URGENT UPDATE: Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Hanafin has just declared that her party must urgently field a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, calling the current lack of action an “insult” to the office. Speaking at the MacGill Summer School last night, Hanafin emphasized that the largest political party in Ireland has an obligation to provide the electorate with choices.

Hanafin, who stated she would “happily” run for president, highlighted the significance of the 2024 Presidential Election in giving Irish citizens a voice. “You have an obligation to give the people of Ireland a choice,” she said, underscoring the crucial role politicians play in this process. The pressure mounts on party leader Micheál Martin to take decisive action as the election date approaches.

The panel featured notable figures, including two-time presidential candidate Sean Gallagher, who ran in 2011 and 2018. An unexpected appearance by Colum Eastwood, a nationalist MP from Northern Ireland, sparked speculation about his potential candidacy. Eastwood confirmed he is considering running, but noted, “there’s been nothing from the leadership of Fianna Fáil.”

The conversation turned to the contentious issue of voting rights for Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland. Currently, only residents of the Republic of Ireland can vote in presidential elections. While Hanafin expressed reservations about extending voting rights “not yet and not in isolation,” Eastwood countered, stating that denying the vote to Northern Irish citizens is “not a positive thing.”

Hanafin’s stance on the voting rights issue has ignited debate, with audience members expressing frustration. One attendee remarked, “It is hurtful as an Irish person from the North to hear Mary cite bonfires as a reason why I should not have a vote.” In response, Hanafin reiterated the need for greater understanding between communities before expanding voting rights.

Gallagher chimed in, advocating for increased engagement with the Irish diaspora, stating, “the connectivity… is totally untapped.” He also dismissed rumors of a third presidential run, humorously comparing his past campaign challenges to those faced by current candidates, including Donald Trump.

As the discussion unfolded, social media’s role in shaping campaigns was a focal point. Hanafin acknowledged the challenges posed by online discourse, saying, “you can’t harden yourself against social media.” She stressed the importance of maintaining a respectful campaign environment, urging mainstream media to uphold integrity during the electoral process.

In a thought-provoking conclusion, the panel discussed the motivations behind seeking the presidency, with insights from psychology expert Ian Robertson. He noted that strong values and a desire for power are essential for candidates willing to endure the campaign’s rigors.

With the presidential election rapidly approaching, the pressure is on Fianna Fáil to act decisively. Will they heed Hanafin’s call? Stay tuned as this story develops.

BREAKING: Anti-immigrant protests erupted across Poland today, with thousands taking to the streets in cities including Katowice and Bialystok. The largest rally, which drew an estimated 3,000 participants, was organized by the far-right political group Konfederacja along with nationalist organizations. This urgent wave of demonstrations reflects escalating fears over immigration, despite conflicting official statistics.

The protests occurred on Saturday, drawing several hundred people in many towns, while the atmosphere in Katowice was particularly charged. Attendees expressed their concerns over a perceived influx of illegal migrants, with Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, addressing the crowd in Bialystok. He warned, “Without closing Poland to illegal immigration, without starting deportation campaigns… security will gradually deteriorate.”

In a somber moment, some gatherings held a minute’s silence for a 24-year-old Polish woman tragically murdered in Torun. This incident has heightened emotions surrounding the immigration debate. In the capital, Warsaw, opposing rallies occurred mere meters apart, though police reported no incidents of violence. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a Venezuelan man in connection with the murder case, further intensifying the public discourse on immigration.

Right-wing politicians, including members of the opposition Law and Justice party, have been vocal about the threat of illegal immigration. They claim Poland is at risk of being overwhelmed, yet official figures indicate that overall migration has decreased in recent months compared to previous years. Earlier this month, Poland implemented stricter border checks with Germany and Lithuania, following Germany’s decision to turn away asylum seekers.

This series of protests comes on the heels of Poland temporarily suspending the right for migrants arriving via its border with Belarus to apply for asylum. As the situation develops, all eyes are on how the Polish government will respond to the mounting pressure from far-right groups and the implications for immigration policy moving forward.

The urgency of this issue resonates deeply with many Poles, as public sentiment continues to shift. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how this wave of protests will influence future immigration legislation and national security strategies.

UPDATE: In an electrifying match, Germany triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their place in the Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals. The nail-biting encounter, held on July 15, 2025, in Basel, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Germany advancing 6-5 on penalties.

The stakes were high as Germany faced a formidable challenge, going down to ten players early in the match. Just 15 minutes in, defender Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for a hair-pulling incident, conceding a penalty from which Grace Geyoro scored, putting France in the lead. Yet, the German squad showcased remarkable resilience, with an overwhelming support from fans who crossed the border from Switzerland.

Despite the odds, Germany equalized just ten minutes later when Sjoeke Nuesken converted a corner kick from Klara Buehl. With the score tied, the teams battled fiercely, and Germany’s goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, made a crucial save during extra time, keeping her team in the match.

The penalty shootout brought high tension as both teams missed chances. France’s Alice Sombath had the decisive penalty saved, allowing Germany to celebrate a hard-fought victory. This win extends Germany’s unbeaten record against France in major summer tournaments.

Germany now prepares for a crucial clash with Spain in the semi-finals, scheduled for Wednesday in Zurich. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this thrilling victory will impact their journey in the tournament.

The emotional rollercoaster of this match highlights the unpredictable nature of knockout football, and Germany’s determination to overcome adversity resonates deeply with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates as Germany aims to continue their remarkable run in Euro 2025.

URGENT UPDATE: Former Fianna Fáil Education Minister Mary Hanafin has declared that it would be a “major insult” if her party fails to enter the upcoming presidential race. Speaking at the Patrick MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Co Donegal, Hanafin emphasized the need for her party to present a candidate, underscoring the importance of choice for the people of Ireland.

“I firmly believe that the largest party in the country, which holds the most significant local and national presence, should be running,” Hanafin stated. She expressed her desire to be the party’s nominee, insisting that not contesting the presidency undermines the office itself.

Hanafin’s comments come as discussions intensify regarding the future of the presidency. She highlighted that a candidate should represent resilience, drawing from her extensive 30 years of experience as a TD, minister, and councillor. “I have bounced back through various challenges, and I believe that resilience should be at the core of my campaign,” she added.

In a controversial stance, Hanafin asserted that citizens in Northern Ireland should not have the right to vote in presidential elections, stating, “Not yet, and not in isolation. There’s still a journey ahead for real understanding between communities.” Her remarks follow recent tensions highlighted by the Orange Order bonfires.

“I think it’s an insult to the office of president if you’re willing to run for everything but the presidency,” Hanafin noted, urging her party to take action.

Hanafin praised current President Michael D. Higgins, stating he is “loved” by the public, particularly among younger voters. She urged the next president to maintain a balance with the Taoiseach and government, emphasizing the importance of independence and avoiding conflicts.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Seán Gallagher, who has run twice for the position, shared his concerns about the current political climate. He ruled himself out of the race but lamented the negativity surrounding recent campaigns, which he described as “bruising.” Gallagher called for a shift in focus towards the positive aspects of Ireland.

“I want to say to people, ‘Stop running down our country. Let’s talk about the good things,’” Gallagher urged, rallying for a more optimistic narrative.

Gallagher also highlighted the potential role of the presidency in attracting foreign investment and promoting Ireland globally. He reminisced about the influence of former President Mary McAleese in Shanghai, stressing the importance of a strong presidential presence in international arenas.

This urgent call to action from both Hanafin and Gallagher comes as the political landscape in Ireland shifts. With the presidential election rapidly approaching, the pressure mounts on Fianna Fáil to define its position and engage with voters.

As the race heats up, all eyes will be on whether Fianna Fáil will heed Hanafin’s demands and enter the contest, shaping the future of Ireland’s leadership. The upcoming months will be critical as potential candidates begin to emerge and the nation prepares for this pivotal election.