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Morning top 5: SNP pushing for independence ref; Late Late criticised over pub setting; Rally against hate crime in Dublin

The Scottish National Party has said its success in the UK General Election offers a mandate for ...
Michael Staines
Michael Staines

08.50 14 Dec 2019


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Morning top 5: SNP pushing for...

Morning top 5: SNP pushing for independence ref; Late Late criticised over pub setting; Rally against hate crime in Dublin

Michael Staines
Michael Staines

08.50 14 Dec 2019


Share this article


The Scottish National Party has said its success in the UK General Election offers a mandate for a new independence referendum.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said the “mandate to give people a choice must be respected” after her party secured 48 of Scotland’s 59 seats.

Meanwhile, the EU Council President Charles Michel has called on the UK Parliament to pass the Brexit withdrawal agreement "as soon as possible."

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It is expected a fresh vote will be put to MPs next week, after the Tories secured an 80-seat majority in Thursday's election.

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RTÉ is facing criticism for deciding to set a tribute to music legend Shane McGowan in a studio pub.

The Late Late Show tribute to the singer took place in a mock bar complete with pints of stout.

Following the segment, Alcohol Action Ireland said it was regrettable the broadcaster would seek to normalise the impact of alcohol on people and reinforce cultural stereotypes.

RTÉ said the bar-room setting was chosen as “such locations were for Shane’s musical career and a backdrop to his music and lyrics.”

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Divers are searching the waters around New Zealand's Whakaari or White Island for the last two victims of Monday’s volcanic eruption.

Police said the divers are working in contaminated waters with near-zero visibility – describing the conditions as "unique and challenging."

A recovery team has already recovered six bodies since returning to the island at first light on Friday morning.

They are wearing protective suits and using breathing apparatus as gases on the island remain highly toxic.

In all, 16 people died and dozens were injured after the eruption.

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A rally against the Far Right and hate crime will take place in Dublin later today.

Unions, campaigners against homelessness and minority rights groups will meet for the Rally for Peace at Leinster House at 1pm.

It will also feature speakers who will talk about rights for people with disabilities.

Organisers are warning that hatred must not be allowed to divide those working for positive change.

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North Korea has said it has carried out another "crucial test" at its long-range rocket launch site.

The announcement comes as the country continues to pressure Donald Trump over a deadline set for the end of the year by leader Kim Jong Un to salvage faltering nuclear negotiations.

North Korea's Academy of Defence Science did not specify what was tested on Friday.

Earlier this week, Pyongyang said it carried out a "very important test" at the site – prompting speculation that it involved a new engine for either a space launch vehicle or an intercontinental ballistic missile.


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