Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Latest
Last year
2025
What A Mess
Aontú’s two TDs ditch Regional Independent technical group amid Dáil speaking rights row
The Morning Lead
Today we get a new Taoiseach - here's a rundown of how the day is going to go
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin will become the next Taoiseach of Ireland.
Taxi Service
Local Link users will be able to pre-book their pick-up and drop-off with new taxi service app
government formation
Micheal Martin stands by past criticism of Michael Lowry, says tribunal findings were 'shocking'
special ard fheis
Fianna Fáil members vote overwhelmingly in support of draft Programme for Government
Micheál Martin says new housing measures do not have to wait until the autumn budget.
In or Out
Martin: 'Public not excited' about issue of pro-government Independents joining opposition group
Analysis
Analysis: Vague plans and no setting out of 'first 100 days' priorities in new Programme for Government
There are no promises to achieve anything in the first 100 days of office, unlike programme for government documents of the past.
moving up and moving out
Focus now on who'll be in the new Cabinet and who might get moved up the political ladder
seat at the table
White smoke: Regional Independents secure four government roles as deal emerges
Fianna Fáil is to hold a special Ard Fheis in Dublin on Sunday to ratify the new programme for government.
trying to rebuild
O'Gorman hits out at incoming government, says Green Party has 'good reason to be optimistic'
Crunch time
Regional Independents agree to begin 'intensive' government negotiations with FF and FG
It is expected that the Independent TDs will have individual constituency asks along with national policy ideas.
government formation
'Acorn' savings, infrastructure and cannabis - party leaders meeting daily to bash out compromises
The Morning Lead
Split views over whether to move 'hugely important' Energy brief to Dept of Enterprise
Meanwhile Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael look likely to swap the Health and Justice ministries.
government formation talks
Are the Healy-Raes credible partners for government formation? Micheál Martin says they are
Micheál Martin says he has had substantive talks with Michael and Danny Healy Rae.
snail's pace
Getting a government up and running by 22 January increasingly viewed as unrealistic
Taoiseach Simon Harris says a government should be in place by the end of the month.
back around the table
Government formation talks resume after break with aim for draft programme to be ready next week
All time
Political Awards
These are the winners and losers from the Irish political year 2024
As picked by The Journal team.
This year, The Journal team announced its political awards via The Candidate podcast.
We hand out a number of gongs for awards such as the Minister Who Gets Shit Done, the Must Try Harder Merit and chat about the Ah Here Moment of the Year and Whoopsie of the Year.
The top award, Politician of the Year, was put to a vote which was counted by PR-STV.
The Big Interview
Mary Lou McDonald: 'I can safely say 2024 was the toughest year of my life'
Apart from her party not performing as she would have wanted in the election, McDonald has experienced personal challenges this year.
laois councillor
Sinn Féin will speak to Caroline Stanley in January over issues that 'need to get ironed out'
The Morning Lead
McDonald says 'multiple people' capable of leading Sinn Féin as she rules out presidential bid
A run for the presidency is not on the horizon for McDonald, she tells The Journal.
34th dail
A pickpocketing seagull, a spoiled vote and a resignation - all this on day one of the new Dáil
The Morning Lead
Regional Independents pivot towards power while rotating Taoiseach now a certainty
The term time for the rotating Taoiseach is yet to be decided.
Frederick Street South
Suspicious package sent to Social Democrats HQ in Dublin found not credible, say gardaí
Hayes, a TD elected to Dublin Bay South, was suspended with immediate effect from the Social Democrats parliamentary party this week.
Grace case
'Outrageous': Strong criticism as report into sexual abuse of woman with intellectual disabilities delayed six years
SocDems
'Embarrassed is an understatement': SocDems says it's taken 'a knock' with Hayes controversy
Robert Troy
Ethics watchdog confirms it decided against publishing non-routine reports prior to general election
International Court of Justice
Tánaiste secures approval for Ireland to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel
government formation talks
FF and FG deputy leaders meet as big question mark hangs over 'parity of esteem'
Who will be the third wheel of government is yet to be decided.
Analysis
Fall from grace for Soc Dems TD reminds newbie politicians to take a leaf out of Ben Dunne's book
Get in Formation
Martin and Harris hold 'positive' meeting and agree party negotiating teams will meet tomorrow
GE2024New Kids on the Block
FF and FG to debate next moves today - as possible Independent Alliance 2.0 waits in the wings
Is the Independent Alliance band getting back together?
Galway East TD Sean Canney says there is a myth out there that Independents only deal in parish pump politics.
Wexford TD Verona Murphy says she has no bad blood with Fine Gael.
Analysis
Ministers for Health and Disability lost their seats. One reason for it is all politics is local
have your say