Fine Gael politician allegedly paid sex workers using stolen money
A Fine Gael politician allegedly paid for sex workers' services and threw parties with money he’s accused of embezzling from a government-funded organisation.
The Ditch editors
Analysis – State Failures: Neutral Ireland Adrift with Atlanticists
History’s gift to the Atlanticist Irish establishment was to stick the unloved, unlovable face of Eamon De Valera on our mental picture of the nation’s neutrality.
Ukrainian government says Irish company sponsors Putin’s war – lawyers, auditors won't comment
An Irish-based oil company is an “international sponsor of war” because it is “providing technological capabilities” and “ideological support” to Russia, according to a Ukrainian government report.
Trinity College investing in UN-blacklisted Israeli firms
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has investments in UN-blacklisted Israeli companies.
Pro militarisation group lobbying government on defence issues won’t disclose its members
A pro militarisation group lobbying government to allow Irish companies greater access to the international arms market has declined to publicly disclose its members.
Criminal complaint against Varadkar referred to senior gardaí
An Garda Síochána says a criminal complaint against Leo Varackar alleging the taoiseach submitted three false statutory donation statements to SIPO has been referred to senior Dublin gardaí.
Varadkar advised donors on getting around legally permitted donation limits, forced to change advice
Leo Varadkar advised potential donors on how to get around legally permitted donation limits – telling them they could use their “spouse, children and parents”.
Analysis – State Failures: What Are You Looking At
I always thought home was somewhere else and that one day I would leave this grey, wet shithole. The first school I went to in Dublin was called Warren Mount. When I was six, the name evoked rabbits burrowing it out the side of Clanbrassil Street.
No approval given to lease building owned by Robert Troy’s relative says board member
The Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) didn’t approve a lease on its new headquarters, owned by Robert Troy’s brother-in-law, according to a board member.
Robert Troy asked minister about approval for state body’s new premises – now provided by brother-in-law
Ex-junior minister Robert Troy intervened in the Dáil to ask education minister Norma Foley for an update on new headquarters for a state body – which is now being provided by his brother-in-law.
Analysis – State Failures: The PSNI and the Structuralism of Stupid Things
I love stories of professional incompetence in a data protection context. I find them fascinating. I know that data protection sounds extremely boring, extremely unfascinating.
‘Hidden gem’: Fine Gael councillor letting investment property on Airbnb – despite failed planning application
A Fine Gael county councillor has been letting an investment property on Airbnb despite a failed planning application to use the dwelling as short-term accommodation.