Official Ireland framing the Natasha O’Brien case as one of “sexism” is very “convenient”, says Ben Scallan, because it shifts responsibility away from politicians and onto the general public.
“I don’t think white privilege is a racist concept”: Irish Minister Joe O’Brien defends his government funding NGOs that discuss “white privilege” – the idea that all whites have an advantage in life due to their skin colour. He said that this is a “relevant concept” in Ireland.
Ben Scallan reflects on the time RTÉ contributed to derailing an entire presidential campaign with actual misinformation:
Today Ireland’s newly-appointed Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, mentioned “demographics” as a long-term “risk” to the Irish economy. Ben Scallan asks if his government has any plans to incentivise people to have more children to deal with the problem.
“I believe that activism is something that all children should be taught how to engage in” – Irish Green Party Minister Catherine Martin’s response when asked about a proposed climate activism module in Irish schools. Question by Ben Scallan.
Independent Senator Michael McDowell discusses the state of Irish politics, and responds to whether he would be hypothetically willing to lead an anti-establishment party.
Deputy Mattie McGrath says NGOs like An Taisce who are “a nuisance” that “blanket object” to farming projects are given “extra powers” in new planning laws saying amendments to same have been “guillotined”.
Minister for Justice tells Fatima Gunning that despite the state not defending increasing numbers of asylum refusal appeals, about 70% of refusals are upheld by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
Mattie McGrath TD claims that while much of the EU Migration Pact seems “lovely” and “looks good on paper”, Ireland doesn’t have “the manpower or resources” to implement the existing rules, and will end up “ceding our sovereignty” for no benefit.
Eamon Ryan hits out at the “narrative” that Green policies are “costing people” and that the party is out-of-touch. “Our motivation comes from a love of creation,” he said. He also complained that the party has been the subject of a “relentless attack” online.
As around 150 Ratoath locals gather to protest against a proposed asylum centre at Thornton Hall, local Councillor Gillian Toole says that people are concerned they’ll be forced to “compete” with new arrivals for access to GPs, A&E spaces and social housing.
John McGuirk on The Tonight Show: Many candidates who took anti-establishment positions on immigration topped the poll or were elected. To effect change they need to come together.