Throughout the week, The Irish Times publishes a range of opinions on a variety of issues. At the weekend, an expanded Opinion section offers an even broader selection of views from familiar columnists and from guest writers.
This weekend’s opinion section includes Jennifer O’Connell’s reflections on the unsung, angry heroines who should be celebrated on International Women’s Day, and Mark O’Connell’s caustic take on Micheál Martin’s trip to Washington next week and what Mark sees as the unattractive symbolism of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Donald Trump figures, of course, in pieces by Pat Leahy and Cliff Taylor about how his presidency may be remaking the world and what that means for Ireland. And Trump’s shadow hangs over Paul Gillespie’s World View column on international affairs, which addresses European liberalism’s failure to prepare for this moment.
Meanwhile, former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan calls for a renewed European commitment to address climate change. And Breda O’Brien considers the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran pastor and pacifist executed by the Nazis 80 years ago next month.
‘Callous paedophile’ jailed for rape and sexual abuse of boys he intimidated, coerced and bribed
Nathan McDonnell: The rise and fall of the Kerry businessman and drug trafficker
Garda pleads guilty to impersonating woman online and inciting two men to rape her
Enoch Burke case: move to appoint receiver with power to collect fines from teacher’s salary
You will of course find opinions expressed by specialists across The Irish Times, in the Business, Sport, Culture and Life and Style sections, but the Opinion page is our main vehicle for promoting lively conversation and informed, diverse perspectives on the issues of the day. Diversity is essential; if you agree with everything we publish in Opinion over the course of the week, then we have failed. That principle is more important than ever in the digital age, when algorithms are designed to confirm our pre-existing beliefs and shield us from alternative views. The resulting “filter bubbles” lead to increased polarisation and ultimately degrade democracy.
There is a view that offering a platform to those whose opinions we may not share is equivalent to endorsing those views. We disagree. While we will not publish anything that promotes prejudice, hatred or discrimination against any group or individual, we remain committed to the principle of free debate that reflects the many different perspectives in our society.
Meanwhile, on Saturday The Irish Times revealed that a member of the Oireachtas had been arrested and questioned by gardaí this week about an alleged €150,000 business fraud almost a decade ago. A file is expected to be prepared for the DPP in relation to the allegation. In our lead story this morning, the Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould (56), says he is innocent of all wrongdoing and is confident his position will be vindicated.
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic
Editor
Five key reads
In 2022, the Secular Franciscan Order gave Assisi House at Navan Road, Cabra and three separate investment properties to the Peter McVerry Trust on the basis that future plans for the nursing home would abide by its ethos. Three years later, Assisi House is dormant.
In recent weeks, as Donald Trump exposed the bare truth of his objectives and stripped away the niceties, the real shock - writes Fintan O’Toole - is that anyone is shocked. “Most European leaders seem to be genuinely astounded by Trump’s bullying, boorishness and blatant aggression. They had fooled themselves into believing what they wanted to believe – the emperor has a very fine new suit.”
Corinna Hardgrave’s latest restaurant review sees her dine in The Bucks Head in Dundrum, Co Down. The verdict is four stars, with our food critic impressed by the restaurant’s historic setting, and the blend of fine dining and crowd-pleasing favourites -“a clever balance of comfort and ambition”.
The European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate cut of a further quarter point (0.25 of a percentage point) on Thursday had been flagged in advance - it was the ECB’s sixth rate cut since last July. In the wake of the move, Conor Pope broke down the implications for Irish mortgage holders.
At the centre of our latest Work Q&A, a reader says they recently interviewed for a job at a financial services company and the firm insisted they take a more junior role, pointing to a lack of experience for a senior position. The reader took the job, but disagrees with the company’s conclusion and feels the work may not be challenging - and that perhaps their skills are being undervalued. What should the reader do?
In this week’s On the Money newsletter, Conor Pope explores increasing broadband prices and outlines what customers can do to save money. Sign up here to receive the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday.
As always, there is much more on irishtimes.com, including rundowns of all the latest movies in our film reviews, tips for the best restaurants in our food section and all the latest in sport. There are plenty more articles exclusively available for Irish Times subscribers here.
We value your views. Please feel free to send comments, feedback or suggestions for topics you would like to see covered to feedback@irishtimes.com.
