IRELAND

Ireland is poised to join a collaborative alliance of European nations focused on sharing intelligence regarding potential threats within EU waters. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has granted permission for the Defence Forces to officially participate in the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). This move aims to enhance the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities. CISE is a voluntary and decentralized network designed for sharing maritime surveillance information among EU and EEA countries…

The US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, recently reignited controversy by labeling Ireland as his preferred "tax scam." This remark was made during an appearance on the business and technology podcast, All-In, where he passionately stated, "We're going to try and fix a whole bunch of these tax scams. Ireland is my favourite." Lutnick went on to express concerns about the significant presence of US multinational corporations in Ireland, particularly in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. He claimed, "They have…

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been recognized as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. This achievement is often attributed to the nation's picturesque lakes and robust welfare system, which significantly enhance the overall mood of its citizens. Moving forward in the rankings, Ireland has climbed to 15th place, up from 17th in 2023, demonstrating an upward trend in its citizens' happiness. Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to hold the unfortunate title of the unhappiest…

The Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, recently expressed that Ireland stands to benefit significantly if the United Kingdom successfully negotiates an advantageous economic deal with the United States. He pointed out that while it’s still "early days" in the discussions about such a deal, he firmly believes that any enhancement to the UK economy would have a positive ripple effect on Ireland. During a press conference, Mr. Martin was queried about Ireland's potential role in the UK-US negotiation process, especially…

Trump is a 'Great Friend of Ireland', Says Taoiseach In a recent statement, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar expressed his thoughts on former President Donald Trump's relationship with Ireland, calling him a “great friend”. The warmth in Varadkar's words echoes a sentiment shared by many who recognize Trump's longstanding ties to the Emerald Isle. “It’s important to remember that leaders come and go, but friendships can last a lifetime,” Varadkar remarked, highlighting the significant cultural…

Evaluating the EU's Response to Trump's "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" As the dust settles on President Donald Trump's announcement regarding the "fair and reciprocal plan" for tariffs, one must ponder: How concerned should Ireland and its European allies truly be? The rhetoric wielded by the president appeared to target multiple sectors linked to Ireland—ranging from the pharmaceutical giants to tech behemoths like Apple, not to mention various agricultural goods and the infamous EU Value Added Tax (VAT). His remarks echoed…

The recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has drawn a wave of condemnation from Ireland, joining a coalition of 78 nations in expressing their disapproval. This collective response signals an alarming trend concerning the respect for international law and the enforcement of accountability for severe crimes. Tánaiste Simon Harris has openly articulated his distress over this sudden and impactful measure. Reports indicate that he is advocating for a unified…

January 2025 marked a notable milestone in climate history, being hailed as the warmest January ever recorded globally. This revelation comes from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, who indicated the month was 0.79 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. While the global landscape seethed with uncharacteristic warmth, Ireland chose to take a different path. Data from Met Éireann revealed that, in contrast to the worldwide trend, Ireland experienced a cooler January, registering 0.45 degrees Celsius below the recent…

According to a fresh analysis unveiled during the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the international standing of Ireland in terms of climate performance has seen a marked improvement over the last year. This comprehensive study evaluated 63 nations, representing a staggering 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With a hefty leap of 14 spots, Ireland now sits in 29th place, marking its highest ranking to date. This achievement indicates that, for the first time, the Republic has now reached the status of a…

Soccer Showdown - Nations League - Group Stage – England vs. Republic of Ireland - Wembley Stadium, London, UK – November 17, 2024: England’s Harry Kane aims for the net REUTERS/Dylan Martinez Purchase Licensing Rights In an enthralling display at Wembley, England blazed their way back to the Nations League top tier, thrashing a 10-member Irish squad 5-0. This served as a fitting finale for the interim manager, Lee Carsley, as he bids his squad adieu on a high note. The match began sluggishly, but once the second half…