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Gene Kerrigan: Forget the election, change really is afoot

In the weeks after a General Election, things usually unfold as though written in a script. And the politicians and the media follow it faithfully. Last week, they encouraged us to fret over tiresome details.

Days of political hegemony well and truly over for FF

So the dust has settled after the General Election -- or at least it has half settled. We have seen the tsunami against Fianna Fail which has swept Ireland. All that remains now is for next Wednesday and the coming into government of the new combination of Fine Gael and Labour and the stunning and startling range of opposition members who will inhabit the seats in Dail Eireann.

Fine Gael could hold the levers of power for the next 15 years

'There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to institute a new order of things' -- Niccolo Machiavelli

Will Enda meet promise to open Nama 'secret society'?

'THE dog's dinner.' That's what the venture capitalists say they've come for when they roll up in their chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class limousines to Nama headquarters on Grand Canal Street.

Lise Hand: Sinn Fein's new Dail sheriff arrives in town with posse of willing deputies

By Lise Hand

IF you went down to the Dail yesterday, you'd be sure of a big surprise. For yesterday's the day that Grizzly had his picnic. For out on to the sunny plinth strode the newly-elected deputy for Louth, Gerry Adams TD (no doubt looking nervously over his shoulder in case Mary Mitchell O'Connor reappeared).

David Quinn: TDs, make it your mission to challenge the consensus

By David Quinn

THIS column is addressed first and foremost to the 76 Fine Gaels TDs who will be taking up their seats in the new Dail next week, especially the new TDs.

Sam Smyth: Clegg effect will be at forefront of leaders' minds

By Sam Smyth

THERE will be no champagne corks popping if Fine Gael and the Labour Party rise to their own and almost everybody's expectations to reach an agreement.

Lise Hand: New TD gets crash course in politics

By Lise Hand

THE red coupe was heading toward the exit, out through the big gate on to Kildare Street.

Siobhan Creaton: New government has to get bailout back on track -- fast

By Siobhan Creaton

They are famed for their unintelligible speech and mystical jargon. So when a central banker uses words like "alarm" you know it is time to sit up and listen carefully.

David McWilliams: We're broke but still buying rounds that we can't afford

By David McWilliams

We've all been there. In the bar, in a round, you know you won't have a bean when you get home but tomorrow can look after itself; you won't be seen not to pay your round. In contrast, we all know of the lad who will disappear out for a fag when his round is imminent. Such evasions are noted, especially among friends.