Latest news with #FiannaFáil
The Journal
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Two more names surface for presidency bids as Mary Hanafin confirms intent to run
LAST UPDATE | 30 mins ago AS THE PRESIDENTIAL election draws nearer, more people are emerging from the woodwork to cautiously raise their hand – or in other cases, wave it furiously – for consideration for the job. Yesterday it was reported that former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin was 'in the mix' for the party nomination. Appearing on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Hanafin doubled down on her intention to snag the Fianna Fáil nomination for the office. She told Brendan O'Connor, 'Yes, I'd love the opportunity. I'd love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I'd love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.' Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic. She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent . Advertisement Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor. Hanafin stressed her record of public service and said that she strongly believes that Fianna Fáil should contest the presidency. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless this afternoon refused to be drawn on his opinions on his party's options for presidential nominations, but said that he thought there would be a candidate established throughout the summer. Outside of Fianna Fáil, Independent senator and founder of homeless and addiction charity Tiglin, Aubrey McCarthy, told Virgin Media News that the presidency was 'something to consider'. NEW – Independent senator and Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy tells @virginmedianews : "If there was a conversation to be had regarding… a social inclusion candidate, where housing, second chances are part of the norm… certainly I would love the opportunity" to run for #aras25 — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2025 McCarthy said that he would 'love the opportunity' to run as a social inclusion candidate where 'housing, where second chances are part of the norm'. Related Reads Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras? He added that he was focused on his role in the Seanad, where he sits on the housing committee. McCarthy was first elected to the Seanad this year in the Dublin University constituency. The Co Kildare man has been heavily involved with projects combatting homelessness and addiction, as well as rehabilitation for those who are affected by either issue. The presidential election must take place by 11 November at the latest. 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 Journal
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Junior housing minister says homelessness crisis 'a really difficult challenge to tackle'
IRELAND'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS is a 'really difficult challenge to tackle', junior housing minister Christopher O'Sullivan has said. A total of 15,747 people were living in emergency accommodation in May, according to figures published on Friday . It is the highest-ever figure recorded in Ireland, a continuing trend over the last number of months. It also includes 4,844 children – 69 more than April. Speaking on the issue today during RTÉ television's The Week In Politics, O'Sullivan conceded that the figures are currently unacceptable. He said the government is 'acutely aware' of the housing crisis and the impact it is having on homelessness. The Fianna Fáil TD said: 'Obviously, we're particularly struck by the words of the Children's ombudsman, essentially highlighting the devastating impact that emergency accommodation and homelessness in general is having on children and the long term impacts. Advertisement 'This is a really, really difficult challenge to tackle. That's been proven over the last number of years, and we have thrown the kitchen sink (at) it, but I will say this, there's no doubt that it's a priority for Taoiseach, it's a priority for this government.' Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told the same programme that there is too much reliance on private accommodation and the use of hotels to house those who are living in emergency housing. Gannon said that environment has long-term impacts on children, citing issues with speech and language, an inability to play with other children and mobility issues. He added that the state needs to zone land as affordable. He said: 'We need to have the state getting back and building in a massive, significant way. We also need to take a step back and understand the impact that these living provisions are having to children in this state.' Children's ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon said that Government's housing initiatives continuously fail children. The comments were echoed by homelessness charity leaders on Friday, following the publication of the latest emergency accommodation figures. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane pointed to the thousands of empty council homes in need of renovation. She said there needs to be a renewed effort to improve the properties to house families. 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
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Kerry carers can earn more and still keep allowance under new changes
Announced last Thursday, the income disregard will rise from €450 per week to €625 per week for single carers, and from €900 per week to €1,250 per week for carers with a spouse or partner. In practical terms, the changes would see a carer in a two-adult household earning up to €69,000 receive the full carer's allowance, while those with incomes up to €97,000 may still qualify for a partial payment. The new changes will immediately benefit 196 family carers in Kerry who are currently receiving the carer's allowance and will receive higher payments due to the threshold increase. The minister said the reforms will also extend eligibility for the carer's allowance 'to more people in Kerry than ever before', once the rules come into effect on July 3. It's believed that 99 per cent of current recipients, nationally, will qualify for the full-rate payment. Welcoming the changes, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality Norma Foley, said carers make a vital contribution to the wellbeing of their loved ones and also to wider society. She added that Fianna Fáil remains committed to abolishing the means test for carer's allowance and this latest announcement is a positive step forward in that direction. 'The change represents an 88 percent rise in income thresholds since June 2022, reflecting Fianna Fáil's continued commitment to supporting carers in a meaningful and practical way,' Minister Foley said. The carer's allowance supports over 100,000 carers across Ireland. In 2025, spending on this allowance is expected to exceed €1.24 billion. In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides non-means-tested supports such as the Carer's Benefit and the annual Carer's Support Grant of €2,000, which was recently paid to more than 138,000 carers on June 5.
Extra.ie
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Vote for Joe? - Labour Party has discussed Duffy Presidential run
The Labour Party has discussed the possibility of a Joe Duffy presidential campaign, we can reveal. A source this weekend said approaches have been made to staff up a potential campaign, if Duffy were to agree to be a left-wing candidate. The source told 'The Labour Party is looking to get people at a top level to help with the campaign.' It is not clear if the party was doing this before or after making an approach to the departing Liveline host. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda The Labour Party did not respond to requests for comment yesterday. However, senior Fianna Fáil figures said Duffy could be the party's 'great escape' if he ran for the Áras on its ticket. Although Duffy appeared to rule out a Presidential run when pressed on the matter on Friday, political watchers noted Duffy was not unequivocal in his response. And party sources claimed Fianna Fáil – which has yet to confirm a candidate ahead of the election – would also welcome Duffy with open arms. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda One said: 'It could fall perfectly for us. We'll save half a million quid and by the time the next election comes around [Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader] Micheál Martin will be a young 72 and probably be contemplating retirement from the Oireachtas.' Duffy was somewhat coy when asked about a potential presidential run on Friday. He told RTÉ he had not been approached but added: 'I was president of Trinity Students' Union; I still have the posters. But my face has changed a lot. Maybe my intellect isn't as strong as it used to be.'
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Sinn Féin TD defends using IRA slogan ‘Tiocfaidh ár lá' in Dáil chamber
The phrase was used at the end of a speech on extending voting rights to Irish citizens abroad, in particular for presidential elections. Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (below), a first-time TD for Kildare South, was speaking after party leader Mary Lou McDonald. 'It is absolutely nonsensical that Irish citizens in the North cannot vote for Uachtaráin na hÉireann,' Ms Ní Raghallaigh said. 'These people are no less Irish than you or I. They have Irish passports and they have contested and held presidential office, but they have been left behind by successive governments since the foundation of the Free State.' Fianna Fáil 'still has the nerve to claim itself republican in the face of this blatant discrimination', she added, before switching to Irish. She concluded with the words: 'Tiocfaidh ár lá.' We must take this step, put it right and our day will come Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness looked surprised, but he made no intervention. Contacted later, he said: 'I am in favour of free speech.' The phrase 'Tiocfaidh ár lá' has never been banned as unparliamentary, unlike phrases such as 'felon-setter' and 'blackguard'. When contacted by the Sunday Independent, Ms Ní Raghallaigh responded: 'I was speaking on our motion to extend presidential voting rights to those in the Six Counties. 'I ended my speech saying that it is becoming shameful for us as a state, and us working towards a united Ireland — an Ireland for all. We must take this step, put it right and our day will come.' Asked if she was deliberately channelling the slogan of the Provisional IRA, she responded: 'I have replied here, and have nothing further to add.'
