By failing to sack anyone in his first reshuffle, Leo Varadkar has opened himself up to accusations that he is not willing to make the tough calls and be ruthless when required, writes Daniel McConnell.

Economists such as John Fitzgerald have correctly questioned the merit of returning to pre-crash pay levels in the first place, the political system here seems intent on capitulation on that point, writes Daniel McConnell.

The State utterly failed to protect the taxpayer from the dangers of white-collar crime all the way along, so to Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin, please spare us your outrage and your anger, suggests Daniel McConnell.

Donohoe has solidified his position as a central player in Fine Gael and is now in pole position to be a contender the next time a leadership contest is held, writes Daniel McConnell

Simon Coveney is viewed by some within the Fine Gael party as being the best candidate to run the country following the end of Enda Kenny’s tenure as Taoiseach, but the dilemma facing the party is that Leo Varadkar is viewed by others as being more likely to attract votes for Fine Gael, writes Daniel McConnell, Political Editor

For the most part, this ‘new’ politics isn’t working and, contrary to popular belief, it is not Ross and the other independents who have been found wanting at the Cabinet table, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell

Not for the first time, Ireland looks like it will be centre-stage at this weekend’s meeting of European leaders in Brussels, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

Next Wednesday is a big day for Enda Kenny, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

The water charges issue has, since it emerged on the political agenda in earnest in late 2013 and early 2014, wreaked havoc on all who have sought to grapple with it, writes Daniel McConnell

In the wake of this latest debacle, Noonan stands a wounded figure within Fine Gael and Government with Cabinet colleagues openly admitting his influence is waning, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnel.