Fine Gael TDs are split on refunding water charges, with half of those contacted by the Irish Examiner in favour of giving the money back and a near identical number saying non-payers must instead be pursued.

With the vote for Taoiseach called for today, attention has already swung as to who will occupy the 15 cabinet seats and what ministries they will occupy.

Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty has revealed a man threatened to burn down her house with her children in it.

The battle for the job of pulling the Labour Party back from the brink will begin today when nominations open for a leader to replace Eamon Gilmore who conceded his party needs "a new voice".

The country’s youngest female TD has said the Government must address concerns about the mental health of unemployed young people, many of whom are turning to drink and drugs.

A Sinn Féin TD has dismissed reports that he could be about to join Fianna Fáil.

Former junior minister Shane McEntee died as a result of asphyxiation, an inquest heard last night.

SEX, lies and audiotape dominated a telling few days in Irish politics.

Opposition parties have urged the voters of Meath East to send a message about the performance of the Government when they cast their votes in tomorrow's by-election.

Politicians, fellow farmers, and sporting groups paid tribute to the late junior agriculture minister Shane McEntee, who yesterday died suddenly in tragic circumstances.

Minister of State Shane McEntee has died suddenly, it has been confirmed.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny was today attempting to repair the damage done to his relations with the country’s top trade unionists.

MICHEÁL MARTIN remains the front-runner to be the next Fianna Fáil leader, with the number of TDs publicly declaring they will support him in tomorrow’s vote now in excess of 20.

MOST Irish voters want a general election before the end of the year, with barely a fifth prepared to return Brian Cowen as Taoiseach.

Meath East TD Mary Wallace has confirmed that she is one of the junior ministers who will lose their jobs in the reshuffle being announced by the Taoiseach this afternoon.

A Cork general election candidate has today spoken of the experience of being followed by a documentary film crew on the campaign trail.