Vice President, Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute Colorful lights with the Olympic rings and words reading Beijing candidate city and year 2022 are seen at a lantern fair in Beijing on February 11, 2017. NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing continue to spark controversy.
In short, right now there is no rush to a transatlantic consensus on the Olympics. That could change.
If they could band together to call for moving the Olympics to another venue, they would have tremendous bargaining power.
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing continue to spark controversy. Although the International Olympic Committee is trying to stay away from political dynamics, the controversial behavior of the Chinese Communist Party represents an unavoidable issue. The gross violation of the human rights of Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minorities is just too great.
Condemnation of Belarus skyjacking from Wexford senator
It was forced to land in the country yesterday as an opposition journalist on board was arrested.
The diversion has been described as an act of terrorism by Lithuania – where the flight was supposed to arrive.
Speaking in the Seanad this afternoon Senator Malcolm Byrne says the action was totally unacceptable and against all civilised norms
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Voting age could be lowered to 16 for elections under new bill
The voting age could be lowered to 16 for local and European elections under a new bill.
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan has said the government will give every consideration to the move ahead of the votes in 2024.
Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne believes lowering the voting age would increase participation in politics.
“I would certainly favour the extension of voting at 16 to all elections.
“But as you aware that would also requite a constitutional amendment.
“Whereas I think the scope is there at a legislative base to change it in time for the local and European elections.