The United States is expanding itS footprint in Dublin’s upscale Ballsbridge neighborhood,with plans for a new $700 million (€641 million) embassy on the site of the former Jurys Hotel. This move comes as the U.S. outgrows its current base on Elgin Road. In addition to the embassy, the U.S. has recently acquired three adjoining apartments in the Lansdowne Place growth, located next to the embassy site. The deal,handled by Arthur Cox solicitors,was finalized without comment from the U.S. authorities. While U.S. Ambassador Claire D. Cronin will continue to reside at Deerfield House, the sprawling 62-acre estate in Phoenix Park, the new apartments are expected to house staff and visiting dignitaries. Interestingly, officials from Donald Trump’s incoming governance might even cross paths with fellow Lansdowne Place resident Roy Keane, the former footballer known for his no-nonsense approach to diplomacy Business Forum, representing around 200 local employers, including major tech, accountancy, and legal firms, has lobbied Ministers Jack Chambers and Pascal Donohoe to amend voting laws. The proposal, inspired by the City of London’s model, would allow employees to vote in local elections based on their workplace rather than their residential address. Alan Robinson, CEO of the forum, argues that the 70,000 docklands workers spend more time in the area than in their own neighborhoods, making them more affected by local policies. “It is impractical for people working long hours,commuting 10-15 hours a week and with many domestic responsibilities,to make it to the polling station at their home address,” Robinson stated. “dockland employees are effectively disenfranchised.” However, local residents, many of whom feel overshadowed by the area’s towering corporate structures, may not share this perspective.
In the world of arts and culture,acclaimed author John banville is making headlines with two new projects. One is a feature film about the late writer JP Donleavy, funded by Screen Ireland and directed by Adrian Sibley, known for The Ghost of Richard Harris. banville, who is penning the screenplay, is also working on a memoir, which he humorously described to The Guardian as “a pack of lies.” The film,produced by David Blake Knox’s Blueprint Pictures,promises to delve into Donleavy’s colorful life,adding another layer to Banville’s already impressive literary portfolio.
| Key Developments | Details |
|——————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| U.S.Embassy Expansion | New $700 million embassy in Ballsbridge; three apartments acquired nearby. |
| Docklands voting Proposal | Employers seek voting rights for workers based on workplace location. |
| John Banville’s Projects | Film on JP Donleavy and a memoir in progress. |
The U.S.embassy’s expansion and the docklands voting debate highlight the growing influence of American interests in Dublin, while Banville’s creative endeavors continue to enrich Ireland’s cultural landscape. For more information on U.S. diplomatic missions, visit the Jack Mulcahy’s Fez-Wearing Seanad Campaign: A Nod to Edward de Bono and a Dash of Mischief
Table of Contents Jack Mulcahy, son of the late Phoenix publisher John Mulcahy, is making waves in Irish politics with his unconventional campaign for the Seanad. Known for his work in publishing and as chairman of the Irish Arts Review, Mulcahy is running on a platform of “promoting individual initiative.” But it’s his choice of headwear that’s stealing the spotlight. in his official ballot photograph, Mulcahy dons a fez—yes, the iconic red hat famously worn by comedian Tommy Cooper. While some might mistake it for a nod to the Ottoman Empire,Mulcahy’s fez is actually a tribute to Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats theory. According to de Bono, the red hat symbolizes feelings, intuition, and instinct. Mulcahy’s campaign is clearly embracing creativity and lateral thinking, setting him apart from traditional political candidates. This isn’t the first time headgear has made headlines in Irish politics. Michael Healy-Rae’s flatcap became a symbol of his Dáil presence, and Mulcahy’s fez could follow suit if he secures a seat in the Seanad. Mulcahy’s campaign reflects the same sense of mischief that defined his father, john Mulcahy, who was known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor. jack’s decision to run for the Seanad is not just a political move but a continuation of his family’s legacy of challenging norms and sparking conversations. While Mulcahy’s campaign is making headlines, another colorful character from Irish history is being remembered for his own brand of storytelling. George Lawson,a rare book dealer who passed away in December at the age of 82,was known for his discovery of two previously unknown James Joyce collections.Lawson’s life was filled with engaging anecdotes, including his time on Inis Mór, where he was appointed clerk of works after the previous clerk was “taken off the island in a straitjacket.” Lawson’s efforts to install running water on the island were met with resistance, as locals preferred the social ritual of visiting the village well. However, his blasting through rock for the pipes had an unintended consequence: some residents reportedly used the construction to “deliberately acquire injuries which allowed them to claim disability benefits.” | Name | role | Notable Contribution | Mulcahy’s fez is more than just a quirky accessory—it’s a statement about his approach to politics. By embracing de Bono’s theory, he’s signaling a commitment to innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether or not he’s elected, his campaign is a reminder that politics can be both serious and playful. For more updates on Irish politics and culture, sign up for push alerts or find The Irish Times on WhatsApp. Mulcahy’s campaign is a breath of fresh air in Irish politics, blending humor, creativity, and a touch of mischief. Whether he wins or not, his fez will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.Mastering the Art of News Writing: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Journalists Writing a compelling news article is both an art and a science. Whether you’re crafting a piece for a school newspaper, fulfilling a class requirement, or pursuing a career in journalism, understanding the nuances of news writing is essential.Unlike academic papers, news articles demand clarity, brevity, and a focus on newsworthy events. Here’s how you can write like a professional reporter. The first step in writing a news article is selecting a newsworthy story[[2]].A story that impacts a wide audience or has significant consequences is more likely to engage readers. Onc you’ve identified your topic, gather all the necessary facts. Accuracy is paramount in journalism, so double-check your sources and verify every detail. A well-structured news article follows the inverted pyramid model[[[[[1]]. Start with the most critical information in the lead paragraph—answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how. This ensures readers grasp the essence of the story immediately. Follow this with supporting details and background information, saving the least crucial details for the end. The lead is your chance to hook the reader. It should be concise, engaging, and informative. For example, instead of writing, “A fire broke out last night,” try, “A massive fire engulfed a downtown apartment building last night, displacing dozens of residents.” this approach provides context and draws the reader in. News writing thrives on simplicity. Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Use active voice to make your writing more dynamic. For instance, “The mayor announced the new policy” is more direct than “The new policy was announced by the mayor.” Like any craft, news writing improves with practice[[3]]. Write regularly, even if it’s just short news briefs. Seek feedback from experienced journalists or editors to refine your skills. Over time, you’ll develop a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. Here’s a speedy summary of the essential components of a news article: | Element | Description | Mastering news writing requires dedication and a commitment to accuracy. By following these guidelines and practicing consistently, you can craft articles that inform, engage, and resonate with your audience. Ready to take your writing to the next level? Start by selecting a newsworthy topic[[2]]and applying the principles outlined above. remember, the best journalists are lifelong learners.Keep honing your craft, and your stories will leave a lasting impact. – Purpose: Grab the reader’s attention and summarize the main point of the article. – Tips: Keep it concise, specific, and engaging. Use active verbs and avoid jargon. – Purpose: The first sentence or paragraph should answer the 5 ws and 1 H—Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. – Tips: Make it compelling and informative. Avoid burying the lead; get to the point quickly. – Purpose: Provide detailed information, quotes, and context to support the lead. – tips: Organize information in order of importance. Use short paragraphs and subheadings for clarity. Include quotes from reliable sources to add credibility and human interest. – Purpose: Wrap up the story, often with a summary, future implications, or a call to action. – Tips: Avoid introducing new information. End with a strong, memorable statement or a thought-provoking question. Headline: Local School Wins National Science Competition Lead: St.Patrick’s High School in Dublin has won the National Science Competition for the third consecutive year, showcasing their innovative approach to STEM education. Body: The team, led by teacher Ms. Sarah O’Connor, developed a solar-powered water purification system that impressed judges with its practicality and environmental impact.“This project is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our students,” said O’Connor. The competition, held in Cork, featured over 100 schools from across the country. Conclusion: With this victory, St. Patrick’s High School has secured a €10,000 grant to further develop their STEM programs. The school plans to use the funds to build a state-of-the-art science lab, ensuring future students have the resources to continue innovating. Mastering news writing takes practice, but by following these guidelines, you can craft articles that are informative, engaging, and professional. Remember, the goal of journalism is to inform the public, so always prioritize accuracy and clarity. Whether you’re covering local events or global issues, your words have the power to shape perspectives and spark conversations. For more resources on journalism and news writing, check out The Irish Times or The Guardian’s Journalism Guide. Happy writing!
A Legacy of Mischief
George Lawson’s Inis Mór Blarney
A Table of Key Figures
|——————–|———————————–|—————————————————————————————–|
| Jack Mulcahy | Seanad Candidate | Running on a platform of “promoting individual initiative,” wearing a fez for his campaign. |
| George Lawson | Rare Book Dealer | Discovered two unknown James Joyce collections and had a colorful stint on Inis Mór. |
| Edward de Bono | Lateral Thinker | Developed the Six Thinking Hats theory, inspiring Mulcahy’s fez. | A Campaign Built on Creativity
The Foundation of News Writing
Structuring Your Article
Crafting a strong Lead
Writing with Clarity and Precision
Practicing and Refining Your Skills
Key Elements of a News Article
|———————–|———————————————————————————|
| Headline | A concise, attention-grabbing title that summarizes the story. |
| Lead | The opening paragraph that answers the 5 Ws and H.|
| Body | Detailed information, quotes, and background context. |
| Conclusion | A summary or forward-looking statement. | Final Thoughts
Your news article is crucial for readability adn impact.A well-structured article follows the inverted pyramid model, where the most important facts is presented frist, followed by supporting details and background information. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:1. Headline
2. Lead (or Lede)
3. Body
4. Conclusion
Key Tips for Effective News Writing
Example of a News Article Structure
Final Thoughts
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