“Prejudice has no hold in this Republic”, Fine Gael’s new leader Leo Varadkar has said after sweeping to an historic election victory.

Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has said his election proves that “every proud parent in Ireland today can dream big dreams for their children”.

When Leo Varadkar got to his feet in the Dáil taking Leaders Questions in April, filling in for Enda Kenny, some of his closest allies realised this very well could be the next Taoiseach, writes Juno McEnroe.

Inevitably with a new Cabinet or reshuffle of ministers, there will be losers as well as winners.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been accused of being “panicked” and engaging in negative campaigning by supporters close to Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar.

The opening salvo has been fired in the Fine Gael leadership battle after Leo Varadkar called for a TV debate and took a swipe at rival Simon Coveney about when the upcoming contest will begin.

A teenager found guilty of the false imprisonment of Joan Burton during the Jobstown protest has commenced proceedings to have his conviction overturned.

Moves to oust Enda Kenny as Fine Gael leader are on ice for the moment after the Taoiseach’s drubbing in recent days, where the smell of revolt was clearly in the air.

Department of Social Protection officials came under fire when they told a Dáil committee community welfare officers are helping thousands of distressed tenants by providing rent advances and help with deposits.

Former environment minister and deputy party leader Alan Kelly has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to replace Joan Burton, after the Labour leader formally announced her resignation yesterday.

Somewhere in south Dublin yesterday afternoon, a grey-haired retired politician was having a strange feeling of déjà vu.

Joan Burton has announced her resignation as leader of the Labour Party.

Enda Kenny’s new Cabinet has received mixed reaction with praise after he appointed more women to government, but also questions about the role he gave certain ministers.

Leo Varadkar was seen as the major loser in Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s new Cabinet, given his demotion to the Department of Social Protection.

The fall-out from its disastrous election performance was reflected in a stormy six-hour meeting this week, but the Labour party faces an enormous task to revive its fortunes and regain the trust and support of the electorate, writes Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has criticised Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin for nominating party candidates to be the next ceann comhairle.

Leo Varadkar, the health minister, has said he would like to remain on in his position after the general election — but only if he is given the authority and resources.

Health Minster Leo Varadkar said the trolley crisis in the country’s Accident and Emergency departments will take years to fix.

On the night of her election as Labour leader on July 4 last year, Joan Burton told party members — bruised as they were by the local election results — that it was time now to govern with the head and the heart.

Enda Kenny accused anti-water charge Socialist TD Ruth Coppinger of attempting to “lead a mob” as he refused to call for the release of protesters from jail.

Leo Varadkar, the health minister, has said the country is ready for its first gay taoiseach as he went public yesterday with his own sexuality.

Households have been urged to mount a mass boycott of water charges as Taoiseach Enda Kenny advised families on ways to try and keep bill costs down.

New Labour leader Joan Burton has been appointed as Tánaiste, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed.

Social housing tenants will have part of their rents deducted directly from their dole but be able to retain housing support while in employment for the first time.

Socialist TD Joe Higgins has been chosen to sit on the banking inquiry.

The two contenders for the Labour leadership have begun writing to party members with personal messages in a bid to seal their support ahead of a vote for the new leader next month.

Former Labour deputy leader Barry Desmond has backed Joan Burton to head the party, while also saying the Coalition needs to survive its full term.

Former accountant Joan Burton wants to make Labour the voice of Ireland, but has no room to manoeuvre, says Political Correspondent Shaun Connolly.

A referendum on gay marriage could be held within six months, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has indicated.

A financial transaction tax and a tax on the wealthy would raise around €600m as part of an alternative budget proposed by independent TDs.

Former Labour TD Patrick Nulty says he has resigned from the party because they have rowed back on pre-election promises.

The Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty has resigned from the Labour Party.

Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins has defended his use of Dáil expenses to travel around the country for anti- household charge meetings and protests.

Government threats to withdraw public services where the Household Charge is not paid are an outrageous attack on the poor, it has been claimed.

Fewer than one third of homes in Ireland have paid the €100 Household Charge, as of midday today, as TDs campaigning against the charge have urged the public to revolt against it.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins has today accused the Government of treason for trying to frighten the public into voting in favour of the European fiscal treaty.

The rebel TD Patrick Nulty is to be expelled from the parliamentary Labour Party after voting against the Coalition on the Budget yesterday.

The rebel TD Patrick Nulty has finally voted against the Coalition on the Budget.

The rebel TD Patrick Nulty has voted with the Government on the first vote of the Budget.

A PUBLIC meeting aimed at building a campaign against the Government’s proposed €100 household charge will be held on the northside of Cork tonight.

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny praised Brian Lenihan’s courage in the battle with his illness, and said he had showed a great sense of humanity in carrying out his public duties.