Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must join forces and grasp housing crisis
Saturday’s election has left Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on the floor and in a state of shock. Like everybody else, including Sinn Féin, they simply didn’t see the political tsunami until it hit them. However, when they cease to be winded and come to their full senses they will realise that the only way […]
Fine Gael should swallow its pretend humility
The IPSOS MRBI/ Irish Times/ UCD exit poll that was conducted on election day established a few things. Apart from showing the three largest parties neck-and-neck in voting share, it also established that among all voters the coalition scenario that was clearly least popular (and presumably least intended by voters) was a government including Sinn […]
Sinn Féin is not a conventional democratic party – this is undeniable
That next Saturday’s General Election is happening in mid-winter when many people’s finances have yet to recover from the Christmas season, when days are dark and cold, when swathes of the electorate start and end their commute to work in the dark, and spirits are generally low, underlines the folly of those who chose this […]
Is the new Ireland moving left or simply moving on? #GE2020
One week into the campaign, some trends are emerging clearly. There is widespread disillusionment and electoral ennui with the Government. Quite apart from published opinion polls, one hears constant feedback from areas outside Dublin that there is a major backlash against what is seen as a Dublin-focussed, somewhat smug urbane liberal elite that has lost […]
We need to elect a Dáil that will deliver a coherent, capable and caring government #GE2020
When Peadar Tóibín finally admitted the true nature of the Sinn Féin party, his revelations were seen by some as newsworthy. It is a centrally controlled political machine which operates on instructions from apparatchiks theoretically under the control of its Árd-Chomhairle. No real dissent is permitted. Elected representatives are instructed on how to vote and […]
Time to stop kowtowing to China over Taiwan
While seeking a place on the United Nations Security Council, you might think that Ireland, as a small independent state committed to a world order based on peace, international law and human rights, would stand up bravely for those values whenever given the opportunity. You would hope that Ireland would use its membership of the […]