Tony Blair had it right when he said manifestos and campaign promises are ‘a guide to winning but they’re an unsuitable guide to governing, except in describing what you hope will happen’
Bookmakers told Government about concerns some pubs were permitting black-market betting
Tánaiste says hunger caused by conflicts is being exacerbated by denial of humanitarian aid by warring parties
Simon Harris says call was made to express ‘solidarity’ between people of Ireland and Palestine
Those being pummelled by the cost of rent are living through a form of austerity, their take-home wages and disposable incomes decimated
Stormy conditions and damage to ferry at Fishguard compound festive season challenges for hauliers as Holyhead port remains closed
I don’t believe in the idea of being on the right side of history. The histories of the future are none of our concern. Our concern is the present
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil ‘on track’ to strike government deal by January 22nd
The family and care referendums were soundly rejected, Leo Varadkar most unexpectedly stepped down, and there was a decided turnaround in parties’ fortunes
New coalition government ‘on track’ to be formed by January 22nd, Simon Harris says
A political year of shocks and surprises somehow ended up as it began: with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in cahoots. The politician of the year may have had something to do with it
Irish and Welsh leaders pledged to review progress again in January, with no reopening expected before at least the middle of the month
Target is ‘used as a stick to beat us’, says head of State’s paediatric spinal unit
With no third party to disproportionately set the agenda or take the blame, the prospect of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parting as good friends at the end of the next Government will be more challenging
Anti-Semitism accusations are intended to ‘distract’ from deaths of children during war in Gaza, says Taoiseach
Verona Murphy securing the support of the two big parties for her candidacy was not straightforward
Micheál Martin also calls on Fianna Fáil TDs to vote for Wexford TD but in 2020 described her remarks on asylum seekers ‘quite dangerous’
Wexford Independent TD now favourite - but presence of sitting chair Ó Fearghaíl could complicate secret ballot
President was responding to comments from Israel’s foreign minister on Monday
US Chamber of Commerce raised concerns with Irish Government about the Occupied Territories Bill
Big tech fears more stringent rules being applied to their online platforms under a series of domestic and EU laws
Taoiseach Simon Harris says move is ‘deeply regrettable’ and describes Irish stance as ‘pro-international law’
Members of officers’ association ‘not particularly surprised’ by report of specialist staff shortages
The till receipts at Brown Thomas, the glittering, almost-nationwide monument to unfettered capitalism, is a decent bellwether for how the haviest-haves in society are doing
Simon Harris says ‘convicted criminal’ who brought so much misery was ‘treated like a celebrity throughout the general election’
Martin and Harris got on each other’s nerves during the election campaign, but they now need to put their differences aside
Each party has its own distinct challenge facing into the post-election period. Sinn Féin’s is about how to transform itself from government-in-waiting to radical opposition
Michael Lowry expects to meet Chambers and McEntee to discuss ‘parameters’ of engagement in government formation talks
Delays in children’s orthopaedic surgery and the appointment of a CEO, along with concern around investment priorities were issues for Minister for Health
Labour and Regional Independent group to decide on pursuing negotiations with two outgoing ruling parties
Fianna Fáil particularly keen on enticing Labour into a coalition rather than Independents, while main two negotiating parties have differing views on issues including VAT reform, new departments and overhaul of the Department of Public Expenditure
Staff at Department of the Taoiseach prepared four-page primer, including notes on Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot at request of Simon Harris
Jim O’Callaghan talks up Independents option while Bacik expected to speak separately with Martin and Harris this week
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Full general election coverage including analysis and results for all 43 constituencies
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices
