#IrishDefenceThoughts I was recently invited onto @TheDarkStatePod where we discussed: • The current state of @dfreserve • #IrregularReserve concept • Drones • Irish societal responsibility for defence. You can listen here: patreon.com/posts/reserve-10… Feedback is welcome

When people ask me for advice on standing for election, the first thing I say is “Don’t do it unless you have a purpose. If you think being an MP will be fun, you’ll soon be disabused. But if are working towards a goal, you’ll be able to shrug off all the insults and inconveniences.” Al Carns is a good example of someone who has gone into politics with a purpose. You don’t lightly step away from commanding the SBS or turn down a senior one-star field appointment. His purpose is plain enough: he wants to reverse the decades-long downgrading of our Armed Forces. Some MPs will respect his integrity; others will resent the mirror that he holds up to their own motives. We’ll find out soon enough which response is more common.

Carney on Canada-Ireland-European integration: Combined, the population is more than twice that of the US. We have a larger cultural export industry and a more diverse one, a similarly sized GDP. Together we are one of the largest economic, cultural, technological, financial blocs in the world.

Loyal to the end. To Putin.

Incredible. Publishing what appears to be (if you care to read the "evidence") a totally legitimate US program, and even citing the risks of these being used as "Russian information campaigns", Tulsi Gabbard - the gift that kept giving - presents the Kremlin with yet one more information operation. Read our investigation from 2025 where we presented evidence that the hybrid ops unit of GRU's 29155 came up with the whole "bio-labs" concept - and co-opted Tulsi into it. theins.press/en/inv/281731

Applebaum: What binds Russia, China, Iran and North Korea is not religion or ideology. China is communist, Russia nationalist, Iran theocratic. What binds them is fear of liberal language: rights, rule of law, separation of powers and independent courts. 1/

I’ve never quit anything in my life. Until now.

Yup

I have supported the Veterans at Meta community since I joined the company, but this particular initiative makes me especially proud to work there. Well done to all involved. 🫡

But is he happy? Live Updates: Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire as SpaceX Starts Trading nytimes.com/live/2026/06/12/…

We owe those who serve the UK the kit to do the job and the loyalty to stand by them when it's done. We are failing on both. I’ve spent my whole time in government making that case. Number 10 will not listen, so I am resigning as Minister for the Armed Forces. Letter to the PM below.🫡🫡🫡⬇️⬇️

Al was one of my very best commanders when i was in post. The MOD needs him. This Government needs his knowledge and leadership. If no.10 wont listen to him and Healey we really are screwed.

Many thanks for sharing this post and raising awareness about the disturbing problem of European countries' negligence & underspending when it comes to military & defense issues. Sadly, our country, #Slovenia, is also doing an awful job when it comes to security & defense 👇

@DubCityCouncil & @TasteDublin You are aware this is, National Memorial to Members of the Defence Forces who died in the Service of the State? First image is how it should be, & second image today Corporate VIP suite! Ticket Sales! Refuse collection! Lack of #Respect ☘️🇮🇪☘️

VON DER LEYEN: We propose, for the first time, to ban from entry into the European Union anyone who has served in Russian armed forces since the beginning of the war. Europe stays off-limits for anyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine. As simple as that.

Helen doesn't look comfortable here at all.