Podcasts about Miche

Today, President Zelensky has been in London to agree a new defence partnership with the UK, with Downing Street hoping to unite “Ukrainian expertise and the UK's industrial base" to manufacture drones. But while Starmer and Zelensky were meeting one side of the Atlantic, President Trump was changing his mind on whether he needs Nato support in the Strait of Hormuz again.During a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, President Trump hit out at Starmer again. Adam and Chris discuss Zelensky's visit and President Trump's change of heart.Plus, economics editor Faisal Islam joins Adam, fresh from looking at quantum computers with Rachel Reeves, to discuss the Chancellor's annual Mais Lecture which covered AI, closer ties with Europe, and possible plans to devolve tax revenue spending.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Harry Craig. The social producers were Jem Westgate and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick's Day podium. Now that the Taoiseach has been restored to March 17 parity, he has one hell of a job on his hands. What kind of reception awaits him in Donald Trump's Oval Office next week? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a Trump meeting looming next week, Micheál is in bits — so who better to coach him than Willie O'Dea? Willie puts the Taoiseach through a crash course in talking nonstop without saying anything with a trip to Duffy's Circus thrown in for good measure. Going forward, it's pure Gift Grub chaos.

Matt Tombs, Micheál Deasy and Charlie Poste join host Tom Stanley to take you through the final decs for Day 1 & 2, plus the best of the rest. Subscribe for free to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3TpGzk1 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Trz7Fb Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cqQlC4 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Aq7qE0 Search Matchbook Insights for our latest written previews. 18+ | BeGambleAware

So many walls and the weirdest love confession we've read yet.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1Similar BooksThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Burokerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evanshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1Master of Crows by Grace Dravenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss America's assault on Iran and what Ireland's position on it should be. They assess what Micheál Martin should do in Washington the week after next, and how a prolonged war would prompt a cost-of-living crisis. They debate whether the government should be paying for people to return from the Gulf states. They also discuss the Fáilte Ireland attempt to get us all to take more short holiday breaks in Ireland. And they focus on Phil Hogan's bid for a new big UN gig.Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tá cruinniú glaoite ag Coláiste Lurgan le plé a dhéanamh ar imní atá ar an gcoláiste faoi na caipeisí tairisceana atá curtha amach.

A prominent Clare haulier is calling for a Dáil vote to be taken tonight to scrap Carbon Tax amid an expected rise in fuel costs. The Irish Road Haulage Association is predicting the price of petrol and diesel will soon soar above €2 per litre due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking earlier this week, Micheál Martin has stated there should be no increase in fuel costs as Ireland's oil is sourced from the North Sea, and has pledged to engage with the Consumer Protection Commission. Former President of the IRHA Eugene Drennan however has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the Taoiseach is ill-informed.

The US President says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran. As the conflict enters a fifth day there have been more explosions overnight in both Iran and southern Lebanon. While Tehran is continuing to retaliate with strikes across the Gulf region. Donal Trump says the US military operation has been a success so far. Meanwhile, Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates, could be evacuated in the coming days as plans are finalised for a government charter flight to leave Oman - provided they get the all-clear. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee says this first flight will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in UAE, particularly those who are non-resident and require assistance most urgently. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with health conditions are to be given priority in the first Irish airlift out of the Middle East. They will be the first to travel home as the government begins chartering flights out of the Gulf from Oman. 280 people will be on the first plane out of the region. The Taoiseach is facing increasing pressure from some quarters to cancel his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, in light of America's attack on Iran. Labour's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Duncan Smith says the meeting with the US president should not go ahead in its traditional form. And consumers are being warned they should expect the cost of fuel and home heating oil to increase over the coming weeks. It's due to growing instability in the Middle East, with a barrel of oil up 20 dollars since the weekend. Alan Morrissey spoke with Dr. Scott Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor of international Relations at UL and Micheál Collins, Ennis-based economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, to find out more. Image © Getty Images Signature via Canva

The Middle East conflict is intensifying, with Iran targeting oil-producing neighbours and global markets rattled. The #TonightVMTV panel discuss Trump's five-week timeline, the EU's stance, Ireland's position ahead of Micheál Martin's White House visit, and the impact of doubling gas prices on Irish consumers – including questions around potential price gouging and government intervention.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Neale Richmond TD, Minister of StateSinead Gibney TD, Social DemocratsScott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, UCDSecunder Kermani, Foreign Affairs Correspondent in Tel AvivProf Aoife Foley, Chair of Net Zero Infrastructure, University of Manchester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not too often that a Pick of the Week turns into a Monday episode but given the similarities to Grace Draven and J.D. Evans, we should've known better.Traitor Son is a bit of a sleeper hit, equal parts intricate world-building and romance. The heroine is not your typical romantasy lead. She's a bit mousy, submissive, and sometimes innocent to an eyeroll level, but she undergoes massive character growth throughout the novel and you can see her potential in future books.We won't say too much about Remin, but if sheer brute strength is your thing you won't be disappointed, although we were both rooting for Miche the entire time.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1Similar BooksThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carsonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Burokerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evanshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1Master of Crows by Grace Dravenhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

Tá turas á eagrú ag Cumann Gailf Cois Fharraige chuig Maigh Eo.

I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in alliance with business and societal elites, continues to enjoy a place of wealth and privilege and influence. Given that the British state includes a part of Ireland, at least for the time being, this is more than an academic issue for those of us who are captives of this undemocratic system of privilege. I am instinctively against monarchies. Of any kind. Constitutional or otherwise. Monarchies are bad. The late Tony Benn put it well when he said that “the existence of a hereditary monarchy helps to prop up all the privilege and patronage that corrupts our society; that is why the crown is seen as being of such importance to those who run the country - or enjoy the privileges it affords.”Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for UnityAt the end of last year Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast was a huge success. Thousands of Irish speakers, including Uachtarán Catherine Connolly, spent several days enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. In August Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.All of this is evidence of the change that is taking place. I was pleased to attend An Conradh's Ard Fheis. The conference was alive and vibrant with a new generation of young gaeilgeoirí determined to assert their Irishness, proud of their language and determined to stand up for their language and national rights. They were articulate, positive, funny, hopeful and generous. Micheál Martin out of step on UnityLast week, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in an interview with TG4, claimed that there is not much substance behind Sinn Féin's campaign on Unity.  The Fianna Fáil leader, who has consistently rejected any common sense suggestions to prepare for unity, returned to his favourite and bogus argument that we need reconciliation before unity.Martin's comments are out of step with the political reality and popular opinion North and South. He also misses entirely the point that the demand for unity is not simply being put by Sinn Féin. Former leaders of Fine Gael and the SDLP, as well the SDLP leadership, Ireland's Future, the Irish Labour Party, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and others are part of the growing demand for the Irish government to prepare for unity.

Labhair Frances leis an Chomhairleoir Contae Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, le Seosamh Ó Ceallaigh Le Róise Nic Laifeartaigh, le Micheál Mac Gairbheith agus le Eoghan Ó Gráda.

The United States has imposed a new 10 per cent tariff on imports overnight, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that struck down President Donald Trump's previous trade measures. While the rate is lower than the 15 per cent he had threatened, there's still significant uncertainty about how these new tariffs will operate — and what they could mean for Irish exporters. To help us unpack it all, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, Micheál Collins on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) panida wijitpanya from Getty Images via Canva

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world's digital infrastructure company®, in the presence of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has announced that it is committing USD $350 million, up to a landmark USD $700 million, to support the construction of a 150,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility by Hanley Energy. The new facility, located in Dundalk, Co. Louth, will serve as a global hub for manufacturing specialized power equipment essential for Equinix's high performance data centres and AI-driven workloads. The deal covers an initial 5-year period, extendable to 10 years, with a minimum of USD $70 million from Equinix annually, underscoring its long-term commitment to Ireland and the country's role in Equinix's global operations. The partnership with Hanley Energy, which was recently acquired by the American multinational manufacturing company, Jabil, will create hundreds of new roles. Hiring for the Hanley factory has already commenced for an initial 200 engineers and technicians, focused on precision engineering, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing. Apprenticeship and training programs will also be introduced to build future-ready talent in the Louth region. By co-locating production under one roof, Equinix expects to achieve 10–15% faster lead times compared to traditional procurement methods. The facility will manufacture low-voltage switchgear, Power Distribution Units (PDUs), and Remote Power Panels (RPPs), all critical components for reliable and efficient power distribution in data centres worldwide. The building of the new facility, by Hanley Energy, will prioritise low-carbon materials and efficient construction practices. The facility will feature a temperature-controlled testing laboratory – the only one of its kind in Ireland or the UK – which will enable equipment to undergo rigorous endurance and environmental tests. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "This significant announcement reinforces Ireland's position as a leader in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The creation of hundreds of skilled jobs and the introduction of world-class facilities in Dundalk is a major boost for the region and for our national economy." Adaire Fox-Martin, CEO and President, Equinix, said: "This investment builds upon Equinix's longtime presence in Ireland and reflects the strategically important role the country plays in the global technology ecosystem. Our expansion in Dundalk further strengthens our ability to meet growing customer demand while creating local jobs and supporting the community." Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: "This is a huge win for Ireland and the Louth region – highlighting the world class engineering talent that Ireland continues to develop. By securing our supply chain and investing in local manufacturing, we're not only accelerating delivery but also creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. Importantly, we remain committed to Ireland, continuing to invest and grow our presence here. This reinforces our long-term presence and ensures we can meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure worldwide." Hanley Energy delivers seamless integration from design to manufacturing under one roof, backed by proven expertise in engineering and testing. The new state-of-the-art facility includes Ireland and the UK's only independent temperature rise test lab certified by Intertek as an Enhanced Level 3 SATELLITE Customer Testing Facility. This capability ensures compliance and performance at the highest global standards. John O'Driscoll, CEO, Hanley Energy, said: "Partnering with Equinix on this transformative project highlights the strength of Irish engineering and innovation. Our advanced testing facilities and expertise will ensure that the equipment produced here meets the highest global standards, supporting data centres worldwide." Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland, said: "Today's announcement by Equinix demonstrates Ireland's continued attractiveness as a location for ...

Cúrsaí aimseartha ar chósta thoir Mheiriceá agus méid an-mhór sneachta titithe.

Tá bunscoileanna Cheantar Iorras Aithneach ag obair as lámh a chéile le cúpla bliain le hiarracht a dhéanamh na scoileanna beaga sa gceantar a choinneáil oscailte.

Caint in ómós don tAthair Pádraig Ó Siochrú ó Mhaistir Gaoithe atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne.

Seamus Culleton and his harrowing story of life inside an ICE detention centre in Texas made a big impact in Ireland. The Kilkenny man quickly gained the sympathy of Ireland's public and politicians, only for the tide to suddenly turn as new developments emerged. So, how did Seamus Culleton go from “perfect victim” to publicly scrutinised? And is Micheál Martin likely to push Donald Trump's immigration buttons when he visits the White House next month? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Niall Donald Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ar cur síos ar an chéad acadaimh traenalá gruaige, áilleachta agus bearbóireachta lán Ghaelach in Éirinn a bheas a sheoladh ar Bhóthar na bhFál i mBéal Feirste ar an Luan.

A week ago, the nation was introduced to Seamus Culleton and his harrowing story of life inside an ICE detention centre in Texas. The Kilkenny man quickly gained the sympathy of Ireland's public and politicians, only for the tide to suddenly turn as new developments emerged. So, how did Seamus Culleton go from “perfect victim” to publicly scrutinised? And is Micheál Martin likely to push Donald Trump's immigration buttons when he visits the White House next month? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Niall Donald See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gníomhaí pobail ar Chléire ag trácht ar dheontas ó Roinn na Mara don ché ar an oileán.

Labhair siad faoin tábhacht go mbeadh an Ghaeilge lárnach i gcuid oibre na Comhairle Contae i nDún na nGall agus go mbeadh sé mar aidhm go mbeidh Comhairlí Contae eile ar fud an stáit seo ag baint úsáid rialta as an Ghaeilge agus tá tionscnamh úr seolta ag Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe dírithe ar an cheist seo.

Ryanair, today called on Micheál Martin to urgently pass legislation to scrap the Dublin Airport cap of 32m passengers before St Patrick's Day Today, the Advocate General of the European Court ruled that even an outdated traffic cap, such as the one at Dublin Airport, may still be enforceable. Shane was joined by Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary to discuss the ruling

Iriseoir agus teagascóir ag caint faoin scéal go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag ollscoil Mheiriceánach campus a bhunú i Mhainistir Cnoc Mheilearaí i bPort Láirge.

An Stiúrthóir Airgeadais ag Adare Manor ag caint faoi na deiseanna do 2000 duine obair go deonach le linn Chorn Ryder 2027.

An beirt acu ag caint faoin stair idir beachaireacht agus Gobnait.

Athair agus mac ag trácht ar an gcomórtas babhlála in ónóir do Ghobnait agus Scrín Ghobnatan.

Bunaitheoir d'Fhéile Ghobnatan agus úinéir Óstán Ghobnatan ag caint faoin dtábhacht a bhaineann leis an ócáid.

Foilsíodh tuarascáil deireadh bliana Údarás na Gaeltachta 2025 ar maidin inniu agus tá ceannasaí Oifig Réigiúnach an Údaráis anseo i nDún na nGall, Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig linn leis an tuarascáil seo a phlé.

Feirmeoir déiríochta ag caint faoin dtábhacht a bhaineann le dul i ngleic le méadú ar líon na gcásanna eitinn bólachta.

Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford – Westmeath, Louis O'Hara, Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Gabija Gataveskaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent.

Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford – Westmeath, Louis O'Hara, Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Gabija Gataveskaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent.

Online safety expert Eoghan Cleary joins the panel of Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford – Westmeath, Louis O'Hara, Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Gabija Gataveskaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent.

Leabhar nua filíochta scríofa aige den teideal ‘Uibh Rathach an Cheoil' – seoladh é ag Éigse na Brídeoige.

Matt Tombs and Micheál Deasy join host Tom Stanley to preview the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend, with final Decs for both Friday and Saturday. Subscribe for free to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3TpGzk1 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Trz7Fb Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cqQlC4 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Aq7qE0 Search Matchbook Insights for our latest written previews. 18+ | BeGambleAware

Fear Bhaile an Sceilg ag caint faoin mborradh i dtraidisiún na Brídeoige i gCiarraí Theas

The Taoiseach has conceded that the trial of five members of An Garda Síochána, including two with strong connections to Clare, had a "severe negative impact" on the careers of those involved as well as on garda morale. Micheál Martin has pledged to speak to the Justice Minister about the case of a retired superintendent and four senior gardaí who have this week been found not guilty of perverting the court of justice. The charges were in relation to alleged attempts to terminate tickets for road traffic offences. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil, who's demanded an apology for the Garda Commissioner, the Taoiseach says a review "needs to happen" to examine the implications of the case.

Micheál S Mac Donnacha, Ball de Bhorid Bainistíochta Scoileanna i gConamara ag labhairt faoin méid laethannta a bhíonn gasúir as láthair ón scoil.

This week marks 15 years of Micheál Martin as leader of Fianna Fáil. Having taken up the reins in the wake of the economic crash, he and the party clung on following a challenging general election. The 15 years that followed have been characterised by highs, lows and incredible endurance. So, how did Micheál Martin become the great political survivor? What comes next? And how he will he fare when an increasingly combative Donald Trump welcomes him back to the Oval Office? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Fionnán Sheahan and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tá corp Ran Gvili, an giall deiridh a bhí a choinneáil ag Hamas i nGaza tugtha ar lámh do Iosrael.

Staraí ag caint ar leabhar nua ar stair na háite mór thimpeall ar an gCoireáin.

Faoin socrú a rinneadh inné ceardlann a eagrú go luath le soiléiriú a fháil ar an dóigh a gcuirfidh an Chomhairle Contae coinníoll teanga i bhfeidhm do thithíocht shóisialta sa Ghaeltacht agus plé ar úsáid an ardán X sa Chomhairle Contae.

Díospóireacht faoi cad atá in ann do Sheana Oispidéal an Daingin le iarratas curtha isteach chun breis ama a fháil ar an gcead pleanála chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh air.

Ag tabhairt comhairle don phobal faoi aire, cúram agus na freagrachtaí a bhaineann le peata a bheith agat.

Staraí i gCorcaigh ag trácht ar deireadh ré sa chathair agus na Siúracha Carthanachta ag fágaint slán tar éis 200 bliain.

Déanfaidh an Togra Síochána Aeir a seoladh i Leitir Ceanainn le gairid difear mór do chúrsaí timpeallachta agus sláinte, a deir sé.

Indo Politics is back for 2026. The Dáil is back and so is Indo Politics for the first time in 2026. If you like what you hear, you can now follow Indo Politics on its own podcast feed — and get each episode a day early. Just search Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. The controversy around AI tool Grok dominated proceedings. Elsewhere the Mercosur trade deal sparked outrage. And government overspending was once more on the agenda this week at the Public Accounts Committee. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercosur is a bad deal.The European Commission has backed a free trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The European Parliament is set to decide on the future of the Mercosur Agreement. It has taken twenty-five years to get to this point. The European Commission has decided to support this proposition and the smart money says the Parliament will follow suit. But perhaps not. It's not over until it's over. There will be a legal challenge to the deal, including Sinn Féin's MEPs, and a vote in the European Parliament. Sinn Féin is also bringing forward a Dáil motion calling on the government to support the legal action and mandating all MEPs to vote against the deal. Nollaig na mBanSome of the traditions that surround Christmas and the New Year celebrations have changed over recent years. For example, when I was growing up Christmas decorations didn't start appearing in homes until a fortnight or so before the 25th December. Now, Halloween is barely over before Christmas decorations start appearing. Previously also, the tree, crib, and the rest all stayed in place until 6 January – the Feast of the Epiphany, the date on which it is said that the three wise men visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This year decorations were mostly down from the start of the new year. And already Easter eggs are in the shops. However, one celebration that has taken on a new lease of life is Nollaig na mBan - Women's Christmas. It is celebrated on 6 January. It used to be confined to rural areas but that is changing.  Nollaig na mBan is the day when the role of women, who generally did  all the work for Christmas, was celebrated. It was the day when women get together with other women and enjoy a brief few hours of celebration on their own. Progress on Casement ParkLast week the draft budget for the Executive, announced by Finance Minister John O'Dowd, included an allocation of an additional £40 million toward the rebuilding of the new Casement Stadium.Sadly, despite the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and its principles of equality and parity of esteem, the decades since then have produced many examples of political unionism continuing to resist investment and funding allocation for nationalist areas. Casement Park is a case in point.Last week's announcement is a positive and welcome development.Irish Unity Must be Priority for EU PresidencyOn 1st July the Irish government will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This will be its eighth time holding this key administrative and political role within the EU and the first time since Brexit. The agenda for this Presidency is enormous and will affect all of our lives. It will include new legislation as well as significant negotiations around all of the major national and international issues affecting the world at this time – the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, the war in Ukraine, Venezuela, threatened US Foreign Policy adventures toward Greenland, Cuba, Colombia, Nigeria and Iran, famine in Africa, climate change and migration.An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defined the state's Presidency of the EU as “a Presidency defined by action.”All sounds impressive. But so far no one in the Irish government has said anything about using this unique opportunity to raise the issue of Irish Unity. Thus far, Micheál Martin's approach to Irish Unity can best be described as “a leadership defined by inaction.”