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THE PROSECUTOR WHO led the impeachment process against Bill Clinton has said “it’s over” for Trump after the US ambassador to the European Union testified yesterday that he worked with Ukraine at the “express direction” of the US president.
During his testimony, Gordon Sondland told congressional impeachment investigators that he worked with Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on the case and also claimed that he pushed a “quid pro quo” deal with Kiev because that was what the president wanted.
Ken Starr, who headed the investigation that led the impeachment process against Bill Clinton, called yesterday a “bombshell day” that “doesn’t look good for the president substantively”.
“We now know that the president, in fact, committed the crime of bribery… I think articles of impeachment are being drawn up if they haven’t already been drawn up,” Starr told Fox News.
‘It’s over’
“I want nothing. I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo,” the Trump told Sondland in a September phone call, the same day that members of Congress learned of a whistleblower complaint that would trigger impeachment hearings.
“Tell Zelenskiy — President Zelenskiy to do the right thing,” Trump added in his conversation with his ambassador to the European Union.
Trump recreated the phonecall yesterday, reading from handwritten notes on the South Lawn of the White House. He insisted it should dispel the impeachment cloud over his head. Trump’s takeaway: “Not only did we win today, it’s over.”
Trump’s “I want nothing” remark to Sondland may have given him a reprieve, according to Starr.
“The president may have covered himself by saying ‘no quid pro quo’ even if “the record is muddy, the record is murky.”
“He doesn’t give you questions, he doesn’t give you orders,” his former longtime personal attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, who is now imprisoned on tax evasion and campaign finance charges, explained to lawmakers earlier this year. “He speaks a code, and I understand the code because I’ve been around him for a decade.”
Kyle Griffin / Twitter
Kyle Griffin / Twitter / Twitter
Former Trump campaign adviser Sam Nunberg objected to that characterisation but said Trump was typically careful to share things only on a need-to-know basis.
“I’m very surprised that the president got himself into a situation where he has exposure by so many people,” said Nunberg, “because in my past experience, he’s always been careful to compartmentalise and to make sure that his actions are not left up for multiple interpretations.”
Trump’s September phone call with Sondland has also been a topic of dispute. Tim Morrison, a former National Security Council staffer who spoke with Sondland after the call, said Sondland told him that while the president swore off any quid pro quo, at another point in the chat, Trump told the diplomat that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy must personally announce the opening of the investigations — and should want to do it.
However, Sondland testified Wednesday that he couldn’t remember Trump ever telling him directly the aid would be held up until the statement was made.
- With reporting from Associated Press
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Fair play I would actually trust SF more that the fine geal unionist party to properly celebrate Easter 1916. Jesus if FG got there way it would be a celebration of what life was like under the British.
Agreed. FGs cringeworthy ‘gathering 2.0′ promo video for the centenery said it all. You would think the heroes of 1916 died so Facebook could avoid corporation tax.
Well at least FG FF and Labour all have roots in the Easter Rising of 1916 cos her Sinn Fein party dont!
There will always be criticism with anything sinn fein do be it good or bad, it’s how fg and ff work. Next year’s commemorations will be done appropriately.. And I’m looking forward to it, will be a great year for tourism and the country in every aspect :)
FG also have roots in a fascist regime. Just to point that out
history is not your strong point is it Keith ?
Post Treaty, the vast majority of Sinn Féin split into Cummann na nGaedhael (the majority constituent part of Fine Gael) and anti-Treaty Sinn Féin (which later became Fianna Fáil).
There was a minute rump of people with negligible support leftover, which went its own way and split multiple times.
Any of you revisionist jokers contend otherwise?
Keith pa FG/FF are a splinter group of sinn fein.
“FG also have roots in a fascist regime”. A fascist faction maybe but a fascist regime?
Apologies for my ignorance, thats fine sure
Keith pa Maire Comerford, Joe Cahill, just to mention a couple. That is why we have commemorated 1916 for the last 99 years
Sorry Joe Clarke
Self important politicians squabbling over the anniversary of the 1916 rising as if they own the rights to it, they are an effing pathetic bunch .
Too true Mick.
What’s to celebrate anyway.
A haphazard and failed coup.
Sorry but we romanticize these historical points to death.
Let’s spend the millions (no doubt) it’s going to cost to “celebrate” this event to build some hospices or old folks homes. Something worthwhile. Rather than line the pockets of politicians buddies in advertising and party planning etc.
No wonder Bono is “tax-efficient”. Paying tax to fund this nonsense. Give me a break.
Going well til you mentioned bono, what has he got to do with the price of cabbage?
I am anti SF and I am biased against them in general.
This woman however is making sensible comments and appears focused on what matters. I hope she is genuine and not just rhetoric. 1916 CELEBRATIONS should be about the whole country celebrating an important milestone in our history, not self interested politicians and political parties beating their chests
Are you feeling ok Tom?
Nothing to do with the price of cabbage unless he grows the stuff commercially. He could very well do. I don’t know. If he did I’m sure it would be all above board and most likely a profitable business. If he doesn’t then maybe he should think about it. I like cabbage.
I digress.
Let me explain then….it just deflates me a bit when I have to explain like….and it hurts my thumbs.
The reference to Bono was merely a general, broad sweeping statement on folks that decide to be more tax efficient with their income. I’d have referenced a few more for you but my poor thumbs get sore typing on my little iphone.
I’m merely stating that it is no wonder that (insert Irish citizen that is efficient in paying their taxes) decides to not pay into a system that spends taxpayers money on whims and nonsense like this.
That should cover it. I’m off to buy some cabbage, the dark green stuff not the light green stuff. Need milk too.
Sinn Féin will not hijack the 1916 celebrations with its own narrative.
*wink*
What’s to celebrate Tom!
It was a bloody shambles and an embarrassment!!
Paul I’m all for politicians putting issues ahead of party politics.
In general I find SF’s continuous attempts at cheap political point scoring annoying and generally disingenuous. If Críona Ní Dhálaigh is serious about being inclusive and putting party politics aside in favor of being an inclusive and being the best first citizen she can, then I would 100% welcome and support her.
I’ll guess the Fuhrer will have his mug in every photo opportunity with her though
Why celebrate, typical FG response, can’t have heritage getting in the way of productivity.
Whereisspace an embarrassment what are you talking about
Sure is Ray, it was a total embarrassment. Glad you agree sir.
Stop getting your knickers in a twist.. Or in your case you’re orange sash
Whereisspace what are you talking about ?
Phil, heritage?
Why don’t we celebrate the Battle of the Boyne then? Or the thousands of men that fought alongside out closest ally to crush Nazism in Europe. I’d much rather see a grander celebration to honour those men.
Or do we just select what heritage we are comfortable with?
Sorry supernova, I’m not of the orange culture you speak of. I’m Irish and proud of it.
Just a mere realist that likes to call out bulls@@t when I see it.
And it’s “your” not “you’re”.
Tom I agree totally. She’s coming across very well so far. Fair play to her.
Spacer they are celebrated as well, why don’t you toddle off and celebrate them if you wish.
King willy , So he came to Ireland to trouble and let blood of the Irish people typical!
for foreign business
nothing to celebrate there only his on death.
What was the date of his death? this would be the only thing to
celebrate I might light a bone fire
I note the silence of SF on the current Greek meltdown versus their triumphant attitude when the loony lefties took office a few months ago.
Sinn Feins finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty, was interviewed on the subject of the Greek crisis this morning on RTE.
If you’re going to engage in SF bashing, try to get your facts straight.
Reality is if SF were in a position to implement their policies; spending would go out of control, tax collection would reduce significantly and we’d end up with a basket case economy.
Current affairs are not your strong point Gavin.
Have you read the SF 2015 pre budget submission ? My points above are a simplification of the fantasy economics it contains
There is absolutely no comparison to the party in 1916 & these shower. Political Propaganda is one thing complete bullshit is another.
Save your budget bashing for the GE, it was the same yesterday, JOC and Flynn hijacking the mayoral proceedings for publicity and in doing so demeaned and belittled the whole process, it was an attempt to undermine the new mayor. Give the lady a chance and she will prove herself no matter how many hurdles are put in her way by sly and desperate politicos looking for a PR boost.
Bob on Billy. I like folk that say it like it is.
Hi Gavin. Seeing you know so much about economics and what you call fantasy economics, you should join Fine Gael or Fianna Fail and keep them from messing up again.
Gavin you speak of fantasy economics. Socialise debt and individualise wealth is it? Sounds fair and just to me alright, socialist economics when it suits the blaggards at the top
I never remember such slagging of a newly elected mayor before. It is a measure of the woman that she can rise above it with intelligence and commitment as a republican to resolving the housing crisis.
Well Cathy when the established parties have virtually unfettered access to the media, that’s what you get. I don’t hold a brief for SF, quite the opposite, but as far as I’m concerned she was democratically elected and was voted into the position by other democratically elected councillors, so what’s the problem?
The Lord Mayor of Dublin is primarily a ceremonial role, she will have as much influence as any of the other councillors, it is up to the City Manager to try address the housing problems
so christy burke was wasting his time i think a lot of dublin people would say different,it is up to the city manager not doing a good job by the looks of it. i think she will do a good job.
Sinn féin will commemorate the centenary of the Easter rising next year with respect and dignity, like they do every year. Not just when its politically convenient like other political party bandwagon so called republicans will do!
Exactly, 1916 will be a tasteful legitimisation of the Provisional IRA.
As a born and reared Inner city Dublin Republican I am absolutely delighted to have a Sinn Féin Mayor in place in our capital city, as well mayors in Cork, Derry, Meath,Belfast, Carlow, Sth, County Dublin.
And yes, I remember well, Ruairi Quinn barring SF from having our Ard Fheis in the mansion house.
As for the 1916 commemorations, looking forward to that ! I for one see no difference in commemorating All who died in the cause of Irish freedom, including the IRA from the recent phase of the struggle in the six counties, and will make no apology to any west Brit blue shirts or quisling FFer’s for that !.
Onwards and upwards !
Criona ni Dhalaigh was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin not President of Sinn Fein. She, im my opinion, is perfectly right to do what she was elected to do ie. represent the people of Dublin (and countrywide for 1916 commerations) Why should she waste valuable time answering ‘Was Gerry Adams in the IRA?’ etc. I dont give a crap …… I’m not a shinner but I’m definitely sick of hearing the same old worn out rhetoric ……. best of luck to her. She will need endless patience ……
SF loonies love to celebrate death and economic failure.
TAL sopny
TAL
@slopy tan get over yourself put your bitterness aside for one day, i would have thought after your fit last night you would need a rest.
Get the tae on, Tap, ya buck eejit ye.
I can’t seen what the big deal is,Elizabeth Windsor a queen to some here paid homage to the Ireland’s dead in the Garden of Rememberance and even Chaz shook our Jarrys hand,Paisley had Marty on speed dial,Peter Robinson wants to “reach out” to The Catholic electorate,the GFA says the future of the colony will be decided by referendum not by a unionist veto,what changed times we live in.,great times.
let the malcontents like Diarmid from “Donegal” and Wully Frazer walllow in self pity and their desire for a return to the glory days of Orange statlet whilst the rest of put our minds to how good is The Donegal team this year ,can they go all the way or Micky Hartes team spring a surprise.
Quick question as I don’t know the answer….
Why is a mayor called a lord mayor?
King Charles II elevated the position of Mayor of Dublin to Lord Mayor in 1665, no doubt as a pre-emptive prank against Sinn Fein 350 years later.
And in a further classic Royal prank, the Lord Mayor of Dublin’s gold chain of office was presented by King William III (William of Orange) to the City of Dublin in 1698!!!
(Source for both: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Mayor_of_Dublin)
Oh the irony!
Thanks for that.
the irony is right after 95 years of independence it a bit like stockholm syndrome. although you don’t have to wear its discretionary.
No, she’s wearing it. Sinn Fein have accepted King Billy’s gold:
It was willys gold but it’s ours now. There is a process in place to try and move this country forward away from a divided past, it would be easier if dissidents like yourselves helped instead of constantly trying to undermine the progress.
Dissident? Wow, that’s a first! Maybe I’m the Real Rasputin.
You sound like a dissident.
So giving Sinn Fein a gentle ribbing sounds like dissident activity to you? I’ve heard legends of these Shinnerbots that will blacken the name of anyone who speaks out of turn, but I’ve never actually met one before. Can I touch your face?
Oh your posts were meant to be funny were they. It’s not nice to be taken out of context is it.
Not nice? Being called a dissident was the best laugh I’ve had all week!
Come on, even a die hard Shinner should be able to find that it’s King Billy’s chain she’ll be wearing a little bit funny.
Dream on
Who’s king billy?
He was a Dutch king that defeated an English king in a battle in Ireland. Some decedents of Scottish people that don’t live in Scotland any more think that burning tyres in his honour is the epitome of British culture. Which makes sense.
So he came to Ireland to trouble and let blood of the Irish people typical ! for foreign business nothing to celebrate there only his on death.
What was the date of his death? this would be the only thing to
celebrate I might light a bone fire
What I don’t get is when Arlene Foster came back from London two weeks ago and predicted “stark” and “grim” times ahead for the 6 counties which will major economic repercussions for the South it never got a mention here only this constant waffle about the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Our benefactors are about to slash public service jobs,slash benefits and slash our allowance and Sinn Fein to their credit are the only party battling tooth and nail in fighting these savage cuts dished out from the Tories.We will be like Greeks looking for a bit to ate in ships.
The way things are looking their could be a flood of economic migrants heading for Cavan,Dundalk,Donegal etc seeking accommodation and benefits.
sorry rant over…….Lord Mayor……..me hole.
It is quite sad that some people feel a need to disrespect a democratically elected Mayor who has dedicated her year to addressing our housing issue.
I for one who remembers when we were banned from having our Ard Fheiseanna in the Mansion House by the Labour Party & it’s cohorts am truly delighted that this day has come.
It’s sadder that members of your party saw fit to publicly support the killers of a member an Garda Síochána, gunned down by criminals while on active duty. An action that flies square in the face of what 1916 stands for. You need to get a thicker skin if you think that these comments about the Mayor are anything to get upset about.
The ‘troubles’ in Norn iron were all about getting independence for Ireland? No kidding, and here was stupid me thinking we had independence long before that dirty little squabble took off. I was obviously wrong about ‘the troubles’ being all about sectarian hatred, ethnic cleansing in border areas, and making smuggling gangs rich too.
I need to learn more at the feet of this obvious expert in revisionism so.
Bring back Bono. We need more wisdom, advice and guidance from the great one. He has undoubtedly a lot to offer us on politics and economics from whatever tax bolt hole he is currently lurking in. Not to mention the Edge – the last time anyone seen his head, Thundering Disgrace Donegan was Defence Minister.
Try looking at the period 1916 to 1921 through the eyes of the people of those times. The 1916 Rising was roundly condemned. The catalyst for real change was the threat by the British of conscription. The real beginnings of freedom was the 1918 election which to date was the only one in which a majority on the whole island voted for Sinn Féin’s idea of an independent all island state. Following the Treaty all future governments Southern Ireland were basically engaged in a holding operation on the premiss that at some time in the future the Nationalist minority in Northern Ireland would eventually outbreed the Unionist Majority and thus become a majority themselves at which time a plebiscite would result in an all island state. It is just a case of waiting for around a decade more. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will merge because causation of the split will have been politically resolved. The new party may well be called Fianna Gael. Somewhere down the line Sinn Féin and Labour will also merge. The thirty-two county Republic will then have the typical Right Wing/ Left Wing politics as in Europe. Former “unionists” will often hold balance of power. For political and economic reasons the Republic will rejoin the Commonwealth to gain access to these markets. In order to placate the former Unionists four regional provincial governments on the model of the Welsh Assembly will be set up. New flag Irish Harp/St. Patrick’s blue background. New anthem Amhrán Dóchais.
The commandant has all his warriors on twitter to defend SF/IRA today!
Hopefully they stick to only speaking in Irish. That way it would show at least they might stick to some sort of principles. I would prefer they speak Irish as most of them embarressing themselves and other Irish people when they attempt to speak English.
have your say