The latest opinion poll has revealed a decrease in support for Sinn Féin, whilst Fine Gael has seen a recovery, bringing both parties into an equal position for the first time since 2021. This marks a significant change, showing a shift in voter preferences.
Meanwhile, the backing for the Independents, as well as Fianna Fáil and the majority of smaller parties, has remained consistent since the previous poll in February. Speaking on possible government coalitions, a third of respondents expressed their preference for the continuation of the current Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green alliance. A Sinn Féin-led government, excluding both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, was the choice for one-fifth of the surveyed individuals.
In other news, Daniel Kinahan has been instructed by Dubai courts to pay a hefty sum of €2.5m to a previous business associate following a business venture that turned out unsuccessful in 2021 according to legal documentation.
Additionally, the implications of new rules applying to e-scooter usage set to roll out on Monday have been unveiled, marking the first time adults can legally operate these vehicles on roads.
The Environmental Protection Agency has warned of the implications of heavy rainfall during the summer season, causing additional stress to Irish beaches and potentially leading to more closures to safeguard public health.
Lastly, prospective legislation introduced to the US House of Representatives could see Ireland receiving 5,000 US visas if the bill is approved.
In international news, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico’s condition is reportedly ‘extremely serious’ after an apparent assassination attempt which saw him shot multiple times. His situation has elicited shock and condemnation from around the globe.
Eurovision witnessed an unusual mix of outmoded operating systems and kitschy Europop – my setup is still on the mend following the significant hazard of potential, let’s be modest, hardware exposure by the Finnish Eurovision closing act.
Opinion
– Newton Emerson’s viewpoint: Northern Ireland presently serves as a ‘refuge city’ within the UK and might eventually evolve into one in Europe.
– Finn McRedmond’s observation: It was inappropriate for Bambie Thug to speak on behalf of Ireland.
Business
– IBM to establish 800 employments in Dublin, Cork and Waterford throughout the upcoming three years: IBM publicised its intentions to establish 800 employments in the forthcoming three years in Ireland with an aim to back up the creation of fresh software products, based on its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.
Sports
– Words from Ciarán Murphy: There’s a call for an increased number of games on GAAGo – not a decrease: Remember that remark about the Velvet Underground – that merely 10,000 individuals purchased their debut album, but each of those 10,000 individuals started a band?
TV & Radio
– Doctor Who’s Alien Infants undoubtedly attended an Educate Together institution: In the premier episode of the updated Doctor Who (Saturday, BBC One and Disney+), the Doctor along with his mate end up on a spooky ancient space station and find themselves rapidly encircled by an assembly of eerie, wheelie, oddly vocal alien beings.