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The National
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
BBC denies editing Irish language out of new CMAT song
BBC Radio One aired the Irish singer-songwriter's new single, Euro-Country, for the first time on Tuesday, with the singer later criticising the version which was played. The track begins with roughly 40 seconds of Irish, which was reportedly cut from the broadcast. READ MORE: Heritage groups join forces to save rundown studio owned by former renowned designer CMAT – real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson – said in an Instagram story: 'I just want to say really quickly that it was not my decision to have the Irish language edited out of the first ever play of Euro-Country on radio. "I don't know if it was a mistake or what happened, but that was not my decision; however, they have just gotten in contact and said that they are going to play the Irish language intro full version of Euro-Country tomorrow to make up for it. "I don't know who edited that out; that was crazy of them ... Yeah, not my decision, but they're fixing it." In a statement given to the broadcaster said that they 'did not edit out the Irish language from this single' and the version of the song aired was a radio edit 'supplied by the record label'. BBC have since said that the full, unedited version of the song will be aired on Wednesday during Radio One shows Rickie Melvin and Charlie, Going Home, and Radio 1's New Music Show with Jack Saunders. READ MORE: New holiday home tax proposed to protect Gaelic language Euro-Country, the latest single from the upcoming, eponymously named album, describes the impact the 2008 financial crash had on Ireland. Lyrics include digs at then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern over his handling of the crisis, with Thompson singing 'All the big boys, all the Berties, all the envelopes, yeah they hurt me. I was 12 when the das started killing themselves all around me'. The Euro-Country album is set to be released at the end of August, with CMAT performing three sold-out nights at the Barrowlands in October.
BreakingNews.ie
05-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish MEP argues food security must be 'pillar of Europe's defence'
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen has unveiled a new position paper outlining his vision for the future of European farming and the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. In the paper, seen by Mr Cowen argues that in a new era of heightened security concerns, food security must be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence, with agriculture "deserving a protected share of broader security spending". Advertisement The European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028 to 2034 should include increased CAP funding, Mr Cowen says in the report. "Announced by President von der Leyen, the ReArm Europe Plan alone allows for spending of over €800 billion by Member States and could see joint borrowing of up to €150 billion. These measures are aimed at reinvigorating the European defence sector and preparing for a worst-case scenario through stockpiling and strengthening borders. "I regard these measures to be necessary, however, I also believe that the deep connection between food, food production, strategic autonomy and our collective security is being overlooked in the conversation." The paper was developed as part of Mr Cowen's role as Renew Europe's shadow rapporteur. Advertisement In the paper, seen by Mr Cowen argues that in a new era of heightened security concerns, food security must be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence. Photo: PA Images Central to Mr Cowen's proposals is the creation of a third, standalone environmental pillar within CAP. This new pillar - backed by an increased CAP budget - would offer "meaningful rewards and incentives" to farmers who adopt voluntary environmental schemes and sustainable innovations. On rural development, Mr Cowen proposes stronger financial and policy tools to address generational renewal - an "existential threat" to farming and rural communities. His proposals include higher income support for young farmers, improved access to land and finance and stronger public-private innovation partnerships to drive sustainability and technology adoption. The paper further calls for major simplification across CAP delivery, advocating reduced administrative burdens and a shift away from the current "income foregone" payment model. He highlights that "excessive bureaucracy and a lack of practical usability were the number one issue raised with him by farmers during last year's European election campaign". Mr Cowen engaged with stakeholders across Europe including farmers, young entrants, producer organisations, innovators, environmental experts and policymakers.
BreakingNews.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Government warned not to ignore McGregor's 'far-right American messaging'
Conor McGregor has "completely adopted American far-right messaging" with his anti-immigration rhetoric, according to an expert in global extremism. The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (Gpahe) "centres its work on countering the threat from the far-right while emphasising human rights and progressive values". Advertisement Speaking to Global Project Against Hate and Extremism co-founder and president Wendy Via said political leaders would be foolish to dismiss McGregor just because his presidential bid looks unlikely. Ms Via said his recent interview with former Fox News broadcaster Tucker Carlson hit a number of far-right talking points, such as adopting seemingly religious themes and dehumanising migrants. "I don't know if it's permanent, but during that interview he seemed to be moderating a little bit saying 'I'm the good guy, I just want to protect my family and my country... I want to be led by God'. I was thinking 'ok Conor, we'll see'. "It seems to me that he is completely adopting the American far-right messaging. Advertisement "It's 'this is what's right and what's good for our people'. He's setting himself up to be a bit of a hero, which is what a lot of far-right figures do, especially political figures. "I know that McGregor doesn't have any political power right now. "The people who adopt this far-right messaging, their ability to prey on people, prey on their fears, their economic fears, their safety fears, 'because immigrants are criminals', as they say." 'Mouthpiece' While far-right groups in Ireland are divided and not organised, Ms Via said figures like McGregor often become a "mouthpiece" for their movements. Advertisement This was evident in the gathering in McGregor's Black Forge Inn pub in Crumlin to welcome Carlson, which included figures from different right wing groups. "He's a mouthpiece He is able to influence voters. He's also able to influence the discourse. He can't pull the conversation to the right alone but he has a huge following on X and he tries to use that. "Presenting himself as the de facto far-right leader, whether he gets in office or not, he is influencing the conversation, and in a way that does not solve a problem. It just creates fear." McGregor made a number of false claims in the interview with Carlson. One of those concerned hotels in Co Wexford, with McGregor claiming there were none left in the county because they had all been converted into international protection accommodation. Advertisement This is untrue, there are over 100 hotels in the county. Ms Via this is a typical example of the falsehoods around migration that Carlson likes to spread on his platform. "Tucker Carlson's following is primarily American, and Russian for that matter. Conor McGregor has "completely adopted American far-right messaging" according to Wendy Via. "But when Conor McGregor gets on there and says things like the hotels are gone, or conversely the migrants are staying in the nicest hotels or they're getting the best apartments, that kind of thing, then the viewers or listeners just say 'OK, well, it's becoming global'. Advertisement "Tucker Carlson is a platform for this disinformation, he of course he spreads it. They present it as migrants are taking something from us. "They're taking something that is rightfully yours away, and everybody who is helping them doesn't care about you. "I don't think McGregor's going to get elected. That could change. Never say never. But I do think that he is going to influence the conversation. "Not just Trump, in the United States, we have many, many political figures, where people say 'I'm not endorsing him as a person or I'm not endorsing everything he says, but we do need to look at this'. "In the debate it can move from how many migrants we're taking in to the dehumanisation of people." Ms Via said there is a danger in conflating far-right and extreme ideas with conservative policies. She said the Government should not presume people will not listen to figures like McGregor, despite the fact he does not represent Irish people as he claimed to during his White House meeting with US president Donald Trump on St Patrick's Day. Conor McGregor speaks with reporters alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Photo:"If I could give advice to every country which is experiencing a shift to the far-right it is don't ignore what is on the surface or what a person with any kind of common sense would say is simply ridiculous. Or that one person like McGregor, nobody is going to take them seriously. "We have Trump not once, but twice, and all of the Republican Party behind it. And what you end up with is a situation where the party is being somewhat held hostage by Trump because I do not believe that every Republican is a fringe figure, but they're not able to step out now. What Conor McGregor says is out there then, even if it's not true. The more controversial the content, the faster it spreads. "I mean that's the playbook, it's to have these 'facts' and get somebody with a large following and in this case, Tucker Carlson. A lot of people think of him as a very accomplished journalist, even though many don't, he has a big name and if he backs you, he'll share your false claims. What Conor McGregor says is out there then, even if it's not true. The more controversial the content, the faster it spreads. "It is a balance. You don't want to give him a platform. You can dispute the claims without saying 'well, Conor McGregor is going around saying this'. "Instead you can say 'this has been claimed, here are the real facts and figures'. Ireland 'Ireland has Proud Boys': Expert warns no country... Read More "What we should not do is say to a person who has questions that 'you're being hysterical, worried over nothing'. "Or to claim a government policy on migration is perfect, instead point to where you want to improve it. "Of course McGregor is different than Trump. I think that one thing we can take away is that is that personalities like these can get into power." Ms Via added: "Carlson can't get the same kind of interview as he used to get, but he also has a mission to spread the type of message McGregor is sharing. He wants there to be more far-right people in power. He wants to be more far-right policies. He wants there to be Christian overtones to all of it. He wants all of that. And McGregor brings an audience of men, and many young men."
BreakingNews.ie
23-04-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish passengers left with just 24 hours notice of P&O cruise cancellation
Nineteen Irish passengers were left disappointed when they were given just 24 hours' notice for a P&O cruises cancellation. The adult-only Aurara cruise, with a capacity of over 1,800, was due to travel from Southampton in England to Zeebrugge, Belgium. Advertisement Scheduled to embark on Easter Monday, the cruise was cancelled the day before. Niamh McCarthy from Gorey, Co Wexford, was looking forward to a trip with 18 of her friends to celebrate her 40th birthday. Speaking to she explained that they were left out of pocket for a range of costs from childcare to dog kennels, while "most upsetting of all my 40th birthday was spent scrambling for alternatives". The seven-day wait for reimbursement made it difficult to organise an alternative. "This was meant to be a joyful celebration with close friends and family, instead it was filled with stress and disappointment." Advertisement The group felt the offer of 20 per cent off further cruises was "frankly disappointing and inappropriate". They were left out of pocket for various expenses including non-refundable flights from Dublin, airport parking, childcare, dog kennels, pre-paid nail, hair and makeup appointments. They are hoping for a "realistic and respectful compensation package" for additional costs beyond the cruise. A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: 'We are very sorry but following a delay to Aurora's refit, it is necessary to cancel Aurora's R505 three night cruise from Southampton to Zeebrugge on 21 April. We appreciate how disappointing this is for our guests who were booked to travel. 'All guests will receive a full refund and a Future Cruise Credit of 20 per cent of monies paid.'
