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Irish Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, July 19th: On apologising to Ireland, long holidays and Lidl
Sir, – Dear Ireland, please accept, from this American visiting Dublin at the moment, a sincere apology for our US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee's recent post on X denigrating the Irish people. Mr Huckabee is looking for an apology from you, but it's he who ought to to be apologising for his ham-fisted, insulting use of colonial-era tropes to criticise your principled attempt to denounce the ongoing barbaric obliteration of Gaza. In this, the ambassador, like many other appointees in our current befouled administration, in his dull mimicry, is just emulating the crude, derogatory nature of his leader in a pitiful attempt to please the one who has set the tone for this new era of American barbarism. For this and so much more, many of us would want to apologise, for we are living in shame, and are increasingly determined, at the next lawful opportunity which presents itself, to make the changes necessary to bring this already too-long national nightmare to an end. Yours, etc, READ MORE Andrias O'Loinsiagh, New York. Sir, – The undiplomatic and insulting language use by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemning Ireland and threatening us with harm for expressing our sovereign right in bringing forward the Occupied Territories Bill is unbecoming of the most powerful democratic state in the world. Were similar language used against Israel the US would rightly condemn it. – Yours, etc, PHILIP CARR, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Sir, – Martyn Turner brilliantly satirises US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's invocation for the Irish people to 'sober up' in relation to the ongoing Gaza genocide by depicting him a vat of Trumpism offering us a drink from his Kool-Aid. A picture can indeed paint a thousand words. – Yours, etc, JOHN NAUGHTON, Leopardstown, Dublin 18. Sir, – Danny McCoy, the head of the employers' association, Ibec, has told us that the Occupied Territories Bill would be mere 'moral positioning', as if that is a cutting retort to those who say we should enact this legal measure (' No real evidence Occupied Territories Bill would cost Ireland dearly, Amnesty chief says ,' July 17th). Morality. Is that now quaint? A laughable concept when profits and commercial markets are at stake? The death toll in Gaza is currently more than 58,000. We see a heavily curated version of the slaughter on our television screens every night, but it is still stomach-churning. Dead and injured children being hurried to half-bombed hospitals. When will it be too much? Or will the US and Israel and self-interest forever prevail? – Yours, etc., FINTAN LANE, Pefkohori, Greece. Sir,– Danny McCoy, cites concerns about the consequences for business if the Occupied Territories Bill is enacted by the Irish Government, going so far as to suggest such action reveals 'moral positioning' and 'hypocrisy'. One might ask Mr McCoy what is so objectionable about adopting a moral position? More pertinent however is his concerns about the impact on Irish businesses. I do not recall a single statement from Mr McCoy or Ibec criticising the widespread adoption of sanctions against Russia following its invasion and occupation of eastern Ukraine in February 2022. These sanctions caused energy and food costs inflation adding significantly to the cost of living crisis being felt by every household in Ireland. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice advised states must refrain from any economic, trade or investment dealings connected to Israeli activities in the occupied Palestian territories. As such, the Irish Government is merely fulfilling its obligations under international law. It would appear Mr McCoy applies different standards when it comes to differentiating between Russian and Israeli occupations. There's a word for that! – Yours, etc, THOMAS McBRIDE, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. An all-Ireland league Sir, –Thankfully the two legs of the Shelbourne versus Linfield tie in the UEFA Champions League qualifying passed off without any serious incidents. I watched and enjoyed both matches, and can't help but wonder if we will ever have an All-Ireland league where such ties could become the norm rather than an occasional treat thrown up by the UEFA computer. – Yours, etc, BRIAN QUIGLEY, Drumcondra, Dublin. Defining the presidency Sir, – Justine McCarthy in her column ' Presidency is not a Rose of Tralee contest for over-35s. Some qualities are non-negotiable- negotiable, ' (July 18th) advocates for a president that would represent her personal political opinions. The optimal way to achieve this would be to become the successful candidate in the ballot herself. – Yours, etc, PAT NAUGHTON, Lucan, Dublin. Sir, – Justine McCarthy outlines a very interesting blueprint for what she wants in a president. We should count our blessings that she didn't list them before Michael D. Higgins became our president. His outspokenness would have known no bounds at all, at all. – Yours, etc, MICHAEL GANNON, Kilkenny. Sir, – Tom Kelly (Letters, July 16th) outlines his qualities that would enable him to be a great president. I share most of these qualities with him and if we could both get nominations it would be an interesting contest. – Yours, etc., RICHARD ALLEN, Cummeen, Sligo. Long summer holidays Sir, – I refer to your letter by Gerard Reynolds in defence of long summer holidays stating that this is the only real break that children get. This is simply not the case. Children get two mid-term breaks, usually a week each, two weeks at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. That's six weeks of real breaks. As a working parent, I am all too aware of the long summer holidays and do my best to plan ahead combining annual leave, parental leave and summer camps. For many working parents it's the ad hoc days that cause even more stress. Half days here and there, days off for training, days off for bad weather, days off for voting, half days after Christmas plays, etc, that cause more of an issue. If I was to use my annual leave for all the days my children's school will be closed between January and June 2026 I'd use up the majority of my leave. And these confirmed dates are before any of the ad hoc ones are thrown into the mix. No wonder working parents dread and just endure summer holidays. The Government could help address the issue by making parental leave paid (perhaps €289 per week like maternity, paternity and parents leave?) and they should also extend the use of this leave into secondary school. Currently, a parent must use it by the child's 12th birthday. Making parental leave paid would help support working parents, reduce the loss of income and give them more choice. It won't solve the problem but it's a start. – Yours, etc, SIOBHÁN McDERMOTT, Killester, Dublin 5. Sir, – Apropos the length of school summer holidays: when I was a schoolboy back in the 1960s, they went on for ever. Nowadays, the same length of time seems infinitely shorter. Shrinkflation? – Yours, etc, HUGH Mc DONNELL, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Deferral of alcohol labelling Sir, – The upcoming Government decision to delay the introduction of labels on alcohol products is a massive retrograde step in the face of intense lobbying from vested interests. The decision to delay the legislation for three years will come at a huge cost. More than 15,000 babies will be born with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with lifelong complications. More than 4,000 cancer cases from alcohol will need to be treated- with economic implications from both conditions that have not been addressed as well as the devastation to families that those conditions imply. The alcohol industry peddles disinformation at every turn because they know that alcohol labelling may lead to a significant decrease in consumption that impacts on profits. Alcohol kills 1,500 people a year in Ireland. What is less evident is it costs the exchequer €2 billion annually in health, justice and lost productivity. Labelling saves lives. It tells the facts, and it plays a role in changing attitudes to consumption. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a global reputation as a public health leader with the introduction of legislation on smoking regulations that acted as a template for transformation of attitudes to smoking in the workplace. It is time to cement that legacy by resisting intense pressure and disinformation from the alcohol industry that will have lifelong implications for adults, children and those not yet born. – Yours, etc, DR CATHERINE CONLON, Former director of human health and nutrition, safefood, Ballintemple, Cork. Temple Hill babies Sir, – I wish to thank Rachel Fehily for her article, ' Why are the experiences of the Temple Hill babies forgotten ?', (July 16th). I spent the first 10 weeks of my life in Temple Hill. I can find no account or record of my time there, except for the dates of my admittance and adoption. The records from Temple Hill appear to have disappeared. Like Rachel. I was adopted by a loving, wonderful family. But, as a qualified psychotherapist, I know only too well the importance of early bonding for the development of a secure attachment in the early weeks and months of a child's life. Being in the dark about who cared for us in those vital first weeks, can add to feelings of insecurity and uncertainty, that in many cases, lasts a lifetime. There are still many dark places connected to the mother and baby homes, which need to be illuminated. Temple Hill is one such place. – Yours, etc, HELEN BRENNAN, Bangor Road, Dublin 12. NTMA and scams Sir, – With regards the recent €5 million scam, will the NTMA advise, whether or not, it was the victim of 'The Nigerian general' scam, also known as 'Scam 419'. This involves a request for a small amount of money in order to free up a much larger amount. It's very sophisticated. – Yours, etc, BRIAN CULLEN, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Not so fresh thinking? Sir, – For some time you have been publishing an advertisement for The Irish Times delivery service. The advertisement carries the slogan 'Fresh thinking, delivered daily,' and depicts a newspaper delivered with two glass milk bottles. My problem is that I struggle to remember how long it is since I saw a morning delivery of milk in glass bottles. Fresh thinking needed perhaps? – Yours, etc, GORDON HENDERSON, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Lidl's 25 years in Ireland Sir, – In yet another Irish Times article featuring Lidl, 'Lidl in Ireland turns 25' July 14th, Conor Pope fails to mention the company's links to Israel. Two examples are worth noting. First, some Lupilu products are manufactured in Ashdod, Israel, which may be relevant in the context of Ireland's boycott of goods produced in the Occupied Territories. Second, Lidl's parent company, the Schwarz Group, acquired XM Cyber in 2021 – a cybersecurity firm founded by former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo (the 'XM' stands for 'ex-Mossad'). The group has since invested hundreds of millions into the company. Perhaps this is why, as Pope notes in point three of his article, 'the Schwarz family were not overly keen on publicity then and still aren't today.' – Yours, etc, RICHARD WILSON, Dublin 6. Sir, – I am wondering if the full page in Pricewatch on Lidl constitutes an advertisement for Lidl or a genuine information article. – Yours, etc, MARGARET McGrath, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny. Forgotten faux pas Sir, – Tánaiste Simon Harris chose to repeatedly castigate Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty in the Dáil this week over his error in saying that Supervalu was owned by an American company with a similar name. Has he forgotten that as minister for health in 2020 he said during a radio interview that there were 18 other coronaviruses before Covid-19, with no cure found for any of them? Perhaps he should remember the Biblical advice 'look not for the mote in your brother's eye, but the log in your own' . – Yours, etc, DONAL McGRATH, Co Wicklow. Sir, – It is disheartening to listen to Simon Harris slag Pearse Doherty off for mistakenly identifying the owners of SuperValu being an American multinational. Our health service is in disarray, our education system is underfunded, our children are emigrating, surely these are some, of the many, issues that actually matter! It really is a sad state of affairs that our Tánaiste, the same individual that believed that there were 18 Covids before Covid-19, can become so easily and gleefully immature by another TD's harmless error. – Yours, etc, JASON POWER, Galway. A letters let-off Sir, – Who lets the letters go forward to print? That's the person who decides the 'personality' of the Letters page. Over the years, you published 95 letters from my late friend Graeme Guthrie. They were all whimsical, clever, funny, punny, wry, observant, unexpected, and at times beautiful in their appreciation of nature. And they contributed hugely to the pleasure of reading the Letters page. I miss him. A little more of that irreverent humour might be appropriate in these somewhat grim times! – Yours, etc, TERRY PATTISON, Glenageary, Dublin.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PM: Malaysia to follow diplomatic process on Nick Adams' ambassadorship
PUTRAJAYA, July 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said it is premature to comment on the nomination of controversial Australian-American commentator Nick Adams as the next US ambassador to Malaysia. He said Malaysia would abide by existing diplomatic protocols when the time arrives. 'As for the matter concerning Nick Adams, we will follow due process. 'It is still too early, and of course, the government will give it due consideration while maintaining good relations between Malaysia and the United States,' he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Al-Istiqlal in Presint 14 here. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced on social media that he will nominate Adams to the role, after praising the latter as 'an incredible Patriot and very successful entrepreneur' whose devotion to America serves as an inspiration. MORE TO COME
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Taoiseach rejects US politicians' claims that Occupied Territories Bill is ‘diplomatic intoxication'
The Taoiseach has rejected a claim by the US ambassador to Israel that Ireland is suffering from 'diplomatic intoxication' in progressing something as 'stupid' as the Occupied Territories Bill. Mike Huckabee's comments came amid similar criticisms from a number of senior US politicians, who warned the Government that enacting the Occupied Territories Bill would be harmful for Ireland . The proposed Bill is expected to go before the Dáil in the autumn. The legislation would prohibit trading with companies operating in illegal settlements in the West Bank and other occupied territories. At least 10 members of Congress have shared their criticisms of the Bill on X (formerly Twitter) in what would appear to be a concerted campaign. READ MORE On Wednesday Mr Huckabee posted: 'Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness & propose something so stupid that it would be attributed to act of diplomatic intoxication? It will harm Arabs as much as Israelis. Sober up Ireland! Call @IsraelMFA & say you're sorry!' [ Government effort to ban occupied territories trade gets EU boost Opens in new window ] Responding, Mr Martin said: 'I reject the comments made by the ambassador. The situation is very serious in Gaza, including an appalling loss of human life. Terrible war crimes are being committed.' Mr Martin said there is 'continuing shocking behaviour' in the West Bank, including 'the freedom that's given to extreme settlers to destroy settlements and housing belonging to Palestinians who've been there on that land for generations'. There have been claims that US companies based in Ireland could be subject to fines and penalties if the Bill passes, as it could breach American laws that prohibit BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) activity against Israel. Mr Martin said BDS legislation could 'inadvertently' affect companies. 'We don't want companies that are based in Ireland and employing people punished in any shape or form. That would be counterproductive in terms of the objective being to leverage pressure on Israel, not on Ireland,' Mr Martin said. 'But we will consider that, and obviously we will take legal opinion on it.' But the Taoiseach added that the 'situation has moved on', with the European Union confirming member states should consider the legal opinion of the International Court of Justice in the context of member states' trade relationships with the occupied territories. 'To be fair to president Trump, he's a man who doesn't like war, and I would hope that he can exert pressure to bring about an end to the terrible and horrific killing in Gaza.' Lisa McClain, the chair of the House Republicans, said 'any legislation boycotting, divesting or sanctioning Israel would be a huge mistake for Ireland'. 'This type of extreme anti-Semitic hate is unacceptable and should be rejected.' Republican senator Lindsey Graham posted: 'I hope that Ireland will reconsider their efforts to economically isolate Israel [...] I do not believe these efforts would be well received in the United States and they certainly would not go unnoticed.' Senator Rick Scott, also a Republican, said: 'This foolish move not only wrongfully targets Israel & the Jewish Community, but also harms American businesses. They should think twice about the message they're sending by passing this Bill, which complicates our economic relationship & targets our ally.'
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny …' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and Islamic youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny…' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
