We need to elect a Dáil that will deliver a coherent, capable and caring government #GE2020

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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 […]

The only north Johnson cares about is the north of England

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One intriguing question to emerge in the aftermath of the UKl election is whether the SDLP will deepen its flirtation with Fianna Fáil. The SDLP’s successes in the South Belfast and Foyle constituencies were really remarkable. In Foyle, party leader, Colum Eastwood, who was being written off by many political commentators as incapable of halting […]

Time to stop kowtowing to China over Taiwan

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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 […]

Daft white-water rafting plan is anything but a capital idea

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Am I the only person in despair about Dublin City Council and the almost complete absence of effective local democracy and decision-making in our capital city? I hope not. A city that could even be contemplating the “redevelopment” of the derelict, boarded-up and endangered Joyce house on Ushers Quay as a low grade hostel with […]

No workable alternative to some form of direct provision

There is a world of difference between economic migration and asylum seeking in national and international law. Ireland, as a member state of the EU has certain obligations to permit EU citizens to migrate to Ireland to pursue economic activity in the state. We have entirely different and separate obligations under EU law, international law […]