Declan Lynch: ‘By a clear majority Ireland agrees on at least one thing: Golf is good'
The response was almost entirely negative – not towards golf, but towards Healy's negativity. It seemed as if an entire nation was rising up in defence of its beloved sport, and it wasn't just emotional. They were citing all sorts of sensible reasons why this was a slur on the Royal and Ancient game, on Ireland itself and perhaps even on humanity in general.
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RTÉ News
3 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Tánaiste to meet German counterpart Wadephul in Berlin
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, is in Berlin to meet with his new German counterpart Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul. Their discussions will focus on the efforts to secure an EU-US Trade Deal, the current situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, defence and security, as well as European competitiveness and the next EU budget. The Tánaiste and Minister Wadephul will also discuss the positive trajectory in Irish-German relations, which intensified significantly under the Global Ireland programme including through the opening of Irish consulates in Frankfurt in 2019 and Munich in 2024, and through the development of the Ireland-Germany Joint Plan of Action, now in its third iteration. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Harris said: "I look forward to visiting Germany and holding my first official meeting with Minister Wadephul. "Germany is a vital bilateral partner for Ireland at the political level as well as a key economic counterpart, being Ireland's second largest source of foreign direct investment and third largest trading partner. "I will be interested to hear Minister Wadephul's perspective on key issues on the EU and international agenda, particularly the efforts to secure an EU-US Trade deal ahead of Wednesday's deadline. "We will also discuss security and defence, the Middle East, Ukraine, and EU enlargement and reform. I will also set out Ireland's priorities in these areas." The Tánaiste will take part in a site visit to the Siemens Energy Innovation Centre, on which he commented: "Siemens Energy has played a key role in major strategic infrastructure projects in Ireland, including Moneypoint, the Celtic Interconnector and the Greenlink Interconnector. "I am looking forward to this visit on the centenary of the inception of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme, which had a transformative impact on the modernisation of Ireland, as well as on Irish-German bilateral relations." The Tánaiste will also have a working lunch with Leader of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Party Jens Spahn, in the Bundestag. He commented: "The meeting with Jens Spahn will be an opportune moment to hear directly about key issues on the minds of German parliamentarians." To conclude the visit, the Tánaiste will give remarks and meet with members of the Irish community in Berlin at a reception at the ambassador's residence. He said: "I am looking forward to meeting with members of the Irish community in Berlin. Berlin is home to an active and vibrant Irish diaspora, including a thriving GAA club scene, a young professionals network, as well as artists who played a pivotal role in the Zeitgeist Irland 24 project."
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Most US firms in Ireland to grow or keep jobs despite global pressure, survey finds
The overwhelming majority of US businesses in Ireland plan to increase or maintain their employment levels in Ireland despite the global uncertainty, and deliberate efforts by US president Donald Trump to bring more manufacturing back to the States. Marking the July 4 Independence Day celebrations, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) released the results of a survey conducted of its members, where 92.5% said they planned to increase or maintain their current level of employment in Ireland. Of those, 60% said they planned to increase employee numbers, while a third said they would maintain their current number. Nine in 10 survey respondents also said their corporate headquarters had a positive view of Ireland as an investment location, and 68% said their corporate headquarters already had plans to invest in Ireland over the next five years. US multinationals have formed a key part of the modern Irish economy, employing large numbers of workers in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and technology. However, the Trump administration is engaged in an ongoing tariff war with much of the world, as he demands US companies operating abroad bring more of their operations back home. American Chamber chief executive Paul Sweetman said: "Almost 7.5% of Ireland's entire population is employed — directly or indirectly — by US multinationals. Ireland is a strategic hub for innovation and global decision-makers in major American corporations. "On the flip side, Ireland is the sixth largest source of FDI into the US, and Irish companies are employing almost as many people in the US as US companies are employing in Ireland. It truly is a genuine two-way economic relationship. "Against the geopolitical backdrop of trade, tariffs and uncertainty — which are unquestionably causing challenges for our members — we see a real and emerging optimism that the business community is ready to get moving through accelerating innovative projects and strategic investments." The survey also found a third of US businesses here said housing was the most important challenge for Ireland to overcome for their company to invest and expand here. Other challenges include cost competitiveness, a skills shortage, the complexity of the planning process, supply chain disruption and the need to enhance R&D tax incentives. When asked about the biggest risk is to continued FDI in Ireland over the next five years, housing was cited as the biggest risk (31%), ahead of public infrastructure, trade tariffs, labour costs and availability of skilled talent. On investment in AI and new technologies, 92.5% of respondents said they had increased or maintained AI investment this year, while 65% said they planned to increase investment in AI, automation or data analytics initiatives. When asked how they expect the AI transformation to affect their organisation over the next five years, 82.5% said they expected it to result in either increased or maintained investment. "In the long term, Ireland has a significant opportunity — built on a pedigree of delivery and a can-do attitude — to win new investments and grow. Read More A strong euro against the dollar is creating a new headache for Irish exporters
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Protest held at US Embassy's July 4 celebrations boycotted by Opposition TDs
The event, which ended with a fireworks display set to the soundtrack of 'YMCA' and other songs favoured by US President Donald Trump, was boycotted by a number of opposition politicians. Around 2,500 guests across the fields of politics, business, culture, sport, and media were invited to the July 4 celebrations, which marked the 249th anniversary of US independence. People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger was among those who attended a protest outside the gates of the Phoenix Park residence of the new US ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh. She said it was important for Mr Walsh, as a representative of the US government, to see it was 'completely unacceptable' to celebrate July 4 while the US supports Israel's actions in Gaza. 'It is very important that there were visible signs that the vast majority of Irish people are absolutely sickened by what's going on in Gaza and they want it to stop.' Protesters waved Irish and Palestinian flags and called on guests to 'walk away' from the event as they chanted 'shame, shame, shame on you' and 'free Palestine'. 'We call on the diners tonight to turn around. Don't accept the free meal. Make a stand and turn away,' they shouted. Some protesters shouted at guests as they exited cars or entered the grounds, calling on them to 'show some solidarity' and re-consider their invitation. 'We have to be here. All these people are going for dinner, we have to be here to stand against all the wrong that is being done in the world,' said one protestor, Laura. Another, Elise, said pro-Palestinian supporters have tried 'sending emails and letters, but using your voice in public, we might get heard'. 'To make people feel some emotion and hopefully change their mind.' Tánaiste Simon Harris addressed the celebrations at the Deerfield Residence, while Mr Walsh, who presented his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday, said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships' during his term. 'I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course,' said Mr Walsh. 'As the new US Ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly, and embracing all that brings our peoples together.' Attendees are given classic American foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, bourbon and beer, while the entertainment included performances by Una Healy and and Michael Flatley, who performed a tune on his flute. The evening ended with a fireworks display set to songs favoured by Mr Trump, including 'America the Beautiful' and 'YMCA'.
