Frances Fitzgerald’s May 2015 McCabe scandal defence was last night left in tatters after new Department of Justice files showed that she was fully aware of “aggressive” tribunal attacks against the whistle-blower — and that her officials actively liaised with then-Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan on how to avoid July 2015 media questions on the issue.

Fianna Fáil refuses to hold the Government to account, preferring to put its own calculated government ambitions before the good of the country, writes Michael Clifford

NOW that it is finally erected in all its glory, I would like to propose an alternative name for the Spire in Dublin.