"I am directly elected by the people to represent the people to legislate for the people" "There doesn't need to be a picket" Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he believes the Dáil should sit next week ahead of a planned public sector strike. It comes as some opposition parties are said to be considering boycotting the sitting if they had to cross the picket. #VMNews

Sunday, 27 September, marks the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. My thoughts go out to migrants and refugees, especially minors compelled to leave their homeland. Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable. They often endure unspeakable suffering, violence, torture, exploitation, and traumatic conditions. It is not uncommon for them to lose their lives along migration routes. I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility: may we all feel a sense of involvement in the lives of these young people, who must always be protected and supported.

🌍 Though they had to withdraw from hosting EURO 2028 due to 🏟️ stadium issues, ☘️ Northern Ireland will have a status of a special partner to the tournament. ✅ Qualifying draw will take place in ☘️ Belfast (6 Dec 2026) ✅ ☘️ N. Ireland will get a reserved position in the final tournament draw (D1) with pre-determined venues (if they qualify directly) ...but... ❌ ☘️ N. Ireland are NOT eligible for special qualifying protection given to hosts 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇮🇪 (two tickets reserved for hosts who don't qualify directly)

A @NIOgov minister has indicated that opinion polls will determine if and when a border referendum is called. 🗳️ @PutneyFleur’s comments are the first indication of the criteria that could trigger a vote on the constitutional arrangements. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/…