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Fianna Fáil Considers Presidential Candidates Ahead of Election

Fianna Fáil is currently evaluating potential candidates for the upcoming presidential election, with several names circulating in the political landscape. As of now, two candidates have officially declared their intention to run: Mairead McGuinness from Fine Gael and Independent Catherine Connolly, a TD from Galway, who has garnered support from the Social Democrats and other independent representatives.
While Fine Gael has taken an early lead in the race, Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil and current Taoiseach, has indicated that his party is still collecting insights regarding their potential nominee. He noted that it is likely to be autumn before any official name is put forward, emphasizing that the chosen candidate should rise above party politics.
With limited information available, speculation has intensified regarding who might represent Fianna Fáil. Recently, the name of Heenan, a professor at Ulster University in Derry, emerged as a possible contender. According to the Irish Independent, Heenan is understood to be in the final stages of negotiations to run for the presidency on behalf of Fianna Fáil. Heenan has previously served as Provost and Dean of Academic Development at the Magee Campus in Derry and was appointed to the Irish President’s Council of State by President Michael D. Higgins in 2012.
Despite the buzz surrounding Heenan, senior sources within Fianna Fáil have referred to such speculation as mere “rumour,” cautioning that “nothing” should be inferred from the ongoing discussions. Other names have also been floated, including Hanafin, who expressed her desire to be considered for the party’s nomination, and McCarthy, an independent senator and businessman who has indicated interest in a presidential bid. McCarthy, founder of a homeless and addiction charity, shared last month that he is “considering” the presidency after receiving inquiries from various individuals asking him to contemplate a run.
Another potential candidate is Power, a former minister and current head of Unicef Ireland. Power, who represented the Limerick East constituency until the financial crisis, has been mentioned in connection with the presidential nomination. Grassroots members have also expressed support for Donegal TD as a candidate, reflecting a desire for diverse representation within the party.
Former leader of the SDLP, Eastwood, has also indicated openness to the prospect of being Fianna Fáil’s candidate. At the MacGill Summer School in Glenties over the weekend, Eastwood clarified that he has not engaged in discussions with the party’s leadership but acknowledged interest from party members encouraging him to consider a run. He emphasized the importance of having a president with a vision for the future and a focus on healing the island, noting that he would not be able to vote for himself if he were to enter the race.
In addition to these names, speculation has arisen around Tony Holohan, the former chief medical officer, who the Irish Mail on Sunday reported may announce his candidacy soon. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be affiliated with a political party. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers stated on RTÉ that he is “not aware of any engagements” between Fianna Fáil and Holohan regarding a potential candidacy.
Adding to the mix, Riverdance star Michael Flatley has also suggested he might be open to a presidential run, although details on any political backing are still unclear.
As the political landscape evolves, all eyes remain on Fianna Fáil as the party prepares to announce its intentions. The Taoiseach has confirmed that the final decision regarding the presidential nominee will not be revealed until autumn, leaving both party members and the public eagerly anticipating the outcome.
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Urgent Call for Garda Resources as Reckless Driving Surges

UPDATE: Donegal County Council is urgently demanding increased resources for gardaí to combat a dramatic rise in reckless driving incidents, following alarming reports of dangerous behavior in the area. This call comes as local councilors warn that it is “only a matter of time” before serious accidents occur.
During a council meeting today, Muff councillor Terry Crossan highlighted the alarming surge in reckless driving, particularly in small urban areas. “There has been an increase in the number of very serious incidents of dangerous and anti-social driving, especially in our small urban areas and in public places,” he stated. He emphasized the critical need for a more visible garda presence to tackle this escalating issue.
Cllr. Crossan urged the council to formally contact Garda Chief Superintendent, demanding enhanced resources to address the growing problem. His concerns were echoed by Cllr. Albert Doherty, who pointed to the inadequacies of the local garda station in Carndonagh. “It’s a timely issue, and I would like to ensure that gardaí have adequate and modern services to deal with this,” Cllr. Doherty remarked.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by a recent incident in Muff, where a high-powered Lexus was filmed performing doughnuts in the town center this past August. Such reckless acts raise serious safety concerns for residents and visitors alike.
The council’s request for additional garda resources reflects a growing consensus among local officials that immediate action is necessary to prevent further incidents. “If we don’t take steps now, we risk serious consequences for our community,” Cllr. Crossan warned.
As this situation develops, residents are encouraged to report any dangerous driving incidents to their local garda. The council’s push for action will be a focal point in upcoming discussions with law enforcement officials.
This urgent matter highlights the pressing need for improved public safety measures and community engagement. Officials are expected to continue advocating for enhanced support from the gardaí to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Donegal.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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AWS Announces Major Job Cuts in Cloud Division Restructuring

URGENT UPDATE: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is cutting hundreds of jobs as part of a significant restructuring effort in its cloud division, confirmed earlier today. Employees received termination emails on Thursday morning, with immediate revocation of system access, highlighting the urgency of this decision.
According to a spokesperson, this strategic move aims to enhance operational efficiency amid a shifting landscape in the technology sector. The affected employees include specialists who assist clients with product development and sales activities. While AWS has not disclosed an exact number, sources indicate that it impacts at least several hundred workers.
This announcement comes as many tech giants, including Microsoft, Meta, and Intel, are also implementing staff reductions, largely attributed to the rise of generative AI technologies. The trend reflects a broader recalibration within the industry as companies adapt to new market demands.
Despite the job cuts, AWS’s financial performance remains strong. In the first quarter of 2025, the cloud service provider reported a revenue increase of 17% to $29.3 billion, with operating profit up by 23% to $11.5 billion. This resilience underscores the ongoing demand for cloud services, even as operational shifts occur.
As this story develops, industry observers will be watching closely for further announcements from AWS and other tech companies navigating similar challenges. The emotional impact on those affected by the layoffs is significant, as many face an uncertain job market in a rapidly changing industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
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Connemara Launches Urgent Report on Families in Gaeltacht Tonight

UPDATE: A pivotal report focusing on families, children, and young people in the Gaeltacht is set to launch this evening in Baile na hAbhann, Connemara. The event, hosted by Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, aims to shed light on critical issues affecting Irish-speaking communities from 2016 to 2022.
The launch will be officiated by Catherine Connolly, Galway West TD and Chairperson of the Dáil Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, and the Irish-speaking Community. This significant event will take place at An Pota Café at 6 PM local time, prompting immediate attention from community leaders and families alike.
This report is crucial as it addresses the evolving challenges faced by children and families in the Gaeltacht, providing insights that can influence future policy and support initiatives. With increasing concerns regarding the preservation of the Irish language and culture, this launch emphasizes the urgent need for community engagement and action.
Attendees of the launch will include local stakeholders, parents, and advocates who are keen to understand and discuss the findings of this comprehensive report. The outcomes of this evening’s gathering could pave the way for vital discussions on educational and social support systems in the region.
As the report is unveiled tonight, the implications for families in the Gaeltacht could be profound, sparking a renewed commitment to nurturing the Irish-speaking community. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the insights from the report are revealed.
This is not just a report; it’s a call to action for all who care about the future of the Gaeltacht.
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Arm Unveils Cutting-Edge Facility in Galway, Boosts Local Tech

BREAKING: Arm has just opened a state-of-the-art facility in Galway City, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the local tech landscape. The facility, inaugurated on July 21, 2025, is set to drive innovative advancements in technology and strengthen Ireland’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
This new site at Crown Square is part of Arm’s strategic expansion since it established operations in Galway in 2014, growing its workforce to 90 staff members locally and over 4,800 employees across Europe. The project has received robust support from the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, highlighting the importance of this development in fostering high-quality employment opportunities.
Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, “The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation, and advanced semiconductor technologies.” He noted that the recently launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy aims to place Ireland at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, focusing on emerging technologies and manufacturing expertise.
Arm’s Senior Director of Engineering, Mike Lardner, expressed pride in the Galway team’s contributions, stating, “We’re proud that our teams in Galway are helping deliver the computing foundations for the next era of innovation – advancing research, strengthening the local ecosystem, and building the future of AI on Arm.” His comments reflect the company’s commitment to fostering technological advancements that will resonate far beyond the region.
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan congratulated Arm on this vital move, reiterating the company’s pivotal role in the semiconductor industry and its commitment to innovation in technology development. He emphasized that this strategic expansion not only enhances Arm’s market reach but also enriches the local talent pool in Ireland.
The opening ceremony underscores the growing importance of Ireland in the global technology landscape, particularly in semiconductor development. As Arm invests in this cutting-edge facility, the region can anticipate a surge in high-tech jobs and collaborative research opportunities.
WHAT’S NEXT: The implications of Arm’s new facility will unfold in the coming months as the company ramps up operations and integrates its innovative projects within the local ecosystem. Watch for updates on how this investment will reshape the tech landscape in Galway and beyond.
Stay tuned for more developments on this story as it progresses.
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