For the first time, an Irish nationalist will lead Northern Ireland’s government
World For the first time, an Irish nationalist will lead Northern Ireland’s governmentAn Irish nationalist made history Saturday by becoming Northern Ireland’s first minister as the government returned to work after a two-year boycott by unionists. The two will be equals, but O’Neill, whose party captured more seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly in the 2022 elections, will hold the more prestigious title. "This is an assembly for all — Catholic, Protestant and dissenter.”U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the restoration of the Northern Ireland executive and assembly. Northern Ireland’s 1.9 million people were left without a functioning administration as the cost of living soared and public services were strained. The new changes included legislation “affirming Northern Ireland’s constitutional status” as part of the U.K. and gives local politicians “democratic oversight” of any future EU laws that might apply to Northern Ireland.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 19:10 UTC
Live: Powersharing returns in Northern Ireland
The nomination of ministers has resumed at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has described a “great day for Northern Ireland”. “I also want to congratulate Edwin Poots on his election as Speaker of the Assembly.”Mr Martin said Northern Ireland “faces a number of real challenges”. “Let’s do it side by side and let’s keep Northern Ireland moving forward.”Ms Little-Pengelly said she grew up with conflict. It is an opportunity to shape Northern Ireland for the better and to make a meaningful difference.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 18:55 UTC
Six arrested as murder probe launched following death of teenager
Rebecca Black, PASix men have been arrested after police launched a murder investigation following the death of a teenager in Co Derry. He died in hospital following a stabbing in Limavady on Friday night. A man, aged in his 50s, was also taken to hospital following the incident in the Woodland Walk area at around 9.35pm. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said six males have now been arrested and are helping police with their inquiries. “Six males have now been arrested and are currently in police custody assisting with inquiries.”He added: “We are at an early stage of this murder investigation and officers remain in the area conducting inquiries.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 17:14 UTC
Public holidays: How Ireland compares with other countries in the EU and beyond
The St Brigid's public holiday will join a small number of other public holidays in which the Tricolour will be flown to mark the occasionIrish workers get 10 public holidays a year. The rest in the first half of this year are St Brigid’s Day, on Monday, and St Patrick’s Day next month. That is followed by Easter Monday (April 1), the May bank holiday on May 6 and the June bank holiday on June 3. Our 10-day public holiday entitlements do not compare all that favourably to other EU countries, according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Ireland had nine public holidays until St Brigid’s Day was introduced last year.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 14:33 UTC
Ireland have ‘massive belief’ after demolishing France
Ireland were a class above at Stade Velodrome, albeit their cause was aided by a first-half red card for France second-row Paul Willemse. Beirne believes there is plenty more to come from his second-row partner, affectionately dubbed ‘Big Joe’. “Well, he certainly was Big Joe out there,” said Beirne. Fly-half Jack Crowley filled the void left by Sexton’s retirement, overcoming some errors to nail each of his five conversions and add a penalty. Ireland’s Jack Crowley kicked 13 points on his first Six Nations start (Andrew Matthews/PA)“We were aware of what we were coming into and it was just about playing our game.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 14:30 UTC
Commentary: Oregon Supreme Court decision not likely to be legislative boon for Democrats
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Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 10:28 UTC
‘She’s a good listener, not a reactionary’ – Michelle O’Neill takes reins as ‘first minister for all’
Since the collapse of Stormont, Ms O’Neill has been the face of her party’s long campaign to have the Assembly restored, repeatedly promoted as a “first minister for all”. Ms O’Neill and Ms McDonald have forged a formidable partnership. In a 2021 interview, Ms O’Neill spoke about the difficulties of being a teenage mother from a Catholic background. In January of that year, Ms O’Neill became Stormont’s deputy first minister, just months before the Covid pandemic struck. However, Ms O’Neill has also faced criticism in the past for her attendance at events commemorating IRA members.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 03:24 UTC
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Ruthless Ireland begins Six Nations title defence by crushing France 38-17
France played the second half with 14-men after lock Paul Willemse’s clumsy red card late in the first period. Ireland’s first win against France in France since 2018 put it in control of the title race with three home games still to come. France got a much-needed converted try from Penaud on the first-half buzzer to give Les Tricolores hope at 17-10 down. France, however, clearly struggled without star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who is trying to make the France sevens side for the Olympics. Gabrillagues gave France a lifeline when he dived over for a converted try in the 52nd following an attacking lineout.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 03:19 UTC
Varadkar says deal with DUP does not cross red lines despite ‘negative language’
Taoiseach says deal with DUP does not cross red lines despite 'negative language'By Cate McCurry, PAThe Taoiseach said he has “some difficulties” with the new rules that will allow for smooth post-Brexit trade between Northern Ireland and Britain, but that they do not cross any red lines. Leo Varadkar also said the command paper, titled Safeguarding The Union, contains negative language. The measures remove checks on goods travelling from Great Britain that are to stay in Northern Ireland. “But none of those things crossed any red lines in my view. “Anything that results in seamless trade, whether it’s north-south or between Northern Ireland and Britain, I’m all for,” he added.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 00:47 UTC
Pep Guardiola dismisses rumours Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola dismisses rumours Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester CityBy Andy Hampson, PAPep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions from Spanish media that Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City. Perhaps inevitably, the reports suggest Real Madrid are monitoring the situation but Guardiola is not taking the rumours seriously. “You have to ask the media from Madrid if he is unhappy,” said the City manager. “We don’t have that feeling that he’s unhappy. Asked if Haaland was now ready to start, Guardiola said at a press conference: “Yes, he’s ready.
Source:Irish Independent
February 02, 2024 22:38 UTC
Ireland move into pole position for Six Nations title with victory in France
Both sides came into a mouth-watering tournament curtain-raiser in Marseille on the back of agonising World Cup quarter-finals exits. Scores from Damian Penaud and Paul Gabrillagues and seven points from the boot of Thomas Ramos gave the pre-tournament favourites hope. But Ireland, aided by 13 points from Jack Crowley on his first Six Nations start, deservedly romped to another statement victory of the Andy Farrell era. Willemse’s reprieve proved only to be fleeting as he was dismissed eight minutes before the break following another dangerous challenge, this time on Doris. The staggeringly-simple score secured a merited bonus point for the dominant visitors and proved to be the fatal blow to French resistance.
Source:The Herald
February 02, 2024 22:22 UTC
Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switch
Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switchBy Phil Casey, PAMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has no concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of the seven-time world champion’s drawn out move to Ferrari. “I’ve always tried to be transparent and fair and nothing’s going to change in that respect in 2024,” Wolff said. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari from 2025 (Tim Goode/PA) Photo by Tim Goode“In terms of development going forward, it’s something we need to look at. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not try to persuade Lewis Hamilton to stay with the team instead of joining Ferrari (Tim Goode/PA) Photo by Tim Goode“We were very aligned when went into the Christmas period. “We totally respect that you can change your mind and switching to Ferrari, maybe rolling the dice a bit, I can follow that decision.
Source:Irish Independent
February 02, 2024 22:13 UTC
Six Nations: Ireland lead France at half-time in match billed as potential title-decider
Six Nations: Ireland move into pole position for title with victory in FranceEd Elliot, PAIreland ruthlessly capitalised on the absence of Antoine Dupont to launch their Six Nations title defence with a stunning 38-17 bonus-point demolition of 14-man France. Both sides came into a mouth-watering tournament curtain-raiser in Marseille on the back of agonising World Cup quarter-finals exits. Scores from Damian Penaud and Paul Gabrillagues and seven points from the boot of Thomas Ramos gave the pre-tournament favourites hope. But Ireland, aided by 13 points from Jack Crowley on his first Six Nations start, deservedly romped to another statement victory of the Andy Farrell era. Ireland once more earned breathing space 18 minutes from time when Sheehan peeled off a rolling maul to finish his own line-out.
Source:Irish Independent
February 02, 2024 21:59 UTC
Meta soars as Wall Street cheers coming of age
Meta has leapfrogged Nvidia to become the top-performing Magnificent Seven stock of the year as Wall Street cheered the tech giant's first-ever dividend. The latest moves came after Meta, Amazon and Apple posted their latest results on Thursday night. Meta, which owns Instagram as well as Facebook and WhatsApp, has been the stand out performer as far as investors are concerned. But it was Meta's dividend announcement that seemed to excite Wall Street most this week. Meta is the fourth member of the Magnificent Seven to start a payout after Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia.
Source:Daily Mail
February 02, 2024 21:54 UTC
Ulster’s unionists lay the foundations for United Ireland
Might Northern Ireland get there first? But the actions of Ulster’s leading unionist party have unquestionably brought the prospect of Irish unity ever closer. For two years the DUP’s wearying narcissism, tribalism, and frankly vindictive stupidity held Northern Ireland hostage, causing untold harm to its population. Consequentially, £3.3 billion in UK funding was withheld, and Northern Ireland plunged into strikes. Northern Ireland now has more Catholics – who traditionally support unity – than Protestants, for the first time in its history.
Source:The Herald
February 02, 2024 16:18 UTC