We have an electoral system that is designed, from the ground up, to reward moderation of tone. Understanding that is absolutely vital, if you want to succeed in it.
Somewhere along the line, Irish policymakers decided that accommodating as many migrants as wish to come here is more important to them, politically, than bowing to the concerns of the public on this issue
Te whole basis of his campaign, in 2016, was that being “just a little better than the Democrats” was what made his Republican opponents weak and unacceptable.
If there’s demand, we’ll make this piece into a series, moving forwards.
When politics and journalism becomes a self-reinforcing echo chamber, with each side adopting the attitudes and opinions of the other, that’s good for neither.
Many of those who call themselves Irish Patriots claim – fairly or unfairly – to be defending western civilisation, and our way of life. Acting like civilised people ourselves might be a good start.
Thus, the contortions: The transparent attempt, having spent years accusing everybody else of “dog-whistling”, to learn how to do it themselves.
Defending her hate speech bill, Justice Minister Helen McEntee repeatedly claimed that Ireland currently has no laws prohibiting incitement to violence. Ben Scallan asks if this means it’s currently legal in Ireland to call for violence against individuals and groups.
So, the bells toll as Fine Gael’s hearse, towed by a pair of tawdry jades, creaks towards Glasnevin cemetery wherein already repose the mortal remains of the Irish Parliamentary Party, the PDs, Clann na Phoblact and Clann na Talmhan
“I often find it surprising that Deputy Nolan and McGrath veer so far from the message of Pope Francis.”
“Being the Finance Minister allows him to plausibly claim credit for all Government successes, since he funded them, while distancing himself from failures, because all he did was fund them.”
If the Leo Varadkar of 2004 could look at the Leo Varadkar of 2024, I think it perfectly fair – even if perhaps slightly harsh – to ask whether he would even recognise himself.