An unprecedented combination of threats had forced Macron to conceive of nuclear deterrence “within the depth of the European Continent”. This is not a radical change in French doctrine, defence expert Jean-Dominique Merchet writes in the spring edition of the intellectual review Commentaire. Minister for Defence Helen McEntee made the only remark by an Irish official regarding Macron’s “forward defence” at the Munich Security Conference last month. Setting aside the thorny question of whether nuclear protection would make Ireland more secure, Irish involvement in nuclear discussions would be politically radioactive. That observation could be the point of departure for a major address explaining what Ireland’s role in the defence of Europe should be.

Sir, – Irish Hotels Federation chief executive Paul Gallagher’s alarm (“Tourist tax would make Ireland less attractive as a destination,” Letters, March 25th) at the prospect of a modest tourist tax for visitors to Dublin would be more persuasive were it not so at odds with the experience of travellers across Europe. The idea that a similar charge in Dublin would deter visitors seems, frankly, far-fetched. Gallagher’s argument that a tourist tax would constitute “double taxation” for property tax-paying domestic visitors also stretches credibility. And more importantly, it could provide tangible benefits for the people who actually live and work in Dublin. Sir, – Paul Gallagher, CEO of the Irish Hotels Federation, without a trace of self-awareness uses the high nightly price of a hotel room in Dublin as an argument against a tourist tax.

“You basically need to know someone who knows someone to get a dodgy box. “At least with the dodgy box, you have the liberty of choosing what you want, of everything, like for example pay-per-view TV, it’s all there. Barry explained how simple it was to get a dodgy box from a seller. If I wanted a dodgy box, I just need to know someone who knows someone who knows someone. Grant Thornton said the attack was launched by a botnet called Kimwolf, which is made up of mainly "compromised Android-enabled televisions and TV streaming devices".

The World Cup dream is dead but Ireland's responsibilities to Uefa's qualifiying process don't end with defeat to Czechia on penalties. Next up is a 'friendly' with North Macedonia on Tuesday at Aviva Stadium (7.45pm). The North Madeconians were also defeated at the 'semi-final' stage, losing 4-0 to Denmark last night.

Dan Osborne was overcome with emotion and seen crying in his car on Thursday after it was revealed he has split from his wife Jacqueline Jossa. Hours before, Jacqueline was sighted near their Essex home for the first time on Friday since the truth about the end of her marriage was revealed. Jacqueline, who was bare faced and wore her long brunette hair loose, appeared to be alone as she headed out. The couple split when Megan was pregnant and Dan was already seeing Jacqueline by the time Teddy was born in December 2013. The pair split eight months into Jacqueline's second pregnancy after enduring a 'string of heated rows'.

Few could resist an invitation from the Gettys, whose patriarch, the five-times married J. Paul Getty, started off with a few Oklahoma oilfields and ended up being known as 'the world's richest man'. But those who were lucky enough to enjoy Getty largesse – perhaps at Wormsley, the 2,500-acre estate acquired and restored by John Paul Getty Jr, or on a yacht off St Tropez – may pause to reflect on the fate of Mogens Tholstrup. Now I can reveal that the plane belonged to Tara Getty, 57 – third and youngest son of John Paul Getty Jr – and was piloted by Anton, the man who ferries the family around Zuka, their breathtaking 15,000-acre estate. Mogens Tholstrup, pictured with former flame Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, is in hospital in Cape TownMogens's wife, Gretha, posted a video of his rehabilitation. Tara was just three when his mother, the beautiful Talitha Pol, died of an overdose, and five when his half-brother, John Paul Getty III, was kidnapped.

But a new survey has revealed how even the shortest drive will have Gen Z turning to Google Maps. Every single time I need to go somewhere, I've got to have my sat nav,' @cuzinsuzyofficial1 said on TikTok. As part of the survey, Carmoola also asked respondents what they would do if their sat nav lost signal. The results revealed that 57 per cent of drivers aged 55–64 said they would rely on road signs and landmarks. While the findings might sound trivial, research has shown that using a sat nav actually 'switches off' parts of the brain.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed Mohamed Salah after the Reds star announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. "He was part of the best front 3 in world football for a long time - the one with the most numbers. "Don't you think he could play left wing?" Reports at the time of Salah's move suggested he wasn't Klopp's first choice, and that the former Liverpool boss instead wanted to sign his countryman, Julian Brandt. 'There is always a story that I wanted to sign Julian Brandt or someone like that,' he said.

Annie Knight has detailed the 'nightmare' moment she discovered a man had broken into her backyard wielding a hammer. Annie, 29, tells Daily Mail the intruder was dressed in all black and wore a surgical mask and disposable gloves. 'I just sprinted out of the bedroom, screaming to Henry, "Henry! You know, we don't know who this person is, they tried to break in, and we were just a bit scared. 'I don't know why people aren't more fearful of stuff like this happening, because it does happen.

A man charged with attempting to murder three children in Dublin in 2023 has been declared “currently fit to stand trial”. Riad Bouchaker, 51, of no fixed abode, is charged with the attempted murder of two female children and one male child in an incident that took place at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23 2023.

Ireland’s World Cup play-off misery in Prague was the most watched TV programme of the year so far, according to RTÉ’s viewing figures. The penalty shootout defeat by Czechia, shown live on RTÉ2, was watched by an average of 1.37 million viewers accounting for 78% of those watching television at the time.

Michael BoltonIt may have ended in heartbreak for Ireland and Dan Sheehan, but as the Six Nations progressed, there were a lot of positive signals to take from this Ireland squad. As a Thomas France penalty denied Ireland the Six Nations, Sheehan came away from the tournament with a more optimistic view of the future. We have a great group of players in Ireland and Leinster; when times are tough, [we] stick together. Attention now turns back to Leinster for Sheehan, who were defeated by Glasgow at the weekend in the URC. We had to defend a lot of phases because Glasgow are very good at keeping the ball.

USA on course to PLAY Iran in World Cup clash as FIFA face nightmare situationThe United States could potentially face Iran at this summer's World Cup as a prediction emergesView 2 Images FIFA could face a nightmare situation at this summer's World Cup in the USA (Image: AP)The United States have been projected to potentially face Iran at this summer’s World Cup amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. ‌England are also heading across the Atlantic this summer for the World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel helping oversee a perfect qualification campaign with a 100 percent record. ‌Iran’s participation at this summer’s World Cup has been a topic of uncertainty ever since the conflict in the Middle East began last month. This led to Iran launching retaliatory strikes, and the country’s place in the World Cup this summer has been cast into doubt as a result. View 2 Images Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the US at this summer's World Cup (Image: (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images))‌Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup task force, recently stated that he expects Iran to compete at this summer’s World Cup despite the growing uncertainty.

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Commerce City, CO – Burgundy Wave can confirm multiple reports that the Colorado Rapids have signed Georgi Minoungou. Sources confirm @ELROLONW’s scoop: The Colorado Rapids are acquiring winger Georgi Minoungou from the Seattle Sounders. Even with one eye, Georgi Minoungou has been one of the most electric players on the wing in MLS. New scenery and more starts/minutes could be just what Georgi Minoungou needs to make that next leap in his career. It will be interesting to see what he changes in that winger room, but this is a good trade for the Colorado Rapids.

Corinthians striker Memphis Depay could be suspended for up to six games after using his mobile phone on the substitutes' bench during a match in the Brazilian top flight. The former Manchester United forward was filmed by television cameras using a phone during their 1-1 draw against Flamengo on Sunday - before being approached by a Corinthians coach. The staff member appeared to tell the 32-year-old to stop, with Depay seen putting his phone back into his pocket. Depay had been taken off in the 22nd minute of the game due to a reported thigh injury. Depay joined the side in September 2024 from Atletico Madrid following spells at United, Lyon and Barcelona.