“Donald Trump, gracing a gathering in Milwaukee, reminisced about an unsuccessful assassination attempt, remarking, ‘I’m not technically meant to be here.’ He made his much-anticipated return to the Republican fold around 9.30pm on Thursday, with a surprising dual introduction by obstreperous musician Kid Rock and Ultimate Fighting Championship tycoon, Dana White. The precursory ceremonies that earlier filled the week in Milwaukee merely served as the build-up to Trump’s triumphant re-entry to the political landscape, a man who had outlived an attempt on his life. Keith Duggan reports that the unexpected and startling course of the last week had transformed the erstwhile love toward Trump into an unprecedented sentiment.
Ireland’s Headlines
– The Irish administration expects to butt heads with the newly re-elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the proposed recommendation of Michael McGrath as Ireland’s forthcoming EU Commissioner.
– Bus and rail personnel have forewarned the government that the consistent criminal behaviour and unruliness on public transport has breached critical distress levels, the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) states.
– Collection of the television licence fee will not be within Revenue Commissioners’ purview. Instead, a renewed agreement set in motion this week entails provisions for an increased, multi-year financial support directly from the exchequer to RTÉ.
– Following a demonstration in favour of refugees in Portobello, numerous barricades erected along South Dublin’s Grand Canal were dismantled.
– The meteorological scenario for much of the nation on Friday is rather mixed, with alternating shades of clouds and occasional sunlit moments. Nevertheless, the later part of the day will see an increase in cloud cover across Connacht, west Munster and west Ulster, coupled with sporadic rainfall from the Atlantic. The mercury is set to soar between 17 to 22 degrees. Tonight will see widespread rainfall, occasionally turning intense, and humid conditions, with temperatures hovering around 12 to 15 degrees.”
In the Athletics domain, a sense of anticipation and nervous energy is palpable as the Olympics draw nearer. The period of time preceding the actual games can be a time of uncertainty for some athletes, their events seemingly close yet still somewhat far, as noted by Sonia O’Sullivan. She also recommends a podcast that shares untold Olympic anecdotes from Ireland.
Turning to Opinion, Justine McCarthy discusses the worrying potential brain drain in the Dáil due to Ireland’s precarious situation. Gerard Howlin emphasises the fairness of inheritance tax as a minimal return for substantial gains.
The Big Read highlights a contentious court case involving Irish leasing companies seeking billions in compensation for planes trapped in Russia due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The court witnessed a bleak assessment of the Ukraine situation by a former British army chief of staff, amidst a refusal from insurers to pay the compensation claims for the lost aircraft.
In Sports, a recent Ipsos survey reveals that the gender factor plays a role in the sports categories Irish spectators are drawn to in the forthcoming Olympics. Irish women show a preference for swimming and gymnastics, while Irish men favour rugby sevens, boxing, and football.
Lastly, the Radio Review mentions an episode of The Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk). The presenter maintains his composure during an unexpected incident involving a reporter on his show getting sprayed with pepper, whilst the summer heat has been noticeably mild elsewhere.