Ex-Irish soldiers were found to breach the United Nations arms embargo by participating in the training of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar’s forces. Run by former members of the Army Rangers Wing and Defense Forces, the group named Irish Training Solutions started its operations in 2023. Departing and retired Irish soldiers were recruited and dispatched to Benghazi, under the control of Haftar. They committed to training Haftar’s self-proclaimed Libyan National Army’s 166 Infantry Brigade, an adversary of the UN-approved government in Tripoli. Travel records, footage, photographs, and multiple individual accounts corroborate this information.
Headlines around the UK
– Fine Gael’s junior ministers are contesting for an anticipated promotion to the Cabinet, following Simon Harris’s imminent reshuffle as the incoming taoiseach, triggered by Coveney’s exit.
– Dublin’s senior official has claimed an inadequacy of gardaí and exacerbated miscreants plaguing Dublin’s streets due to the Covid pandemic. Dublin City Council Chief Executive, Richard Shakespeare, reportedly expressed that An Garda Síochána lacks sufficient resources.
– According to a new report, a member of US President Joe Biden’s cabinet contended that Ireland modified its alcohol labelling regulations under American influence.
– Notwithstanding complications with the grant scheme, derelict properties in Tipperary are being restored. An increase in vacant property prices is reportedly due to the elevated grant payment.
International News Snippets
– A severe earthquake in Taiwan, the most potent in a quarter-century, has killed at least four individuals and injured 97 others. Significant seismic activity led to the issuance of tsunami warnings by mainland China, Japan, and the Philippines, as reported by Denis Staunton.
In an advice column written by Trish Murphy, a reader pours out his heart about the distress he’s been experiencing since his wife decided to leave the country and later confirmed she wouldn’t return. His emotions fluctuate between feeling normal and even upbeat about what’s to come, to feeling deep despair.
In other news, the controversial ’empty nesters’ issue strikes a chord once again with Kathy Sheridan, who shares her personal experience of parting with her home without any government assistance. In addition, prominent politician Michael McDowell argues about the obstacles to a unified Ireland, presented by Republicans with ill-considered attitudes towards Unionists and State recognition.
Meanwhile, immigration statistics reveal that Ireland is among the top 15 countries whose citizens managed to secure a skilled visa in Australia last year. This visa type is particularly popular among those wanting to chase their career goals, or for those wishing to start a family, and who have exceeded the age limit for the working holiday visa.
The world of sport is abuzz as Philip Reid discusses burgeoning golf talent Leona Maguire. This Cavan golfer is quietly making her own strides in the sport, while global attention is gripped by the formidable Nelly Korda. Leona’s ambitions aren’t small, as she aims to build on her career achievements, including LPGA Tour wins and Solheim Cups, with more victories.
Turning to culture and lifestyle, Laura Dowling, also known as the Fabulous Pharmacist, is opening up conversations about women’s health. Dowling is hosting the event Viva la Vulva at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on May 5th. The event aims to tackle topics often considered taboo, bringing empowerment, education, and laughter to discussions around women’s health and sexuality.
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