The likely MEP elections Green gallop and a predicted left-leaning parties transfer trend could kick-start a debate about a long-overdue Irish "progressives" political bloc, writes political correspondent Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Labour, the Social Democrats, and the Greens have shot down Labour TD Sean Sherlock’s suggestion that the parties come together for the next general election, insisting that they plan to fight the campaign as individual parties.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s newly appointed special adviser has been described as “slime” by a constituency rival in a bitter online spat.