Cónal Thomas
@conalthomas90.bsky.social
📤 1783
📥 118
📝 76
Political Correspondent, Irish Independent & Sunday Independent. Reach me -
[email protected]
Micheál Martin dodges Oval Office landmines as Donald Trump rifles off Iran war grievances-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...
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Cónal Thomas: Micheál Martin dodges Oval Office landmines as Donald Trump rifles off Iran war grievances
Almost 40 minutes on the button, and just six of those were from the Taoiseach.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/conal-thomas-micheal-martin-dodges-oval-office-landmines-as-donald-trump-rifles-off-iran-war-grievances/a375141488.html
10 days ago
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Special Indo Politics pod this evening on that Oval meeting. Run the gamut on this one, from reaction back home to a US President with his back against the wall.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljch...
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Taoiseach pulls off impossible feat of avoiding confrontation with Donald Trump | Indo Politics
YouTube video by Irish Independent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljchhedoGWY
10 days ago
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World Bank rules block Paschal Donohoe from helping Fine Gael in by-election to fill old Dublin Central seat-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/w...
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World Bank rules block Paschal Donohoe from helping Fine Gael in by-election to fill old Dublin Central seat
Paschal Donohoe will be a no-show for the Fine Gael campaign to retain his seat in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving his old party without the former finance minister to lean on as it battles to...
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/world-bank-rules-block-paschal-donohoe-from-helping-fine-gael-in-by-election-to-fill-old-dublin-central-seat/a1955586450.html
11 days ago
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Michael Lowry, no energy relief, and a past its prime US trip? A lot of ground covered on Indo Politics for a quiet political week.⬇️
youtube.com/watch?v=XwF_0zLxtkc&vl=en-IE
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St Patrick's Day trips. Oil crisis. Michael Lowry | Indo Politics
YouTube video by Irish Independent
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XwF_0zLxtkc&vl=en-IE
14 days ago
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Today's lead story, details of Government plans on migration as it plots a ten-year strategy overhaul-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/n...
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New immigration strategy ‘must benefit Irish people’, ministers told
Migration into the country must be to the benefit of Irish people, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has privately told Government ministers.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/new-immigration-strategy-must-benefit-irish-people-ministers-told/a187861964.html
15 days ago
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Former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan nominated by Government as Ireland’s candidate for senior UN job-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/p...
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Former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan nominated by Government as Ireland’s candidate for senior UN job
Former EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan, has been nominated as Ireland’s candidate to be the next Director-General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/former-eu-commissioner-phil-hogan-nominated-by-government-as-irelands-candidate-for-senior-un-job/a30252613.html
24 days ago
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‘My dad never mentioned his past to me’: Soc Dem candidate on facing his late father’s associate Gerry Hutch in Dublin by-election-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/m...
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‘My dad never mentioned his past to me’: Soc Dem candidate on facing his late father’s associate Gerry Hutch in Dublin by-election
Daniel Ennis was warned by his mother that the newspapers would run stories about his father after he died in 2016.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/my-dad-never-mentioned-his-past-to-me-soc-dem-candidate-on-facing-his-late-fathers-associate-gerry-hutch-in-dublin-by-election/a886680327.html
about 1 month ago
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Fresh MetroLink row erupts after €30m property deal revealed by director Seán Sweeney-
www.independent.ie/irish-news/f...
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Fresh MetroLink row erupts after €30m property deal revealed by director Seán Sweeney
A fresh row has broken out between the residents of Dublin’s Dartmouth Square and Transport Infrastructure Ireland following comments made on national radio by the MetroLink director.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fresh-metrolink-row-erupts-after-30m-property-deal-revealed-by-director-sean-sweeney/a1466686363.html
about 2 months ago
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Minister’s rebuke to Ryanair boss over MetroLink: ‘Has O’Leary even read the business case?’
www.businesspost.ie/politics/min...
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Minister’s rebuke to Ryanair boss over MetroLink: ‘Has O’Leary even read the business case?’
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/ministers-rebuke-to-ryanair-boss-over-metrolink-has-oleary-even-read-the-business-case/
8 months ago
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It’s the coalition’s first stab at future investment - and billions are at stake.
www.businesspost.ie/politics/con...
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Cónal Thomas: It’s the coalition’s first stab at future investment - and billions are at stake
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/conal-thomas-its-the-coalitions-first-stab-at-future-investment-and-billions-are-at-stake/
8 months ago
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Piece on the fallout from the McDonagh debacle after we first broke the story of his (botched) appointment
www.businesspost.ie/article/as-i...
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As it happened: Brendan McDonagh housing czar debacle a shambolic defeat for Fianna Fáil
Botched appointment of Nama boss marks first bust-up between two government parties
https://www.businesspost.ie/article/as-it-happened-brendan-mcdonagh-housing-czar-debacle-a-shambolic-defeat-for-fianna-fail/
11 months ago
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Thoughts one week on since we broke the story of the Brendan McDonagh appointment.⬇️
www.businesspost.ie/politics/the...
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The questions remaining over Nama boss’s housing office appointment - and what comes next
Political capital is being expended to put Brendan McDonagh in the new role, and the opposition is not letting up
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/the-questions-remaining-over-nama-bosss-housing-office-appointment-and-what-comes-next/
11 months ago
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Exclusive: James Browne to appoint key Nama executive as new housing ‘fixer-in-chief’
www.businesspost.ie/politics/exc...
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Exclusive: James Browne to appoint key Nama executive as new housing ‘fixer-in-chief’
McDonagh expected to take up new, full-time role in the coming months
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/exclusive-james-browne-to-appoint-key-nama-executive-as-new-housing-fixer-in-chief/
11 months ago
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Ireland wants 'closest possible' EU-UK relationship, Harris tells ministers, as Trump threatens pharma-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/ire...
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Ireland wants ‘closest possible’ EU-UK relationship, Harris tells ministers, as Trump threatens pharma
US president again threatened tariffs on pharmaceuticals and has specifically namechecked Ireland
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/ireland-wants-closest-possible-eu-uk-relationship-harris-tells-ministers-as-trump-threatens-phar/
12 months ago
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Peter Burke says 'unsustainable' minimum wage hikes out of kilter - as living wage kicked to touch-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/pet...
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Peter Burke says ‘unsustainable’ minimum wage hikes out of kilter - as living wage kicked to touch
The Fine Gael enterprise minister defended recent shift in government policy
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/peter-burke-says-unsustainable-minimum-wage-hikes-out-of-kilter-as-living-wage-kicked-to-touch/
12 months ago
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Analysis: Government takes a bazooka to Varadkar-era enterprise policy-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/ana...
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Analysis: Government takes a bazooka to Varadkar-era enterprise policy
Faced with a domestic business cost reckoning and a global trade war, the new coalition has switched course
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/analysis-government-takes-a-bazooka-to-varadkar-era-enterprise-policy/
12 months ago
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Pivot from 'unsustainable' housing subsidies to infrastructure spend, top civil servant says-
www.businesspost.ie/news/state-m...
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Pivot from ‘unsustainable’ housing subsidies to infrastructure spend, top civil servant says
Speaking at the Irish Home Builders Association Housebuilding Summit, David Maloney said that the priority had to be the delivery of water, energy and transport projects
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/state-must-pivot-from-unsustainable-housing-subsidies-to-infrastructure-spend-top-civil-servant-s/
12 months ago
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We're hearing a lot of talk from the government about the so-called "controllables" of competitiveness, here's what that actually means-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/boo...
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Boosting Ireland’s competitiveness in the face of Trump’s trade war - here’s what that actually means
Ministers are facing inwards as US president upends global rules-based order
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/boosting-irelands-competitiveness-in-the-face-of-trumps-trade-war-heres-what-that-actually-mean/
12 months ago
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'No justification' for Trump’s sweeping tariffs which put jobs on both sides 'at risk'-
www.businesspost.ie/news/taoisea...
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin: ‘No justification’ for Trump’s sweeping tariffs which put jobs on both sides ‘at risk’
The US president finally announced his raft of economic penalties for what he claimed would now be “a golden age for America.”
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/taoiseach-micheal-martin-no-justification-for-trumps-sweeping-tariffs-which-put-jobs-on-both-sid/
12 months ago
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Government quietly building coalition of European partners as Trump's tariff threat looms-
www.businesspost.ie/article/gove...
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Government quietly building coalition of European partners as Trump’s tariff threat looms
Simon Harris is in a whirlwind of meetings with countries most impacted by threat to pharmaceuticals
https://www.businesspost.ie/article/government-quietly-building-coalition-of-european-partners-as-trumps-tariff-threat-looms/
12 months ago
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Taoiseach warns of ‘grave and serious’ threat ahead of Trump tariffs as government ramps up engagement-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/tao...
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Taoiseach warns of ‘grave and serious’ threat ahead of Trump tariffs as government ramps up engagement
Series of meetings taking place at highest level ahead of April 2
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/taoiseach-warns-of-grave-and-serious-threat-ahead-of-trump-tariffs-as-government-ramps-up-engageme/
12 months ago
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Marine Le Pen given election ban as she is convicted of embezzlement by Paris court-
www.businesspost.ie/news/update-...
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Update: Marine Le Pen given election ban as she is convicted of embezzlement by Paris court
Le Pen had denied any wrongdoing and said the prosecution is seeking her political death
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/update-marine-le-pen-given-election-ban-as-she-is-convicted-of-embezzlement-by-paris-court/
12 months ago
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Our latest Business Post/Red C poll and Fine Gael has slumped to its lowest level of support, now five points behind Fianna Fáil.
www.businesspost.ie/news/red-c-p...
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Red C Poll: Fine Gael slumps to lowest level of support with party five points behind Fianna Fáil
Latest Business Post/Red C poll comes as government gears up for trade war with the United States
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/red-c-poll-fine-gael-slumps-to-lowest-level-of-support-with-party-five-points-behind-fianna-fail/
12 months ago
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I would guess not the best timing for the government facing into next week. IMF officials in Dublin to score economic and tax policy as government gears up for US trade war-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/imf...
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IMF officials in Dublin to score economic and tax policy as government gears up for US trade war
Officials from powerful agency will meet finance ministers and the Central Bank governor
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/imf-officials-in-dublin-to-score-economic-and-tax-policy-as-government-gears-up-for-us-trade-war/
12 months ago
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Michigan governor told growing uncertainty over Trump trade war hurting investment from Ireland-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/mic...
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Michigan governor told growing uncertainty over Trump trade war hurting investment from Ireland
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer held meeting with Peter Burke on Thursday as tariff threats loom
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/michigan-governor-told-growing-uncertainty-over-trump-trade-war-hurting-investment-from-ireland/
about 1 year ago
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"I know a lot of the pharma companies and life sciences companies in operation in Ireland are doing this right into the heart of the US Treasury," Peter Burke tells the Business Post.
www.businesspost.ie/politics/ent...
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Enterprise minister pushes back against Trump ‘Liberation Day’ language as trade war snowballs
Peter Burke says Ireland and EU must emphasise key facts to US administration
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/enterprise-minister-pushes-back-against-trump-liberation-day-language-as-trade-war-snowballs/
about 1 year ago
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Micheál Martin says state in 'close contact' with multinationals over tariffs-
www.businesspost.ie/news/irish-p...
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Irish pharma at risk: Micheál Martin says state in ‘close contact’ with multinationals over tariffs
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he and his money ministers have been gaming scenarios with firms as the EU braces for tariffs of 20 per cent
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/irish-pharma-at-risk-micheal-martin-says-state-in-close-contact-with-multinationals-over-tariffs/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Cónal Thomas
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
American war planning usually takes place in highly secure facilities. But the Trump administration planned its strikes on the Houthis using a group chat—and accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor in chief,
@jeffreygoldberg.bsky.social
.
theatln.tc/AmsjsuT6
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Opposition slams government’s 'bull' housing targets as Martin clashes with McDonald over Trump snub-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/opp...
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Opposition slams government’s ‘bull’ housing targets as Martin clashes with McDonald over Trump snub
Taoiseach and Sinn Féin leader clash over interaction with Donald Trump on housing during recent Oval Office visit
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/opposition-slams-governments-bull-housing-targets-as-martin-clashes-with-mcdonald-over-trump-snub/
about 1 year ago
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New security council approved by government as EU sets out 'once in a generation' defence investment-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/new...
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New security council approved by government as EU sets out ‘once in a generation’ defence investment
Taoiseach Micheál Martin to chair new group set to meet in coming weeks
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/new-security-council-approved-by-government-as-eu-sets-out-once-in-a-generation-defence-investment/
about 1 year ago
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Latest from DC- Michael McGrath lands in Washington DC after EU unleashes retaliatory tariffs against US
www.businesspost.ie/politics/mic...
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Michael McGrath lands in Washington DC after EU unleashes retaliatory tariffs against US
European justice commissioner to hold series of meetings in US capital this week
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/michael-mcgrath-lands-in-washington-dc-after-eu-unleashes-retaliatory-tariffs-against-us/
about 1 year ago
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Micheál Martin heaps praise on 'peacemaker' Trump ahead of White House meeting-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/mic...
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Micheál Martin heaps praise on ‘peacemaker’ Trump ahead of White House meeting
Taoiseach to meet US president at White House on Wednesday
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/micheal-martin-heaps-praise-on-peacemaker-trump-ahead-of-white-house-meeting/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Cónal Thomas
Mark Little
about 1 year ago
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
www.politico.eu/article/volo...
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‘Free world needs a new leader’: Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack
France, Germany and Poland all make prompt declarations of support, as Europe fears Trump’s alignment with Putin.
https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-jd-vance-oval-office-white-house-us-ukraine-war-russia/
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Revealed: Stark warnings to Darragh O’Brien on gas supply, electricity prices, data centres-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/rev...
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Revealed: Stark warnings to Darragh O’Brien on gas supply, electricity prices, data centres
Climate minister told of ‘major risks’ to energy transition
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/revealed-stark-warnings-to-darragh-obrien-on-gas-supply-electricity-prices-data-centres/
about 1 year ago
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Simon Coveney establishes consultancy firm following exit from politics-
www.businesspost.ie/news/simon-c...
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Simon Coveney establishes consultancy firm following exit from politics
The former minister who held several key portfolios while in government is also in line for a further directorship appointment in the coming months
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/simon-coveney-establishes-consultancy-firm-following-exit-from-politics/
about 1 year ago
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Plans to undo Ireland’s ‘triple lock’ on the deployment of defence force peacekeepers will be brought to cabinet next month by Simon Harris, the tánaiste and minister for defence.
www.businesspost.ie/politics/law...
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Law to axe Ireland’s ‘triple lock’ to go to cabinet
Tánaiste pledges no change to Ireland’s military neutrality but wants more control over deploying troops on peacekeeping missions
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/law-to-axe-irelands-triple-lock-to-go-to-cabinet/
about 1 year ago
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Red C poll: Micheál Martin cuts an isolated figure as coalition’s opening act falls flat-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/red...
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Red C poll: Micheál Martin cuts an isolated figure as coalition’s opening act falls flat
Findings of most recent Business Post/Red C poll show slip in support for Fianna Fáil as domestic and global challenges mount
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/red-c-poll-micheal-martin-cuts-an-isolated-figure-as-coalitions-opening-act-falls-flat/
about 1 year ago
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A quarter of Fianna Fáil voters would not have supported the party if they knew that the level of housebuilding last year had collapsed at the time of the election, a new Business Post/Red C poll reveals.
www.businesspost.ie/politics/pol...
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Poll shock: Quarter of Fianna Fáil voters switch over missed housing target
Findings will come as a blow to Micheál Martin in the early days of the new coalition
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/poll-shock-quarter-of-fianna-fail-voters-switch-over-missed-housing-target/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Cónal Thomas
POLITICO Europe
about 1 year ago
🚨 BREAKING: Friedrich Merz’s conservative alliance has won Germany’s national parliamentary election, according to exit polls, as the far-right recorded its highest ever showing.
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Merz’s conservatives win German election, according to exit poll
Far right comes second, getting best result in a postwar national vote in Germany, sending shock waves across Europe.
https://www.politico.eu/article/german-election-results-2025-friedrich-merz-cdu-conservative-party-win-exit-poll/
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Darragh O’Brien denies 'secret deal' with the Healy-Raes as he defends energy policy shift-
www.businesspost.ie/article/darr...
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Darragh O’Brien denies ‘secret deal’ with the Healy-Raes as he defends energy policy shift
It comes as the coalition scrapped plans for a state-led LNG terminal
https://www.businesspost.ie/article/darragh-obrien-denies-secret-deal-with-the-healy-raes-as-he-defends-energy-policy-shift/
about 1 year ago
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Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf has warned of the "pronounced" risks to the exchequer from Ireland's overreliance on corporation tax receipts as the global economic outlook darkens.
www.businesspost.ie/news/central...
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Central Bank’s Gabriel Makhlouf warns Paschal Donohoe of ‘pronounced’ tax and infrastructure risks
The Central Bank governor warned of the risks of relying too heavily on corporation tax receipts which accounted for 25 per cent of revenue in 2024
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/central-banks-gabriel-makhlouf-warns-paschal-donohoe-of-pronounced-tax-and-infrastructure-risks/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Cónal Thomas
POLITICO Europe
about 1 year ago
COMMENTARY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tested a variety of tactics to try and manage US President Donald Trump, from flattering him to offering a favorable deal on Ukraine’s critical minerals. But nothing seems to be working.
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Ukrainian hopes fading as Trump and Putin embrace
Zelenskyy has tested a variety of tactics to try and manage the U.S. president — but nothing seems to be working.
https://ow.ly/Q1zM50V2Ya5
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New IDA Ireland strategy calls for 1,000-acre industrial sites to attract foreign investment-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/new...
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New IDA Ireland strategy calls for 1,000-acre industrial sites to attract foreign investment
The government has moved to give the agency more powers by allowing it to set up designated activity companies to develop industrial and commercial property
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/new-ida-ireland-strategy-calls-for-1000-acre-industrial-sites-to-attract-foreign-investment/
about 1 year ago
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Ireland would consider sending peacekeepers to Ukraine if a secure, United Nations-backed ceasefire with Russia is agreed-
www.businesspost.ie/news/micheal...
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Micheál Martin: Ireland open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine if lasting ceasefire agreed
The taoiseach is understood to have made the offer during a second emergency summit of EU leaders over video call on Wednesday
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/micheal-martin-ireland-open-to-sending-peacekeepers-to-ukraine-if-lasting-ceasefire-agreed/
about 1 year ago
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'All options should be on the table' including developer tax breaks, housing minister says-
www.businesspost.ie/politics/all...
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‘All options should be on the table’ including developer tax breaks, housing minister says
Idea of Celtic Tiger-era tax breaks roundly rejected by Paschal Donohoe
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/all-options-should-be-on-the-table-including-developer-tax-breaks-housing-minister-says/
about 1 year ago
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Data centre operators to be required to provide their own energy under new rules-
www.businesspost.ie/news/new-dat...
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Data centre operators to be required to provide their own energy under new rules
New restrictions on data centres looking for grid connection have been published by the energy regulator
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/new-data-centre-operators-to-be-required-to-build-or-source-their-own-energy-under-new-rules/
about 1 year ago
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Paschal Donohoe: Government 'should not' bring back Section 23-type tax breaks for developers-
www.businesspost.ie/news/paschal...
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Paschal Donohoe: Government ‘should not’ bring back Section 23-type tax breaks for developers
The Business Post on Sun day revealed that boomtime Section 23-style reliefs are to being considered to boost supply
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/paschal-donohoe-government-should-not-bring-back-section-23-type-tax-breaks-for-developers/
about 1 year ago
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A rundown of Trump’s executive actions, from tariffs to immigration
www.businesspost.ie/politics/a-r...
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A rundown of Trump’s executive actions, from tariffs to immigration
While Trump continues to sign orders in Washington, here’s a brief rundown of what we know so far his administration plans to initiate
https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/a-rundown-of-trumps-executive-actions-from-tariffs-to-immigration/
about 1 year ago
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Have been keeping an eye on what the Irish government is doing to prepare ahead of today and beyond Ireland’s behind-the-scenes charm offensive in full swing as government gears up for ‘transactional Trump’
www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/i...
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Ireland’s behind-the-scenes charm offensive in full swing as government gears up for ‘transactional Trump’
Diplomatic and trade efforts have ramped up ahead of Monday’s inauguration
https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/irelands-behind-the-scenes-charm-offensive-in-full-swing-as-government-gears-up-for-transactional/
about 1 year ago
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