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Ireland

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Ireland. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Dublin

Head of State

President Michael D. Higgins

Head of Government

Taoiseach Simon Harris

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo: AFP

Israel-Gaza war

UK PM Starmer to recall cabinet from summer break to discuss Gaza

The recall comes after Starmer said the British government would recognise a Palestinian state only as part of a negotiated peace deal.

28 Jul 2025 - 3:25AM

TikTok

TikTok urgently pitches Canada security solution to avoid shutdown

15 Jul 2025 - 5:35AM

Donald Trump

Trump threatens to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s US citizenship

13 Jul 2025 - 1:14AMvideocam

European Union

EU watchdog opens TikTok probe over fresh China data transfer claims

It follows a US$620 million fine levied against TikTok by Europe’s Data Protection Commission in May over other data transfer issues.

10 Jul 2025 - 11:36PM

The EU’s watchdog is investigating TikTok for potential China data breaches. Photo: dpa

Fame and celebrity

Don’t look back in anger: Oasis brothers reunite for first gig in 16 years

The Gallagher brothers set off a frenzy for tickets after they announced their comeback nearly a year ago.

5 Jul 2025 - 9:23AM

Britain

UK’s Starmer and Glastonbury condemn ‘death to the IDF’ chants

Bob Vylan led crowds in chants of ‘Death, death to the IDF’, a reference to the acronym for the Israeli military.

30 Jun 2025 - 1:28PM

Britain

Kneecap play Glastonbury despite criticism from politicians

Singer Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London in November.

28 Jun 2025 - 11:50PM

Irish rap group Kneecap singer, Liam O’Hanna (left), who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, Naoise O Caireallain, aka Moglai Bap (right) and JJ O’Dochartaigh aka DJ Provai (centre), outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 18 after O’Hanna was released on bail until his next hearing in August. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

EU foreign policy chief calls for ‘dose of realism’ in China relations

Statement precedes planned meeting with Wang Yi in Beijing and Anhui.

24 Jun 2025 - 3:13AM

The Philippines

TikTok fuelling rise of fascist youth movement in the Philippines, experts warn

The far-right Philippine Falangist Front seeks to evoke nostalgia for Spanish rule while calling for Catholic authoritarianism.

18 Jun 2025 - 6:36PMvideocam

TikTok

TikTok adds 500 UK jobs in expansion as US fate remains uncertain

A new 135,000 sq ft office is set to open in early 2026, as the ByteDance subsidiary expands in Europe amid looming US sell-or-ban deadline.

10 Jun 2025 - 4:59PM

Signage at TikTok’s current office in London seen on February 9, 2022. The ByteDance-owned social media company is expanding in the UK with a new office in the capital. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

US avoids currency manipulator label for China, but slams lack of transparency

The decision not to sanction China for currency manipulation comes after Trump hailed a ‘very positive’ call with President Xi Jinping.

6 Jun 2025 - 6:42AMvideocam

US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent looks on during a press conference in the Oval Office in May. Photo: AFP

Tourism

UK, Irish castle stays on rise as travellers enjoy ‘living like royalty’

Social media, Bridgerton are fuelling an uptick in castle stays in Scotland and Ireland. But there are things to consider before booking one.

3 Jun 2025 - 4:15PM

Israel-Gaza war

Greta Thunberg joins aid ship to Gaza aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade

Climate campaigner said the mission is ‘not even near as dangerous as the silence of the world in the face of the live-streamed genocide’.

2 Jun 2025 - 10:26AM

Food and Drinks

Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for May 30 – June 1

Bid farewell to Stockton, enjoy the Hong Kong Whisky Festival, and celebrate The Savory Project’s anniversary with Native’s unique cocktails.

28 May 2025 - 6:45PM

One of Hong Kong’s original speakeasies, Stockton on Wyndham Street is closing at the end of May after 12 years. Photo: Thomas Yau

Shein

Shein risks fines over breaches of EU consumer law

Chinese-founded e-commerce platform is working with regulators to address their concerns, a company spokesperson said.

27 May 2025 - 11:52AM

Shein will have one month to reply to the findings and suggest remedies. Photo: dpa

Americas and the Caribbean

Gone, soon forgotten: Mexican TikTok influencer’s murder reveals femicide crisis

Mexico had 852 femicides in 2023, the fourth highest rate per capita in Latin America, according to a UN report.

17 May 2025 - 9:10AM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Graham Norton’s husband, Scottish documentarian Jonathan ‘Jono’ McLeod

Before settling down with McLeod, talk show host Norton dated RuPaul’s Drag Race star Tina Burner and fashion consultant Trevor Patterson, who alleged Norton put his dogs before their relationship.

6 May 2025 - 6:00PM

European Union

EU fines TikTok €530 million for China data transfer

TikTok has been in the crosshairs of Western government for years over fears of China using personal data for espionage or propaganda.

2 May 2025 - 7:49PMvideocam

TikTok

TikTok confirms plans to build €1 billion data centre in Finland

Nordic countries have become attractive destinations for data centres as the colder temperatures reduce energy costs.

1 May 2025 - 1:00PM

China-EU relations

EU’s ‘trade bazooka’ was meant for China. Could the US be hit instead?

Bloc turns some of the weapons it had trained on Beijing towards Washington for potential use in the erstwhile allies’ worsening trade war.

17 Apr 2025 - 5:01PMvideocam

Architecture and design

A cherished Irish tradition is dying out. New school aims to fix that

At the Donegal Thatching School, master thatchers teach their skills to help preserve Ireland’s long tradition of thatched-roofed cottages.

10 Apr 2025 - 7:55AM

Trainee thatcher David McFarren (front), a student of the Donegal Thatching School, works on a thatched cottage in the village of Bunbeg, Ireland on March 9, 2025. Photo: AFP

Celebrity Families

Meet Peggy Gallagher, mother of prickly Oasis pair Noel and Liam Gallagher

Ireland-born Peggy raised her 3 sons away from their abusive father in a council house in Manchester, where she still lives – for her 80th birthday, her wish was for Liam and Noel to make up.

8 Apr 2025 - 6:00PM

Meet Peggy Gallagher, mother of reconciled Oasis stars Noel and Liam Gallagher. Photo: Getty Images

Apple

Apple stores see rush of iPhone shoppers ahead of US tariffs

The atmosphere feels like the busy holiday season, store employees say, as panicked customers splurge on Apple products.

8 Apr 2025 - 5:06PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU frets over flood of Chinese imports as Trump stokes tariff war

Advocates for easier trade with Beijing, including Spain, face off against Poland and others backing protections against Chinese imports.

8 Apr 2025 - 2:07AMvideocam

Mergers & Acquisitions

Hutchison says it is evaluating spin-off of global telecoms business

‘From time to time, the [group] receives proposals and explores and evaluates opportunities that may be available,’ Hutchison said in a statement.

31 Mar 2025 - 10:40PM

A branch of CK Hutchison’s Three cellular telecommunications network in the United Kingdom. Photo: CK Hutchison

Wellness

Meet the Irish farmer using alpacas for animal therapy for the elderly

With their ‘huge brown eyes’, camelid therapy animals ease anxiety among nursing home residents and those with special needs, farmer says.

29 Mar 2025 - 5:15PM

Joe Phelan feeds some of his herd on his alpaca farm near Dublin, Ireland. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

Letters | Raise a glass to Ireland-Hong Kong ties

Readers discuss the relationship between the two places, protection of Victoria Harbour, and regulation of ride-hailing services.

13 Mar 2025 - 11:30AM

Donald Trump

Trump criticises Ireland on trade during St Patrick’s Day visit

US president levelled accusations against Ireland and the European Union, despite diplomatic pleasantries.

13 Mar 2025 - 10:26AM

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