Elaine Loughlin: The year of 'new energy' brought us lots of the same old controversies too

The political year was defined by conflict, referendums, and a long-awaited election — the fallout from which will last well into 2025  

In November, Harry Burton highlighted US support for Benjamin Netanyahu after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him amid Israel's continued attack on Gaza.

Well 2024 was a political rollercoaster which brought us local and European polls as well as a general election, an unsuccessful referendum, the resignation of a taoiseach, and the arrival of a new energy within Fine Gael. 

There were departures of multiple long-serving TDs, turmoil in the Middle East, a new president in the US and, of course, more controversy at RTÉ.