Talks are only really getting under way now the charade that was yesterday’s nominations is over, writes Michael Clifford

To actually assume power and implement policies is regarded as an inconvenience that would cost votes, writes Michael Clifford

Special Correspondent Michael Clifford details a case that provides a rare glimpse into the State’s witness security programme and how the whole process of relocating witnesses is fraught with danger

On the eve of Proclamation Day, there were claims that two homeless men were moved on by gardaí from their sleeping positions outside the GPO. The gardaí said there is no policy of moving homeless people on from the locale, but there is increased security in Dublin’s O’Connell St ahead of the Easter commemorations, writes Michael Clifford.

Gas Networks Ireland is fined €500,000 in the North after a whistleblower’s claims are substantiated, but nothing happens in the South because of a toothless regulator, writes Michael Clifford

Shatter left high office with his integrity and reputation for honesty intact, writes Michael Clifford

For anybody who had hoped a new day was dawning on politics, yesterday was little short of depressing, says Michael Clifford

The scandal surrounding Nama and the sale of its Northern loan book is being ignored — but that can’t go on forever as new nuggets of information emerge, writes Michael Clifford