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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Irish presidential race still one-horse show, but from skeletons in closet to €330k pay – here's 6 questions for runners
WHY do so few people seem to want to become President of Ireland? We're expecting an election at some point in October, but so far only have one runner in the race to replace 4 The election to replace Michael D Higgins is expected to occur in October Credit: � 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 4 Our man Adam Higgins shares his six questions for potential candidates Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 4 Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only candidate for the election so far Credit: PA:Press Association The President gets the final sign off on new laws passed here, plays an important role in representing However, we haven't got droves of people running for the Presidency yet because of politics. Potential candidates are terrified a long campaign will see their chances unravel as they field questions and their past is poured over. Here, Irish Sun Political Correspondent HOW'S YOUR CÚPLA FOCAIL? The President of Ireland will represent the country across the world and an important part of that will be bringing a little bit of Irish culture with them on their way. Michael D Higgins has a real grá for the Irish language and has done a brilliant job in sprinkling a cúpla focail into his speeches wherever he goes. If we want to keep our language alive, we need those at the very top to lead the way. Candidates may want to sharpen up on their Irish — there's a course in HAVE YOU ANY SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET? You might as well come clean from the start. No matter how hard you try, those transgressions from your past will find a way to come out. With the Us reporters will be on the lookout for any sort of scandal to sink out teeth into and it can lead to I'd imagine we might see a few 'tell all' style interviews from candidates who want to air their dirty laundry early. IS THE PRESIDENT PAID TOO MUCH? How much money is too much for one person from the public purse? Especially when they already get free room and board in a beautiful home in the Uachtarán na hÉireann is the second highest-paid head of state in This falls only behind SHOULD OFFICE OF THE PREZ BE FOI-ABLE? As a journalist, I believe the Freedom of Information Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation. This law enables me to demand documents and information from every State agency and department so that we can keep tabs on what is being done with your However, the office of the President is immune to the FoI Act. Through this legislation, I can obtain documents about how much the Taoiseach spent on flights, what the Minister said to the Board of Children's Health Ireland or what developers said in letters to the Housing Minister. But I cannot access documents from the President's office about how much was spent on a garden party. Shouldn't the President be held to the same transparency measures as the Taoiseach, Ministers and other State bodies? JUST HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CONSTITUTION? Mostly the President must do what the government of the day says when it comes to dissolving the Dail or green lighting new legislation. They can sign off on new bills or refer it to the Michael D Higgins referred a bill on how judges are appointed to the Supreme Court and considered sending the coalition's monster Planning Bill to the courts. Presidents are also supposed to avoid criticising the government of the day or favouring one political party over another during their speeches. President Higgins tested this convention by addressing and sometimes criticising issues such as housing policy, defence and neutrality policies. Will the next President use their voice as much as their predecessor? BLUR OR OASIS? Politics is a serious game but at the end of the day it's also a popularity contest. Candidates have to endear themselves to voters and not every question on the campaign trail can be hard-hitting queries on policy and the Constitution. I would hate to spend the next few months writing countless boring articles that focus solely on candidates' opinions on the constitutionality of the role of the President — and I don't think you would want to read them. Politicians are people too. Therefore, it's important we know a bit more about them. So expect some softer questions from journos that might give a bit of a laugh and also give our talented art desk staff the chance to have a bit of fun while creating mock-ups. And with the Gallagher brothers dominating August with their upcoming series of sell-out shows in Dublin's Have I missed anything? What sort of questions do you readers want to hear our Presidential candidates answer? Get in touch with me and I'll put them to the runners and riders while we're out on the campaign trail! Email 4 Potential candidates will see their chances unravel as they field questions Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription


The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Popular restaurant chain teases reopening dates as they re-enter Irish market after surprise shock closures
A MUCH-loved and missed restaurant is expected to make its comeback this summer after the shock closure of three locations in Dublin last year. Wagamama's branches closed after the receivers appointed failed to reach a deal with the UK-based chain on Advertisement 3 Wagamama is teasing its return to the Irish market after their shock exit last year Credit: 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 3 They are teasing their reopening for the summer Credit: Google The Press Up group operated Wagamama's Dundrum, South King Street, and Blanchardstown branches in This led to 106 employees working in these locations losing their jobs after the decision to cease trading immediately came to light. Receivers said they would liaise with the workers to detail the implications for their continued employment with Press Up Hospitality. Many loyal customers were left heartbroken to see their favourite food chain exit the Advertisement READ MORE ON STORES "Wagamama was my little treat to myself." However, in recent days, the chain has been teasing its comeback to the Irish market, and it's only days until it will fully reopen to its loyal foodies who missed their ramen, donburi and curry fix. On the official website of Wagamama Ireland, they updated the layout by teasing their 'coming soon' reopening, which was confirmed for one of the establishments in Dublin. They revealed that Wagamama is officially reopening their Liffey Valley branch on June 23. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun No information has been released yet about other potential reopenings, but customers can sign up to be kept in the loop. It is expected that Wagamama's outlets at Blanchardstown and Dundrum will open later in the summer. Wagamamas releases the exact recipe for its chicken katsu curry and you'll be amazed by how simple it is On The new cardboard display signs read "Opening summer 2025", and there's a barcode for potential employees who want to apply to work at the establishment. Advertisement It was reported that similar teasers have been done for Blanchardstown. FAN FRENZY Foodie fans were shocked by their teaser of their return to the Irish market as they rushed to the comment section. One person wrote: "Liffey Valley too! Sooo happy." Another person added: "OH MY GODDDD!" Advertisement The third person said: "Shut up! I have missed it sooooo much." The fourth person added: "FINALLY! I missed them so much, can't wait to get my ramen fix soon." 3 The company teased they are returning to Liffey Valley on June 23 Credit: Google


The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Parents of girl injured in Parnell stabbing issue ‘progress is clear' health update as she returns to school full-time
THE parents of the girl injured during the Parnell stabbing have revealed that as she has returned to school full-time. The little one was only five-years-old when she was left in 2 The scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured, including three young children Credit: � 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved Two other children and a care worker were also hurt during the incident but were treated in Her recovery journey has been extremely challenging, including over a year in Temple Street But despite the severity of her injuries, her family say she's now making clear progress, with "a spirit and happiness that brighten every room". They've shared regular updates on a READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS In the latest update, They said: "It has been a while since I have posted anything, but time elapses so quickly when you are fully immersed in everyday life. "For us who see our angel warrior every day, it is more difficult to notice advances and changes in her, but for those who see her less often, her progress is clear. "She has been attending school full-time. She is not attending mainstream school, just to clarify." MOST READ IN IRISH NEWS Despite joining mid-year, her family said that the The little girl is now trying new sounds, including some nasal ones and is moving her arms with more purpose and intention. 'PROGRESS' And although her family said there has been tough days, they have also noticed that progress is becoming more visible - especially to those who don't see her every day. Her family added: "The staff at this very special institution have gone above and beyond (in our eyes) to make our little girl feel part of the group, even after joining mid-school year. "We are forever grateful to the love and dedication everyone has shown her. "She has been attempting different sounds (some nasal ones), and moving her arms with more intent. "Her happiness is infectious. We have had some challenging days; we all go through them, even if we wouldn't like a 6-year-old to have to. "As summer approaches, we are so happy to be able to spend it at home, hoping to spend days outdoors, smell the warm air, enjoy the sun and the sea." 'FULL CIRCLE' MILESTONE And in an update earlier this year the parents Posting on the GoFundMe page they said: "This week has shown us how much strength we can all have in our souls. "We had an appointment at Temple Street Children's Hospital, as an outpatient, and I was rather uncomfortable with the thought of going back there after so long. "But, one must persevere. Getting off the Luas, I decided to walk past the school and where the incident had happened. "Our little girl doesn't seem to have any trauma from the day, but I was apprehensive. Once we had walked past, I felt relieved, almost as if we had come full circle, breaking whatever bad energy had been left there on the 23rd of November, 2023. We can do hard things." 2 The little one was only five-years-old when she was left in critical condition following the incident on November 23, 2023 Credit: Gary Ashe - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin