVNK6K5MFWS2UM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While flights are restarting, it was set to be some time before all scheduled passenger services returned to normal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2APYM4IZVFR5OJMKFSN27WVDE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We have flight and cabin crew colleagues and planes that are currently at locations where we weren’t planning on them to be,” said Sean Doyle, chief executive of British Airways, the biggest carrier at Heathrow which had 341 flights scheduled to land there on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24URUKLKFVHM7HYRE57OEBMI6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Unfortunately, it will have a huge impact on all of our customers flying with us over the coming days.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKBSCZFQANAXHOIRKQWFIBQQX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow airport closed: Are you a passenger affected by the disruption?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"55AIUH5TBBEOXPYCRDLHNF7FBM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The fire brigade said the cause of the fire was not known, but that 25,000 litres of cooling oil in the substation’s transformer had caught fire. By morning the transformer could be seen smouldering, doused in white firefighting foam.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTSJN2AYPFC4VJUBZFX5SMPGFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Passengers stranded in London and facing the prospect of days of disruptions were scrambling to make alternate travel arrangements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37CRJ4XMQZHAHK75RWJCWNH7JI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It’s pretty stressful,” said Robyn Autry (39), a professor, who had been due to fly home to New York. “I’m worried about how much is it going to cost me to fix this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OVXYQO3RZDT5OOG3YPR5FZIP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Prices at hotels around Heathrow jumped, with booking sites offering rooms for £500 (€600), roughly five times the normal price levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUYTTRK4JVAU3EVIBMX6XQ7T4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Airline executives, electrical engineers and passengers questioned how Britain’s gateway to the world could be forced to close by one fire, however large.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCVZ746ZWFC6TAR7HPXFKXU634","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow, and London’s other major airports, have been hit by other outages in recent years, most recently by an automated gate failure and an air traffic system meltdown, both in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY3IHTETGZB4RAW3MQVX7DZSVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Philip Ingram, a former intelligence officer in the British military, said Heathrow’s inability to keep operating exposed vulnerability in Britain’s critical national infrastructure. “It is a wake-up call,” he said. “There is no way that Heathrow should be taken out completely because of a failure in one power substation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNG5L72FWRACHE5GTMOSBAL26M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Willie Walsh, the head of the global airlines body Iata and a former head of British Airways, said Heathrow had once again let passengers down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2GRB3BGPBEJHLUD6EZBALS7TQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow said it had diesel generators and uninterruptible power supplies in place to land aircraft and evacuate passengers safely. Those systems all operated as expected. But with the airport consuming as much energy as a small city, it said it could not run all its operations safely on back-up systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQ4ZM67ANFAXFNATGX54EHGASA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Prime minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman said there were questions to answer about how the incident occurred and there would be a thorough investigation. − Reuters","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7RU433Z3FF67NKWY4LORVTLOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Flights in many countries diverted after power outage forces closure of Europe’s biggest airport"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T19:14:42.349Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heathrow restarts flights after closure causes global travel turmoil","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CCXNCW6LBLUVCT3RU4SMD45PGA","auth":{"1":"ecc70c8031246b53a6d4fbada502d072c6233c0e2e5bf7618a8f72f1f524e04c"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CCXNCW6LBLUVCT3RU4SMD45PGA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"UK"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closure-latest-updates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/uk","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"UK"}}}},{"_id":"TNDCSNLHAZD5LJXTYHLLAMQVLQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":301,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9701f972-98d0-4a2d-88c0-68adbbe2f4c3/versions/1742587622/media/b4ed3aef95e6b38110e1cde92a74bae0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-to-reopen-with-some-flights-to-resume-this-evening/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZFSBBXJHIBARHBYXCAWALLW2V4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\">London Heathrow</a> is to reopen after power was restored on Friday evening, with some flights expected to resume from 7pm tonight and a full timetable of flights due to operate tomorrow. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAPMRPJSBVCBRML6CHKU73G2OA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We will now work with the airlines on repatriating the passengers who were diverted to other airports in Europe. We hope to run a full operation tomorrow and will provide further information shortly,” the airport said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW57DXMHEZH7JIKJEPKLM7KJHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"No flights to or from Ireland will go ahead on Friday evening, with Aer Lingus saying it is planning to run all flights as scheduled on Saturday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6NRSAJP2RG7NDVSM3TKVSIXWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier, the travel plans of thousands of passengers were thrown into chaos following the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\"> effective shutdown of one of the world’s busiest airports</a> as a result of a fire nearby overnight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVCFUNWVLFAMZEZCFW5NVOJFIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there was no suspicion of foul play with the substation fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UKXTAFGNJEKXEFAPENPSGOKHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"London Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the blaze was “as big as it gets for our airport” and that “we cannot guard ourselves 100 per cent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAEK4XMMQBAFPB3A4JLWUYT37A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Metropolitan Police confirmed the fire is believed to be non-suspicious with its investigation focusing on the electrical distribution equipment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEM5QWENAVGNBKKTPTLZTMWURI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Woldbye said that a back-up transformer failed meaning systems had to be closed down in accordance with safety procedures so that power supplies could be restructured from two remaining substations to restore electricity enough to power what is described as a “mid-sized city”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOAPJRDMKJA6BKGOWNUZKBEO3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"All flights between Dublin and Heathrow were cancelled on Friday, a total of 34 flights – 17 inbound and 17 outbound. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UH57DDCL3BHSJK3ERTV4BT55XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Further disruption to flights between Dublin and Heathrow over the coming days was also possible, Dublin Airport said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOPXLRL455F2RJIRJ4CTGMBWS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"All flights between Heathrow and Cork, Knock and Shannon airports on Friday were also cancelled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNENKB6TFJASBLPWVNSUWBZ5BU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Online flight tracking service Flightradar24 said more than 1,300 flights were disrupted by the closure, with 120 flights to the airport in the air when the closure was announced. A number of airports across the UK and Ireland have helped facilitate diversions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNLHPBRYJFDKXBTMR6LJLIKPR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Shannon Airport said on Friday it had facilitated diverted flights originally scheduled to land at Heathrow, including flights from Toronto, Atlanta, Bridgetown Barbados, Boston, Orlando and Newark. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHWKQYCFGJGLTPOXNVXEOHG7EE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow cancellations Q&A: what are my rights and options and how do I claim?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WS5WOR5BU5CHDA3IMKGHSF5JOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Passengers looking for updates regarding specific flights or to re-book or change flight are advised to contact their airline directly by phone or online, a spokesman for Dublin Airport said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5I7455WIARHPFDXV6ZJS7RTTIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aer Lingus said all its services to and from London Heathrow on Friday were cancelled. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLYKL5VPRBFFLNVKA2HVKKJJPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In total 38 Aer Lingus Heathrow services from and to Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Ireland West Airports have been cancelled today. Our operations teams are in close contact with London Heathrow, and we will resume our schedule to and from London Heathrow as soon as it is possible,” the Aer Lingus spokeswoman said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34QV72UOCVATJKVQKDEE7SBK5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"British Airways, which also operates flights between Dublin and Heathrow, advised passengers travelling from Heathrow “not to travel to Heathrow airport, but to check on ba.com for the latest flight information”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNOVKZNCCVHQLGZKGFQ6NLASMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Friday afternoon it said only customers booked on long haul flights to Johannesburg, Singapore, Riyadh, Cape Town, Sydney via Singapore and Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro should travel to Heathrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKQL3YF3DJFBTE7UBWVE3DEYMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ryanair does not operate flights between Irish airports and Heathrow. However, it announced shortly before 9am that it was operating eight “rescue flights for passengers affected by the Heathrow closure” between Dublin and Stansted airport. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAOL6BXHFJENJGEGB2O4ABV6ME","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVQRMYUMINFO7HTGCL64ZO3RTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"While passengers who have been caught up in the chaos have clear rights under EU law, they are unlikely to be entitled to compensation given the cancellations are beyond the control of the airlines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSLDDBID2ZBXTOSW5OM6H6ZGYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under EU Regulation 261, airlines must offer passengers whose flights have been cancelled a refund or a rerouting on the next available flight or at a later time of your choosing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYYUT3637NFQXPULP2J3M6JIOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"If passengers ask for a refund, the airline’s responsibility ends immediately. If they ask to be put on the next available flight, then the airline must provide care and assistance until they can be accommodated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKO4R7FKLJH5FCJMQTWD43IOA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dublin man Ed Donlon (34) had to pay for another flight and a night’s accommodation after his flight home from Heathrow with Aer Lingus on Friday night was cancelled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIYFTUZCKBF5RB5SQD7IVKNPJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The airline had rebooked him on to a flight home on Sunday, “but I can’t really keep staying in the UK for no reason until Sunday,” Mr Donlon said, and so he chose to fly from Gatwick on Saturday instead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z76T67FARDJPDH2LMLB7Y5ERY","additional_properties":{},"content":"His new flight cost £170, and his extra night’s accommodation is £60. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJD7RFSLLNFFPATQ7TH2QWR3QA","additional_properties":{},"content":" Additional reporting: PA ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGLGJYOWTJHV7JO34CAI7FT4XQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are you affected by the airport closure? Tell us your story","type":"header"},{"_id":"3HJPJRLBTZES3L7ODQEKCWVCPY","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"4ce95bdf-959d-4503-8b46-0c9d2a9f1809\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"L2REWCPNIBEANKKQO6CFVI56GI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Niamh Towey"}},"name":"Niamh Towey"}]},"description":{"basic":"Compensation for those whose flights were cancelled may not be available due to event outside airlines' control"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T16:50:29.776Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heathrow airport to reopen with some flights to resume this evening","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WKU6ACWUJ3XLAUNAHPJKFECGB4","auth":{"1":"55c52f8c74d7bda8391552fa98bee9263a09c274e86f7f830d354381c6aa4842"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WKU6ACWUJ3XLAUNAHPJKFECGB4.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-to-reopen-with-some-flights-to-resume-this-evening/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"HQIFV65VXBA3FC5EWUJ32S7NHU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-are-you-a-passenger-affected-by-the-disruption/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ALIA2HJ3XBD5TP3GDWBXZ6XIRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than 1,300 flights to and from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\">Heathrow airport</a> will be disrupted on Friday due to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\">closure of the airport</a> following a fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3ZE2GNYJ5FNHFNVV6ECAKQW4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Thousands of Irish passengers are likely to be affected by the closure with at least 10 flights from Dublin facing disruption.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGYCQG5DZ5CUHJH4G3E6AKVK5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are you one of the thousands of Irish people whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the closure of Heathrow airport? Were you trying to get to Ireland for a family occasion or a holiday? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQLM6P5M7BDKFEO2MWC5JG4YXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If so, we would like to hear your story. You can share your experience using the form below. Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HZTPVRUVRFZLDNSWMUGKXVRWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"We will curate a selection of submissions for potential use in our reporting on the airport closure but please note we may not publish every submission we receive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3TWDRLLOBCA7MRMHIHTFBSBIQ","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"4ce95bdf-959d-4503-8b46-0c9d2a9f1809\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"7REKZVJ5WBGPZFOIQNAW252NGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Thousands of Irish passengers are likely to be affected by closure of major transport hub following fire"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T09:18:11.786Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heathrow airport closed: Are you a passenger affected by the disruption? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UHDJ5YSXXFGVJLCAPGKENUWSZU","auth":{"1":"8e5c2892f57ac7a2883574fdae283703b397626a7ce254987412f9d9c6380c97"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UHDJ5YSXXFGVJLCAPGKENUWSZU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-are-you-a-passenger-affected-by-the-disruption/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"GI4MUOIEMJFZBNZFPNO65YTSNM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":154,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/554805f4-5835-429d-bef2-c7529d2ef213/versions/1742315322/media/f4df831562abc778eefee1621f50c106_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/18/two-killed-on-roads-over-bank-holiday-weekend-as-more-than-500-cars-seized/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KLCLSJL4YZHDJOMHGRQZZMUCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772853},"content":"Two people were killed, more than 500 cars were seized for road traffic offences and more than 900 motorists were caught speeding – some of them at more than twice the speed limit – over the bank holiday weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMNETDXUGBGF7OAXS3U5YUJV6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772854},"content":"In addition to the two people who died, gardaí said eight people received serious and life-threatening injuries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJP3IRTDCBDF3O5NKORTZMESIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772855},"content":"The St Patrick’s weekend road safety initiative, which swung into operation at 7am on March 13th and lasted until 7am on Tuesday morning, saw:","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQOLGZS4IJBCJN3HZNLBSJQSSU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"R7MDJQ3D3ZBQDG4VGYBD2SGIYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772857},"content":"The Garda said more than 1,000 mandatory intoxicant testing (MIT) checkpoints were set up, with some 4,969 breath tests and 190 oral fluid tests being administered. The tests resulted in 214 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TL7XRE6IEJAAHIUPWK72BFWIGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NXVGMVV24BAIJPFPGHD2UAI2UI"},"content":"<div style=\"min-height:746px\" id=\"datawrapper-vis-RtRIU\"><script type=\"text/javascript\" defer src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RtRIU/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" data-target=\"#datawrapper-vis-RtRIU\"><\/script><noscript><img src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RtRIU/full.png\" alt=\"\" /></noscript></div>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"G2H7LWI56NCWVFO6K2PYH5VJ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772858},"content":"Throughout the weekend some 2,650 drivers were caught speeding. Notable speeds detected in each speed zone included a driver caught doing 124km/h in a 50km/h zone on a rural road, the R188 at Drumbear, south of Monaghan town.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3E6BTYP3A5CMNPLIMVMHUHWUDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772859},"content":"Other notable breaches of the speed limits included motorists travelling at","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAMNJYJ3JNCT5CNM3KGAA5T72U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772860},"content":"• 98km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N4, Drishoge, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Roscommon","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWOGFST3XFFJTF74TJ4GYXMYRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772861},"content":"• 178km/h in an 80km/h zone on the N2, Drumcaw, Co Monaghan","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUE3WDIQ7ZGGDLZTVSO2UXVTSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772862},"content":"• 184km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N15, Tully, Co Donegal","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJBQAZKCR5DTXHDT74HXPJJTPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772863},"content":"• 171km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M18, Killeenhugh, Kinvara, Co Galway","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5M2BDRWAVASTOJL4D6RV3YIWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772864},"content":"Of the vehicles seized, 95 came from learner permit holders driving unaccompanied, and 425 vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7ID7G32ANFCZLWREIWQ6IWGKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742316772865},"content":"The Garda said it continues to appeal to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions, to wear seat belts and always be alert to the road.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tim O'Brien"}},"name":"Tim O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Garda road safety campaign catches 900 motorists speeding, some at more than twice the speed limit"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T16:23:36.34Z","headlines":{"basic":"Two killed on roads over bank holiday weekend as more than 500 cars seized ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UFIYQCMBRFDLXGS6K35CMNOO5A","auth":{"1":"f0b26a7320b0918dfe539c66586658e8962eef01f544de92c2fde81bf39e713d"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UFIYQCMBRFDLXGS6K35CMNOO5A.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Dublin"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/18/two-killed-on-roads-over-bank-holiday-weekend-as-more-than-500-cars-seized/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"HEZYQLB4EVBFPMRCCG6VUHZMMA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":201,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7a20ecca-7e6d-4745-9472-de992f7f5ec3/versions/1741887108/media/62ef49e3e2000fef8f36acf22df58206_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/13/states-scheme-to-help-taxi-drivers-switch-to-evs-paused-amid-record-demand/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZQRIXOIWEZD3VICTJ2FALW7NLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\">State</a>’s scheme aimed at helping taxi drivers to buy <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\">electric vehicles</a> (EVs) has been paused just a month after <a href=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/espsv24-electric-small-public-service-vehicle-grant-scheme-2024/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/espsv24-electric-small-public-service-vehicle-grant-scheme-2024/\">applications opened</a> due to record numbers seeking grants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUB55YUWB5HXRMGLSCBCHFSSN4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Grants of up to €25,000 have been available in recent years for taxi, hackney and limousine operators who wish to buy EVs under the eSPSV Grant Scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDPWKVHTMVCQZF5UTCWEGLIY6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"With a budget of a €12.5 million, the goal of the scheme is to accelerate the transition to EVs in the small public sector vehicle (SPSV) industry and support those who are scrapping older, more polluting or high-mileage vehicles to make the switch to electric.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM27DWP2KFH3HDWFOLZSS3FS4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\">Department of Transport</a> announced on Thursday that the National Transport Authority (NTA) – which administers the scheme – will be temporarily pausing it because it is fully subscribed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIKGUYTGJG6ZHFLO52E3A4YAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The pause is taking place while the NTA reviews and processes the applications that have been received. After this assessment, the scheme may reopen later in the year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG3LW3H4DNBGBPU37VEKTIURRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “The sheer volume of applications received is a strong endorsement of the EV transition, particularly among high-mileage taxi, hackney and limousine drivers who are eager to embrace a cleaner, more efficient technology. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QX6LIUHGQJHCXHFRUEZE5AKH7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The surge in interest highlights not only the attractiveness of the grant offering but also the significant shift in the market towards greater EV adoption.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIT45QZ72RDUZKIYBTNLLNYM44","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Minister said the response is “a clear indication that Ireland’s taxi, hackney and limousine industry is ready for change”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TDJ3DWJEBFXJCARCDFZIEBFV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“High-mileage drivers, at the forefront of daily operations, have shown strong support for transitioning to EVs,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQUQGUENSRGVVHO4OPZXATS4EA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr O’Brien said this “not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also positions the small public sector vehicles as leaders in the nation’s broader environmental initiatives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4ITDPWG35AZXL6Y2M6HMYXWLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the department, the scheme has seen more than 2,800 SPSV operators make the switch to electric since its introduction in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTFZSOJBAJDIBKWAXQWTKYSZJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Electric vehicle grant scheme for taxis hits budget limit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"K4QR7IJHDFEIDPL42RR7HXP4C4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The scheme provides grants of varying levels towards new and second-hand EVs, with a higher level of funding on offer where an older existing vehicle is scrapped. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMNGOJIEKNDSPJVV4ZN2GCEVIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The highest level of grant – €25,000 – is available to those who scrap an eligible older vehicle and buy a new wheelchair-accessible EV. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OJRUUQQWJD37JWKOQNKAFAJX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Applicants must purchase a vehicle that appears on the NTA’s <a href=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eSPSV-2025-Grant-Scheme-Eligible-Vehicles-List-17-02-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eSPSV-2025-Grant-Scheme-Eligible-Vehicles-List-17-02-2025.pdf\">list of approved EVs</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXEMDF3EERFQZEMEJE5WELEPNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The list includes EVs made by Kia, Mercedes, Nissan, Tesla and Volkswagen among several others. The only plug-in hybrid model listed is the wheelchair-accessible black cab made by the London Electric Vehicle Company. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHKMS75NWNBPDK2WBTDCVGIIDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A Department of Transport spokesman said more than 1,850 grant applications have been received this year and they are currently being processed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYFYXK4NWVD2ZDTOKVZDMCAHMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said that in previous years, not all applications have met the eligibility criteria and there is also a two-month validity period for successful applicants to draw down the grants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TK3ZMTAUNCOBHZVPQSZY4D4XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Following assessment of these initial applications, the scheme may reopen later in the year,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVFJTISLPBBN7EMCLTS7YYKRSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for the NTA said not all applicants choose to complete the process. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y22P3GNQQFGO5F7YVR5GE72U3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Based on past performance of the scheme the NTA estimates that around a third of applicants will choose to complete the process and the average grant level will be approximately €18,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHH6G6FEBBDU7MNKO4NKHTIE4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The latest figures from the NTA show there are more than 2,600 fully electric taxis, hackneys or limos on the road and over 5,400 hybrids.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Grants of up to €25,000 have been available in recent years for taxi, hackney and limousine operators who wish to buy electric vehicles"},"display_date":"2025-03-13T15:34:09.233Z","headlines":{"basic":"State’s scheme to help taxi drivers switch to EVs paused amid record demand","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5Q6GGLLXWFA7DCEMVQLJ6XJUW4","auth":{"1":"99db1fb18a6bc9b3fbc5453efd5000eed4e4ca882867133f4e0334e5f9d77ff9"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5Q6GGLLXWFA7DCEMVQLJ6XJUW4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/13/states-scheme-to-help-taxi-drivers-switch-to-evs-paused-amid-record-demand/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}}],"count":9531,"_id":"201364ed0cb09530a45cf63bd0e046d4677dcd25f4e57dab9ba00ea12e2dc144"},"expires":1742733198004,"lastModified":1742732897416},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/history\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"3SHVCQ5OYRB5TMO2MCCB5L3QZQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":803,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/60ca1df8-ebbd-44da-b605-dddc5054cb73/versions/1741878345/media/14471fb6ff1866db27bbc08187b22f37_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/art/2025/03/22/a-mummys-tale-from-cork-to-cairo-its-like-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-his-body-represents-us-all/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V35NP5SHX5BMFKIBQEVMK3IPSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812076},"content":"An Egyptian mummy used to live under the floorboards at University College Cork. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dorothy-cross/\">Dorothy Cross</a> first heard of it from her Aunt May. It was 1983, and the pair were sharing stories in May’s Victorian house, which was full of treasures, Cross says – “a doll’s house, a rocking horse, X-rays, damask and china, bones and intelligence”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAO324M4VNE5ZPS3YOEUCIRJZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812077},"content":"The artist, who had recently returned from studying in San Francisco, lapped it up. It would be four decades before those memories coalesced with action to become an extraordinary artwork and a new book, Kinship: Home. In the meantime Cross would become known internationally, winning awards and representing Ireland at the Venice Biennale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOGKA3E4FNFNDOUMTDAIWW6EAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812078},"content":"May Cross, who was born in 1899 and had studied medicine by candlelight during the Civil War, married Billy O’Donovan, who became professor of pathology at the university. Rumour had it that he had hidden the body himself, but, the artist says, it had been put there years earlier, for storage. It was discovered by builders during renovation works in the 1940s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NFY7ICWGXVEVRM5AKMCFHBG75E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812079},"content":"Cross is in her studio in Connemara, which is full of light and nature, and pieces of bone, silver, wax and gold. Her dog is snoozing at her feet. Outside, across the road, is the sea, which has featured in so many of her works, its constantly changing nature and power an intriguing presence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RF4S2QAHWZFFLN63LY4KFKT6SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812080},"content":"In 1999, for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/sculptor-to-create-ghost-ship-with-40-000-award-1.157107\" target=\"_blank\">Ghostship</a>, Cross painted a decommissioned lightship with phosphorescent paint; it would glow after dark in Dublin Bay. The work seemed to hold time, as if the histories and memories of those who lived aboard, keeping sailors safe from maritime dangers, were somehow still there, out in the dark waters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWY7A7OH7VGUPGRVE3FDUUKHJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812082},"content":"May’s story of the Egyptian mummy returned to Cross in 2019. The artist was driving home after the culmination of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/dorothy-cross-teams-up-with-lisa-hannigan-for-new-heartship-art-project-1.4013800\" target=\"_blank\">Heartship</a>, a project that had the LÉ James Joyce sailing up the River Lee. Part of the Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival, it was carrying a relic of a human heart, to the accompaniment of music by Lisa Hannigan and Alasdair Malloy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LD5JDEXUSVBM5FJZ7KV734ZRY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812083},"content":"The ship, Cross says, had <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/le-james-joyce-to-return-to-ireland-from-mediterranean-1.2811701\" target=\"_blank\">saved thousands of lives</a> while stationed in the Mediterranean. Reports of the James Joyce’s work tend to describe those it rescued as migrants, but it is more accurate to speak of them as people who, but for the grace of chance and geography, could be any one of us.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3M4YNMWOFBCXJJIHEPHG6QC34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812084},"content":"We are living in difficult times, but where do we even begin to think about addressing the injustices of the world? How can you make a hierarchy of care?","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7O3DSYE5JGPFLLPX4ABGVNC54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812085},"content":"Do you start with an elderly parent in need of medical treatment? A people expelled from their land? The attempted annihilation of an entire race?","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7TCXKUARBE6XHPSX6LSGOZBBA","additional_properties":{"_id":"7P2ICOYKABA35FXVOVC3HP2MIA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KOTII4UKLZAWXC3FBJ47TXCKQE","additional_properties":{"_id":"MYGP7C4VAJBN3ELHN4O2IXBNYA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"U6ZV3AY5FND47AOF5ZNYC3ZEVE","additional_properties":{"_id":"3JMGRXKW4NCRTM5ANPTDJC4XTE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DYJO3K4NQRABRELHYFUVVWLCJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469140159},"content":"Or what about with the repatriation of the body of a man, 2,000 years dead, his tomb looted, his origins lost, his borrowed sarcophagus transported across continents to wind up half-forgotten in Ireland?","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLAGDN67QJDM3DKWLRGLHKL3K4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812087},"content":"Cross believes they are all connected. “I felt compelled to return the body to his homeland,” she says. “An act of kinship.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GTZ7LE5F4VG77K7FSYQOQS3GQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812088},"content":"Five years in the making, Kinship: Home traces through words and images this forgotten man’s journey home. Its meanings are extended through texts by writers who include Max Porter, Edmund de Waal, Hisham Matar, Michael D Higgins and Ahdaf Soueif.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PW47XDV25BJRLKWKPY4GMJKOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812089},"content":"There are poems, memories and thoughts, many of them moving to the point of inexpressibility. The barrister and international-law expert Philippe Sands writes of a journey to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/10/12/uk-has-grudgingly-closed-a-long-chapter-in-its-inglorious-history-of-african-colonial-conquest/\" target=\"_blank\">Chagos</a>, a tiny archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the inhabitants of which were expelled in the 1960s by the United Kingdom at the request of the United States to build a military base.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S252NIIP2VEIDNWHIUBZUQS3E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812090},"content":"In another text the American writer Rosemary Mahoney describes the strange urge to desecrate and loot, generally enabled by being thought of as souvenir gathering. (Mahoney quotes Florence Nightingale writing, “I bring home some little figures I found in the tombs.”)","type":"text"},{"_id":"7L4ZDSG4MJGODCO5NIOTCB32SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812091},"content":"“I didn’t ask them to write particularly about moving a mummy back to Egypt,” says Cross, explaining the book’s making. “It was about the notion of displacement, migration, grief ... those little tendrils towards loss that guided me towards these people.” She also hopes to make a film. “I’m still kind of floating in this.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUV7DGOR6VCETG3NLN6ZAVPONQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812092},"content":"Kinship is not a glossy coffee-table book featuring panoramas of ancient Egypt. Instead it quietly and subtly draws you into the realer meanings of lives across the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6PWBBSVTCBBCLCOACGBSIIDC3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812093},"content":"Writing about the mummy, Soueif asks: “what do you do with the body once its occupant has gone?” Mummification enabled it to be the focus of the rituals at the heart of the Egyptian belief in the passage to the afterworld. “Men and women were meticulously documented working and wedding, sowing and reaping, playing and feasting so they could live their lives again in eternity.” Remove the body and the connection is lost.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6PWBBSVTCBBCLCOACGBSIIDC3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812095},"content":"The significance of what happens to your body when you die, and to your soul if you believe in such things, depends on your cultural and religious background. As explorers, archaeologists, looters and some locals plundered the tombs of Egypt, both officially and unofficially, agents buying on behalf of private and public collections around the world fed the trade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHTKQB6N3RDX3EYR7UDSHN7EVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812096},"content":"The mummified bodies were less valuable than the jewels that some of them were festooned with. Mark Twain claimed the bodies were used as fuel for trains, although this is most likely a myth. Another myth is of cursed tombs, which Cross says stems from a mould that grew on the bodies, which those who first opened the sarcophagi breathed in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGBLBZ2IQBG7XHTT43AS6FNWYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812097},"content":"Mummified bodies were ground up as a pigment for a shade called mummy brown, the manufacture of which didn’t end until the 1960s. Discovering the true origins of one of his often-used colours, the Pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones buried a tube of the paint in his back garden. According to his wife, they planted a daisy on top. Depending on your world view, this is either a curiosity or a tragedy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JTL47224RB6XGQDNB35VZD3NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812098},"type":"image"},{"_id":"E3HJBGDN6JBJNDHFNQ3TDH4EBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2CY6MY7SB5AZFDNAUDSYTQJDEI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FYGCGF4BTJHYFJFOKA6J65IM5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742469140172},"content":"An extraordinary coincidence followed Cross’s decision to explore the afterlife of the Cork mummy, who had locally come to be called Cecil. Approaching a restoration expert near her own home, she was astonished to discover that it had been sent there for preservation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4X63SUFMMVFR5IJOCAOO45CMYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812100},"content":"“It had been in storage five miles from my house for the last 12 years. When my aunt first told me the story, she said that, when the builders found it, they opened the sarcophagus and pulled the linen off its face. That has been in my head since my 20s,” says Cross. “It went down to the bone. When they opened the box here, sure enough, that was the case.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TQXUMP2QZDVXLKBB7UGX2QMSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812101},"content":"In the intervening years, students agitated to have the mummy returned. “It is the body of a man believed to have died of natural causes. He was not high ranking. The sarcophagus dates from 300 years earlier and had originally been occupied by a higher-ranking man named Hor. We don’t know who this man is,” says Cross, drawing on research done in the 1970s by Helen Moloney. “That makes it more important, more inclusive. It’s like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His body represents us all.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJ637ATXJVAKFDFYLS75RNXSEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812103},"content":"A project team came together, including UCC’s then librarian, John FitzGerald, the cultural producer Mary Hickson and the producer and curator Maeve-Ann Austen. Simon Coveney helped, as minister for foreign affairs, as did the cultural director Eugene Downes. Ambassadors at either end helped. An introduction to the former secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, Mostafa Waziry, was pivotal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"36ZS6GVSFNBRNECEMQDIAUMQWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812104},"content":"It wasn’t simple. You don’t just go sending a mummy back to Egypt. Initially, Cross recalls, they said no. “We were sitting in Mostafa’s office, with a bust of Nefertiti on one side, and all these pictures, and he said, ‘We don’t want your mummy. We have too many.’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BJR6MDRJNAN7EOQXO2OBVKBXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812105},"content":"Waziry was referring to the scale of Egypt’s continuing problems in protecting its legacies from looters, but ultimately he agreed to have him returned, to be housed in the Egyptian Museum, in Cairo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWYNMXQCZNBXJPXWO2TSCNEY3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812106},"content":"There were many moments of frustration. “You think so many things are possible,” says Cross. “Then people say they’re not. I know it should be so simple. And yet the world, and the institutions, make it difficult.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHEHHDEH7JCKPCCY4XQTVD7QZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812107},"content":"I ask Cross about her own opinions on the afterlife. “I don’t think it’s as glamorous as the Egyptians,’” she says. “I live in a kind of space of already nearly being there. I think it’s almost like we’re there in this life, and there is not enough acknowledgment of the relationship between the now and the then. And I do believe in powers that people negate because we’re too afraid, and because science can’t prove them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6CC3GCBSZBLJPB57J3GYV3K2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812108},"content":"In some ways the complexities of quantum physics may prove such things after all. “I was very conscious of his presence,” says Cross. “When things were moving on, and he was ready to go, I did believe there was some kind of calm, a kind of exhalation, in that he got home. Someone said to me that ‘home’ is the wrong word, but I think it is a terribly, terribly powerful word to all of us. Being able to go home is a privilege.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNBI4P6PGNAADHIQ76MKJNYBM4","additional_properties":{"_id":"XJQ5NGN4WJEHNESJVGCYV7LQDQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VEGHYXOPCZAJRPFCLJWDQIBG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":"2MCHJMUTT5EUPB5CVIIQO76OD4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7RCD5IR6INBETNJPXZVOW7TKOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812110},"content":"All cultures have their wounds, but to have your heritage taken and misunderstood on such a scale is impossible to comprehend. Through her sculptures, Cross frequently draws attention to the small in a way that underlines its enormous significance. As with her work Tread, which is on show at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, in its exhibition Art as Agency, an exquisitely carved foot may emerge from a vast lump of marble: a detail that speaks volumes. In the book, a photograph of stone steps in Egypt’s Valley of the Queens has its own quiet power, the rock having been worn to slivers in places by countless now forgotten feet","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFHXTPVEVBCC3NOHDGKOS22RIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812112},"content":"Cross had initially wanted to sail the body to Egypt in a gilded ship, but that proved impossible. Instead it was sent on an aircraft. Cross is open about the setbacks and what might have been considered failures that she encountered en route to the project’s conclusion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI5IGOIQKZF77KCQJZB3UPJXHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812113},"content":"It is a theme that Hickson, whose Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival partnered to create the project, takes up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQQ55JMKKZGHPCUZ7R2IFTODPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812114},"content":"“We provide space and time for artists to come together, to play, to experiment, to fail,” she says. “When it fails, a thing becomes clearer. With Kinship we could never have prescribed that there would have been a certain output. We had to be patient. This is how art should be made. It should never be forced.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7FZDJXTHJD4RN3TXIXB52EUJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812115},"content":"Still, so many of our funding systems require an outcome even before the process has begun. “A lot of what we do sits outside conventional funding models,” says Hickson. “We have to work a bit harder to figure that out.” Cross made and sold marvellous scarves to help fund the project.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBVHNVHQXVCTVJQPTSUQHYDVPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812116},"content":"Following the progression home of the body of the unknown Egyptian, and reading the associated writings, leads to moments that, as Seamus Heaney wrote in Postscript, “catch the heart off guard and blow it open”. Some of the pain of living comes from knowing that we are simultaneously important and not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3KUWVFWINEIBHIMFYTQ2DJFHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812118},"content":"Cross’s remark that this mummy’s body represents us all makes a connection with the body of another man who died 2,000 years ago, to become one of the world’s most powerful symbols of humanity, however such a symbol may have been later misused.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GZJJAQRI5BIHPOGRJCULASHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812119},"content":"Often, just to keep going, we slide over the huge things in our minds: the dying, the burying, the surviving, the finding of home and the losing of it. Those who like to own things may look at Kinship and wonder what or where the artwork actually is. Is it the “wow” of a moment, an object that was created, or is it the lingering effects of the knowledge that something was done?","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTX64CN37VBFVK56GLKZLVLXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812120},"content":"We may discover where to begin facing the world’s injustices by checking in with our own humanity. Art like this can remind us of where to find it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YYPSDSVZ5DC5AN4MVDKJSF2FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742311812121},"content":"<i>Kinship: Home, by Dorothy Cross, is published by Lilliput. </i><a href=\"https://soundsfromasafeharbour.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Sounds from a Safe Harbour 2025</i></a><i> runs September 11th-14th</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Gemma Tipton"}},"name":"Gemma Tipton"}]},"description":{"basic":"A new book by the artist Dorothy Cross tells the remarkable story of Cecil, UCC’s Egyptian mummy, and his return home"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T05:21:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A mummy’s tale from Cork to Cairo: ‘It’s like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His body represents us all’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QI3KNM4QHZDNLGCCALYVT2VTGU","auth":{"1":"3699bb7ab74b6c07e7aae5100210c69828cedf234b27f0f473e10dd297c2673f"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QI3KNM4QHZDNLGCCALYVT2VTGU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Art"},{"name":"Books"},{"name":"History"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/art/2025/03/22/a-mummys-tale-from-cork-to-cairo-its-like-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-his-body-represents-us-all/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/art","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Art"}}}},{"_id":"IUKFBFFLF5GERBMNQOHMPVLACI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":191,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/932130b4-739a-458a-bbd5-4746c630b7d8/versions/1742483781/media/474518ad7de289ee0c3f4fc816c2c2fe_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/22/jfk-files-what-do-they-reveal-about-john-f-kennedys-assassination/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QAQFDTI4NFFAFEZCGFL73URBKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What are the John F Kennedy assassination files?</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"DWQL6ASPMNHNXGHGMEMN3JATFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961672},"content":"These are previously classified files relating to the assassination of former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a> president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-f-kennedy/\" target=\"_blank\">John F Kennedy</a> in Dallas on November 22nd, 1963. The Warren Commission found that the gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, acted alone, yet two-thirds of Americans remain sceptical about the commission’s conclusions and not all of them are conspiracy theorists.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5S6FC7K3NEYRAUS6HUMSSELRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Why now?</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"WOOMDQBCXFGSPAKGOD6D3JGDKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961674},"content":"US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> promised that, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trump-presidency/\" target=\"_blank\">if re-elected</a>, he would release all the files to the public. He wanted to release all the files in 2017, but was persuaded by the intelligence services to hold back some for national security reasons. He has decided that now is the time for them all to be released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V72GRE6ALNB2FPHGSNSLSGSV3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961675},"content":"As often with Trump, there was chaos. On Monday, he gave the US National Archives 24 hours to open the files.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDN5GVZVPVG55BFMGXDQXHCUSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961676},"content":"Unredacted JFK assassination files released as history buffs hunt for clues","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HYW653MFLJHSHBQKNQZPGO32HA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What has been released?</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"623S2P22LBABHARSTVDFOQTZX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961678},"content":"The files relate not only to the assassination of Kennedy but also to that of his brother Robert F Kennedy in 1968, the father of Trump’s health secretary <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/robert-f-kennedy-jr/\" target=\"_blank\">Robert F Kennedy jnr</a>, and the assassination of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-luther-king/\" target=\"_blank\">Dr Martin Luther King jnr</a> – also in 1968.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7VSJXCGFFGIXNF6K3DPE7N57Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961679},"content":"On Tuesday, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/03/19/unredacted-jfk-assassination-files-released-as-history-buffs-hunt-for-clues/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/03/19/unredacted-jfk-assassination-files-released-as-history-buffs-hunt-for-clues/\">1,123 documents containing some 64,000 pages were released</a>. The papers are not sorted or catalogued, so researches and casual readers have to click on each one to see if they are of interest to them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUVSSC433ZENNHP4NWVNWK7CEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961680},"content":"The New York Times’ national political reporter, Adam Nagourney, who is leading the paper’s coverage, says the manner the files were released may be a deliberate ploy on the part of the CIA to make it as difficult as possible for researchers to find out how the agency really operates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O664FX5OJVGSLIQQRAIQ3L3TXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What has been discovered to date?</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"OVYP2BHJXFHYFL27LPU6ZMCZAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961682},"content":"There’s an intriguing finding in one state department paper: a CIA agent, Gary Underhill, left Washington a day after the Kennedy assassination in a “very agitated” state, claiming to a friend that a CIA clique was behind the murder. Fewer than six months later Underhill was found dead in his Washington apartment, apparently having died by suicide. The confidential memo states that Underhill alleged the CIA clique was carrying on a “lucrative racket in gun-running, narcotics, and other contraband”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPESENKPEFHCZEDYG5OR7W3QDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961683},"content":"Another document reveals the KGB had investigated Oswald and found that at no time was he one of its agents. Oswald lived in the USSR between 1959 and 1961, when he tried unsuccessfully to become a Russian citizen. But he got bored with the grimness of living in a communist state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJUANEEO2NA5TOW54UDM7HH3SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961685},"content":"The KGB official noted that Oswald was a “poor shot when he tried firing in the USSR”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2IJVAW32NEKZDSKMH6F53FXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742483961686},"content":"Given the incredible accuracy of the shots that killed Kennedy, this is likely to strengthen the belief that there was more than one shooter on that fateful day in Dallas.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"JFK files: Papers cover not just JFK’s assassination but also the 1968 killings of his brother Robert F Kennedy and Dr Martin Luther King jnr"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"JFK files: What do they reveal about John F Kennedy’s assassination?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"244X7FSSCRZI5VB6B64CLUG3HM","auth":{"1":"520e08d38fa2b7d940b8c3483f63ec0dec7a0961c730e87ba1b175068682ebbb"},"focal_point":{"x":1825,"y":837},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/244X7FSSCRZI5VB6B64CLUG3HM.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"History"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"US"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2025/03/22/jfk-files-what-do-they-reveal-about-john-f-kennedys-assassination/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"BTUUEU7VAVCUNC6CL6RGD3I52I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":415,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a9f2b65d-f10f-4ce4-be5d-6df8c89e8e7e/versions/1742315884/media/13b1a73820c4c224c5d6e641dc9f2706_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/history/2025/03/18/why-are-so-many-recipients-of-us-medal-of-honor-of-irish-descent/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741970598479},"content":"US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a> is not noted for his fidelity to the facts or to fact-checking, but he promised to investigate a claim that more than half of all Medal of Honor recipients were Irish or of Irish descent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDOSH6JZBFHGFEUV2OLGPKWQW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600153},"content":"He was evidently startled when he recited the figure from a prepared script during the shamrock bowl ceremony in Washington DC last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB7DHS2K55EZ5K5K6MXET7FD4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600154},"content":"“It is an extraordinary fact – an ‘awfully good statistic’. How is that possible?” he asked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKHAWADRSFHRRPSTKT7ESVH7ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295853756},"content":"How indeed?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VK5U3ZU55BFDFFGFBN37WDSN3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600155},"content":"The claim is that of the 3,515 Medals of Honor awarded by the US up to 2009, a total of 2,018, or 57.4 per cent, have gone to Irish-Americans. Other sources put the percentage of such recipients at 58 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOMVRI2MPBGJXLD5U3MQJ6VK5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The source of the original statistic has been attributed to Irish Veterans, an organisation set up in Ireland and the US to commemorate and support past and present Irish veterans of military conflicts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCPG7WFNKFAFLEH3Y7RIINW2JQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a report in the Tampa Bay Times in 2019, the figure was cited by “Patrick McDermot of Irish Veterans Post 2, created in Tampa in 2017″. The newspaper report said research was funded by the Irish Government – but the Government has funded no such research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKB2GCNCYJE55O4H7D2LWFMKPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish Veterans co-founder Declan Hughes said the figure did not come from them. “I read a transcript of his [Mr Trump’s] comments and it sounded to me like he was repeating what a staffer told him and he riffed off it while surrounded by all things Irish... To be fair to him, he rowed himself back by saying he found it hard to believe, which I did too,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AATA7ORLT5HMVLTMVU5GQPPEL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Irish and Irish-American medals combined are quite remarkable, but I don’t believe in a 58 per cent share-out – as the president doesn’t either.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CO2LB5LRPJBBPBR2P6SXWX52YU","additional_properties":{"_id":"6MMHYNM4BNBNVAFO3EWR3ULQPA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IXOQIGVNYFEBNC65K3QJISGBSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600158},"content":"Whatever the actual figure, the number of Irish-born or Irish-American winners of the Medal of Honor is disproportionately high, given that those who identify as Irish-American are about 10 per cent of the US population.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ML4PJDTI25BQZGYNW2UVOG5WWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600159},"content":"The Medal of Honor was first introduced during the American Civil War of 1861-1865, though its first recipient retrospectively was the Roscommon-born doctor Bernard Irwin for bravery during the Apache Indian wars of 1861 when he rescued 60 US army soldiers who had been surrounded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JRB5RF4YZEYNJ3AYFXHUHDBYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600160},"content":"The first Irishman in the American Civil War to be awarded the Medal of Honor was Corporal Owen McGough, who was born in Co Monaghan in 1829. McGough won his at the Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the conflict, in 1861, though he did not receive his medal until 1897.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NK5MV2KLN5DCBFSLFVYRXQ4AIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600161},"content":"At least 258 Irish-born soldiers have won the Medal of Honor since its inception. Of those, 148 won them during the civil war – 14 in one day when the Union Navy raided the Confederate port of Mobile, Alabama, in 1864.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKEQFG5OI5GU5BZWHCWOXKA52A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899787},"content":"Ireland was third after New York and Pennsylvania as the location where the most Medal of Honor recipients during the civil war were born.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SENRLCDAVBABJD3RASMZJCKLZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295853766},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUT2AJVHUFAW7NHTOVDHDJXYMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741980600163},"content":"Given that 180,000 Irishmen served with the Union in the conflict, the high number of Irish Medal of Honor recipients is not a surprise, said Damien Shiels, ahistorian of Irish involvement in the American Civil War.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXI4PCJWHZDFPBYU3ET4N6UCQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295853768},"content":"He said the list of Irish-born recipients was being added to all the time as more research was done. For instance, Michael Ahern from Cork was awarded the Medal of Honor before he even set foot in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIIWJNZJR5DY5KHK53Z3LPA2B4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899791},"content":"He joined up with the USS Kearsarge in Queenstown, now Cobh, Co Cork, in 1863 and won the award for showing coolness under fire when the ship sank a Confederate vessel off Cherbourg, France. He was originally listed as French in his Medal of Honor citation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2PAE7GXRXFGQZBNZFVSXFMYKZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741990613325},"content":"Irish emigration to the US continued en masse throughout the 20th century and many joined the US armed services. During the Spanish-American War of 1898 Mayo-born Michael Gibbons showed incredible bravery in cutting underwater cables to Cuba while under fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJRYZCDTMBHULPQD2STMHTWKAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899793},"content":"Unlike most other Medal of Honor recipients, he returned to Ireland. He died in Co Mayo in 1933. Another Mayo man, US Marine Philip Gaughan, won the Medal of Honor in the same action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y7DBNNUW5EDFNM6GKG42NY33Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741990613326},"content":"Perhaps the most accomplished Irish-American recipient of the Medal of Honor was William Joseph ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan, who had Cork and Down roots. He was the only American serviceperson to win all four top US honours for bravery: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal and the National Security Medal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WZSUZOSCNGJZCN4FT4JLUASVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295853773},"content":"He won the Medal of Honor during the first World War in October 1918 at the age of 35 when he organised his men in an assault on a heavily fortified German position and was shot in the legs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5SBP2UPKFGEFK3EOETCCTCP2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742295853774},"content":"During the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/second-world-war/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/second-world-war/\">second World War</a> he became the founder and first head of the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He rose to the rank of major-general during that conflict and later served on the prosecution team at postwar Nuremberg trials of prominent Nazis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JZ6TV3SMBGDFAIBZB6BWPQ4GQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899797},"content":"One of the most noted Irish-American recipient of the Medal of Honor was Audie Murphy, who has been described as the most decorated American soldier of the second World War, winning 33 medals. The son of Irish-American sharecroppers in Texas, Murphy went into Hollywood after the war, even playing himself in a film. He died in plane crash in 1971 at the age of 45.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETZG4HZYG5D35DJTBXNOT5JCFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899798},"content":"The latest Irish-American recipient of the Medal of Honor was Lt Michael P Murphy, a Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. He died while searching for a Taliban leader in the mountains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB64H4ULEBFSTA3332JXCQDEUE","additional_properties":{"_id":"WWGXFNIMYJCWHCGZ6XJ3HGHWQ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L754IVFDUZGIXMJB5SR362W37I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899800},"content":"The Irish and Irish-American winners of the Medal of Honor were the subject of an exhibition in Kinsale, Co Cork, in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDCFMNJZY5C2FNUX4QTQEKFA3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899801},"content":"Dr Sheils said the precise figure of Irish-Americans was still in dispute. There is “no question... that an enormous number have been awarded to people of Irish descent, though in my own work on the Medal of Honor I tend to classify ‘Irish’ as people born in Ireland or to Irish emigrant parents”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTXRSUTNIFGMDG4BCXZSDCON6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899802},"content":"Why, though, are the Irish so disproportionately represented? “In my view there are a number of reasons for the scale of Irish American recipients. During the Civil War, when most awards were earned, the Irish and Germans were by far the two largest immigrant groups, with around 250,000 Irish-born men or children of Irish immigrants serving the Union,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4TJCM7FB5HUFJBTQQFAL3TW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899803},"content":"“Beyond that conflict, the Irish had carried their tradition of military service as a form of employment with them from Ireland, so they served in the post-Civil War US military in extremely large numbers even when it was an unpopular career for ‘native’ born Americans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCXRDQRUHBCU7GF4Q5EPRRBFTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742031899804},"content":"“By the 20th century, the scale of mid 19th century Irish emigration became the telling factor as there was an increasing population of second and third generation Irish-American descendants by the time of the World Wars.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Donald Trump expressed surprise at the very high number of recipients having roots in Ireland – and it seems he may be on to something"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T16:32:52.573Z","headlines":{"basic":"Why are so many recipients of US Medal of Honor of Irish descent?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4VEJ3CE4FGZO3IAIZZKS3RSYME","auth":{"1":"73fd570d16a13f61793e0de78b79e0fbae118e274118a9aa3f4cdc71e6e6ddf2"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4VEJ3CE4FGZO3IAIZZKS3RSYME.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"History"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"US"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/history/2025/03/18/why-are-so-many-recipients-of-us-medal-of-honor-of-irish-descent/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/history","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"History"}}}},{"_id":"EVTGB2R55JGTVCIK2U4667GQXQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":292,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/86c1a799-6dd6-4d56-b37b-716de1054d21/versions/1742255871/media/599d71e10fe7a491e9394815e6ecf15a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/history/2025/03/17/last-known-battle-of-britain-pilot-irishman-john-hemingway-dies-aged-105/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NFWHMWQHKVGR5EC3YYUGDJ2S5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911525},"content":"John Hemingway, the last of the “Few” as Winston Churchill called them, died on Monday at the age of 105 in a Dublin nursing home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSBV7DBWB5F3HBI5AOKQAY4WHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911526},"content":"Mr Hemingway served as a pilot in the Battle of Britain when he was just 20 years of age. In August, 1940, he was shot down twice within the space of eight days, but survived and outlived all his contemporaries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6P4JTZSD5EQPPPJSMR3S5WGCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911527},"content":"During the battle, he crash-landed a Hurricane P3966 in the Pistea Marshes in Essex.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUG7PQPGNNHDLHIVT4NUHF23GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911528},"content":"He was born in Dublin in 1919 and was initially educated at St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir School, before later attending St Andrew’s College. In 2023, at the age of 103, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/history/2023/09/13/the-last-of-churchills-few-returns-to-dublin-school-87-years-after-he-left/\" target=\"_blank\">he returned to his alma mater 86 years after he left the school</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZWKOMNT2ZCZPNDOLVSP4YECAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911529},"content":"He left school at the age of 18 and joined the RAF in December, 1938. His commanding officer was Peter Townsend, who later tried to marry Princess Margaret (the relationship was considered controversial as Townsend was previously married).","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4REPVPB6RDWHEVAGIV3CTLDY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911530},"content":"Mr Hemingway flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. The average lifespan of a Battle of Britain pilot was four weeks, but he not only survived that, but also being shot down over Italy in 1945 – when he bailed out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLDNVASMOZWIKU5VHTV73I2CJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911531},"type":"image"},{"_id":"GCP5TNJPCRA5FGBEKCMD6SZKSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911532},"content":"After the war, he served as a staff officer in the Middle East, acted as station commander of RAF Leconfield in Yorkshire, and then senior staff officer at Nato headquarters in France, before being posted to the air ministry. He retired in 1969.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FZ6CPPIOEZAV3GWP3OMEAIEVEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911533},"content":"In May, 2020 he became the last of the “Few” after Flight Lieutenant Terry Clark (101) died on the eve of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AC5MBTCKHRHRBOA4AJNROCWVEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911534},"content":"Mr Hemingway was one of 36 Irish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain, including Wing Commander Brendan ‘Paddy’ Finucane, who was one of the RAF’s most successful fighter aces in the war, and Victor Beamish, a scion of the brewing industry. Both were killed in the war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"c4dfe447-3ee9-4130-b0ab-8dffe7fc7076","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911535},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"CQ7PGCWIGVGGTDSHTKCW3ACGFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911536},"content":"In 2019, Mr Hemingway <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/battle-of-britain-pilot-at-100-the-only-advice-i-can-give-to-people-is-be-irish-1.3958444\" target=\"_blank\">gave an interview to The Irish Times on the occasion of his 100th birthday</a>. He told military historian Joseph Quinn: “I can’t say don’t drink. I can’t say don’t fool about with people. I can’t say don’t fly aeroplanes. I can’t say don’t shoot and get shot at – I’ve done everything, and I’m an Irishman. The only advice I can give to people is be Irish!”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZSZWNMSEJFR7B77HRQNOM2WJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911537},"content":"Mr Hemingway’s wife Bridget died in 1998. They had three children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOZIDGZMSBGSXJH2U537AB5K3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911538},"content":"He lived with daughter in Canada for many years before returning to Ireland in 2011. Mr Hemingway spent his last years in the Trinity Care Foxrock Nursing Home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DNADKICX5GHLKCCL36NLMY6KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911540},"content":"Mr Quinn, who got to know Mr Hemingway well, said: “John Hemingway was our last living connection to the men and women who safeguarded the United Kingdom and the entire Allied cause during a time of great darkness, peril and uncertainty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72YUCXQ4XJCBNIRAGKKTOFW6YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911541},"content":"“He was also the last surviving reminder that Britain did not, in fact, stand alone in the face of the evils of Nazism, and was assisted by volunteers from numerous nations around the world, including neutral Southern Ireland which was represented by 10 RAF pilots. This will be a profound moment for introspection within the United Kingdom, especially at a time when the UK and Europe again face the prospect of aggression on the continent in our own lifetime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5FRUJBP5E7HMB6LM4DTYN2QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911542},"content":"“Group Captain John Hemingway’s story will serve as a visible reminder that the path of reconciliation between Ireland and the UK is underpinned by a shared history which should be both commemorated and celebrated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBN6ECHDXBGG7OGXXTM3IYB7PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911543},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JM6YK3RVHJDL3CA3QG2KMZDTH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911544},"content":"On Monday, UK prime minister, Keir Starmer said he was “saddened to hear of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain. Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the second World War. They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives. He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the ‘Lucky Irishman’, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFFOMXPQKBHVBJ5VQSV4HOFZ5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742299911545},"content":"“Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home. Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Born in 1919, the Dubliner flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain"},"display_date":"2025-03-17T23:50:53.032Z","headlines":{"basic":"Last known Battle of Britain pilot, Irishman John Hemingway, dies aged 105","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RUSYIPCE7Q4ZUFV76OFPBBCKHE","auth":{"1":"1135e4aad6d1a8d1d8e2c28dd1a3184d449ec5cb8516bbb55135673f854f81ef"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RUSYIPCE7Q4ZUFV76OFPBBCKHE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"History"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/history/2025/03/17/last-known-battle-of-britain-pilot-irishman-john-hemingway-dies-aged-105/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/history","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"History"}}}},{"_id":"TAFHTQXHABAVNAKPGCGUGPIPVI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":579,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/2928814c-a489-4e34-94df-2d2fc7fd4208/versions/1741704693/media/7451bd7e2a91019cb8d399e30de3ed89_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/15/unravelling-an-irish-american-family-mystery-my-great-grandfather-arrived-in-the-us-in-1922-after-being-in-the-ira/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6YZRBF4VX5AO3NIDF5TSJKUJPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390022},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NKHHKWXQJHKLEU4K73VWFU6HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390023},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWVZEBDKIBDBDE5YLNKT7S6LF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390024},"content":"I can tell you the exact moment I fell down the reporting rabbit hole, when I latched on the story like a dog to a bone. It was late summer 2021, in the fog of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I was spending the empty hours unravelling a classic Irish-American genealogical mystery: my great-grandfather had arrived in the States in 1922 on the run after being in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-republican-army/\" target=\"_self\">IRA</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOOB4KJOYZHFNGYMVSS2QXKTXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390025},"content":"For most of my life, I had used the tale to bolster my own ancestral bona fides, proof our Irishness transcended the paddywhackery so often associated with the diaspora. I loved the mystery of my great-grandfather’s story, this canvas over which I could drape my own heritage. But by 2021, I wanted more than broad strokes. I had become fascinated by one particular detail of his story. Although he had arrived in Boston, he quickly moved to Philadelphia. There, he nursed Irish republican sentiment until his death.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCBJYVEA7VG3HNOMH6QNUMYKUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390026},"content":"I wanted to know why he had fled to America, and why he had gone south. Why had Philly become home? Was there something that pulled him, an IRA veteran, to the city over any other? I started looking online for reports on the city’s diaspora, census numbers, extraneous colour.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2B55YR3E5GWXAA4ZTBCYRDYJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390027},"content":"Instead, a 1975 New York Times headline flickered across my screen: 5 Indicted in Philadelphia in Ulster Gunrunning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUXLM5WAARDR3PSKGEHTE2NS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390028},"content":"It was a straight story with towering implications. The indicted men – some from my great-grandfather’s old neighbourhood – had sent more than 400 rifles into the North at the start of the Troubles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MI6J67UDVFBV3BEXAXBNMZB6MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390029},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TNZBKF62JGHPNGOQOPMKMAM2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390030},"content":"The late journalist Jack Holland once wrote that Irish-Americans were “Ireland’s Arcadians”, the type of people whose ideal view of Irishness lies in a bygone past. There are 30 million of us, each with some story that explains where we came from. We are descendants who mine our families’ sometimes violent histories for stories, who speak with reverence – and perhaps some nostalgia – for bloody moments we never faced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB4AMUW6DRCJTGCNQLXVDSAGAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390031},"content":"I’ve spent my career covering conflict, from street crime to spies and soldiers. I’m fascinated at what leads people to pick up a gun, and how that decision can define generations. I believe there is often as much trauma behind a trigger as there is in front of a barrel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB2KDFU7HVDCBG6A3GACCTESOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707698907},"content":"The Next One is for You by Ali Watkins: Shining a light on Noraid","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"FXJOFFHLDZDI5BROK24PPOJDKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390032},"content":"The discovery of that New York Times article was the beginning of a four-year professional and personal journey. Who were the Philadelphia men? Who had they helped or hurt in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/northern-ireland/\" target=\"_self\">Northern Ireland</a>? Did they work alone, or were they a part of something bigger?","type":"text"},{"_id":"22UHEIL6EFB57O7BL7WZDLXSGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390033},"content":"I wasn’t just digging into this as a journalist. I was digging as a great-granddaughter, too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVL7LLYTVIOIWF2Z3ZKIGPIV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"RTAU3D2JZJASRE7HYUEXXAKD44"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7BRVV66JCFFXFOTATKIW4D2PNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390035},"content":"The result of this reporting is my book, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2025/03/20/the-next-one-is-for-you-by-ali-watkins-shining-a-light-on-noraid/\" target=\"_self\">The Next One is for You</a>, which tells the story of those Philadelphia men and the guns they sent into the streets of the North. They would provide the Provisional IRA with their first major shipment of American ArmaLites.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N55NIQKCWREWPJ2FLOAGHGF74E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390036},"content":"But the story is not just about this ring of Philadelphia gunrunners. It is the story of the diaspora, which created one of the least known – and “successful” – unofficial gunrunning operations in contemporary American history, operating primarily from 1970 to 1973.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7LRKWG5JCG5OMR5DXT54RMMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390037},"content":"My book examines the Irish Northern Aid Committee or Noraid, the bogeyman that British and American officials long tarred as a front for the IRA in the States. Decades since its prime, Noraid remains shrouded in ambiguities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT365WUIVZBG3KPXZUGURF6XOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390038},"content":"After years of reporting, I have come to believe many things. The group was a critical nexus for the Irish-American community, one that fortified the diaspora’s view of the North and spread awareness about the grave abuses happening there. It did good humanitarian work to aid displaced Catholic families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WETKKY3N4BGQPFEIJIBQAYLFZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390039},"content":"Noraid also became a useful way for those who wished to furnish the IRA with guns to do so. It was a convenient method to move money and weapons, and a plausible alibi. This was a feature, not a bug, of the way Noraid was created. It doesn’t mean that every Noraid member advocated for violence, or knew gunrunning was happening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVUTA66J7RELZBBXPMMBZJDRWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390040},"content":"This book is not about who was right or wrong in a long, complex conflict. It’s impossible – and I would argue, inappropriate – for someone such as me, generations and an ocean removed, to make that judgment. Instead, my book is a human saga about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_self\">immigrant</a> identity and conflict. It traces the violent consequences that connect the book’s disparate characters, perhaps in ways they themselves never even knew. In such an intimate war, in such a claustrophobic place, one decision in Philadelphia could spool out into a tangle of bloody consequences, an ocean away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAWL65MQKBE3BASSKXHNGU2EG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707698917},"content":"The Next One is for You by Ali Watkins: Shining a light on Noraid","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PIEXCJXRDJFUVAYUYOKOPNOW54","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390042},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVHDYEDCIVE3LK6PSGFLEEYXQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390043},"content":"The most complicated character in this story isn’t a character at all. It lurks in the background of every decision and scene, so ubiquitous it transcends time and geography but so elusive that its details have slipped through my fingers. This isn’t just a story about people. It’s also a story about a gun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GI2RM7AATFCW7O6KHET5IVHH4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390044},"content":"At the time I began reporting this book, I had covered violence in America for years. It was a reporting rhythm I understood – I knew what documents existed for shooting incidents, what questions to ask, what databases to search. I knew how to find lawyers and criminal histories, how to gently convince grieving families to talk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKKMXIRH65CLHJHNOVXT2BOI74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741707698921},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S453FWLOABCWJNOCRT5F2QHX2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390045},"content":"By my naive American reckoning, I believed those same skills would translate. It’s why I set out for this island in the autumn of 2022, having collected a mountain of reporting that I hoped would make it easy to find out where those Philadelphia guns had been recovered, in Northern Ireland. My intention was to identify a specific story on the other side of the ArmaLites, to detail an incident of violence caused by an American rifle in the North. For me, it was the most important part of the story. After all, The Next One is for You is not just an American tale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XML3XJ342BBD5GCWWNOZJAIR54","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390046},"content":"But this is where I got the most American of lessons. I had assumed that such information would be easy to find, that the system would be oriented toward transparency. After all, this was more than 50 years ago, and many details about the Philadelphia case were already available in American court documents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KIDXO5WAZCQ3APIT2RJ5AC7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390047},"content":"This assumption ground to halt with one phone call. After my Freedom of Information Act requests were stymied, I finally got through to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/police-service-of-northern-ireland-psni/\" target=\"_self\">PSNI</a> supervisor. Surely, I said, there was some misunderstanding; the information I sought was historic, did not appear to be the subject of a current case, and I already had the guns’ serial numbers. The Troubles had ended 25 years ago. A simple search in the archives would almost certainly unearth what I needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDIRP5FJTND3ZLPFUB5ZV2FHMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390048},"content":"The supervisor walked me through all the various reasons why my requests would be denied, no matter how many times I sent them. Troubles-era cases weren’t subject to standard transparency statutes. Serial numbers were never released, no matter how old they might be. Lawyers were not able to discuss cases, and no, there was no central court system where I could look up charging documents from the 1970s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4OAYJYOPDZBAZB6HDVDBNJWIXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390049},"content":"Finally, he said it plainly: “Just because they gave it to you in America, doesn’t mean we’ll give it to you here.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIOBEABBYZC43AFED2YLX4YTD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390052},"content":"I’ve learned a lot since that phone call, but I still believe in the importance of direct questions, of holding authorities to account, of demanding clear answers, especially from institutions and governments. Still, the direct American in me has had to learn how to speak sideways, to read between lines and intimation, to see shapes in the fog and – perhaps most importantly – know when to let them go.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VD3GLTSBNBYDMLPOZILNMZBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390053},"content":"I hope the book can be a study of generational memory, a reckoning of sorts for how conflict and history gets distorted or remembered differently the further we as descendants move from it. Irish-America is not a monolith, but we have long been accused of romanticising violence. I hope, perhaps, by excavating this sliver of history, we can wrestle the sharper, complicated realities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLEJCPPRTFAE3EUVUNWF5FMZJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390054},"content":"These questions are mine to confront, too. My great-grandfather was well into his later years when the Troubles began, but in describing this project to a relative, she stopped me. She knew exactly what I was talking about, she said; After all, my great-grandfather had donated money to the Philadelphia group for years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZQU5A7TRJF6NCGJVJRAPAE42U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741619390055},"content":"How much did he know? How much did he do? I have looked down that rabbit hole, but turned away. This is the trouble with secret histories. In the absence of reconciled truth, we believe what suits us. Don’t we?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNROGC7BYBDPPHKTBSEZC7AGCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741886238134},"content":"<i>Ali Watkins is a journalist for The New York Times who works for the paper’s London bureau</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VXC6BMEIZFX3FXHXB4FDOWQEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741886238135},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ali Watkins"}]},"description":{"basic":"Delving into her family history led author Ali Watkins to explore one of the least known and most effective gunrunning operations in contemporary American history, and the ways the Irish diaspora view Ireland "},"display_date":"2025-03-15T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Unravelling an Irish-American family mystery: my great-grandfather arrived in the US in 1922, on the run as an IRA man","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"X5QICNPTSNECRLYZTORQ2KREN4","auth":{"1":"bc6905a2645fc6e76b28361d5e6b3fe573d3b7cf0a531033cbeeda947b023404"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X5QICNPTSNECRLYZTORQ2KREN4.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Books"},{"name":"History"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/books/2025/03/15/unravelling-an-irish-american-family-mystery-my-great-grandfather-arrived-in-the-us-in-1922-after-being-in-the-ira/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/books","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Books"}}}}],"count":2988,"_id":"43341b1e6b7102b4f851af327fd7f79ccde41164035d6356da188e1fea61b668"},"expires":1742733275895,"lastModified":1742732975730},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/obituaries\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"TN62EXWGI5AD7MUTK4IMCU6FGE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":331,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7b64484a-358b-465f-bec2-6874c76180c5/versions/1742372986/media/6eadf9b0a540bdf8519c28704b2d6d43_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/22/judge-marie-quirke-obituary-district-court-judge-who-treated-everyone-the-same/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3TUPR6YKM5H3TKYEYVVWNA42PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1655126212489},"content":"<b>Born: </b>May 10th, 1964","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNE3SNLQBVFALJJSTTWIDDSI4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"2RS2GOKGRJB75PO3O7ZNETYZ2Y"},"content":"<b>Died: </b>January 21st, 2025","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAXHY5OSIJCNNBTTRYBARNU7TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642185},"content":"Marie Quirke, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/01/21/visionary-district-court-judge-marie-quirke-dies-suddenly/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/01/21/visionary-district-court-judge-marie-quirke-dies-suddenly/\">who has died aged 60</a>, was a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/district-court/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/district-court/\">District Court</a> judge and former solicitor who never lost her enthusiasm for the law after more than a decade on the bench. She trained fellow judges, taught with the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/law-society/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/law-society/\">Law Society</a> and was president of the Association of District Court Judges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4QQJ4BJWBBSBORAXJHPCN4HNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642186},"content":"Born to farming couple Martin and Kitty Quirke in Ayle, near Oola, Co <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary/\">Tipperary,</a> her academic prowess was evident from a young age and schoolfriends recalled how she would help others with school work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PY2MF3QU2FH4PH45VYPXBS3KU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642187},"content":"After obtaining her law degree in UCC, she trained as a solicitor and worked in private practice in Ennis, Waterford and Dublin before joining the Legal Aid Board. This work brought her around the country and she honed her expertise in childcare, family law and civil law.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DDGH6GS5FHTHIZ4LBRM3TXTA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642188},"content":"In 1999, Marie Quirke was instrumental in setting up the Refugee Legal Service, a part of the Legal Aid Board, and was its first managing solicitor. She became managing solicitor at Finglas Law Centre in 2002 and was elected to the council of the Law Society in the same year. Ten years later she was appointed a judge of the District Court. Initially she dealt with family, childcare and criminal cases before being appointed the licensing judge for the Dublin metropolitan area. Confident in her own abilities, friends said high office did not change her and she continued to treat everyone the same, no matter who they were.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7GIRA5ET5AL7EVT2ZOUAFY2AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642189},"content":"President of the District Court, Mr Justice Paul Kelly, said she embodied all the best qualities of a judge, “extensive legal knowledge, experience and expertise, patience, fairness, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human condition”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZMPREEEYFCCTE3IMH2VLD45MM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642190},"content":"He said she wore her legal expertise lightly and dealt with everyone who appeared before her with courtesy, common sense and good humour. “She was diligent and conscientious in her approach to her work and was a model of efficiency in dealing with court lists.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SHEORBL3RF5NOSTDIEY7YTKII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642191},"content":"As a mark of her high standing among colleagues, she was elected president of the Association of District Court Judges in 2024. She was passionate about the training and education of judges and was involved with the judicial studies committee of the Judicial Council and frequently delivered training to newly appointed judges at all levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C36SLFL6Y5AIBEXOGAFUVASOXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642192},"content":"In an online condolence, Judge Keenan Johnson said she was a positive force of nature who brightened every room she entered. “She was blessed with an amazing intellect and an insatiable appetite for knowledge,” he said. “She had incredible emotional intelligence, which enabled her to treat litigants with great empathy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6NUAJ2VCNF2ZIKESTEZJ6MSXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642193},"content":"Her family said she was extremely proud to be appointed a judge and she gave it her all. She was a familiar sight in the car park of the Four Courts where she could be seen chatting and laughing with friends and colleagues. Barristers Constance Cassidy and Edward Walsh said she was a judge at the peak of excellence. “She gave of her time, she listened, and was firm, fair and wise. She was nobody’s fool. Marie Quirke truly was a judge of and for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"66XJ3XQSXVD5HF5H6VGAIIARSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642194},"content":"She also sat in the small claims court and when The Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope attended a hearing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/09/22/dissatisfied-consumers-go-legal-a-fly-on-the-wall-of-the-small-claims-court/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/09/22/dissatisfied-consumers-go-legal-a-fly-on-the-wall-of-the-small-claims-court/\">he described her court</a> as “a cocktail of kindness, crankiness and show business”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPTFEUCCEZFCPFV2LDFYCHAUBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642195},"content":"Judge Quirke was an encouraging presence in court for young barristers and gave them the space to develop as advocates. Law Society president Eamon Harrington said she was always keen to share her legal expertise, knowledge and guidance with others, and was a popular tutor at the society’s law school for many years. She was also part of the support group for the Afghanistan’s women judges who were forced to flee from their country when the Taliban took over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OM2NVQX6OZAJXANOVMZAHHJDRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642196},"content":"She had been a District Court judge for almost 13 years at the time of her death and Legal Aid Board chief executive Joan Crawford said her empathy and consideration to those who she represented or appeared before her in court had never diminished. Other colleagues remembered the glint of mischief in her eyes, and the deep belly laugh that seemed to erupt from nowhere and fill the room.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYRM5IAZCZEOPKAMRGLVO6JBNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"District Judge Marie Quirke ‘gave justice a kind face’, funeral service told","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"D2JWIEFGDVFDHMKPMLCFNHFHNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642197},"content":"While time was not always within her control, colleagues recalled how she was adept at scheduling and managing her work to maximise time with her husband Alan Fairbairn and their two children. Her family said she loved life and was always open to new experiences, even trying axe-throwing at Christmas. She loved to walk with family and friends, usually with her beloved dog Macy in tow. A keen traveller, she marked her 60th birthday last year with multiple trips around Europe and Morocco.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4P4ZBBOT5DUDKGM6ZZXS5XIOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642198},"content":"When news broke of her death, tributes flooded in from judges all over the country, according to Ms Justice Tara Burns, president of the Association of Judges of Ireland. “It went on for over two days. Her funeral was attended by large numbers of judges from all jurisdictions, which shows how well respected she was.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6G66P47RX5BL5AMAW4HDQK553Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742326642199},"content":"Marie Quirke is survived by her husband Alan, daughter Dearbhla, son Tiernan, her brothers Dick and Tony, and extended family.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"She wore her legal expertise lightly and dealt with everyone who appeared before her with courtesy, common sense and good humour"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Judge Marie Quirke obituary: District Court judge who treated everyone the same","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AWKTE4JR6JGHJIKCLZ4JRPJI7U","auth":{"1":"c3ba5894dc7ca65bb8c4849467b8662e9e158e113d385abb6909d034defa93dc"},"focal_point":{"x":4322,"y":2400},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AWKTE4JR6JGHJIKCLZ4JRPJI7U.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Obituaries"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/22/judge-marie-quirke-obituary-district-court-judge-who-treated-everyone-the-same/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/obituaries","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Obituaries"}}}},{"_id":"JSFLFR6Y65EB5KLGWKJMGYHZ7E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":544,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ece49348-e21b-4f7e-97ba-8bbeedb69866/versions/1742371848/media/38148cbbf113544894d584858e4c83dc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/22/pat-ingoldsby-obituary-ringmaster-of-a-surreal-circus-that-sprang-fully-formed-from-his-own-imagination/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EXMMQ7QQEVFC5IQHJ27QGIV5AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1655126212489},"content":"<b>Born: </b>August 25th, 1942","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNE3SNLQBVFALJJSTTWIDDSI4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"2RS2GOKGRJB75PO3O7ZNETYZ2Y"},"content":"<b>Died: </b>March 1st, 2025","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAZWKBBBQZCVPB52SHTEJCJEHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101568},"content":"For a generation of Irish children, poet and playwright <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pat-ingoldsby/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pat-ingoldsby/\">Pat Ingoldsby</a>, who has died at age 82, was the beloved eccentric uncle who, in the early 1980s, brought mischief and wonder to a country desperately lacking in both. Already a well-known figure in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\">Dublin</a>’s literary counterculture, with shows Pat’s Hat and Pat’s Chat he became Ireland’s favourite kids’ entertainer. His legacy was such that, when news of his death was announced, many people now well into middle age will have felt a part of their childhood slip away with him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPBILIAPONB53AGWNX25ZECZHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101569},"content":"Much of this appeal lay in the fact that Ingoldsby was cheerfully unqualified for the job of children’s presenter. He wasn’t zany or wacky and had no need for a puppet sidekick. Instead, he was a ringmaster of a surreal circus that sprang fully formed from his own imagination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEQRU4MBEBCJPG4IBQKZQMPA6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101570},"content":"Nonsense verse, wacky headgear – he would routinely don a tea cosy or a hat from which dangled plastic fruit – and a refusal to speak down to kids made him a unique figure on the airwaves. That he was conjuring his whimsy at a time of crippling unemployment and economic uncertainty made his impact all the more significant. In serious times, he reminded audiences of all ages of the importance of being silly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G7BLCTVWPNA7TP2PA7WZ7G5GWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101571},"content":"He was in his 40s when Pat’s Hat brought overnight celebrity. He had already led a life full of both wonder and trauma, dreams and nightmares. Yet even after his stint on RTÉ there was still time for one more act, which he embarked upon in the 1990s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAJKCFIEUNE33MECWYFSZXIB74","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101572},"content":"Having concluded that he was enjoying television a bit too much, he turned his back on broadcasting and focused on his poetry, which he would sell from a regular spot on Westmoreland Street in Dublin. This brought a different kind of fame. Away from the screen, he became part of the Dublin streetscape – embodying the surreal wit and the melancholy bound up in the city’s personality.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NER5WN3CRNCL3FQ6OPX7EQXKR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101573},"content":"Ingoldsby was born in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/malahide/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/malahide/\">Malahide</a>, Co Dublin, in 1942, the son of a school principal. He contracted polio at two months old, which would cause paralysis in his left arm for much of his life. He also had asthma, which restricted his ability to play with other children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K76DL2Q62NDTTJY7P6722FEHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101574},"content":"On the many days when ill health forced him stay home from school, he would stare out the livingroom window and watch the world go by. Ingoldsby would see the circus come to town, watch other kids kick a ball around the green and observe the boats in the sea off Malahide – wondering where they had come from and where they were going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUP6ELB445DMFJYWSUG5Q353I4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Ingoldsby: ‘I didn’t want to be in anything that involved talking about myself’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"X52O43N2JVGKHCZJLWGE3WJRGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101575},"content":"His father encouraged him to secure a “good, secure, steady, safe job with an annual increment”. And so, at age 18, he began working in insurance, commuting daily from Malahide to central Dublin. He soon discovered that a desk-bound life was not for him: despite his best efforts, he could not reconcile himself to a nine-to-five existence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2WUA2GBHQFCNHPFSABRFGCIGJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101576},"content":"“The futility of doing something in order to keep someone else happy,” he would later explain to The Irish Times. “And then they die. You can’t live your life like that. But it did not occur to me that there might be another way to live.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VTSPIMDE5BEVMW4MCM2XKISCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101577},"content":"There was another way to live, and it was in search of that life that he quit his job and moved to Britain, where he found work at Vauxhall Motors in Luton. Labouring in a factory was no more fulfilling than pushing a pen in insurance, but simply to be on the move was its own victory. “I didn’t know where I was going, so if I never got there it was fine,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWBORLM6OJBWLHEFRP3AQBZAHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101578},"content":"Inner peace remained elusive, however, and he experienced a series of mental breakdowns. In 1965, Ingoldsby received a course of electroshock therapy, but the results were unsatisfactory. “I was six times locked away,” he revealed to The Irish Times. “There were so many different words for it. Bipolar was one. Endogenous depression was another. Reactive depression. I can’t remember all the others.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6HLWPIBYJBUDOD2CHYRO3WCPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101579},"content":"He would finally overcome his depression with a treatment called “Gestalt therapy”, which encourages the patient to live in the moment and focus on the here and now. “That was my turning point. It’s because of Gestalt therapy that I became a healthy, well-rounded, balanced person.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXKYVX3B6RAIFJC6GJHOJGUP5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101580},"content":"Ingoldsby moved back and forth between Ireland and Britain throughout the 1960s. In 1967, he was working in a holiday camp in Skerries, Co Dublin, where the owner recognised that Ingoldsby was “not kitchen porter material” and promoted him to camp entertainer. Going on stage to share stories with an audience of 600 or so encouraged his love of performance and did wonders for his self-belief.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHC2R7NFRFBGVIO76YVH74HX7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101581},"content":"By the 1970s, he was back in Dublin full-time, and he became a figure in the city’s counterculture. He hosted a RTÉ radio show, Saturday Spin, which led to a friendship with musician Brush Shields. It was on Shields’s advice that he bought a house in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/clontarf/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/clontarf/\">Clontarf</a>. “While I could afford it,” he later said. “The best bit of advice I ever got and the reason I have somewhere to live now”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H762NK6M6FGH3M4BC7QQCUOMIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101582},"content":"In 1977, Ingoldsby published his first poetry collection, You’ve Just Finished Reading This Title. He also contributed scripts to children’s TV show Wanderly Wagon and debuted a one-man play for children, Rhymin’ Simon, at the Peacock in Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WIYHWAXCVDQHBRNTUHHNKUAHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101583},"content":"His talents were recognised by Denis O’Grady, a visionary television commissioner who had previously worked for the BBC and took a chance on Ingoldsby by greenlighting Pat’s Hat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYSMNB7TY5EILLVJGXDOLC75SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101584},"content":"“I need to be noticed, and when I went into the interview, I’m wearing a cabbage from either side of my hat,” said Ingoldsby. “And because RTÉ has always had a problem with originality, they were freaked. But I went on, and the phones just nearly melted.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVTXNYKXSBFQTPEBV7JYWXEK3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101585},"content":"O’Grady’s hunch paid off, and Ingoldsby became a huge hit with children. “I just loved the idea of appearing on television with a chicken on my head and the phone on top of the chicken,” said Ingoldsby. “Then it would ring, and I’d pretend I couldn’t hear and it would be so real to the children,” he recollected to the Irish Examiner. “They’d be roaring: ‘Pat, your phone!’ To them, it was real.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TDSW3CW3RDKHCREF75FVN5WGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101586},"content":"He enjoyed his years on RTÉ but by the 1990s he felt the time had come to move on. “I turned my back on media and I didn’t seek any attention,” he said. “And I’ve never been happier. For a long time in my life, I was in psychiatric hospitals and getting shock treatment because I didn’t like me. I hated me. Then show business had become for me a way of getting encouragement and getting approval. Every time I was mentioned in the papers as being a national treasure or a legend or being the Irish version of somebody else, I would feel approval. But it would only last so long. And then you realise, as I did, that it became an addiction.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCY5G5TTI5EW5OF6XH7DYS6VCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101587},"content":"In 1994, he set up a publishing house, Willow Publications, and focused on publishing and selling his verse, which he did until 2015 when his childhood polio returned with a vengeance. “My life started with polio,” he would say. “And now it’s ending with polio because I’m in this situation where my legs have decided not to work any more. It’s great for them, but you can’t go anywhere if your bloody legs don’t work”. Undeterred, he continued to publish new work on Facebook, under the title, Pat Ingoldsby, My Poems Come Out To Play.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFYUGLP43NG77GKA6PGHYYF2GY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Ingoldsby is remembered at his funeral as ‘unaffected, profoundly human’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KMZNSN344RGWHBBJTVYV2P7CEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101588},"content":"He died at a nursing home in Clontarf surrounded by family and friends. At his funeral, his friend and companion Vivienne Baillie offered heartfelt tribute, saying, “Pat was made of love, but he was also made of words. They accompanied him throughout his life and became his livelihood. Like love, words gushed out of him”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNCJRE4NPVDNHCZVYWT6G2MB34","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101589},"content":"A poet with the common touch and a children’s TV presenter beloved by people of all ages, he was a true national treasure – the best sort of pied piper who left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to have seen him at the height of his whimsical powers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYFOBKJJJFDENI6JGMNZEKWNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742315101590},"content":"He is survived by companion Vivienne Baillie and siblings Michael, Dayo, Ann and Brigid.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"A poet with the common touch and a children’s TV presenter beloved by people of all ages, he was a true national treasure"},"display_date":"2025-03-22T00:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pat Ingoldsby obituary: Ringmaster of a surreal circus that sprang fully formed from his own imagination","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SDDNUFQQHZCITIVEUSER7H2AXQ","auth":{"1":"b77a4b2a8c7ade52680d572a0ca00911e94202bb7e8f6972af5096b5012c3088"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SDDNUFQQHZCITIVEUSER7H2AXQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Obituaries"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/22/pat-ingoldsby-obituary-ringmaster-of-a-surreal-circus-that-sprang-fully-formed-from-his-own-imagination/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/obituaries","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Obituaries"}}}},{"_id":"5FMQBLWYPZBHFF67O45XRKREQI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":349,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d251abee-1f3d-42c4-9b16-9bab31966c9f/versions/1741978183/media/ca732921e954eb4c8c14547b73c80dfc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/17/tony-crooks-appreciation-a-lifelong-advocate-for-education-community-development-and-social-justice/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HNFZGGJ6BZB5JJXTGNUGD7LSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664581},"content":"Tony Crooks: A Gentle Changemaker in Curriculum Reform and Social Disadvantage","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2XB5EBOHNATFFP36NB3VCYFYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664582},"content":"Tony (JAI) Crooks (February 10th, 1942 – January 15th, 2025), who has died aged 82, was a lifelong advocate for education, community development, and social justice. Over a career spanning academia and public service, he shaped curriculum reform in Ireland, pioneered initiatives to tackle social exclusion, and became a quiet but transformative force in the fields of local development and social partnership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74WY5RXDHFAIPN7E3F4X7GCJ5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664583},"content":"Born in Dublin in 1942, Tony was the son of Rev John Crooks – later Dean of Armagh – and Elizabeth (née Vance). His childhood was spent in Killylea, Co Armagh, where his father was rector. The family maintained strong ties to north Donegal, which became a cherished place throughout his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAF6KYP2VBFR7KH2HKSIBISVIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664584},"content":"Educated at Campbell College in Belfast and TCD, Tony studied Classics (1960–4) and Hebrew and Oriental Languages (1964–7). A Higher Diploma in Education (1967) laid the groundwork for his early career as a teacher and in curriculum development.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5OKXRJIKRGW3LUIZNRSWMTGSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664585},"content":"After marrying Joanna (née Walmsley) in 1966, the couple left Ireland in 1967, where the first two of five children were born. Tony and Joanna spent four formative years teaching at a large comprehensive school in Northern Ontario. Tony also studied at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto, an experience that would profoundly influence his later work in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBHNPHC2TFEZ5BCSFUSSJDDEDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664586},"content":"Returning to Dublin in 1971, Tony was appointed to the School of Education at TCD, and became deputy director of the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) of the City of Dublin VEC. His academic work was in the field of curriculum innovation and his developmental work included responsibility for the Humanities Curriculum, the first of its kind in Ireland, and the European Community sponsored Dublin Inner City Education Project. His PhD (1979), A Participant Observation Study of the Factors which Influenced the Development of the City of Dublin Humanities Curriculum, 1972/1976, analysed the impact of that project.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIILF4NLSJEWTIJFADZRYMAFGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664587},"content":"With his colleagues in the CDU, Tony created a unit defined by creativity and freshness in thought, championing student-centred learning and advocating for a broader understanding of the humanities, sciences and the whole curriculum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHYIACGSKVDHJNHL6IMW7L7Q6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664588},"content":"In 1991, his career took an unexpected turn when he was seconded to the Department of An Taoiseach as part of a national co-ordinating team of the Area-Based Response to Long-Term Unemployment, part of the Programme for Social and Economic Progress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONQE3NN6WJBLDH5VUQROCNGKD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664589},"content":"What was intended to be a temporary assignment became a defining chapter of his life. In 1992, he was appointed the first chief executive officer of Area Development Management (ADM), the organisation that would later evolve into Pobal. For the next 17 years, Tony played a central role in fostering social inclusion and community-led development in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KLKSEFW6BEOHER3DKV4TJKJRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664590},"content":"Under his leadership, ADM/Pobal pioneered initiatives that ensured economic growth was not confined to privileged sectors of society. He was instrumental in establishing local partnerships supported by European funding, implementing the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme – an initiative he believed to be as transformative as the introduction of free secondary education in the 1960s – and advancing community-building efforts in the wake of the Good Friday agreement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHKYX6KZUFC45KXMNVIQEPKVY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664591},"content":"This later career was less a change of direction than the fulfilment of a vision Tony had carried in him since his earliest days working on curriculum change. The linking theme was his commitment to tackling social exclusion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WF5TYKLHRZF4NNMZBN7EIP33X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664592},"content":"His greatest gift in his professional life was his capacity to empower others and to channel diverse ideas into a coherent programme of action. His ethic was clear: trust colleagues to do creative work, empower the young through education, enable communities through social justice. In each arena, he focused on equipping people to take control of their own futures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUIAJSD3UJFJ5ESQXXG6O745IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664593},"content":"Though he retired from Pobal in 2008, Tony remained deeply engaged in social causes. He chaired and supported numerous charities, including Barnardos, Archways, and the Irish Childcare Policy Network (which later became Start Strong), as well as Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHZNCZ6V35DNFPMBNI4DIMEDOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664594},"content":"Even in his final years, Tony retained his love of sport. He discovered a new passion for opera, and read voraciously from ancient history to contemporary Irish fiction, sharing his love of books with the next three generations in his family. He faced his illness with the same quiet dignity that had characterised his life, supported by Joanna, his wife of 58 years, and his children Julie, Andrew, Rachel, Tim and Peter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2WOUBX5MZG2ROCKMPECOH5N6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741253664595},"content":"Tony Crooks leaves behind a remarkable legacy: as an educator, a public servant, a devoted husband and father, and a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. Above all, he will be remembered as a man of immense kindness, wisdom, and humour – a constant presence for good, and a gentle changemaker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LK6ZYN23YRHVVK7AJSUCJVB7SQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Educator shaped curriculum reform in Ireland and pioneered initiatives to tackle social exclusion"},"display_date":"2025-03-17T05:59:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tony Crooks appreciation: a lifelong advocate for education, community development, and social justice","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Obituaries"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/17/tony-crooks-appreciation-a-lifelong-advocate-for-education-community-development-and-social-justice/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/obituaries","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Obituaries"}}}},{"_id":"5F5BDNOT6BD43JQ7NXPPDXOVEY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":447,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f4993136-32ec-4dfc-9c07-f26c945db4a9/versions/1741710845/media/470c628c5c90ecb2bbedd5c48232ebd7_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/15/paddy-cullen-obituary-dublin-goalkeeper-and-manager-with-a-talent-for-understanding-people/","content_elements":[{"_id":"P5IW46NJLJH3JBGQZ4LYEXVJNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1655126212489},"content":"<b>Born: </b>October 18th, 1944","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNE3SNLQBVFALJJSTTWIDDSI4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"2RS2GOKGRJB75PO3O7ZNETYZ2Y"},"content":"<b>Died: </b>February 6th, 2025","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQ2FJZVI6RHUNC7UD3VVD775KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595781},"content":"Paddy Cullen’s death after a long illness in February was a cause of sadness for many Dublin football supporters, especially those old enough to recall his exploits in goal for one of the game’s most charismatic teams.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2N34GRFWRNBTZG7GVF6MRRINSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595782},"content":"That side, brought from almost nowhere to win All-Ireland titles under the management of Kevin Heffernan, throughout the late 1970s pursued a famous rivalry with Kerry and reinvigorated Gaelic games in the capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZYJ47JZKBBZJMEXVY4MJEBUY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595783},"content":"He was a well-known member of that team, partly because of the performances that brought him four All Star awards but also because of his extrovert personality and quick-witted humour.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TENPYXN3CVB55OEOKL4VJZMWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595784},"content":"This also made him a popular member of the dressingroom where his warmth and optimism infused training sessions and team meetings. “He was a friend to everyone on the panel,” according to his team-mate, the late Brian Mullins, speaking on TG4’s Laochra Gael in 2014.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WP6QCOL7VRFKFDUNYLESVSR3JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595785},"content":"It also informed one of the more famous anecdotes about him, referred to in his eulogy at the funeral by team-mate Alan Larkin and originally published by David Walsh in a famous 1989 portrait of the team in Magill magazine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3EJNM5YQFESDO6Y4KKGOJIOOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595786},"content":"“Partly because he was an optimist and a dreamer, it was Paddy Cullen who first considered that Dublin might be going somewhere. During training at Parnell Park, jets flew overhead and he spotted them. Turning to whoever was nearest, he would say, “See that, we will be on one of those off to America next year.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYCADMPAJJHARL5JEQJGWAN4DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595787},"content":"He had been an All Star replacement a year or so previously and regaled his team-mates with what a brilliant trip it had been. Now, he determined that they would win an All-Ireland and take the same journey together.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHY4YZFDGVE6ZKDCCZPJVXYEN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595788},"content":"At the time it must have felt to the other players that they were as likely to grow wings and fly there themselves, so lowly and disregarded was Dublin’s place in football’s pecking order. It started as a joke but gradually became a motif, a focal point for their dreams and hardening ambition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2R2OZ45QDRHYTCKUG74DI6G2NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595789},"content":"A member of the O’Connell Boys club, Paddy Cullen made his senior competitive debut as goalkeeper in the league semi-final against Meath in April 1967 and played in that year’s home final against Galway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6CUWVG3SOJAV3DWDR5LWLH2O6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595790},"content":"He would win three All-Ireland medals, two national league and six Leinster titles, becoming the most recognisable ‘keeper’ in football.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JD57TBQTGRCNJODSVAFPUZUXJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595791},"content":"From Oxmantown Road, Dublin – the family later moved to Seville Place – he was born on October 18th, 1944, one of 10 children of Jim Cullen, a carpenter from Wexford, and Dublin-born Lily Kennedy who grew up in Carlow, and was educated in St Laurence O’Toole’s and later Bolton Street.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLCAJSJ77NGK3GMHFGAXUW3GB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595792},"content":"Paddy Cullen became an electrician with McNaughton’s, moving on through positions with different companies, each bringing a bit more responsibility from Merchants Warehousing to Swiss engineering group Brown Boveri, which gave him the opportunity to go into management, initially working as a liaison with trade unions. He later became personnel officer for Musgrave’s Cash and Carry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3ITB6VONJBIJE7SWUBYFDRTDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595793},"content":"In 1984, he and a friend acquired the pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin, which he later bought out and which to this day bears his name, even though he sold it in the 1990s and bought the Manor Inn in Swords.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECL6EQUR5FA7TDB77FRBSELBMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595794},"content":"His team-mate from playing days with Dublin and later one of his selectors, Jim Brogan identified why Paddy Cullen was so successful in business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGND3TJSL5E7RC7HVZ2G5PZLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595795},"content":"“In a way his pub was very much Paddy. People would go there to see Paddy Cullen and meet him. If you said ‘howya’ to him, he would open up his eyes and for however long the conversation, you were the most important person in his world at that time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RK3W6VPDUJF4BEB5VFR7MQUH3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595796},"content":"“I’m sure success made a big change to his own personal life in terms of who he was and what he was and the resulting opportunities. But he was a good guy. There are anecdotes that when he was in sales, he was really understanding about other people’s personal situations and that was one of his special qualities. He could show empathy that others might not be able to.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOLYR3QJLNFOFBXQLMEOGU5LBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595797},"content":"Two major events from his playing days have grown almost to define his career. In his Dublin team’s first All-Ireland final in 1974, opponents Galway were awarded a penalty in the second half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CWOHQJYSNDWLHPT7I2V5U4EMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595798},"content":"Paddy Cullen stopped Liam Sammon’s kick. The save is a study in sharp reflexes, waiting until the last second to move to his left and extending his arm to deflect the ball to safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DEKLH7ZUXRHQ5BICLIHHGBMVMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595799},"content":"“I would place three men as Dublin’s heroes of the day on the same pedestal, Paddy Reilly, David Hickey and Paddy Cullen,” wrote Paddy Downey in his report of the final for The Irish Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXOJBA4FARGGTPELJWVOGHM3LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595800},"content":"Galway led at the time and there has been plenty of speculation that had Sammon scored, they may well not have been caught and had Dublin not won that day, their football revolution might have been stillborn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6CS5ARGUBRAHJP4U3ZA3HY52LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595801},"content":"Then there was the free kick awarded against him in the 1978 final, a turning point in the rivalry with Kerry. Robbie Kelleher handed the ball to Mikey Sheehy as Cullen protested and the quickly taken free sailed over the hastily retreating goalkeeper and into the net, inspiring Con Houlihan’s timeless description that Paddy “dashed back towards his goal like a woman who smells a cake burning.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NIAJTSHKRF4ZNSSEV4S6E2PJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595802},"content":"In keeping with his self-deprecating sense of humour, Paddy Cullen mounted a display of eight photographs, detailing the incident, on the wall of his pub in Ballsbridge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLJG2VGVIFBOJBKJMT2DXMCBCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595803},"content":"The controversy nonetheless troubled him and he was particularly happy to be awarded his fourth goalkeeping All Star the following year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKVWPRXEYBDXTOOVH6OZNX23GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595804},"content":"Although never seen as the most obvious candidate for management, he was appointed Dublin manager in 1990 and together with selectors Dr Pat O’Neill and Jim Brogan, led the county to a league title in 1991 and a Leinster championship the following year, which also saw Dublin back in an All-Ireland final for the first time in seven years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIKS72FUKNF6VD2YCRSMEQRCIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595805},"content":"Although favourites, they lost to Donegal and in the fallout, Paddy Cullen made things easier for everyone by graciously stepping aside. “I had tried. I thought that I could do it and I didn’t do it and it was time to let somebody else do it,” he reflected in 2014.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKJUY3WJVRG3XG7QWPKDRHKD3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595806},"content":"One of the highpoints of his management was the four-match epic against Meath in the 1991 Leinster championship, which attracted full houses to Croke Park, culminating in a then-rare televised Saturday fixture. The series was credited with reasserting Gaelic games as box-office attractions just a year after the sporting and social phenomenon that was the Italia 90 World Cup.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEDV3PNLPNEMRLKV72OIY3WNXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595807},"content":"The years that followed passed happily, a story of business success, family, the conviviality of maintaining contact with the 1970s team as well as the various philanthropic fundraisers they organised, most notably the Dublin Charity Golf Classic, which brought in hundreds of thousands of euro for good causes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKU66YTICNBA5HJW47MFLSF6DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595809},"content":"Although unwell, he was able to attend last year’s 50th reunion of the 1974 All-Ireland winners. “That made it a very special day for everybody that he turned up,” recalled Jim Brogan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQPQSODRWJC3JHQ4DPXZJD7RLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741706595810},"content":"He is survived by his wife Ann (Walsh) and children Anthony, Elizabeth and Andrew.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"GAA All Star and publican was known for his extrovert personality and quick-witted humour"},"display_date":"2025-03-15T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Paddy Cullen obituary: Dublin goalkeeper and manager known for sharp reflexes and quick-witted humour","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"M7M7QAD2PVAWBPSSLXFQM5MXPY","auth":{"1":"f63d82fe22fce3b44f473f6f2f1c77b09271f8a58ae9428eaafe6d32dbbba1e6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/M7M7QAD2PVAWBPSSLXFQM5MXPY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Obituaries"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/15/paddy-cullen-obituary-dublin-goalkeeper-and-manager-with-a-talent-for-understanding-people/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/obituaries","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Obituaries"}}}},{"_id":"CBEBR7WRIRAB3NQDMWJW3HR6PE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":430,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a3191090-ba67-41fc-9003-42064d1ce4b2/versions/1741787886/media/e87afae7fc1eb1fe36b73d06d801fbf4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/15/james-donovan-obituary-groundbreaking-scientist-who-refused-to-be-cowed-by-criminals/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OJQGE2V3IZB57FLT26E23SM5QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1655126212489},"content":"<b>Born: </b>July 16th, 1944","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNE3SNLQBVFALJJSTTWIDDSI4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"2RS2GOKGRJB75PO3O7ZNETYZ2Y"},"content":"<b>Died: </b>February 18th, 2025","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKUBLQPC4NBGZNJUEZBEYFWQPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266189},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2025/02/18/groundbreaking-former-state-forensic-scientist-james-donovan-dies-aged-80/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2025/02/18/groundbreaking-former-state-forensic-scientist-james-donovan-dies-aged-80/\">Dr James Donovan</a>, the former director of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/forensic-science-ireland/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/forensic-science-ireland/\">Forensic Science Ireland</a>, the national forensic sciences service, has died following a short illness. The senior public servant established the State’s first forensic science laboratory and continued to work in that organisation through its various evolutions until his retirement in 2002.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMONPHPSNRCVXGZMUPGEUSK3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266190},"content":"Dr Donovan provided evidence for several high-profile cases throughout his career. One of the most significant was when he was the key witness in the trial of the Provisional IRA killers of Lord Louis Mountbatten and three other people including a 15-year-old boy. They were killed when the boat they were in was blown up in Sligo in 1979.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTNZAKZ7YVDJPEWLWUFYG62UPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266191},"content":"Dr Donovan was flown to Sligo and, during a postmortem, he detected layers of green paint from the boat on the bodies. It was similar to flakes of green paint later found on suspects, which became the key evidence in the trial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUWUEBRIGNCHHCULHSXVIFNTDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266192},"content":"In 1982, Dr Donovan suffered life-changing injuries following an attempted car-bomb assassination on him organised by the criminal Martin Cahill, also known as “The General\". At that time, Cahill was facing armed robbery charges backed up by forensic evidence from Dr Donovan. The bomb had been planted under Dr Donovan’s car before he drove to work from his home in Tallaght to Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRXORUBRGRBJNOK6WZP45POZXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266193},"content":"A team of surgeons operated on him for several hours to save his legs, which were threatened with amputation. One foot was partially rebuilt with steel pins and skin grafts, and he used crutches for the rest of life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELJHZNKVIZDHHC3HFBVL5G25KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266194},"content":"The blast also severed nerves in his right hand and fragments of the explosion damaged his sight. The wounds never fully healed and Dr Donovan experienced constant pain, for which he was treated with heavy medication for the rest of his life. He also required subsequent procedures and remained grateful for the excellent care he received from medical professionals throughout his life. He had a driver/bodyguard during the rest of his career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HLKCQHMFBGSFMTVMZ3EKEI7U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266195},"content":"Describing him as a “groundbreaking director of Forensic Science Ireland”, Minister for Justice <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ocallaghan/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ocallaghan/\">Jim O’Callaghan</a> said he was a “great servant of the State”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"32TDOTEWOVAC7KUX7Z3JHHKDWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Through a very dark time in our country’s history, his scientific work and fearless evidence was crucial to the prosecution of some of the most notorious criminals of the day. He was at the forefront of establishing forensic science as a key part of crime investigation in this country,” said O’Callaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EETOFG52IZEPNMCDVE62FZQ3YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266196},"content":"At his funeral, his sister Carmel said her brother was “an unsung hero who gave his life to protect the people of Ireland”. And she praised his determination to return to work following the attempted assassination. “He told me, ‘If I don’t go back to work, they will have won and I won’t allow that,’” she said. Earlier in his career, he had escaped another car bomb, which blew up when he wasn’t in the car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4EPJLHTGLJBO5CMCKKSA7CFZIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266197},"content":"Described by colleagues as the founding father of forensic science in Ireland, Dr Donovan first worked in the State laboratory in Merrion Street, Dublin, in the early 1970s. He was then hired as a forensic scientist to start the State forensic science laboratory, based initially in the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards in Glasnevin before moving to the Garda Technical Bureau at Garda Headquarters in 1979.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NN2P6NQSBGRHB5K7KDQTGY3TU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266198},"content":"Over the years, Dr Donovan cultivated close relationships with senior members of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/5/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/5/\">Garda</a> and senior civil servants in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-justice/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-justice/\">Department of Justice</a> to advance the role of forensic science in criminal investigations, improve facilities for forensic scientists and recruit more staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHVZ6UHDKJFATFPEI55GLHPSRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266199},"content":"“In the early years of the laboratory, he was the only scientist who gave evidence in all the major cases, which was why he became a target. Nowadays, sensitive cases are spread out between different scientists,” said Dr Tom Hannigan, former deputy director of Forensic Science Ireland, who worked closely with Dr Donovan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REDQIG54UNDDHC7XRJEOHMWDME","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266200},"content":"Colleagues and friends described him as an articulate and respectful man with an understated sense of humour. Having played the piano and piano accordion as a young person, he could be persuaded to sing the popular Cork anthem The Banks of the Lee at public events. He received the Cork Lord Mayor’s award for bravery in 2008.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5CDXAVUHRCBLFJE7DUW4YHMNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266201},"content":"Always aware that the public’s knowledge of forensic science needed to be advanced, he made special efforts to speak to third-level students in Irish universities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JB4OHR43MRDNXDALLTNHXN6MCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266202},"content":"He was also proud that Ireland became a founding member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in 1995 during his time as director. Through that network and the International Association of Forensic Sciences, he shared his vast knowledge and expertise with colleagues throughout Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PONQNDE36BDVTGSC4GLYI7YDCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266203},"content":"The eldest of three children of Michael and Eileen Donovan, James Donovan was born in Oxford. When he was two, his parents moved back to Cork city, where James grew up. He attended the North Monastery primary and secondary school on North Monastery Road, Cork city. He completed an honours degree in chemistry at University College Cork (UCC), staying on to do his PhD in organic chemistry. He met his wife-to-be, Mary Cashman, while studying at UCC and the couple married in 1972. His first job was as a food quality controller for Erin Foods.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POTGXV2TBJBATDHQBBGD3WWJHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266204},"content":"Dr Donovan’s interest in public speaking led to him being a long-standing member of the Hellfire Club of Toastmasters International. And in the year before his retirement, he put together Cracking Crime: Jim Donovan, Forensic Detective with writer Niamh O’Connor (O’Brien Press, 2001). A first-hand account of his career, the book examines the history of forensic science from the analysis of dust to criminal profiling. It also includes some of the most notable cases of crimes solved by the use of forensics, including the abduction and murder of Mary Duffy – where teeth indentation on a wad of toilet roll helped identify her body – and the triple murder of Imelda Riney, her son Liam and Fr Joseph Walsh in Co Clare in 1994.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S7O522GYPBDKHMUOK6E2PHP6FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266205},"content":"Dr Donovan maintained his interest in forensics later in life and the current generation of forensic scientists continued to learn from his expertise. He attended the opening of the new forensic science laboratory in Celbridge, Co Kildare in 2024. “Jim was a regular visitor to Garda Headquarters and he will be sorely missed by all in An Garda Siochána – both serving and retired,” said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMF5D6XTTNEFBAL2C3SB3LBP54","additional_properties":{"_id":1741368266206},"content":"James Donovan is survived by his wife, Mary, his twin sisters, Helen and Carmel, nieces, nephews and extended family.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The founder of the State’s first forensic laboratory provided evidence in some of the most notorious cases in the history of the State\n"},"display_date":"2025-03-15T00:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"James Donovan obituary: Groundbreaking scientist who refused to be cowed by criminals ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HNMHB45NRJE25H64MQF6FDARDI","auth":{"1":"2f1b10c68e9f29ef80447867f605639ca38e8c6de7b2f25b1112d5a056ae723c"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HNMHB45NRJE25H64MQF6FDARDI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Obituaries"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/obituaries/2025/03/15/james-donovan-obituary-groundbreaking-scientist-who-refused-to-be-cowed-by-criminals/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/obituaries","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Obituaries"}}}}],"count":5902,"_id":"508406c81ff8bcd154d38b9dd1ad04cb1d19e7581b16deffe7e75d15efd44e14"},"expires":1742733197716,"lastModified":1742732897522},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/tuarascail\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"7QVML5X3UFDBROLQUFNDC4JERA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/17/caint-neamhphairliminteach/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W7PIWD23FZFQBBVLERHYNY7ZYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630914},"content":"Bhí sioscadh is trí chéile sa Dáil le déanaí toisc go ndúirt an Taoiseach gur ‘ag insint bréaga’ a bhí Mary Lou. De réir nós imeachtaí na Dála níl cead bréaga a chur i leith duine eile sa seomra, nó ar shleasa an tseomra féin. Tá liosta d’fhocail is de mhaslaí a bhfuil teir orthu a úsáid, a bhfuil focail áille ar nós ‘scumbag’ agus ‘corner boy’ ina measc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6DRVXP4ERNA6NABWK3DQLZLOZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630915},"content":"Fágann sin deacracht sa chás is go mbeadh aon phlé ar an litríocht in aon cheann de sheomraí an Oireachtais, óir cad a dhéanfaí dá luafaí an focal ‘yahoo’ a chum Swift ach a bhfuil bac air i ndíospóireacht iomchuí. Tá ‘Bligeard Sráide’ ar leabhar suaitheantasach filíochta le Michael Davitt agus ar dócha gurb é an nath is gaire atá againn do ‘corner boy’ sa Ghaeilge. Chaithfí a bheith cúramach conas a luafaí é sa chás neamhdhóchúil go luafaí filíocht ar chor ar bith ar urláir ár dtithe rialtais.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7L3EDDKGYVB7XL5MY4YYSNT7PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630916},"content":"Is é an bac atá ar na focail áirithe seo a chuireann sceimhle ar dháoine ná gur ‘caint neamhphairliminteach’ iad. Ní fios cad as a dtáinig an tuiscint seo ach ní as traidisiún pairliminteach na Gaeilge í.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6SLA2QBINDKTK4NJABWNXVJNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630917},"content":"Sna pairlimintí móra atá againn inár litríocht féinig is beag den ‘chaint phairliminteach’ atá iontu. Dá labhrófaí mar a labhair Mathún Mórthónach nó Giolla Bréige Ó Braimpléisce nó Sir Domhnall Ó Plobarnáin nó Seán Séideánach Ó Smutacháin in Pairlement Chloinne Tomáis, an aoir iontach sin orainn féin ón 17ú haois, ní fada go gcuirfí corc iontu. Cé nach bhfuil a n-amhlachas céanna de chaint neamhiomchuí in Parliament na mBan, ní sampla maith de chaint phairliminteach í ach oiread; agus is neamhphairlimintí go mór gach a ndeir Síomón Smólsmáca agus Domhnall ‘Seag é’ Ó Raithile agus Piaras Prineanta Mac Torpacháin agus Tadhg ‘Tit ar Toll’ Ó Preicealláin gan ach an chuid is neamháiféisí de phearsana Párliment na bhFíodóirí san 19ú haois a áireamh. Tá trí chéad bliain de chaint neamhphairliminteach álainn na hÉireann againn iontu sin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WESPUJDWARCALEUC2KJYKXJIQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630918},"content":"Go deimhin, is deacair teacht ar leaganacha Béarla de chuid de na maslaí is binne agus is fileata a bhfuil fáil orthu sa Ghaeilge. Is cinnte go bhfuil gach saghas duine díobh sa Dáil i gcónaí. Ní minic a bhím ag féachaint ar ná ag éisteacht leis na díospóireachtaí Dála mar is é beatha dhuine a thoil, ach níl aon dul agam ach ar a laghad claibseach agus gaotaire agus meigeadán nó beirt, nó triúr, a chloisint ó fhána an rialtais. Táid siúd ann, leis, atá róleisciúil le teacht isteach sa teach iad féin, liairnaí díomhaoine agus liopastáin agus seilmideálaithe, ach is dócha nach bhféadfaí iad a mhaslú toisc nach mbeadh siad ann.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KWFFAGA75ELRO2OQEI52OZF3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630919},"content":"Is fíor go bhfuil an bearrthachán agus an badhbaire agus an sceanadóir dulta in éag toisc go mbíonn a bhformhór ar a dteileafóin phóca le linn na cainte, ach ní fhágann sin nach bhfuil an gleacaí milis sleamhain agus an cúigleálaí ciúin agus an sliúdrálaí slabach ina measc i gcónaí.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZUHQWUWAJGPNBOIJHUQN3A5PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630920},"content":"Nár bhreá leat go gcuirfí le spraoi na Dála ach priocsmut beag éigin ag éirí ina sheasamh ag fiafraí: ‘Ar mhiste leis an Aire bodhránach, an scrúile searbh sin, an sruimile sramach saothartach sin, an súmaire draoibe a d’fhás aníos i bpoll caca na hÉireann, ar mhiste leis a chonablach goirgeach a shuathadh uair amháin d’fhonn aghaidh a thabhairt ar an gceist nár fhreagair sé ón tóirse gaoithe thall, nó an amhlaidh go mbeidh sé ina chaibirlín cnagbheirthe choíche agus ina ghruamaire gránna go deo?’","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCOB34EEAJECTPSNQD5KQ2SY44","additional_properties":{"_id":1741956630921},"content":"Beag an seans. Táimid róbhéasach ar fad. B’fhéidir gur cheart dár gcuid pairliminteoirí smut dár litríocht féin a léamh seachas a bheith ag lúitéis roimh ‘mháthair na bpairlimintí’, mar dhea, dar leo.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alan Titley"}},"name":"Alan Titley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Is deacair teacht ar leaganacha Béarla de chuid de na maslaí is binne agus is fileata a bhfuil fáil orthu sa Ghaeilge."},"display_date":"2025-03-17T02:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Caint neamhphairliminteach ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"I25JBEM7KRHFNIYGKM3ZGHGXMA","auth":{"1":"cc7544d6764f6b898afaf8534adc276a7dbcebd002d2df3e5fa1a6d38f8d830e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/I25JBEM7KRHFNIYGKM3ZGHGXMA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Tuarascáil"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/17/caint-neamhphairliminteach/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/tuarascail","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tuarascáil"}}}},{"_id":"N2MPRSE46ZFTPL2QKVP6DPTTXQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/17/a-mhaithe-agus-a-mhoruaisle-gael-ata-i-gcein-agus-i-gcongar/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6L2C34VO2VFDNK6NYVMINYS3X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741947574081},"content":"FOCLÓIR: Maithe agus móruaisle na tíre – all and sundry; atá i gcéin agus i gcongar- who are far and near; baile fearainn – townlands; fearann cainte – parcel of speech; cartlannaithe - archivists; taifeadtaí - recordings; a thras-scríobh - to transcribe; óráid - speech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHNO7VRBJJDX3FSYBGCE6DOIJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205734},"content":"‘A mhaithe agus a mhóruaisle Gael, atá i gcéin agus i gcóngar. Is mór an gliondar agus an mheidhir atá ar mo chroí anocht a bheith ar mo chumas labhairt ar an gcraobhscaoileachán so, ná raibh coinne ar bith agam go dtiocfadh an lá go deo go gcluinfí glór binn mo ghutha i dteanga ghrámhar Gael, ag gluaiseacht ó bhaile go baile, ar shreangaibh ndúintintreacha.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVSS6PJOZJHHVGJA5ANENPCMQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205735},"content":"“Dá bhrí san labhróidh mé libh sa teanga ársa a labhair Pádraig Naofa do thug solas na Fírinne chughainn, an teanga chéanna san go bhfuil bród orm anocht gur fhan sí beo againn ainneoin na géarleanúna, saor ó cheo.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KA3DDKB3UZC73FWIVNQ7IXSKYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205736},"content":"Sin guth Mhíchíl Uí Ghaoithín, mac leis an scéalaí Peig Sayers, agus é á thaifead do chraolachán raidió in 1947.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DEFDYKECDZARFIVHXQT6TCK5XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205737},"content":"Amhail mar a chuirtí tús tráth le hóráid fhoirmeálta nó le haitheasc poiblí, chuir Ó Gaoithín tús ardréimeach leis an dreas breá cainte seo atá ar fáil go poiblí anois.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VZPUOXBXXFDRFDVDUALCME566Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205738},"content":"Is mar chuid den tionscadal nua Canúintí na Gaeilge (<a href=\"http://canuint.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">canuint.ie</a>), suíomh a thugann léargas ar shaibhreas agus ar chanúintí réigiúnacha na Gaeilge, atá guth Uí Ghaoithín agus suas is anuas le 200 taifeadadh eile ó dhá chontae dhéag ar fáil den chéad uair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDIONCJH3FGL7JXDXE6EOGYJMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205739},"content":"Cé gur bunaíodh 2RN (réamhtheachtaí Raidió Éireann) i bhfad sula rinneadh an taifead sin, is léir go raibh urraim ag daoine don mhodh cumarsáide seo, rud b’fhéidir a mhíníonn an chúis gur ghlac Ó Gaoithín glór foirmeálta an t-óráidí air féin. Comhthionscadal bliana idir Scoil na Gaeilge in Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath (DCU) agus Cartlann RTÉ é seo atá anois ina fhoinse luachmhar eolais ar chanúintí agus ar fhoghraíocht na Gaeilge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXPIZGKQBZEC3MB6L4ZTMWP5BI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205740},"content":"De réir an Dr Úna Bhreathnach, Ollamh Cúnta in DCU, díríodh ar thaifeadtaí a bhailiú ó cheantair Ghaeltachta, bhreac-Ghaeltachta agus iar-Ghaeltachta, chun léargas a thabhairt ar shaibhreas agus ar éagsúlacht na gcanúintí.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQWDJRAJL5D3ZLJUZPOLG6FWYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205741},"content":"“Bíonn muid i gcónaí ag caint ar chanúintí agus go bhfuil trí chanúint ann – canúint an tuaisceart agus an deiscirt agus canúint Chonnachta ach i ndáiríre, níl sé chomh simplí leis sin. Tá go leor leor mionchanúintí ann ach níl trácht orthu sna téacsleabhair,” a dúirt sí.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5AWZEPGOJH53JHOBPSXKSVTS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205742},"content":"Is féidir anois focal amháin ar nós ‘acu’ a chuardach agus na leaganacha difriúla a fheiceáil ó bhaile fearainn go baile fearainn, ag tabhairt léargas níos doimhne ar an saibhreas teanga ná mar atá in aon áit eile ar líne.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGN4LHLIHBDAHPWFYOQIEV26PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205743},"content":"I measc na nguthanna eile atá le cloisteáil tá leithéidí Peig Sayers, Colm Ó Caoidheáin agus Micí Sheáin Néill Ó Baoill. Tá scoth na Gaeilge le cloisteáil freisin ó chainteoirí as dúichí iar-Ghaeltachta ar nós Mhíchíl Uí Mhaoldhomhnaigh as Tiobraid Árann, Maggie McGiff as oirthear Mhaigh Eo agus ó Jeáin Nic Ruairí as Tír Eoghain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VM65NWT7FVFS7MT7T25563KBKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205744},"content":"Seanfhir is mó a bhí á dtaifeadadh ag an am, mar ba iadsan a measadh a bhí ag iompar an bhéaloidis agus an tseanchais.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5U7D2F4ANA4DE4CYRHOHPA3AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205745},"content":"“Bhí fíorbheagán ban sa bhailiúchán. Aon uair a bhí an deis ann, d’úsáid muid guth ban, leis an gcéatadán sin a ardú,” a dúirt an Dr Bhreathnach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGSIVKXRKZFGTPM6TWKTSPC7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205746},"content":"Cé nach bhfuil mórán páistí sa mbailiúchán, tá taifead gleoite ina measc a rinneadh in 1957 de bhuachaill ceithre bliana d’aois ó Bhaile Átha Cliath agus é ar saoire i nGaeltacht Mhaigh Eo, mar léiriú ar ghuth páiste sa chnuasach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6KQ2QAUYRFEZNDWNHMDCPTLIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205747},"content":"“Bhí sé deacair teacht ar pháistí ach cheap muid go mbeadh sé tábhachtach a nglórtha siúd a chloisteáil freisin.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KP32EN7I6VEIDKLYBSDWZUWSBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205748},"content":"Cuireadh tús leis an obair ar <a href=\"http://xn--canint-rya.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">canúint.ie</a> i mí an Mhárta 2024 agus lean an obair ar feadh bliana. “Chuir [cartlannaithe RTÉ] go leor comhairle orainn mar, i gcás go leor de na ríleanna seo, ní raibh mórán eolais orthu,” a dúirt an Dr Bhreathnach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XNPJUO7ZBBKNHB74AOWQLH7NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205749},"content":"“Bhí muid ag iarraidh ábhar a bhí ar chaighdeán ard fuaime agus spéise ó thaobh cúrsaí teangeolaíochta de a úsáid [ach] mura bhfuil na meitashonraí sin ann, bíonn sé an-deacair teacht ar an ábhar.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UCVK2PD2RG2BIA2COKWYR4ZVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205750},"content":"Baineadh úsáid as bogearraí chun na taifeadtaí a thras-scríobh agus a chaighdeánú. Tá an t-ábhar leagtha amach ar léarscáil idirghníomhach, agus nuair a sheinntear na taifeadtaí, lastar na focail de réir mar a deirtear iad, rud a chuideoidh leis an úsáideoir an comhrá a leanúint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YXM2D3VHJFFTHO4VLCNYLNSTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205751},"content":"An Dr Andrea Palandri agus an teicneolaí teanga agus ailtire faisnéise Michal Mechura, beirt chainteoirí Gaeilge atá ag obair le Gaois in DCU, a rinne formhór na hoibre. Chuidigh cainteoirí ó dhúchas freisin chun cuid den tras-scríobh a dhéanamh. Ach ní mar a chéile a chloiseann daoine an fhoghraíocht dar ndóigh – bíonn tuairimí éagsúla ag daoine ag brath ar an tuiscint atá acu ar an gcanúint áirithe sin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKTFFTZKRFBKHFX7NM2CONLUFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205752},"content":"Tá súil ag an Dr Bhreathnach, mar sin, go reáchtálfar meitheal oibre tras-scríobh i mbliana chun go mbeidh deis cur lena bhfuil déanta go dtí seo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5NPLW4NUJCU7OWK3Q2RZBMOWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205753},"content":"“Má tá tuiscint agat ar an gcanúint, tá tú leathbealach ann, agus sin é an fáth gur mhaith linn daoine a mhealladh isteach le cuidiú leis an obair,” a dúirt sí.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVZXEIOACFBTTFRAWRSQKQOXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205754},"content":"Tá an bunachar seo luachmhar ní hamháin don staidéar ar chúrsaí canúna agus foghraíochta, ach mar chartlann bheo de stór focal atá ag imeacht as úsáid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFCWSF4F5RAGHO6KXEPYM7AASU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205755},"content":"Le céad bliain anuas, tá claochlú tagtha ar shaol na tuaithe in Éirinn - ó fheilméireacht go hiascaireacht - agus cailleadh mórán den fhoclóir saibhir a bhain leo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKLPKH6SORHQXOKZR4NHJ4K4Z4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205756},"content":"“Tá na fearainn chainte atá in úsáid thar a bheith spéisiúil,” a dúirt an Dr Bhreathnach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJEYUS7Y5BASNDZXVU2TVXB3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205757},"content":"“Tá daoine ag caint ar a bheith ag obair i Meiriceá sna 1920idí, ar shaol an imirce agus ar shaol na feirmeoireachta ar ndóigh freisin. Tá daoine ag caint faoin gcladach, faoi mhargaí éisc agus an cineál sin ruda. Tá an saibhreas sin ann agus ar ndóigh tá caighdeán [na Gaeilge] go hiontach. Tá sé an-tábhachtach caighdeán maith a bheith ann don Ghaeilge agus é a leanúint, ach tá na canúintí chomh tábhachtach céanna agus ansin tá an saibhreas sin ar fad ann.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2C5WQVASPNATVOP7PY4KNL23ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205758},"content":"Tá súil ag an Dr Bhreathnach go gcuirfear leis an stór ábhar amach anseo agus táthar ar thóir maoinithe chun é sin a dhéanamh. “Ba mhaith linn go mór Béarla na hÉireann a chur leis, teanga an Lucht Siúil agus b’fhéidir Ultais freisin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAEMOZSF35HAPNHXCIA4SJ4AZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205759},"content":"“Samhlaidh sin, bheadh sé go hálainn iad ar fad a bheith ar an aon léarscáil amháin agus d’fhéadfá breathnú ar na nascanna idir na teangacha, an chaoi go raibh siad uilig ag imirt tionchar ar a chéile. Níl an t-airgead sin ann fós ach tá muid tar éis cur isteach ar mhaoiniú leis an scéim Shared Island.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFASCD2DTRDNDKODC5HLEPNN7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205760},"content":"Ach idir an dá linn, beifear ag cur leis ó chartlann RTÉ. “Tá go leor bailiúchán ann ach níl siad ar fáil go héasca. Tá súil againn bailiúchán Doegen atá ag an Acadamh Ríoga a nascadh leis. Tá go leor ábhar mar sin a shíleann muid ar cheart dó a bheith ar fáil ar bhonn i bhfad níos poiblí,” a dúirt an Dr Bhreathnach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZJXS54XNZE77HW32VPBWNTBAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205761},"content":"Ag filleadh ar dhreas cainte Uí Ghaoithín arís, b’fhéidir go raibh sé ródhóchasach sa mhéid a dúirt sé, ach is féidir a bheith geall agus cinnte go gcuirfeadh sé fáilte roimh iarracht mar seo chun canúintí na Gaeilge a chaomhnú:","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSUFSNHNEFE4JMWE3GGQQDC2MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742206205762},"content":"“Ná bíodh mearbhall oraibh, a mhuintir na hÉireann, tá an lá ag teacht agus ní fada uainn anois é le cúnamh Dé go mbeidh ár dteanga ársa arís faoi mheas á cleachtadh ag óg agus ag aosta in Inis aoibhinn Éilge, faoi mar do bhí le linn bhur sinsear a bheith in ardréim i bhfearannaibh fódghlasa na hÉireann.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Éanna Ó Caollaí"}},"name":"Éanna Ó Caollaí"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tugann Canúintí na Gaeilge (canuint.ie) léargas ar shaibhreas agus ar chanúintí réigiúnacha na Gaeilge"},"display_date":"2025-03-17T01:55:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘A mhaithe agus a mhóruaisle Gael, atá i gcéin agus i gcóngar...’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2YGFSVPJMFDT7ONQ75PAPAALGU","auth":{"1":"d7a7226198bbf25599359b9da3faaddee36f95ad214cc0704fd601ec5192ccad"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2YGFSVPJMFDT7ONQ75PAPAALGU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Tuarascáil"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/17/a-mhaithe-agus-a-mhoruaisle-gael-ata-i-gcein-agus-i-gcongar/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/tuarascail","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tuarascáil"}}}},{"_id":"O3TJ3BNHNREIBLHXAUOHGNBPCI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/10/caithfidh-muidne-a-bheith-gniomhach-glorach-agus-radacach/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PKRA3H6PJNF7HO2J22JZHN2UMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741348070222},"content":"FOCLÓIR: Ionadh – surprise; taithí – experience; díbríodh an Ghaeilge – Irish was expelled; slánaitheoir – saviour; imeallú – marginalisation; imeaglú – intimidation; próiseas earcaíochta – hiring process; ríthábhachtach – all-important.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUFYCCLICRE75NDHL2RQEOKQHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369251},"content":"Bhí ríméad, agus b’fhéidir ionadh nach beag, ar go leor i bpobal na Gaeilge an tseachtain seo caite nuair a fógraíodh go raibh tús á chur ar deireadh le próiseas ceapacháin don Choimisinéir Gaeilge ó thuaidh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGQ7J5OBZ5BSXBTDZSUAT7WAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369252},"content":"Trí bliana ó shin a gealladh go gcruthófaí an ról faoin Acht Féiniúlachta agus Teanga (Tuaisceart Éireann). Thug an t-acht stádas oifigiúil don Ghaeilge agus don Ultais agus bhí Coimisinéirí Teanga le ceapadh, chomh maith le go leor eile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCMAKRIV5FGHRBBF2DQLGBERVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369253},"content":"Cé gur fáiltíodh roimh an reachtaíocht seo nuair a ritheadh í in Westminster in 2022, ba bheag iarracht a rinneadh san am ó shin chun forálacha na reachtaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIYZPYS6HJF4HG6QWR7WXHHT6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369254},"content":"Cáineadh dréachtchlár oibre Fheidhmeannas Stormont nuair a foilsíodh é anuraidh de bharr nach raibh aon tagairt don Ghaeilge ann agus, nuair a d’fhoilsigh Céad-Aire an Tuaiscirt Michelle O’Neill agus an Leas-Chéad-Aire Emma Little-Pengelly an Clár Rialtais nua 2024-27 an tseachtain seo caite, ní raibh aon tagairt ann don Ghaelscolaíocht ná eolas maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise Gaeilge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNAHFG4LKVADTCBP6ZGBWXZSGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369255},"content":"Ach ar an gCéadaoin, d’fhógair Oifig an Fheidhmeannais go gcuirfí tús le próiseas na hearcaíochta agus go mbunófaí Oifig an Choimisinéara Gaeilge mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm na reachtaíochta. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"H52BB6OFK5H45BFIQIVNBSTOQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Ar bhealach, tá sé ar cheann de na forbairtí is stairiúla do phobal na Gaeilge ó thuaidh le fada, fada, an lá,” a dúirt bainisteoir cumarsáide Chonradh na Gaeilge an Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GDOCXFVOBHFTFRGVY26A56JJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369256},"content":"“Céim mhór chun tosaigh [atá ann] ar an aistear seo i dtreo cearta teanga,” a dúirt sé.","type":"text"},{"_id":"557Q4XOFBVHKTLU3KLYM6LGZOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369257},"content":"Cé go raibh súil le ceapachán na gCoimisinéirí Teanga le fada, bhí an chosúlacht air go mbeadh doicheall an DUP i dtaobh na Gaeilge ina cheap tuisle buan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCSCSXJTM5ARFP4S7EY2YKEKHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369258},"content":"“Nuair a thuigeann tú go bhfuil an DUP i bprionsabal ar bord, ag an bpointe seo is dócha go bhfuil muid i dtréimhse agus in am atá thar a bheith cinniúnach maidir le todhchaí na Gaeilge ó thuaidh trí chéile,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh le Tuarascáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TKWV7JSMFHG3HOLACDW7F3PAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369259},"content":"Is de bharr ghníomhachas na nglún roimhe seo a baineadh an buaicphointe seo amach, a dúirt sé.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCXBZANLN5COPBBQDUQYQO5WCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369260},"content":"“Is gá dúinn aitheantas ar leith a thabhairt do phobal na Gaeilge a sheas linn i ndlúthpháirtíocht le blianta, blianta, fada,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh. “Is cuimhin liom a bheith ag amharc ar fhíseán de Íte Ní Chionnaith [iar-uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge] agus í ag seoladh Bille Cearta Gaeilge do na sé chontae in 1986.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PV3P37PFVNBOJNKNT7PL7J2HPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369261},"content":"“I bhfad roimhe sin ar ndóigh, le linn na seachtóidí, nuair a bhí pobal Bhóthar Seoighe ag tosú amach, cé a chreidfeadh, nuair a bagraíodh an dlí orthu an t-am sin as oideachas a chur ar fáil i nGaeilge [dá ngasúir] go mbeimis, 50 bliain níos déanaí, ag amharc ar Choimisinéir Gaeilge a bheith ceaptha agus an DUP ag tabhairt beannachta dó sin?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"23RKO5GY6RBSFETNONVXJ6TKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369262},"content":"Ach cé gur chuir an cinneadh ríméad ar ghluaiseacht chearta na Gaeilge, tá amhras ann i gcónaí nach gcuirfidh an DUP cos sa doras.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFT3QT3PDRE7RMVIPUZS4LQOAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369263},"content":"“Tá baol mór ann,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKZIMFS4PFC2LF5OBTAC6K2XSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369264},"content":"“Is gá freasúrthacht an DUP a lonnú sa chomhthéacs go raibh an stát ó thuaidh ina stát aontachtach riamh anall, agus gur chuir an stát ó thuaidh bac, imeallú agus imeaglú ar phobal na Gaeilge. Díbríodh an Ghaeilge ón tsochaí agus ó spásanna poiblí,” a dúirt sé.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISUOM44DZBCPRDRT44DL2AHQ2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369265},"content":"“Lean an DUP leis an seasamh sin agus leis an idé-eolaíocht sin, agus tá neart daoine ag rá go bhfuil sé sin ag dul ar aghaidh go dtí an lá atá inniu ann—sin in ainneoin an chinnidh seo [post an choimisinéara a cheadú].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRHFPWZC5ZDXLFTZNIDGNYLPUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369266},"content":"Dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh gurb í “an laige is mó” leis an reachtaíocht ná go bhfuil ceart crosta ag an DUP ar fheidhmiú na reachtaíochta “ó thús go deireadh.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WXMWEEAQRDI7OX4YXYTIIN3ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369267},"content":"De réir na rialacha, is gá don Chéad agus Leas-Chéad-Aire bheith ar aon ghuth chun an próiseas earcaíochta a chur ar bun, an Coimisinéir a cheapadh agus feidhmeanna an Choimisinéara a chur i bhfeidhm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PIDCMQSNZHUFPACG4MEOOBHHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369268},"content":"“Is gá go mbeadh comhthoil agus comhoibriú ann agus iad ag feidhmiú ar aon ghuth ar achan chéim den phróiseas,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2B5JXQ2XJCJPA7QEF2H3ZXH3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369269},"content":"“Cé go bhfuil beannacht an DUP ann inniu, an rud a deir an taithí phianmhar atá againn leis an bpáirtí sin ná nár chóir agus nach féidir linn a bheith ag brath orthu. Ní haon slánaitheoir iad ar an Ghaeilge agus mar sin caithfidh muidne a bheith gníomhach, glórach, radacach agus ag eagrú go gníomhach i rith an ama chun an brú a choinneáil orthu.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AIJYIUZ7UJEF3IH6BIXXJMY3PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369270},"content":"Creideann Ó Tiarnaigh go bhfuil sé ríthábhachtach go mbeidh an té a cheaptar mar choimisinéir ar ardchumas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NK7SIDS45FP5CJ3HHPPZ7TJXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369271},"content":"“An tuiscint atá againn ar chumhachtaí agus ar fheidhmeanna an choimisinéara ná má tá aon rud mór le déanamh ó thaobh catagóiriú, na heagrais phoiblí a rangú, na caighdeáin teanga a chríochnú agus a cheadú, agus na mórthuarascálacha [a fhoilsiú], gur gá go mbeadh beannacht an Chéad agus Leas-Chéad-Aire ar na rudaí sin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L5XDDD2DIBFURPMI5MCCGFYKDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369272},"content":"“Leagfaidh an chéad duine a cheaptar creatlach síos do na daoine a thiocfaidh ina ndiaidh agus mar sin beimid ag iarraidh ar an chéad choimisinéir a bheith thar a bheith láidir agus forásach agus an oiread agus is féidir a bheith neamhspleách,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCLIPRXRVJCD7IH6W3ZAIAKDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369273},"content":"“Beidh an chéad duine sin ina eiseamláir iontach tábhachtach do na daoine a thagann ina ndiaidh.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4QD74MLORDI5P7DN5BCVUQM7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369274},"content":"Tá dóchas ag Ó Tiarnaigh faoi thodhchaí na Gaeilge agus creideann sé go bhfuil céim mhór tógtha anois sa treo ceart. “Níl aon amhras ann ach gur lóchrann dóchais é, gur féidir linn mar phobal an domhan atá thart orainn i stát a bhí naimhdeach inár n-éadan a athrú, agus a athrú ó bhonn.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCABTCCDRRAIVH5LWF5GPSQOVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369275},"content":"“Nuair a amharcann muid ar an bhfás atá ag teacht ar an Ghaelscolaíocht ó thuaidh agus an tionchar iontach dearfach atá á dhéanamh ag leithéidí Kneecap agus eile, feicimid go bhfuil muid ag bogadh isteach i dtréimhse atá thar a bheith maith maidir leis an teanga.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F56HCX3LL5AWDO7SPLYYMOQH7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369276},"content":"“Táimid ag obair i láthair na huaire ar bhille don Ghaelscolaíocht agus tá súil againn an samhail a úsáideadh don oideachas imeasctha dhá bhliain ó shin [a leanacht].” Tagairt atá ansin don Acht um Oideachas Imeasctha faoina bhfuil dualgas ar an Roinn Oideachais ó thuaidh ‘oideachas imeasctha a spreagadh, a éascú agus tacú leis’. Athrú bunúsach eile ar an gcóras a bheadh ansin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDRFSHH26VFK5BEAA7B6WPC6JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369277},"content":"“Tá dul chun cinn thar a bheith suntasach á dhéanamh, ach tá neart cathanna fós le troid againn,” a dúirt Ó Tiarnaigh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBAGYB3J6BBV7KLD3A636ZCPYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741533369278},"content":"“Ach tá mé cinnte, leis an choimisinéir cuí, le toil pholaitiúil agus pobal eagraithe, gur féidir linn an dul chun cinn sin a dhéanamh agus aon chath atá romhainn a bhuachan.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Éanna Ó Caollaí"}},"name":"Éanna Ó Caollaí"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tús curtha leis an bpróiseas chun an chéad Choimisinéir Gaeilge a cheapadh ó thuaidh, ach ‘baol’ i gcónaí go gcuirfear bac sa tslí"},"display_date":"2025-03-10T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Caithfidh muidne a bheith gníomhach, glórach agus radacach’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"COBDUPVHWCDOU54DAHCDPBHG3Y","auth":{"1":"f91760f724d2daa6dce7c82c3d78c5611cca0e5f022b2c2ad6a40bb55843ff48"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/COBDUPVHWCDOU54DAHCDPBHG3Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Tuarascáil"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/10/caithfidh-muidne-a-bheith-gniomhach-glorach-agus-radacach/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/tuarascail","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tuarascáil"}}}},{"_id":"2CN5IBCWTRFSRJCN662KHJNGWQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/10/cruth-an-domhain-amach-romhainn/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NV5Q46L4QVDFXJAEBI3URQFGVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731069},"content":"Scríobh an t-úrscéalaí Sasanach H.G. Wells úrscéal dar teideal ‘The Shape of Things to Come’ a foilsíodh sa bhliain 1933. Cé gurb úrscéal a bhí ann, ní fhéadfaí gan smaoineamh gur tairngreacht a bhí ann ag an am céanna. Is cinnte gurb iad a thuara féin agus a chuid mianta féin a bhí ann in éineacht.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q66ETJDJMVBJLBJ7QFTMVUFOQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731070},"content":"Ní mór smaoineamh gur scríobhadh é i dtosach 30í na haoise seo caite nuair a bhí Hitler go díreach tagtha i gcumhacht sa Ghearmáin agus gan cogadh cathardha na Spáinne a bheith tosnaithe fós. Is furasta seasamh siar nach mór céad bliain ina dhiaidh agus ár magadh féin a dhéanamh ina thaobh, agus is fíor gur corp magaidh a fhormhór ar fad.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7X46HVPYJVDLTFVRENRDQWSW4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731071},"content":"Mar sin féin thug sé le fios go gcuirfí tús leis an dara cogadh mór sa bhliain 1940, (gan é ach bliain amú); go scriosfaí cathracha ón aer; go dtiocfadh ann d’fhomhuireáin a scaoilfeadh diúracáin ó bhall ar bith; go gceapfaí airm ollscriostacha agus daoine réidh ullamh lena gcur chun aimhleasa.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLQJ4P3NHZCCHJFVH3SCJU3EIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731072},"content":"Níos iomrallaí, cé gur dhóigh leat gurbh iontu a bhí a dhóchas, mhaígh go seargfadh an náisiúnstát, go dtiocfadh deachtóireacht dhea-mhéiniúil i réim agus go n-imeodh gach reiligiún as, go háirithe Ioslam sa chéad áit, agus go mbeadh an Béarla ina theanga dhomhanda. Thógfadh tamall níos sia leis an gCaitliceachas a scrios (ní dhéanann trácht d’aon bhun ar an bProtastúnachas) agus faigheann sé tearmann in Éirinn atá, gan amhras, cúlráideach, primitíveach, ainnisbhocht.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3R5Z654DBHPRBIAVXAM3SC4WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731073},"content":"Is dána an mhaise do dhuine ar bith seachas Nostradamus agus Colm Cille an aimsir fháistineach a thuar, agus is mó sin leabhar a dhein iarracht ar cúis mhagaidh anois iad. Is cuimhin liom leabhar a léamh a raibh mórán cabaireachta faoi ag an am a raibh ‘The Coming War Between Russia and China’ air le Harrison Salisbury a foilsíodh in 1969. Údar mórcháile ba ea é a bhuaigh iliomad duaiseanna dá chuid iriseoireachta agus a chaith blianta ‘ag ciallú’ na Rúise don New York Times. Shílfeá go mbeadh fios a ghnó aige. Ní raibh. Fós, ar aon nós.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SYOXYO2B5C2ZHKW6GISTXHOL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731074},"content":"An leabhar is mó dá chineál a bhí i mbéal an phobail lenár linn is ea ‘The End of History and The Last Man’ le Francis Fukuyama, ar ghéill oiread sin don téis a bhí ann, go raibh an lá leis an daonlathas liobrálach feasta agus gur ina threo a bhí stair an domhain ag gluaiseacht riamh. Tá's againn cad a tharla dó sin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DQY6IY6QVFMRGIK5UFACDZHHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731075},"content":"B’fhéidir gur leor a thuiscint nach féidir an aimsir fháistineach a insint. Ach tá laige mhór eile ag na húdair thuasluaite agus ag leabhair eile dá samhail. Is den iarthar iad, claonta agus míthuiscintí an iarthair ginte iontu.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25U5RQTPWZC2FK5AYKN5D4HHPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731076},"content":"Sa bhliain 1950 bhí 20 faoin gcéad de dhaonra an domhain san Eoraip, 9 faoin gcéad san Afraic. Faoin mbliain 2050, atá ag druidim linn ar luas, ní bheidh ach 7 faoin gcéad san Eoraip agus nach mór 40 faoin gcéad san Afraic. Breis agus 60 faoin gcéad den domhan tá san Áise cheana féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTPWD3DEQBETZNO7URLGLQ25HE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731077},"content":"In ainneoin ráitis laethúla Trump a chuirfeadh sceimhle anama ort, níl ann ach caochadh beag i gcúrsa mór an tsaoil. Nuair a bheidh deireadh le séideadh an bholgáin béice, má mhairimid, beidh sé níos soiléire go bhfuil ord nua domhanda ann, ach nach é an t-ord é a rabhthas ag súil leis. Ní linne an domhan feasta. Glactar leis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GV3LGKJJFCH7KEQVZ4MAK6F5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741351731078},"content":"In ainneoin na hath-armála scanrúil Eorpach atá molta, is iad turnamh an iarthair mar an t-aon mhór-ais ar a gcasann an saol, fara an t-athrú aeráide ina tháinrith, an dá ghné is tábhachtaí den chruth domhanda atá romhainn. Níl faic ar féidir a dhéanamh faoin gcéad cheann díobh agus is ró-eagal go bhfuil sé mós déanach tabhairt faoin dara ceann i gceart.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alan Titley"}},"name":"Alan Titley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Is dána an mhaise do dhuine ar bith seachas Nostradamus agus Colm Cille an aimsir fháistineach a thuar"},"display_date":"2025-03-10T03:50:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cruth an domhain amach romhainn","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6ZIHUWZ46ZDP5GFWZ7AOVAO47U","auth":{"1":"736c8a69c747f8e963fc8976842064dd487dee8de6d5066aad24d7b15619f247"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6ZIHUWZ46ZDP5GFWZ7AOVAO47U.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Tuarascáil"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/10/cruth-an-domhain-amach-romhainn/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/tuarascail","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tuarascáil"}}}},{"_id":"GV7IXUAU3BCQXBFFAVEJUEGWR4","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/03/an-bua-is-mo/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HKU5VMQBYBG5FCL23KFJHVXJOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280464},"content":"Uaireanta i ndéanaí na hoíche is sula músclaíonn na héin bheaga as clúid na coille is minic daoine ag allagar ar an ábhar is ansa leo, .i. sinn/muinn/muid féin. Cad é an rud is mó is ceart dúinn a bheith mórálach as, nó neachtar acu, an ní ar chóir dúinn a bheith náirithe go deo ina thaobh? Níl aon easpa chúis náire, óir sin é is ábhar d’fhormhór litríocht Bhéarla na tíre, go rabhamar cúlráideach, biogóideach, cúngaigeanta, pionósach, réidh chun breithiúnais agus inár ndialathas gan mheabhair dár gcuid féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSYANR7NFZHYRNZOXUSXBK2VAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280465},"content":"Ní bheifí ar aon aigne, áfach, maidir lenár mbuanna, nó leis an aon ní suaitheantasach amháin ar chóir a bheith mar lóchrann againn i measc náisiúin an domhain mhóir. Déarfaidh daoine áirithe gurb é gur bhaineamar an chéad áit níos minicí sa Chomórtas Amhránaíochta Eurofíse seachas aon tír eile, fág go bhfuil an tSualainn ar aon tarraingt linn anois.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCDVI76HSVHCRLIQ4ZERJOQ6KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280466},"content":"Nó, daoine níos eolgaisí, go bhfuil againn an litríocht leanúnach is sine gan bhearna san Eoraip go léir, seachas an Ghréig, agus cé a thugainn aon aird orthu siúd níos mó? Nó, cá bhfios, an cluiche páirce is iontaí, is gasta, is sciliúla, is míorúiltí ar fhaichí na cruinne, mar atá an iomáint, bíodh gur cosúla le cispheil anois í ar iomad a gcuid scóranna pointí.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONOV4CDZBVG2LBCJWV45RXWANY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280467},"content":"Ní haon díobh sin a mhaífinnse, áfach, ach rud nach maith leis an nguth oifigiúil a chloisint. Shílfeá ar na meáin oifigiúla agus ar an séarachas meán sóisialta go bhfuil cogadh mór barbartha eile i ngar dúinn, agus go bhfuiltear chun fáiltiú roimhe mar a dhein saontacháin an n-iliomad tír Eorpach sa bhliain 1914 ina slaoda agus ina mílte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXUVCR6FHFBRZKC662O6CSBHCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280468},"content":"Cheapfá go raibh Beilg bheag na hEorpa faoi bhagairt ag mathúin mhóra an oirthir agus go raibh an galrú buí le leathnú faoinár ndéin agus nárbh fholáir dúinn cúpla iompróir aerárthaí agus fomhuireán núicléach a cheannach go pras nó is sinn a bheadh thíos leis. Cheapfá go raibh traidisiún álainn cearta daonna agus sibhialtachta againne san Eoraip arbh fhiú é a chosaint ar na barbaraigh lasmuigh, gan sclábhaíocht, ná cinedhíothú, ná céasadh, ná concas gan teorainn, ná faisisteachas féin a lua.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQBCUZ532JEGLHZ5AZ5I4BT6LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280469},"content":"Is é an rud is mó is ceart dúinne Éireannaigh a bheith mórálach as, gan cheist, gan amhras anonn, ná ár seasamh síochána i measc tíortha uile an domhain fad a ritheann soir siar thuaidh theas anoir aduaidh aniar agus ar ais. Is mó sin foras agus institiúid amuigh ansin a dhéanann scagadh ar an domhan. Is féidir amhras a bheith ar chuid acu, ach nuair a chíonn tú gurb iad Lucsamburg nó na Stáit Aontaithe na tíortha is saibhre, agus an Bhurúin nó an tSúdáin Theas is boichte, chaithfí a admháil go bhfuil bun éigin leo mar staidéir.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6Z6P4UFKRAUPNOUEESCKDDGME","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280470},"content":"Is ar a amhlachas sin a thógtar an tInnéacs Síochána Domhanda (Global Peace Index). Déantar 99.7 faoin gcéad de phobal an domhain a mheas de réir táscairí éagsúla idir chainníochtúil agus cháilíochtúil. Ar na cinn is tábhachtaí díobh sin tá slándáil phobail, coinbhleacht bhaile fara idirnáisiúnta, agus míleatú na tíre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A7RPXWC2VGDVL7PDFSSTSPF6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280471},"content":"Agus féach! Aillilliú! Ababúna! Hósannana sna hArda! Mirabellissimi dictu! Táimidne, stát seo Poblacht na hÉireann ar an dara tír is síochánta ar domhan, sa chruinne féin! An Íoslainn an t-aon tír eile is síochánta ná sinn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3KMWOPB4BCXFABSD3KLYASZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280472},"content":"Nár dhóigh leat gurb é seo an fíoras ar chóir é a bheith á shéideadh ó na beannta, á fhógairt sna gleannta, á chraobhscaoileadh, á ghreanadh ar chloigne ag gach roinn rialtais, ag gach nuachtán, ag gach clár raidió agus teilifíse?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JANYPDSABHNTDRDPMJ3R254FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740743280473},"content":"Ní mar é, áfach. Táimid náirithe toisc sinn a bheith ar ceal acmhainne cogaidh agus a laghad airgid a chaithfimid orthu. Nach cúis mhórtais agus ghairdeachais í sin seachas a mhalairt?","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Alan Titley"}},"name":"Alan Titley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Déantar 99.7 faoin gcéad de phobal an domhain a mheas de réir táscairí eagsúla idir chainníochtúil agus cháilíochtúil."},"display_date":"2025-03-03T03:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An bua is mó","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3HFEDDLTXZAPTPE4QNMT4LQXBA","auth":{"1":"bebcd0b7a2634f63e124dcdf1487ab45fa5f05c13971d8549062d506362f5a91"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3HFEDDLTXZAPTPE4QNMT4LQXBA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Tuarascáil"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/tuarascail/2025/03/03/an-bua-is-mo/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/tuarascail","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tuarascáil"}}}}],"count":4442,"_id":"710d586a823d28f6af48973a823f9e395e3d0cd4419cf1061db7bbeaad52e615"},"expires":1742733071680,"lastModified":1742732771481},"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/motors\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"D3DRWHROAJCLTAKPO2ZVSGBEKI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":206,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f52db1b5-2f79-438a-bd60-42c318404ca8/versions/1742579023/media/96efd669e6706a559ccdc0d7395f5a89_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W2QMFY7EVZHH5PHY4GD73UKM7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish car buyers spend an average of €16,550 on new purchases and cite high prices as the primary reason for not opting for electric vehicles (EVs).","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWXIJGMCZZCDPJF7P3EOKNGPAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to a survey by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\">Carzone</a>, the average spend varies from €9,840 for buyers aged 17 to 24, rising to nearly €24,500 for those aged 65 or over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UV2G6IL3FASBCN4VYBEINZOZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Younger motorists are also reducing their spending compared to last year when the average was €14,240 for buyers aged 17 to 24. In contrast, older drivers have increased their average spend by €1,900 this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MRP2EY7WBBHFG337UXL4N3IV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While 121,214 new cars were registered in 2024, Carzone estimates there were 600,000 used car transactions last year, with four- to five-year-old vehicles being the most popular purchases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSPABPCXIJA7HAAHXJW6PIUDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The survey of 1,000 motorists by the online car sales platform found that 40 per cent of respondents cited the cost of EVs as the main reason for not opting to purchase one, followed by reliability concerns at 31 per cent and electricity costs at 28 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTZIXRF425FMBPOBT7T4BS7Q6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sentiment towards electric vehicles dipped last year, with new registrations down 23.6 per cent on 2023. However, a fall in used EV values, combined with the arrival of more affordable new models, has led to signs of recovery this year, with sales of new EVs up 9.6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVFT2CYGNVGW7AAWH2Y2UE6K3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"A report last month by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\">DoneDeal </a>found that used EVs are now 11.2 per cent cheaper than comparable diesel cars and 12.7 per cent cheaper than equivalent hybrid models on a like-for-like basis, although they are still 11 per cent more expensive than petrol equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2G5IPYVYTVGEVH2HBWXNTFIJS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of those surveyed by Carzone, 32 per cent said they plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV as their next car, with hybrids being the favoured option among 17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FG2F4HRMHVG5BC2I4BFMVISJXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aside from the price of the car itself, rising insurance costs are the main financial concern for motorists, closely followed by fuel prices. However, the survey found that the average monthly running costs are €212.32, down 3.5 per cent on last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LD6LRMTXZJHALGA6FJDTPRFPAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most searched-for models on the Carzone site last year were the VW Golf, followed by BMW’s 5 Series and 3 Series, Hyundai Tucson, and the Mercedes E-Class. The most popular body type was SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZ53PEV7W5GFHAYFEU6KWOKLKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"As for the current coverage of international protests against Teslas, Carzone’s head of content, Martin O’Neill, said search volumes for the EV brand have remained relatively stable – peaking at 600 daily searches on January 8th and averaging around 400 searches per day since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPFLSAL5ZZEAZLAIYKMPU2ZPQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is broadly in line with the same period in 2024, suggesting no major reaction either way,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC3DSKNFQBFZVE5KQV5GA4LEUE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“So far in 2025, Tesla ranks as the 12th most searched electric vehicle brand on our platform. While it doesn’t appear in the overall EV top 10, interest remains steady.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Despite some anti-Tesla sentiment, Carzone searches for the US brand remain steady "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish car buyers spend €16,550 on average, but electric vehicle costs a barrier ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA","auth":{"1":"53a6793aad22f2501722aff9788507954673bb3cdef035f9a7dc06d145400ca2"},"focal_point":{"x":2329,"y":1913},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"ENS23FXGFRBCLELK5TXYS2UIKA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":191,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d79bcf4d-64e6-4553-a16a-ead6808e8ffd/versions/1742392547/media/7d4277c79b57813c49f948e5a62bedab_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","content_elements":[{"_id":"X2TESYBMLRDVHCAXGCH22L46PY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A total of 18,676 uninsured vehicles were seized by gardaí last year, a 67 per cent increase on the 2023 tally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMJG5ZY4CRBZVKZSOGUBMJJGRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The rise coincides with the introduction of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) in 2024. This was set up to provide motor insurance details for all vehicles on Irish roads, allowing gardaí at checkpoints to identify any uninsured vehicles in seconds through their hand-held mobile devices or via automatic number plate recognition systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OOSW4MLVNBKDNAC72AMGIK4WI","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"266DAGA54NDKFA7I2XK3WD63RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first IMID annual report also shows the number of insurance-related summonses and charges issued by gardaí rose from 21,198 in 2023 to 26,904 in 2024. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6VJFEJNVZBNRMSCLWYE54DYQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the report, from January to December 2024 the details for 3,471,083 vehicles and 5,629,873 drivers were passed to the Garda, making them available in seconds to individual gardaí at the roadside. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKT4VIQVFZDPBN7CS247RUJ6HY","additional_properties":{},"content":"From the end of this month the next phase of the IMID project will make it an offence for any insurance provider or broker to issue a motor insurance policy where the individual motorist’s driver number, located on all driving licences, has not been provided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVIBLNWRNNFBLDJJQCIWFZFABY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This means that anyone who does not provide the driver number for all named drivers on their policy will not be able to receive motor insurance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"L5AI6NDMYRCXTD7UODAVRDCN64","additional_properties":{},"content":"The database is organised by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\">Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)</a>, an independent body which compensates victims of uninsured drivers, as well as the industry body Insurance Ireland, the Garda and the Department of Transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2GUE6EQQVANHBKQRYY7XWXQOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the bureau, said over the last year “the power of this new tool” could be seen helping to “apprehend thousands more uninsured drivers”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7WJ5UHOABCF3KY63SUAQTSMNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Writing in the annual report, Mr Fitzgerald told Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien the database “represents a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQLGTCWO7BFLLN2Z5WLY6IV4BI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In light of the high level of uninsured driving in this country, with approximately 188,000 uninsured vehicles on our roads in 2022, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland has long sought the implementation of a tool that would quickly provide the legal authorities with details on the motor insurance policies in place for any vehicle operating on Irish roads,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMQENEHF3FFGVNX5STW66TNNAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"High Court awards €63,000 damages to ‘entirely blameless’ driver over crash injuries","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UVCGT3O4C5AWZJZBIKP665IF5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for the IMID told The Irish Times the issue of the cost of premiums for compliant drivers, and whether premiums would reduce as a result of better detection of uninsured drivers, was a matter for the industry body Insurance Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVFK5L4UKBCAFCUOOLPRPSO2J4","additional_properties":{},"content":" He said costs arising from uninsured drivers was currently adding between €30 and €35 to each compliant driver’s annual insurance premium. He said “hopefully” in time the database would lead to a reduction in premiums. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6UIGKV7JBDZXBBXRNLTLGOT4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Insurance Ireland was approached for comment.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tim O'Brien"}},"name":"Tim O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Insurance database hailed as ‘a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving’"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T13:55:45.007Z","headlines":{"basic":"Database exposing uninsured drivers leads to seizure of 18,676 vehicles last year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU","auth":{"1":"b515aa5f7a737b72e31e60c0ae6eac3a4e16810126c1280825642b03ae617872"},"focal_point":{"x":2699,"y":1912},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"JBXKFNGUG5FOJDYIHXHYD6VRAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":402,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/52b292ae-55bb-4aeb-9db0-378f336a3c41/versions/1742217003/media/eabaf26a3bd8c29e2e5ac137b58e68b0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SOACGNEM5BAUXG3ARSIAOC5X6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438731},"content":"<b>Q:</b> <b>I</b> <b>own a 2021 MG ZS. Great car to drive and it has okay features. Considering cars are now more intelligent than ever, can a simple software update enhance the performance and efficiency of the car and bring new UX features such as enhanced navigation? And the car be retrofitted with additional cameras?</b> – <i>L McDonnell, Co Dublin</i>","type":"header"},{"_id":"MY7ACGKVFBHJZOQNSG5V3FY5EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675626},"content":"<b>A:</b> Let’s deal with the last part first. In theory, you can fit extra cameras to your car, and indeed fit a reversing camera where the car didn’t originally come with one. There are kits which you can buy online to do this, but it kind of helps if you have a degree – preferably a master’s – in automotive electrical engineering, so it’s not something I’d try to do at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZFQD6IENNEZ3IGLFYT2JS5VNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268678},"content":"Much will depend on getting access to the coding within the car’s on-board computer systems, and if it wasn’t specified originally to have optional extra cameras – such as for a 360-degree view system – then it might be hard, maybe impossible, to get that to work with the car’s touchscreen. However, it’s certainly possible to fit extra cameras which transmit images to their own stick-on screen (rather like an old windscreen-mounted sat-nav), so you can go down that simpler route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6SVKBV43JDHZBP6F6ZL5LMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268679},"content":"As for over-the-air software updates, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/mg-zs-ev-a-new-jump-start-for-families-into-the-age-of-electric-motoring-1.4489657\" target=\"_blank\">MG ZS electric SUV</a> can indeed receive such things, via the built-in mobile internet SIM embedded in the car’s systems, but that was only fitted to post-facelift models, which went on sale in 2020 (it’s the version with the blanked-off radiator grille).","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW6DTGQB3RH27JDLZDL6EPKP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268680},"content":"MG said at the time: “The new ZS EV also sees the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG. Owners will receive any new software updates, including new features and improvements, through iSMART at the touch of a button, rather than visiting their local dealership. In addition, and another first for MG, customers will no longer get a printed owners manual. It will now be accessible through the iSMART system, thus saving paper and printing costs and ensuring that the most up to date information is readily available.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOUEWYA4CJGITDQA5XBM36GJYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268681},"content":"All well and good, and you’re absolutely right – cars can be given new UX features, including improved navigation, via OTA software updates. And, yes, the performance and efficiency of the car can also potentially be enhanced. Indeed, with many EV models, OTA software updates have even been known to unlock extra range, as real-world experience means that, sometimes, engineers can “unlock” more of the battery’s usable capacity if the data shows that the system is robust enough to allow such a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI222YJSXREANLDQUK3YO62ODA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268683},"content":"Thus far, OTA software updates and upgrades have tended to be free, but that won’t last forever. One particular EV maker – let’s not name names, but it’s currently the most controversial car maker in the world, for a number of reasons – charged customers a four-figure fee for one software update which actually allowed the car’s electric motors to produce more power, improving performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBC55M5V6ZE3JJRCFPIBZCLIME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268684},"content":"Meanwhile, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW</a> came in for sharp criticism when it tried to introduce a system whereby its cars would leave the factory with all of the most popular optional extras fitted, but you’d have to pay for a software update, after you’d bought the car, to unlock those features (heated seats was the most commonly-noted feature).","type":"text"},{"_id":"36CZY54MSVBG5NMT7DZP2OPAMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268685},"content":"A public backlash put that on the back burner, but there’s no doubt that car makers are looking to a future where such paid-for OTA updates are the norm; it not only allows them to sell you the options when you buy the car, but because the car can be “bricked” when it’s traded-in, it means that, in theory, the next buyer will have to pay again to get the same options. We doubt many second-hand buyers will be too happy about that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXMDOOHPRFGZJDRUHXMKZXVGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268686},"content":"Equally, such systems can easily be turned against you – worryingly, if a patent filed by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\" target=\"_blank\">Ford</a> is anything to go by, then the next thing might be cars that repossess themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYW5WOPILRDLXBFGJENRCP6IE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRY3Q2QKDJHAVJ6BD4XUQ2VKXY"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7TOO2LOEQJC27FNOHPUN4LY634","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268687},"content":"No, this doesn’t mean a car that needs to be doused with holy water and reported some secretive agency in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">Vatican</a>. It means a car which can simply drive itself back to the dealership if you fall behind in your PCP payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFPCF6FIXBHBBFJH6P7SGB4SWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268688},"content":"This is more of an issue in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a> than in Europe, where financial providers are more likely to engage with a customer who’s defaulted on payment to sort things out with a new repayment plan. In the US, things can be more aggressive when it comes to falling behind on your loans, and the Ford tech is the autonomous new tip of that spear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEHFINVLKVD2FMJXWBQ4FVWKLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268689},"content":"The patent – titled pretty plainly “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle” – includes a few interventions before the final act. First, the on-board screens will start reminding you that you’ve missed a loan payment (we don’t think that a buzzer which makes a “deadbeat” sound will kick in but you never know). Then, the vehicle will, petulantly, start disabling major features such as your phone connection, or maybe the air conditioning, or the heated seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITZI6EFWNJEDPBCCIGLW6O2JHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268691},"content":"The systems can even kill the engine to prevent you driving the car at all (with a fail-safe in an emergency, although how long you’ll have to be on hold on a hotline to get the car unlocked at that point is unclear).","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIXEHGPIFDZJFTSLLLTUX53VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268692},"content":"Finally, there is a line in the patent suggesting an eventual fully-autonomous ability for the car to drive itself back to the dealership, or even to the nearest scrap yard if it’s decided that the value has fallen far enough to not make it worth reselling. The system can scan its surroundings to check that it’s not been parked in a closed garage to prevent itself driving away, but there’s no word on what happens in that case – is there a chainsaw hidden in the front bumper, allowing the car to cut itself free?","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFXYQ75V6RGJ3M3PRPHYHXVYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":"DVVQAB22EJCN5B3WUU4XMTJA6Y"},"content":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5XMA22NPBAATFOBP4EC733F54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268693},"content":"But there are some upsides to the whole paying-for-updates thing – the primary one being that our cars might last much longer. We’re now in the era of the “softwarexdefined car” in which electric motors and batteries are, broadly, the same and so the defining characteristics of cars will come from the software that controls the batteries and motors (and everything else).","type":"text"},{"_id":"2F6SBPJOQZD3NPYYDCTL5GRZHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268694},"content":"BMW has an idea that in the future you’ll buy a car, and instead of trading it in after three years, you’ll bring it back to the dealership where the interior can be removed and replaced with fresh parts, batteries can be replaced or refreshed, and the software can be updated to a “new and improved” set-up, thereby giving you effectively a new car, but without the carbon-intensive need to actually make a completely new car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438750},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:48:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Can software updates make my EV better?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M","auth":{"1":"52d1b1a0383b7ff048c905529d1ee7baa702d34a2518be3bb010e9b828af3450"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2HKBGCVBJ5DATHXLZTIAAG2HNY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":535,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a10b5c9c-30eb-4eee-8545-7650e99a694a/versions/1741791460/media/7df84b90fc21f3c83309f31a2fcb5500_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FNE4A34FNVEPNAMFB7WA6VW3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154588},"content":"At long last, I’ve driven a Cupra that makes sense. To me, at least. The Formentor was Cupra’s first stand-alone model, not shared with Seat, from which the Cupra brand sprang having once been Seat’s high-performance model badge (Cupra was to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/seat/\" target=\"_blank\">Seat</a> as R is to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">VW</a>).","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRXUOCQWQVGDHOAESRSN6GXOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154589},"content":"Launched in 2020, the Formentor shared its structure and engines with plenty of other VW Group metal. The MQB chassis underneath is also the basis of a Golf and a Skoda Kodiaq and everything (everything that’s not <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a>-only) in between. It was, and is, a sort of low-slung SUV, with a bit of extra ride height but without the overly bulky body.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4IIN7PIDFA4ZFCRECRHPHHRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154591},"content":"For 2025, Cupra has updated the Formentor, and the first thing it has changed is the styling at the front - the last thing it should have changed. The original Formentor had a very handsome combo of shield-like grille and slim, almond-shaped lights. The new one has a blunt visage, with a slit for an air intake and slim lights, which looks a little lizard-like but not as good as the original. Shame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4AN3WMXVDFLEV5JVX7LYPBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154593},"content":"The updates inside have been rather more successful. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is, as with so many such systems, far too big and far too fiddly and far too distracting (using your phone behind the wheel is a crime, but stabbing at one of these is okay, somehow?) but at least it’s easier than before. Overall cabin quality is good, and the front high-backed bucket seats are excellently supportive and squishy at the same time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQ66J7NKJG3BEFTHD6QOXLPTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154594},"content":"Space in the back isn’t so good, but if that’s the trade-off for having a lower, less chunky body, I’ll buy it. This being the plug-in hybrid model, you do lose some boot space, reducing the volume to a mere 345 litres, which is pretty stingy, but the Formentor just about gets away with it. It’s hard to believe that a smaller Toyota Yaris Cross has a much bigger boot, though.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQMBYEOTZDZRPSVL2AWNIO32Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154595},"content":"Moving back to the front, the Formentor gets a cool-looking steering wheel that has, in the spirit of an AMG Mercedes, or a Porsche 911, or even an Alfa Romeo Giulia, a pair of round buttons dangling off the horizontal spokes. One is the engine stop-start button, which adds some much needed sports-car theatre to getting into the Formentor and firing it up, while the other simply wears Cupra’s two-pronged badge, and adjusts the driving modes. This, as we shall see, becomes crucial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2MI7AKF2BB33HV75H3PTYNFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154597},"content":"As mentioned, this is the plug-in hybrid version of the Formentor, and if you’re sensitive to the cost of motor tax, or if you’re a company car buyer, it’s the only Formentor that makes sense thanks to its tiny 10g/km CO2 emissions figure. That’s thanks to a large 20kWh battery, which in theory gives the Formentor an electric range on a full charge of 118km. Combined with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, you’ve got 272hp and 400Nm of combined torque to play with – which are at least within shouting distance of the top-spec 333hp four-wheel drive Formentor, and which are a big improvement on the old 50km-EV-ranged Formentor plug-in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQTHVQN53ZAIPALXFAAMQLPLMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154598},"content":"Speaking of plugging in, this Formentor is one of a new breed of plug-in hybrids – an increasingly popular breed in Ireland, with sales up significantly so far this year – which can fast-charge at up to 50kW from a public DC charger. This is not only a boon to people such as myself, who can’t charge at home, but it also means you can stretch your electric range and improve your fuel economy on long journeys. You’ll also have every Nissan Leaf driver in a 100km radius reaching for the pitchfork and torches, but hey – public infrastructure is public infrastructure and it’s there to be used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP7NB3CBHRGE7NNFFDGUHTPDQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154590},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CZE2BUQZ4FCEZMAFFXF5VFI3AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154592},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EICPV2M7UVCI3AFVZCBYLRGVVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154596},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S5Y6BKLONRAX3MQ73QPYSE2BAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154599},"content":"However, things aren’t quite as rosy as that makes it seem. For a start, on a full charge, we struggled to break 80km of electric range, which is certainly useful, but not quite as good as you’d hope. Any hopes that the bigger battery and more flexible EV system might also translate into better long-range fuel economy were quickly dashed – in spite of its compact nature, the Formentor struggles to do much better than 8.0-litres per 100km on a motorway run, which is pretty poor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7MTV7GIKRFZBMNZ6HDYLIBK54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154600},"content":"However, as I said at the top, this is the Cupra that makes the most sense for me, because I think I’ve finally cracked the code of its appeal. For a start, you’ve got to stop thinking of it as a posh Seat. For a second, you’ve got to press that Cupra badge button on the steering wheel, and call up the car’s sportiest driving mode.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X3GWEAAAZDIXMIZB5N22HVYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154601},"content":"Now, thanks to the miracle of synthesised engine noise, the 1.5 shifts from humming to growling, the throttle response sharpens, the adaptive suspension (part of a €1,134 option pack that also includes Matrix LED headlights) stiffens and the Formentor goes from being a touch pointless to being good fun to drive. It’s quick – the 7.2 second 0-100km/h time feels, initially, pessimistic as the Formentor leaps forward on its electric torque, but that puff does run out quite quickly if you find a stretch of road where it’s safe and legal to keep your foot down hard for long enough to reach 100km/h in one go.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQPLVXGO5JDVNPDBLSN7PWCTGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154602},"content":"It’s also mostly sure-footed, although it’s not perfect in the dynamic department. Electric torque means it’s alarmingly easy to spin up the front wheels on a less than dry road (four-wheel drive would be a welcome option) while the long-travel suspension can become a little springy and bouncy when pressed too hard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCTJ7TT2YFBH5H7H4FMPVGJKII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154603},"content":"However, it’s precisely that long-travel suspension that’s the key to the Formentor’s appeal. With that performance and that ride height, I finally twigged what it’s trying to be – it’s not a Seat with attitude, it’s an affordable alternative to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lamborghini/\" target=\"_blank\">Lamborghini</a> Huracan Sterrato, or a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/porsche/\" target=\"_blank\">Porsche</a> 911 Dakar. No, seriously – stumpy performance, sweet steering, a sense of fun and adventure, and the ground clearance so you don’t worry about snagging expensive bodywork on the odd stalagmite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4WX2RGRPZEIBOB6VOP4WDHVGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154604},"content":"That said, the word “affordable” is debatable. The Formentor range kicks off at a not-outrageous €39,885, but in basic form this plug-in hybrid version would cost you a robust €59,135. Wait for it, though, because someone has added €10,000 worth of optional extras to this one, bringing the price tag to an eye-watering €69,698. That’s a price so painful that it will leave a welt on your wallet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVG3ZFNIBBFEHLDPRBCVLXBEOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154605},"content":"However, you can strip out some of the less useful bits. I could live without the matt-brown “Century Bronze” paint (€2,626), the panoramic glass roof (€1,287), and the upgraded 19-inch alloys (€1,641 – just stick with the standard 19-inch items). I’d keep the excellent Sennheiser stereo (a bargain at €704) and the adaptive suspension (€1,134) but it’s a bit much, in these safety-conscious days that Cupra wants an extra €2,017 for the upgraded safety systems package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJLA4Q4KVH2ZAK4GVGS7YYF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154606},"content":"Excise the unnecessary from that list and you’re still left with a car that’s way too expensive. Then again, a Porsche 911 Dakar is still more than four times the price. The good news is that not only is the Formentor fun to drive, it’s also a Cupra that doesn’t give you brain-ache in trying to work out what it’s supposed to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXDUJHGBIFHYHO3CRZI623EEMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154607},"content":"Lowdown: Cupra Formentor VZ 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIK4I7OC35HQLA2J4SRGEKGEOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154608},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 85kW motor and 20kWh lithium-ion battery producing 272hp and 400Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KJUZTOQINFWXMC3ESHHOO6FVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154609},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax):</b> 10g/km (€140)","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG3DG333WBHXNBCL72775GLKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154610},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption: </b>0.4l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQIYJNH7JGYJD24QVY27BOTBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154611},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 7.2 secs","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDFTBLPSWVAMTPKKXOYZTZGB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154612},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €69,698 as tested; Formentor starts from €39,135","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VAL7VX3NJHELMOMIQ2GN7FAU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154613},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>3/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"AO7N5WGZAJCVNI7PRZVMSG5CIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154614},"content":"<b>Verdict:</b> Fun, rugged, and kinda cool but searingly expensive and the old version was better looking.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Updated Formentor isn’t as handsome as before, but it’s good fun"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cupra Formentor review: Finally it makes sense","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ","auth":{"1":"f948d0101bd1da1b9e59798b8d35cca1d22e24b5d9126f788e526f5cda2f14df"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"PFFABZVI4NA6RCZOZBHZ2YXIN4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":478,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eb80cda7-213c-4d2d-bd3f-e03513bbffd4/versions/1741981461/media/e3d562b81041265ea3dc3ffc3d2b2342_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/16/new-all-electric-mercedes-cla-to-boast-790km-range/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YNYUWQCIGZCK5IDPUAEYF5R3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857201},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\">Mercedes-Benz </a>has revealed its new electric CLA, which claims a 792km one-charge range on the worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4TAOLG5MZEZJKPQ3HPYBVLRHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857202},"content":"Because of this range, Mercedes is already claiming that the new CLA – which will be a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2, and the 2026 BMW i3 Neue Klasse saloon – will be the one-litre car for the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SF6RURXISRBZBAR6565RWJR7PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857203},"content":"This claim refers to efforts in the 2000s to create cars that would be capable of 1.0-litres per 100km fuel economy, or 282mpg in old money. The only car that ever got close was the strictly limited VW XL1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEWYE64WZZH3BBFOY6ELGYWE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857204},"content":"The new electric CLA will be a rear-wheel drive car in standard form, using a 272hp (200kW) electric motor powering the rear wheels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBV24IJE2BFYJBA3JNZ5M3EGJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857205},"content":"There is also a four-wheel drive variant which gets an extra 109hp (80kW) motor powering the front wheels (bringing the total to 353hp), but this will be decoupled from those wheels until extra traction or performance is needed, in the interests of efficiency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NZH75RWCVBGPIWANOJK4LSMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857206},"content":"That efficiency, claims Mercedes, means 93 per cent of the car’s overall energy storage actually meeting the tarmac under the tyres, and the four-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic still claims a one-charge range of up to 771km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWZOCEDXJBDTFKLNFUQ2ULT3HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857207},"content":"Interestingly, the CLA will be one of the few electric cars, thus far, to feature more than one gear. Most EVs use a single reduction gear, powering the wheels more or less directly from the electric motor, but the CLA gets a two-speed gearbox, with a low first gear for instant acceleration, and a higher second gear for greater efficiency in main road and motorway driving scenarios.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U43WI5PYI5DCPCZZZICJ63VW74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857208},"content":"Two battery packs will be offered. The top-spec versions get an 85kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes, which increases the potential energy density and efficiency by 20 per cent compared with current designs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAOMEKOW5FGN3LYEQXGHEIB5CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857209},"content":"More affordable CLA versions will come with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery (cheaper to make and more robust, too) which will have a shorter range, which has not yet been revealed but which is expected to be in the region of 500km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WF5JMO2RMVEKZHYGRAJD3CJFTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857210},"content":"The CLA includes a cutting-edge 800-volt charging architecture, which means it can accept as much as 320kW of peak fast-charging power, allowing drivers to add as much as 300km of extra range in just 10 minutes’ charging, assuming one can find a DC public charger putting out that much power, which is also not in use, and not broken. The CLA’s battery will charge at either 11kW or 22kW on slower AC power, depending on the model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WFYITJLURHXFB2JJIS5ZI7KLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857211},"content":"For extra efficiency, the CLA will get a “multisource” heat pump heating system, which can warm the cabin using waste heat from the car’s water cooling system for the battery, or from heat from the battery itself, or from heat from the surrounding air.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26BIP7JY45HFRENS53YQSXYS34","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857212},"content":"There’s also a built-in “eco assistant” function that helps you tailor your driving style to get to your destination more easily, and a regenerative braking system that can, in its strongest mode, slow the CLA at up to 3m per second/per second.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHRJ7X6KONGUZMG4G5T4DO42UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857213},"content":"The CLA’s on-board computers, as well as being constantly updated by over-the-air software, can also teach themselves as they go, learning from your driving style and regular habits. The software can then not only recommend where you should stop for a charging top-up, but also how long you should stop for and how much charge you should take on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LLWV2UVKVFKJFURJQXS6G3TJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857214},"content":"All of this tech, and the new battery design, adds up to a new platform for the CLA and the models which will be spun off from it. It’s called the MMA platform, and it’s said to incorporate the lessons learned from the ultra-long range EQXX concept car – the one which drove from Stuttgart to the Silverstone racetrack without stopping, and which still had enough charge left for some fast laps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBCEXETHGFBXVI7BGKDZIRPGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857215},"content":"Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer, said: “As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer of ground-breaking drive systems. We recently proved this with the record-breaking Vision EQXX technology programme. With the upcoming MMA vehicles, we are now making this visionary technology available to our customers and getting ever closer to the idea of the one-litre vehicle of the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJJBD32SW5BTXEUQF25ZOZLEPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857216},"content":"“Our new hybrid drive with electric transmission is also setting new standards in terms of efficiency. With the new CLA and the other vehicles based on the MMA architecture, all customers will benefit from efficient technology at the highest level.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPWX4EUPJFE45CGJ5NAAW5EJ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857217},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4DD3A6VMLNCQDPXUH7KW4NUPO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857218},"content":"Inside, there are large screens set into a big, vertical dashboard – a new look for Mercedes. The driver gets a 10.25in instrument panel, and an optional head-up display, while there’s a huge 14.9in infotainment screen in the middle. If the front-seat passenger feels left out, they can also have an optional 14in screen of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT4ZDZSK7ZHLXJFOGUTDBAIKYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857219},"content":"Mercedes is claiming big advances for the new MB.OS software that runs all this technology. Streaming services – including Netflix and YouTube – are built-in so that you can keep yourself distracted even on those brief charging stops, while Mercedes claims to be the first car maker to integrate a choice of artificial intelligence voice-control assistants into the car – you can choose from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google robots as you please.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5QVFXP3GREEPNJ45HWLU4IVXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857220},"content":"Merc’s software also includes its own level of artificial intelligence, and the built-in over the air software update set-up is not merely there to allow problems to be fixed remotely – the idea is that the CLA’s systems will evolve and actually improve, and not just the on-screen stuff either. Mercedes says it wants to use software updates to improve the whole vehicle, including the electronic driver assistance systems, as the CLA ages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OY6X4GM43ZGS3H3LRCRKFPEZ2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857221},"content":"All of which is all well and good, but what about the undeniable fact that many car buyers are still reluctant to accept fully electric power, and the fact that the current car market is delicately balanced between those keen to adopt EVs, and those who would rather stick with what they know?","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VG3AKWKUBA3DFIZXZUQONMOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857222},"content":"That’s okay, says Mercedes; have a hybrid CLA instead. The MMA platform can support either full or partial electrification, and so the CLA will come with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid system, running on the fuel-saving Miller combustion cycle, and which will offer a choice of 136hp, 163hp, or 190hp power outputs, with the 48-volt electric hybrid half of the powertrain, using a 1.3kWh battery pack, contributing 27hp (20kW) of that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOH25TICNBBC5CAZ6G4V3GEOJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857223},"content":"Oddly, the hybrid CLA will be front-wheel drive, not rear-wheel as standard, although there will also be four-wheel drive hybrid models. The hybrid CLA uses a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Mercedes has said that the hybrid CLA can run on electric power at low speeds (without precisely saying for how long) and that at speeds of under 100km/h it can “sail” along for brief periods with the engine switched off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYAL2H36ONF4JHLNYSNT2ZRUAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857224},"content":"In practicality terms, the CLA gets a 405-litre boot out the back, and the electric versions get a large 101-litre “frunk” storage area in the nose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOY5E7BK3JBOZFSWSOZZYY2WWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857225},"content":"The new CLA will go on sale later this year.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Four-door saloon will also come with hybrid power to placate doubters of electric vehicles "},"display_date":"2025-03-16T00:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New all-electric Mercedes CLA to boast 790km range ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4G6XGEJGC5DJXDD5I2F6ADLVPY","auth":{"1":"5fd715cb311f0dfb76e3e88408e4f527eaf53ae20dc40a5c02f8a2ad5be5ebb7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4G6XGEJGC5DJXDD5I2F6ADLVPY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/16/new-all-electric-mercedes-cla-to-boast-790km-range/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"7e7761d8f902892422c8e3c94361f2b1f89ddad8168b0191f2581296355fcc65"},"expires":1742733265705,"lastModified":1742732965548},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"includeSections\":\"/motors\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"D3DRWHROAJCLTAKPO2ZVSGBEKI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":206,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f52db1b5-2f79-438a-bd60-42c318404ca8/versions/1742579023/media/96efd669e6706a559ccdc0d7395f5a89_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W2QMFY7EVZHH5PHY4GD73UKM7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish car buyers spend an average of €16,550 on new purchases and cite high prices as the primary reason for not opting for electric vehicles (EVs).","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWXIJGMCZZCDPJF7P3EOKNGPAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to a survey by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\">Carzone</a>, the average spend varies from €9,840 for buyers aged 17 to 24, rising to nearly €24,500 for those aged 65 or over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UV2G6IL3FASBCN4VYBEINZOZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Younger motorists are also reducing their spending compared to last year when the average was €14,240 for buyers aged 17 to 24. In contrast, older drivers have increased their average spend by €1,900 this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MRP2EY7WBBHFG337UXL4N3IV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While 121,214 new cars were registered in 2024, Carzone estimates there were 600,000 used car transactions last year, with four- to five-year-old vehicles being the most popular purchases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSPABPCXIJA7HAAHXJW6PIUDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The survey of 1,000 motorists by the online car sales platform found that 40 per cent of respondents cited the cost of EVs as the main reason for not opting to purchase one, followed by reliability concerns at 31 per cent and electricity costs at 28 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTZIXRF425FMBPOBT7T4BS7Q6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sentiment towards electric vehicles dipped last year, with new registrations down 23.6 per cent on 2023. However, a fall in used EV values, combined with the arrival of more affordable new models, has led to signs of recovery this year, with sales of new EVs up 9.6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVFT2CYGNVGW7AAWH2Y2UE6K3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"A report last month by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\">DoneDeal </a>found that used EVs are now 11.2 per cent cheaper than comparable diesel cars and 12.7 per cent cheaper than equivalent hybrid models on a like-for-like basis, although they are still 11 per cent more expensive than petrol equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2G5IPYVYTVGEVH2HBWXNTFIJS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of those surveyed by Carzone, 32 per cent said they plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV as their next car, with hybrids being the favoured option among 17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FG2F4HRMHVG5BC2I4BFMVISJXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aside from the price of the car itself, rising insurance costs are the main financial concern for motorists, closely followed by fuel prices. However, the survey found that the average monthly running costs are €212.32, down 3.5 per cent on last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LD6LRMTXZJHALGA6FJDTPRFPAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most searched-for models on the Carzone site last year were the VW Golf, followed by BMW’s 5 Series and 3 Series, Hyundai Tucson, and the Mercedes E-Class. The most popular body type was SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZ53PEV7W5GFHAYFEU6KWOKLKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"As for the current coverage of international protests against Teslas, Carzone’s head of content, Martin O’Neill, said search volumes for the EV brand have remained relatively stable – peaking at 600 daily searches on January 8th and averaging around 400 searches per day since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPFLSAL5ZZEAZLAIYKMPU2ZPQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is broadly in line with the same period in 2024, suggesting no major reaction either way,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC3DSKNFQBFZVE5KQV5GA4LEUE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“So far in 2025, Tesla ranks as the 12th most searched electric vehicle brand on our platform. While it doesn’t appear in the overall EV top 10, interest remains steady.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Despite some anti-Tesla sentiment, Carzone searches for the US brand remain steady "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish car buyers spend €16,550 on average, but electric vehicle costs a barrier ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA","auth":{"1":"53a6793aad22f2501722aff9788507954673bb3cdef035f9a7dc06d145400ca2"},"focal_point":{"x":2329,"y":1913},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"ENS23FXGFRBCLELK5TXYS2UIKA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":191,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d79bcf4d-64e6-4553-a16a-ead6808e8ffd/versions/1742392547/media/7d4277c79b57813c49f948e5a62bedab_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","content_elements":[{"_id":"X2TESYBMLRDVHCAXGCH22L46PY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A total of 18,676 uninsured vehicles were seized by gardaí last year, a 67 per cent increase on the 2023 tally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMJG5ZY4CRBZVKZSOGUBMJJGRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The rise coincides with the introduction of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) in 2024. This was set up to provide motor insurance details for all vehicles on Irish roads, allowing gardaí at checkpoints to identify any uninsured vehicles in seconds through their hand-held mobile devices or via automatic number plate recognition systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OOSW4MLVNBKDNAC72AMGIK4WI","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"266DAGA54NDKFA7I2XK3WD63RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first IMID annual report also shows the number of insurance-related summonses and charges issued by gardaí rose from 21,198 in 2023 to 26,904 in 2024. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6VJFEJNVZBNRMSCLWYE54DYQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the report, from January to December 2024 the details for 3,471,083 vehicles and 5,629,873 drivers were passed to the Garda, making them available in seconds to individual gardaí at the roadside. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKT4VIQVFZDPBN7CS247RUJ6HY","additional_properties":{},"content":"From the end of this month the next phase of the IMID project will make it an offence for any insurance provider or broker to issue a motor insurance policy where the individual motorist’s driver number, located on all driving licences, has not been provided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVIBLNWRNNFBLDJJQCIWFZFABY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This means that anyone who does not provide the driver number for all named drivers on their policy will not be able to receive motor insurance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"L5AI6NDMYRCXTD7UODAVRDCN64","additional_properties":{},"content":"The database is organised by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\">Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)</a>, an independent body which compensates victims of uninsured drivers, as well as the industry body Insurance Ireland, the Garda and the Department of Transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2GUE6EQQVANHBKQRYY7XWXQOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the bureau, said over the last year “the power of this new tool” could be seen helping to “apprehend thousands more uninsured drivers”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7WJ5UHOABCF3KY63SUAQTSMNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Writing in the annual report, Mr Fitzgerald told Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien the database “represents a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQLGTCWO7BFLLN2Z5WLY6IV4BI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In light of the high level of uninsured driving in this country, with approximately 188,000 uninsured vehicles on our roads in 2022, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland has long sought the implementation of a tool that would quickly provide the legal authorities with details on the motor insurance policies in place for any vehicle operating on Irish roads,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMQENEHF3FFGVNX5STW66TNNAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"High Court awards €63,000 damages to ‘entirely blameless’ driver over crash injuries","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UVCGT3O4C5AWZJZBIKP665IF5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for the IMID told The Irish Times the issue of the cost of premiums for compliant drivers, and whether premiums would reduce as a result of better detection of uninsured drivers, was a matter for the industry body Insurance Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVFK5L4UKBCAFCUOOLPRPSO2J4","additional_properties":{},"content":" He said costs arising from uninsured drivers was currently adding between €30 and €35 to each compliant driver’s annual insurance premium. He said “hopefully” in time the database would lead to a reduction in premiums. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6UIGKV7JBDZXBBXRNLTLGOT4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Insurance Ireland was approached for comment.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tim O'Brien"}},"name":"Tim O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Insurance database hailed as ‘a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving’"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T13:55:45.007Z","headlines":{"basic":"Database exposing uninsured drivers leads to seizure of 18,676 vehicles last year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU","auth":{"1":"b515aa5f7a737b72e31e60c0ae6eac3a4e16810126c1280825642b03ae617872"},"focal_point":{"x":2699,"y":1912},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"JBXKFNGUG5FOJDYIHXHYD6VRAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":402,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/52b292ae-55bb-4aeb-9db0-378f336a3c41/versions/1742217003/media/eabaf26a3bd8c29e2e5ac137b58e68b0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SOACGNEM5BAUXG3ARSIAOC5X6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438731},"content":"<b>Q:</b> <b>I</b> <b>own a 2021 MG ZS. Great car to drive and it has okay features. Considering cars are now more intelligent than ever, can a simple software update enhance the performance and efficiency of the car and bring new UX features such as enhanced navigation? And the car be retrofitted with additional cameras?</b> – <i>L McDonnell, Co Dublin</i>","type":"header"},{"_id":"MY7ACGKVFBHJZOQNSG5V3FY5EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675626},"content":"<b>A:</b> Let’s deal with the last part first. In theory, you can fit extra cameras to your car, and indeed fit a reversing camera where the car didn’t originally come with one. There are kits which you can buy online to do this, but it kind of helps if you have a degree – preferably a master’s – in automotive electrical engineering, so it’s not something I’d try to do at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZFQD6IENNEZ3IGLFYT2JS5VNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268678},"content":"Much will depend on getting access to the coding within the car’s on-board computer systems, and if it wasn’t specified originally to have optional extra cameras – such as for a 360-degree view system – then it might be hard, maybe impossible, to get that to work with the car’s touchscreen. However, it’s certainly possible to fit extra cameras which transmit images to their own stick-on screen (rather like an old windscreen-mounted sat-nav), so you can go down that simpler route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6SVKBV43JDHZBP6F6ZL5LMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268679},"content":"As for over-the-air software updates, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/mg-zs-ev-a-new-jump-start-for-families-into-the-age-of-electric-motoring-1.4489657\" target=\"_blank\">MG ZS electric SUV</a> can indeed receive such things, via the built-in mobile internet SIM embedded in the car’s systems, but that was only fitted to post-facelift models, which went on sale in 2020 (it’s the version with the blanked-off radiator grille).","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW6DTGQB3RH27JDLZDL6EPKP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268680},"content":"MG said at the time: “The new ZS EV also sees the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG. Owners will receive any new software updates, including new features and improvements, through iSMART at the touch of a button, rather than visiting their local dealership. In addition, and another first for MG, customers will no longer get a printed owners manual. It will now be accessible through the iSMART system, thus saving paper and printing costs and ensuring that the most up to date information is readily available.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOUEWYA4CJGITDQA5XBM36GJYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268681},"content":"All well and good, and you’re absolutely right – cars can be given new UX features, including improved navigation, via OTA software updates. And, yes, the performance and efficiency of the car can also potentially be enhanced. Indeed, with many EV models, OTA software updates have even been known to unlock extra range, as real-world experience means that, sometimes, engineers can “unlock” more of the battery’s usable capacity if the data shows that the system is robust enough to allow such a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI222YJSXREANLDQUK3YO62ODA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268683},"content":"Thus far, OTA software updates and upgrades have tended to be free, but that won’t last forever. One particular EV maker – let’s not name names, but it’s currently the most controversial car maker in the world, for a number of reasons – charged customers a four-figure fee for one software update which actually allowed the car’s electric motors to produce more power, improving performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBC55M5V6ZE3JJRCFPIBZCLIME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268684},"content":"Meanwhile, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW</a> came in for sharp criticism when it tried to introduce a system whereby its cars would leave the factory with all of the most popular optional extras fitted, but you’d have to pay for a software update, after you’d bought the car, to unlock those features (heated seats was the most commonly-noted feature).","type":"text"},{"_id":"36CZY54MSVBG5NMT7DZP2OPAMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268685},"content":"A public backlash put that on the back burner, but there’s no doubt that car makers are looking to a future where such paid-for OTA updates are the norm; it not only allows them to sell you the options when you buy the car, but because the car can be “bricked” when it’s traded-in, it means that, in theory, the next buyer will have to pay again to get the same options. We doubt many second-hand buyers will be too happy about that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXMDOOHPRFGZJDRUHXMKZXVGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268686},"content":"Equally, such systems can easily be turned against you – worryingly, if a patent filed by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\" target=\"_blank\">Ford</a> is anything to go by, then the next thing might be cars that repossess themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYW5WOPILRDLXBFGJENRCP6IE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRY3Q2QKDJHAVJ6BD4XUQ2VKXY"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7TOO2LOEQJC27FNOHPUN4LY634","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268687},"content":"No, this doesn’t mean a car that needs to be doused with holy water and reported some secretive agency in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">Vatican</a>. It means a car which can simply drive itself back to the dealership if you fall behind in your PCP payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFPCF6FIXBHBBFJH6P7SGB4SWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268688},"content":"This is more of an issue in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a> than in Europe, where financial providers are more likely to engage with a customer who’s defaulted on payment to sort things out with a new repayment plan. In the US, things can be more aggressive when it comes to falling behind on your loans, and the Ford tech is the autonomous new tip of that spear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEHFINVLKVD2FMJXWBQ4FVWKLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268689},"content":"The patent – titled pretty plainly “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle” – includes a few interventions before the final act. First, the on-board screens will start reminding you that you’ve missed a loan payment (we don’t think that a buzzer which makes a “deadbeat” sound will kick in but you never know). Then, the vehicle will, petulantly, start disabling major features such as your phone connection, or maybe the air conditioning, or the heated seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITZI6EFWNJEDPBCCIGLW6O2JHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268691},"content":"The systems can even kill the engine to prevent you driving the car at all (with a fail-safe in an emergency, although how long you’ll have to be on hold on a hotline to get the car unlocked at that point is unclear).","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIXEHGPIFDZJFTSLLLTUX53VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268692},"content":"Finally, there is a line in the patent suggesting an eventual fully-autonomous ability for the car to drive itself back to the dealership, or even to the nearest scrap yard if it’s decided that the value has fallen far enough to not make it worth reselling. The system can scan its surroundings to check that it’s not been parked in a closed garage to prevent itself driving away, but there’s no word on what happens in that case – is there a chainsaw hidden in the front bumper, allowing the car to cut itself free?","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFXYQ75V6RGJ3M3PRPHYHXVYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":"DVVQAB22EJCN5B3WUU4XMTJA6Y"},"content":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5XMA22NPBAATFOBP4EC733F54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268693},"content":"But there are some upsides to the whole paying-for-updates thing – the primary one being that our cars might last much longer. We’re now in the era of the “softwarexdefined car” in which electric motors and batteries are, broadly, the same and so the defining characteristics of cars will come from the software that controls the batteries and motors (and everything else).","type":"text"},{"_id":"2F6SBPJOQZD3NPYYDCTL5GRZHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268694},"content":"BMW has an idea that in the future you’ll buy a car, and instead of trading it in after three years, you’ll bring it back to the dealership where the interior can be removed and replaced with fresh parts, batteries can be replaced or refreshed, and the software can be updated to a “new and improved” set-up, thereby giving you effectively a new car, but without the carbon-intensive need to actually make a completely new car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438750},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:48:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Can software updates make my EV better?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M","auth":{"1":"52d1b1a0383b7ff048c905529d1ee7baa702d34a2518be3bb010e9b828af3450"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2HKBGCVBJ5DATHXLZTIAAG2HNY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":535,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a10b5c9c-30eb-4eee-8545-7650e99a694a/versions/1741791460/media/7df84b90fc21f3c83309f31a2fcb5500_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FNE4A34FNVEPNAMFB7WA6VW3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154588},"content":"At long last, I’ve driven a Cupra that makes sense. To me, at least. The Formentor was Cupra’s first stand-alone model, not shared with Seat, from which the Cupra brand sprang having once been Seat’s high-performance model badge (Cupra was to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/seat/\" target=\"_blank\">Seat</a> as R is to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">VW</a>).","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRXUOCQWQVGDHOAESRSN6GXOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154589},"content":"Launched in 2020, the Formentor shared its structure and engines with plenty of other VW Group metal. The MQB chassis underneath is also the basis of a Golf and a Skoda Kodiaq and everything (everything that’s not <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a>-only) in between. It was, and is, a sort of low-slung SUV, with a bit of extra ride height but without the overly bulky body.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4IIN7PIDFA4ZFCRECRHPHHRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154591},"content":"For 2025, Cupra has updated the Formentor, and the first thing it has changed is the styling at the front - the last thing it should have changed. The original Formentor had a very handsome combo of shield-like grille and slim, almond-shaped lights. The new one has a blunt visage, with a slit for an air intake and slim lights, which looks a little lizard-like but not as good as the original. Shame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4AN3WMXVDFLEV5JVX7LYPBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154593},"content":"The updates inside have been rather more successful. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is, as with so many such systems, far too big and far too fiddly and far too distracting (using your phone behind the wheel is a crime, but stabbing at one of these is okay, somehow?) but at least it’s easier than before. Overall cabin quality is good, and the front high-backed bucket seats are excellently supportive and squishy at the same time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQ66J7NKJG3BEFTHD6QOXLPTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154594},"content":"Space in the back isn’t so good, but if that’s the trade-off for having a lower, less chunky body, I’ll buy it. This being the plug-in hybrid model, you do lose some boot space, reducing the volume to a mere 345 litres, which is pretty stingy, but the Formentor just about gets away with it. It’s hard to believe that a smaller Toyota Yaris Cross has a much bigger boot, though.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQMBYEOTZDZRPSVL2AWNIO32Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154595},"content":"Moving back to the front, the Formentor gets a cool-looking steering wheel that has, in the spirit of an AMG Mercedes, or a Porsche 911, or even an Alfa Romeo Giulia, a pair of round buttons dangling off the horizontal spokes. One is the engine stop-start button, which adds some much needed sports-car theatre to getting into the Formentor and firing it up, while the other simply wears Cupra’s two-pronged badge, and adjusts the driving modes. This, as we shall see, becomes crucial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2MI7AKF2BB33HV75H3PTYNFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154597},"content":"As mentioned, this is the plug-in hybrid version of the Formentor, and if you’re sensitive to the cost of motor tax, or if you’re a company car buyer, it’s the only Formentor that makes sense thanks to its tiny 10g/km CO2 emissions figure. That’s thanks to a large 20kWh battery, which in theory gives the Formentor an electric range on a full charge of 118km. Combined with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, you’ve got 272hp and 400Nm of combined torque to play with – which are at least within shouting distance of the top-spec 333hp four-wheel drive Formentor, and which are a big improvement on the old 50km-EV-ranged Formentor plug-in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQTHVQN53ZAIPALXFAAMQLPLMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154598},"content":"Speaking of plugging in, this Formentor is one of a new breed of plug-in hybrids – an increasingly popular breed in Ireland, with sales up significantly so far this year – which can fast-charge at up to 50kW from a public DC charger. This is not only a boon to people such as myself, who can’t charge at home, but it also means you can stretch your electric range and improve your fuel economy on long journeys. You’ll also have every Nissan Leaf driver in a 100km radius reaching for the pitchfork and torches, but hey – public infrastructure is public infrastructure and it’s there to be used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP7NB3CBHRGE7NNFFDGUHTPDQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154590},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CZE2BUQZ4FCEZMAFFXF5VFI3AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154592},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EICPV2M7UVCI3AFVZCBYLRGVVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154596},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S5Y6BKLONRAX3MQ73QPYSE2BAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154599},"content":"However, things aren’t quite as rosy as that makes it seem. For a start, on a full charge, we struggled to break 80km of electric range, which is certainly useful, but not quite as good as you’d hope. Any hopes that the bigger battery and more flexible EV system might also translate into better long-range fuel economy were quickly dashed – in spite of its compact nature, the Formentor struggles to do much better than 8.0-litres per 100km on a motorway run, which is pretty poor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7MTV7GIKRFZBMNZ6HDYLIBK54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154600},"content":"However, as I said at the top, this is the Cupra that makes the most sense for me, because I think I’ve finally cracked the code of its appeal. For a start, you’ve got to stop thinking of it as a posh Seat. For a second, you’ve got to press that Cupra badge button on the steering wheel, and call up the car’s sportiest driving mode.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X3GWEAAAZDIXMIZB5N22HVYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154601},"content":"Now, thanks to the miracle of synthesised engine noise, the 1.5 shifts from humming to growling, the throttle response sharpens, the adaptive suspension (part of a €1,134 option pack that also includes Matrix LED headlights) stiffens and the Formentor goes from being a touch pointless to being good fun to drive. It’s quick – the 7.2 second 0-100km/h time feels, initially, pessimistic as the Formentor leaps forward on its electric torque, but that puff does run out quite quickly if you find a stretch of road where it’s safe and legal to keep your foot down hard for long enough to reach 100km/h in one go.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQPLVXGO5JDVNPDBLSN7PWCTGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154602},"content":"It’s also mostly sure-footed, although it’s not perfect in the dynamic department. Electric torque means it’s alarmingly easy to spin up the front wheels on a less than dry road (four-wheel drive would be a welcome option) while the long-travel suspension can become a little springy and bouncy when pressed too hard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCTJ7TT2YFBH5H7H4FMPVGJKII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154603},"content":"However, it’s precisely that long-travel suspension that’s the key to the Formentor’s appeal. With that performance and that ride height, I finally twigged what it’s trying to be – it’s not a Seat with attitude, it’s an affordable alternative to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lamborghini/\" target=\"_blank\">Lamborghini</a> Huracan Sterrato, or a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/porsche/\" target=\"_blank\">Porsche</a> 911 Dakar. No, seriously – stumpy performance, sweet steering, a sense of fun and adventure, and the ground clearance so you don’t worry about snagging expensive bodywork on the odd stalagmite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4WX2RGRPZEIBOB6VOP4WDHVGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154604},"content":"That said, the word “affordable” is debatable. The Formentor range kicks off at a not-outrageous €39,885, but in basic form this plug-in hybrid version would cost you a robust €59,135. Wait for it, though, because someone has added €10,000 worth of optional extras to this one, bringing the price tag to an eye-watering €69,698. That’s a price so painful that it will leave a welt on your wallet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVG3ZFNIBBFEHLDPRBCVLXBEOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154605},"content":"However, you can strip out some of the less useful bits. I could live without the matt-brown “Century Bronze” paint (€2,626), the panoramic glass roof (€1,287), and the upgraded 19-inch alloys (€1,641 – just stick with the standard 19-inch items). I’d keep the excellent Sennheiser stereo (a bargain at €704) and the adaptive suspension (€1,134) but it’s a bit much, in these safety-conscious days that Cupra wants an extra €2,017 for the upgraded safety systems package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJLA4Q4KVH2ZAK4GVGS7YYF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154606},"content":"Excise the unnecessary from that list and you’re still left with a car that’s way too expensive. Then again, a Porsche 911 Dakar is still more than four times the price. The good news is that not only is the Formentor fun to drive, it’s also a Cupra that doesn’t give you brain-ache in trying to work out what it’s supposed to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXDUJHGBIFHYHO3CRZI623EEMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154607},"content":"Lowdown: Cupra Formentor VZ 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIK4I7OC35HQLA2J4SRGEKGEOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154608},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 85kW motor and 20kWh lithium-ion battery producing 272hp and 400Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KJUZTOQINFWXMC3ESHHOO6FVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154609},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax):</b> 10g/km (€140)","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG3DG333WBHXNBCL72775GLKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154610},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption: </b>0.4l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQIYJNH7JGYJD24QVY27BOTBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154611},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 7.2 secs","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDFTBLPSWVAMTPKKXOYZTZGB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154612},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €69,698 as tested; Formentor starts from €39,135","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VAL7VX3NJHELMOMIQ2GN7FAU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154613},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>3/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"AO7N5WGZAJCVNI7PRZVMSG5CIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154614},"content":"<b>Verdict:</b> Fun, rugged, and kinda cool but searingly expensive and the old version was better looking.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Updated Formentor isn’t as handsome as before, but it’s good fun"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cupra Formentor review: Finally it makes sense","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ","auth":{"1":"f948d0101bd1da1b9e59798b8d35cca1d22e24b5d9126f788e526f5cda2f14df"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"PFFABZVI4NA6RCZOZBHZ2YXIN4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":478,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eb80cda7-213c-4d2d-bd3f-e03513bbffd4/versions/1741981461/media/e3d562b81041265ea3dc3ffc3d2b2342_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/16/new-all-electric-mercedes-cla-to-boast-790km-range/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YNYUWQCIGZCK5IDPUAEYF5R3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857201},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\">Mercedes-Benz </a>has revealed its new electric CLA, which claims a 792km one-charge range on the worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4TAOLG5MZEZJKPQ3HPYBVLRHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857202},"content":"Because of this range, Mercedes is already claiming that the new CLA – which will be a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2, and the 2026 BMW i3 Neue Klasse saloon – will be the one-litre car for the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SF6RURXISRBZBAR6565RWJR7PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857203},"content":"This claim refers to efforts in the 2000s to create cars that would be capable of 1.0-litres per 100km fuel economy, or 282mpg in old money. The only car that ever got close was the strictly limited VW XL1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEWYE64WZZH3BBFOY6ELGYWE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857204},"content":"The new electric CLA will be a rear-wheel drive car in standard form, using a 272hp (200kW) electric motor powering the rear wheels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBV24IJE2BFYJBA3JNZ5M3EGJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857205},"content":"There is also a four-wheel drive variant which gets an extra 109hp (80kW) motor powering the front wheels (bringing the total to 353hp), but this will be decoupled from those wheels until extra traction or performance is needed, in the interests of efficiency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NZH75RWCVBGPIWANOJK4LSMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857206},"content":"That efficiency, claims Mercedes, means 93 per cent of the car’s overall energy storage actually meeting the tarmac under the tyres, and the four-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic still claims a one-charge range of up to 771km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWZOCEDXJBDTFKLNFUQ2ULT3HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857207},"content":"Interestingly, the CLA will be one of the few electric cars, thus far, to feature more than one gear. Most EVs use a single reduction gear, powering the wheels more or less directly from the electric motor, but the CLA gets a two-speed gearbox, with a low first gear for instant acceleration, and a higher second gear for greater efficiency in main road and motorway driving scenarios.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U43WI5PYI5DCPCZZZICJ63VW74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857208},"content":"Two battery packs will be offered. The top-spec versions get an 85kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes, which increases the potential energy density and efficiency by 20 per cent compared with current designs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAOMEKOW5FGN3LYEQXGHEIB5CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857209},"content":"More affordable CLA versions will come with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery (cheaper to make and more robust, too) which will have a shorter range, which has not yet been revealed but which is expected to be in the region of 500km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WF5JMO2RMVEKZHYGRAJD3CJFTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857210},"content":"The CLA includes a cutting-edge 800-volt charging architecture, which means it can accept as much as 320kW of peak fast-charging power, allowing drivers to add as much as 300km of extra range in just 10 minutes’ charging, assuming one can find a DC public charger putting out that much power, which is also not in use, and not broken. The CLA’s battery will charge at either 11kW or 22kW on slower AC power, depending on the model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WFYITJLURHXFB2JJIS5ZI7KLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857211},"content":"For extra efficiency, the CLA will get a “multisource” heat pump heating system, which can warm the cabin using waste heat from the car’s water cooling system for the battery, or from heat from the battery itself, or from heat from the surrounding air.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26BIP7JY45HFRENS53YQSXYS34","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857212},"content":"There’s also a built-in “eco assistant” function that helps you tailor your driving style to get to your destination more easily, and a regenerative braking system that can, in its strongest mode, slow the CLA at up to 3m per second/per second.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHRJ7X6KONGUZMG4G5T4DO42UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857213},"content":"The CLA’s on-board computers, as well as being constantly updated by over-the-air software, can also teach themselves as they go, learning from your driving style and regular habits. The software can then not only recommend where you should stop for a charging top-up, but also how long you should stop for and how much charge you should take on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LLWV2UVKVFKJFURJQXS6G3TJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857214},"content":"All of this tech, and the new battery design, adds up to a new platform for the CLA and the models which will be spun off from it. It’s called the MMA platform, and it’s said to incorporate the lessons learned from the ultra-long range EQXX concept car – the one which drove from Stuttgart to the Silverstone racetrack without stopping, and which still had enough charge left for some fast laps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBCEXETHGFBXVI7BGKDZIRPGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857215},"content":"Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer, said: “As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer of ground-breaking drive systems. We recently proved this with the record-breaking Vision EQXX technology programme. With the upcoming MMA vehicles, we are now making this visionary technology available to our customers and getting ever closer to the idea of the one-litre vehicle of the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJJBD32SW5BTXEUQF25ZOZLEPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857216},"content":"“Our new hybrid drive with electric transmission is also setting new standards in terms of efficiency. With the new CLA and the other vehicles based on the MMA architecture, all customers will benefit from efficient technology at the highest level.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPWX4EUPJFE45CGJ5NAAW5EJ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857217},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4DD3A6VMLNCQDPXUH7KW4NUPO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857218},"content":"Inside, there are large screens set into a big, vertical dashboard – a new look for Mercedes. The driver gets a 10.25in instrument panel, and an optional head-up display, while there’s a huge 14.9in infotainment screen in the middle. If the front-seat passenger feels left out, they can also have an optional 14in screen of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT4ZDZSK7ZHLXJFOGUTDBAIKYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857219},"content":"Mercedes is claiming big advances for the new MB.OS software that runs all this technology. Streaming services – including Netflix and YouTube – are built-in so that you can keep yourself distracted even on those brief charging stops, while Mercedes claims to be the first car maker to integrate a choice of artificial intelligence voice-control assistants into the car – you can choose from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google robots as you please.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5QVFXP3GREEPNJ45HWLU4IVXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857220},"content":"Merc’s software also includes its own level of artificial intelligence, and the built-in over the air software update set-up is not merely there to allow problems to be fixed remotely – the idea is that the CLA’s systems will evolve and actually improve, and not just the on-screen stuff either. Mercedes says it wants to use software updates to improve the whole vehicle, including the electronic driver assistance systems, as the CLA ages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OY6X4GM43ZGS3H3LRCRKFPEZ2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857221},"content":"All of which is all well and good, but what about the undeniable fact that many car buyers are still reluctant to accept fully electric power, and the fact that the current car market is delicately balanced between those keen to adopt EVs, and those who would rather stick with what they know?","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VG3AKWKUBA3DFIZXZUQONMOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857222},"content":"That’s okay, says Mercedes; have a hybrid CLA instead. The MMA platform can support either full or partial electrification, and so the CLA will come with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid system, running on the fuel-saving Miller combustion cycle, and which will offer a choice of 136hp, 163hp, or 190hp power outputs, with the 48-volt electric hybrid half of the powertrain, using a 1.3kWh battery pack, contributing 27hp (20kW) of that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOH25TICNBBC5CAZ6G4V3GEOJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857223},"content":"Oddly, the hybrid CLA will be front-wheel drive, not rear-wheel as standard, although there will also be four-wheel drive hybrid models. The hybrid CLA uses a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 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