Politics

Brexit with a side of chips: The go-to takeaways for our politicians

They may be running the country, but it seems our glorious leaders and their top officials are as keen on a dirty takeaway as the rest of us.

Taoiseach hails centuries old friendship between Ireland and the US

Leo Varadkar was speaking at an event at Dublin Castle, attended by the US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Nancy Pelosi: Good Friday Agreement treasured as 'beacon to the world'

Our two nations may be divided by distance but are united by history.

PAC row over alleged theft by prison staff to be referred to Dáil dispute body

An internal Public Accounts Committee row over questions to justice chiefs about alleged theft by prison staff in jails is to be referred to a Dáil dispute body.

Yates describes Healy-Rae's defence of John Delaney a 'craven leprechaun performance' in heated debate

Ivan Yates has called Michael Healy-Rae's defence of John Delaney at the Oireachtas Committee hearing on Wednesday a "craven, leprechaun performance".

New politics of nativism is just the bitter defence of a few bleak acres

We can have a sense of pride and realise that what stymies us isn’t outsiders — it is insiders, writes Gerard Howlin

Call for parties to be more proactive in encouraging migrants into politics

A new scheme has led to an increased number of migrants putting themselves forward for election.

Máiría Cahill not contesting local elections over safety concern of publishing home address

Legislation provides that in order to stand for election, the candidate must list their home address on the nomination form.

There shouldn’t have to be scandals before we get political action

The culture of our maternity services has not changed, three years into the national strategy, writes Victoria White

Directly elected mayors to be put to a vote in Cork, Limerick, and Waterford

New directly elected mayors will take over decision-making and administrative functions currently carried out by chief executives under new proposals put forward by the Government.

The people have failed politicians, who are just trying to appease us

Finian McGrath is an able cynic, not an amiable fool, writes Gerard Howlin

Algerian president steps down at army official’s urging

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, leaves office after weeks of peaceful protests, following military backing for calls to remove him.

Far-right rejected: Reality TV is a political force

It may be time to consider if reality television is as great a threat to democracy as social media.

State jet costs close to €1m last year

The cost of transporting the Taoiseach and other ministers around the globe on the Government jet reached almost €1m last year at an average cost of over €18,600 per trip.

Calls for government to flesh out details on powers of directly-elected mayors

Plebiscites on the issue will take place in the three cities on May 24, the same day as the local and European elections.

Cabinet approve issues on directly-elected mayors

The mayor will earn the same salary as a junior minister, around €94,000, and will also have powers to set the local budget and devise a development plan for the area.

FF TDs have 'no doubt' party's hierarchy will consider running Billy Kelleher in European elections

Two senior Fianna Fáil TDs have said they have "no doubt" the party's hierarchy will consider running Billy Kelleher in the imminent European elections despite his failure to be selected by grassroots members.

Fine Gael extends lead over Fianna Fáil, opinion poll says

Fine Gael has extended its lead over Fianna Fáil to six points in the latest Behaviour & Attitudes poll.

Health is the disease that might kill this coalition

THE Department of Health is an out-of-control monster that could “destroy” this Government.

Algeria set to get new constitution and government

The president of Algeria says he is creating a new government and a special body to draft a new constitution to respond to mass protests.

Dangerous bill is anti democratic and should be axed

Just over a week ago, it emerged that the Cabinet did something very “dangerous”.

State inquiry costs set to hit €500m by end of this year

The cost of funding public tribunals and commissions of inquiry into wrongdoing by state agencies and individuals will reach close to €500m by the end of this year.

Relationship between State and institutions is not always healthy

FOR A number of days spread over a couple of years, I’ve had reason to be lying on a hospital bed staring at the wall opposite me. Nothing life-threatening involved, but there all the same. Try as I might, I can’t remember seeing any crucifixes or religious paintings on any of the walls I’ve had to stare at.

FG’s Doyle selected to run in European elections

Joe Leogue Both Fine Gael and Labour selected candidates for the European Parliament elections in the Ireland South constituency yesterday.

Incentives for parties to back female candidates

Financial incentives for parties to run more women in the upcoming local elections are set to be agreed by Cabinet this week.

Calls for standards body for Oireachtas committees

There have been calls for a new standards body to set rules for Oireachtas committees and for members to be trained following a significant Supreme Court ruling.

Taoiseach criticises Fianna Fáil's partnership with SDLP

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has criticised Fianna Fáil's recent partnership with the SDLP during a trip to Belfast.

Political Opinion Poll: Support rises for Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil

Support for Sinn Féin has shot up 5% in the latest Red C/Sunday Business Post poll.

Varadkar slams 'wrong' oil exploration ban bill

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has accused People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith of "getting it wrong" with her Climate Emergency Measures bill, which targets a ban on future oil and gas drilling in Irish waters.

Health Minister remarks about cancer screening team 'unacceptable and mean-spirited' - Martin

Micheal Martin said Simon Harris’ comments about those overseeing the screening programme were ‘unacceptable and mean-spirited’.

Theresa May’s reliance on DUP votes creates a problem, Leo Varadkar claims

Mr Varadkar added that his government are dedicated to seeing a government restored in Stormont.

Supporting no confidence motion would be tantamount to 'national sabotage' - Fianna Fail

Supporting a vote of no-confidence in the Health Minister would amount to "national sabotage" as it would spark a snap general election, Fianna Fáil finance spokesman, Michael McGrath, has suggested.

Senior politicians deserve full protection of proper security detail

Cabinet ministers should have their Garda drivers reinstated immediately. The decision on ministers losing this security detail was taken during the height of the recession.

'Nonsensical and immature': Fianna Fáil's John McGuinness refuses to become Independent TD

Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness has insisted he has no intention of quitting the party and becoming an Independent after becoming embroiled in a blazing behind-closed-doors row with other TDs over his repeated refusal to stick to the party line.

Mary Lou McDonald calls on FF to support motion of no-confidence in Simon Harris

Brexit cannot be the "catch-all excuse" to avoid accountability and allow bad governance Mary-Lou McDonald has said in calling on Fianna Fáil to support a motion of no-confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris.

Former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh seeks Fine Gael nomination for European elections

Former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh has confirmed she is seeking the Fine Gael nomination to contest the European elections in May.

SDLP members to vote on Fianna Fáil link-up

SDLP members will gather in Newry today to vote on whether the party should link up with Fianna Fáil.

Eight lobbyists faced legal threat from ethics watchdog

Eight lobbyists were threatened with court proceedings last year by the ethics watchdog over alleged breaches of regulations, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Lenihan rejects Russian business ties claims

Ex-Fianna Fáil minister and MEP election candidate Conor Lenihan has rejected claims that his close Russian business ties risk making him Ireland’s answer to Donald Trump, saying he has nothing to “hide” over his post-Dáil work.

FF and FG both see drop in support, according to latest figures

There has been a sharp drop in support for Fianna Fáil in the latest political opinion poll.

Cities risk electing 'celebrity-style mayors', Labour TD warns

Cities risk electing "celebrity-style mayors" who have no real understanding of the powers and functions of the role unless the Government ensures there is a genuine public debate on its plan for directly elected mayors.

It has taken '20 years of dithering' for Fianna Fáil to decide to represent all of Ireland, says Peadar Tóibín

Fianna Fáil and the SDLP are expected to announce an official partnership later today.

Alliance convinced to abstain in Israel vote

Independent Alliance Ministers were convinced to abstain on a Dail vote today relating to the purchase of goods from the occupied territories amid protests from Israel, it can be revealed.

Venue for speech by Josepha Madigan moved over protest threat

The venue for a speech by Culture Minister Josepha Madigan has had to be moved because of alleged intimidation and the threat of a major protest by pro-life campaigners.

Kelleher’s au revoir would spell trouble for Fianna Fáil

Last Wednesday, Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher entered the members’ bar in Dáil Éireann and ordered a coffee.

MEP Brian Crowley confirms his retirement from politics

Brian Crowley has announced that he will not run in the next European elections due to ill health.

Limerick councillors agree to poster ban in upcoming local elections

A group of Limerick councillors have signed up to a voluntary ban on posters for the next local elections.

Spotlight is turning to Europe’s frontrunners

The race for the European elections is already hotting up, with some big names making no secret of their ambition to run, writes Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe.

TDs defend €1,200 extra expenses on foreign trip

Two TDs who each claimed over €1,200 after hotel, dinner, and breakfast costs were deducted during a five-day trip to Switzerland, have defended the spending levels, saying Oireachtas rules allow them to receive the money.

Ministers told to attend Dáil mid-week as government losing votes

Ministers have been told to cancel mid-week travel plans because the government is losing too many votes.

Peadar Tóibín's new party to target Donegal

Former Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín’s new, yet-to-be-named pro-life, republican political party, is eyeing Donegal as one of its “target” constituencies as it tries to make a breakthrough in May’s local elections.

The time is right for a different kind of political discourse to emerge

Stephen Lynam says that while it is naïve to to enter the world of politics and expect civility, toning down the insults would be a a step in the right direction.

'This is crazy stuff' - FF's Thomas Byrne accuses FG TD of 'Punch and Judy politics'

Fianna Fáil’s Education spokesperson Thomas Byrne has described comments by Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael TD Peter Burke as “Punch and Judy politics”.

Dáil likely to face significant disruption

Significant disruption to the Dáil is likely to facilitate the passage of legislation to prepare for a ‘no-deal Brexit’ between now and March 29, the Cabinet will be told today.

Slurry is future of energy here, say ministers

Using slurry to power family homes is the future of energy production in Ireland, ministers believe.

‘Mobocracy’ at the forefront of second coming of fascism

The biggest danger we face is not a straightforward revival of fascism, but rather a creeping shift in traditional conservatism towards the extreme populist right, says Michael Burleigh.

Politicians deserve more than our vote. They deserve our respect, too

Abuse and invective directed at our elected representatives are a reflection of the times, writes Alison O’Connor.

Taoiseach cannot rule out general election next year despite confidence and supply extension

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he cannot rule out a general election next year, despite Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil extending the confidence and supply deal until spring 2020.

Globalisation comes to a major crossroads

The world is experiencing an epoch-making rebalancing that is not just economic but also geopolitical, writes former UK prime minister Gordon Brown

Endorsing centrist politics: Time to end a century-long faux division

Great social or political change sometimes arrives after decades of campaigning in a great carnival of marching bands, face-painting, and rainbow banners all aflutter. Like a spring tide, an idea that can be resisted no longer presses its case in

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Wednesday, April 17, 2019