Police Service of Northern Ireland at tipping point, chief constable warns
He was speaking as the recently restored Northern Ireland Executive prepares to set the next budget. Appearing before the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, Mr Boutcher outlined an example of an elderly woman with a broken pelvis who was brought to hospital in a police Land Rover because no ambulances were available. He referred to the Patten report on policing which recommended 7,500 full-time officers in a peacetime Northern Ireland, but said they have lost 22% with numbers currently at 6,400. He said the HMICFRS report recognised the additional responsibilities of police in Northern Ireland, including national threats, legacy, being an armed force, a fortified estate and threats against officers. In terms of supporting the health service, Mr Boutcher said police attend around 500 ambulance calls a months, where the ambulance service cannot respond to calls.
Source:The Herald
March 07, 2024 14:03 UTC
Local sports calendar
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code
Source:The Herald
March 07, 2024 11:51 UTC
Irish language should be shared by all in Northern Ireland, says DUP minister
Paul Givan vowed to advocate on behalf of the sector as he visited an Irish language primary school in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. “As Education Minister, I said from day one that I would be a Minister of Education for everybody in Northern Ireland, across all of our sectors,” he said. “When you look at the history of the Irish language, it was Presbyterians that came from Scotland that kept the language alive,” he said. And we think of even the townlands and the names of our places have a steep history in the Irish language. However, he also created controversy in that role in the same year when he axed a bursary scheme for children to attend Irish language classes in Co Donegal.
Source:The Herald
March 07, 2024 05:31 UTC
Ten OBR forecasts to watch: Energy price jitters, inheritance tax gains and inflation uncertainty
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has published its latest forecasts for the UK economy, inflation, house prices, tax receipts, disposable income and unemployment. The OBR said there was 'considerable uncertainty' around the inflation forecasts, particularly when it comes to energy prices. A sharp rise in energy prices could cause UK inflation to spike back up to an annual peak of nearly 6 per cent, it added. This is 0.2 percentage points lower then the OBR forecast in November. Its predictions are important as they cover issues affecting people's lives on a daily basis, including house prices, inflation, tax burdens and interest rates.
Source:Daily Mail
March 07, 2024 05:08 UTC
Birr student named Leinster Regional winner of second Oireachtas Essay Competition
Senator Rónán Mullen, Beverly Lavin (St Brendan's teacher), Karo Bekker (regional winner), An Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl. Birr student named Leinster Regional winner of second Oireachtas Essay CompetitionSt Brendan’s Community School, Birr student Karo Bekker secured the prize for the best essay in Leinster at the Oireachtas Essay Competition prizegiving in Leinster House on Friday, March 1. Karo received his prize from Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail TD, at a ceremony attended by the winning students, their parents,guardians and teachers as well as Competition judges and sponsors. Students whose essays were 'Highly Commended' will receive certificates and cash prizes at a ceremony in their schools. The Competition, sponsored by book publishers and distributors Eason, Folens and CJ Fallon, was devised by Independent NUI Senator Rónán Mullen with the support of An Ceann Comhairle and the Oireachtas Education Unit.
Source:Irish Independent
March 07, 2024 05:00 UTC
Investors bemoan the 'absurdity' of UK stock market, as foreign predators swoop on ANOTHER London-listed company
Leading investors slammed the ‘absurdity of UK stock market valuations’ as foreign predators snapped up yet another British company. The comments come a week after Currys rejected a 67p a share offer worth £757million from US activist investor Elliott Advisers. JOHCM UK equity income fund yesterday said it believed the value of the deal compared to the size of the retailer’s sales showed the current ‘absurdity’ of the UK stock market. Chinese retail giant JD.com has also said it is considering a possible deal to buy Currys. JOHCM UK equity income fund yesterday said it believed the value of the deal compared to the size of the retailer’s sales showed the current ‘absurdity’ of the UK stock market.
Source:Daily Mail
March 06, 2024 21:05 UTC
My dad is not a liar: Max Verstappen defends father amid Christian Horner claim
My dad is not a liar: Max Verstappen defends father amid Christian Horner claimBy Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent, JeddahMax Verstappen stood by his father Jos, saying “he is not a liar” following his explosive claim that Red Bull could explode if Christian Horner remains as team principal. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked if his father regretted his remarks, which not only cast further doubt over Horner’s future, but of his son. Horner has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations made against him by a female colleague. But Verstappen’s 51-year-old father said following last weekend’s toxic race in the Gulf Kingdom: “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in position. Verstappen said it was his intention to see out his Red Bull contract, which runs until 2028 but also left the door open to Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton set for Ferrari next year.
Source:Irish Independent
March 06, 2024 20:57 UTC
Bumblebees teach others to solve puzzles that are too complex to learn alone
Bumblebees can teach each other to solve complex puzzles that are too difficult to learn alone through trial and error, scientists have found. Experiments have shown the insects are able to learn a complicated puzzle box task from their peers to gain access to a sugar reward. The researchers said their study, published in the journal Nature, shows bees can learn complex tasks through social interaction, challenging the long-held view that this trait is unique to humans. A 'trained' demonstrator bee with an 'observer' bee, in a two-step puzzle box. "Yet other bees learned the whole sequence from social observation of these trained bees, even without ever experiencing the first step's reward.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 06, 2024 18:58 UTC
Consumers will be hit with fish price hikes unless State intervenes in fishing crisis
Consumers will be hit with a hike to fish prices unless the State intervenes to tackle a crisis in Irish fishing, the industry has warned. That decline has worsened in 2024, according to figures for January and February, the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association has warned. Mr Byrne said around one-third of the Irish processing industry, which employs around 4,000 people, will go if the trend continues. “We are in the middle of a perfect storm that is destroying the Irish fishing industry. “It is the proverbial canary in the coal mine for the Irish fishing industry and I am very worried about these results.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 06, 2024 18:50 UTC
More than 150 people contact detectives in probe into ex-neurologist Dr Michael Watt
More than 150 people contact detectives in probe into ex-neurologist Dr Michael WattBy Jonathan McCambridge, PAMore than 150 people have contacted detectives carrying out an investigation into the clinical practices of former consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt. In 2018, more than 4,000 of Dr Watt’s patients attended recall appointments amid concerns over his clinical practice. Detective Inspector Gina Quinn said: “Michael Watt worked for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and also held private clinics at Hillsborough Private Clinic and the Ulster Independent Clinic. “We highlighted how former patients, or their next of kin or representatives, could report any concerns regarding their medical treatment to police. Simply leave your contact details and a member of the team will get back to you.
Source:Irish Independent
March 06, 2024 18:46 UTC
Potential breakthrough in probe into Clara youth's bomb death
Two teenagers died and many more were wounded when a bomb concealed in a parked red Ford Escort exploded in Belturbet at 10:28pm on December 28, 1972. Potential breakthrough in probe into Clara youth's bomb deathPrevious Next Image 1 of 4 Patrick Stanley Image 2 of 4 Geraldine O'Reilly Image 3 of 4 A photofit of the unknown driver of the stolen red Ford Escort which carried the bomb across the border at Aghalane. Image 4 of 4 The Ford Escort, stolen from Enniskillen, and which carried the bomb into Belturbet town. The explosive device was concealed within a parked red Ford Escort. Chief Superintendent of the Cavan Louth Monaghan Division, Alan McGovern, confirmed that the garda investigation is now nearing a “critical stage”.
Source:Irish Independent
March 06, 2024 18:10 UTC
McDonagh continues Olympic bid
MARTIN McDonagh training at his home. Photo: Ray RyanMcDonagh continues Olympic bidTUAM native Martin McDonagh is one of eight Team Ireland boxers currently attempting to secure Olympic qualification in Italy. The Crumlin Boxing Club super-heavyweight won his opening bout on a unanimous decision against Dominican fighter Ferely Ali Feliz on Sunday and will return to the ring in Busto Arsizio today (Wednesday) to take on Turkey’s Yusuf Acik in the last 32 of the competition. McDonagh's meteoric rise in the sport saw him win an amazing four National Championships. Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald or online here
Source:The Herald
March 06, 2024 12:07 UTC
Nolan rules out move to Independent Ireland party
Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has said she has “absolutely no intention” of becoming a member, parliamentary or otherwise, of the new rural party currently headed by her independent colleagues, Michael Collins, and Richard O’Donoghue. Deputy Nolan was speaking after being invited to take part in discussions with Independent Ireland party representatives last week“I had the enormous privilege of being elected in 2020 by the people of Laois/Offaly as a fully independent TD. It is my firm intention to again run as a fully independent TD whenever the next general election is called,” Deputy Nolan said. The independent TD added that Irish people need someone who is “not driven by an ambition to get their feet under a ministerial table”. Shane P O’Reilly would run on behalf of Independent Ireland in the Co. Cavan local elections.
Source:Irish Independent
March 06, 2024 10:48 UTC
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TBUPAKYA6BKZ5U6YUJLL3RYVNE.jpg)
‘I just followed the orders’: Man returned for trial in relation to €157m Cork cocaine seizure
The MV Matthew cargo ship at Marino Point in Co Cork after it was seized by authorities. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireA 30-year-old man has become the first accused to be returned for trial by judge and jury in connection with the biggest ever drugs seizure in the history of the state when over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth €157 million, was seized aboard a freighter off Cork. A Filipino national, Mr Estoesta was later arrested by gardaí and charged with conspiring with others to possess cocaine worth more than €13,000 in the state for supply on September 24th, 2023 contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. When he was charged, Mr Estoesta replied: “I believe that I just followed the orders of my seniors. Mr Estoesta, who was assisted during today’s proceedings by an interpreter, was the sixth member of the crew of the Panamian registered MV Matthew to be charged in relation to the huge cocaine haul found aboard the bulk carrier when it was brought to Cork Harbour.
Source:The Irish Times
March 06, 2024 07:57 UTC
Windfarm groups take fight to national politicans
A LARGE crowd attended the meeting. Photo: Ray RyanWindfarm groups take fight to national politicansLocal groups to join protest in MayCHANGES to legislation surrounding wind farm developments is the only way controversial projects planned for the greater Tuam area will be stopped, campaigners have claimed. A meeting held in Tuam on Monday night heard from those opposed to commercial wind energy developments planned for nine villages surrounding the town. Several politicians were in attendance and offered their full support to the campaign. Read this story in full in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald or online here
Source:The Herald
March 06, 2024 06:09 UTC