Latest news with #Áras
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Letters: We need fewer strategies and greater clarity from government ministers
I believe the minister when he says he is 'building on what has already been achieved' – by previous government strategies, one imagines – 'strengthening implementation and identifying the action we need to take now and where we need to go next to prepare a clear pathway towards the fourth national strategy'. Clear, then. And the fourth national strategy already in sight. How about achieving this 'third' strategy before moving on? As for the flowery political-speak, would it not be much better to speak plainly and simply to the instigators, purveyors and perpetrators of DSGBV ('violence against your partner' could be substituted here), and say: 'We've got this, we will prosecute you, and we will ensure that the extreme level of this problem will be dealt with, also at an extreme level.' Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Opportunity squandered to pay tribute to Dr Lynn in name of new hospital As Minister for Health in 2018, now Tánaiste Simon Harris considered naming the new national children's hospital after a wealthy donor as a way of funding the project. Independent senator Victor Boyhan, along with many other voices, suggested naming it in memory of Dr Kathleen Lynn. Such a choice would have universal agreement. However, current Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has named the hospital the National Children's Hospital Ireland. We have been very fortunate with the calibre of citizens who, on the premise of volunteer participation, have given sterling service to assist the poor, the sick and the marginalised and are worthy of recognition by the State. Dr Lynn and her partner Madeleine ffrench-Mullen should surely have been considered. Dr Lynn set high standards of care for the less well-off and destitute children at a time when the nascent Free State could not cope. Tom Cooper, Templeogue, Dublin 6 Fine Gael's front-runners for presidency should be ashamed of their records The prospect of Mairead McGuinness or Seán Kelly, both Fine Gael MEPs, occupying Áras an Uachtaráin in 2025 fills me with dismay. In October 2019, they, along with Maria Walsh and Frances Fitzgerald, voted against a European Parliament resolution calling for enhanced search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The motion, defeated by just two votes, aimed to compel EU states to save lives at sea. Their votes were pivotal. The consequences were devastating for the many who have drowned since. No amount of Jesuitical rationalisation can justify their stance. Rather than seeking high office, they should hang their heads in shame. Eileen Seery, Gorey, Co Wexford We're blessed with many talented citizens, so why aren't they in Áras race? It is shocking to think we don't have a strong list of candidates champing at the bit to run for the Áras ('Timing is crucial as candidates for Áras are considered', June 26). Surely Michael D has inspired many with his outstanding presidency. We have wonderful, well-educated people – writers, artists, leaders – who could bring immense inspirational qualities to the office. I would ask them to stand up – we need new candidates. We certainly don't need tired politicians or celebrities who have run the course and had their say. The office is too important. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Cancer institute's award was very well deserved – I can't thank them enough Huge congratulations to all the staff at the Trinity St James's Cancer Institute (TSJCI) on receiving an award from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) recognising robust standards in cancer care. I am not surprised at the high standards of excellence this wonderful hospital has attained. When I was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2008 and needed a bone marrow transplant, I was sent to St James's Hospital for this life-saving procedure. Under Prof Elisabeth Vandenberghe and her wonderful team, I recovered after seven weeks. I cannot thank the caring professionals enough. From clerical to catering, security, administration, cleaners, carers and the staff at the nearby blood bank, I was always greeted with a warm smile and tenderness and the encouragement to continue to get back up on the horse. It all meant so much to my worried family and friends when they came to visit. Thank you all so much. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Capping judicial review is no solution to delays in infrastructure projects Recent commentary blames judicial review for delays in infrastructure and housing projects, prompting proposals to cap legal costs for successful applicants at €35,000. Judicial review exists not to frustrate policy, but to meet Ireland's obligations under the Aarhus Convention, which requires access to environmental justice to be 'fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive'. Given our expensive legal system, capping legal fees at €35,000 would effectively deny access to justice for many. Meanwhile, the State would remain free to spend unlimited sums on its own legal team. This imbalance undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and the principle of 'equality of arms' in legal proceedings. Instead of undermining this essential right, we should address the real issue: Ireland spends just 0.07pc of its GDP on its legal and judicial system – the lowest in Europe. Chronic underfunding, not judicial review, is the main cause of court delays. Tony Lowes, Friends of the Irish Environment, Eyeries, Co Cork Our fridge is still going strong after 30-odd years – can anyone beat that? Claire Byrne's radio programme last Tuesday discussed the lifespan of washing machines and fridges. We have a Hotpoint fridge-freezer in our garage, more than 30 years old and still working away. I judge the age on my being retired since 2010, and we had it for many years before that. Is this a record ? I must away now, to reverse a litre of milk out of the garage.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
RTÉ's Joe Duffy kicks off final Liveline show as callers include Taoiseach Micheal Martin
There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final show, including past callers and former colleagues. Taoiseach Micheal Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You gave the people a platform,' he said. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Learn more Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
The unsung hero of Liveline: Who is the man behind 'talk to Joe'?
After nearly three decades, Joe Duffy will be bidding farewell to the airwaves as he presents his final episode of Liveline. Since 1999, the country have tuned into Joe to listen to the qualms of the nation, ranging from good deeds of strangers to how 'it's a disgrace' ('it' changing regularly over the years). But, of course, something even more familiar than 'good afternoon to you' was a bass-filled, disembodied voice telling people to 'talk to Joe on 0818 715 815.' While some may have never realised who was the man behind the iconic intro, RTÉ have since released a video of the man behind the voice — well-known voice actor, Jonathan Ryan. @rtenews Joe Duffy will present RTÉ's 'Liveline' for the final time today. Listeners have been able to 'Talk to Joe' on air since 1999. Meet the man behind the voice, inviting the nation to tell their stories for nearly 30 years. Link in bio to read more 📲 #rtenews #liveline #talktojoe ♬ original sound – RTÉ News 'I've been doing radio and television commercials since 1980,' Jonathan told RTÉ in a video shared to their TikTok, before joking that the way he says 715 815 (you don't even have to imagine it — you already know the cadence) is his 'main thing.' 'I developed a particular way of saying that which would be very familiar to people,' Jonathan said. 'In the late 90s, Joe took over [Liveline] and I was brought in to say 'talk to Joe.' We would tweak it once a year, do a rerun of it once a year, with any little changes that were necessary.' Despite being the second regular voice on the show, Jonathan revealed that he's only ever met Joe once or twice in the past 30 years, however — but added that he was a natural for Liveline as he's 'very easy to talk to… I was delighted to be a part of that. People say 'was that you?' and I say 'yeah that's me.' I liked it very much.' Jonathan is an accomplished voice actor and actor — as well as being the original Bosco. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Believe it or not, Jonathan actually has a long list of credits on both stage and screen to his name — including as Gerry Adams in Omagh, Greg Hartnett in the Clinic and Bill Taylor in Fair City. However, many would recognise that he was also a presenter on Bosco; and even voiced the puppet himself in the original season. As for Joe, he's presenting his final episode of Liveline on Friday (June 27) and spoke about what he plans to do when he wraps up at 3pm — but ruled out going for the Presidency. Joe will hang up the mic at 3pm on Friday, June 27. Pic: RTÉ 'I can see the Áras from Claddagh Green, that's the closest I'll ever get to it,' he told Morning Ireland. 'I'm still a part of RTÉ effectively until Monday, so no. I won't lose the run of myself… there's some great names being mentioned so far.'
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Joe Duffy has his say on Áras bid rumours
Joe Duffy has teased what is next for him as he prepares for his final Liveline. Joe announced that he would be retiring from RTÉ after 27 years at the helm of Liveline last month, with his final show set to take place on Friday (June 27). Speaking to Morning Ireland ahead of his swan song on Friday, Joe teased what was next for him following his departure from the airwaves — including if he'd chance his arm at the upcoming Presidential election. Joe Duffy has teased what is next for him as he prepares for his final Liveline. Pic: RTÉ However, Joe ruled himself out, saying: 'I can see the Áras from Claddagh Green, that's the closest I'll ever get to it. 'I'm still a part of RTÉ effectively until Monday, so no. I won't lose the run of myself… there's some great names being mentioned so far.' As for what he'll (actually) do post-Liveline, Joe said that he's working on a new book about corporal punishment in Ireland, a topic that he covered extensively on his show. After 27 years answering the phones at RTÉ (his mum's words, not ours), Joe will be hanging up the mic on Friday afternoon. Pic: Mary Browne via RTÉ 'The stories are just horrific, beyond horrific, of corporal punishment, but even what went on in schools was horrific… it was abolished here in 1972 but it still went on. It was rampant in our schools.' Tributes have begun pouring in for Joe ahead of his final Liveline, with his former coworker Ryan Tubridy sharing a sweet pic of the pair in simpler times, as Tubs paid tribute to 'his old mucker.' 'My old mucker, the great Joe Duffy hangs up his current microphone today,' Ryan wrote on his Instagram story. 'Truly one of the greats and bold as brass with with it. Have a fun last show and we'll raise a glass later.' Ryan Tubridy shared a lovely pic of him and Joe to his Instagram story, bidding farewell to his 'old mucker.' Pic: Ryan Tubridy/Instagram Joe's final Liveline will take place at 1.45pm on RTÉ Radio One.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
RTÉ's Joe Duffy plays down rumours of presidential bid before hosting final Liveline show today
He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.'. Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of head shops in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Duffy added that he was threatened twice, once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for the Clontarf protest. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. The less I talk the better. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy admitted that he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. "'People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy.' And I do, I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people.' Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called into the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling Joe Duffy to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while Duffy teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I'm told I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories, sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories," he added. Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ originally as a radio producer in 1989, and came to prominence as a reporter on the legendary Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting some 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, for whom she regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
