In an unforeseen move, Rishi Sunak, the UK’s PM, has formally triggered the preparations for the nation’s December general election earlier this week. The less than ideal setting was Downing Street amidst unwavering rain. This six-week-long journey will conclude with the country’s first election in July since 1945. Despite opinion polls suggesting an almost unassailable advantage for the Labour party, the prime minister faces the formidable challenge of orchestrating an unprecedented political rebound to hold his position.
With the election looming on July 5th, all attention is on the potential new resident of Downing Street. Over the weekend, London Correspondent Mark Paul will be detailing the ‘green army’ of Keir Starmer, which comprises of three strategists strongly affiliated to Ireland and are instrumental to Labour’s quest for power.
Mark speculates in his piece, “If Labour secures the election victory as is largely predicted, the ensuing UK government would be the most environmentally conscious in modern history, featuring prominent Irish influences peppered across its political ranks.” Over the next six weeks, Mark will track the campaign’s intriguing twists and turns while traversing the country. Concurrently, Belfast-based Freya McClements and Seanín Graham will be observing the contest for Northern Ireland’s 18 seats in Westminster.
Across the globe in Washington, Correspondent Keith Duggan is also enmeshed in election coverage as the race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump ticks up a notch. Despite his impending trial conclusion in New York, Trump still seems to be ahead in crucial swing states. Trump’s campaign got another morale boost this week with the announcement that Nikki Haley, his one-time opponent for the Republican nomination, will be casting her vote for him come November. Keith’s comprehensive reports will continue over the next six months, as he monitors the critical US election. In this week’s new weekly essay slot, Richard Ford, author of the award-winning Frank Bascombe novels among others, expresses his disinterest in the choice between “these old doozies”, Biden and Trump. “I fear Biden’s losing,” states Ford. “But I’d rejoice in being proven wrong. There are indicators, after all.”
Furthermore, a 1930’s Dublin house with a fusion of old and new design elements has been turned into a dream house.
Also, barbecue enthusiast Andy Noonan from the Big Grill Festival has some helpful tips and recipes to share.
If you reside in Ireland, you may have noticed that we are currently undergoing our own election campaign. With the local and European elections less than a fortnight away, comprehensive reporting on candidates, relevant issues, and the election’s overall status is available on our site this weekend. Among the myriad issues discussed is immigration. Revealed yesterday through our Crime and Security Correspondent, the gardaí are showing increasing apprehension that violent criminals are participating in anti-immigration protests. The fear grows especially in regards to the potential for detrimental attacks on candidates and those offering services to asylum seekers prior to the June 7th elections, as indicated by two security sources. There are other election-related articles worth reading, including Kathy Sheridan’s personal journey with three famous candidates, Joe Humphreys insightful examination of the psychology of election portraiture, and Pat Leahy’s strong opposition to Bertie Ahern’s contention that electing a mayor in Limerick is “stupid”.
The country’s most significant local issue, potentially spanning the decade, is housing. In the wake of the recently published Housing Commission report – a thorough criticism of State policy, Harry McGee explains the details, while Cliff Taylor criticises the Government’s apparent checkbox approach.
There are a couple of education-focused pieces that I would also recommend. Firstly, Carl O’Brien’s insightful interview with a major figure in Irish education who voices a lack of support for the Leaving Cert. Secondly, Mark Hennessy’s comprehensive exploration of two Belfast primary schools’ battles with the remnants of generational poverty and trauma.
In our global news section, do not miss Daniel McLaughlin’s intriguing account of a 20-year-old Irishman flying strike drones for Ukraine. Additionally, Derek Scally provides an introspective German view on the 75th anniversary of their Basic Law. Also in the past week, as Ireland confirmed its formal recognition of the state of Palestine, Jack Horgan-Jones provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes report of how this came to be.
We have extended our weekend perspective section, offering an array of engaging reads. I would suggest reading Clare Moriarty’s astute critique of Ireland’s inefficient childcare model. Moriarty contends, “Even the most avid supporters of a private childcare market will question its validity when there’s extremely limited choice, depriving parents of control.”
In another intriguing piece, Róisín Lanigan discusses the resurgence of Cicero and Marcus Aurelius in modern times, owing to the rekindled fascination with stoicism on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Rugby enthusiasts may grimace at the tale of Ross O’Carroll-Kelly’s initial tattoo experience, which veered off course. If you’ve got a keen interest in author meet-ups, exploring fresh music bands, or revelling in familiar ones, Ticket provides a thorough guide on the highlights of summer festivals and concerts.
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic
Chief Editor