Journalists

Healy-Rae says gardaí checking for drink-drivers outside Mass 

Harsh drink-driving laws are being so rigorously enforced that people are being checked by gardaí on their way to and from Mass, Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae has said.

John Downing: 'Brexit reversal would be loved here - but is still unlikely to occur' 

A senior legal adviser at the EU Court of Justice has said the UK could unilaterally back out of the Brexit process if it wished. It is the job of the lawyer, called an advocate general, to identify key issues in a case and suggest a verdict.

People are being breathalysed 'going to and from mass', says Healy-Rae 

Harsh drink-driving laws are being so rigorously enforced that people are being checked by gardaí on their way to and from mass, Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae has said.

Q&A: What are the British PM's chances of winning battle in Westminster? 

Q. So, what is the latest row about?

John Downing: 'Health Minister Simon Harris dreads "a winter of discontent" which could stymie his political career' 

"Now is the winter of our discontent/

Phil Hogan hits back at Tory politician's Brexit 'starvation threats' to Ireland 

Irish EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has hit back at suggestions by a leading British Conservative politician that London should use 'starvation threats' against Ireland in last-ditch Brexit talks.

John Downing: 'As English nationalism continues its EU convulsions: beware the backstop' 

It was a sultry evening in June 1990 and the Irish were thronged into a great bar close to the Stadio Sant'Elia in Sardinia.

Mother will challenge customs officials to confiscate her child's medical cannabis - Dáil told 

Rules for medicinal cannabis to treat serious illness carry a “chill factor” for senior doctors, the Dáil has been told.

John Downing: 'Amid the chaos, UK MPs have now 'done a Cromwell' for parliament' 

Oliver Cromwell, Britain's 17th century Lord Protector, is seared into the Irish folk memory, his name synonymous with the brutal slaughter of innocent civilians in Co Wexford in 1649. His infamy lives to this day.

Danny Healy Rae rejects claims of 'wanting it both ways' in bitter row 

Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae has rejected accusations of "speaking out of both sides of his mouth" in a bitter row over a proposed wind farm.

John Downing: 'Being bribed with our own cash risks the return of the bad old days' 

Experts do not have to stand for election. That's why they find it easier to advise the administration of bitter medicine for citizens' long-term good.

John Downing: 'Stark reality is burden may fall on Dublin to protect EU 27' 

The threat of a crash-out Brexit, with an accompanying return of a 'hard Border' in Ireland, remains very real. Theresa May's chances of getting her Brexit deal endorsed by the London parliament remains a major long-shot, though she will put up a great fight.

John Downing: Irish farmers should pray May can get deal over line 

This time three years ago most of us had never heard the term 'Brexit'.

Childcare workers cannot make living wage, but charges to parents continue to spiral - Dáil told 

Childcare costs are increasing by some €15 per week – but qualified childcare workers are quitting because they cannot make ends meet, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty has said.

John Downing: 'Neither Leo nor Micheál will win any votes from people waiting for broadband after six years' 

Leo Varadkar does annoy Micheál Martin when he tells the nation that in 2011, when Fine Gael first entered Government Buildings, only half the nation had broadband, but now it's three-quarters.

John Downing: 'If Westminster parliament votes against May's Brexit deal, what happens next would depend on just how badly the pound tanks' 

It took just 38 minutes to put the UK beyond the Brexit point of no return yesterday after almost 46 years of EU membership. All the Euro kingpins honoured their commitment to strike a sombre tone at this special Sunday summit in Brussels, with much talk of there being "no winners".

Taoiseach insists Ireland has secured 'good deal' as EU leaders meet for crunch Brexit summit 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he regrets the UK’s departure from the European Union – but insisted Ireland has secured a “good deal” from Brexit.

EU to agree Brexit deal as May issues letter appealing for public support 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in Brussels today for an EU leaders' summit at which all 28 governments are set to sign off on a Brexit divorce deal with the UK.

John Downing: 'History in the making: but already the EU has moved into post-Brexit phase' 

Around lunchtime today in Brussels, the UK will cross the rubicon and take a definitive step toward ending 46 years of EU membership, a move which poses huge problems for Ireland.

John Downing : 'Colonial legacy refuses to go away as Rock of Gibraltar now puts UK in hard place' 

Spare a thought for the hard-pressed people of Gibraltar, a place which shares a huge chunk of history with Ireland. This final Brexit strop over the Mediterranean rock's status is stuffed with irony.

EU has 'taken our concerns to heart' during exit talks 

Our EU partners have "taken Ireland's concerns to heart" all through the marathon Brexit negotiations which are now close to conclusion, European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has said.

John Downing: 'The battle may be won, but the war will undoubtedly take even longer' 

A quick read of the document sketching potential EU-UK links after Brexit leads to one sinking conclusion: this issue will be with us for quite some time to come.

John Downing: 'EU leaders must give May political cover as she seeks to sell Brexit plan back home' 

Unless there is something odd out there, there is not much wiggle room left to polish the text of this draft EU-UK Brexit deal.

Dáil in chaos as Varadkar and Martin argue 'like children' in carbon tax increase 'racket' 

THE Dáil was on the verge of being adjourned this afternoon as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin sparred over carbon tax increases.

Donohoe in climbdown on loss of tax breaks as Taoiseach accused of 'clobbering workers' 

Changes to the tax breaks which will hit thousands of ordinary workers have been put off for a year after a climbdown by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

John Downing: 'Signed deal would be a big step - but Taoiseach must err on side of caution' 

It is already encouraging to see that the Taoiseach is not obliged to undertake last-minute shuttle diplomacy around EU capitals ahead of Sunday's decisive Brexit summit.

Theresa May visits Brussels to pave way for EU leaders' summit - but Spain airs fears 

British Prime Minister Theresa May will this afternoon meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for talks aimed at paving the way for an EU leaders' summit on Sunday.

Changes to tax breaks which will hit thousands of ordinary workers deferred until 2020 

Changes to the tax breaks which will hit thousands of ordinary workers have been deferred by a year.

John Downing: 'Deck is stacked against her - but PM still has cards left to play' 

With three weeks to go before a vital series of votes in the British parliament, Theresa May has stepped up the tempo of her campaign.

John Downing: 'Leo's taken a leaf out of the Bertie 'tax cuts equals votes' playbook - the only problem is, it can be ruinous' 

Have you met "new Fine Gael"? It looks rather like "old Fianna Fáil". Leo Varadkar, in another step which will augment growing comparisons with the old Drumcondra fox Bertie Ahern, has hit upon a simple trusted formula to win an election: just lorry in those tax cuts.

John Downing: 'Fianna Fáil should back stability - there is enough chaos over in UK' 

Fianna Fáil is playing a dangerous and unhelpful game with Brexit and it should stop it immediately.

Waiting in the wings: May's potential successors 

The only question now is: how and when will Theresa May exit the UK prime minister's office? Here are some would-be successors.

Fine Gael's ordinary members to seek veto on a coalition with SF 

Fine Gael rank-and-file members are set to throw up a big block in the way of any future coalition government with Sinn Féin.

John Downing: 'The only five things you need to know about the Brexit deal' 

Here are the only five things you need to know about the Brexit deal, rather than sifting through 586 pages of legal text.

Who could replace UK PM Theresa May? Here's how her would-be successors line up 

Theresa May is battling to save a draft divorce deal with the European Union after her Brexit secretary and other ministers quit in protest.

John Downing: 'London still key battleground - unless someone in EU has issue' 

For a time yesterday, the 27 EU ambassadors meeting in Brussels over Brexit were "held hostage" by the UK cabinet ministers meeting on the other side of the water in London.

Q&A: 'Round one' goes to May - but now the real struggle beckons 

Are we sure there will be no return of a 'hard Border' in Ireland?

'Major win for Ireland' as Brexit deal agreed 

A Brexit deal that ensures no hard Border on this island has been hailed as a major victory for Ireland.

Proposed Brexit deal will be put to Dáil vote - Taoiseach 

THE proposed Brexit deal will be put to a vote in Dáil Éireann, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced.

Explainer: What next? Mrs May now needs to cajole, bully and bribe her own party 

The next thing Mrs May now needs to do is cajole, bully and bribe her own party. John Downing explains all.

Probe into recovery of court costs from ex-Garda chief and press officer 

The Taoiseach has asked the Attorney General to study whether the State can take a case to recover legal costs from former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan and his former press officer, superintendent Dave Taylor.

John Downing: 'Theresa May now faces biggest test yet in getting 'her deal' pushed through' 

It took all of 29 months since the Brexit referendum to get this far. Now things may finally move - but that might not be in the direction Theresa May would like as cabinet and parliament endorsement for "her deal" is uncertain.

State may sue to recover legal costs from former garda commissioner and garda press officer 

The Taoiseach has asked the Attorney General to study whether the State can take a case to recover legal costs from former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and his former press officer, Superintendent Dave Taylor.

John Downing: 'Numbers simply don't add up to get deal through UK parliament' 

Let's play an old children's game called "supposing - supposing". Let us suppose that British Prime Minister Theresa May gets her Brexit proposals through her Cabinet and she cuts a deal soon in Brussels.

John Downing: 'As the clock ticks down to unpredictable endgame, Brexit bluster looks likely to break rhetoric-o-meter' 

The posh phrase for the machine was the "audience reaction indicator". It dated from an age of single-channel television innocence when a superbly awful man called Hughie Green fronted a talent show called 'Opportunity Knocks'.

John Downing: 'Micheál Martin has shown some steel – but he still risks missing the big prize' 

To many people away from the Leinster House “political bubble” it looked like a storm in an eggcup. But sometimes the smaller dramas can reveal a lot.

John Downing: 'Martin finally stamps his authority on rebels over foray to the North' 

When the row erupted over the two Fianna Fáil rebels' 'Seán South of Garryowen-style' foray northwards last month, one of the duo, Éamon Ó Cuív, raised a little-known historical fact.

Public need to know there are no more 'dangerous doctors' in health system - FF 

People who are sick badly need to be reassured that there are no more “dangerous doctors” working in the health services.

Varadkar doubles down on demand for hospital staff to work at Christmas 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will not be backing down from calls for the HSE to restrict holiday leave over the Christmas period, saying it "makes sense".

John Downing: 'Park the phoney war - are there really any votes in health woes?' 

That rhetoric machine is doing handstands as the pre-election phoney war ramps up. So what are our politicians saying to one another in essence about the ongoing health service problems?

Taoiseach's 'Christmas holiday' comments were 'flippant and insensitive' to health service workers - FF 

Fianna Fáil have launched a blistering attack on the Taoiseach over his Christmas health service comments, claiming he was acting like "a radio chat show panellist".

'Absence of compassion' - Micheál Martin calls for medicinal cannabis to be legalised 

People who need the drug cannabis to help cope with illness and pain are suffering needlessly, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, has said.

Taoiseach directly calls on HSE not to sanction additional holidays for health staff over Christmas 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has directly called on the HSE not to sanction additional holidays for doctors and nurses over Christmas.

Taoiseach under fire for 'green jersey' demands in Brexit talks 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has come under fire for suggesting the Opposition and media should put on the ‘green jersey’ and unquestioningly support his Brexit strategy.

Profile: Man often tipped as a 'future Taoiseach' will bow out of politics next summer 

Often tipped as a future Taoiseach, Brian Hayes has announced he will quit politics next summer just weeks ahead of his 50th birthday.

John Downing: 'It is not Dublin's job to manage those deep EU Tory divisions' 

On the face of things the Taoiseach is telling us that he is only trying to help and it is as much in Ireland's interests as anyone else's. Ireland needs a proper Brexit deal as much, or in fact more, than most other EU member states.

Christmas is cancelled for doctors and nurses - Taoiseach insists high staffing levels needed over the holidays 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned all hospital workers - including consultants, nurses and back-up staff - must work "at full whack" over the Christmas and new year period to avoid the worst ever trolley crisis.

Taoiseach warns all hospital workers must work 'full whack' over Christmas holidays 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned all hospital workers - including consultants, nurses and back-up staff – that they must work "at full whack" over the Christmas holidays.

Taoiseach defends 'review clause' on border backstop, insists Ireland's Brexit position is not weakened 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has defended his decision to signal Ireland may agree a “review clause” on the Irish border backstop and insisted this did not mean weakening his Brexit negotiating position.

John Downing: 'Brexit 'fudge' is almost set - but will London find it edible at last?' 

It has been all about giving Northern Ireland some special status without making it look like the North was exiting the EU on different terms to England, Scotland or Wales. That is how things remain. There might be a special EU summit later this month, possibly on November 21, depending on how London reacts to the latest development.

Promoter Reynolds was visionary who changed musical culture, funeral told 

Music promoter John Reynolds will be best remembered as the man who helped rekindle the career of superstar Leonard Cohen, and for changing the culture of Irish music festivals, mourners at his funeral were told.

John Reynolds will be remembered for changing the culture of Irish music festivals, funeral hears 

MUSIC promoter John Reynolds will be best remembered as the man who helped rekindle the career of superstar Leonard Cohen, and for changing the culture of Irish music festivals, mourners at his funeral were told.

Bertie Ahern leads tributes at funeral of former political adviser Paddy Duffy 

LED by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the Fianna Fáil old guard turned out in strength to say farewell to the party’s former political adviser, Paddy Duffy, on Wednesday.

Trump scheme sparks fear for the illegal Irish 

There are fears tens of thousands of illegal Irish immigrants will be caught by a new crackdown ordered by US President Donald Trump.

Ireland confident Merkel's pledges on Brexit will stick 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to exit politics over two years will weaken her EU power - but Irish officials are confident her Brexit pledges to Ireland still stand.

John Downing: 'Exit Angela and enter Emmanuel to take the EU's centre stage' 

When Donald Trump was elected US president, liberal commentators hailed Angela Merkel as "leader of the free world". She dismissed the idea as "absurd". Now that she has begun her slow exit from politics, the appraisals of her career have begun with mixed results.

John Downing: 'Personal crusade' is at long last a key political issue for the 'big two' 

Broadband technology is complex - but suddenly its politics have become very simple.

North to benefit as final budget before Brexit unveiled in London 

UK finance Minister Philip Hammond has declared that the "era of austerity is finally coming to an end", as he unveiled his last budget before Brexit.

John Downing: Angela's 'long goodbye' will add to woes facing the EU 

The 64-year-old low-key German woman has been a household name across the world for the past 13 years. Now she wants to begin to exit the political stage, starting with quitting her party's chair.

Sick pay delay 'down to move to new system' 

Thousands of people face delay in sick pay, causing unnecessary suffering, the Government has been warned.

FF leader sends 'finger-wagging' letter to Ó Cuív and Daly - but unlikely to face party sanctions 

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has sent a "finger-wagging" letter to Éamon Ó Cuív and Mark Daly, warning them off any repeat of their party endorsement of a council candidate in the North.

Fianna Fáil is urged not to 'close the door' on Peter Casey 

Fianna Fáil's leadership has been accused of "closing the door too early" on the prospect of party membership for presidential runner-up Peter Casey.

John Downing: Casey's voters aren't racist - they're fed up 

I do not believe the bulk of the more than 340,000 voters who opted for Peter Casey are motivated by racism. I find it more likely they are disillusioned with our politics right now and still suffering the after-effects of the appalling economic crash.

'You can't just rock up to political parties' - Fianna Fáil rebuffs advances from Peter Casey despite massive vote 

Fianna Fáil won't be making space on their election card for Peter Casey, despite his massive vote.

John Downing: McDonald fails her first test as SF leader - the Belfast boys won't be impressed 

Has Mary Lou McDonald's Sinn Féin lost its campaigning edge under her leadership?

Six lessons the six presidential candidates can teach us – and themselves 

John Downing offers six lessons the six presidential candidates can teach us – and themselves:

One-in-five vote for Casey must sound alarm bells for those in authority 

A big win by Michael D Higgins - backed by six out of 10 voters - is hardly big news. The vote for maverick Independent Peter Casey really is the story of this presidential election.

John Downing: How Ireland will need to define a new role in Europe after Brexit 

Turning 60 can be tricky. Life reflections can tend to the gloomy side: too young for a pension, too old for big career initiatives, euphemistically-termed "health issues" creep in with intimations of mortality.

John Downing: One-in-five vote for Peter Casey is a major alarm call for all national authorities 

A BIG win by Michael D Higgins – backed by six out of 10 voters - is hardly big news. The vote for maverick Independent, Peter Casey really is the story of this presidential election.

John Downing: Time to see how we can improve the way we pick our president 

Elections were not created to entertain the masses - but on occasion they do just that.

Crawford bore 'strong convictions with a gracious civility', funeral told 

Farm union leaders and politicians were joined by the local Monaghan community in paying tribute to a man described as "a bridge builder committed to justice and peace".

Farm leaders and politicians pay tribute to 'bridge builder' Seymour Crawford 

Farm union leaders and politicians were joined by the local Co Monaghan community in paying tribute to a man described as “a bridge builder committed to justice and peace.”

John Downing: Michael D has been self-serving over jet row...but he'll still walk it 

So President Higgins used the Government jet for a visit to Belfast on the advice of his office - not the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as we had been led to believe. It's a detail that may elude many citizens.

I'm no fan of Michael D - but the other candidates have looked like political pygmies compared to him 

'FIGHTERS," he said with disgust, "sure you'd beat them with your cap."

Masses now ready to hit the streets and demand 'People's Vote' - but it's too little, too late 

A Toyota car made in England has bumpers which come from France and Germany, mufflers and exhaust pipes from the Netherlands, seatbelts from Hungary, and wheels from Spain. It is then sold across the 28 EU states.

Businesses must try to plan for next year despite huge uncertainty, says Taoiseach 

Business leaders must start planning for next year with huge uncertainty about Brexit, the Taoiseach has admitted.

Fears of 'temporary solutions' and 'time limits' well founded 

History is littered with "temporary solutions" which long outlived those people who put them in as a stop-gap. Income tax came to these climes as a temporary arrangement to fund the defeat of somebody called Napoleon Bonaparte.

Justice Minister defends his comments about Traveller ethnicity 

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has been forced to defend comments arguing against the designation of Travellers as a distinct ethnic minority.

Taoiseach urges Irish voters to send 'a very clear message' to Áras hopeful Peter Casey 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has roundly condemned comments by presidential candidate, Peter Casey, about Travellers.

Ex-justice minister O'Donoghue close to return to politics with FF 

Former Fianna Fáil minister John O'Donoghue may be about to re-enter politics.

EU leaders will not waste effort on 'mission impossible' talks 

Last time they tried to make just a little Brexit progress, they wound up going backwards. It was September 19 last when not much was expected of that informal EU leaders' summit in Salzburg.

'Much more time' needed for Brexit deal, says Barnier 

Brexit talks are headed for the 'last-chance saloon' as the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator says "much more time" is needed to reach a divorce agreement.

Taoiseach rejects Martin's call for 'no-election guarantee' over Brexit threat 

The Taoiseach has flatly rejected calls by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin for a "no-election guarantee" until any Brexit deal is safely put through the UK parliament.

Taoiseach must guarantee no general election until British parliament make decision on Brexit deal - Micheál Martin 

Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, has said the Taoiseach must guarantee no general election until the British parliament makes a decision on any emerging Brexit deal.

Hard Brexit could ground UK flights for three weeks but Ryanair would survive - Michael O'Leary 

A hard Brexit could ground UK flights for up to three weeks but would be survivable for Ryanair, Michael O'Leary said ahead of a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels on Wednesday.

Do they tell you before betraying you? Let's hope it's just rumours 

There are bound to be rumours of "EU treachery against little Ireland" as we snake towards news about news of any end to this never-ending Brexit saga.

Junior minister's role in dinner row must be taken seriously: FF 

Fixing the level of taxpayer-funded subsidy for the rural broadband project remains the crucial issue to be decided, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told the Dáil.

Fianna Fáil increases pressure on Pat Breen over broadband controversy 

The level of taxpayer-funded subsidy for the rural broadband project remains the crucial issue to be decided, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told the Dáil.

'No deal on Brexit more likely than ever before' as divisive Irish border talks continue 

British Prime Minister Theresa May is trying to walk away from a deal which would ensure a hard border never again emerges on the island of Ireland.

Battleground: snap election now is unlikely - but expect it in 2019 

You can chalk it down as the week in which the nation was set on a course for the next general election.

Vindicated Fitzgerald gave an 'honest appraisal of situation' 

Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald - who was forced to quit the Government amid allegations of failing in her duty as justice minister - has welcomed the news that she was completely vindicated by Mr Justice Charleton.

John Downing: Hard-hitting Charleton report lays a challenge to leaders for real reforms 

This large basket of woes created a series of political earthquakes, and the aftershocks will be with us for some time to come.

Government urged to 'engage with DUP' in efforts to save emerging Brexit border deal 

The Government has been urged to talk with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in efforts to have them lift a potential veto on any new Irish border compromise on Brexit.

Get ready for an election when the winners could end up losers 

The 'winner' of the next election could end up watching parties which took fewer seats making up the numbers and sauntering past them into Government Buildings.

Tense exchanges in Dáil as Taoiseach rejects allegations about 'contaminated' €500m broadband provision bid 

The Taoiseach has defended Communications Minister Denis Naughten’s meeting with a US businessman who was bidding to provide rural broadband potentially worth up half a billion euro.