Louth councillors back intervention for Palestinian boxing trip
Cllr. Donovan told the meeting that the group are looking forward to taking part in the event organised by Irish Sport for Palestine, which will includes male and female boxers, and both youth and senior competitors.
A key part of the trip will see the group hosted by Irish Olympic champion Kellie Harrington in Dublin.
"Potentially, this will be a fantastic opportunity for the Palestinian boxers to train with and learn from some of the best boxers in the world,' said Cllr. Donovan.
'It will also give them a temporary break from the constant bombardment of their country.'
But pre-planning for the event has been overshadowed by fears over a delay in securing visas for the group.
Cllr. Donovan submitted an emergency motion at the council meeting, saying: "Following the disappointing VISA administration debacle faced by GAA Palestine over the past few weeks and the resulting heartbreak of the children and sponsors involved in the project to bring kids from Palestine to play GAA in Ireland, I am calling on this Council to write to the Minister of Justice, Jim O'Callaghan to ensure that there is no similar administrative delay by the Department of Justice when Ireland welcomes the young Palestinian Boxing team from the Aida Refugee Camp near Bethlehem.'
He said that only five of the group of 16 have had their visas approved, only because they hold non-Palestinian passports, and explained that all preparations on the Irish side, including garda vetting has taken place.
Cllr. Donovan outlined to councillors that Irish Sport advocates for the Palestinian through sport and various fundraising events, which have helped to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine.
The group has formed the Shamrock and Olive Tree Boxing project, which is planning the trip for boxers from Palestine and from Ramallah in the West Bank, to Waterford, Dublin and Louth before they head north to Belfast.
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'One of the boxers is the Olympian Waseem Abu Sal, a world champion boxer, he is an Olympic athlete so to think that he is still waiting for approval.. my mind boggles,' said Cllr. Donovan.
He asked councillors to write to the Minister to 'ensure this event is brought to a smooth fruition, and there is no repeat of what happened with GAA Palestine.'
Cllr. Donovan added: ' An old coach of mine used to say that sport can change the world, and that there is nothing more uniting than sport, so I think it is extremely important that we extend the hand of friendship and solidarity with those who need it most.'
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr. Donovan said: 'I want to thank all the councillors across the chamber as they supported my motion for the Council to write to Minister Jim O'Callaghan to ensure there is no repeat of the visa debacle leaving more heartbreak with young Palestinians. They have enough to contend with.'
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RTÉ News
6 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Hopes of EU-US trade deal ahead of August deadline
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RTÉ News
36 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Ireland faces 15% tariff reality as EU-US deal takes shape
The EU and US are edging closer to a trade deal revolving around tariffs of 15% imposed on European goods. The details of any agreement will be critical. Recent discussions have come close to an agreement only to be derailed at the last minute by the White House - and that could happen again. Based on what is known so far, the EU-US deal would include a baseline tariff of 15%. Some existing tariffs would be folded into that 15% meaning it would be an all-in tariff. For example, it would include the existing "most favoured nation" duties of 4.8% which exist currently under World Trade Organisation rules. However, there would be some exceptions. The punitive 50% rate on steel and aluminum, introduced by US President Donald Trump on exports from the EU, would remain in place. It is understood that what may emerge is an agreement between the two sides that sees the threatened 1 August cliff edge of 30% tariffs on EU goods removed. It is now long past time to strike a deal. Tánaiste Simon Harris says he remains "cautiously optimistic" a deal could be reached for a "positive future EU-US trading relationship within the coming days". He adds: "It is now long past time to strike a deal." Under the framework, which is being negotiated, the US would have some immediate implementation steps, but some aspects would still need further negotiations. In a boost for Irish exporters, it is expected aircraft, medical devices and spirits would be covered by a zero for zero tariff arrangement. The critical part for Ireland is what would happen to exports of pharmaceuticals and computer chips to the US. At present, there are no tariffs on either sector while the US holds an investigation on national security grounds into imports of those goods. However, indications are that the investigation may result in the EU seeing a 15% tariff imposed on both pharmaceuticals and computer chips once the process concludes. If that rate is introduced, it would have significant consequences. Pharmaceuticals are Ireland's biggest export to the US and were valued at €44bn last year. Any company faced with a new tariff is going to have to figure out how it will be paid. Exporters will be asking whether they can make internal savings, adjust supply chains or pass it on to customers? Donald Trump told Taoiseach Micheál Martin on St Patrick's Day that Ireland "took" American pharmaceutical companies. But despite Mr Trump's comments, no US drug manufacturer with an operation in Ireland has so far threatened to relocate to America. The baseline tariff of 15% for many companies would have significant effects. Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association, said his organisation would be looking for a "tariff adjustment fund" largely based on the Brexit Reserve Fund of €1bn, which was introduced to help companies when the UK left the EU. While there may be relief if a deal is agreed it would be a much worse trading environment than Irish companies faced last year. Tariffs are fundamentally bad for an export-led economy such as Ireland. Globally, the removal of trade barriers over recent decades has lifted millions of people in developing countries out of poverty. But perhaps the most damaging aspect of the trade war is that it has created enormous uncertainty and put many investments on hold in Ireland and elsewhere. If a deal is agreed companies will know the future landscape. And that is likely to unlock investments which had been put on hold.
Irish Examiner
36 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Lighten Up: Auld Lehane for president
I threw my hat into the cattle ring at Macroom mart last Saturday afternoon, thus announcing to the world my intention to run for president of Ireland. Granted, my action startled a few bullocks. But I felt this was a small price to pay for the sake of the nation. My hat is in the ring now, and that's the end of it. Over the next few days, I will get busy packing my bags in preparation for my new life in Áras an Uachtaráin. And I'm looking forward to it too, there would be no point in me saying otherwise. I will miss Kilmichael for sure, but just as an outwintered bullock finds comfort and warmth in a clean dry house, I will adjust to my new life in the Phoenix Park. And as for the other candidates in the race, well let's just say they are not a concern of mine. Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, or sound too cocky, but like Red Rum announcing his intention to run in a donkey derby, my victory is all but guaranteed. To say I'm the best man for the job is an understatement. When faced with the might of auld Lehane, I suspect most contenders will simply step aside, or wither away. The only one I fear is Flatley. Flatley, with his feet of flames, is the one fellow who could pip auld Lehane to the presidential post. We both come from the land you see, and my fear would be we will split the farmer vote between us, thus reducing my chances of overall decisive victory. But hopefully now Flatley will back away too, on hearing of my electoral gallop. And, of course, while the new job does excite me, I still have a few questions about the role. For instance, can one hold on to one's herd number and be president of Ireland at the same time? I mean it would be a bit embarrassing if I went to the mart and threw a few bids on cattle, only to discover that as head of state, I can no longer purchase stock. After throwing my hat into the ring last week, it would be rough justice indeed. Also, I wonder how busy is the life of an Irish president during the summer months? Or around silage season to be more specific. Yerra, it would be great if I could get a week or two off in June or July to haul in a bit of silage. I'm not looking for the whole summer, only a few days during a dry spell. And finally, I wonder would it be possible for me to move to the Áras immediately? November, and the election, is a long way off, and is a quare time of the year to be moving house. It would be far better to move now, when the days are long, so that I could give a glance around the grounds to see if a slate is loose or a hinge needs oiling. The election is only a formality anyhow. And with victory virtually guaranteed, I would like to hit the ground running. And speaking of running, don't forget come November to give auld Lehane your number one. For remember, a vote for auld Lehane is a vote for me.
