The economies of the Danes, the Dutch, and Finns remained intact during the downturn while we went into receivership. David Begg’s analysis of why should be noted by every policy maker in Ireland, writes Fergus Finlay.

We could be looking at the next Jack Yeats, Francis Bacon, or Robert Ballagh if the quality of this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Compeition was anything to go by.

A former president of NUI Galway has been accused of “inappropriately” supporting Aer Arann boss Pádraig Ó Céidigh in the Seanad elections by a leading member of the college’s governing authority.

A leading Fine Gael minister has backed a former Fianna Fáil senator’s bid to be returned to the Upper House.

From opposite ends of the idealogical spectrum, the two powerful figures would bring a wealth of experience to the Seanad, writes Kyran Fitzgerald. 

David Begg, recently appointed chairman of the Pension Authority and retired trade union leader, has announced his intention to run for the Seanad, followed by the retired politician and legal eagle Michael McDowell.

Padraig MacLochlainn, Jerry Buttimer, and Michael McNamara are among the failed Dáil candidates putting their names forward for the Seanad. 

Although the outcome of the general election has yet to be decided with counts beginning today, another group are now looking to a different election.

Independent Alliance chairman Feargal Quinn has praised the decision to appoint David Begg to the pensions authority, despite his group declaring the move was a “crony” appointment.

Having FAI chief executive, John Delaney, canvass for him in his Tipperary constituency was not an example of cronyism, Environment Minister and Labour party member Alan Kelly has insisted, adding that it was “the funniest story I had had to deal with”.

That Tánaiste Joan Burton has used an ‘exceptional’ clause in the new public appointment rules to personally appoint former trade union leader, David Begg, as the chairman of the Pensions Authority, thereby bypassing the public appointments process, is further evidence that cronyism is still widespread in government circles despite what we had been promised.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed full confidence in coalition partner Tanaiste Joan Burton, as the Labour leader faced Opposition claims of “cronyism” in appointing former trade union leader David Begg to a state board.

Former trade union leader David Begg has defended his appointment as chairman of a State board, saying his €20,500-a year pay for the role is “not a crock of gold”.

A backbench Labour TD has called into question her own leader’s decision to give a close party associate a State board job outside of the normal public appointments process.

Leading trade unionist and prominent Labour supporter David Begg is set to earn €100,000 over the next five years after being named the new chair of the Pensions Authority.

Central Bank directors allowed a 2007 economic stability report warning of a crash to be written in such a way that it “didn’t cause panic” to help “engineer” the fabled soft landing.

It is surprising that David Begg, who was on the board of the Central Bank and chair of the Audit Committee, is not being called to the banking inquiry.

Former financial regulator Patrick Neary, who, days after the bank guarantee, defended a lack of oversight in the sector and claimed the public’s money was “safe”, has been directed to attend a key banking inquiry grilling in May.

The incoming general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has identified fair pay and conditions, collective bargaining and respect for workers as the three principles which will govern her tenure.

The revival of social partnership would be a real danger to the wider economy and to the jobs that depend on it, writes Gerard Howlin

David Begg believes it is imperative that we create the impetus for better wage rates, writes Michael Clifford

The Cabinet has given the go-ahead for legislation which will allow trade unions to seek pay increases for workers even where their employer does not recognise collective bargaining.

It is not difficult to agree with minister of state Ged Nash, who said yesterday that, when economic conditions allow, the minimum wage should be progressively increased. 

Former employees of Waterford Crystal have voted unanimously to accept a government settlement over their long-running pension dispute.

There are fresh hopes that the Waterford Crystal pension dispute could be resolved before it goes to High Court next year.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions says an €800m adjustment is all that is needed in the next budget.

The unemployment rate could fall to 11% by the end of this year if live register declines continue apace.

Aer Lingus cabin crew protesting outside the country’s three main airports said they hope they will not have to take to the picket-line again this summer — but warned they would if next week’s talks over their rosters are not successful.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has hit out at Aer Lingus for failing to reign in unions.

A Government bid to block huge pension boosts for the boss of Aer Lingus has been voted down by the narrowest of margins.

Rising costs of clothing, transport and other services saw inflation move back into positive territory last month, with the annual rate rising to 0.2%, and prospects high for a further increase this month.

In the absence of an adequate resolution body, disputes loom large, says Stephen Rogers.