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Opinion: Keep the old Royal Alberta Museum as a museumWhile Simon Harris continues to criss-cross the country – he whooped it up at a party rally in Co Meath at lunchtime on Wednesday – the party has put out Minister for Public Expenditure (and former minister for finance) Paschal Donohoe at every opportunity to beat the drum for his favourite subject: prudence. A glance at the party’s media schedule in the past week shows just how much it has turned to Donohoe as the main vector for its economic message. Last Friday and Saturday, with a week to go and Fine Gael already growing nervous about its stumbling in the polls, Donohoe was presiding at policy launches on rejuvenating Dublin and on “making work pay”. On Sunday, he was the party’s representative on the flagship RTÉ show The Week in Politics. On Monday, after news broke about Fine Gael’s slump in The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, he was standing beside Harris at Airfield Park in south Co Dublin to talk about small business. On Tuesday, he was out at Microsoft in Sandyford,, talking about the need for economic stability and the importance of maintaining Ireland’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment. That evening he was debating with fellow finance spokesmen on Virgin Media. On Wednesday he was out again, jousting with Opposition finance representatives on Claire Byrne’s show on RTÉ radio, before scooting back to his constituency to launch an advertisement with Dublin North-West candidate Noel Rock. The theme: don’t let Sinn Féin turn out the lights on Ireland’s economy. Then he was off to Trim, Co Meath – again with his leader – to speak at a rally, or more accurately, a group of supporters having tea and sandwiches. At such an uncertain time in world affairs, Harris told the cheering Fine Gaelers, “I’d much rather have Paschal Donohoe in charge of our national finances than any other party!”. Donohoe’s move to the centre of the party’s campaign sees it choosing to emphasise, in the final days, the threats to Ireland’s economic fortunes. Partly this is a response to the growing storm cloud emanating from Washington. But it’s also a tacit acknowledgement that the blizzard of promises that characterised the early part of the campaign – abolish the means test for the carers’ grant, abolish university fees, give €1,000 to every newborn, double child benefit in August, and so on – have not landed as comfortably with voters as the party would have liked. Maybe because it’s hard to ride two horses, politically: you can go big on the giveaways, or you can go big on prudence; but it’s hard to do both. In truth, Donohoe never looked especially comfortable with the big giveaways. It’s said within Government that the Budget was rather more generous than he would have liked, and the torrent of promises from Fine Gael in the first half of the campaign made him uneasy. He seems much more content with advocating for prudence – even if all those giveaways are still in the Fine Gael manifesto. The targeting of Sinn Féin on the economy has been dubbed “Project Fear” – an attempt to scare people away from that party’s offer of change. “Project Truth”, said Harris on Wednesday. Donohoe stood just behind him, nodding emphatically. Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times

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The ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your bill By TOBY WALNE Updated: 22:47, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments You may think that you’ve tried every trick in the book to keep your energy bills down and your home nice and warm as the temperature outside drops. But even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Money Mail talks to the hands-on experts, from gas engineers to builders, for their practical tips that you may not have considered. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge Dom Roque, managing director of Dom’s Heating and Plumbing, recommends a few basic checks that you can do on your heating system to make sure it is in good shape. And an annual service from a professional, typically costing around £100, will be money well spent. Winter chills: Even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient ‘An annual check helps spot problems – such as leaks and parts wearing out – before the boiler breaks down on Christmas Eve and you need an emergency call-out costing hundreds of pounds,’ he says. If you want to carry out a few simple checks yourself, the first step is to look at the pressure gauge on your boiler, says Dom. A modern pressurised boiler heating system typically reads between one and two bars when the boiler is on. If it’s any lower there may be a leak. The gauge is normally fitted on the outside of the boiler on the front of the unit – a circular dial the size of a small stopwatch. Look at this gauge, and if it is between zero and one put your ear to the boiler without touching anything and see if you can hear a slight hissing sound – indicating steam or water escaping the system. If you can hear that, then there may be a fault with a relief valve on the unit that needs to be replaced by a gas engineer. Also listen for a hissing sound coming from your radiators to check whether water or steam is escaping from them. If there is, you may be able to fix this yourself. At the top of each radiator should be a small valve with a square-shaped tap that can be tightened or loosened with a radiator key. These can be bought for around £2 from a hardware store. If there is a hiss you might turn it clockwise until it stops – and is closed. HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to save money on energy: What you need to know and energy-saving tips that work Don’t forget the hot water tank If you have a separate hot water tank in the airing cupboard, check if there’s an expansion vessel connected to it that needs repressurising. This is a metal cylinder about the size of a balloon that usually sits above, or to the side of, the hot water tank. It also acts as a relief valve. Containing both air and water, it takes in extra water when the tank and central heating system heats up and water expands – and releases it back again when it cools down. If it is not working properly then it might be full of water, and the only way the excess can escape is through an overflow pipe linked from the boiler to the outside of the house. You can identify the pipe outside your home to see if it is dripping. Details of the pressure required for the expansion vessel should be clearly marked on the side of the unit. If you have a modern bicycle pump that includes a pressure measurement gauge you might be able to pump the vessel back up to the required pressure level – but in most cases it is best left to the professionals. Do the radiators have cold spots? If your radiators are not warming up as usual and perhaps have cold spots near the bottom of them, this indicates they may contain sludge. Once fixed, your heating bill could be halved. It can be a messy job if you try sorting it out yourself, so it is best left to a qualified boiler expert who should have the equipment needed to clean out the radiators with a power flush. The equipment can sit outside the house. Dom says: ‘If your radiators are full of sludge, it makes them half as efficient – like boiling a pan of fresh water compared to one of mud. The latter can double heating bills.’ An occasional ‘power flush’ to your radiator system by a plumber costs around £300 – but Dom says it should pay for itself in a year. He adds that air in radiators can cause rust, so bleed them every year. You may be able to do this yourself. If you are not confident you can find practical guidance on YouTube. Other ways to stop winter burning a hole in your budget Ask your supplier for a refund: If you pay gas or electricity by direct debit, payments are usually based on an estimate of how much energy you use and may be higher than your actual consumption. It’s good to have a small buffer heading into winter, when you’re likely to use more energy. But you can ask your provider for a refund of any surplus. Go paperless: Some suppliers charge you for paper bills so go paperless to save cash if you can. Ovo Energy, for example, charges £1.50 each month for paper bills. Keep showers to four minutes: This can save you around £70 a year. Draw the curtains: Stitch thermal lining on to curtains – £10 per metre – and draw before sunset to keep warmth in to save £150 a year. Curtain shops such as Dunelm (dunelm.com) can provide further details. Turn thermostat down: Every degree you turn the thermostat down will cut bills by up to 10 per cent, knocking £145 a year off home heating. Be wary of going below 18c (64f), as this risks getting too cold. Put foil behind the radiator: Foil reflects heat back into the room to cut £120 off energy bills a year. A five-metre strip for five radiators costs £12. Check out DIY shops such as Screwfix for available options. Draught-proof windows and doors: Buy 20 metres of a door and window sticky-backed rubber seal for £24 and fix it around gaps to save up to £90 a year. DIY stores such as B&Q sell draught-proofing. Is there too much loft insulation? Builder Mike Edwards, 68, who began as a bricklaying apprentice more than half a century ago, fears too many homes fill any gap in their loft with insulation – which is a costly mistake. The co-founder of the website DIY Doctor says: ‘There is a misguided conception that a loft packed with insulation keeps bills down, when the opposite could be true. The roof space should be cool and draughty. Otherwise, hot air hitting the cold roof creates condensation that rots wooden joists and insulation gets damp.’ Mike suggests insulation should be 270mm thick – but not tightly packed down. If it is placed under boards in the attic there should also be a 50mm air space between the insulation and boards. You should leave a gap of at least 25mm between the insulation and eaves – the part of the roof that overhangs the wall of a house. Around 25 per cent of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof, so if done properly, it will save you at least £300 a year. Keep the heat in: Proper insulation is essential in any home - but too much can create condensation that rots wooden joists Put a jacket on an immersion heater This cylinder in the airing cupboard is rarely understood or used efficiently to keep energy bills down, believes Dom. He says: ‘Look at it as a giant kettle – with an electric heating element inside.’ There is no need to leave the immersion heater on all the time if you do not need hot water all day – as this can cost more money. Putting it on for just an hour before you need the hot water is enough time to warm it up. Dom says the cylinder must be well insulated – wrap it in a £20 jacket and ensure all connected pipework is also covered. This costs from £1 per metre of insulation, and should knock at least £50 a year off your heating bill. Dig out the instruction manual and make sure that the settings are providing warmth for the times that you need it. There is no need to leave it on when you are away for the day – perhaps at work – or on holiday. toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk Can you save money on energy bills? Check the best fixed deals When energy prices spiked most households slipped energy price cap tariffs, but it is now possible again to switch to fixed rate energy deals that can save you money. This is Money's recommended partner uSwitch lets you compare the best energy deals for you, based on your home and gas and electricity costs. > Compare the best energy deals with uSwitch* By entering your address and energy usage, you can search for energy deals that can cut your costs and suit how you live. Switching energy provider can also help the planet, if you move to one of the a green deals offering electricity from renewable sources and more environmentally-friendly gas. > Check the best fixed rate energy deals with uSwitch and This is Money * *Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS Easy investing Stocks & shares Isa £1.50 fund dealing 0.25% fee on fund holdings Investment ideas Free fund dealing Free fund dealing 0.45% account fee capped for shares Flat-fee investing No fees From £4.99 a month Trade shares and funds for £3.99 Social investing Social investing Share investing 30+ million global community No account fee Investment account Free share dealing Free fractional share* Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence. *T&Cs apply. > Compare the best investing platform for you Share or comment on this article: The ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your bill e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Thiago Messi, the eldest son of the Argentina star, has made his debut in the “Newell’s Cup” tournament in the countryside city of Rosario. The 12-year-old Messi played with the No. 10 jersey of an Inter Miami youth team, which lost 1-0 on Monday to host Newell’s Old Boys in the traditional under-13 competition. The team also played Tuesday. Lionel Messi took his first steps as a footballer in the Argentinian club in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of capital Buenos Aires. Thiago's mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and several members of his family, including grandparents Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, were in the stands to watch him play. Lionel Messi did not attend. Thiago, who was substituted in the second half, played with his friend Benjamín Suárez, son of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, Messi's teammate and close friend at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Messi and Suárez are in Rosario after Inter Miami’s early elimination in the MLS playoffs. On Sunday, they watched a friendly game of Inter Miami's U13 team against Unión at the same sports complex. The youth tournament in Argentina brings together eight teams from North and South America. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerTrump Cabinet picks, appointees targeted by bomb threats and swatting attacks

NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global hummus market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.85 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. Introduction of new packaging is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing retail space. However, effects of natural calamities and raw material supply shortage poses a challenge. Key market players include Bakkavor Group PLC, Boars Head Brand, Cedars Mediterranean Foods Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., Damai International, Deldiche NV, Fountain of Health, Haliburton International Foods Inc., Harvest Moon Foods, Hummus Goodness, Kasih Food Production Co., Lakeview Farms LLC, Lancaster Colony Corp., Moorish Ltd., PepsiCo Inc., Savencia SA, Strauss Group Ltd., The Huda Bar, The Kraft Heinz Co., and Wingreens Farms Pvt. Ltd. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The global hummus market is experiencing growth due to the expanding retail landscape. Traditional sales channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, continue to dominate. However, online sales are gaining popularity. E-commerce portals like Amazon, Tesco, BigBasket, and others are seeing increased sales of hummus products. Companies, such as Haliburton International Foods, have established their online presence. The US online grocery sales industry has grown an average of 17.6% per year since 2017. This trend is expected to positively impact the growth of the global hummus market during the forecast period. The hummus market is experiencing in popularity, especially among millennials seeking healthy, plant-based snack options. Chickpea Hummus, Tahini Dip, and Chickpea Spread are top choices, offering proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritious constituents. New flavors like Lavender, Lime, Blueberry, and herbs and spices such as turmeric, are capturing consumers' attention. Long shelf-life and convenience make hummus a fridge staple. Affordability and health-beneficial attributes make it a go-to choice for vegan diets and veganism. Hummus comes in various flavors including Classic, Lentil, Garlic, Black, White bean, and organic options. Brands are focusing on functional ingredients, immunity attributes, and environmental sustainability by offering single-serve cups and using herbs and spices. Hummus is not just a dip but a versatile plant-based appetizer for Mediterranean Cuisine, Vegan Snacks, and healthy diets. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The production of hummus relies on two primary raw materials: chickpeas and garlic. The cultivation of these crops is susceptible to external factors, including natural calamities and plant diseases. Natural disasters such as droughts, floods, storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions account for over 70% of economic losses in agriculture. Additionally, diseases in garlic and chickpea plants can negatively impact hummus production. The increasing frequency and severity of natural calamities may lead to chickpea shortages, raising production costs and potentially hindering the growth of the global hummus market. The hummus market is experiencing significant growth, with millennials and vegans leading the charge for this plant-based dip option. Chickpea Hummus, Tahini Dip, and Chickpea Spread are popular choices, offering affordability, convenience, and health-beneficial attributes. Hummus comes in various flavors like lavender, lime, blueberry, and garlic, catering to consumers' taste preferences. Shelf-life and affordability are key challenges, with many companies focusing on functional ingredients and herbs and spices for immunity attributes. Proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritional constituents make hummus a nutritious snack. Hummus is a fridge staple in Mediterranean cuisine and a healthy plant-based appetizer. Vegan diets and veganism are driving demand for hummus as a vegan snack. Environmental sustainability is also a concern, with single-serve cups and organic options gaining popularity. Hummus Recipe using chickpea paste is simple and versatile, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a quick and tasty snack. Lentil Hummus, Black Hummus, White bean Hummus, and other flavors cater to diverse tastes. Functional ingredients like turmeric add to hummus's immunity attributes, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthy snack option. Hummus is a delicious and convenient addition to any diet, whether you're following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for a tasty and nutritious snack. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This hummus market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Sauces and dips 1.2 Pastes and spreads 1.3 Others 2.1 Classic hummus 2.2 Lentil hummus 2.3 Others 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Sauces and dips- Hummus Market is a thriving business specializing in producing and selling authentic, high-quality hummus. Our commitment to using only the finest ingredients and traditional preparation methods has earned US a loyal customer base. We offer various flavors and sizes to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Our team ensures timely delivery and excellent customer service. Join US in savoring the delicious taste of hummus. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Hummus is a popular and versatile plant-based dip originating from Mediterranean cuisine, beloved for its rich and creamy texture. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and herbs and spices, hummus comes in various flavors such as Classic, Organic, Lentil, Garlic, Black, White bean, and Chickpea. These functional ingredients offer health-beneficial attributes, including proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritional constituents. As consumers' attention shifts towards vegan diets and environmental sustainability, hummus has emerged as a convenient and affordable plant-based snack option. Its long shelf-life makes it a fridge staple, and its taste and convenience have made it a favorite among millennials. Functional ingredients like turmeric, lavender, lime, blueberry, and herbs and spices add unique flavors and immunity attributes to hummus. Single-serve cups and convenient packaging have also made hummus an ideal choice for those on-the-go. With its health benefits and delicious taste, hummus continues to be a popular choice for those following vegan diets or simply looking for healthy and convenient snack options. Whether enjoyed as a dip, spread, or appetizer, hummus is a plant-based powerhouse that caters to various dietary needs and preferences. Market Research Overview Discover the delicious and nutritious world of hummus, a beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine! Organic hummus made from chickpeas and tahini is a popular choice for those following vegan diets or embracing veganism. Lentil, Garlic, Black, White bean, and Chickpea Hummus offer various flavors to cater to every taste preference. Hummus is not only delicious but also boasts numerous health-beneficial attributes. Packed with proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritional constituents, it makes an excellent choice for healthy snacking. Herbs and spices like turmeric, lavender, lime, blueberry, and others add functional ingredients and immunity attributes to hummus, making it a versatile and exciting addition to any meal. Single-serve cups ensure convenience, while maintaining affordability and extended shelf-life. Hummus is more than just a plant-based dip option; it's a fridge staple that captures consumers' attention with its taste and nutritional value. Millennials appreciate hummus as a convenient and healthy snack, contributing to its growing popularity. With numerous flavors like Tahini Dip, Vegan Snacks, Chickpea Spread, and Healthy Dip, hummus caters to various preferences and dietary needs. Experience the joy of making your own Hummus Recipe at home or enjoy it as a Plant-based Appetizer at your next gathering. Hummus is a Gluten-free Option and a Nutritious Snack that offers a delightful twist to the classic Chickpea Hummus. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Sauces And Dips Pastes And Spreads Others Type Classic Hummus Lentil Hummus Others Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio