22nd Mar 2024
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Gaza
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a United States-sponsored resolution declaring that “an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza is “imperative” to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid to be delivered to more than two million hungry Palestinians. US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said she was optimistic that the 15-member council would approve the new, tougher draft resolution. The draft being put to a vote “determines” – which is a council order – “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire”, with no direct link to the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel, which was in the previous draft.
thejournal.ie
Co. Down murder investigation
A murder inquiry has begun after a man was found dead at a house in Co. Down yesterday afternoon. Detectives said the man in his 60s was found dead in the house on the outskirts of Kilkeel when the emergency services arrived around lunchtime. A woman, also in her 60s, was also discovered with serious injuries and was taken to hospital. She is said to be in a stable condition. A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
RTÉ
Simon Harris
Simon Harris has promised to bring a “renewed energy” to Fine Gael as he ruled out an immediate election when he takes over leadership of the party. In declaring his intention to run for the position vacated by Leo Varadkar, Mr Harris said: “I’m in, I want to be the next leader of Fine Gael, I’m ready to step up and I’m ready to serve.” Mr Harris said he had been “overwhelmed” by the level of support he had received from within his party, adding that he will “work night and day” and will “give this my absolute all to repay that trust.”
Irish Examiner
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Man jailed for four years for assault of 80-year-old woman
A man who pushed his way into the home of an 80-year-old woman and caused her injuries has been sentenced to four years in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that James Maloney (44) of Mellows Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and attempting to commit theft at a property in Santry on February 1st, 2023. He has 38 previous convictions. Judge Sheahan said she would consider the defendant’s guilty plea, his committing this under duress to pay off an outstanding drug debt, and his remorse and apology for his actions as mitigating factors.
Breaking News
Jason Hennessy Sr murder probe
The son of a deceased former senior garda is a “person of huge interest” in relation to the investigation into the gun murder of Jason Hennessy Sr in a Christmas Eve attack in a Dublin Restaurant. Sources said the man is a leading member of the Mr Flashy drugs gang and has intimate knowledge of the attack. The late garda’s son, who is aged in his early 30s and originally from west Dublin, is currently in jail in a different jurisdiction, remanded in relation to serious firearms offences.
Irish Independent