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Everyone’s talking about…

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Donald Trump has perhaps already achieved something that most world leaders never come close to doing. He’s managed to pretty much unite the international community. That they’re united against him, probably doesn’t bother Trump in the slightest.

A super-viral petition aimed at getting him banned from the UK had the desired effect and will likely be debated in Westminster. UK Chancellor George Osborne has condemned Trump’s proposed Muslim ban but rejected the idea that he shouldn’t be allowed into the UK.

Even in Israel there’s unease about Trump’s comments. He’s due to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coming days but there are even some members of the Israeli parliament objecting to that meeting.

Our own leader Enda Kenny called Trump’s comments on immigration “not acceptable” as Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin rounded on the government for literally rolling out the red carpet to him last year.

While the wooing of Trump was a little embarrassing, it’s perhaps unfair to associate the government with Trump’s current campaign.

There’s not talk of a ban here, yet.

If you think that this is going to hurt him though, you’re only half-right. While these comments confirm his status as virtually unelectable, they probably help his efforts of securing his party’s nomination.

A poll from Bloomberg made for some worrying reading.

The agenda 

• Environment Minister Alan Kelly is the first to take questions in the Dáil when he takes to his feet at 9.30am.
  
• New laws to tighten bail for repeat burglars will be debated from 10.45am.
• Leaders’ Questions is at noon today.
• The Seanad will talk about themselves at 2.15pm when they debate plans to expand voting rights in Seanad elections to all third-level graduates.
• In the committees, Mary Lou McDonald TD is expected to reveal details of a protected disclosure made to her by a Central Bank whistleblower. PAC meets from 10am.
• Direct Democracy Ireland and the National Citizens Movement will hold a press conference to announce that they are joining forces. 

What the others are saying 

• Both the Irish Examiner and Irish Independent report that the cabinet have signed-off on the long-awaited Bankruptcy Bill.
• Councillor Joe Queenan is considering suing RTÉ over its sting operation, according to the Irish Independent.
• Arlene Foster looks set to be the only candidate for the leadership of the DUP and will become First Minister of Northern Ireland, according to The Irish Times. 

In case you missed it  

• TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly were both brought to prison for the non-payment of fines before being released. 
• The details of the State’s new alcohol regime was revealed with a can of beer to cost at least €2.
• Rule 68, conferring the privileged status of religion in primary schools, is set to be removed.
• A Renua general election candidate says he is appealing a fine that saw him feature on the latest tax defaulters list.
• Peter Mathews TD, often thrown out of the Dáil, was yesterday prevented from speaking in the chamber.
• Gardaí are examining Monday’s RTÉ Investigates programme for a potential investigation.
• Energy Minister Alex White believes there is a risk that Ireland will fall short of its renewable energy targets.
• Democrat Mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter has called Donald Trump “an asshole” who’s “taking his playbook from Hitler”.
• A challenge by Fine Gael TD John Perry to his party’s selection convention will go ahead next week in the High Court.  

Good day for… 

Mick Wallace and Clare Daly. Both TDs had promised not to pay their fines and they kept to those pledges leading to yesterday’s events. While some may be critical or their actions, their commitment cannot be questioned.

Bad day for…  

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett. Ignoring someone is surely a bit juvenile, right?

On the Twitter machine…

There’ll be a protest today on the day of Ibrahim Halawa’s birthday.