Tánaiste Simon Harris rejects Sinn Féin's proposal for six-month fuel excise duty cut amid rising fuel prices
The Tánaiste Simon Harris has formally rejected calls from the opposition party Sinn Féin for a six-month cut in fuel excise duty. During a press conference in Galway, he stated that any government action regarding fuel costs would seek to provide a speedy and effective financial resolution, indicating that the government is not inclined to adopt the extended relief period suggested by Sinn Féin. This development comes as the Cabinet prepares to convene next Tuesday to discuss several measures aimed at mitigating the rising fuel prices that have recently surged. Harris emphasized the need for short-term solutions to alleviate the... [Continue Reading]
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot Meets German Cabinet in Berlin to Discuss Ukraine and Middle East
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot traveled to Berlin on March 17 and 18 for an official visit emphasizing cooperation between France and Germany. In accordance with the Aachen Treaty, Barrot participated in a rare address to the German Cabinet, marking a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at deepening bilateral ties. During the meeting, discussions centered on the international security landscape, with particular focus on support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict and the volatile situation in the Middle East. Barrot also joined the Europe 2026 conference alongside German counterpart Johann Wadephul, highlighting efforts to advance Franco-German initiatives... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Mar 2026 15:12
Australia's Prime Minister to convene National Cabinet meeting on fuel supply vulnerabilities amid Middle East tensions
In light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to convene a National Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders to discuss the country’s fuel supply vulnerabilities. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, amid escalating fears that disruptions to oil shipments due to the war in the Middle East could severely impact Australia's availability of petrol and diesel. Prime Minister Albanese has expressed the government's commitment to taking further action aimed at shielding Australia from potential global fuel shortages. The escalated conflict in the Middle East has already resulted in significant hikes in oil prices, prompting... [Continue Reading]
Tasmanian Premier announces changes to Right to Information regime, including release of cabinet documents from the past 20 years
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced significant changes to the state's Right to Information (RTI) regime. This decision follows a critical report on the RTI system that highlighted a culture of "non-disclosure and obfuscation" within the Tasmanian government. As part of his government's "transparency agenda," Rockliff has proposed the release of cabinet documents that have been inaccessible for 20 years, marking a substantial shift in how information is disseminated to the public. The review, published last September, examined the effectiveness of the RTI laws in Tasmania, alongside public perceptions regarding governmental transparency. It found that a majority of citizens felt... [Continue Reading]
UK Ministers in Brussels for Talks to Revitalize Relations with the EU During "Brexit Reset" Week
Ministers from the UK government are currently in Brussels for discussions aimed at revitalising relations with the European Union, nearly a decade after the Brexit referendum. The timing aligns with what officials have termed "Brexit reset" week, characterized by a series of meetings and speeches intended to showcase the government's commitment to closer ties with the EU. Key figures include Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office Minister, who is leading the negotiations, accompanied by Europe Minister Stephen Doughty and Trade Minister Chris Bryant. On the agenda are talks at the joint EU-UK parliamentary partnership assembly, where the focus is expected to... [Continue Reading]
