A WhatsApp group of “Irish people stuck in transit Dubai” gives a real-time window into the frustrations and fears of that group. They find themselves in the middle of a crisis, while – at home – the pressure grows on Government and their officials to repatriate them. There is recent muscle memory for officials to draw on: the airlifts of Irish people marooned overseas during the Covid pandemic. Ministers argue privately that while there are deep misgivings and concern about the attack, Ireland has to “box clever” on its national interests. Fuel companies protested that their members operate a “just in time” model that leaves them vulnerable to climbing oil prices and surging demand from nervous consumers.

Source: The Irish Times March 07, 2026 13:49 UTC