Journalists

Meghan and Harry's Irish visit expected to land on Friday 13th 

PRINCE Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are expected to visit Ireland in the middle of next month - very likely around Friday, July 13.

Time to sell more bank shares - Hayes 

The time is right to claw back more taxpayer losses from the 2008 bank crash by selling off more State shares in AIB and Bank of Ireland, Dublin Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has urged.

Border fix for Ireland 'may not be dealt with until autumn summit' 

The crucial matter of finding a solution to the Irish Border following Brexit is likely to be pushed back to October, it is understood.

Flanagan pushes for vote on blasphemy law 

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan is tomorrow expected to seek Government support for moves paving the way for a referendum on ending the crime of blasphemy.

Working parents to get extra unpaid leave 'to help families enjoy better work-life balance' 

A big extension to unpaid maternity leave for working parents will be approved by the Dáil this week.

HSE continues to 'defend indefensible' over smear test debacle – Dáil told 

State agencies just "can’t help themselves" as they engage in "foot-dragging" over cooperation with a probe into the smear test debacle, the Dáil has heard.

Opinion: Hogan under pressure to deliver CAP reforms amid flak over his 'green agenda' 

Irish farmers will be pleased to hear that Phil Hogan is doing well in the Brussels minefield as the EU Agriculture Commissioner.

Taoiseach lobbies Spain's new PM amid Brexit wars 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in Madrid today to meet the new Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, as part of the Government's Brexit lobbying effort.

Analysis: Mrs May gets a win over rebels - but her negotiating hand is now even weaker 

The news from London just might be good for Ireland in the medium term.

Tide is going out for Britain’s 'Arch-Brexiteers' – Phil Hogan 

British public opinion is turning against radical Brexiteers who are blocking a good EU-UK divorce deal, Irish EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

Seán Calleary remembered for tolerance and equality 

Former TD and minister Seán Calleary had a great "respect for difference" that extended to all facets of life including politics and sport, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin recalled.

Calleary's dedication to Irish in Britain recalled as crowds pay respects 

It took three hours for the huge crowd to pay their last respects to a Mayo chieftain of politics and sport.

We need to use this brutality to banish our smug complacency 

It is still remembered as one of the most infamous comments associated with what we euphemistically recall as the 'Northern Ireland Troubles', but which should be called three decades of murder and horror.

Fianna Fáil firebrand Willie O'Dea hits back at Fine Gael's 'reckless, spendthrift' Budget claims 

Fianna Fáil welfare spokesman, Willie O’Dea, has strongly rejected Fine Gael claims that his party is pushing for “a reckless” or “spendthrift” Budget this autumn.

Opinion: Are we to replace decades of religious tyranny with a new secular intolerance? 

I STILL have mortifying memories of a comprehensively failed effort to buy a packet of condoms in a certain midlands market town back in the summer of 1986.

Gove's remarks on backstop suggest softening on Brexit 

Leading Tory Michael Gove has said the proposed Brexit backstop should apply for only a "short period of time" after the UK-EU divorce.

Taoiseach hits out at 'No' campaigners ahead of referendum 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar criticised certain “No” campaigners for suggesting an “alternative amendment to the Constitution” can be found to protect expectant mothers and unborn children.

Taoiseach leads Dáil sympathies to families of two women killed 'brutally' and 'senselessly' 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed his profound sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of "two senseless and brutal killings" in recent days.

Judge says he's 'puzzled and bemused' by claims about 'drugs, goats and cattle' 

Judge Peter Charleton intervened to conclude that Sergeant Maurice McCabe's uncle and first cousin "just did not get on" with their garda relative.

Soon the judge must rule on who is giving a true account 

Judge Peter Charleton is a plain-speaking man, who likes to ask witnesses questions, and often explains why he is asking them.

Dealing with McCabe case had left Shatter feeling like he 'was sinking in quicksand' 

So we met the second of a trio who were forced to unhappily and swiftly exit their good jobs in the spring and summer of 2014. And all the exits related to controversies concerning Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

If indeed it happened, the smear campaign against McCabe was a 'flop' 

Two key Garda witnesses - Sergeant Maurice McCabe and Superintendent Dave Taylor - have potentially explosive stories to tell.

'Pauline conversion' of a press officer and the flat denials that leave a judge puzzled 

It was a conversion worthy of St Paul on the road to Damascus. For almost one year, Superintendent David Taylor said he had been instructed to smear Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.

Government told to 'stop defending the realm and listen to these women' in cancer test scandal 

THE Government was today challenged to “stop defending the system” and respond to the women let down in the cervical cancer test debacle.

Mum diagnosed with cervical cancer after incorrect smear test result to find out how long she has to live on Friday - Dail told 

A MOTHER of five who was diagnosed with cancer after receiving an incorrect smear test result will find out on Friday how long she has to live, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil this afternoon.

Tributes to 'fearless advocate' for women's rights 

Monica Barnes's daughter told her funeral of a recent conversation they shared in which her mother reflected on her long career of political activism.

'Heads may roll but it's important they're the right heads' - Varadkar says people might get fired over cervical smear scandal 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said that people deemed responsible for shortcomings in the cancer smear test debacle may lose their jobs.

Comment: Why it would now be counter-productive to sack HSE boss Tony O'Brien 

SACKING Tony O’Brien as the boss of the national health service is a very attractive prospect. But would it help us as a nation trying to find our way out of the dreadful miasma of despair that continues to hang over the cancer-screening debacle?

Alcohol advertising curbs 'may be against EU laws' 

The European Commission has warned Health Minister Simon Harris that curbs on alcohol advertising appear to break EU laws.

Tributes paid as veteran FG politician and champion of women's rights Barnes dies 

Monica Barnes, a long-time Fine Gael politician and life-time advocate for human rights, has died aged 82.

In Pictures: The hands that shape the shoes - Irish farriers eye Euro success 

Ireland's top farriers are preparing to pit their skills against the best of their trade across mainland Europe.

HSE Director General Tony O'Brien to take 'leave of absence' from board of US medical firm 

HSE Director General Tony O’Brien is to take a “leave of absence” from the board of a US medical firm to focus on dealing with the Cervical cancer scandal - Tánaiste Simon Coveney has told the Dáil.

Chairman of US pharmaceutical firm that put 'embattled' HSE boss on its board hosted fundraiser for Varadkar 

The chairman of a US firm - which has added the embattled HSE boss, Tony O’Brien, to its board - has hosted a fundraising function for the Taoiseach.

Smear test scandal: Taoiseach promises compensation for women whose cancer diagnosis was delayed 

THERE will be a redress scheme for women who have been hit by the cervical cancer test scandal – but payments must await the result of a statutory inquiry, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

'Everyone deserves a fair hearing' - Taoiseach rejects calls to sack HSE boss over cancer test scandal 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has utterly rejected calls to sack the Health Service Executive boss, Tony O’Brien, in the wake of the cancer misdiagnosis scandal.

Farmers face green challenges to get future EU payments 

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said Irish farmers will have to do more to protect the environment to qualify for renewed farm payments.

Alcohol bill dealt further blow by wine producers 

An EU objection by two major wine-producing countries has delayed by at least three months an Irish bill to put health warning labels on alcoholic drinks here.

Ireland faces annual EU energy fines of €600m 

Ireland faces fines of €600m a year from the EU for failing to meet renewable energy targets and cutting carbon emissions by 2020.

No Brexit deal for UK unless Ireland satisfied, says EU's chief negotiator Barnier 

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has given Ireland his clearest message of support, insisting its interests will be defended in any exit deal with the UK.

UK finally wakes up to Border risks in the wake of Brexit fallout 

A bit like the buses, you wait ages for one - then suddenly two arrive almost at once.

Symbolic vote by MPs backs UK staying in customs union 

British MPs heaped pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May to change her hardline Brexit stance and keep the UK in a customs union with the European Union after Brexit.

DUP threatens to pull plug on May after hints of Border compromise 

The Democratic Unionist Party has warned UK Prime Minister Theresa May it will bring down her government if Northern Ireland is forced to stay inside the EU customs union and single market after Brexit.

'I won't be taking calls from lobbyists' - Communications Minister Denis Naughten 

Communications Minister Denis Naughten has banned phone calls from lobbyists, he has told the Dáil.

Foster home abuse case: Taoiseach pledges report recommendations will be acted upon 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged that recommendations from an investigation into the case of young girls being raped in foster care will be acted upon.

Alliance job-sharing could dig up a heap of trouble 

In fairness to the Independent Alliance it has not had a major crisis in government for half a year.

No objection from Ross as senior judge appointed 

Transport Minister Shane Ross has allowed another senior judge to be appointed despite very slow progress on his demands for a new judicial appointments system.

Taoisigh fear worst if Border returns 

The three "wise men", with a combined 17 years of government leadership, all believe Ireland's links to Britain via the European Union contacts proved very beneficial over the past 45 years.

'You wouldn’t have to wait too long': Former Taoisigh Ahern and Bruton warn of violence if 'hard Brexit' revives border 

Two former Taoisigh, John Bruton and Bertie Ahern, have each warned of the risk of violence if Brexit causes a return of the border in Ireland.

Opposition killers in hunt for ministerial blood hold their fire for now 

So, on that basis, every minister has a free "get out of jail card" until May 25 and the abortion referendum.

'The dog ate my homework' - Denis Naughten's excuse over lobbyist call generates more criticism 

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Denis Naughten has been accused of producing a very poor excuse for his handling of contacts with a key political lobbyist.

John Downing: Opposition parties unlikely to 'bet the farm' on Naughten row 

A renowned mandarin – no longer active in the national political parish – often summed up certain political rows as “awkward but not fatal”.

Rents in south Dublin now average €2,000 per month – Dáil told 

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been accused of "tokenism" by announcing a law to criminalise landlords who increase rents by more than the permitted 4pc per year.

Taoiseach praises 'independent stance' taken by INM journalists 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is time to introduce a new law to protect journalists and their confidential sources.

Rabbitte and former driver clash at tribunal over McCabe remarks 

There was a stark clash in testimony between Pat Rabbitte and his former ministerial driver at the Disclosures Tribunal.

Dáil numbers will trump those 'no coalition' pledges 

This was going to be a "free offer" - but the recession is over. So we are offering a good rate for those who sign up early.

Comment - The 'Grand Inquisitor' faced 10 hours of questions - about his own questions 

This was a dramatic case of role reversal. John McGuinness was renowned over the years 2011-2016 as the 'Grand Inquisitor' chairing the taxpayers' watchdog Public Accounts Committee, assertively trying to take it into new areas.

John Downing: Rival stories of 'headers' and horses at tribunal 

John McGuinness said he expected to talk to the Garda commissioner inside the hotel.

Opinion: Watch out for the Belgian Guy as Brexit end-game begins to unfold 

Some of you will already know who Guy Verhofstadt is. Most of the rest of us will know a lot more about him over the coming six months, as he could well become an important figure in deciding Ireland's fate in a post-Brexit world.

It has been ignored and abused - but Good Friday Agreement remains only real hope for us all 

The killing has stopped and, by and large, stayed stopped - that is one undoubted mercy. The various low-key events over recent days, marking 20 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, have told us that people across the North will not tolerate a return to the awfulness of murder and mayhem we euphemistically called 'the Troubles'.

Tributes to a man dedicated to finding the remains of people 'disappeared' by IRA 

Special prayers for all those brutally "disappeared" by the IRA were said at the funeral of a man who led efforts to have their remains recovered and buried by loved ones.

Educators' and doctors' unions signal end for hybrid minority FG-FF Government deal 

So it's exit teachers, enter doctors, and cue an additional heap of financial grief for Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Row erupts over whether FG or FF will spark next election 

A bitter blame game has erupted between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil over which party will spark the next general election.

John Downing: Like in 2011, the presidential 'phoney war' starts early 

It has the makings of a great election ... but, then again, it might not happen until 2025.

Crackdown on bosses' bogus self-employed job contracts demanded 

Fianna Fáil will move to force the Government to clamp down on "fake self-employment" with changes to forthcoming legislation.

Tributes from across political spectrum for public servant Murray 

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the former distinguished government official Frank Murray, saying he was respected by ministers from every political party during his long career.

A year to Brexit: so much to do, so little time to do it 

Starting from today, it's 363 days and counting downwards. Brexit will formally happen at 11pm Irish time on March 29, 2019. However, the real deadline is just over six months away as an EU leaders' summit fixed for Brussels on October 18 and 19 must sign off on the EU-UK divorce deal.

'Sweeper' Calleary moves to centre field 

For his entry into politics, he was supposed to be a 'sweeper', hoovering up votes for heavier hitters.

John Downing analysis: Fianna Fail's 'war zone' changes to target Fine Gael 

Micheál Martin has made three big changes in the "war zones" where Fianna Fáil is just not landing enough punches on Fine Gael.

'What level of child homelessness before Housing Minister’s position becomes untenable?' - Dail hears 

The number of homeless children has doubled “on this Government’s watch,” Sinn Féin TD, Pearse Doherty, has told the Dáil.

One-year countdown to Brexit begins with focus still on Border 

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has insisted progress must be made by next June clarifying how the UK will guarantee no hard Border in Ireland.

Analysis: There's no guarantee on better calibre judges and no action on tackling legal costs 

Legend has it that on the eve of a referendum in October 2013 on plans to set up Ireland's newest law court, posters appeared in the leafier Dublin suburbs carrying the slogan: "Vote Yes to the Court of Appeal - and job creation."

'Families of all shapes and forms should be celebrated' during Pope's Irish visit - Varadkar 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said “families in all their shapes and forms should be celebrated” when Pope Francis visits Ireland next August.

Proposal for two-thirds Dail majority to change future abortion law is 'unconstitutional' - Taoiseach 

The Government will not insert a proviso requiring a two-thirds Dáil majority for any future change in planned abortion law, the Taoiseach has said.

Taoiseach leads tributes to former ceann comhairle 'who put manners on TDs' 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to the former Dáil chairman, Seán Treacy, saying he was best remembered as a man who “put manners on TDs.”

'Uncalled for, senseless and regrettable' - Russian ambassador criticises decision to expel diplomat from Ireland 

The Russian Ambassador to Ireland has described a decision to expel a diplomat as "totally unwarranted, uncalled for, senseless and regrettable".

Attorney General faces criticism for predicting a Supreme Court ruling 

Attorney General Séamus Woulfe has faced scathing criticisms and been challenged to clarify comments he made about a pending Supreme Court ruling.

Brexit 'silver lining' to bring 2,500 jobs here over five years, says IDA 

A Brexit "silver lining" will deliver 2,500 new jobs for Ireland over the next three to five years, IDA boss Martin Shanahan has claimed.

No EU trade deal for UK without Border solution - Varadkar 

Britain will not get any new trade deal with the EU without resolving the Irish Border crux, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted.

Leinster House could be a 'Pop-Up Gaeltacht' 

The man still known as "the voice of Gaelic games" has urged the Government to recommit to supporting the Gaeltacht areas as the most precious source of the Irish language heritage.

'I will never forget it' - TD recalls grandchild who lived for less than an hour 

Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris has given an emotional account of the birth of his first grandchild who survived for just 58 minutes

Main parties remain divided on the abortion referendum – Dáil debate shows 

Divisions in the three main Dáil parties have emerged as the debate on the forthcoming abortion referendum, planned for next May, continues.

Government defends €100K grant to private school in Minister's constituency as scheme accused of 'class bias' 

Transport Minister Shane Ross “trumpeted” a €100,000 grant to a private fee-paying school in his constituency, Solidarity TD Mick Barry has told the Dáil.

There will be no UK Brexit deal if Irish border issue is not resolved - Simon Coveney 

There will be no formal “Withdrawal Agreement” between the EU and UK if the Irish border issue is not resolved, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has told the Dáil.

Scheme costing €14,000 per job could be 'mini FÁS scandal in making' - O'Dea 

A scheme to help long-term unemployed people back to work - which has cost €84m to date, with a further €50m planned spend in 2018 - has been heavily criticised and dubbed "a mini FÁS scandal in the making".

Opinion: Farmers have long punched above their weight in the political ring 

Farmer action and links to elected politics reach back to the era of Daniel O'Connell and the gradual introduction of democracy from the mid-19th century onwards.

Serious concerns about garda crime figures on domestic violence – Dáil told 

Vulnerable women and children are at serious risk due to big doubts about the compilation of garda statistics on domestic homicide, the Dáil has been told.

Comment: Sinn Féin are simply not entitled to lecture anyone on the tricolour 

They spent two generations draping the Irish national flag on the coffins of sectarian murderers, unsuccessful bombers who inadvertently ended their own lives, and more successful bombers of the mass-murdering variety.

McDonald questions funding of feature on Irish flag 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has raised Dáil questions about the funding for and motivation behind a special information supplement about the Irish national flag.

Taoiseach reveals his 'shock and disgust' at alleged child sex abuse case in Munster 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has spoken of his horrified reaction at the emerging details of the sex investigation in the south-west of the country.

John Downing: Salvaging the wreckage of an EU-UK relationship that really should have worked 

It is now largely forgotten that Margaret Thatcher - these days mainly recalled as the "iconic mother of Euroscepticism" - was in fact very pro-European right up to the latter years of her career.

McDonald backing up Taoiseach's stance on North is welcome 

Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the EU Commission's backing for no return to a hard Border after Brexit.

Nazi jibes over PR campaign spark fury 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hit out at opposition TDs for comparing the PR campaign for the Government's €116bn spending plan to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

Varadkar hits out: 'Comparing Project Ireland spending plan PR to Third Reich is beneath contempt' 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has hit out at opposition politicians for comparing communication of the government's €116bn spending plan to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels.

Red alert: All schools in Leinster and Munster to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, government confirms 

ALL schools and colleges in Leinster and Munster are to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, the Department of Education has confirmed.

The press must be a platform for informed debate on the Eighth 

It seems that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's 'bullet-proof' Brexit Border guarantee has survived the final Brussels edit - but that moves Theresa May closer to the firing squad.

Taoiseach defends €1.5m publicity campaign for National Development Plan 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hit back at criticisms of a taxpayer-funded publicity campaign for the €116bn National Development Plan (NDP).

Taoiseach gives special Dáil warning on Storm Emma - but it doesn't go down well 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took the time for a special Dáil announcement about the national response to the expected cold snap.

Analysis: Many never wanted to go to London - but they faced reality 

Few people remember Frank Maguire these days.

Residency agreement could help illegals get deal in US 

Giving the 10,500 US citizens living in Ireland a special deal on residency could unlock a remedy for the tens of thousands of Irish illegal immigrants in the US who are trapped in a legal nightmare, a leading campaigner has said.

Sinn Féin ducks crucial vote on hard Border in UK parliament 

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged Sinn Féin to take its six MP seats at the Westminster parliament ahead of expected moves to try to keep the UK in an EU customs union after Brexit.

FG is keen to resolve senators' row 

Fine Gael will move this week to find a resolution to a damaging row between two of its senators.

Breakfast metaphors from Leo give a hassled May food for thought 

It was breakfast time, so Leo Varadkar's food metaphors were probably unavoidable.

Opinion: Will the 'Varadkar bounce' tempt Fine Gael to risk an election? 

Leo Varadkar is on a high in the opinion polls. It would appear that he has cut a dash in his approach to Brexit and more generally his youth and vigour are well regarded by the public.

Brexit deal on the border is now at 'serious risk' – Dáil warned 

The special EU-UK deal on the future of the Irish border after Brexit is at serious risk, Fianna Fáil has warned.

'This is about patient safety' - Taoiseach rules out restoration of Versatis patch funding 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has offered little comfort to those campaigning for a restoration of funding for pain-managing Versatis patches.