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Letters: Selecting Mary Lou McDonald to run for the Áras would be a wise move for Sinn Féín

Letters: Selecting Mary Lou McDonald to run for the Áras would be a wise move for Sinn Féín

Some commentators believe she would be in with a clear shot. We know she's a really good campaigner and has a really good public profile.
I believe this would be the kind of move for Sinn Féin that would put it back on the pitch in terms of advancing its agenda on day-to-day issues like housing and health, but also on its raison d'etre of having a united Ireland.
Win or lose, it would be a big, bold move for Sinn Féin to run its most high-profile person for the presidency, if that was the route it was willing to go down.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Mushroom murder trial is over, now let's move on to something more cheerful
When checking through quite a number of newspapers, there seems to be a limited range of news. In the UK it's the heat and Wimbledon, in the US it's Trump and flooding. But everywhere in the world, it's also Australia's mushroom killer.
Three people are dead, another has been injured and the jury has determined that Erin Patterson was guilty. Unless she wins an appeal, she will be in jail for a very long time.
Thirty-two words to deliver the verdict and it was done, but it seems millions more have been written about it.
It's time to forget Australia's deadly mushrooms, spiders, snakes and other animals and get back to reporting on our sports, celebrities – if we have any – and politics.
There must be something positive happening somewhere in the world. Please find it.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
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Encouraging to see the revival of Irish language across popular culture
There has been a revival of sorts in recent years in the Irish language, which is welcome. We have seen the success of films like An Cailín Ciúin that can stand on their own irresp­ective of what language is spoken. This year, the Galway Film Fleadh is showing 11 films as Gaeilge, twice last year's number. This points to a very healthy state of Irish-language productions.
Kneecap are popularising An Ghaeilge, especially with young people. This is a far cry from the attitude of my fellow classmates when we studied Peig nearly 50 years ago in secondary school.
This year, for the first time, the Galway International Arts Festival has Gaeilge ambassadors volunteering at events to encourage people to use their cúpla focal. There will be a pop-up Gaeltacht each day in Eyre Square between 1pm and 2pm.
The use of An Ghaeilge is becoming more mainstream. They may be small steps, but people's attitudes to the language are changing.
We have a long way to go before we experience the kind of revival the Welsh language has undergone in Wales, but as the seanfhocal says: 'De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.'
Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Galway
It's about time somebody talked some sense into Trump over tariffs fiasco
It seems like lies and more lies with Trump's tariffs these days after the US president kicked the can down the road again on his punitive tariffs.
It might be a good idea if someone in his administration could now be bold enough to liberate him from his nonsensical tariff agenda.
Perhaps they should suggest he needs to focus all his attention on his much sought-after Nobel Peace Prize. He should be well on his way with the support of his warmongering pal Benjamin Netanyahu.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
Semi-final scoreboard mishap at Croke Park must be explained by GAA
During the closing minutes of the hurling semi-final last Sunday, my internal scoreboard did jolt with the one in the stadium. However, this was little more than momentary, as I quickly endorsed the integrity of what the Croke Park screens were displaying.
And while this 'mix-up' may, arguably, have disadvantaged Kil­kenny, the core concern is that of the integrity of the stadium's information processes.
Therefore, it's good to see the GAA quickly indicate that the matter would be investigated, and I hope, thereafter, that the reason for the mishap will be clearly explained.
Human error, in my view, would be more understandable and more forgiveable than a technology system failure.
How a lucky intervention from my wife saved me from Battle of the Oriel
As a Dundalk FC supporter I read with interest last Saturday's 'Battle of Oriel' piece ('This was not football, it was a riot. I might have had a reputation as a hard man, but I was frightened to death that night', July 5).
This, of course, referred to the European Champions League game between Dundalk and Linfield in 1979. In one of her many wise decisions down the years, my wife talked me out of attending the game. Luckily, I agreed.
Forty-six years later, I'm still going to and enjoying games in Oriel Park.
Mind you, for some people, the words 'head' and 'examined' may spring to mind.
Tom Gilsenan, Dublin 9
If this weather keeps up, we could be coolest tourist destination in Europe
As high temperatures make most of Europe to the south and east of this island unbearable, perhaps Fáilte Ireland could roll out this simple marketing slogan: 'Ireland is cool.'
David Loughlin, Dublin 6
Our Government must put pressure on Central Bank to stop sale of war bonds
Wicklow County Council has joined the dozen or so other councils around the country calling on the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to stop facilitating the sale in the EU of Israeli war bonds.
Will our political leaders now recognise the will of the people throughout the country and instruct the CBI to cease this facility?
For all its rhetoric, the Irish Government is still effectively supporting Israel in its genocidal campaign. Is that how we want to be remembered?
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‘She could wander into traffic': Dementia patient's daughter pleads for safer housing before Cork hotel eviction
‘She could wander into traffic': Dementia patient's daughter pleads for safer housing before Cork hotel eviction

Irish Examiner

time5 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

‘She could wander into traffic': Dementia patient's daughter pleads for safer housing before Cork hotel eviction

Vera Arksonova spends every waking hour consumed by fear that someone is coming to hurt her. She carries around as many possessions as she can in the belief that she is being watched and will soon be robbed of everything. The 72-year-old resident of the Quality Hotel in Youghal knows that something is coming. The fact that she and other Ukrainian families will be forced to leave their homes on July 31 has only served to heighten her confusion. It was initially believed that the grandmother was suffering from shock when she arrived from Ukraine three years ago. Tests carried out by Irish doctors confirmed the condition was in fact dementia. Vera is now cared for by her daughter Violetta. The 31-year-old has two children — a daughter Samira (nine months) and five-year-old son Damir — with her husband Roman. Violetta explains that Roman also has a litany of health challenges following concussions sustained during his time on the frontline of the war with Russia. A brain injury he experienced during childhood had been further compounded by battle wounds. Violeta Pratsovyta (left) with her mother Vera Aksonova. Picture: Dan Linehan Hundreds of Ukrainian residents of the Youghal hotel were first told they had to vacate six months ago via a letter from the Department of Integration. That announcement sent shockwaves through the seaside town, as the refugees, who had built lives in Youghal, were initially given just two weeks to prepare to leave their makeshift home. Following a huge local campaign and a groundswell of support for the residents, many of whom had been living in the hotel since shortly after the Russian invasion of their country, the eviction date was subsequently extended to next week, July 31. Violetta has since received news that her family is being relocated to a hotel in Waterford city. Details of the new living environment have come as a devastating blow, given that the accommodation is situated on a bustling city street. Violetta described it as an extremely dangerous environment for her mother, as a dementia sufferer who is known to wander off at any time of day or night. Often times, she will be searching for the shops and bus stops she once frequented back home in Ukraine. She is now pleading with the government to reconsider their choice of accommodation for the family. 'This will be really dangerous for her,' Violetta said, fighting back tears. 'We have comfort here, knowing that she is safe and in an enclosed environment. "Sometimes my mother will visit the reception of the hotel three times and ask the same questions because she doesn't remember going there. She is known to wander off but everyone looks out for her here. If they see her acting in a such a way that is aggressive they know it's dementia. There are not many cars here so we know she's not in danger. Now, we have to take her to a busy place where nobody knows her and she could easily wander into traffic. She also reiterated the importance of routine for her mother's health. 'My mother needs access to a kitchen. This is essential for her mental health. "Cooking, chopping, and washing dishes helps her stay connected to reality. Her doctor stated that having a kitchen is part of her therapy. Without it, she may rapidly deteriorate.' Violetta does her utmost to reassure her mother. 'My mother believes that someone is trying to hurt her. She absolutely refuses to move and keeps saying she wants to return to Ukraine. She often talks about it and says she feels unwell. Her appetite has also declined. She is afraid that we will leave her. Lately, my mother's condition has worsened. She sleeps very poorly at night and often gets up and walks around. "The doctors have prescribed her different medication to help her fall asleep, as the previous ones were no longer effective.' Vera's biggest fear is losing their adored dog Dana. Residents have been told they cannot bring their pets with them. Violetta, however, said they are not about to part with a member of their family. 'My husband has vowed to sleep with him in the car every night because we can't have him inside. He has been with us since I was pregnant with my first child. "He fled war with us so there is no way we can give him up. We don't want him to be put to sleep.' Oleksandra Makoviei, who is also a resident in the Youghal hotel, said that exceptions should be made for families like Violetta's. 'I thank the government because we would never have had this opportunity without them. We were able to learn English for three years and find jobs. "It's okay for me because I have a healthy mother. Violetta has too much on her shoulders. The children are used to school in the area. We help each other. Violetta has support here. It's harder for some families than others. Fiona Corcoran from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause, who has been lobbying on behalf of the Quality Hotel residents, reminded the government of their duties. 'This is not just a moral issue, it is a legal one. According to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, public bodies are legally required to act in accordance with the principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, especially when it comes to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, children, and war-affected families. "We at The Greater Chernobyl Cause are steadfast in our dedication to providing support to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters during this critical period, which is of the uttermost importance. It is entirely unjust to forcibly remove Ukrainian residents from their sanctuary, particularly those who are ill and require medical care.' She said that forcing people to part with their pets will be truly heartbreaking for families. 'The government allowed Ukrainian refugees to bring their pets from war-torn Ukraine. Now, they are forcing them to find new homes for their animals. "Life would be incomplete without their pets. They provide essential emotional support in coping with the trauma caused by death, occupation, conflict, and the experience of becoming a refugee. "We must also remember that our Ukrainians cannot return home because there is no safe area in war-torn Ukraine.' Read More Cost of accommodating each asylum seeker rises to €84 a day

Fresh Sophie Toscan murder breakthrough hopes as US experts ‘praying' DNA tests on bloodstains will solve killer mystery
Fresh Sophie Toscan murder breakthrough hopes as US experts ‘praying' DNA tests on bloodstains will solve killer mystery

The Irish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Fresh Sophie Toscan murder breakthrough hopes as US experts ‘praying' DNA tests on bloodstains will solve killer mystery

FORENSIC experts are 'praying' new DNA tests will help solve the 29-year murder mystery of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. A specialist team from the Advertisement 5 Sophie was battered and left to die at the gateway to her holiday home Credit: AFP - Getty 5 The murder took place on December 23, 1996, at this house near Schull in Cork Credit: AFP - Getty 5 Self-proclaimed suspect Ian Bailey died last year Credit: AFP or licensors The mum-of-one was battered and left to die at the gateway to her holiday home on December 23, 1996, near Schull in Co Although self-proclaimed suspect Ian Bailey was arrested, he was never charged and always denied any involvement. Bailey died last year. The Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS It is understood Mr Bradley's team carried out extensive new testing with members of Forensic Science Ireland after travelling from its headquarters in Their new M-Vac system works using wet vacuum principles to release and capture cells. A substance is sprayed directly onto the surface while vacuum pressure is simultaneously applied around the pattern, to collect the buffer and suspended particles in a collection bottle. Before travelling over to Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN 'If what I believe will happen actually does, it will be massive for us in a host of ways. 'Please pray for us.' VALUE OF THE EQUIPMENT They include the killing of teenager Krystal Beslanowitch in Utah 28 years ago which was similar in detail to that of the savage and brutal Advertisement Both local gardai and the cold case unit have been working on the case since 2022. Head of the Serious Crime Review Team DS Des McTiernan explained in a recent interview how detectives were trying to develop the forensic aspect further. Speaking to The Irish Sun earlier this year, Sophie's uncle Jean Pierre Gazeau told how they still have faith in the gardai. But Jean Pierre explained that for him and his relatives, Bailey is the killer after he was convicted in absentia in Advertisement ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS Jean Pierre told The Irish Sun: 'The investigation team is, I would say, extremely motivated and committed to the investigation. 'There are six people, there are two big rooms and so on. 'And of course, they are in constant contact with the team, the cold case team in Dublin. 'And one of the most important aspects of the investigation is the Advertisement He added: 'We are satisfied by the fact that Ireland, the Irish 'So the only thing which would be really satisfying for us would be Ireland solving the problem, the case. On our side, to some extent, the case was solved.' Professor of forensic science at the She said: 'Based on the articles I have read and seen and the assumption that swabbing [was tried] on the flat rock and the concrete block used to murder Sophie, it is difficult to say any other collection method would be appropriate.' Advertisement REFUSAL TO EXTRADITE Bailey was arrested twice over the murder but never charged due to what the DPP ruled was a lack of evidence. A French But the Irish courts refused to extradite him because most of the evidence produced at the French trial was based on hearsay and would never have been admissible in an Irish court of law. After decades relying on circumstantial evidence, the cold case unit said that it hoped sophisticated new equipment will help them extract the real killer's profile from items. Advertisement This includes the concrete block used to brutally kill her, as well as clothing. At the annual gathering of ASSOPH — The Association for the Truth of the Murder of Sophie — last year, it was revealed that the Garda cold case was now focusing on extracting DNA from the concrete block and the blood covered rock that was used to kill her. It is widely believed that the killer had to leave his own blood on these. ASSOPH hoped that the latest technology will help to provide DNA that may finally see her killer brought to justice. Advertisement Last December, Georges Bouniol, the elderly father of Sophie, passed away in This followed nearly three decades of seeking justice. 5 The murder scene of Sophie, outside her holiday home 5 Jared Bradley, chief executive of M-Vac Systems Credit: Journalist Collect Advertisement

Northern Ireland economy set for boost from British-India trade deal
Northern Ireland economy set for boost from British-India trade deal

Irish Post

time6 hours ago

  • Irish Post

Northern Ireland economy set for boost from British-India trade deal

A NEWLY signed British-India trade agreement is expected to pour £50 million into Northern Ireland's economy. The deal, which is part of the British government's wider Plan for Change, is a major milestone in international trade and promises wide-ranging benefits for Northern Ireland's key industries and workforce. The agreement, officially signed today by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, coincides with a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The overall British-India trade package is valued at nearly £6 billion and is projected to create more than 2,200 jobs across Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors are set to benefit the most. These sectors, which account for about 30% of local employment, will benefit from the removal or reduction of costly tariffs. In addition, local medical technology firms will see duties on medical devices, which currently range from 8.25% to 13.75%, slashed or eliminated over the next decade. One of the most notable wins comes for Northern Ireland's Irish whiskey industry. Duties on exports to India will be immediately halved from 150% to 75% and gradually lowered to 40% over ten years. Producers will also gain greater flexibility in sourcing ingredients and packaging, allowing them to better compete in the rapidly growing Indian market. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn described the agreement as a 'landmark deal' with real and immediate benefits. 'This agreement will help further unlock the huge potential for growth across Northern Ireland, including its thriving services and technology sectors,' he said. The deal is particularly promising for exporters. Last year, 143 Northern Ireland companies exported £65 million worth of goods to India—a figure now expected to rise sharply thanks to streamlined customs procedures and a dramatic drop in India's trade-weighted average tariff from 15% to just 3%. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the local impact: 'The millions brought to Northern Ireland each year from the deal we've signed with India today will be keenly felt across local communities—whether that's higher wages for workers, more choice for shoppers, or increased overseas sales for businesses.' Among those welcoming the deal is Belfast-based diagnostic kit manufacturer Biopanda. Sales Manager Philip McKee said, 'We value the business we've already done in India, and the UK-India FTA should allow our distributors to offer a wider range of our products at lower prices. That's a win for us and a win for consumers in India.' As part of the broader benefits package, Northern Ireland workers could see wages rise in line with a British and NI-wide uplift of £2.2 billion annually. Shoppers may also benefit from cheaper clothing, shoes, and food products due to reduced tariffs on imported Indian goods. Britain already imports £11 billion worth of goods from India. With this agreement now in place, businesses across Northern Ireland are expected to enjoy easier and cheaper access to critical components and materials, particularly in areas like consumer goods and manufacturing. See More: Britain, India, Jonathan Reynolds, Northern Ireland, Trade

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