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Editor’s note: This piece was originally published on March 2nd, 2020. With the possible exception of Simon Harris, it’s difficult to think of anybody who has personified the domestic agenda of Fine Gael over the past several years more than Kate O’Connell. When, in 2016, she unseated ex-Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton, it seemed to […]
The latest from the never-ending talks to form a new Government, courtesy of Pat Leahy, who listens to this nonsense so the rest of us don’t have to: Talks on forming a government were continuing on Monday night with senior figures in all three parties involved admitting privately that the coming days represent a “do-or-die” […]
Before we get into this, here’s the obligatory disclaimer for the “whatabout Trump” people in the comments: Yes, Donald Trump has also been credibly accused of sexual misbehaviour by numerous women. Yes, Donald Trump was caught on tape appearing to brag about what would be a sexual assault. Happy? Who are we kidding. Of course […]
Some of you are probably too young to remember what happened all the way back in January of 2020, which feels like it was about two decades ago at this point, but it’s worth remembering anyway: Former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has rejected claims that “shadowy figures” play a key role in the running […]
Pop quiz: Who said this, on January 23rd? Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said his party will not form a “grand coalition” with Fine Gael after the general election. Mr Martin said his party was only interested in creating a new government with other “centre” parties such as Labour and the Greens. Asked if […]
An interesting report in the Examiner the other day that, with all the Coronavirus news, got a little bit overlooked. But it’s genuinely surprising that it’s taken this long for something like this to be floated: A number of Fine Gael ministers do not believe a government can be formed and that a second general […]
A very interesting conversation on my twitter timeline this morning that’s worth exploring in more depth: One point that has received very little attention is the upcoming Seanad election and, in particular, the impact that it may have on the timing of the appointment of a Taoiseach and, as a result, the formation of a […]
Most of the praise for the Taoiseach’s well-delivered speech to the nation last night has focused on his reassuring tone and calm embodiment of national determination. Those things, are, of course, entirely subjective. For myself, I thought it was very good – his finest hour in fact, not that there’s much competition for that particular […]
Last week I asked “What next for the Soldiers of Destiny?” and since then, at near break neck pace, the path to government has become clearer. The Leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have agreed to enter detailed negotiations, as equal partners. The ongoing national emergency posed by COVID-19 has provided the political fig […]
What next for the Soldiers of Destiny? It is a thought that will be dwelling in the minds of Fianna Fáil members and supporters across Ireland. Let me be frank, the election result left us in shock. There was a quiet expectation that the party was back, and that as night follows day, so Micheál […]
On Saturday, more than three weeks will have passed since the General Election, and Ireland still has no obvious Government in sight. It is now expected that the next attempt by the Dáil to elect a new Taoiseach may not take place until the end of March. Yesterday, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín noted the somewhat […]
One of the great arts of spin is to ensure the dominant question of the day is that which you alone have the perfect answer to. Sinn Fein’s artful capacities in this regard have been to the fore since the election verdict. The party has correctly claimed that this verdict was a desire for change […]
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