Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have re-affirmed the need to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
The pair held a phone call last night, when they discussed Brexit negotiations, climate change and their respective efforts to curbing the spread of Covid-19.
“The leaders updated one another on their respective efforts to tackle coronavirus and the steps they have taken to ensure people in the UK and Ireland can enjoy Christmas as safely as possible,” a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement.
“They discussed shared challenges including the environment and committed to working together ahead of the UK-hosted COP26 summit next year.
“They discussed the progress in the UK-EU trade negotiations and the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to reaching a deal that respects the sovereignty of the UK.
“The leaders also reaffirmed the need to prioritise the Good Friday Agreement and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.”
RTÉ also reports that Martin requested for the British government to hold a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane in 1989.
The Belfast solicitor was shot by loyalist paramilitaries, amid claims of collusion with state security forces.
His widow Geraldine and son John met Martin at Government Buildings in Dublin this week, and the Taoiseach later told the Dáil that the need for a public inquiry was agreed as far back as 2001 and that the UK should stick to that agreement.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis is expected to indicate how the UK government will proceed with the matter on Monday.
In February last year, the UK Supreme Court ruled that investigations into the fatal shooting of the solicitor have not been effective and fell short of international human rights standards.
Last week, it also emerged that four of Northern Ireland’s political parties united to call for a public inquiry into Finucane’s murder.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
i am delighted that Alice Charles comment on fracking is included.
I don’t know lots about fracking but didn’t they categorically state they wouldn’t be using chemicals?
I totally agree about the renewable energy angle though.
Paul even if they don’t use chemicals in the extraction process, they will still RELEASE a lot more than the natural gas down there; there are many other substances down there that will be ALSO be released; methane, Radium 226 amongst others; so I’m not sure that that is such a big help at this time.
Fracking is a no go for Ireland. Too small a country. Don’t frack with Mother Nature or she’ll frack you back. And she takes no prisoners.
Re: Andy Crowe’s comment. Those of you who must travel far and wide for work should perhaps look in to setting yourself up as a Sole Trader or small business. Then all travel expenses can be deductible. You could get information from your local county enterprise board if you think its applicable to you.
re the penalty points comment from the truck driver…his vehicle is supposed to be limited to 90kmh so I wonder how he got points for being in.excess of 100kmh limit on.dual carraigeway. as for using mobile phone…hands free kits and earpieces are available at low prices starting below the cost of the fine so his complaints to my reading are not credible.
I was traveling on motorway to Dublin last week and was behind a truck doing 120km per hour, and he was on the phone
I watched Gasland and i for one would love to be able to show off to friends by being able to ignite my drinking water as it flows from the kitchen tap!!!
(joke)
PLEASE WATCH GASLAND!!!!
Regarding the fracking debate I don’t know enough about the process chemical or non chemical but one think I ask that what ever decision we make it’s done quickly not years in planning and committees ect.
Theres a brilliant documentary called gaslands(us based),informative,well worth a watch.
People of Leitrim if y
have your say