7 is the magic number. Catch up on all of today’s top news every night at 7pm on TheLiberal.ie
#1 Military action: France becomes the first European nation to support the United States in a joint military campaign against Islamic Nation (IS) forces. Earlier today, French Rafale aircraft carried out an airstrike against a logistics depot used by the terrorist organization. IS have risen to prominence over the last few months, and have gained an strategic foothold in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere.
#2 Friendly Dublin: The city on the Liffey has been declared by Rough Guides the second friendliest city in the world. The travel guide provided an uplifting description of the nation’s capital by saying “Spend a weekend enjoying the Georgian townhouses, squares and historic churches among some of the friendliest people in the world.” The first spot in the 5-city lineup was taken by Glasgow. Montreal, Liverpool and Tokyo make the rest of the list.
#3 iPhone 6: Irish users will be able to get their hands on the iPhone 6 from next Friday onwards. This is a breakdown of the handset + monthly plan prices per network, all based on a 24-month contract:
- On Three, the iPhone 6 will be available from €179 and the iPhone 6 Plus from €279 on the network’s €55 a month ‘unlimited data’ plan.
- Meteor offers the iPhone 6 for €99, with a price tag of €59 a month or €249 based on a €39 a month contract. Meteor further specifies that they are offering a data allowance bonus to customers who sign up online.
- O2 have priced the the 16gb iPhone at €179, based on two-year €55 a month deal.
- Vodafone’s cheapest deal offers customers the 16gb iPhone 6 handset for €49.99 on an €80 a month plan. Users can choose to purchase the same handset for €249.99 with a monthly charge of €35.
- eMobile have confirmed that they will also be selling the devices online and in stores from next Friday.
#4 Offshore rescue: The Irish Coastguard airlifted a man who had been stabbed on board a Liberian-registered merchant vessel, the Afric Star, which was en route from St Petersburg in Russia to Cristabel in Panama. The man suffered a deep stab wound to the chest and he is currently in a critical condition in Sligo General Hospital. A 32-year-old man was arrested by Gardai when the ship recalled at Killybegs Harbour earlier today.
#5 Water meters: Company requests assistance from the High Court to prevent individuals from interfering in water meter installation works. According to the company, GMC Sierra Ltd., some of their employees have been subjected to a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation while carrying out installation work in Dublin districts 5, 9, and 13. The water meter issue has been mired in controversy from day one, and it is unlikely that this dispute will fade any time soon.
#6 Euro 2020: FAI’s bid to host 4 games during the upcoming Euro 2020 competition has been
successful. Decision makers in Geneva this morning granted Dublin the right to host three group games and one round of sixteen fixture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This is expected to provide a significant boost to the economy, generating massive tourism exposure and interest for Ireland before and after the games.
#7 Weather warning: A Yellow weather alert has been issued for Limerick due to heavy rain forecast for the next few hours, which could lead to spot flooding and create hazardous driving conditions. A number of minor collisions have already occurred across the city and county’s roadsroads.