The Agenda

News paper reported Mark MCCadden has said he wont travel to report on the game 

US President Donald Trump said he is banning news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them without specifics of reporting "fiction and lies".Mr Trump added that "other Fake News Media Outlets" would face a similar fate, but did not say which ones."I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW... and Politico... from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!" Mr Trump said on his Truth Social network.

There could be improvements on the 103, 105 and 109 bus routes serving Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin, following a meeting between local Independent TD Gillian Toole, Bus Éireann, the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport Canney.Deputy Toole says she was given an update on the ongoing problems with cancelled and so-called ‘ghost’ buses, with faulty vehicles and scheduled maintenance among the reasons for services not operating as planned.She says more spare parts are now becoming available, a third emergency contractor is being brought in, and additional buses are due to be purchased.There are also plans for a review of the Eastern bus corridor, with a public consultation expected before the end of the year, while a trial bus link to the M3 Parkway railway station is also imminent.Deputy Toole joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about the meeting and what commuters can expect over the coming months.

A government minister was sent an anonymous letter threatening that they would “receive a bullet through the head” — but the sender has never been traced by gardaí.The threat is one of a number of serious incidents involving members of the Oireachtas, revealed as part of an investigation into the abuse and harassment being experienced by politicians.It comes as Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae recovers in hospital after being assaulted through the window of his car in Dublin this week. Several TDs are now increasing security at their homes and constituency offices, with some installing cameras and panic buttons.Wicklow-Wexford Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne says politicians want to remain accessible to the public, but a “vocal and dangerous minority” is making that increasingly difficult.Deputy Byrne joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk about this some more.

The Garda Representative Association is calling for an independent statutory tribunal to examine how protected disclosures are being handled within An Garda Síochána.It follows claims that the force’s Protected Disclosures Policy is not being properly adhered to, along with allegations reported by RTÉ that Garda whistleblowers believe senior management attempted to stifle reforms introduced following the treatment of Maurice McCabe.The GRA says an independent examination is needed to establish how protected disclosures are dealt with and whether current procedures are working effectively.Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy says the Justice Minister must reassure the public that allegations of wrongdoing within the Gardaí are being properly investigated and addressed.Deputy Matt Carthy joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the concerns being raised.

he could impose serious tariffs on Europe, or even halt trade in certain areas, if he considers the EU’s plans for closer ties with Canada to be a “hostile act”.The warning follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s suggestion that Canada could become an associate member of the EU, as Canada looks to strengthen its economic and security relationship with Europe.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, with the changing relationship between Canada, Europe and the US firmly in focus.What could this mean for EU-US relations, and could Ireland and Irish businesses feel the impact of another trade dispute?Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about it.

Pedestrians and cyclists are being put at an “unacceptable risk” along the N53 at Newtownbalregan, according to Dundalk councillor Sean Kelly.The stretch of road, between the M1 Junction 17 interchange and the cul-de-sac at Newtownbalregan, has no footpath or hard shoulder, meaning residents are forced to walk or cycle alongside what is an increasingly busy national road.Councillor Kelly says the issue has been a serious and ongoing concern for local residents for years, particularly for children, older people and those accessing nearby homes and amenities.He is calling for Louth County Council to arrange an on-site meeting with the National Transport Authority to assess the situation and look at what can be done to provide a safe pedestrian route.Councillor Kelly joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae was released from hospital on Wednesday evening after being assaulted in Dublin city centre.The attack, which happened while he was sitting in his car near the Coombe Hospital, has been widely condemned by politicians across the political spectrum. Gardaí believe the incident was spontaneous and have said there is no indication that the attacker was connected to any protest group.The incident has also raised wider questions about the safety and security of public representatives, and whether TDs and councillors are increasingly vulnerable when carrying out their work in public.We’re joined on The Agenda this morning by Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who has condemned the attack, and we’ll also be discussing the wider issue of safety and security for politicians in Ireland.