Irish Times
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Gaza aid flotilla activists return: Most of the 14 Irish citizens detained after Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla arrived back in Dublin on Saturday to jubilant scenes from supporters. Activists allege forceful boarding and mistreatment; Israel denies claims of sexual assaults. The group had been deported via Turkey alongside hundreds of others.
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Retaining doctors: Government options paper proposes paying part or all of medical college fees in exchange for a fixed-term HSE service commitment to stem newly qualified doctors leaving Ireland. Higher Education Minister James Lawless has asked for detailed proposals ahead of the budget.
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NCH fundraiser controversy: The National Concert Hall cancelled, for a second time, a booking for a Magen David Adom (Israeli ambulance service) fundraiser chaired by former minister Alan Shatter, citing “high-risk” public order and reputational concerns after earlier accepting, revoking and reinstating the event.
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Weather: A warm spell begins this weekend after an unusually cold May. Temperatures could top 25C early next week, but conditions are unlikely to meet Met Éireann’s heatwave criteria as the high-pressure centre shifts.
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Legal round-up:
- Barrister Joseph Sallabi was prohibited from practice by the High Court for failing to hold mandatory professional indemnity insurance, with the judge calling the lapse “astonishing.”
- A man who subjected a colleague to “relentless” sexual innuendo received a 2½-year suspended sentence and must pay €5,000 compensation; the suspension is contingent on seven years without reoffending.
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Dublin solicitor Anthony Joyce was cleared of misconduct allegations related to €10,000 returned to a bankrupt couple, after a disciplinary tribunal found no wrongdoing.
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Historical commemoration debate: Former junior minister Ned O’Keeffe is leading a move to honour ex-IRA chief of staff Maurice “Moss” Twomey in Clondulane, Co Cork, arguing his role in the independence struggle merits recognition despite his controversial legacy.
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Culture: Irish Times journalist Sally Hayden launched “This is Also a Love Story,” highlighting stories of love and resilience amid war, displacement and crisis across nine countries.