John Bruton says he wears an extra large poppy to make up for his countrymen who refuse to wear one. pic.twitter.com/xXzUpiKBs9
— Dr Harold News (@DrHaroldNews) November 6, 2022
Tag: Republic of Ireland
SundayWorld.com: First case of death from ‘adverse effects’ of Covid-19 jab recorded in Ireland, CSO claims
First case of death from ‘adverse effects’ of Covid-19 jab recorded in Ireland, CSO claims https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/first-case-of-death-from-adverse-effects-of-covid-19-jab-recorded-in-ireland-cso-claims-41716554.html
Jeffrey Donaldson alleges that a Garda mole was involved in IRA and responsible for the murder of two RUC officers!
Irish passport ranked sixth strongest in the world – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan backtrack on controversial RIC/RUC and Black and Tans police commemoration
An Irish state commemoration to remember pre-partition police forces has been deferred by the Irish justice minister amid growing controversy.
The event was due to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police later this month.
But many opposition politicians vowed to boycott it, criticising the RIC’s conduct in the War of Independence and that of its armed auxiliary forces.
The minister is planning an alternative commemoration in the coming months.
The Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) were formed in the early 19th century when the whole island of Ireland was under British rule.
During the Irish War of Independence (1919-21), the IRA began targeting police officers and the British government bolstered RIC ranks by recruiting thousands of ex-soldiers, mainly from England.
‘Horrific record’
Those who joined the RIC special reserve were nicknamed the Black and Tans because of their distinctive uniforms, while a later group of more experienced soldiers were known as the Auxiliaries.
Both forces acquired a reputation for brutality by carrying out violent reprisals on civilians in the aftermath of IRA attacks.
Speaking about his decision to defer the event, Mr Flanagan said: “There were those in the RIC who committed atrocities.
“The horrific record of the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries is well known.
“But there were thousands of other officers who behaved with dignity and honour in serving their communities. And we should not seek to airbrush these people from our history.”
BBC – History – The Black and Tans
The commemoration was due to form part of the government’s ongoing Decade of Centenaries programme.
The programme marks significant events during a turbulent period in Irish history from 1912 to 1923, including the 1916 Easter Rising and Irish Civil War.
The decision to commemorate the RIC and DMP has proved the most controversial to date, with many politicians condemning the conduct of both the RIC and its auxiliary forces.
On Monday night, Dublin City councillors voted to boycott the Dublin Castle event with a motion that was passed by 38 votes to 10.
In his statement on Tuesday, the minister said he realised that his decision to defer the event would be “a cause of hurt and upset to many people”.
“As a government, we have at all times sought to have a national programme of commemorations that is authentic, sensitive and inclusive.” Mr Flanagan said.
“However, given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17th January, I do not believe that the event, as planned, can now take place in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme.
“Therefore, I am announcing its deferral.”
Mary Lou McDonald
✔@MaryLouMcDonald
People power defeats Fine Gael revisionism – deferral of their planned RIC commemoration only a step in the right direction. This event must be cancelled. #BlackandTans
“This was never going to be a eulogising of the black and tans, but rather a solemn and sombre event commemorating the tens of thousands of the members of the RIC and DMP.”
More than 500 police and police reservists were killed during the War of Independence and its aftermath.
The minister added that he still firmly believed the planned commemoration event was the “right thing to do”.
“As a next step, I will consult further with the expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration, with the all-party consultative group on commemoration and with other stakeholders, with a view to organising an event that is inclusive and fully respectful of all the traditions and memories on this island,” his statement said.
With many thanks to: BBC NewsNI for the original story
Follow these links to find out more: https://www.derryjournal.com/news/politics/more-than-40-000-people-sign-petition-demanding-leo-varadkar-cancel-royal-irish-constabulary-commemoration-1-9193411
Donegal: Three arrested in organised crime investigation
Gardaí (Irish police) have arrested three men as part of an international investigation into an organised crime group from Romania.
They also seized documents relating to suspected fraud in Northern Ireland.
Three Romanian men – aged 24, 25 and 31 – were arrested at a house in Letterkenny, County Donegal.
The PSNI and the European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol, were involved in the investigation.
In the raid on Tuesday morning, police seized a large amount of fraud paraphernalia including suspected cloned credit cards, bank account details, false Romanian identity documents, credit card machines, and suspected stolen Irish and UK passports.
Stolen driving licences were also seized, along with two cars bought on finance obtained on bank accounts opened in false names.
With many thanks to: BBCNI for the original story
Nancy Pelosi: US Speaker set for Brexit discussion on North of Ireland trip
US Government will block the UK for any trade-deal outside the EU if Ireland is not granted Special-Status North & South
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will visit Northern Ireland next week as part of a US Congressional delegation.
In a statement, her office said she will meet “senior government officials and local leaders” with discussions focusing, in part, on Brexit.
The delegation’s timetable also includes visits to Stuttgart, London, and Dublin.
Mrs Pelosi’s schedule in Northern Ireland has yet to be announced.
The remarkable comeback of America’s most powerful woman
She said part of the focus of the trip would be about expressing “America’s enduring commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for all who live [in the UK and Ireland]”.
“The United Kingdom and Ireland each have a deep and special bond with the United States,” she said
“Our distinguished delegation is travelling at a critical moment for two of our closest allies, and we look forward to high-level discussions about the path forward on our shared security and economic interests.”
It had previously been announced that Speaker Pelosi would address the Dáil [Irish parliament] on Wednesday to mark its 100th anniversary.
On the same day, the Congressional delegation will also meet Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal and Congressman Brendan Boyle are also part of the Congressional delegation.
With many thanks to: BBCNI for the original story.
Follow these links to find out more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-chlorinated-chicken-food-standards-agency-no-ban-imports-food-us-fsa-a7869561.html
Brexit: Ireland committed to protecting citizens’ rights in the North of Ireland
The Irish government has stressed its commitment to protecting the rights of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.
It follows social media concerns that a change in UK immigration rules could mean some lose rights after Brexit.
Under the Good Friday peace agreement, anyone born in Northern Ireland has the right to be British, Irish or both.
The issue of citizenship was raised the last time Theresa May was in Northern Ireland and she said she would pass the concerns to the Home Office.
‘No deal does not mean hard border’
Q&A: The Irish border Brexit backstop
Call for new UK-Irish treaty on Common Travel Area
On Wednesday, the issue was raised in the Seanad (Irish senate) by Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.
He said it was “crunch time” and called on the Irish government to give clarity after the speculation that a “tiered level of citizenship” could come into existence.
In response, Ireland’s European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee, said it was “vitally important” the citizenship and identity provisions of the Good Friday Agreement were upheld.
“We are fully aware of the concerns that have been raised here today and concerns from many that these statements raise for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland particularly, given so much of the uncertainty that surrounds Brexit at the moment,” she said.
Mrs McEntee said her government had “noted” there had been an update to the UK immigration rules “in order to give effect to the UK settled status schemes and the letter from the UK minister of state for immigration, Caroline Nokes”.
“It is important to be clear that these statements in no way change the position that the EU citizenship of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland continues in all circumstances,” she added.
“As EU citizens, they continue to enjoy the right to live and work throughout the EU and the right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of nationality.”
In a statement, the Home Office told the BBC that it respected identity rights, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
With many thanks to: BBCNI for the original story
Btexit: No government review into Irish citizens’ rights in the North of Ireland
It follows concerns that a change in UK immigration rules could mean the loss of some rights after Brexit.
Under the Good Friday Agreement, anyone born in Northern Ireland has the right to be British, Irish or both.
The issue of citizenship was raised the last time Theresa May was in Northern Ireland in February.
Rights of Irish citizens ‘to be protected’
‘No deal does not mean hard border’
Q&A: The Irish border Brexit backstop
Call for new UK-Irish treaty on Common Travel Area
Theresa May said she had asked the home secretary to review cases concerning NI-born Irish citizens who had difficulties bringing in family members.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Stuart McDonald raised the matter in a written question. to the House of Commons.
Mr McDonald asked about terms of reference and a time frame for the review to take place.
In response, Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, was considering it with the Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley – but there was no timescale for it.
She said Mrs May had asked them to “review the issues, not to conduct a formal review”.
“This work is ongoing, and as the prime minister has said, a solution which complies with the Belfast Agreement will be set out as soon as possible,” Ms Nokes added.
On Wednesday, the rights issue was raised in the Seanad (Irish senate) by Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.
He called on the Irish government to give clarity after speculation that a “tiered level of citizenship” could come into existence.
Ireland’s Europe Minister Helen McEntee responded saying the government is committed to protecting the rights of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.
‘Unwavering commitment’
Last year, the British government announced a settlement scheme to allow EU citizens to stay in the UK after Brexit.
It said people from the Republic of Ireland did not need to apply for settled status – but can do so if they wish.
But the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has previously expressed concerns that the Home Office could reject applications from NI-born Irish citizens, who would be applying in order to access EU citizen rights.
The Home Office said it has an “unwavering commitment” to upholding the Good Friday Agreement, including its provisions on citizenship and identity.
With many thanks to: BBCNI and Jayne McCormack Political Reporter for the original story
Dublin Airport ‘runaway parrot’ reunited with owner
A parrot that attempted to take off from the main runway at Dublin Airport has been reunited with its owner.
The African grey female named Hugo was spotted taxiing for flight by a firefighter who was carrying out a routine safety inspection on Sunday.
Eagle-eyed Craig Wade said when he saw the bird, it was “obvious that she was a pet”.
The breed is among the most intelligent animals to be kept as a pet and can live for up to 60 years.
Naughty parrot keeps buying unwanted gifts
What you didn’t know about parrots
“A live runway wasn’t a safe place for her so after some difficulty we eventually coaxed her into a makeshift carrier made from a cardboard box,” added Mr Wade.
The pretty polly was then taken to the airport’s fire brigade station
Dublin Airport
✔@DublinAirport
Our firefighter Craig Wade found this African grey parrot during a routine runway inspection earlier this week. She’s being given specialist care & is calm & doing well. We’d like to reunite her with her owner. Please RT to help us find them & DM us if she is yours.
Dublin Airport tweeted that it was looking for her owner.
It received calls from four people who claimed to own Hugo, each of whom was unable to provide the unique identification number engraved on a metal ring attached to the bird’s ankle.
Who’s a clever girl then?
But the mystery was soon resolved thanks to a little help from a German supermarket chain.
Lidl Ireland replied to Dublin Airport on Twitter, saying: “Guys this is going to sound unbelievable but there’s a ‘Missing Parrot’ poster in one of our stores.
“So we called the number to check and it’s his parrot!” it added.
Lidl Ireland
✔@lidl_ireland
Guys this is going to sound unbelievable but there’s a “Missing Parrot” poster in one of our stores, so we called the number to check and it’s his parrot! We’ll drop you a DM now
Lubomir Michna, who lives in Finglas in Dublin but is originally from Slovakia, was the mystery man behind the supermarket poster.
He said he could prove that the African grey – a breed best known for its ability to copy words – was his and he had taught it some Slovak sayings.
Mr Michna sent an audio recording, which was played Hugo and “she instantly reacted”, said Dan Donoher, who looked after the pet before the reunion.
Hugo had escaped through a door which had been mistakenly left open in Mr Michna’s house on Saturday.
Mr Donoher said there was “no doubt in my mind that Lubomir was her rightful owner”.
“As soon as the carrier opened, Hugo jumped onto Lubomir’s arm and cuddled into his neck,” he added.
“You could see they have a really close bond, it was lovely.”
With many thanks to: BBCNI for the original story
seachranaidhe1 
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