Fianna Fáil is still opposed to backing Transport Minister Shane Ross’s “dog’s dinner” judicial appointments bill despite the Cabinet agreeing to more than 50 amendments regarding it in a bid to rescue the proposed law from being scrapped.

The Government is set to reject an opposition bill forcing businesses to remove anti-homeless spikes, bars, and sprinkling systems due to fears the changes would encourage people to “squat” outside buildings.

Gardaí could be asked to launch an investigation into the tracker mortgage scandal after the country’s biggest banks were accused of “cartel behaviour” and of committing “grand theft” against at least 20,000 customers.

The Government will ruthlessly pursue banks for their failures to address the tracker mortgage scandal and may increase the bank levy, create new taxes or ask the gardaí to become involved if necessary, says Education Minister Richard Bruton.

The Government is set to release millions of euro in emergency funding to local authorities coping with the aftermath of Storm Ophelia amid calls for the Coalition to seek financial help from the EU’s crisis solidarity fund.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the Government will “review” how its attempts to force the public services card into widespread use resulted in a damaging public backlash after an Independent minister said the Coalition must listen to the people’s concerns.

Juno McEnroe talks to Junior Minister John Halligan about the potential of our space technology sector, the future of the Coalition, and his relationship with Leo Varadkar

Plans to scrap the Good Friday alcohol ban will not end the block on sales in restaurants and other areas because of legal loopholes in the proposed legislation.

Plans to scrap the Good Friday alcohol ban will not end the block on sales in restaurants and other areas because of legal loopholes in the proposed legislation.

Ireland is not subject to the spectre of massive fines or penalties for scrapping water charges thanks to the freedom available to member states to set their own rules over the EU’s water laws, according to Fianna Fáil.

The Government is to appoint a retired judge to investigate claims of new evidence into the 1981 Stardust fire which claimed 48 lives.

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The Government will be urged to immediately take in up to 200 unaccompanied migrant children living in the notorious ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais in a cross-party opposition motion set to be put before the Dáil next week.

Rancour in the Coalition over the latest abortion bill vote is unnecessary and caused by nothing other than Kenny’s arrogance, hubris, and insecurity, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Fine Gael backbenchers pressing for leadership change are prepared to defend their recent remarks at the weekly parliamentary party this evening.

Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has accused Independent cabinet colleagues of destabilising the Government by wrongly believing they would be seen as “heroes” for backing Mick Wallace’s abortion bill.

WE have witnessed a political revolution. It is another seismic shift in Irish politics that reflects our changing society and views, suggests Rory Hearne.

It is a pack of lies to say the current Coalition inherited “a wreck”. And it’s not convincing people, writes Victoria White.

A new opinion poll has shown a five-point swing against the Coalition in around four days of campaigning.

With election fever well and truly upon us, Kehlan looks at what the political parties have pledged for small businesses, and whether SMEs get enough credit for being the real driver behind Ireland’s recovery. Election time is here again.

There is mixed news for Fine Gael in two new opinion polls this evening.

Leading Irish economists and stockbrokers are telling their international clients the Coalition will fall short of a majority, but could likely form the next government with the support of smaller parties and a handful of Independent deputies.

Tánaiste Joan Burton has staked her party’s place in Government on winning over struggling working families, after revealing that Labour will give first-time buyers €6,000 to buy their first homes as part of a €180m “save to buy” scheme — if re-elected to power.

Economic plans should be based on hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. And those of us over a certain age will remember the fear we had to question a teacher when we did not understand what he had said.

Ireland could be stepping back to the days of 19th century hiring fairs as tens of thousands of workers take casual jobs when and where they can get them, minister of state for jobs Ged Nash has warned.

Tánaiste Joan Burton has denied opposition claims she is trying to buy back the support of “families you have failed” after new post-election plans to cut the cost of childcare for struggling parents were revealed.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton have given their strongest signal to date that a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment will happen if re-elected to office.

Corporate taxes contributed about 15% of all tax revenues the State raises, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said yesterday, but there was no disguising the extent to which the billions of euro in extra company tax unexpectedly pouring into the exchequer has boosted the chances of the Coalition parties at the looming election.