WHY have domestic politics become so boring? Last year, since the local and European elections, there has been a palpable sense of tension and uncertainty within the Dáil and Government.

IT’S the silly season. Eddie and the lads are in Lanzarote, the AIL is on its festive break and everyone is taking the opportunity to do their reviews of the year.

Michael Portillo has been eliminated from the British Conservative Party's leadership race after failing to secure enough support to progress to the final round of voting.

Michael Portillo and Ann Widdecombe are among the favourites to take over the leadership of the Conservative party following William Hague's resignation this morning.