Irish News Roundup: Martin on Ahern, House Prices, and Eurovision Boycott
Micheál Martin disapproved of Bertie Ahern’s immigration comments. House prices in Ireland increased by 6.5% to March, with the median cost up €28,000. Five countries, including Ireland, are boycotting Eurovision in Vienna over Israel’s participation amid its wars.
Micheál Martin stated his party does not approve of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s comments on immigration, made during covert filming. This comes as a woman in her 20s died in a two-vehicle collision in Co Tipperary.
Ireland faces global energy shocks due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. House prices rose 6.5% in the year to March, with the median cost of a home in Ireland now nearly €28,000 higher than a year ago. Homeowners building modular homes in their back gardens will pay a separate local property tax as these will be classed as separate dwellings. Only one of Ireland’s 153 bathing sites was classified as «poor» by the EPA last year.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to ease tensions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed full confidence in Wes Streeting as health secretary, despite Streeting reportedly planning a leadership challenge. The EBU removed four audience members from the Eurovision semi-final in Vienna. The New York Times denied claims it would retract an article on alleged sexual violence by Israeli personnel against Palestinian detainees.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna is overshadowed by controversy, with five countries, including Ireland, boycotting over Israel’s inclusion due to its wars in Gaza and Lebanon.