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LAST UPDATE | 13 Dec 2024
IT IS “UNLIKELY” that Labour will go into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, party leader Ivana Bacik has said.
It comes as a Fianna Fáil TD said at this stage it appeared that independents were “more interested” in government formation talks than Labour or the Social Democrats.
Representatives from Labour, including leader Ivana Bacik, met with Simon Harris and Micheál Martin on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition with the two larger parties, outlining its manifesto commitments.
After a parliamentary party meeting in Dublin today, Bacik announced that Labour TDs decided to seek one more meeting with both Harris and Martin next week so that they can get a “clear response” to their priorities.
She added: “We’re conscious of the numbers in the Dáil, but we do also have a duty to engage fully and to ensure that we are giving every opportunity to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to provide us with with their response to the policy priorities that we’ve outlined.”
She added that the “very small gap” between the two big parties and an overall majority would mean a small party would have “very little capacity, influence or leverage” to deliver on its priorities.
“We want to see a state construction company, we’ve been really clear about that. But equally, Micheál Martin has been very clear about his scepticism about that and these are the real policy differences that we have,” she said.
“This is what we discussed on Tuesday, but we want to give those discussions a little more focus and substance.”
There have been reports of a split within Labour as to whether or not the party should seek to enter a coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael by themselves.
Labour initially sought to jointly enter government formation negotiations with the Social Democrats, but the fellow left-party rejected the proposal last week.
The Journal understands that there is now a “sense of uniformity” in the view that Labour should not enter into government. Separate reports this week suggested that Bacik has internally ruled out going into government without the Social Democrats.
On Wednesday, Harris claimed that Independent TDs, who are now seen as the likely third leg of the stool in the next coalition government, were “very serious” about forming a majority with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
He said that there is a “clear way” for his party and Fianna Fáil to form a government, but that a majority is needed. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil negotiating teams have met this week a number of times and have described the talks as positive.
Harris said he believes a government will be formed by the middle of next month. He said he would like an agreement to be finalised “ideally before” US President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office on 20 January.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Timmy Dooley said that “it remains to be decided” how stable a coalition that included independents would be.
“There’s nobody putting pressure on anybody, there’s still time for those other parties such as Labour and the Social Democrats to decide do they want to participate and do they want to enter more formal discussions and negotiations.
“The independents from the start appeared to be quite interested,” he said on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne programme.
Independent TD Michael Lowry, of the Regional Independent group, confirmed this week that he has been invited to speak with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s negotiating teams early next week.
The discussions will be around getting the structure and the parameters of the technical group’s engagement in government formation talks agreed. Arising from those discussions the Regional Group’s will appoint their negotiators.
Asked this week if he will be the next Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said Fianna Fáil will continue its discussions with other parties first. He noted, however, that he has been clear, since before the election, that he would like to be leader of the country.
Martin said he was aware that the public are anxious for discussions to wrap up quickly so a government can be formed soon. He did not say, however, if an agreement would be made by January.
“I respect the talks process and we’ll see what transpires,” he told reporters.
-With additional reporting from Press Association
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Any cinema where people have the courtesy to keep their phones in their pockets. Unfortunately, they’re in short supply.
And that annoys you? Pedantic much!
Bloody annoys me too! Whatever about having your phone on silent but even the light from the phone is infuriating!
How the hell would that not annoy anyone?. There really aren’t any acceptable circumstances whatsoever for using a phone at a cinema screening.
I loved the Ambassador when I was a kid. But the cinema I miss the most is the Classic in Harold’s Cross. Dressing up as Magenta, in my youth, for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Then bringing my daughter and her friends to the kids Saturday matinees. Good times.
I’d vote for the Lighthouse. I also like the Swan Cinema in Rathmines, it’s cozy.
I went to the Classic as a kid in the 70′s- The land that Time Forgot, Kelly’s Heroes and Lady and the Tramp were 3 that I can remember seeing there. Another cinema was the Kenilworth. Great times!
That was the Kenilworth, the Classic was in Terenure
Mary, I think your right there but if I remember right one closed down and they switched names? I’ve gone to both cinemas.
@Mary. The Classic was originally in Terenure, Albert Kelly was the manager. When the Classic closed down Mr Kelly bought the Kenilworth in Harold’s Cross and changed the name to the Classic. The cinema closed down in 2003 because Mr Kelly wasn’t able for it any more. Sadly, he died in 2005. He was a lovely man and made the Classic a wonderful place. We tried to stop it being demolished, no such luck. Now it’s just another derelict site.
Thanks for that, Declan. Fond memories :)
Gotta be the lighthouse
Well, are we voting for a cinema in Ireland as the headline suggests or a cinema nation wide as the headline or examples does not suggest. It’s the IMAX in Mahon Point for me if that means anything being outside of the pale like
You’re picking up American inaccuracies and bad English. A person can’t be “bias”. A person is or isn’t “biased”. Bias is the noun. You might as well write, “I could be sarcasm” instead of “sarcastic”.
My god someone needs a chill pill you must be a bundle of laughs…. grammar ok there for you???
Savoy on O’Connell St.
I’ve found their screens can be hit and miss. Love that big one though!
I loved the old Kino in cork, not a cinema anymore.
Oh has to be the old Kino in Cork. Proper coffee in a mug and a good film. Good old days, they were.
The Kino was wonderful. The real mugs and fantastic European movies.
Sadly missed.
Yes such a pity it closed.
The IFI in Templebar is my favourite by far.
Buttered popcorn?
Can’t remember, its been a good while since I was there. They show classics and art flicks a good bit. If I lived in Dublin I’d be going the whole time.
Must check it out
Irish film Institute. Google it.
IFI rocks, great little cinema, cool café too!
Lighthouse. At least you stand a fighting chance of not having the slurping of gallon sized drinks, the crackle of kilo sized sweet bags or the loud conversations either via mobile or with their companions of far too many cinema goers these days, to contend with. When did we turn into a nation who can’t sit quietly for the length of a film without needing a picnic and megaphones affirmation from our friends to sustain us? And why do cinema managers not do more to stamp this out?
We only have newly built soulless boxes in Limerick. No character or atmosphere at all really. Staffed by kids that can do the job but some often know nothing about customer service. ( although some do ) . All the same really nothing to choose from. My living room is my favourite cinema these days.
limerick has got a right hammering since the recession, lived there from 2000-06 and loved it, always a great vibe. I was gutted when I heard the davin pub went. My old haunt for a few years,. now the landmark that is/was Ivans is shut, amongst many others I’d imagine. Anyway thats a bit off topic. hope thinks pick soon up in lovely Limerick.
Storm cinema out the monaleen road is a serious spot lad. Best cinema I’ve been to
It’s called the Odeon now. Was there last week no better or worse than the Omniplex and Showtime.
The Screen Cinema, Dublin. It’s a lovely cinema with great staff.
Who remembers The Green cinema in Dublin?
Double seats in the back row! So much innocent fun…,
Great cinema, Declan. Sacrificed for the Green Shopping Center… along with the Dandelion, Rice’s pub and Pierre’s.
Liz, PV Doyle bought it for 1.5 million and tore it down within a year. He must have known how much the land was going to be worth.
Cineworld on Parnell Street, quality cinema and only cinema i think in Ireland that has IMAX
Do they still do that deal where you can buy monthly membership and see as many films as you want? Loved that when I was in college.
Yes they do, i think it’s €20 p/m buy you have to sign up for the full year. The only thing holding me back from signing up is the drive from south to north side every time i want to go to the cinema. Hopefully they open one on the south side soon :)
Was it the Virgin then? Think it was 10.99 for monthly unlimited.
Used to be the Virgin cinema. I had the unlimited card at Cineworld when I lived in town. Fantastic value. I think it was €16.99 per month at the time…. What was it called before Cineworld took it over? IMC?
I loved the Stella in Rathmines because it was just so awful you couldn’t help loving hating it.
The Stella was great. Rocky horror on a Friday night.
The Stella did The Blues Brothers. The Classic in Harold’s Cross showed The Rocky Horror.
We called the Stella the Smella, because it stank!
I lived in both areas, probably a bit confused which cinema showed what.
Lighthouse Cinema is the best; cineworld Parnell St for Hollywood fare
The Phoenix in Dingle..
Bourbon creams cup of tea ( make your own ) and an introduction to the movie from the owner in a bow tie , the Phoenix , dingle , is a wonderful throw back to the way a movie should be enjoyed . And me a dub !!!!!
Has to be Liffey Valley! Expensive though.
I’d watch a movie with you in it any time. Will you be my goomara?
Ah il being you to Dundrum, VIP seats too
Dundrum is on clusterf*** of a cinema. Terrible layout in the foyee
Dirty fecker!
Dont have one. They are all over priced and a total rip off.
Something like ten euro for medium popcorn and medium coke in Sligo. Is it any wonder people would rather stream movies online?
No need to buy much food in cinema at all…Rip off wasteage. Just head to cheapola shop and stock up on chocolate,sweets, and drinks.buy tickets and off ya go. Family of four done on the cheap. It also helps if you eat dinner at home first and then go.if it involves dinosaurs theres usually less eating and more staring. This is coming from someone who’s bagged at least 7euro in brown shite today,collected over the months..tedious addictive OCD activity that a Sunday can accommodate occasionally,especially when Erdinger and lemon haze is involved.Must get out more!might go to the cinema without the kids…b@stards.. But you gotta love em really…really you do.
This is why is women have handbags! ! I take in popcorn, drinks and sweets in my bag!
Common usage is the criterion; where it Works use it. We are not academies francaises. It out of date so quote a rule It makes no difference; so split your infinitive: finally they let us to finally close.
I love to go to the cinema as I’m not really a pub person but the cinema in Kilkenny must be the worst in the country! Only has four screens and full of kids films. Not even showing August: Osage County. Grrrrr!
Honestly you should consider yourself lucky. It’s appalling. Nothing actually happens in it and then it just ends.
Swan in Rathmines
Carrick cineplex in Carrick on Shannon isnt bad at all. They have their own cafe so you can bring un wine or coffee into the movie, there is nice comfy reclining seats. Offer special screenings for children with Autism once a month too! :-) There is only two screens in it though so can have annoying movie times.
Odeon at the point…
The Phoenix cinema in Dingle. Real old fashioned charm about it, and it has a balcony.
UCI Coolock (or whatever its called now) only for the buttered popcorn
Are you sure it is butter …. Some cinemas are using Stork …
Got it in one. Only place you can get butter on your popcorn nowadays. Pity about. The amount of sh1tbags hanging around the place though
Well whatever kind of oily probably not dairy based substance it is, it is delicious and have yet to find anywhere else that does it.
It is a pity about the number of shitebags that hang around there sometimes. When I was learning to drive, its where my dad taught me to always park beside a nicer car to prevent yours being robbed or broken into.
Not to mention the incident outside the cinema when a young man died.
Yeah I remember that well unfortunately. All for a stupid phone that would be worth less than a fiver today.
Jesus ya. Goes to show you………
Can get budder on popcorn in odeon blanch…yum yum
You can get buttered popcorn in the cinema in the square. My favourite cinema was the old in Harold’s cross we used to go with our summer project :)
I love The Savoy in Dublin (especially Screen 1!) and IMC Tallaght for their leather chairs in the VIP Area! :)
The Triskel in cork city is fantastic whenever they show films. I’m especially a fan of the regular twisted celluloid showings. Great ambience, great picture and sound and an incredible eye for quality.
I have to say the eye cinema is my favourite in the whole country other than dundrum i love the luxury screen in the eye cinema. Every screen in the eye cinema is so comfortable and clean and WARM. also everyone there is nice , there is something about galway everyone seems happier than the people in dundrum though, they seem jollier and talkative
The reel picture ballincollig! Finding out the movie you were going to see was in Screen 1 or 2 was fantastic as a kid
Has to be Queen’s Film Theatre in Belfast. Has a lovely bar for a wine or beer before your movie and is good at showing lesser known/ foreign movies.
I remember myself and 3 friends went to see some film in the cinema in Thurles! It was during the day so as far as I can remember we were the only 4 in it. Your man, who’s a strange man any way actually stood at the door and said 2 that way pointing inside and 2 that way pointing upstairs! We weren’t even allowed sit together!!!! Some laugh
Forum cinema in Glasthule Co Dublin was great
I dont go to the cinema anymore
I seen True Grit and The Fighter in New York.
The sound quality was completely different to that of Irish cinemas.
It was like being at a Metallica concert.
I remember the old gaiety cinema in Sligo, went to see all the Disney classics there in the mid 90s. It was only two screens then but I remember being excited going up the well worn carpet stairs and being ushered into the cinema. Sadly its 12 screens are suffering post-recession, staff aren’t friendly and there isn’t much cleanliness to speak of in the place. I also love the GFT in Glasgow and the bfi on London’s southbank is how the movie going experience should be!
Zoe do you remember the Savoy cinema in High Street? I remember seeing the jungle book in it.
Triskel Christchurch in Cork. A deconsecrated 18th century church converted into a cinema, art gallery and live music venue. Can’t beat it for atmosphere
http://triskelartscentre.ie/
The Stella in Rathmines despite being a dive! The Blues Brothers on a Friday nite, The classic in Harolds cross was paletial by comparison complete with Rocky Horror show.
Savoy, screen 1. End of debate
Athlone! staff are lovely and the recent upgrades makes it x10 more enjoyable
The Screen Cinema the simplest to go to ( yes pity about the sign) the IFI should remove that € 1 surcharge for non~ members and funny rule about explicit content films re: the € 1 ( can`t understand it ) The Lighthouse is for me now the best cinema the building is amazing and it holds on to the films longer.
IFI
Fav is the Odeon the point village
Big shout out to QFT (QUEENS FILM THEATRE) in Belfast.
Are there any great cinemas in the entire country?
For the down-voters:
I’ve been to pretty much every one of the “great” cinemas listed in the comments and they don’t compare to the best in the US/UK.
Ireland doesn’t even have a proper IMAX.
I love movies, but really – people – Dundrum, a GREAT cinema…? Based on what? The fact you can see movies there?
Ireland has one proper Imax screen in cineworld on parnell street. Screen 17 it’s awesome
Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not a proper IMAX. Google liemax and prepare to be annoyed.
The Gaiety in Sligo is a dirty, architectural eyesore like pretty much every other building in the town, and pretty much every other building in Ireland.
My favourite memories are being so terminally bored during Patch Adams that me and my friend started harassing the only other two people watching it and getting chased out of it with a syringe by other kids when I was about 12.
Also, getting into trouble for using the phone on the wall when you enter the section showing your movie and telling a k*nd usher to f*ck off out of frustration and embarrassment after I took my seat.
Why the red thumbs?
Patch Adams was a dreadful movie. Up there with Prometheus, Cabin in the Woods, The Pact and Vanilla Sky as the worst I’ve seen.
No no no. Vanilla sky is bad. But nothing beats the juror..what a bad bad movie
Vanilla sky wasnt that bad its just a shame Tom cruise was lead, it had a cracking soundtrack and was originally based off a Spanish version of the movie.
We’re discussing the BEST cinema, not the WORST
Eric, it’s a shame Tom Cruise is cast in any film. Between himself and Sylvester Stallone, they just can’t help but interfere with the script.
My Sitting Room will do just fine : I remember a time when u wud only go to the Cinema when u were broke : it’s way to expensive nowadays .
The screen cinema is the best there is. I think what makes it so pleasant is the staff. Especially that Adam guy.
God that guys a dick
Phoenix Cinema in Dingle and the IFI in Dublin.
The Light House is the best cinema not only in Dublin but possibly in the world. A tall person can actually fit in the seats without discomfort. The design and ambience are great. Patrons are well behaved. You can also hang out there and get a drink/coffee/food, and even bring a drink into the cinema. There are baby-friendly screenings for people who can’t leave the kid at home. It’s a wonderful place.
The Carlton cinema on O Connell St was my favourite as they showed Hamner House of Horror films
Savoy cinema, especially screen one. Feels like a proper cinema unlike the multiplexes and isn’t full of unsupervised, screaming kids running crazy, kicking seats and throwing things at you. The people viewing the movies are actually interested in watching them as opposed to talking, using phones etc and the tickets are a more reasonable price.
I love it when someone burps loudly during a quiet/emotional/climactic part in a movie.
Happened during The Town and it made that movie for me.
Am surprised no one has mentioned the cinema in Greystones for the sake of nostalgia! I loved it.
Stillorgan and Odeon in point village,they are always nearly empty….oops thats not good right?
Showtime Cinema in Limerick is my favorite and closest, has digital screens.
Bit chilly in there last week though.
The Phoenix Cinema in Dingle. Gold.
And not only has the Phoenix helped welcomed the likes of Gabriel Byrne, Saiorse Ronan, Sarah Miles. Stephen Frears and many more to the Dingle International Film Festival, it provides tea and biscuits at the weekly Tuesday night Film Club.
Cineworld and IFI in City Centre Dublin. Even though the ticket and food counter in Dundrum is very badly laid out, the cinema is quite nice. Comfy seats.
The Lighthouse,smithfield
There’s no question. The old Ormonde cinema in Greystones. Scene of the most famous anti-obscenity protest in history.
Swan Centre Rathmines. Not sure if its all the screens or just the one i was in recently (upstairs) but dead comfy seats made for an enjoyable visit. Ireland lacks the cinema experience you get in the UK with the likes of the Everyman and Ritz cinemas where its like a pub/cinema club experience. Definitely a gap in the market there.
Definitely Bray. Delighted you mentioned it!
The Stella in Rathmines…
Dara 2 for the win
I wonder if anyone knows that Ireland at one time had more cinemas per head of population then anywhere else in the world.
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned The Adelphi cinema. I loved the entrance with all of the white light bulbs from the canopy outside. Very old – school Hollywood in Dublin City Centre.
Now I like the Showtime Cinema in Ashbourne as the seats are so comfortable and the cinema is clean and the screens are really good.
Loved the Savoy in Kilkenny, a bit of a run down kip, where legend had it that down stairs you had to wear bicycle clips to keep vermin from running up your trousers leg, but I still have fond memories of getting an apple and a pack of taytos and being introduced to those wonderful Clint Eastwood westerns. Last film I saw there was The Shinning. After much renovation it is now the fantastic Warergate Theatre.
Fair dues to the Lighthouse for going for the comp and it’s a great cinema but this their competition the Everyman chain and they’re fricking nice – http://www.everymancinema.com/cinemas/hampstead/gallery
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