Four unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin, Ireland, appearing to target Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane during his official visit, breaching a designated no-fly zone. Authorities are investigating the origin and purpose of the drones, which flew with their lights on, raising security concerns. The Irish Defense Forces confirmed their support of the security operation, which allowed Zelensky’s visit to proceed safely. The incident is part of a broader context of European nations experiencing drone incursions, potentially linked to hybrid warfare tactics.
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Late Monday night, four unidentified military-style drones breached a no-fly zone near Dublin Airport, flying towards the expected flight path of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s plane shortly before its arrival. The drones, which took off from the northeast of Dublin, then orbited an Irish Navy vessel deployed in the Irish Sea. Irish authorities are investigating the incident, which has been classified as a potential hybrid attack, mirroring similar drone incursions in other European countries. While the drones were not shot down, and there was no damage, the event prompted a high-level meeting regarding national security concerns.
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Independent TD Catherine Connolly secured a landslide victory in the Irish presidential election, winning 63% of the vote. Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys received less than half of Connolly’s votes, and Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin received 7%. The high turnout of 46% was potentially influenced by a campaign encouraging voters to spoil their ballots, which came in at a significantly higher percentage than usual. Connolly’s win marked a historic moment, the third woman to be elected president and the largest margin of victory in presidential history. The results were seen as a potential shift in the political landscape.
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The potential victory of Connolly wouldn’t be unexpected, given the evolution of the Irish presidency since Mary Robinson’s win in 1990. This shift reflects a voter preference for a president who can challenge the establishment. Connolly, like her predecessor, Michael D. Higgins, has been outspoken on international issues, including her condemnation of Israel and her stance on Hamas. Her critical views on NATO and European security, however, could create tensions for the Irish government.
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Anti-immigrant protesters burn police van in Dublin after young girl attacked: A concerning event has unfolded in Dublin, with a police van set ablaze following a disturbing incident involving a young girl. The core of this story is undeniably the alleged serious assault, which has been reported as rape, of a ten-year-old girl. This heinous act sparked outrage and fueled a demonstration that ultimately led to the burning of a police vehicle.
The anger and frustration among the protestors are palpable, and it is easy to see the factors that contributed to it. There’s a deep-seated feeling that this particular crime, and the circumstances surrounding it, have not been handled adequately.… Continue reading
Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts pilot program, initiated in 2022 and providing artists with a weekly stipend, is nearing its conclusion. Despite the pilot program’s initial end date of August, it was extended to February 2026. The Irish government announced that the 2026 budget includes a successor scheme, aiming to make the basic income program a permanent fixture within the arts and culture sector, highlighting its positive impact on participants. This decision reflects the program’s success in reducing financial stress and fostering professional growth, as noted in a government report, with support from the Arts Council.
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Conor McGregor has ended his bid to run in the upcoming presidential election, announcing his withdrawal after careful consideration and consultation with his family. McGregor had been seeking nominations from local authorities to secure a spot on the ballot, but his campaign was ultimately cut short. While no longer a candidate, he stated his intention to use his platform to promote Irish interests, strengthen economic opportunities, and advocate for transparency. Other notable candidates for the October election include Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin, along with Catherine Connolly, who has received support from various political parties.
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The Netherlands has joined Ireland and other nations in threatening to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza as the primary reason. Dutch broadcaster AvroTros specifically mentioned the death of journalists in Gaza as a key factor in their decision. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) acknowledges the concerns of its members regarding the conflict and is currently consulting on how to manage participation amid geopolitical tensions. Ireland has also expressed similar concerns, citing the “unconscionable” loss of life in Gaza as a reason for potentially withdrawing from the contest.
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The Central Bank of Ireland will no longer approve European prospectuses for the sale of Israeli bonds, with the authority transferring to Luxembourg. This decision, effective September 2nd, follows mounting pressure due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the associated humanitarian crisis. The Development Company for Israel (International) Ltd, which sells debt on behalf of Israel, has been marketing these bonds in the context of funding the Gaza war. While the Central Bank cited legal obligations to approve prospectuses, the change was welcomed by pro-Palestinian groups and criticized by some who believe any financial support is inappropriate.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood