The Independent continues this morning with the confirmation of Ursula von der Leyen as the new Commission president, and asks what it means for Ireland. The paper mentions von der Leyen's openness to a further Brexit extension, with any such extension pushing the UK's departure date into the mandate of the new Commission.
Ryanair confirmed yesterday that its growth rate is to decrease over the coming year due to difficulties with fulfillment of its Boeing 737 Max aircraft orders. The airline has said that this may result in base cuts and closures. The Indo reports that this may not lead to one sided fare increases however. Fórsa remains concerned at the move, and expects further consultation with management.
An Post's decision to close the Cork Mails Centre (CMC) could lead to the "collapse of the Irish mail system at Christmas" according to an article in the Irish Times. Employee representatives at the CMC dispute An Post's rationale for the closure, claiming that an increase of parcel volume should be sufficient to warrant the CMC remaining open. Representatives also voiced their concern at the redundancy packages being offered to workers, stating that workers over 60 are being offered worse conditions than their younger colleagues.
The Irish Times also reports that private Dublin bus operator Go-Ahead Ireland is to be fined by the National Transport Authority for failing to provide an adequate service. Go-Ahead, which operates over 20 routes in the capital, failed to meet its contractual targets in June, and as a result is liable for financial penalties from the NTA.
The CervicalCheck scandal continues to rumble on, with it being revealed by RTÉ News that Health Minister Simon Harris' private secretary wrote to the woman at the centre of the latest controversy on June 6 - a full month before the Minister claims he was made aware of the latest scandal. Around 800 women did not receive the results of their CervicalCheck screening due to an "IT issue".
Meanwhile, another controversy is brewing in the FAI. Minister for Sport Shane Ross yesterday sent a letter to FAI President Donal Conway, accusing him of reneging on his commitment to bring the sporting body under new management through his unopposed nomination to continue leading the organisation.
Finally, the government is set to oppose a proposed EU directive to end daylight savings time. In a post-Brexit context, the proposal raises the prospect of two time zones on the island.
This morning's Zen is Handel's resplendent Water Musicwhich was first performed on this day in 1717. The three part suite was premiered as part of a royal flotilla travelling up the river Thames. The original score has been lost to the ages, which means nobody is exactly sure how exactly all the movements fit together. Something which I find eminently relatable, as anyone who has ever seen my dancing can attest to.
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