Despite violence and unemployment dominating public life, there is an alluring sheen to 1985, writes Mick Clifford

There were more outstanding books in 2024 that merit a mention

This article is part of our Best of 2024 collection. It was originally published in January. Find more stories like this .

The magic these children deserve is to have a place they can call home from which they can develop and grow and be better prepared to tackle the turbulent straits that life will inevitably throw up, writes Mick Clifford

A particular brand of negative politics has seen two men treated like villains 

Padraig Nally was at the centre of a manslaughter case that divided a nation and his RIP.ie condolence page had to be taken down after a number of anti-Traveller comments that were described as 'vile' and 'racist'

We are lucky to enjoy democracy in Ireland. However, it faces major challenges if people feel abandoned by the State

He has given the impression of being a ‘something for everybody in the audience’ populist since he kicked off, but how will that fare when difficult decisions are required?

The volume of candidates who are largely unknown outside their council wards is a particular problem for Fine Gael, as over half their compliment of TDs are stepping down, writes Mick Clifford

Sinn Féin has some imaginative policies and a realistic aspiration to govern. But questions remain around their credibility and priorities