Fine Gael TD harassment
A man who sent sexually explicit videos to a Fine Gael TD during the 2020 general election campaign has been handed a suspended sentence and ordered to stay away from Leinster House.
Gerard Culhane (43), of Marian Place, Glin, Co Limerick, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Jennifer Carroll MacNeill at unknown places within the State on dates between January 13th, 2020 and March 26th, 2020. He has no previous convictions.
Imposing sentence on Friday, Judge Patricia Ryan said the period in question had been “very disturbing and frightening” for the TD, particularly as it occurred during a general election campaign when she was meeting people.
Judge Ryan imposed a one-year custodial sentence suspended for 12 months on strict conditions.
EU energy discussions
The EU deal on gas prices will not result in an immediate reduction in energy prices for householders, according to the Taoiseach.
However, Micheál Martin said the revenue from a windfall tax on energy companies should give the Government “firepower” to be able to help people further with increased costs next year.
He made the comments as he arrived in Brussels for the second day of an EU summit.
Leaders from EU members states agreed in the early hours of Friday morning to place a cap on the wholesale cost of gas in a bid to reduce energy prices.
Refugee accommodation
Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has admitted that he “could not rule out” that some international protection applicants could end up sleeping on the streets as the Citywest processing centre in Dublin is at capacity.
Mr O'Gorman said that women and children will be prioritised, adding his department will work with NGOs about supporting other arrivals.
The Ukrainian embassy has been contacted, the Minister said, so people could be advised to stay in other EU states as State accommodation could not be guaranteed.
The State is now accommodating more than 58,000 refugees or asylum seekers – around 42,000 Ukrainian nationals and 16,000 international protection applicants.
Tory leadership race
Penny Mordaunt has become the first candidate to throw her hat into the ring in the race to succeed Liz Truss as UK prime minister, with a pledge to re-unite the bitterly divided Tory Party.
The Leader of the House – who finished third in the last leadership election – said she had been encouraged by the support she had received from fellow Conservative MPs.
“I’ve been encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest,” she said in a statement posted on social media.
“I’m running to be the leader of the Conservative Party and your prime minister – to unite our country, deliver our pledges and win the next GE (general election).”
The announcement came after she held talks with Jeremy Hunt, in which she assured him he could stay on as chancellor if she won.
Former rugby coach to face trial for indecent assault
Former rugby coach and teacher John McClean has been returned for trial accused of indecently assaulting boys at a south Dublin school.
Mr McClean (76), of Casimir Avenue, Harold's Cross, Dublin, was charged in August with 49 counts of indecent assault of a number of boys at Terenure College in the 1970s and 1980s.
He appeared again at Dublin District Court on Friday and was served with a book of evidence.
Detective Garda James Duffy of Crumlin station said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that the accused face "trial on indictment", meaning the case would be heard by a Circuit Court judge and jury with wider sentencing powers.
