While Sinn Féin’s manifesto pledge was always going to attract close scrutiny, the shootings in the past week have thrust its existence to the top of the news-cycle, writes Dr Alan Greene.
There have been countless examples of how little Commissioners care about ordinary people. Now they have snubbed a proposal which almost 1.9 million people have put their names to, writes Paul Murphy MEP.
We must rail against the insidious notion that moral norms are not rights at all but, rather, privileges bestowed upon us by our kindly masters, writes Dr Tom Hickey.
The situation in Russia is one of the more extreme examples of LGBT rights abuses in the world, but let’s not run the risk of thinking that our community is wholly welcoming by comparison, writes Kevin Donohue.
Enda Kenny will campaign for a Yes vote in the same-sex marriage referendum, but does not agree with Eamon Gilmore’s assessment that it is the “civil rights issue of this generation”.
Mandela did not topple white rule single-handedly – nor did he ever claim to, writes David Cronin, who says that while he retains a deep admiration for Mandela, he did turn his back on some of his beliefs.
The Tanaiste will have the opportunity to discuss this country’s red line for human rights abuses – past which Ireland will not tolerate. I urge him to take it, writes Mary Lawlor.
International support is necessary, but ultimately the change to Russia’s attitudes to LGBT people can’t come from a foreign country – it has to come from a grass-roots movement within Russia itself, writes Igor Yassin.
As Oireachtas Committee discussions this week focus on the Gender Recognition Bill, we need to remember the human stories behind the proposed legislation, writes Emma Cassidy.
THE FIRST PROPOSED Carbon Budget was sent to Government yesterday after long deliberations over its recommendations on how Ireland should chart its path to reducing emissions.
For the first time, the Irish government is due to implement three carbon budgets, each covering five years, that set out limits on emissions from specific sectors.
The budget, which will last until 2025, allows for a total of 295 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 emissions between now and then.
Between 2026 and 2030, the limit is 200 Mt, and the provisional carbon budget for 2031 to 2035 allocates 151 Mt.
Minister Eamon Ryan said: “This will be challenging and will require fundamental changes in many parts of Irish life, but it is also an opportunity to create a cleaner, greener economy and society that cuts emissions, creates jobs and protects our people and the planet.”
Today, we’re asking: Do you think Ireland will meet its targets in reducing emissions?
Periods of rain; breezy this morning
Max: 16 °C
Min: 13 °C
Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers
Max: 13 °C
Min: 6 °C
