Tag Archives: Fianna Fáil

The Irish Government is currently weighing whether to postpone a planned VAT reduction for the hospitality sector until July 1, 2026. The move is being considered as part of broader fiscal planning that could free up resources for wider tax cuts in Budget 2026, expected next October. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, the measure—originally committed to in the …

With President Michael D. Higgins’ 14-year tenure set to end on 11 November, the race to become Ireland’s next head of state is starting to gather momentum—though it has yet to fully capture public attention. A late October polling date is being considered, meaning the campaign is expected to intensify in early autumn, with a short but potentially high-stakes run …

Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has been officially named as Fine Gael’s nominee for the upcoming Irish presidential election. With no other names put forward by the party before the close of nominations this afternoon, her candidacy will now move to ratification in September. Independent TD Catherine Connolly Expected to Announce Candidacy Meanwhile, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is preparing to …

Former Cabinet minister Mary Hanafin has expressed a strong interest in seeking the presidency of Ireland under the Fianna Fáil banner. Speaking publicly about her aspirations, she highlighted her decades of service in both local and national government as valuable experience she could bring to the role. During an appearance on a national radio programme, Hanafin emphasized her understanding of …

A large-scale social housing initiative, encompassing nearly 3,000 planned homes across Ireland — including approximately 2,000 in Dublin — has been placed on hold after the Department of Housing withdrew financial support from key projects. The decision, driven by concerns over value for money, halts several developments that were poised to begin construction under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Three …

A recent gathering in Paris involving Irish lawmakers and members of an Iranian opposition group has drawn criticism from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Concerns have been raised over the participation of several Fianna Fáil representatives in an event hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which is affiliated with the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), …

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has not ruled out the possibility of entering the upcoming Irish presidential race. Responding to questions on the matter, O’Neill stated that Sinn Féin is continuing its internal discussions on whether to put forward a candidate for Áras an Uachtaráin. No final decision has yet been made by the party. Speculation around potential candidates …

Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has urged the government to hold a referendum on Ireland’s neutrality following the Cabinet’s decision to abolish the Triple Lock mechanism. The government, led by Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris, argues that the removal of the Triple Lock is necessary to prevent countries like Russia from having veto power over Ireland’s participation in …

The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll indicates a rise in support for Sinn Féin, while Fine Gael has seen a decline. Fianna Fáil remains the most favored party in the country, holding steady at 24%. Sinn Féin has gained three percentage points since the previous poll, bringing its support to 22%, securing its position in second place. Fine Gael has …

The government is expected to push forward its plan to allow Michael Lowry’s Regional Independent group to operate as a “hybrid” technical group spanning both the government and opposition. The proposal is set to be presented at the Dáil reform committee meeting on Tuesday, despite strong opposition from rival parties. During a five-hour meeting on Friday, no resolution was reached …