Seems to be a significant change of temperature in Brussels this afternoon about sanctions against Israel, following attacks on refugee camps in Rafah...

EU Council president @charlesmichel tweets about the human rights obligations of the EU-Israel trade deal, and Micheal Martin

Amid the speculation about ‘when is budget day?’ and follow-up election timing:

• Next increase of carbon tax on motor fuels is pre-legislated for October 9th, the second Tues of October - good guide on timing

• Dáil must be dissolved by 20 February; GE must be by March 22nd

EXCL: Simon Harris tells @virginmedianews on Rafah bombings:
'That anybody would bomb a displaced persons centre - a place where people are told to go to be safe... is horrific... every single country must ask itself, how can what we've been doing be so ineffective so far.'

Didn’t think they’d play this card again

“Can Manchester United score? They always score.”

The promised land, 25 years ago today. 🥹 #mufc

POLL: Business Post/Red C
(Local Elections 2024 #le24 )
May 17-22, MoE 3%

Sinn Féin 21 (+12 compared to LE 2019)
Fine Gael 19 (-6)
Fianna Fáil 15 (-12)
Labour 5 (-1)
Social Democrats 4 (+2)
PBP-Solidarity 4 (+2)
Greens 3 (-3)
Aontú 3 (+2)
Other parties 2
Independents 24 (+5)

City 1, Carrington 2. GET IIIIIIN.

And that’s why Erik ten Hag is the manager (until 5:30pm-ish)

Survived the first 13 seconds this time. May have conceded a penalty within 50. Great.

Varane and Martinez start together. The last dance…

Playing Bruno and Mainoo in too advanced roles, and leaving the club’s best (/only fit) striker on the bench. This is fine.

New: The UK's Home Office has refused to release a copy of its supposed agreement with Ireland about the transfer of asylum seekers between jurisdictions, telling @virginmedianews it contains 'sensitive operational procedures' and its release would 'prejudice relations'

International Criminal of Justice orders Israel to halt Rafah offensive in Gaza, citing the 'immediate risk' to the Palestinian people bbc.com/news/live/worl… via BBC News (UK)

Manchester United decide to sack Erik ten Hag regardless of Cup final outcome theguardian.com/football/artic…

NEW: Micheal Martin says he will complain directly to the Israeli foreign minister, after local media were invited to film a reprimand of the Irish ambassador.

TV stations showed footage of the ambassador and counterparts being admonished yesterday.

More Virgin Media News 12:30

ℹ️ A quick note for other parents of children with disabilities/neurodiversity:

I’m noticing a lot of parents saying their local CDNT is encouraging them to back out/drop/relax their pursuit of an Assessment of Need - on the premise that an AoN/formal diagnosis is not strictly