Taoiseach Simon Harris vocally criticised Israel for what he called “an extremely severe violation of international law”. His criticism came after the United Nations validated the claims that the Israel Defense Forces consciously targeted UN locations and peacekeepers in South Lebanon. Harris wasted no time in expressing his heightened concern to US President Joe Biden during their meeting in Washington. He emphasised that Unifil, along with the 50 nations who provide soldiers for the peacekeeping initiative in Lebanon, must forcibly challenge Israel’s actions.
In other news, it has been revealed that the government expended in excess of €900,000 on exterior advisors in two examinations relating to governance at RTÉ. The Northern Lights painted the Irish sky with shades of pink and green on Thursday night, a sight visible from numerous regions in the country.
A professor in general practice pointed out that children from underprivileged communities are over four times as susceptible to severe mental health problems compared to those from affluent backgrounds. The significant arrest of Sean McGovern, known to be connected with the Kinahans, in Dubai has been labelled as the most significant step forward in combating organised crime since the deficiencies of the Garda were aired in the wake of a surprise assault by the Hutch gang on the Regency Hotel, Dublin, back in 2016.
In terms of weather, Friday’s forecast predicts a chilly start with morning frost and fog expected to lift as the day progresses, leaving behind mostly dry conditions with sunny intervals. The weather will range between 9 and 12 degrees at its warmest. Skies will remain clear tonight, though scattered showers are expected near the western and northwestern coasts, potentially developing into prolonged rain spells by morning in the north and west. The lowest temperatures are forecasted to be between 2 and 5 degrees.
How may your holidays be impacted by the limit on passengers at Dublin Airport, and will this restriction be a permanent fixture? Last week saw Aer Lingus having something to celebrate as the airline enlisted country music sensation Nathan Carter to unveil their proposed new route from Dublin to Nashville, Tennessee for the coming summer season.
In sports news, Robbie Brady offered fans of Ireland another memorable evening in Helsinki. The sheer elation and disbelief was palpable among the fans as Brady celebrated their first competitive victory of 2024 with his supporters on the track.
Around the globe, no one seems to be able to irritate Donald Trump quite like Barack Obama. A recent appearance in a spacious Pittsburgh gym appeared to confirm the enduring appeal of the Democratic Party’s seemingly timeless beacon of freedom. Though now silver-haired, he was instantly recognisable as the young man with the unusual name who captivated the party with a convention speech two decades prior. Now, midway through his life, he continues to serve as a powerful symbol of American presidency for the current era.
Radio commentary from Pat Kenny has been stirring up concerns of a dystopian future for Dublin, following reports of increasing crime rates. The old saying ‘If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime’ carries wisdom, but it’s not universally applicable.
In podcast news, a ‘global forum’ initially set to attract billionaires was scaled down to a smaller event in Dublin, attended with muffins in hand.
Lastly, why not give one of our Crosswords & Puzzles a go?