Latest news with #ArdChomhairle
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Irish presidential election: Sinn Féin to meet as Áras race heats up
The Sinn Féin leadership is to meet later to work out a plan for the Irish Presidential party's Ard Chomhairle, made up of its political leaders and delegates from regional branches, is expected to study the findings of an internal consultation on its election have been considering a range of options, including entering the race or supporting an agreed opposition date has yet been set for the presidential election, but it needs to be held before 11 November when Michael D Higgins' 14-year term in office officially Sinn Féin leadership will need to look at four different puzzles to solve its presidential question. Supporting the left-wing unity candidate This was considered the more likely option for Sinn Féin when it began its internal consultation as the party was keen to shore up the unity on the opposition combined forces of the left-wing parties worked well together when challenging the government during the Dáil (lower house of Irish Parliament) speaking rights row earlier in the year. But back then, the independent Senator Frances Black was being tipped as the opposition unity candidate and she would have been a popular choice for Sinn Féin former singer tabled the bill which seeks to ban Irish trade with illegal settlements in Israeli occupied territories, which has the full support of Sinn Fé in June, Black ruled herself out of the presidential independent TD (member of the Dáil) Catherine Connolly is hoping to secure the backing of Sinn Féin and other left-wing could be a test for the Galway TD, who has less of a profile and may struggle to unite the opposition if those parties plan to present themselves as an alternative government in the next election, can they really afford to divide in what could be their first electoral test? Running a Sinn Féin candidate This may now be the prefered path for the party leadership, but it comes with many risks. The last time Sinn Féin fielded a candidate in a presidential election it didn't go party MEP Liadh Ní Riada secured just over 6% of the vote when she challenged Higgins back in was a disastrous showing for the party and raised questions about the leadership a disappointing general election in 2024, Sinn Féin and its leader Mary Lou McDonald can't really afford another poor day at the polls. The personality based nature of a presidential election could also be a concern as it can be a bruising contest for are subjected to more scrutiny across their public and private lives and it can leave long-lasting is also the cost of running a presidential election campaign, estimated to be more than €400,000 (£349,000), coming so soon after the financially draining general the party may consider the prize to be worth the price. Selecting the right candidate This will be the moment of the party is to mount a big challenge then it will likely field its best candidate - its own hasn't ruled herself out of the race, but has much to consider before adding her name to the ballot paperNorthern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who is the party's deputy leader, also remains in the frame along with Donegal TD Pearse names mentioned include former party leader Gerry Adams, who was back in the public eye following his recent successful defamation case against the has the profile, but at 76 may lack the energy for a campaign and could struggle to capture the mood of a changed electorate hoping for a younger head of state. Belfast North MP John Finucane ticks that box, and is considered a credible candidate who is a formidable campaigner and will perform well in the all-important TV he might take some convincing, according to some within the party. Risks for Mary Lou McDonald running for president After a second failed attempt in the 2018 election to enter government, many believed McDonald's days as Sinn Féin leader were last thing she wanted or needed was another poll on the a presidential election could present the party leader with the perfect exit ramp from the political symbolism of a Sinn Féin leader moving into Áras an Uachtaráin (the Irish presidential residence) would be huge for her party, and the campaign for Irish unification would have a new chief cheerleader. But if she ran and lost, it would leave the party and McDonald with a big decision to make - return to the political fold or against contesting the election may be an easier choice for the Sinn Féin president now she has managed to steer the party back up the poll clearly has much more to offer and remains her party's greatest asset, which is why she may stick with the presidential role she knows best. Who else is running for president of Ireland? With the keys to the Áras up for grabs, people from all over the political spectrum will be looking to become the Republic of Ireland's 10th president later this office is a mostly ceremonial roleIn order to be considered a candidate, a person must be an Irish citizen, over 35 and be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) or four of the 31 local far, Catherine Connolly has announced her bid for the presidency, along with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who will contest the election for Fine Gael - a decision set to be ratified by the party in September. The largest party in the Dáil, Fianna Fáil, has not run a presidential candidate since Belfast-born Mary McAleese won the 1997 party is still considering it's Deirdre Heenan has been tipped as a potential candidate for the Social Democratic and Labour Party leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has also not ruled himself out of the Peter Casey, who was born in Londonderry, came second in 2018 with 23.1% of the first preference vote in 2018 and is seeking the nomination once celebrity candidates have also said they are interested in running, with Riverdance star Michael Flatley and MMA fighter Conor McGregor both seeking backers for their respective campaigns.
The Journal
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Up to 150 Sinn Féin members expected to attend conference on party's gender policy
SINN FÉIN IS holding a key meeting today for its members where they are to help decide on the party's position on gender identity issues. It follows disputes in the party north and south as it has attempted to toe a line on topics like healthcare for transgender youth between the different jurisdictions. This morning's party gathering meeting in Drumcondra will be attended by 150 members from across the island where they will debate the 'issue of gender identity', according to the Sinn Féin press office. Afterwards a report on the meeting will go to the party's ruling Ard Chomhairle for a final decision. A spokesperson told The Journal that the meeting is taking place as a result of a motion to its last Ard Fheis 'asking for a conference on the issue of gender identity to allow members to discuss these issues in order to inform future policy positions'. 'It is an opportunity for members to share their views and to listen to views of others,' the spokesperson added. Advertisement The issue blew up for the party in the aftermath of the UK Supreme Court ruling in April which said that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the UK Equality Act do not include transgender women – senior figures including leader Mary Lou McDonald and health spokesperson David Cullinane weighed in at different points in its aftermath. Weeks later , a number of current and former party members spoke out over a belief that Sinn Féin was set to water down its support for LGBT+ issues, in particular on trans rights. The party's grappling with the issue can be partly traced back to the Cass Review , a key UK report which found that thousands of young people questioning their gender identity had been let down by the National Health Service. The reaction to the Cass report in Ireland has been mixed – it has been welcomed here by some but has been heavily disputed by others . One topic expected to feature in today's discussions by Sinn Féin are that of the role of puberty blockers, a form of hormone treatment. The Cass Review also said there was a lack of evidence on the impacts of puberty blockers. These findings preceded the Stormont executive in Belfast – where Sinn Féin holds several key positions – supporting a temporary ban on the medication for transgender youth. Trans advocacy groups have long maintained that puberty blockers are an important part of some people's treatment, with Sinn Féin's support of the ban in the North prompting criticism over the past year. Such groups have also been concerned over the waiting times for transgender and non-binary people seeking specific healthcare, with some pursuing it outside of the official channels, as revealed by The Journal Investigates last May . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The 42
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
GAA to consider change on 50m penalty for fouling player who catches kickout mark
THE GAA'S CENTRAL Council is set to consider a change to the penalty for a foul on a player who catches a mark from a kickout, following a proposal from the Football Rules Committee [FRC]. A statement released today says the punishment could be changed from a 50m advanced free to a free on the spot where the foul occurs. 'Ard Chomhairle is to consider a proposed adjustment from the FRC to the penalty for a foul on a player who catches a mark from a kick out to be changed from a 50m advanced free to a free on the spot where the foul occurs,' the statement reads following a meeting of Coiste Bainistíochta and Ard Chomhairle which took place this weekend. Elsewhere at the meeting, it was agreed that county boards will supply smart sliotars for semi-finals and finals in all county junior, intermediate and senior championships. Advertisement It was confirmed that London and New York's eligibility for the All-Ireland JFC is to remain unchanged for the 2026 competition. There was also a 24% increase in Allianz League gate receipts leading to an increased distribution to counties. The Comhairle Ard Oideachais has also proposed renaming the cup awarded to the winners of the JHC as the 'Corn Darragh Mhic Cárthaigh, in memory of MTU Cork student Darragh McCarthy, which was passed. Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
Irish Examiner
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
GAA Central Council to consider proposed adjustment to 50m advanced free
The GAA have confirmed that the Central Council is set to consider a proposed adjustment from the Football Review Committee regarding the 50 metre advanced free. The new rule, and the severity of the punishment, has been criticised in recent weeks. Cork manager John Cleary called on the regulation to be reviewed after his side were thrice penalised for interfering with the ball-winner, infractions that cost them six second-half points in their loss to Kerry. The respective rule is that a player cannot be interfered with for four steps after claiming a kickout mark. If they are deliberately stopped or delayed during those four steps, the ball is brought forward 50 metres. Kerry boss Jack O'Connor also hit out at the rule after his side's victory over the Rebels and in a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the GAA confirmed it will be reviewed amongst the announcement of other significant developments. 'Meetings of Coiste Bainistíochta and Ard Chomhairle took place this weekend,' it began. 'It was confirmed that there was a 24% increase in Allianz League gate receipts leading to an increased distribution to counties. 'Ard Chomhairle is to consider a proposed adjustment from the FRC to the penalty for a foul on a player who catches a mark from a kick out to be changed from a 50m advanced free to a free on the spot where the foul occurs. 'Eligibility for the All-Ireland JFC, relating specifically to London and New York, is to remain unchanged for the 2026 competition. 'The following were added to the DRA Panel; Rory Conway and Niall Gallagher (both Legal Panel) and Liam McCabe (Cavan) and Joe Edwards (Antrim) (GAA Panel). 'A proposal from Comhairle Ard Oideachais to rename the cup awarded to the winners of the JHC as the 'Corn Darragh Mhic Cárthaigh, in memory of MTU Cork student Darragh McCarthy was passed. 'It was agreed that county boards will supply smart sliotars for semi-finals and finals in all county junior, intermediate and senior championships.'
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Camogie Association break silence over skort controversy following protest
The Camogie Association have responded after Dublin and Kilkenny senior players emerged from the tunnel in shorts during the Leinster senior semi-final in protest, as players are currently required to wear skorts under rule 6(b) of the sports code. The referee made both teams go back to the changing rooms and switch back to skorts, or else the game would be cancelled. A recent report from the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) informed the Camogie Association that 83% of players would prefer to wear shorts or believe that players should have the option to choose, and 70% reported discomfort while wearing shorts. 65% expressed concerns about exposure in media content, affecting their mental state, while 49% said they had experienced anxiety around period leaks, as per the report. In a statement obtained by The 42, the Camogie Association said that 'player welfare is at the heart of everything we do." 'We note the recent research published by the GPA. Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do across the Camogie Association. 'A democratic vote at Congress 2024 determined that the rules governing our playing wear should not change. 'Ard Chomhairle established a working group to examine issues around the comfort, fit, design and overall performance of playing wear. 'As part of this process, a wide range of national and international manufactured skorts have been sourced. Testing of these skorts for comfort, fit and design, will begin in mid-May and will include adult and Juvenile players from Club and County teams, as well as referees. 'Once testing is completed, the working group will prepare recommendations for Ard Chomhairle consideration. 'The Camogie Association remains committed to respecting the democratic process in all decisions that affect all of our members. 'Voting delegates at Congress represent all the members of the Association, including players and parents of players across the country.' The issue has sparked much debate in the world of Irish sport. Speaking on The Sunday Game, Neil McManus and Jackie Tyrrell agreed that it was time for the Association to listen to their players. Neil said: "Let's sort this out. If the Camogie Association would collaborate with the players here, I think this can be resolved fairly quickly." "We want the games to be played at the highest level as possible, we want players to be as happy as they possibly can be. And this seems like a no-brainer. "I was listening to Aisling Maher and Hannah Looney speaking about it during the week, articulating their points so well. "So the ball is very firmly in that of the Camogie Association's tonight." Jackie added: "It's a failure on the Camogie Association that it's got to this point. This should be nipped in the bud." "83 per cent is a strong number of people looking for change. Change should be facilitated. "And it's not a wholesale change, it's not a drastic one. It's just giving them the option of the skorts or the shorts." Dublin Camogie star Emma O'Byrne said via social media that the skorts are "uncomfortable" to wear during play. "For anyone who doesn't know, skorts are basically a skirt that we have to wear with shorts underneath and they're massively uncomfortable," she said. "I'd say for about 30% of a game that I play, I'm constantly thinking about how my skort looks, pulling it down, constantly thinking about if my skort is okay or just being in general discomfort when it comes to wearing a skort." And this isn't the first time camogie players have raised their voice on this: "We've been crying out for this for ages, so we decided to take action, as opposed to talking about it, because realistically, that's how things kind of get done. "Still, there's been no movement from the Camogie Association on this matter." Fine Gael Spokesperson on Sport, Senator Evanne Ni Chuilinn said: 'As recently as last week the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) informed the Camogie Association that 83% of players find skorts uncomfortable and inappropriate. This sentiment isn't new. Yesterday's protest by Dublin and Kilkenny players was replicated fifteen years ago. 'The skort rule is becoming a barrier, and it has also taken away from the sport itself. Last night, we should have been talking about the game, but instead, we are talking about the impossible position female players are placed in. To think that the Association was happy to let two Senior intercounty squads turn up to a championship match and then refuse to let them play is infuriating for anyone trying to encourage women and girls to be active in sport.' 'It is time to listen to the players and give a choice at the very least.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
