Sir , – It concerns me greatly that the Government and the EU are not taking a holistic view on the oil supply crisis. Surely they realise that petroleum and natural gas are absolutely critical to active pharmaceutical ingredients which are key for a wide variety of medicines, that polymers derived from oil are used in time release medication, that plastics derived from oils are used in producing IV bags, tubing syringes, blood bags along with PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). They need to prioritise oil and natural gas supplies to the pharmaceutical and medical devices to safeguard hospital operability and pharmacy supplies. – Yours, etc,JAMES DINEEN,Bishopstown,Co Cork.

Human rights and victims’ organisations have accused the Government of “colluding” with the “narrow agenda” of the UK by backing a proposal which they say seeks to weaken the protections of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These include that “the scope of ‘inhuman and degrading treatment’ under Article 3 [of the ECHR] ... should be constrained to the most serious issues”. Article 3, the prohibition of torture, states that “no one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. The Council of Europe’s steering committee for human rights is meeting this week to draft a text for a political declaration on migration and the ECHR, which is due to be adopted in May. As a founding member of the Council of Europe, “Ireland fully supports its essential role in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe”, it added.

A BBC courtroom drama branded 'gripping and profound' as well as boasting a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score has rocketed up the Netflix charts. The Victim stars Kelly Macdonald as Anna Dean, a bereaved mother whose nine-year-old son was murdered 14 years earlier. But with his reputation now tarnished, is Craig really the man whom Anna is trying to find? The four-part Scottish thriller also stars John Hannah as DI Stephen Grover, who encounters both Anna and Craig. A third agreed: 'Terrific performances, unique plot, amazing character development, all crowned by a memorable finale.'

Ellie Goulding revealed her newborn baby daughter’s sweet name in a formal birth announcement on Wednesday. The full announcement read: 'Minniear-Goulding: On 6th March 2026 to Ellie Goulding and Beau Minniear, a daughter, Iris Edaline.' Ellie gave birth to her second child, her first with actor Beau Minniear, 28, on March 6 at the Lindo Wing in London. Ellie confirmed the arrival of her baby girl on Tuesday by sharing a sweet snap on Instagram. Ellie Goulding has revealed her newborn daughter’s sweet name in a formal birth announcement in The Times on Wednesday (pictured with partner Beau Minniear in February)The day before, the songstress announced the happy news of her daughter's birth on social mediaShe wrote: On Friday, I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl.

Here's how this Kate Spade deal breaks down:The Kate Spade Emma Shoulder Bag is currently marked down in Kate Spade Outlet's clearance section for 76% off. An extra 25% off as part of Kate Spade Outlet's spring savingsas part of Kate Spade Outlet's spring savings An extra 10% off on top of thatWhat shoppers say about the Kate Spade Emma Shoulder BagThis popular Kate Spade purse is a highly coveted accessory, with an average 4.8 customer rating and a majority of its reviews (88%) being five stars. As indicated by the name, Kate Spade and Kate Spade Outlet are part of the same brand, but they sell different authentic product lines. all Kate Spade Outlet bags are authentic and made by the official Kate Spade brand. Here are some of the collections and shops you can find at Kate Spade Outlet:Looking for some more Kate Spade Outlet discounts?

Minister Burke on his visit to the US (Boston) for St Patrick's Day 2025 (file pic) with Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, on left. Burke begins St Patrick’s Day mission to United StatesMinister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has commenced a week long programme in New York and New Jersey to mark St Patrick’s Day 2026, with the aim of highlighting the depth, value and future ambition of the Ireland United States relationship. He will meet Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, attend St Patrick’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and march in the 256th New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as the Morristown, New Jersey Parade. • This year’s St Patrick’s Day programme will highlight Ireland’s historical contribution to the founding of the United States and the enduring strength of the Irish-American story. It is a privilege to be the first Minister of the Irish government to visit Guatemala for St Patrick’s Day.”

Fat Tony has told of how he was cruelly trolled after sharing that his face was 'smashed to pieces' during a homophobic attack. Recalling the incident on Wednesday, Fat Tony, real name Tony Marnoch, said sharing details of the night online was 'one of his biggest mistakes.' 'He called me a f****t and it escalated, I told me no hard feelings and then he suckerpunch me. 'I'm absolutely gutted, I'm gutted this happened, I'm gutted that people choose violence especially when what we do comes from a place of love. Big love guys - I'm just gutted really gutted.'

President Donald Trump has come under scrutiny for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Photo: APA 'Titanic' movie-themed statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is seen on the National Mall, in Washington. Photo: APA new statue depicting US president Donald Trump and deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was placed on the National Mall near the US Capitol on Tuesday. “This monument honours the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.”Tourists were seen snapping photos of the statue yesterday, which was situated in front of banners displaying a photo of Trump and Epstein. President Donald Trump has come under scrutiny for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

I'm looking at their fixtures and (Nottingham) Forest are playing all right, West Ham are playing very well, it's going to be tough for Tottenham. I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up." It added in a statement: "It's symptomatic of the abysmal state of things at Spurs right now. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult, but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline. "Hopefully he can turn it around but, if he doesn't, I think Spurs might roll the dice again.

Businessman Denis O’Brien has said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will not bring criminal charges against him arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The report, published in 2011, also found it was “beyond doubt” that Mr Lowry provided information to Mr O’Brien, which assisted him in obtaining the licence. There were also findings that Mr O’Brien made payments totalling £447,000 to Mr Lowry, alongside supporting a loan of £420,000. Mr O'Brien has denied he ever made a payment to Mr Lowry. However, my own experience of the tribunal process involved a great many scarcely credible elements,” Mr O’Brien said.

Irish travellers advised to ‘sit tight’ on Middle East holiday and transit plans as airfares riseSome Irish holidaymakers have returned home via destinations as far afield as the USDespite uncertainty in the region, many future flights are listed to go ahead. Photo: Marcin Golba/GettyPól Ó Conghaile Today at 06:30Irish holidaymakers with plans to travel through or in the Middle East later this spring are being advised to “sit tight” and stay in touch with their travel agents.

Trinity Indian Society brought colour to TCD today as they celebrated the Holi Festival in Trinity Square.

By the time the club conceded a change was needed on February 11, Tottenham's squad were broken and devoid of any confidence. Only Souza - a player seemingly not yet trusted for Premier League action - was brought in after those remarks. 'We will go into the summer window with big ambitions of strengthening the team. The appointment of your classic Premier League firefighter, presumably would have gone down like a lead balloon amongst an already furious fanbase. However, needs must and while fans would not have welcomed it, they would have stomached such an appointment until the end of the season to preserve their Premier League status.

Rory Darge believes Scotland are primed for the pressure of 'Super Saturday' after showing they can handle playing must-win rugby since losing their Guinness Six Nations opener in Italy. Gregor Townsend's resurgent side go into their final match in Ireland knowing victory could secure them a first Six Nations title, if France slip up at home to England later in the day. "Our backs were against the wall after Rome," said back-rower Darge, alluding to the 18-15 defeat by the Azzurri in round one. Darge said such an achievement would be "huge", given that Scotland have failed to defeat Ireland since 2017. "I think Ireland will pose a different threat to France.

Banks in Dubai and Qatar have evacuated their offices after Iran threatened to target American and Israeli financial institutions in its next wave of strikes. Staff at Standard Chartered and Citi in Dubai were ordered to leave work today while all HSBC branches in Qatar have shut until further notice. The exodus comes after Iran declared it would target US and Israeli banks in revenge for an overnight attack on Bank Sepah in Tehran, an Iranian bank with ties to the country’s military. Dubai's airport came under attack today from Iranian drones eaving four people injured as influencers insist the emirate is safe. Follow the latest updates on the US-Israel war with Iran