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Simon Harris frontrunner for next Taoiseach
Simon Harris could be set to announce his candidacy to become the next Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael later today. He is the front runner for the job after Simon Coveney and Helen McEntee ruled themselves out of the running. No candidates have declared themselves yet, but junior minister Neale Richmond has issued an “appeal” for Harris to run and said that he will submit nomination papers in his favour. The nominations for next Fine Gael party leader open at 10am this morning.
Social Democrats to raise government’s ‘unlawful’ failure on asylum seeker housing in Dáil
The Social Democrats will present a motion for debate in the Dáil today concerning the government’s handling of asylum seeker accommodation issues that have come to a head in recent weeks. The motion will demand the government acknowledge its approach to asylum seeker accommodation as “unlawful”. It’s understood the government will not oppose the motion. Asylum seekers have been camping outside the International Protection Office in Dublin and they were recently removed to Crooksling in the Dublin mountains, only to return due to the remote location and poor conditions there.
US submits draft UN resolution calling for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza
The United States submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an “immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages” in Gaza, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. The diplomat made his announcement whilst on a tour of the Middle East that will include a stop in Israel. Key Israel backer the US has vetoed previous UN Security Council votes on the nearly six-month war, objecting as recently as in February to the use of the term “immediate” in a draft submitted by Algeria.
Gardaí make 175 arrests for drink and drug driving over St Patrick’s weekend
Gardaí have confirmed that 175 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend. A total of 9,970 roadside drug and alcohol tests were conducted at 760 checkpoints during a nationwide roads policing operation between 7am on Thursday, March 14, and 7am on Tuesday, March 19. These roadside tests resulted in 175 motorists being arrested for driving under the influence.
Camilla begins visit to Northern Ireland
Britain’s Queen Camilla has begun a visit to Northern Ireland. A bugler from the Hillsborough Fort Guard played as Camilla arrived at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, the royal residence in Northern Ireland, on Wednesday evening. She was greeted on arrival by the Lord Lieutenant for Co Down Gawn Rowan Hamilton and castle staff. On this occasion, she is travelling without Charles, who has stepped back from his public duties while he is receiving treatment for cancer.