'I was running for my life,' Burton tells Jobstown trial

Former Tánaiste Joan Burton arriving at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday. Photo: Collins Courts

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April 28 2017 2:30 AM

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• 'I was running for my life,' Burton tells Jobstown trial

  Independent.ie

  Former Tánaiste Joan Burton felt terrified and as if she was running for her life as she fled anti-water-charges protesters who surrounded her after a graduation ceremony.

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Former Tánaiste Joan Burton felt terrified and as if she was running for her life as she fled anti-water-charges protesters who surrounded her after a graduation ceremony.

The former Labour Party leader told a court that protesters called her a "bitch" and "c***" while she and her special adviser Karen O'Connell were trapped in two Garda vehicles.

Ms Burton said she eventually escaped following a three-hour ordeal by jumping out of a Garda jeep and running up a hill to a waiting Garda car while a group of protesters chased after her. "To be honest I felt I was running for my life," she told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The Dublin West TD also told prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC she saw Solidarity TD Paul Murphy holding a megaphone and "looking pretty happy with himself" as she and Ms O'Connell were stuck inside a Garda car.

Mr Murphy (34) and six other men, including south Dublin county councillors Michael Murphy (53) and Kieran Mahon (39), have pleaded not guilty to charges of falsely imprisoning the two women at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown in Tallaght, Dublin, on November 15, 2014.

During sometimes emotional evidence, Ms Burton described being terrified, afraid, menaced and worried during the events that unfolded that day as she attended a graduation ceremony at the An Cosán further education centre in Jobstown.

Ms Burton said she saw a small group of people in the distance holding posters as she arrived at An Cosán.

After meeting graduates and organisers, Ms Burton took part in a graduation procession to the nearby Catholic church.

TD Paul Murphy outside court yesterday. Photo: Collins

As she walked along near the back of the procession, a number of protesters "crowded around", including a man who put a camera phone up to her face. People were shouting "shame on you", she said.

Ms Burton said she was struck on the back of the head, first by "something like a ball" and then by "a water bomb".

When they reached the church, Ms O'Connell gave her a jacket and she dried her hair as best she could before giving a speech to congratulate the graduates. By this stage, gardaí were growing concerned about the crowd gathering outside and advised her to leave straight away in an unmarked Garda car.

Ms Burton and Ms O'Connell ran out a side door and got into the back of the saloon car, but it could not drive away as it was immediately surrounded.

"There was a great deal of noise and also banging on the car," she said. "From my point of view, most worrying was that there was an awful lot of children around."

Asked by Mr Gillane what people were shouting, Ms Burton said: "People were shouting the usual stuff. Bitch and c***."

Ms Burton said one woman at the side and back of the car "was beside herself with rage" and "baying, wishing all sorts of stuff on me - illness and death".

She said Ms O'Connell was "extremely upset and started to cry".

They were stuck in the car for around an hour before being moved through a human cordon set up by gardaí to a Garda jeep. When they made it to the jeep, it too was blocked and had to move "inch by inch" out of the car park and towards the N81 Blessington Road.

Ms Burton said the shouting and derogatory name-calling continued. Eggs, bottles and other items were thrown at the vehicle and the front windscreen was "shattered". Eventually the jeep managed to pull onto the N81. Prompted by gardaí, the two women jumped out and ran to separate waiting cars. "The crowd was after us," said Ms Burton. "To be honest, I just legged it as fast as I could."

Ms Burton made it to the car and it sped away from the scene.

Her cross-examination will continue today. As well as the three politicians, four other men face charges. They are Tallaght residents Frank Donaghy (71) of Alpine Rise; Ken Purcell (50) of Kiltalown Green; Michael Banks (46) of Brookview Green; and Scott Masterson (34) of Carrigmore Drive.

Irish Independent

Take a look inside Central Bank’s new docklands campus

Interior picture of the central bank, at the official inauguration of the Central Bank of Ireland’s new Dockland Campus at its offices at North Wall Quay (Picture: Damien Eagers)

Interior picture of the Library of the central bank, at the official inauguration of the Central Bank of Ireland’s new Dockland Campus at its offices at North Wall Quay (Picture credit: Damien Eagers)

Michael Noonan, TD, Minister for finance and Philip Lane, Governor of the central bank, at the official inauguration of the Central Bank of Ireland’s new Dockland Campus at its offices at North Wall Quay (Picture: Damien Eagers)

Sean Duffy

April 24 2017 8:28 PM

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• Take a look inside Central Bank’s new docklands campus

  Independent.ie

  The new headquarters of the Central Bank have been officially opened in Dublin’s docklands.

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The new headquarters of the Central Bank have been officially opened in Dublin’s docklands.

The new premises are located at North Wall Quay and will house the regulator following the relocation from Dame Street which has been underway for the past number of months.

The Dame Street site was sold for a fee of €67m to real estate group Hines and Peterson in January of this year.

The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, attended the inauguration of the building along with Central Bank Governor Philip Lane. The docklands site house was once earmarked as a future premises of Anglo Irish Bank before the lender’s collapse back in 2010.

Governor Philip Lane said the new premises represented an important 'juxtaposition' between the role of the Bank in Ireland today against the type of light touch regulation which existed in the past.

“The fact that this site was originally intended to host the new headquarters for Anglo Irish Bank has- of course-invited much commentary of different layers of seriousness,” Mr Lane said.

“My own view is that the juxtaposition is quite a fitting reminder to us here in the Bank- to myself, my fellow committee members and the staff of the Bank, as much as to the public- as to the importance of our mission and the critical need to remain ever vigilant and as an ongoing reminder of the severe economic and social damage caused by the financial crisis,” he added.

Mr Lane also praised the work of his predecessor Patrick Honohan who he credited with having the vision to initiate the move to the docklands.

Online Editors

News Asia-Pacific Donald Trump admits he thought being president 'would be easier', says he misses being able to drive

US president Donald Trump

President Donald Trump. Photo: Getty Images

Stephen J. Adler, Steve Holland and Jeff Mason

April 28 2017 7:08 AM

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• Donald Trump admits he thought being president 'would be easier', says he misses being able to drive

  Independent.ie

  Donald Trump has admitted he thought being US President would "be easier", feels like he lives in a cocoon and he misses being able to drive.

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Donald Trump has admitted he thought being US President would "be easier", feels like he lives in a cocoon and he misses being able to drive.

As he prepares to mark 100 days in the White House tomorrow, Trump also spoke about his lack of privacy and said that a "major conflict" with North Korea is possible but he would prefer to use diplomacy instead.

Trump told Reuters: "I loved my previous life. I had so many things going," Trump told Reuters in an interview. "This is more work than in my previous life. I thought it would be easier."

A wealthy businessman from New York, Trump assumed public office for the first time when he entered the White House on Jan. 20 after he defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in an upset.

Trump, who said he was accustomed to not having privacy in his "old life," expressed surprise at how little he had now. And he made clear he was still getting used to having 24-hour Secret Service protection and its accompanying constraints.

"You're really into your own little cocoon, because you have such massive protection that you really can't go anywhere," he said.

US president Donald Trump

When the president leaves the White House, it is usually in a limousine or an SUV.

He said he missed being behind the wheel himself.

Donald and Melania Trump leaving The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala May 07, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

"I like to drive," he said. "I can't drive any more."

He also spoke about the possibility of a conflict with North Korea.

He said: "There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely."

Nonetheless, Trump said he wanted to peacefully resolve a crisis that has bedeviled multiple U.S. presidents, a path that he and his administration are emphasizing by preparing a variety of new economic sanctions while not taking the military option off the table.

"We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult," he said.

Read More: Trump team softens war talk but vows other pressure on North Korea

Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, walks among stellae at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also called the Holocaust Memorial, on April 25, 2017 in Berlin, Germany

In other highlights of the 42-minute interview, Trump was cool to speaking again with Taiwan's president after an earlier telephone call with her angered China.

He also said he wants South Korea to pay the cost of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile defense system, which he estimated at $1 billion, and intends to renegotiate or terminate a U.S. free trade pact with South Korea because of a deep trade deficit with Seoul.

Donald Trump announced major tax cuts to boost business (AP/Carolyn Kaster)

Asked when he would announce his intention to renegotiate the pact, Trump said: “Very soon. I’m announcing it now.”

Trump also said he was considering adding stops to Israel and Saudi Arabia to a Europe trip next month, emphasizing that he wanted to see an Israeli-Palestinian peace. He complained that Saudi Arabia was not paying its fair share for U.S. defense.

Asked about the fight against Islamic State, Trump said the militant group had to be defeated.

Ivanka Trump, IMF chief Christine Lagarde and German Chancellor Angela Merkel talk on stage at the W20 conferencein Berlin. Photo: Getty

"I have to say, there is an end. And it has to be humiliation," he said, when asked about what the endgame was for defeating Islamist violent extremism.

Read More: US warns North Korea of 'swift punitive measures'

Trump said North Korea was his biggest global challenge. He lavished praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping for Chinese assistance in trying to rein in Pyongyang. The two leaders met in Florida earlier this month.

"I believe he is trying very hard. He certainly doesn’t want to see turmoil and death. He doesn’t want to see it. He is a good man. He is a very good man and I got to know him very well.

"With that being said, he loves China and he loves the people of China. I know he would like to be able to do something, perhaps it's possible that he can’t," Trump said.

Trump spoke just a day after he and his top national security advisers briefed U.S. lawmakers on the North Korean threat and one day before Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will press the United Nations Security Council on sanctions to further isolate Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programs.

The Trump administration on Wednesday declared North Korea "an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority." It said it was focusing on economic and diplomatic pressure, including Chinese cooperation in containing its defiant neighbor and ally, and remained open to negotiations.

U.S. officials said military strikes remained an option but played down the prospect, though the administration has sent an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine to the region in a show of force.

Any direct U.S. military action would run the risk of massive North Korean retaliation and huge casualties in Japan and South Korea and among U.S. forces in both countries.

'I HOPE HE'S RATIONAL'

Trump, asked if he considered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be rational, said he was operating from the assumption that he is rational. He noted that Kim had taken over his country at an early age.

"He's 27 years old. His father dies, took over a regime. So say what you want but that is not easy, especially at that age.

"I'm not giving him credit or not giving him credit, I'm just saying that's a very hard thing to do. As to whether or not he's rational, I have no opinion on it. I hope he's rational," he said.

Trump, sipping a Coke delivered by an aide after the president ordered it by pressing a button on his desk, rebuffed an overture from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who told Reuters a direct phone call with Trump could take place again after their first conversation in early December angered Beijing.

China considers neighboring Taiwan to be a renegade province.

Read More: White House's surprise announcement: Donald Trump 'agrees not to terminate Nafta at this time'

"My problem is that I have established a very good personal relationship with President Xi," said Trump. "I really feel that he is doing everything in his power to help us with a big situation. So I wouldn’t want to be causing difficulty right now for him.

"So I would certainly want to speak to him first."

Trump also said he hoped to avoid a potential government shutdown amid a dispute between congressional Republicans and Democrats over a spending deal with a Saturday deadline looming.

But he said if a shutdown takes place, it will be the Democrats' fault for trying to add money to the legislation to "bail out Puerto Rico" and other items.

He also defended the one-page tax plan he unveiled on Wednesday from criticism that it would increase the U.S. deficit, saying better trade deals and economic growth would offset the costs.

"We will do trade deals that are going to make up for a tremendous amount of the deficit. We are going to be doing trade deals that are going to be much better trade deals," Trump said.

Reuters

Rhetoric will be little use to May in Brexit talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May Picture: PA

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April 28 2017 2:30 AM

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• Rhetoric will be little use to May in Brexit talks

  Independent.ie

  What did Theresa May think would happen when she entered negotiations with the EU on Britain's departure?

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What did Theresa May think would happen when she entered negotiations with the EU on Britain's departure?

Did she believe the remaining members of the union would roll out the red carpet, sing 'Rule Britannia' and wave the Union Jack?

The prime minister is claiming and complaining that EU leaders are ready to "line up to oppose us" over Brexit.

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IVF clinic has hospital space despite ethos clash

Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital Holles Street Picture: David Conachy

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April 28 2017 2:30 AM

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• IVF clinic has hospital space despite ethos clash

  Independent.ie

  A fertility clinic is to move to the National Maternity Hospital's (NMH) new location at the St Vincent's campus.

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A fertility clinic is to move to the National Maternity Hospital's (NMH) new location at the St Vincent's campus.

Its clinical director, Professor Mary Wingfield, has brushed aside fears that treatments like IVF won't be allowed there due to its ownership by a religious order.

Instead she argued that the move by the Merrion Fertility Clinic will "benefit our patients".

The clinic - where NMH master Rhona Mahony is a voluntary director - is currently based on Lower Mount Street, and pays rent to the NMH next door.

It provides services like IVF to couples who are having difficulty conceiving - both public and private patients.

Concern has been raised by former NMH master Dr Peter Boylan that IVF treatment may not be permitted at the planned St Vincent's hospital site as it's owned by the Sisters of Charity.

The Catholic Church is against IVF treatment.

Dr Mahony has rejected Dr Boylan's concern, repeatedly insisting the new hospital will have "clinical independence".

Meanwhile, a senior source with knowledge of the project pointed to the provision of assisted conception facilities in the hospitals plans. They said this highlights the "absolute independence" of the hospital to provide services to women, despite arguments made to the contrary in recent days.

Architects' drawings for the new hospital show that fertility services are to be located on the first floor, which accommodates a 'reproductive medicine facility'.

This includes a 'cryo store' and 'embryology lab' and several procedure suites.

It is unclear what space at the hospital, if any, will be set aside specifically for Merrion Fertility Clinic.

The Department of Health appeared unaware the clinic would be moving there when first asked if it would be.

But a statement from Merrion Fertility Clinic confirmed it "will be moving to St Vincent's as part of the National Maternity Hospital Project". It said the "finer details" are under consideration and won't be finalised for some time.

Prof Wingfield said their "close affiliation" with the NMH will continue at the new site.

The Irish Independent asked if there is concern services the clinic currently offers won't be permitted at the St Vincent's site.

Prof Wingfield said the clinic "follows international guidelines for best practice in gynaecological and infertility care. This will not change when the NMH, including its fertility services, moves."

She added: "The enhanced facilities at the new hospital will, in fact, benefit our patients."

She said that the clinic will "continue to advocate for increased Government support for public funding for assisted reproduction services and for the urgent need for national legislation in this area."

The Department of Health said no provision has been made in the new hospital's design for the Merrion Fertility Clinic. Asked if the department was unaware that the clinic planned to move there, a spokesman later said there's an area for assisted conception. But he added: "It is not possible at this early stage to answer detailed questions regarding the operation of the new hospital."

Irish Independent

Revealed: How much Barack Obama is charging for appearances

Former U.S. President Barack Obama Picture: REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski

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April 28 2017 10:32 AM

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• Revealed: How much Barack Obama is charging for appearances

  Independent.ie

  Former US President Barack Obama is reportedly charging $400,000 for an appearance and speech.

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Former US President Barack Obama is reportedly charging $400,000 for an appearance and speech.

The former president has charged the fee for two separate speeches in recent weeks.

The New York Post reports that he received the money for a speech to a Wall Street bank, and he received the fee again on Thursday when he appeared at an A&E Networks event.

At the event, he was interviewed for 90 minutes by presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

And he managed to include a slight burn for current President Donald Trump.

• Read more: Trump's 100 days: Here are 7 lessons he could learn from The Art Of The Deal
• Read more: Donald Trump admits he thought being president 'would be easier', says he misses being able to drive

When asked how he handled frustrating moments in the White House, he replied; "For starters, by not having a Twitter account".

Meanwhile, a source told the newspaper that Obama received a standing ovation at his Wall Street speech.

When asked what he missed most about the White House, he said it was sitting on the Truman balcony on summer nights and looking at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Online Editors

Carer claimed €18k dole payments while working, court hears

Louise Daly Picture: Collins Courts

Tom Tuite

April 28 2017 6:42 PM

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• Carer claimed €18k dole payments while working, court hears

  Independent.ie

  A CARER unlawfully obtained €18,000 in dole payments while working, Dublin District Court has heard.

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A CARER unlawfully obtained €18,000 in dole payments while working, Dublin District Court has heard.

Louise Daly (31) with an address at Nephin Road in Cabra was ordered by Judge John Brennan to appear again for sentencing on a date in June.

She was prosecuted by the Department of Social Protection.

Outlining the facts of the case, prosecution solicitor Joseph Maguire said she faced six counts of making false declarations in circumstances where she was claiming the Jobseeker’s Allowance while working between July 2010 and December 2014.

She had no previous convictions and €18 is now being deducted weekly from her one parent family payment. At that rate it will take 15 years to repay the social welfare authorities, the court heard.

She has also made a lump sum repayment but €14,283 remained outstanding.

Pleading for leniency, the defence asked Judge Brennan to note that Daly had no prior criminal convictions and had entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity.  She was deemed to be a valuable career of the HSE, her lawyer said.

She pleaded guilty to charges under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act.

In the district court the offence can result in a fine of up to €2,500 and a possible six-month sentence in addition to having to repay the social welfare authorities. The court can only consider leaving defendants accused of dole fraud without a criminal record if all the money has been repaid.

Judge Brennan said the substantial period of time involved was an aggravating factor and these are matters that affect the community in a broad way. Granting an adjournment, he warned that unless a credible plan was before the court in relation to the amount outstanding a custodial sentence will be considered.

Online Editors