Spring weather takes hold as sunny spells expected this weekend
Spring has sprung, as milder temperatures are set to stay for the remainder of the weekend and early next week. It will stay mainly dry, but there will be the occasional scattered patch of light rain. That fog will gradually clear through tomorrow morning, leaving a rather bright day with sunny spells developing through the afternoon. Mist and fog will form in a light easterly breeze, with some dense pockets developing towards dawn. Wednesday will be generally cloudy with a mix of dry spells and scattered outbreaks of light rain.
Source:Irish Independent
February 27, 2021 09:22 UTC
Letters to the Editor: Pay rise for the public sector is madness
His defence of public-sector pay increases of 3% makes the utterances of Comical Ali seem credible. The minister’s claim that increasing the public sector pay bill by almost €906m “is affordable and represents value for money” is an affront to what is happening in reality. One assumes that Minister McGrath is aware that the State is running an annual deficit of some €19bn. Yet he wants to borrow more money to fund pay increases to a cosseted few who are shielded and insulated from the financial effects of the pandemic. Micheál Martin would do us and himself a favour if he observed the simple advice once offered by another Martin, Martin Luther King.
Source:Irish Examiner
February 27, 2021 08:13 UTC
The Menu: Nominate someone for a 'thank you' hamper
Think Local, Act GlobalAs the old saw has it, ‘Think Local, Act Global’ and to The Menu that means his weekly shopping basket is filled first with finest Irish produce — but after that always supplemented by premium imports of products simply not available in Ireland. After all, much as The Menu loves Irish butter, he would struggle dearly if he couldn’t also use finest olive oil. And a morning without coffee (always from specialty Irish roasters) is the morning he fails to rise at all. fairtrade.ieThanks a Thousand — free hamperFive iconic Irish brands have come together to assemble a package of their produce to thank 1,000 random Irish households for supporting Irish food, especially during the pandemic crisis. Simply nominate yourself, a friend, or family member to receive a complimentary hamper delivered direct to the door.
Source:Irish Examiner
February 27, 2021 08:00 UTC
Pharmacists urged not to take part in mass vaccinations in dispute over €70 hourly fee
Pharmacists have been advised by their representative body not to take part in the HSE’s vaccination programme in a row over fees. The fees agreed between the IPU and the HSE are about three times higher than the rate on offer in the recruitment drive. A ministerial regulation signed earlier this year makes provision for pharmacists to be paid €70 per hour for working as vaccinators in the mass vaccination centres. Under the same statutory instrument setting out scales for pharmacists, GPs are entitled to €120 an hour for their services. It is unclear whether or not the IMO was aware of the recruitment of vaccinators at the much lower pay rates.
Source:Irish Examiner
February 27, 2021 07:00 UTC
Simple text message that could knock £300 a year off your mobile phone bill
Millions of people are overspending on mobile phones to the tune of hundreds of pounds a year, a report has warned. The report, carried out by comparison website Uswitch.com for Mirror Money found bill payers could save £300 on average by switching their expiring contracts to a SIM-only deal. It found that with 98% of mobile phone contracts running for two years, consumers who purchased a new phone in February 2019, could be in line for a significant saving this March. Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch, said: "The end of a mobile contract signals a decision crossroads for most phone users. You can either upgrade to a newer model with increased functionality, or switch to a SIM-only deal and rake in a major discount.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 27, 2021 06:56 UTC
Send us your photos of the last days before lockdown 2020
Pre-Lockdown: Send us your photos from March 11th-13th, 2020Bars and workplaces closed in the following days and further restrictions followed. “Normal life” became something very different. The Irish Times would like to create a photographic record of the days just before lockdown. Check your timeline and send us your photos from March 11th-13th last year, with a short caption describing the circumstances, as the country entered a restricted life from which it has still not emerged.
Source:The Irish Times
February 27, 2021 06:11 UTC
Private sector must benefit for Covid contribution, Minister says
Some of the State’s most senior politicians, including Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath, logged in a fortnight ago to a video meeting of the LEEF, a body whose existence is known to few. Earlier this month the Tánaiste suggested key workers could receive cash payments or additional leave. The Department of Public Expenditure had previously estimated that abolishing these additional hours in full would cost more than €600 million, although this is disputed by unions. “We are committed to the projects in the current national development plan. We are adding a number of years to the [life of the] national development plan.
Source:The Irish Times
February 27, 2021 06:02 UTC
Jack Wilshere opens up on Arsenal regrets and ignoring advice from physios
Jack Wilshere admitted he should have listened to the physios more as he reflected with regret on his Arsenal career. Wilshere was hailed as the future of English football after breaking into Arsene Wenger's Gunners team aged just 16. (Image: PA)"I remember having conversations with the physios in my first year in the Arsenal team," Wilshere told the Daily Mail. That's one of my biggest regrets - I wish I'd listened to physios a little more, learned more about my body. I remember sitting next to Samir Nasri later and he told me: 'You've taken your game to another level now.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 27, 2021 06:00 UTC
Mothers going it alone: ‘A house filled with love’
Solo by choice, separated parents, bereaved parents, cohabiting couples, same sex parents, blended families, foster parents are all part of the rich tapestry of Irish families. When the girl was at risk of going into the care system, she immediately offered to become a community foster carer. The hardest part was making the decision [because] you’re accepting you’re not going to fall in love and have your first baby with them”. I feel like when you talk about single parents, it’s often just about the challenges and how difficult it is. I would say I’m a single mother, or that I solo parent.” Neither she nor her boys have experienced any negativity about their family.
Source:The Irish Times
February 27, 2021 06:00 UTC
Rhubarb and custard: A marriage made in heaven
Rhubarb in any form was always a firm favourite in our house. I have taken the classic rhubarb and custard concept and made a gorgeous sunshine-yellow custard tart, served with beautiful pink rhubarb, gently poached in an orange and vanilla syrup. The tart is made with a basic sweet shortcrust and a simple custard made from only three ingredients. If there are any tiny holes at all, the custard will seep through, so this is worth checking before pouring the custard filling in. Recipe: Custard tart with poached rhubarb
Source:The Irish Times
February 27, 2021 06:00 UTC
When a ‘good father’ decides to kill his whole family
“By the end of next summer, before the kids go back to school, I will kill my family.” This is the chilling opening line of Catherine Talbot’s debut novel A Good Father. To the outside world Des is a “good” father. A “good” man. Through Des, Talbot is exploring the often misunderstood motivations behind the specific kind of male-dominated crime known as “family annihilation”. Readers of A Good Father may find themselves reflecting on a real-life familicide from 2016.
Source:The Irish Times
February 27, 2021 06:00 UTC
Paul Whitington’s TV pick of the week: DNA Family Secrets
This week she meets Bill, a 75-year-old whose mother fell in love with an African-American GI during the war, but lost contact with him after. It’s highly hereditary, and only a DNA test will reveal whether Charlie — and her baby — will also develop it. FootballRenault Super SundaySunday, Sky Sports Main Event, 4pmBlues v redsSomehow, Chelsea are still in the hunt for a top-four finish but will face a stiff challenge as they welcome Man United to Stamford Bridge. Streaming pick of the weekFraming Britney SpearsNow TV, streaming nowExpand Close Britney / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp BritneyCast your mind back to 2007, when seemingly everyone was too busy mocking Chris “Leave Britney alone” Crocker to even consider the validity of his message. Fans of Bryan Cranston may be more enthused by the prospect of his latest vehicle, Your Honor, being available on Now TV.
Source:Irish Independent
February 27, 2021 05:03 UTC
DkIT students finally receiving exam results
He added: 'It is anticipated that results will be issued to students via the usual channels within the next fortnight. The Institute is firmly committed to supporting students at this time and all support services remain available to any students that may be facing any difficulties.' Meanwhile, the Students Union at DkIT have broadly welcomed the lifting of industrial action. 'We are delighted that industrial action has been lifted, and students will now receive their exam results in due course,' said Taidgh Kavanagh, SU President. 'The TUI and DkIT senior management need to become better at handling these disputes so that it does not trickle over into the student body again.'
Source:Irish Independent
February 27, 2021 02:55 UTC
Main motions for debate at scaled-back virtual Congress
A virtual Congress will hear, by design, discussion around the fewest number of motions in recent times with counties largely discouraged from debating them at online conventions before Christmas. The six weeks it trims off the current schedule is recouped from closing the April club window. 16-team limit for senior, intermediate club championshipsMost counties have refined to these limits anyway but this safeguards against any future expansion. End maor foirne’s licence to roamAnother motion from the playing rules committee that failed narrowly in 2020 (one per cent short of the 60pc majority required) so they’re back again with it. Some in the position have used it to abuse opponents and position themselves tactically to obstruct kick-outs.
Source:Irish Independent
February 27, 2021 02:38 UTC
Eight tricks to brighten up your WFH space
It’s the kind of shade you might find on a wayside rock and allows you the space to play around with smaller, brighter objects. Art attackExpand Close Original paintings bring soul to a space / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Original paintings bring soul to a spaceOriginal paintings bring soul to a space, and can be cheaper than you might think, especially if you’re prepared to buy at auction. Print is aliveExpand Close Print from Jando / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Print from JandoFor a varied selection of original screen prints, Damn Fine Print is a good port of call. Fun and gamesExpand Close Double Bubble vase from Aoife Snodden / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Double Bubble vase from Aoife SnoddenYou’ll need something to put on those shelves. Cheaper alternatives go all the way down to Ikea, where the perfectly respectable Salong vase costs €7.
Source:Irish Independent
February 27, 2021 02:38 UTC