Good morning.
This morning’s front page is dominated by the big international stories about the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza.
From Ukraine, Dan McLaughlin reports on the call between US president Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and on fears in Ukraine that Trump will seek to get Ukraine to accede to Russia’s conditions for a ceasefire, which would see the country cut off from western aid – a development that would surely, sooner or later, mean the end of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
From Beiruit, Sally Hayden reports on Israel’s resumption of its attacks against Hamas targets in Gaza, with the fearful toll of civilian deaths that inevitably accompanies it.
Taoiseach ‘sniggered’ about housing in Oval Office in action of ‘obsequious coward’, claims Sinn Féin leader
Extremist right-wing groups growing international links, Irish risk assessment finds
David Hall considering potential run for president
Is Trump setting US foreign policy on an irreversible course?
At home, the Dáil is back after the St Patrick’s Day break last week, with the customary two-day week after Monday’s bank holiday (the Dáil usually starts on the Wednesday rather than a Tuesday on a bank holiday week). Expect Micheál Martin to be asked why he didn’t confront Donald Trump in the Oval Office last week. Expect the Taoiseach to be vigorous in his own defence, too.
Expect the Opposition to raise the continuing issue of speaking rights and the failure of the government to establish the Dáil committees. Micheál Martin, after all, was elected two months ago now.
There’s a Cabinet meeting this morning before the Dáil resumes in the afternoon. Harry McGee has the lowdown here.
Meanwhile, the Government is to establish a new National Security Council.
In Germany – probably the most significant thing to happen yesterday – the Bundestag approved the financing plan for a huge programme of rearmament.
And loads of chat around about Conor McGregor’s visit to the White House, too. Simon Harris and Paschal Donohoe added their voices to the chorus of “he doesn’t represent Ireland” from politicians since the visit was publicised on Monday, with Donohoe telling reporters yesterday that his “heart sank” when he saw it. Harris was more muscular in his denunciation: “He doesn’t represent our values; he is actually the opposite of all of the values we are proud about in Ireland,” he said. “He represents the very worst of toxic masculinity.”
There are good pieces from Keith Duggan and Clare Moriarty.
McGregor apparently fancies himself as a presidential candidate, though it’s very hard to see how he would get on the ballot paper. Senator Frances Black however, who tells Harry McGee that she is open to running for president, would be very likely to get on the ballot if she ran.
Best reads
A Leaving Cert oral English exam is on the way, reports education editor Carl O’Brien
Miriam Lord is underwhelmed by the excitement at the Web Summit court case
Climate change hasn’t gone away: Earth saw ‘spiralling weather and climate impacts’ in 2024, WMO report finds
Ireland faces significant loss of influence in Brussels with a wave of retirements, Jack Power reports
Why Big Pharma is annoyed with Ireland
Playbook
Cabinet this morning at Government Buildings and then the Dáil resumes at 2pm with Leaders’ Questions, followed by the Order of Business and Taoiseach’s Questions. There’s statements on the housing commission report, which is likely to see questions to the Government about the phantasmagoric predictions of 40,000 houses being completed last year – which turned to dust just after the election. Sinn Féin has a Private Members’ motion on the social housing tenant in situ scheme, which will keep the focus where Mary Lou and co want it to be – housing.
It’s a quieter day in the Seanad, at least until the Private Members’ Bill on scoliosis treatment, which seeks to make the HSE legally obliged to provide treatment for sufferers of the condition.
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