Author Archives: Bodger

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Finally.

This afternoon.

Via RTÉ News:

Negotiations on finalising a Brexit trade deal are completed, with European European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the agreement as fair, balanced and right.

Making a statement after negotiations were completed, she said with so much at stake it was a deal worth fighting for.

“Deal is done,” a Downing Street source said. “We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters.”

“The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK. We have signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that has ever been achieved with the EU.”

Fair and balanced Brexit deal reached – von der Leyen (RTÉ)

RollingNews

Macy Moo on Broadsheet, Christmas 2015

‘sup?

Lois McGrath writes:

This is Macy Moo I’ve been sending in her photos for the past few years, however she died this year (she was a good ole age ), it just didn’t feel right not to send you a photo as it became a Christmas tradition. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

RIP.

Your Pet At Christmas to Broadsheet@broadsheet.ie marked ‘My Pet At Christmas’

Previously: It’s My Party

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

 

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group (IEMAG)

This morning.

RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland.

NPHET believes even the severe measures coming into effect today and just after Christmas will ‘not be enough to bring the reproduction number down as low as it needs to go’.

Via RTÉ News:

The chair of NPHET’s Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said “we are in a surge” and the virus is spreading rapidly.

Professor Philip Nolan said he does not think the measures being introduced from today will be enough to bring the virus under control and this time it is coming “really fast and really hard” and the next few days will determine what happens in January.

He urged people to keep numbers to a minimum and not to spend too much time together as it is long gatherings in indoor settings where control of the virus is lost.

Prof Nolan said if people have been out and about a great deal recently they should stay away from loved ones who may be vulnerable.

Minister who tested positive for Covid after shopping trip ‘followed all rules’ (Independent.ie)

Sam Boal/RollingNews

Meanwhile…

Turn that frown upside down.

FIGHT!

Minister of Agriculture Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue was spotted Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Anne Street, Dublin 2

This morning.

Via Independent.ie:

A spokesman for Mr McConalogue said he had followed all public health guidelines after his return from Brussels where he was on Government business last week.

The Donegal TD was spotted on South Anne Street, just off Grafton Street, Dublin, about lunchtime on Tuesday in the queue at Sheridans Cheesemongers…

Asked about the appropriateness of the minister shopping in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon, the spokesman said: “He followed the rules, he followed the guidelines, he was doing his confirmatory test a few days later and he was not required to restrict his movements in that time.

“There is no impropriety here and he was wearing a mask at all times yesterday [Tuesday].”

Minister who tested positive for Covid after shopping trip ‘followed all rules’ (RTÉ)

Meanwhile…

Yesterday: Lurgy!

Gidget (left) and Kenny in 2017

Gidget (right) and Kenny this afternoon

‘sup?

John P Muldoon writes:

Gidget (right) and Kenny are back this year. Gidget first appeared in your fine publication in 2015 but seems to have missed a couple of years (2018 and 2019).

Anyway, we live in the Boston area and dogs in the neighborhood get very jealous when Gidget and Kenney are featured in a renowned national/international publication such as yours…

Previously: Gidget Spinner

Earlier: Santycipation

 

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE at a press briefing today

This afternoon.

Dr Henry said the HSE had seen an extraordinary growth of infection in the past week, beyond what even the more extreme versions of modelling would have predicted.

Dr Henry said it had not seen this level of concern since the beginning of the pandemic. The five-day rolling average was now 714, up around 100% since last week.

….If the current growth rate continued on its current trajectory, he said there would be 1,000 cases a day by the end of this month and by the end of the first week in January it could be 1,500 cases a day.

But don’t be fearful.

Or stressed.

FIGHT!

Transmission levels of Covid-19 ‘very serious and dangerous’ – HSE

Earlier: Strainuinely

Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Meanwhile…

Um.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has tested positive for Covid-19

This afternoon.

The minister’s spokesperson said that a test carried out yesterday returned positive today and the minister is self-isolating at home.

A statement from Government earlier said all Cabinet ministers are restricting their movements. It said that in line with public health advice, all ministers are awaiting a Covid test and result.

Earlier…

33rd Dáil cabinet members with President Higgins

This afternoon.

Via The Irish Times:

A member of Cabinet has tested positive for Covid-19, the Government has announced.

In line with public health advice, all Ministers are now restricting their movements while awaiting a Covid test and result.

More as we get it.

Cabinet member tests positive for Covid-19 promoting Ministers to restrict movements (Irish Times)

RollingNews

‘sup?

Declan O’Leary writes:

Honey looking gorgeous beside the Christmas Tree

Meanwhile…

‘sup?

Louise C writes:

Jessica contemplating the meaning of Christmas…

Meanwhile…

Fly, my pretty.

Ros writes:

Paddy Puddins getting ready to assume the position…..we’re gonna need a bigger tree!

Your pet at Christmas to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie marked ‘My Pet At Christmas‘.