EU rejects Johnson call for “abolition” of backstop
The EU has rejected the new UK Prime Minister’s call for the backstop to be ‘abolished.’
Boris Johnson spoke to the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker by phone this evening.
It is his first engagement with the EU since taking power.
Earlier, the Chief EU Brexit Negotiator said his demand for the removal of the backstop was “of course unacceptable.”
Gardaí investigating claims of unauthorised covert surveillance at Midlands Prison
Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating claims that unauthorised covert surveillance was carried out on staff and visitors at the Midlands Prison.
A report by the Inspector of Prisons Patricia Gilheaney into allegations of surveillance and other wrongdoing in the Irish Prison Service has been published today.
The report found evidence that the surveillance was carried out.
This evening, Gardaí confirmed that an investigation into the claims is being carried out under the Assistant Commissioner for Special Crime Operations.
Ryder Cup returning to Ireland
The Ryder Cup is returning to Ireland.
Golf’s flagship tournament will be held at Limerick’s Adare Manor in 2026.
The Taoiseach confirmed the news at a press conference in Donegal this afternoon.
It is only the second time it has been hosted on Irish shores – with the K Club in County Kildare providing the backdrop in 2006.
Keith Byrne released from prison in the US
Irishman Keith Byrne is on the way home to his family after being released from custody in the US.
The father of three was arrested earlier this month by immigration officials who found he had illegally overstayed his visa.
A US Federal judge has now ordered that he be released from prison and have his deportation order frozen.
The emergency motion - a petition for writ of habeas corpus - was filed in Pennsylvania yesterday.
Around 150 people feared drowned in shipwreck off coast of Libya
Around 150 people are feared drowned following a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, the UN says.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said it happened off the coast of Al Khoms.
Two boats carrying about 300 people capsized around 120km east of the capital, Tripoli.
It said another 147 people have been rescued but many others may have lost their lives.
Charlie Yaxley, spokesman for the UN refugee agency, said: "We estimate that 150 migrants are potentially missing and died at sea."
