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The Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Leo Varadkar says he would sacrifice economic growth for a united Ireland
FORMER TAOISEACH LEO Varadkar has said that he would 'forgo two years of economic growth' for the unification of Ireland. Varadkar made the claim during an interview with BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme, where he described British politics as 'very vile'. He said that he did not think a date should be fixed for an Irish unity referendum, as nationalists did not have the numbers to win. He added that planning for a united Ireland should take place, however. 'I don't think a united Ireland is inevitable, I think it's something that we have to work towards,' he said. 'Look at the trajectory, and that is clear. We see it in elections. We see it in opinion polls. We see it in demographics. 'But I think there are a lot of factors that would suggest that we're on that trajectory,' he added. "Would I be willing to forgo two years of economic growth for the unification of my island? I would." Former Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar speaking to @MarkCarruthers7 about Irish unity. Read more on @BBCNewsNI Watch the interview on @bbctheview — Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) June 19, 2025 'Demographic factors, polling, even the most recent numbers showing that a very clear majority of younger people in Northern Ireland want there to be a new united Ireland.' I think those of us who believe in it have a duty to make the case for it He said Irish unity will not happen 'by osmosis or by accident', and said it is something that has to be 'worked towards'. Advertisement Last year, a report by the Institute of International and European Affairs found that a united Ireland would cost €20 billion every year for 20 years . Varadkar dismissed concerns of cost however, saying that he would 'be willing to forgo two years of economic growth for the unification of my island'. Northern Ireland 'would not like' Farage During the interview, Varadkar made clear that he hoped Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not become prime minister – though he conceded that it is possible that Farage will win the most seats in the next general election. Varadkar said he believed the possibility of Farage as prime minister 'would change the picture in terms of attitudes' towards independence in Scotland and unificiation in Northern Ireland. He added that Irish unity would become 'centre stage' if Farage took charge. 'It isn't just because a right-wing nationalist government in London would want to bring the UK and Northern Ireland away from Europe. It is other things as well,' Varadkar told BBC's The View. He explained that Reform-run councils in England were 'preventing people from flying pride or progress flags'. 'I don't think most people in Northern Ireland would like that,' the former Fine Gael leader said. He believes there are people in Northern Ireland 'from both backgrounds, or both traditions, that have a liberal and European outlook'. 'If that's the kind of government they had in London versus a government in Dublin that was very different, it might make them more likely to vote yes to unification,' he added. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Unreal' feeling for friends and family of NI's world champs
Northern Ireland won their first World Cup of Darts with victory over Wales [Getty Images] Family and friends of Northern Ireland's newest world champions have said the sensation of watching them triumph felt "unreal". Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock clinched glory for NI in the World Cup of Darts on Sunday night. Advertisement The team lifted the trophy for the first time with victory over Wales in a final-leg decider. Gurney and Rock picked up a team first prize of £80,000 after beating two-time champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton 10-9 in Frankfurt. They were playing together for the first time but Darryl's dad Tommy Gurney said "they just clicked and pulled off something unreal." 'I am just as proud as anyone can be' Tommy said he was "one very proud father". "I can't actually put it into words, I am just as proud as anyone can be," he told BBC News NI. "Some of the family was over there with him for the final and let me just say there were just so many tears. Advertisement "I phoned him after his first game, and I told him he's trying too hard and I said; 'Just let them go', play your game, and after that he was throwing better then." Tommy bought Daryl, who grew up in Londonderry, a set of darts as a 12-year-old and after he "messed about" for a while he took the game up seriously at 14. "He just kept getting better and we knew there was something special there - I think he did a 10-darter when he was 15," Tommy said. Tommy Gurney described the victory as "unreal" [BBC] Tommy said representing Northern Ireland was special to Daryl. "He said it himself, this one is even better than any of the individuals he won," he said. Advertisement "He's won the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship, but I think this means a bit more than any of the individuals." Brian Doran is friends with Josh Rock and plays darts with him [Brian Doran] Brian Doran, who is friends with Rock and has played alongside him, said it was brilliant to see his friend win the World Cup. "I've been watching it the whole weekend and basically watch all of Josh's matches, he's unreal," Mr Doran said. "He's just been getting better and better and better in every tournament. "It just took this one major, wait to you see what he wins now." When watching his friend from Broughshane in County Antrim compete on Sunday, Mr Doran said he "goosepimples, sweating, hoping he did it. Advertisement "Because it is Northern Ireland, we are basically an underdog at times, and they actually put our name on a trophy to say we are World Cup champions. "Being friends with Josh, it's unreal. I say my friend's a World Cup champion." Julie-Ann Coll grew up on the same street as Daryl [BBC] 'Screaming at the TV' Julie-Ann Coll told BBC News NI the whole of Tullyally in Derry was incredibly proud of "hometown hero" Gurney. Ms Coll grew up on the same street as the star and is best friends with his sister. "I wouldn't have missed that final for the world. I was actually a bit sick in bed, unfortunately, but I had to watch them," she said. Advertisement "It was very tense. I always say to Stacey, Daryl doesn't like to do things the easy way. "Many times, I was crying, shaking, and screaming at the TV. "The family and just everyone here is so very proud of everything he has done. "It shows all the young people here, if you put your mind to something, practice a lot, you can achieve anything. "A World Cup coming back home, it's just unreal."
BBC News
12-06-2025
- BBC News
Police chief to give update after third night of disorder in Northern Ireland
Update: Date: 15:47 BST Title: Olympic swimmer told people to evacuate Larne Leisure Centre Content: Olympic swimmer Danielle Hill, who trains at Larne Leisure Centre, described the attack as not just violence, but "racism in its rawest and most dangerous form". Hill, who takes a weekly group swimming session, arrived at the centre at 19:00 BST yesterday. "This is our club night, so one of the busiest nights of the week," she told BBC News NI. After cancelling her session, when she saw masked men approaching the centre, Hill told people to evacuate. "I lay awake last night, when there is kids involved it's upsetting and it shouldn't be happening," she said. She hopes that the children who were present will not be afraid to come back to the leisure centre. Hill represented Ireland at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics. Update: Date: 15:37 BST Title: Trouble feels more organised - reporter tells State of Us podcast Content: This video can not be played Lyndsey Telford describes being on the ground during violence disorder in Ballymena What is happening in Ballymena? On an extra episode of BBC News NI's The State of Us podcast, Tara and Declan speak to reporter Lyndsey Telford who has been on the ground during the violence and disorder in Northern Ireland. Listen to The State of Us by clicking here. Update: Date: 15:33 BST Title: What happened in Larne last night? Content: This video can not be played Leisure centre was set on fire in third night of violence in Northern Ireland The worst of last night's disorder was in Ballymena, but unrest also spread to other towns. In Larne, about 20 miles (30km) from Ballymena, masked youths attacked a leisure centre and set it on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families following the clashes earlier this week. Police left the area after masked young people threw objects at vehicles, but later officers in riot gear returned to the scene. A crowd of about 50 people watched a dozen or so individuals target the centre. Fire damage was contained mainly to the front reception but there was extensive smoke damage, the fire service said. In a statement, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the families placed at the centre had all been "safely relocated" and were no longer using the centre. Update: Date: 15:23 BST Title: Rioters will be 'dealt with robustly' says judge Content: Earlier today, a judge warned that anyone involving themselves in the ongoing 'despicable' rioting 'will be dealt with robustly". Speaking as he remanded four teenagers into custody, District Judge Nigel Broderick said that 'where there is credible and reliable evidence' against anyone arrested in the ongoing disorder, 'there is a high likelihood they will be refused bail and if convicted, they will face lengthy sentence.' The judge issued the warning at Ballymena Magistrates Court where the teenagers appeared in the dock charged with riot. Update: Date: 15:12 BST Title: Three nights of violence - timeline recap Content: 9 June: Two teenage boys appear in court charged with an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the Ballymena. They spoke through a Romanian interpreter to confirm their names and ages - their solicitor said they would be denying the charges. 9 June evening: Hundreds held a peaceful protest related to the court case but violence later broke out when people threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police, and damaged properties. Police called it "racist thuggery", targeting ethnic minorities and law enforcement. 10 June: During a second night of riots, police fired baton rounds and used a water cannon to disperse protesters in Ballymena as cars were set on fire and windows of several houses were smashed. Police also dealt with incidents in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus in County Antrim and north Belfast - 32 officers were injured and six people arrested over the two nights. 11 June: Violence spread to other towns like Larne - about 20 miles (30km) from Ballymena - where masked youths attacked a leisure centre and set it on fire. The town was providing emergency shelter for families following the clashes in Ballymena. Update: Date: 15:02 BST Title: Filipino woman flies Union Jack flag from window to avoid attacks Content: Yelena, who is Filipino and moved to Ballymena last year, tells the BBC: 'To feel safe I put a Union Jack flag outside my window, since then the building hasn't been attacked.' She says she had considered putting up a Filipino flag but her local friends told her she might still be attacked. She didn't expect trouble to start where she lives, but it escalated from a small gathering to setting bonfires, throwing petrol bombs, and throwing stones, bricks and glass bottles at her windows. 'I'm doing OK but still a bit traumatised,' she says. 'I don't want to leave Ballymena, I just want everyone to be educated on migrants - not all those here are illegal. 'I want to go back to work and have peaceful nights.' Update: Date: 14:51 BST Title: Why are the riots in Northern Ireland happening? Content: Police aim a water cannon at demonstrators as riots continued in Ballymena on Wednesday The violence in parts of Northern Ireland is described as being racially-motivated by officials, with police calling it "racist thuggery targeted at ethnic minorities and police officers". It started on Monday 9 June, after two 14-year-old boys appeared in court after an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena, County Antrim, on Saturday 7 June. The teenagers, who confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter, are charged with attempted oral rape, which they deny. That evening, a peaceful protest was held when hundreds marched close to the town centre, before things turned violent and youths with their faces covered attacked police and a number of houses. The first two nights of violence saw 32 police officers injured after being attacked with fireworks, bottles and bricks, and six arrested. Videos on social media have shown houses being attacked with families still inside - signs outlining residents' nationalities have been put up on some doors. Violence spread to the nearby town of Larne - when masked youths attacked a leisure centre and set it on fire - which had been sheltering families caught up in the disorder earlier in the week. Update: Date: 14:44 BST Title: Police to give update after three nights of Northern Ireland riots Content: Welcome to our live coverage. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will shortly give an update after a third night of violence in parts of Northern Ireland. The riots started on Monday, after a planned peaceful protest in response to an alleged serious sexual assault in Ballymena, in County Antrim on Saturday evening. On Monday, two teenage boys appeared in court and confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter. The two 14-year-olds denied the charges against them. Since then, violence has spread to other towns, 32 police officers have been injured and authorities have struggled to keep the peace. You can follow the police press conference at 15:30 BST by pressing watch live at the top of this page, and we'll bring you text updates here.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loft Lines raided as part of immigration enforcement
The Home Office has arrested almost 150 people during immigration enforcement raids at workplaces across Northern Ireland since July 2024, new figures reveal. BBC News NI understands 36 people were arrested at the Loft Lines complex in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. The Graham Group is one of the main building contractors on the site. It is understood that those arrested did not work for the company. BBC News NI put a number of questions to the Graham Group about the raid but a spokesperson said they would not be issuing any response. Figures released by the Home Office show that between 5 July 2024 and 31 May 2025, 113 visits resulted in 148 arrests. This marked a 48% rise compared to the year before. The department said it was part of "a drive to combat illegal working" with a particular focus on tackling employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the thousands of businesses targeted. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said the government was "committed to tackling illegal working as we intensify our enforcement efforts to disrupt organised immigration networks at every level". "There must be no hiding place from the law and these figures demonstrate our determination to curb immigration offending and disrupt unscrupulous employers," she added. "Under our Plan for Change, we are laser focused on fixing our immigration system and securing our borders once and for all." BBC News NI understands that a major co-ordinated operation reported in March, took place at the Loft Lines development. Offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work. Loft Lines is a three-block apartment development located at Queen's Island in the docks area of the city, on land which used to form part of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. The majority of the 778 apartments will be privately owned and rented out to tenants, but up to 20% of the properties will be constructed as social, affordable homes. The lead developers of the site are Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones Group PLC, while Graham Group are leading on construction. Watkin Jones PLC declined to comment. Lacuna Developments have been approached for comment by BBC News NI. The development has previously been criticised for blocking the view of Belfast's Titanic museum as the apartments are being built in front of it. BBC News NI understands that 30 of the individuals arrested elected to leave the UK voluntarily. Five have been placed on immigration bail and are now required to report regularly to the Home Office. A 16-year-old boy was also being supported by local authorities. The individual arrested on suspicion of immigration offences has been bailed pending further investigation. Fears towers will block Titanic Belfast Home Office arrest 36 in Titanic Quarter construction site 'swoop' Funding for Belfast build-to-rent scheme agreed
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loft Lines raided as part of immigration enforcement
The Home Office has arrested almost 150 people during immigration enforcement raids at workplaces across Northern Ireland since July 2024, new figures reveal. BBC News NI understands 36 people were arrested at the Loft Lines complex in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. The Graham Group is one of the main building contractors on the site. It is understood that those arrested did not work for the company. BBC News NI put a number of questions to the Graham Group about the raid but a spokesperson said they would not be issuing any response. Figures released by the Home Office show that between 5 July 2024 and 31 May 2025, 113 visits resulted in 148 arrests. This marked a 48% rise compared to the year before. The department said it was part of "a drive to combat illegal working" with a particular focus on tackling employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the thousands of businesses targeted. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said the government was "committed to tackling illegal working as we intensify our enforcement efforts to disrupt organised immigration networks at every level". "There must be no hiding place from the law and these figures demonstrate our determination to curb immigration offending and disrupt unscrupulous employers," she added. "Under our Plan for Change, we are laser focused on fixing our immigration system and securing our borders once and for all." BBC News NI understands that a major co-ordinated operation reported in March, took place at the Loft Lines development. Offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work. Loft Lines is a three-block apartment development located at Queen's Island in the docks area of the city, on land which used to form part of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. The majority of the 778 apartments will be privately owned and rented out to tenants, but up to 20% of the properties will be constructed as social, affordable homes. The lead developers of the site are Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones Group PLC, while Graham Group are leading on construction. Watkin Jones PLC declined to comment. Lacuna Developments have been approached for comment by BBC News NI. The development has previously been criticised for blocking the view of Belfast's Titanic museum as the apartments are being built in front of it. BBC News NI understands that 30 of the individuals arrested elected to leave the UK voluntarily. Five have been placed on immigration bail and are now required to report regularly to the Home Office. A 16-year-old boy was also being supported by local authorities. The individual arrested on suspicion of immigration offences has been bailed pending further investigation. Fears towers will block Titanic Belfast Home Office arrest 36 in Titanic Quarter construction site 'swoop' Funding for Belfast build-to-rent scheme agreed
