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FORMER AND CURRENT Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Simon Harris were amongst those to toast Minister Paschal Donohoe as he was named ‘European of the Year’ at an awards ceremony this evening in Dublin.
The President of the Eurogroup was given the award by the Dublin-based NGO ‘European Movement Ireland’, which has been working to strengthen the connection between Irish society and Europe since 1954.
Taoiseach Simon Harris presented the award, which has been won in the past by the likes of Enda Kenny, Michel Barnier, and Brian Friel.
In his acceptance speech this evening, Donohoe said that he believes that the foundation of the European Union is based in “our shared humanity”.
He said that he is “beyond honoured and so humbled” to receive the reward.
“I was moved beyond words when I received the news of this recognition, I am even more so this evening.
“Can I thank the European Movement of Ireland, and their sponsors PWC, for this honour and for their ongoing work,” Donohoe added.
Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD presents President of Eurogroup @Paschald with @emireland European of the Year Award.
— European Movement Ireland (@emireland) June 10, 2024
Also, @JulieSinnamon and @Noelle_OC @emireland, Susan Kilty @PwCIreland award his outstanding contribution to the European Union.
Read 👉 https://t.co/qeLxyOR3lO pic.twitter.com/vm1ILzJ96r
Reflecting on the benefits of EU membership in general, Donohoe said that harnessing what “we have in common” is the most powerful political tool “available to humanity”, and that this is best done between countries through “cooperation, coordination, and the sharing of sovereignty”.
He said that as President of the Eurogroup, he has represented Ireland in many negotiations and discussions “where the Irish flag did not have many raised flags beside it.”
“I have frequently put compromises to Ministers and anxiously waited for moments, unsure if the silence is because nobody supports or nobody opposes my deal. Success always arrives after endless, but temporary, setbacks,” Donohoe added.
He put forth that the EU is “not perfect” but that it matters for the future of Ireland.
Donohoe said that the EU has “huge possibilities and opportunities for Ireland”.
He also spoke about the need for the “centre” in Irish politics, making the case “for a centrist approach to our great opportunities and challenges.”
The Fine Gael Minister said that the centrist approach “has had a good couple of days in Ireland and in Dublin Central,” in a nod to his party’s recent electoral successes.
To conclude, Donohoe said that the EU has “surprised” itself during the pandemic and “the wards” through reinvention.
“The European Union has saved us from the worst in our history. I am convinced that it is still our best hope for the future,” he added.
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Would it be possible for the journal to do a little article on games developed here in Ireland , there’s quiet a few little gems out there that cost little or nothing that would be nice little pressies for Xmas
Mahogany smartphone cases? A pointless waste of rainforest for something with a short shelf life.
Oh yes indeed Rowan, that is obscene! Think of all the gorgeous animals that are losing their homes for this unnecessary rubbish – I will never forget that photo of an orang utan stranded at the top of one solitary rain forest tree in a huge flat area where the trees had all be cut down, afraid to come down out of that tree as its whole world and environment disappeared around it… There is no such thing as sustainable tropical hardwood, no matter what they try to tell you…
Here’s another story of rain forest destruction just so manufacturers can have the convenience of palm oil in so many products – I look at every food label and will not buy it if palm oil is in the ingredients – even when it says sustainable, because it absolutely is not…
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/15/orangutans-fight-for-survival
What about mahogany shelves?
HTC one is great but get it insured, it costs €180 to get the screen replaced.
Ouch
That laptop table is a prime example of a waste of the planet’s resources. There is nothing better than a cushion or a pillow under your laptop to raise it up and you can have it at any angle you wish – just be careful to make sure air vents not covered…
have your say