Things have changed, apparently unexpectedly. The resignation of Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick from Fine Gael on Monday does not automatically change events, but it may do so dramatically. 

Shane Ross tells Political Editor Daniel McConnell of difficulties passing legislation and of Sean Canney’s departure from an alliance that still strongly backs the Government.

Junior minister John Halligan has called for the “toxic” HSE to be broken up and for an independent review to recommend a new authority.

A minister of state has claimed that he has been barred from sponsoring his godson at a Confirmation Mass because of his views on abortion.

Independent Alliance TD Sean Canney is working to hammer out a separate deal with the Taoiseach to remain in Government as an Independent, it is understood.

Fine Gael is preparing to run a four- to six-week referendum campaign targeting undecided voters.

They usually do battle across the Dáil chamber but Micheál Martin and Sean Canney will soon become pitchside opponents.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney says circumstances for terminating a pregnancy must be justified and that, while the Constitution should be amended, he does not favour unrestricted abortions.

Several people are considering contesting the presidency but need to declare their intentions in the coming weeks, Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath says.

A junior minister has described the record-breaking hospital trolley count as “outrageous”.

The Government should more than double its flood-prevention funding to €1bn in a bid to prevent further havoc being caused to at-risk regions, the minister responsible for the area has said.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended his decision not to sack John Halligan for his discriminatory comments to a woman he was interviewing for a job by saying the remarks are "not a hanging offence".

Independent Alliance TD and junior minister for training and skills John Halligan has said he will cover the cost of the €7,500 fine and associated legal bill over his “are you married?” interview gaffe.

Fine Gael TDs and senators will be whipped into voting in favour of a significant beefing up of Ireland’s drink-driving laws, despite concerns about the impact it could have on rural communities.

Leo Varadkar took his first bold step onto the pristine furrow — time stopped, breaths were held, and ploughing matriarch Anna May McHugh put her hands to her face in shock.

An Garda Síochána’s credibility has suffered another blow after the CSO decided for a second time not to publish Garda crime statistics.

A minister has admitted “confidence is eroding” in the gardaí following the latest revelations that a further 500,000 breath tests were false.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar demanded President Michael D Higgins ratify Máire Whelan’s controversial Court of Appeal appointment before the Dáil’s return today in a formal letter on Sunday evening, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor admits she is disappointed at being demoted by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Two cabinet colleagues have rejected suggestions Finance Minister Michael Noonan should stand aside, as he is now the subject of an interested party in three separate commissions of inquiry.

A series of ministers have condemned US president Donald Trump’s “Muslim travel ban” amid cabinet calls for pre-clearance officials in Ireland to ignore the controversial policy.

Reforms to the way in which judges are appointed look set to be passed by the Dáil after Sinn Féin confirmed it will back the plans when they are put to a vote.

Fine Gael’s general secretary has warned TDs and senators to “get your act together” and not repeat the “embarrassing” election expenses mistakes which saw deputy leader James Reilly referred to gardaí by the State watchdog.

Junior Minister John Halligan is due to be married to his long-term partner in Cork next week.

Junior jobs minister John Halligan has said the rate of social welfare should be increased and the minimum wage should be raised to €11.50 an hour.

In a rare interview, Shane Ross tells Political Editor Daniel McConnell about a fractious Coalition with Fine Gael, Enda Kenny waving the Constitution in his face, Micheal Noonan as peacemaker, and the issues that may divide the Government

Any attempts to restore public workers’ pay to pre-recession levels risks dragging the country “back to the bad old days”, a junior minister has warned.

Laws forcing insurance firms to provide cover to flood-hit homes and businesses could be introduced next year.

Junior Jobs Minister John Halligan has launched an all-out attack on US president-elect Donald Trump, calling him a brute, a misogynist and a headbanger and is urging Irish people to oppose him.

TDs and senators from across the political divide have taken a trip aboard the blood bus to highlight the importance of donating blood.

The Government has avoided a prospective controversy as John Halligan will be out of the country when an opposition water bill, which he signed before entering government, comes before the Dáil.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe are to be grilled by furious ministers over the Garda deal, which could cause chaos for the budgets of other departments.

A long-delayed state inquiry into the ‘Grace’ foster abuse scandal is set to begin within weeks after an independent report into the controversy was finally published last night.

An independent State report into the 'Grace' foster abuse scandal has found the HSE failed to properly investigate claims of cover-up, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith and Daniel McConnell of the Irish Examiner.

Pension rises top the list of differences before budget, writes Political Correspondent Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

Education Minister Richard Bruton has backed Shane Ross’s insistence the State must not become a “sugar daddy” to end the Dublin Bus strike, claiming it would be a “disaster” to hand over public money to resolve the dispute.