Politics

The final leaders' debate on RTÉ Tuesday night demonstrated a measured approach from the three main party leaders, with Simon Harris, Micheál Martin, and Mary Lou McDonald delivering restrained performances that reflected the high stakes of the upcoming election. Taoiseach Simon Harris, entering the debate with the most to lose following a recent viral canvassing incident, began tentatively. Addressing the controversial interaction in Kanturk, County Cork, Harris firmly denied any attempts to suppress media coverage. "I have no knowledge of that whatsoever," he stated, emphasizing the appropriateness of the now-infamous clip. Harris's initial discomfort was palpable, with nervous muttering during his rivals' speeches potentially undermining his presentation. However, he gained momentum in the debate's latter half, delivering pointed critiques of Sinn Féin, particularly referencing a provocative historical incident involving a Garda killer. Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald seized her moments […]

Canadian provincial leaders are sounding urgent warnings about potential economic devastation following President-elect Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Quebec Premier François Legault have emerged as vocal critics of the proposed trade measures, calling for immediate national collaboration and federal intervention. Ford, speaking on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized the potential catastrophic impact on workers and jobs in both countries. "A 25 per cent tariff would be devastating," he stated, urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to convene an emergency meeting with all provincial premiers to develop a coordinated response. The potential economic consequences are substantial: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce previously estimated that even a 10% tariff could result in $30 billion of annual economic costs TD Bank projects a potential five percent reduction […]

Drama just hit a new level in Philippine politics, and it's giving us major House of Cards vibes – except this is all too real. In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Vice President Sara Duterte just publicly admitted to arranging a potential hit on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Yes, you read that right. Picture this: It's early Saturday morning, and Duterte drops this bombshell during a press conference. She casually mentions – complete with colorful language – that she's instructed an assassin to take out President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if anything happens to her. Not exactly your typical weekend political announcement. But here's the thing: this isn't just some random political spat. We're watching the spectacular collapse of what was once the Philippines' most powerful political alliance. These two families – the […]

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Scott Bessent as his nominee for Treasury Secretary, along with several other key cabinet appointments. Bessent, 62, a Wall Street financier with extensive investment experience, would oversee crucial areas including tax policy, public debt, international finance, and sanctions if confirmed by the Senate. The appointment comes as Trump finalizes his leadership team ahead of his return to the presidency in January. Bessent brings traditional financial sector credentials to the role, having built his reputation at various investment firms including working with George Soros in the 1990s, where he gained recognition for currency trading strategies. In 2015, he founded Key Square Capital Management, known for policy-driven investment approaches. Among Bessent's stated priorities is the extension of Trump's first-term tax cuts, which are set to expire next year. In pre-election statements, he warned that failing to extend […]

In a significant setback for President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his nomination for U.S. Attorney General, citing concerns that controversy surrounding his candidacy was becoming a distraction to the incoming administration's efforts. The former Florida congressman's withdrawal comes amid renewed scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations, including claims investigated by the House Ethics Committee. His departure from consideration reopens the search for the nation's top law enforcement position, a critical role in the incoming administration. "While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition," Gaetz stated on social media platform X. Trump responded supportively, noting, "Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do." The withdrawal occurred as new details emerged about […]

A newly released police report reveals conflicting accounts surrounding a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Pete Hegseth, a prominent media figure nominated for a cabinet position. The 22-page report, obtained by CNN, details the incident between Hegseth and a 22-year-old woman following a Republican women's convention in Monterey, California. The woman, identified as "Jane Doe," alleges that Hegseth, heavily intoxicated, blocked her from leaving his hotel room, took her phone, and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. She told police she remembered saying "no" many times but had fragmented memories of the encounter. Hegseth, conversely, maintains that their interaction was entirely consensual, stating that he repeatedly ensured the woman was comfortable with their actions. The report includes witness statements describing Hegseth's behavior towards women at the event and surveillance footage showing Hegseth and the woman leaving the hotel bar […]