There is a significant 48 hours ahead for some key roles in the political sphere. Rishi Sunak, the Conservative prime minister, and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer recently encountered each other during their final face-to-face debate before the general election taking place next week. Following a discussion on the hotly debated Westminster gambling scandal, one of these individuals, likely to be Starmer, is anticipated to soon be moving into 10 Downing Street.
In European politics, Ursula von der Leyen is readying herself to potentially secure a second term as European Commission president. This is contingent upon the support of European Council leaders, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, during a summit beginning today unless an unexpected event occurs.
Simon Harris carries with him the nomination of previous finance minister, Michael McGrath, as Ireland aspires to win the coveted economical portfolio in the Berlaymont building. Meanwhile, revelations regarding equine abattoirs are believed to have severely tarnished Ireland’s reputation.
In the US, president Joe Biden and ex-president Donald Trump, both elderly gentlemen, are preparing to go head-to-head in a debate. Their previous debate in 2020 had its share of flare-ups, with Biden at one point imploring Trump to ‘shut up.’
Returning to Ireland, Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil, at 33 years of age, has recently assumed the position of youngest Finance Minister since Michael Collins. There’s suspense within the Fianna Fáil party as anticipation builds amongst junior ministers and backbenchers concerning who will fill Chambers’ shoes in the ‘super-junior’ role at Cabinet, and the resulting open position for Ministers of State.
In the latest political news from Dublin, we are preparing for the initial face-off between Roderic O’Gorman and Pippa Hackett in the leadership battle for the Green Party tonight. The upcoming few days promise a mélange of dynamic political events.
For our top story today, our correspondents Connor Gallagher and Jennifer Bray reveal the anticipation of Defence Forces management to terminate the services of soldier Cathal Crotty by the start of the forthcoming week. Crotty was recently found guilty of assaulting a woman until she passed out in Limerick in 2022.
In a potential progress for the looming wage conflict, Aer Lingus is scheduled to convene a meeting with the pilots today. The dispute has led to the cancellation of as many as 270 flights, causing inconvenience to countless travellers. More on this by Barry O’Halloran.
As an initiative to increase the stock of teaching staff, newly certified educators will be eligible for an incentive of €2,000 next summer. This is valid provided they commit to a full-time teaching position for the forthcoming academic year. Carl O’Brien, our Education Editor, provides the details.
Hard at work in the Dáil today, we have Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin fielding Parliamentary Questions from 9am followed by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan at 10.30am. Leaders’ Questions beings at midday.
Statements on statutory home care will be the focus of Government Business from 2.04pm. Following this, TDs will have a chance to bring up Topical Issues at 4.31pm. The extensive Planning and Development Bill 2023, spanning over 700 pages, will proceed to its Second Stage in the Seanad from 3.45pm.
The Seanad Public Consultation Committee invites party leaders and representatives from Oireachtas groups to share their thoughts on the future of local democracy from 9am. At the same time, the Public Accounts Committee will host the Road Safety Authority. The complete schedules for the Dáil, Seanad, and Committees can be located here, here, and here.