Ireland has been placed under Level 5 restrictions since December 31, which is the highest level under the Irish Government’s medium-term Covid plan.
Mr Martin did admit that the border “cannot be sealed” due to communities moving between the border but a “strong policy of suppression of the virus” may work instead.
The Taoiseach explained that the lockdown restrictions were having a positive impact, forcing case numbers down.
However, Mr Martin said that the country cannot give the virus or its variants any space. Therefore, the government has decided to to extend all of the current Level Five restrictions until March 5, with a view to crushing the numbers of those contracting the disease, and in turn the numbers needing hospitalisation and intensive care, he said.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar slams leaking of Mother & Baby Homes report
irishmirror.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from irishmirror.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
This weekend we are paying a high price for two insecure politicians, each with a chip on both shoulders, the first about the other and the second about Tony Holohan. Today, as we face a far worse situation than last April, the nation wonders why we made all those sacrifices in the spring.
The dynamic at the top of Government in 2020 does not bode well for 2021.
It is no secret that Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar were never bosom buddies. Far from it. The FG/FF confidence and supply agreement under the last government survived despite their stressed relationship.
Updated / Thursday, 31 Dec 2020
09:20
As with everything else this year, the pandemic played havoc with the world of entertainment. However, it was both a curse and a blessing as 2020 proved a fascinating year for the business of show. Here s our 2020 revision
January
The late, great Larry
The month got off to a tragic start with the worlds of media and entertainment mourning the passing of two broadcasting greats
Following her sudden death at the age of 69, the nation remembered veteran RTÉ presenter Marian Finucane for her trailblazing feminist legacy and for being a formidable, wise, sensitive broadcaster .
Tributes also poured in for RTÉ radio legend Larry Gogan following his death, aged 85. President Michael D. Higgins said Gogan made an indelible impact on Irish music, having promoted both up-and-coming and more established Irish musicians and sharing his infectious enthusiasm and passion for pop and rock music of all kinds.
Cacks and feathers weren t quite flying on the
Claire Byrne Show last night but the current affairs presenter finally got to confront Dustin the Turkey over the scurrilous rumours he’s been spreading about her over the past few weeks.
Claire finally confronts @DustinOfficial about the rumours he has been spreading on The Den. Luckily Bernard O Shea @boshea5 comes to her rescue!! #CBLivepic.twitter.com/FlmOiSWu6I Claire Byrne Live (@ClaireByrneLive) December 21, 2020
Having already ruffled the feathers of One Direction fans all over the world by cutting Niall Horan short as he sang during his recent appearance on
The Den, Dustin popped up from behind a desk and took over the show to do what he does best - slag off RTÉ and double down on his accusations that Claire has, ahem, been wearing the same under garments for the past ten weeks due to work commitments during the pandemic.
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