Cathy
@cathyby.bsky.social
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Benjamin Franklin
Header description with alt-text: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyby.bsky.social/post/3mdqweljkbc25
#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Header description with alt-text: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyby.bsky.social/post/3mdqweljkbc25
#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Reposted by Cathy
Beautiful Northern Ireland… weekend views of the snow capped Mourne Mountains in County Down.
📸 Mary Jo Cunningham
📸 Mary Jo Cunningham
February 14, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Beautiful Northern Ireland… weekend views of the snow capped Mourne Mountains in County Down.
📸 Mary Jo Cunningham
📸 Mary Jo Cunningham
Helen McEntee pointed to climate change as a key area where the Irish government doesn't agree with Rubio/US Admin.
She also says Andrew Baker [Trump national security advisor] did not tell her inadequate defence would preclude US working with Ireland.
www.thejournal.ie/helen-mcente...
She also says Andrew Baker [Trump national security advisor] did not tell her inadequate defence would preclude US working with Ireland.
www.thejournal.ie/helen-mcente...
Minister says Irish Government disagrees with Rubio's Munich comments on 'climate change cult'
Helen McEntee, who is also Defence Minister, was speaking to The Journal today in Munich as she attended meetings.
www.thejournal.ie
February 15, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Helen McEntee pointed to climate change as a key area where the Irish government doesn't agree with Rubio/US Admin.
She also says Andrew Baker [Trump national security advisor] did not tell her inadequate defence would preclude US working with Ireland.
www.thejournal.ie/helen-mcente...
She also says Andrew Baker [Trump national security advisor] did not tell her inadequate defence would preclude US working with Ireland.
www.thejournal.ie/helen-mcente...
Reposted by Cathy
Heavy showers moving East across the country this morning after thunderstorms in the West earlier with some power outages reported. Temperatures up to 11c in Southwest with some sunny spells and more showers to come today.
February 15, 2026 at 8:17 AM
Heavy showers moving East across the country this morning after thunderstorms in the West earlier with some power outages reported. Temperatures up to 11c in Southwest with some sunny spells and more showers to come today.
Reposted by Cathy
A long exposure shot at the Carlingford Lough Ferry Terminal in Greenore, Co. Louth yesterday morning, with the snow-capped Mourne Mountains, Co. Down in the distance.
#longexposurephotography #carlingfordlough #greenore #morninglight #coastalphotography
#longexposurephotography #carlingfordlough #greenore #morninglight #coastalphotography
February 15, 2026 at 8:33 AM
A long exposure shot at the Carlingford Lough Ferry Terminal in Greenore, Co. Louth yesterday morning, with the snow-capped Mourne Mountains, Co. Down in the distance.
#longexposurephotography #carlingfordlough #greenore #morninglight #coastalphotography
#longexposurephotography #carlingfordlough #greenore #morninglight #coastalphotography
Reposted by Cathy
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper”. Happy St. Valentine’s Day …………… ❤️
#ValentinesDay #lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
#ValentinesDay #lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
February 14, 2026 at 8:52 PM
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper”. Happy St. Valentine’s Day …………… ❤️
#ValentinesDay #lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
#ValentinesDay #lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
Reposted by Cathy
This shows the farcical state of the ‘negotiations’:
- Ukraine should hold elections, but not Russia
- security guarantees by US do not exist
- the US helps with nothing, so it cannot pressure
- 12 trillion USD ‘vapourware’ deals are offered by a dirt-poor Russia.
It a joke - embarrassing.
- Ukraine should hold elections, but not Russia
- security guarantees by US do not exist
- the US helps with nothing, so it cannot pressure
- 12 trillion USD ‘vapourware’ deals are offered by a dirt-poor Russia.
It a joke - embarrassing.
Ukraine is ready to offer Russia a ceasefire if they hold elections Zelensky said.
February 14, 2026 at 1:28 PM
This shows the farcical state of the ‘negotiations’:
- Ukraine should hold elections, but not Russia
- security guarantees by US do not exist
- the US helps with nothing, so it cannot pressure
- 12 trillion USD ‘vapourware’ deals are offered by a dirt-poor Russia.
It a joke - embarrassing.
- Ukraine should hold elections, but not Russia
- security guarantees by US do not exist
- the US helps with nothing, so it cannot pressure
- 12 trillion USD ‘vapourware’ deals are offered by a dirt-poor Russia.
It a joke - embarrassing.
Reposted by Cathy
Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen:
"The Greenlandic people have never felt threatened. The first time they felt unsafe for real is when an ally talked about acquiring them, buying them. It's outrageous."
"The Greenlandic people have never felt threatened. The first time they felt unsafe for real is when an ally talked about acquiring them, buying them. It's outrageous."
February 14, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen:
"The Greenlandic people have never felt threatened. The first time they felt unsafe for real is when an ally talked about acquiring them, buying them. It's outrageous."
"The Greenlandic people have never felt threatened. The first time they felt unsafe for real is when an ally talked about acquiring them, buying them. It's outrageous."
Reposted by Cathy
Return to normal relationship after abnormal Trumpism may be wishful thinking. But signing up for the Trump project is an unpopular idea that his populist authoritarian allies will try to sell at home, with help in $$$ and pressure and online amplification from the US
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
Many Europeans now see US as a threat to Europe | YouGov
While people in the six largest European countries prioritise European autonomy over the US-Europe alliance, they are unwilling to take the steps needed to build Europe up as a rival power
yougov.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Return to normal relationship after abnormal Trumpism may be wishful thinking. But signing up for the Trump project is an unpopular idea that his populist authoritarian allies will try to sell at home, with help in $$$ and pressure and online amplification from the US
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
Reposted by Cathy
Fergal Keane: veteran Irish foreign correspondent leaves BBC after 37 years
Threats to a free press from oligarchs are now greater than ever, warns journalist as he departs reporting role
www.irishtimes.com/media/2026/0...
Threats to a free press from oligarchs are now greater than ever, warns journalist as he departs reporting role
www.irishtimes.com/media/2026/0...
Fergal Keane: veteran Irish foreign correspondent leaves BBC after 37 years
Threats to a free press from oligarchs are now greater than ever, warns journalist as he departs reporting role
www.irishtimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Fergal Keane: veteran Irish foreign correspondent leaves BBC after 37 years
Threats to a free press from oligarchs are now greater than ever, warns journalist as he departs reporting role
www.irishtimes.com/media/2026/0...
Threats to a free press from oligarchs are now greater than ever, warns journalist as he departs reporting role
www.irishtimes.com/media/2026/0...
Reposted by Cathy
Reposted by Cathy
I knew I saw this somewhere before. Funny that it’s almost exactly what’s actually happening now.
February 14, 2026 at 2:33 PM
I knew I saw this somewhere before. Funny that it’s almost exactly what’s actually happening now.
Odd that Trump wants EU and UK to accept hormone beef and RFK Jr is pushing beef consumption when there's a shortage of US beef.
February 14, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Odd that Trump wants EU and UK to accept hormone beef and RFK Jr is pushing beef consumption when there's a shortage of US beef.
Reposted by Cathy
On Trump's failed attempt to indict six members of Congress
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
Trump failed to indict six members of Congress. This is why it matters
Grand juries are preventing some of the grossest abuses of federal power
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 8:24 AM
On Trump's failed attempt to indict six members of Congress
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
Reposted by Cathy
He skipped the Ukraine meeting in order to be able to travel to Budapest to see Viktor Orban.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich
US secretary of state cancels attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
giftarticle.ft.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:53 AM
He skipped the Ukraine meeting in order to be able to travel to Budapest to see Viktor Orban.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Cathy
“Also, we want Greenland.”
Despite fraying transatlantic relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Munich Security Conference the U.S. doesn't want to kill the transatlantic relationship but simply "revitalize" it.
More on our #MSC2026 live blog: www.politico.eu/article/muni...
More on our #MSC2026 live blog: www.politico.eu/article/muni...
February 14, 2026 at 8:59 AM
“Also, we want Greenland.”
Reposted by Cathy
Rubio speech at MSC—in short: US sees global trade, diplomacy, migration, immigration, global institutions and global affairs in general as a “foolish post-WWII mistake” and invites Europe “so save itself by each protecting sovereignty, closed borders, and Christianity” alike Trump’s America.
February 14, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Rubio speech at MSC—in short: US sees global trade, diplomacy, migration, immigration, global institutions and global affairs in general as a “foolish post-WWII mistake” and invites Europe “so save itself by each protecting sovereignty, closed borders, and Christianity” alike Trump’s America.
Reposted by Cathy
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
February 14, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
Reposted by Cathy
The Trump admin is not an ally of the UK and I will keep saying this. They are trying to destroy Europe just like they are destroying their own country.
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rubio warns Europe of new era in geopolitics before Munich security conference
The US Secretary of State will address the first major transatlantic meeting since Donald Trump threatened to annex Greenland.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
The Trump admin is not an ally of the UK and I will keep saying this. They are trying to destroy Europe just like they are destroying their own country.
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Cathy
Free piece just released. Marco Rubio called on tolerant, democratic, liberal Europe to destroy itself and embrace a Trump-like future. He received a standing ovation and we are told some people are reassured. If so, Europe will deserve everything coming its way. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Rubio Calls For The End Of A Tolerant, Democratic Europe And The Crowd Goes Wild
Just over an hour ago, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the end of a tolerant, democratic Europe and its break-up into a disparate group of smaller, Trumpist states, and the Europeans in t...
open.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Free piece just released. Marco Rubio called on tolerant, democratic, liberal Europe to destroy itself and embrace a Trump-like future. He received a standing ovation and we are told some people are reassured. If so, Europe will deserve everything coming its way. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Europe should not be excited about politeness.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
I can see Europeans being excited about the polite-ish tone but diplomacy is also about substance and I didn’t see any. What am I missing?
The Rubio speech was not a detente.
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
February 14, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Europe should not be excited about politeness.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
Reposted by Cathy
Another thrilling #ValentinesDay at #WBYeats house
February 14, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Another thrilling #ValentinesDay at #WBYeats house
Reposted by Cathy
Happy Valentine’s Day—may we show our love for nature by protecting the red squirrels who depend on it.
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
February 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Happy Valentine’s Day—may we show our love for nature by protecting the red squirrels who depend on it.
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
Reposted by Cathy
Sunrise views over Cushendall Bay on the Antrim coast.
📸 Eimhear McGrath
📸 Eimhear McGrath
February 14, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Sunrise views over Cushendall Bay on the Antrim coast.
📸 Eimhear McGrath
📸 Eimhear McGrath
Reposted by Cathy
As it’s Pink Halloween, this being Valentine’s Day in the writer Robyn Wilder’s brilliant coinage, #RecipeOfTheDay just demanded to be these Custard Cream Hearts! I rather think you should make a batch for yourself. www.nigella.com/recipes/cust...
Custard Cream Hearts
I have what I like to think of as a Wildean thing about reproducing artifice by more natural means. Thus, in How To Eat, I gave a recipe for digestive biscuits, and now I find myself propelled towards...
www.nigella.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
As it’s Pink Halloween, this being Valentine’s Day in the writer Robyn Wilder’s brilliant coinage, #RecipeOfTheDay just demanded to be these Custard Cream Hearts! I rather think you should make a batch for yourself. www.nigella.com/recipes/cust...
Reposted by Cathy
Good.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
A strong Europe steps up, takes on its responsibility.
And bring its mutual defence clause to life.
This is Europe’s meaning.
But this commitment only carries weight if it is built on trust and capability.
This is why we must be collectively ready.
Speech at #MSC2026
link.europa.eu/fRqgwg
And bring its mutual defence clause to life.
This is Europe’s meaning.
But this commitment only carries weight if it is built on trust and capability.
This is why we must be collectively ready.
Speech at #MSC2026
link.europa.eu/fRqgwg
February 14, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Good.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.