Journalists

Irish photographer Condren steps in to capture life in the NYPD 

An Irish photojournalist has spent more than a year embedded with the New York Police Department to produce a candid account of the work carried out by police officers across the Atlantic.

Facebook says it shouldn't pay for a new watchdog to protect young online 

Multi-billion dollar tech firm Facebook says it should not pay to help set up a new watchdog to protect children online.

Children are being used as 'guinea pigs' by app makers, charity warns 

Children are being used as guinea pigs by the developers of apps and digital products without regulation, a leading charity has warned.

Government considers expanding BAI remit to regulate internet bodies 

Expanding the remit of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to monitor and regulate online platforms such as Facebook and Google is being considered by Government, officials have told an Oireachtas committee today.

Family of murdered Marie believe gardai closer to finding killer 

The body of Marie Tierney was discovered in a ditch on Christmas week, two months after she was last seen alive in 1984.

'It is going to benefit patients hugely' - Reilly opens primary care facility at centre of 2012 row 

Former health minister Dr James Reilly has defended his role in the opening of a controversial new Primary Care Centre in his constituency, saying his efforts have shown results.

Fianna Fáil tells government to 'get real' on transport 

Fianna Fáil has called on the government to halt the privatisation of public transport routes for five years until a full assessment of how bus links would be hit can be carried out.

Molly Martens' 'fantasy' self-defence appeal against Jason Corbett murder conviction deemed a 'fabrication' by lawyers 

US State Attorneys have issued a strong rebuttal against "self-defence" claims made by Molly Martens and her father, Thomas Martens, in appeals against their conviction for murdering Limerick man Jason Corbett.

Bertie Ahern says it's key Ireland and the EU supports Theresa May 

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has called on the Irish Government and the EU to support UK Prime Minister Theresa May, saying keeping her in office is key to getting a Brexit deal over the line.

HSE bosses work on plan to avoid pile-up of trolleys 

Plans to keep people away from hospital in a bid to avoid a pile-up of trolleys over the crunch Christmas period are being worked on by the HSE.

RTE admits gender pay gap needs 'clear work' 

RTE has admitted it has "clear work to do" if it wants to address its gender pay gap and "legacy issues", in a letter sent to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

And so it's all over: The candidates count the cost of failed Áras bids with bills set to top €1m 

The defeated presidential candidates were counting the estimated €1m joint cost of their failed bids last night.

Dublin Archbishop 'surprised by the lack of understanding in Rome' about church abuse 

Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he was surprised by the lack of understanding in Rome that the roots of the church abuse crisis were buried within its religious culture.

Scale of cost to fix schools on safety list still being counted 

Skeletons, ghosts and even a few princesses giddy with excitement fled from schools on the outskirts of Ashbourne last Friday, set free for the mid-term break. The children were allowed to attend lessons in Halloween costumes for the final day of classes before the break.

Government is still working out cost of school repair bills 

Officials at the Department of Education say they are unable to put a cost on the scale of work needed to make Celtic Tiger-era schools safe as engineering inspections are carried out over the course of the weekend.

Profile 

The sitting MEP was born in Dublin, raised in Cork and represents Ireland South in Europe. She joined Sinn Féin in 2011 and has had a rapid ascent through the party’s ranks since then.

Profile 

The incumbent was the beneficiary of a late surge in the 2011 polls to beat Sean Gallagher in the previous Áras race. After the first count he had more than 39pc of the first preference votes and is expected to have an even bigger tally this time when the county votes on October 26.

Profile 

The Pieta House founder is an Independent Senator and mental health campaigner. She was nominated to the Seanad by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2016. She is the chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care.

Profile 

Another former Dragons’ Den star, Mr Duffy is a public relations guru with a background in radio and business. The 58-year-old was born in Kildare, lives in Meath and has carried out much of his work in Co Louth.

Profile 

Mr Gallagher is a businessman and former political advisor who also contested the last presidential election in 2011. Then, he ran as an Independent candidate and finished second. However, his campaign was overshadowed by a fake tweet controversy during a live RTÉ debate which triggered a series of events that saw his numbers slip in the polls. He had been leading the presidential race prior to the show.

Profile 

The 61-year-old entrepreneur is best known for his time as an investor on RTÉ’s 'Dragons Den'. His background is in recruitment as the founder and former chief executive of US-based Claddagh Resources. He was born in Derry but spent much of his life abroad working in Australia and the US.

Justice Minister apologises to Maurice McCabe following Charleton Tribunal 

Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe has received a State apology from Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan in the wake of the findings of the Charleton Tribunal.

Guns sent from the US seized 

A joint operation between gardai and American Homeland Security has led to the seizure of three Glock handguns from packages being sent to Ireland from the US.

Officials question sport meetings 

Government officials questioned if it was "necessary" or "advisable" for Sports Ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin to meet with representatives of leading sports bodies prior to drawing up a new national sports policy document.

Broadband plan hangs by a thread as rural Ireland pays the price 

When Denis Naughten travelled to New York to address the UN last July, he went out of his way to meet Facebook officials and lambaste them. Minutes and a transcript of the meeting later became public.

Cross-Border policing fears shared by Garda and PSNI 

Ggardaí and the PSNI have expressed concern about the impact of Brexit on rural crime in the Border region.

'Brexit is not an excuse to stall election... no party has a divine right to power' - says Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin 

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has cranked up speculation on a general election by stating Brexit isn’t an excuse to avoid going to the polls.

'Budget for voters' accusations as Fianna Fáil claims ownership 

Leinster House was on an election footing last night as opposition figures suspected the Government was trying to curry favour with voters.

'Other parties have been content to sit on their hands' - Fianna Fáil on election footing as it takes credit for Budget positives 

Fianna Fail has taken an election footing in response to today’s Budget announcement as the party seeks credit for facilitating some measures introduced while blasting the Government’s record on housing and calling for increased accountability of Health spending.

HAP is worsening housing crisis, claims expert 

State cash support for private rentals is driving up monthly payments and worsening the housing crisis, a leading expert has claimed as figures obtained by the Sunday Independent show local authorities are routinely breaking spending caps to house families.

Scouting Ireland votes to replace board 

Scouting Ireland voted to overhaul governance structures and elect a new board last night in the wake of controversy over the alleged mishandling of a rape allegation.

Candidates target family days out in their hustings 

Four presidential candidates found themselves covering the same ground as an election rival yesterday as the hustings gathered pace.

Varadkar says Michael D Higgins is 'head and shoulders' above rival candidates 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described Michael D Higgins as being "head and shoulders" above his campaign rivals.

Labour's Higgins re-election spend to equal repeal campaign outlay 

Labour will spend as much on its campaign to re-elect President Michael D Higgins as it did on the recent abortion referendum, despite the incumbent running as an Independent candidate.

Labour to spend more on Michael D campaign than on abortion referendum 

The Labour party will spend more money trying to get President Michael D Higgins re-elected than it did on the recent abortion referendum campaign.

Interpol called in as Kerry Babies DNA trawl targets 'illicit' affairs 

People suspected of having extramarital affairs and "illicit relationships" during the 1980s will be selected for DNA testing by experts working to solve the Kerry Babies case.

Rates appeal by private care homes 

A landmark case could see residents in private nursing homes receive a significant windfall as part of an appeal over the charging of commercial rates on care facilities and buildings.

Comment: Stony silence of the past must be broken to solve Kerry Babies case 

The people of Cahersiveen awoke last Monday to the sound of patrol cars travelling in a tight convoy through the town - the biggest influx of gardai in 34 years.

Alcohol label 'will help prevent cancer' - Harris 

New labels on alcohol packaging warning of the impact of harmful drinking will help to prevent cancer, according to Health Minister Simon Harris.

Revealed: Average cost of rent spirals to €1,094 

Rents have shot up again, in a trend that piles even more pressure on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

Ministers accuse watchdog of 'cynical' and 'partisan' inquiry into Áras costs 

The watchdog committee scrutinising spending at Áras an Uachtaráin has been accused of "showboating" by Health Minister Simon Harris after it highlighted unaudited payments to President Michael D Higgins' office.

Health Minister believes drink laws will help prevent cancer 

New drinks laws will prevent cancer according to Health Minister Simon Harris with the Dáil set to approve new alcohol packaging legislation later today.

€2.2m paid to President's office without being audited 

Presidential spending is set to dominate the race for the Áras, after it emerged more than €2.2m was paid to Michael D Higgins's office without being audited.

PAC hears details of €317k allowance on top of Presidential salary - without audit 

The office of the President of Ireland receives a payment of €317,000 annually on top of the salary, it has emerged.

Door-to-door enquiries in 'Kerry Babies' case to last several days 

Gardaí are hoping a canvass of an entire island off the Kerry coast will lead to fresh information and help solve the cold case investigation into the murder of 'Baby John'.

Housing activists bring Dublin transport to a halt with sit-down protest at bridge 

Housing demonstrators brought Dublin city centre to a standstill for more than two hours yesterday with a protest that closed the main traffic arteries through the capital.

State 'won't be able to seal Border after Brexit' 

A lack of credible contingencies to "seal, police and monitor" the Irish Border post-Brexit shows the State is unprepared for Britain's EU exit in less than eight months time, security experts and high-ranking Defence Force officers have warned.

'Storm Ali didn't warrant calling in the National Emergency Group' - minister 

The Government has defended the decision not to convene its high-level National Emergency Co-Ordination Group to prepare for Storm Ali which claimed two lives last week.

Housing activists 'Take Back The City' close off O'Connell Bridge 'to shut down the whole city' 

Housing activist group 'Take Back The City' closed off Dublin's O'Connell Bridge in attempt 'to shut down the whole city'.

Defence warning: 'Matter of time' before accidents over fatigue 

Defence Forces experts and retired officials have warned it is only a matter of time before a staffing and pay crisis leads to soldiers being involved in serious accidents because of fatigue.

TDs fear Ross's bus route overhaul 'as dangerous as water charges' 

Fine Gael TDs have raised serious concerns about the controversial Bus Connects plan at a private meeting.

Controversial Bus Connects plan could become as politically dangerous as water charges - Fine Gael TDs claim 

FINE Gael TDs have raised serious concerns about the controversial Bus Connects plan at a private meeting of the party tonight.

'Pick up your benefits in the pub' - Fianna Fáil's solution to post office closures 

Rural pubs should be allowed to issue social welfare payments in areas where post offices are to close, according to Fianna Fáil.

Exclusive The real cost of living soars: Massive hikes in household essentials see working families worst hit 

Families with children have been hit by a huge increase in the cost of living in the last five years, according to a Sunday Independent analysis of the CSO consumer price index.

Brothers 'pull like a dog' for World Championship win 

Skibbereen rowers Paul and Gary O'Donovan spoke of their delight after the pair were crowned world champions yesterday.

Why working families are worst hit as essential costs outstrip inflation 

However, there is some good news today for parents whose children are in, or approaching, third-level education. There will be no change to third-level fees in this Budget.

Pressure increasing on Michael D to reveal costs of presidency 

President Michael D Higgins is coming under increasing pressure to volunteer details of costs and expenses associated with his time in Aras an Uachtarain after presidential nominees outlined their plans to make the office more transparent.

College students still flock to €750-a-month room... where six months' rent must be paid upfront 

Just days before the latest bunch of first years arrive at third-level campuses across the country, there is a steady flow of teenagers and parents to Michael Hogan's house.

Taoiseach's staff 'sorry' over Danielle gaffe 

The Government has been accused of lacking compassion for a mother whose Irish daughter was murdered in India last year.

Minister turned down request for hockey funding 

An appeal by Hockey Ireland to be included in a funding scheme available to other field sports was met with a flat rejection just months before the women's team became the first Irish side to contest a World Cup final.

Skills shortage and staff numbers hampering housing efforts 

A manpower shortage and a skills deficit in the Department of Housing threatens the Government's ability to address the housing crisis, according to a Government report.

Government facing Dail vote on post office aid 

The Government will be forced into a Dail vote on providing financial support to rural post offices.

Landlord who demanded €5,500 rent up front from mother of student to secure room says he felt 'guilty' 

Renters are being forced to pay more than six months' rent and thousands of euro to secure a bedroom as part of a trend emerging from the housing crisis.

Long walk and rain take toll as 250 treated 

Several members of the crowd attending the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park had to be transferred to nearby hospitals to be treated for chest pains and other potentially serious conditions requiring urgent investigation.

'Unicorn home' hits the rental market for €9,000 per month 

Sales gurus regularly claim their bounties must be seen to be believed, but one home on the rental market in south Dublin certainly lives up to the billing.

Half a million to attend Mass at Phoenix Park 

This aerial image of the Phoenix Park shows the scale of what is awaiting patrons who will attend the Pope's farewell Mass this afternoon.

Weekend plea to cut cancer test hold ups 

Patients are being left waiting for key cancer tests because of the shortage of a key chemical tracer which is used in scans.

Pilots fear new runway is too short 

Irish pilots are concerned that the new runway at Dublin Airport will be too short, limiting trade and travel to China and other destinations in the Far East.

Budget must throw financial lifeline to rural post offices, says Fianna Fail 

A new plan to save the long- term future of rural post offices will be a key Fianna Fail demand during pre-Budget negotiations with the Government.

Carson's privacy fears over neighbour's planned extension 

Award-winning television producer Steve Carson has lodged an appeal after Dublin City Council granted his neighbours planning permission to redevelop the rear of their home in leafy suburban Dublin.

Post office closing after over 150 years of service 

This Friday, after more than 150 years of service in the area, the post office at Churchill, Co Donegal, will shut its doors for the final time.

Calls for new Garda unit to police trains 

A dedicated Garda unit is needed to police railways and protect against anti-social behaviour during busy travel periods, a leading safety authority has told the Government.

Thug escapes sanctions for violence 

A nose-breaking punch isn't as painful as it sounds but the inconvenience and stigma that come with being the victim of a violent assault are immeasurable.

Presidential candidate Gavin Duffy received €10,000 from former Taoiseach Enda Kenny for PR services 

PRESIDENTIAL hopeful Gavin Duffy was paid €10,000 for public relations services he provided to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Independent.ie can reveal.

Doubts about broadband roll-out as SSE pulls out of plan 

Plans to roll out high-speed internet as part of the Government's National Broadband Plan are in trouble after SSE pulled out of a consortium bidding for the contract.

Singer Una Healy splits from rugby star Ben 

Una Healy, the Irish singer-songwriter and television presenter, and rugby star Ben Foden have announced the end of their marriage after six years.

Rise in anti-social behaviour making people's lives a misery 

Communities around the country have been hit with a worrying increase in thuggery, harassment and vandalism amid a surge in offences linked to anti-social behaviour.

Two Dubliners tell the tale of a famous Brazilian footballer - who never played a match 

Two Dubliners have embarked on an epic voyage to Brazil to tell the tale of a unique conman who enjoyed a 26-year football career without having a drop of talent or setting foot on a pitch.

National Broadband Plan in trouble after SSE pulls out of consortium bidding for contract 

Plans to roll out high-speed internet as part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan are in trouble after SSE pulled out of a consortium bidding for the contract.

Adams' grandchildren lucky to escape attack unscathed 

The grandchildren of former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams were lucky to escape injury after his home was attacked with an explosive device on Friday night.

Silver medals for our new generation of Irish sprinters 

Ireland's new generation of athletes continued their remarkable performances in international competition yesterday by winning a silver medal in the women's 4x100metre relay at the U20 World Championships in Tampere, Finland.

Pressure on local councils to help election hopefuls 

Former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher said he has been inundated with responses from local representatives seeking to nominate a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

Nominations a commodity for presidential rivals to Higgins 

When Michael D Higgins fired the starting gun on this year's presidential race, he may have triggered a campaign where the greatest feat is being able to take part - not winning the contest.

Friends with benefits: Correspondence gives insight into Government's relationship with Facebook 

Facebook chiefs were so concerned about the Irish fall-out from the Cambridge Analytica scandal that they wrote to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's advisers asking if he watched Mark Zuckerberg's apology on television.

GPs hit out at HSE for 'manipulation' of waiting lists 

Doctors have accused the HSE of attempting to manipulate waiting lists and causing people to lose their place for treatment.

Presidential election confirmed as Sinn Fein decide to field candidate 

A Presidential election is now a certainty after Sinn Fein this afternoon decided to field a candidate.

TD accused in Dáil of 'excess claiming' after car crash as photo of him appearing to hang election poster shown in court 

A Fine Gael TD has been accused in the Dáil of over-claiming compensation after being involved in a motor accident.

Taoiseach defends process for hiring new secretary general for Department of Justice 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended the process used to hire a new secretary general for the Department of Justice, saying there was no requirement to advertise the position publicly.

Varadkar asks Barnier and Austrian chancellor to place Brexit at top of EU Leaders' agenda in September 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has asked EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz if Brexit can be put on the agenda of a meeting of EU leaders in Salzburg this September, one month before the key deadline for a deal on Britain leaving Europe.

UK protesters demand final say on Brexit deal 

Thousands of people marched on the British parliament yesterday on the second anniversary of the UK voting to leave the EU.

Phil Hogan: 'I am determined that small and medium sized farmers are protected against payment cuts' 

European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan said EU members opposed to putting more money in to the EU Budget may do so in future as he looks to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Price hikes see two €1m houses sold every day 

The number of property millionaires has increased by 20pc in the past 12 months as two €1m properties are sold in Ireland every day.

Sun shines on 2,500 women as they hit the water in record charity skinny-dip 

More than 2,500 women took advantage of the sunny weather yesterday to smash a Guinness World Record by taking a skinny-dip in the Irish Sea.

Sabina Higgins celebrates the 1918 anti-conscription women 

Thousands of Irish women, who rebelled against men being conscripted to the British war effort 100 years ago, were commemorated at a special ceremony in Dublin yesterday.

Postmasters warned exit deal payments will be subject to tax 

Postmasters are being warned by an independent consultant that they will be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax if the terms of an exit package being offered by An Post to close 390 outlets nationwide are accepted.

Gardai believe gangland assassination foiled as two men arrested in Dublin city 

Gardai believe they prevented an attempted gangland assassination in Dublin yesterday after arresting two men and seizing a loaded gun.

Quiet dignity as Dunleer pays sombre respects to Cameron 

The people of Dunleer yesterday paid their respects to Cameron Reilly and his grief-stricken family with a quiet dignity.

Huge search operation continues for Cameron's mobile phone 

Army units and Coast Guard personnel were drafted in yesterday to help in the search for evidence as gardai in Louth continue to piece together the events that led to the brutal murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly.

Creed warns of trade war impacts on Irish exports 

A trade war between the US and China is "the last thing we need" according to Agriculture Minister Michael Creed as he warned of the impact it may have on Irish exports.

Richard Boyd Barrett concerned he may be affected by adoption scandal 

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he is concerned he could be one of the cases where people had their births illegally registered between 1946 and 1969 because he was adopted from St Patrick’s Guild in Dublin.

Another seven months of going to UK for terminations 

Women seeking an abortion face travelling abroad for another seven months as the Taoiseach acknowledged it will be next year before legislation is fully implemented.

Heartland voters choose compassion and cast off shackles of conservatism 

The expected rural-urban divide in the run-up to the referendum - with Yes campaigners worried a strong majority in the East would be counterbalanced by opposition from country voters - did not happen.

Foreign donation concern as Facebook ad probed 

Facebook has reported adverts campaigning for a No vote in yesterday's referendum to a State watchdog and senior Government officials because it is concerned about foreign interference.

Journey to historic point lasted 35 years and five votes 

This is the fourth time in 35 years that we were asked to vote on abortion. In the last three referendums, we were asked a total of five questions - with mixed results. Many people forget the 2002 poll which took place under Bertie Ahern.

Justice Minister denies deal with Sinn Fein saying 'this is new politics in action' 

THE Minister for Justice has denied the Government struck a deal with Sinn Fein in order to push through the controversial Judicial Appointments bill.