Tag Archives: Social Democrats

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has rejected claims that Ireland’s housing construction is faltering, despite new data revealing a sharp drop in housing commencement notices for the first half of this year. Speaking in Cork on Friday, Mr. Martin attributed the decline to expected fallout after the expiration of a development levy waiver that had boosted construction in previous years. Drop in …

The Social Democrats have officially endorsed Independent TD Catherine Connolly as their nominee for the Irish presidency, following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Executive. The announcement marks a significant step in what is shaping up to be a dynamic race for Áras an Uachtaráin, with various parties and individuals yet to declare their positions. Connolly’s Candidacy Gains Ground …

Mounting concerns over rising food prices and expanding homelessness have taken centre stage in parliamentary debates, as opposition parties pressed the Irish government for stronger intervention ahead of the upcoming Budget. With inflationary pressures still weighing on households, political leaders raised urgent questions about affordability, transparency in retail profits, and the growing number of families living in emergency accommodation. The …

Opposition parties in Ireland have urged the government to permit a conscience vote on a forthcoming Dáil motion aimed at halting the Central Bank of Ireland’s facilitation of Israeli bond sales. The motion, introduced by the Social Democrats and supported by Sinn Féin, Labour, and People Before Profit/Solidarity, seeks to prevent the Central Bank from approving Israeli government bonds for …

An independent clinical audit has revealed that a significant number of hip surgeries performed on children at two Dublin hospitals were unwarranted. The review, commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE), examined 147 cases of pelvic osteotomy procedures conducted between 2021 and 2023 at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Temple Street, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC), and CHI Crumlin. The …

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has downplayed fears that potential US tariffs would trigger an economic crisis on the scale of the 2008 financial crash. While acknowledging the risks posed by looming US trade measures, he described the situation as serious but not catastrophic, emphasizing that Ireland’s economy remains in a strong position. The warning comes amid growing concerns that US …

A fresh wave of criticism has been directed at Taoiseach Micheál Martin, as opposition leaders jointly request an urgent meeting to address the ongoing conflict over proposed changes to speaking rights in the Dáil. The dispute, which has been simmering since January, is expected to culminate in a critical vote on Tuesday when the Government brings its motion before the …

Ireland’s traditional “triple lock” mechanism requires three approvals before deploying more than 12 Defence Forces personnel overseas: authorization from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), approval by the Government, and endorsement by Dáil Éireann. However, the Government is proposing to amend this mechanism by removing the necessity for UNSC authorization. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is set to …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that when he meets US President Donald Trump in Washington next month, he intends to highlight the potential harm tariffs could inflict on Ireland’s small and highly open economy. While speaking with reporters in Dublin, Martin outlined his plan to present Ireland’s perspective on trade and economic matters directly to Trump at the White House …

The Social Democrats will not participate in the formation of the next government, according to deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan. Following a meeting of the parliamentary party, O’Callaghan stated that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had not committed to the Social Democrats’ key priorities. These priorities include delivering 50,000 affordable homes, fully implementing Sláintecare, appointing a senior minister for disability, ensuring …