Page 3 - John Cuffe News Today

The clashes between gardaí and protesters in Roscrea and at other asylum and refugee locations around the country are reflective of the abolition of 80 town councils by Fine Gael and the centralisation of decision-making away from affected communities (‘Racket Hall Hotel protest: Child asylum-seekers “upset” at clashes following stand-off with gardaí, says minister’ – Irish Independent, January 16).

While your front-page article on planning permission (‘Thousands build without planning but they still get away with it’, Irish Independent, January 6) and the accompanying story inside did an excellent job of highlighting the widespread flouting of planning rules, it failed to mention the huge difficulties facing those objecting to such activities.

The Americans are particularly adept at getting their knickers in a twist about a seedy sex scandal, as they have with Donald Trump.

Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, it’s time to put our best foot forward and step into the new year.

Our world is often consumed by chaos and confusion, so it is comforting that some things remain constant (‘DUP rules out prospect of power-sharing in Northern Ireland before Christmas’, Irish Independent, December 18).

?I watch news reports every night from all over the world, showing the horrific bombing happening in the northern Gaza region.

With Cop28 in Dubai, the burning question on all our lips is: Will it be a success or a cop-out?

On Thursday of last week, violent actions in Dublin city centre shook our capital and country.

Henry's new book is a Ballina sensation; fundraising gig for Palestine attracts some top bands; Gala Cash boost for Ballina Special Olympics

Sir — I have witnessed many changes on our little island over the years, most of them very welcome, thus creating a more grown-up society. I’m all for inclusion, as long as its good for society as a whole.