"Hybrid threats are no longer simply a whole-of-government problem. They are increasingly a whole-of-society problem". Cyber attacks, #disinformation, #espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure affect far more than #governments. podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcas…

In a world rocked by conflict, it's easy to feel overwhelmed & powerless. But all around us are everyday architects of peace – from volunteers to campaigners & civil society leaders – showing us how to take action to reshape our communities for the better.  As we begin the 100-day countdown to #PeaceDay, let's honour these changemakers & take inspiration from their example.

Earlier this week as part of my work with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security I was part of a delegation that travelled to Kosovo to visit the Irish personnel who are serving there as part of the 33rd Irish Contingent of KFOR. The 13 Irish personnel serving with KFOR are in key positions within the mission and are a prime example of the quality of training and professionalism that is at the core of Óglaigh na hÉireann. While I can't share much of what we did or learned for security reasons I have to say it was a very special experience. The icing on the cake was renewing some long standing friendships and making some new connections also. Thank you to everyone involved in the visit - it was a real eye opener and incredibly important as part of our committee's work programme.

I reiterate my condemnation of the arbitrary detention of personnel from the @UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations & diplomatic missions by the Houthi de facto authorities between 2021 & 2025. I call for the immediate & unconditional release of all those detained. Humanitarian workers are #NotATarget & should never be detained for carrying out their vital work. I stand in solidarity with those detained & their families.

There are alarming reports of settler violence coming from the occupied West Bank: the demolition of homes, relentless expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, ongoing displacement of Palestinians, the threat of an attempted annexation that would – like the decades-long occupation – have no legal validity. The risk of making a two-State solution impossible – when there is no other viable option. And throughout, the presumption of impunity. These injustices must stop. Countries must comply with all their obligations under international law. No exceptions.

Despite the ceasefire announced 8 months ago, Gaza still faces profound uncertainty & immense human suffering. It’s time to get serious about the only credible way forward: An end to the occupation & a two-State solution, where two independent, sovereign, democratic States – Israel & Palestine – live side-by-side in peace & security.

#farmsafety #ruralsafety

UNIFIL peacekeepers facilitated the safe movement of the Lebanese Red Cross and Civil Defense ambulances carrying stranded patients from Rmeish to Tyre. Women, children, and the elderly in urgent need of medical care continued safely to Beirut. Read more: unifil.unmissions.org/en/new…

UNIFIL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the @LebarmyOfficial and to the families of the personnel who reportedly lost their lives in an airstrike in Nabatiye this morning.

Just landed in Beirut at a crucial moment for Lebanon. Can diplomacy prevail? Tomorrow, I’ll sit down for a world exclusive with President Joseph Aoun @LBpresidency. It couldn’t come at a more important time. Look out for my interview on @CNN, @cnni and @PBS tomorrow.

I condemn the recent killing of a Serbian @UNIFIL_ peacekeeper in Lebanon. Seven peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL have now been killed & several more have been wounded since the escalation in hostilities since March this year. These attacks must stop.

A UNIFIL peacekeeper died early this morning from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position near Marjayoun, southeastern Lebanon.   Two other peacekeepers, who also sustained injuries, are being treated at a medical facility in the UNIFIL base.

11 children have been killed or injured ⁠on average every 24 hours in Lebanon over the last week, according to the U.N.'s children's agency @UNICEF

The International Sniper Competition Ireland 2026 brought dozens of teams from multiple nations to The Curragh and Glen of Imaal for a week long test of sniper skill, fieldcraft, endurance, observation, communication, pistol work and long-range precision. The winning team was the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1-125 Sniper Team. SPC Angerman and SPC Zwiers coached by CPT Halas became the first Americans to win the competition. Taking 1st Place Overall, 1st Place International Team, Top Sniper for SPC Angerman, Top Spotter for SPC Zwiers, and the CS John Killen Memorial Top Pistol Award for SPC Zwiers. The rifles pictured appear to be a U.S. Barrett Mk22/MRAD, a modular bolt action platform capable of being configured in 7.62 NATO, .300 Norma Magnum and .338 Norma Magnum. The optics setup appears to include high magnification Nightforce/Leupold class sniper glass, with a top mounted Wilcox RAPTAR or similar fire control/rangefinding module above the scope. It combines laser rangefinding, aiming/IR functions and ballistic support to help generate firing solutions without the shooter coming off the rifle. Other teams involved include Irish Defence Forces unit sniper teams, Army Ranger Wing, U.S. Army conventional and special operations teams, Marine Corps teams, and further international teams from countries such as the UK, Canada, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and other European nations. A serious result for the Michigan Guard, congrats! 🇮🇪 🤝 🇺🇸

RT @Care2much18: An all-out assault on the truth, perpetrated by hateful bigots with no interest in truth. Quote: "An Irish farmer has bee…

The Dáil debated irish defence policy yesterday. Ireland must be free to deploy troops abroad according to our own defence needs at any time. No foreign power should have a veto on this 🇮🇪

As the only person in the 34th Dáil who has served in Óglaigh na hÉireann I welcome a conversation on neutrality and the separate matter of reform of the Triple Lock. Neutrality and the triple lock are not the same thing. Ireland has been neutral for more than 80 years - long before the Triple Lock was created. Ireland will be neutral after the triple lock is amended. #triplelock #neutrality

I intend to raise it with fellow European People Party Leaders also. There must be a strong, unambiguous EU response and I reiterate the calls for the suspension of trade elements of the EU Israel Association Agreement.