Columns - Irish Examiner

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

My friend was sexually abused in childhood by a priest. I never knew

“I am 8 years old

Tue, 13 Nov, 2018

An evening that proved far more inspiring than presidential election

There was only one positive thing about the presidential election we’ve all endured for the last month or so: It had the right result, writes, Fergus Finlay.

Tue, 30 Oct, 2018

Eric is Irish but faces an unintended consequence of public policy

Eris Zhi Ying Xue and I have a couple of things in common, it transpires. 

Tue, 23 Oct, 2018

O’Sullivan and Fitzgerald have both been victims of rough justice

I can only imagine what a bittersweet weekend it must have been for Frances Fitzgerald and Nóirín O’Sullivan.

Tue, 16 Oct, 2018

Hard to get excited about a sliced pan budget in the week that was

FORGET Paschal Donohoe. There’s much more important news about Toby, says Fergus Finlay. 

Tue, 09 Oct, 2018

Tax avoidance laws for the rich yet outrage still reserved for the poor and 'undeserving'

We can get so angry about people we see as undeserving, and be so sanguine about people who are living really, really well, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 02 Oct, 2018

British are past masters at trying it on, except on Brexit it didn’t work

If Britain can leave with a better deal than it had when it was a member, that’s the end of the EU, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 25 Sep, 2018

Astute, talented, Howlin deserves to be supported not sniped at

I joined the Labour Party as an ordinary member in my early 20s, and I’ve been a member now for not far short of half a century.

Tue, 18 Sep, 2018

Best ‘rainy day fund’ we can invest in is development of our children

This is a week I always look forward to. On Friday, we’re having our national collection — Barnardos, that is. 

Wed, 12 Sep, 2018

The uninvited US president would love a protest, so let’s ignore him

Trump will dismiss any opposition as petty spite, and tell the world that the true Irish loved him, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 04 Sep, 2018