Mary Lou McDonald | Business Post

Analysis: Government will survive no confidence vote, but it has a precarious grasp on power

Coalition is vulnerable if divisive issues become the subject of Dáil votes in the months and years ahead

Michael Brennan: Frustration for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as Sinn Féin continues on record high

Struggling to grapple with the housing, health and cost of living crises, the coalition parties are watching Mary Lou McDonald steal their thunder on the issues of the day

Northern Ireland

Elaine Byrne: Derry Girls was a window on the North for unsuspecting British viewers

As we bask in the warm afterglow of the now-concluded Derry Girls, it’s important to remember that Lisa McGee’s comedy served up more than laughs for many British viewers

Analysis: How Sinn Féin is dominating among younger and middle-aged voters

The latest Business Post/Red C poll suggests that Irish politics is now poised for a further shift away from what was once called ‘civil war politics’

McDonald warns of ‘damaging cliff edges in response to climate change

The Sinn Féin leader set out her party’s stall on energy issues at the Business Post National Energy Summit

RTÉ signals intent to fight McDonald defamation case

The Sinn Féin leader is taking legal action against the national broadcaster over a Morning Ireland interview about handling of sexual abuse allegations

Sinn Féin records highest ever level of support in a Red C poll

Mary Lou McDonald’s party is benefiting from the cost of living crisis, and the recent controversy over plans to ban the sale of turf in urban areas, registering its highest ever rating in a Red C poll, while Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil remain well behind

Matt Cooper: McDonagh’s departure from BoI brings bankers’ pay back into focus

If politicians insist that the bank’s new boss is paid a maximum of €500,000, the share price will likely fall further and Irish pension funds may suffer

Fine Gael drops to new low of 19% as its core support feels the pinch

Leo Varadkar’s party is losing support among the ‘squeezed middle’ as the cost of living crisis begins to bite

Political leaders united as they condemn Putin’s aggression

Taoiseach says Russian president is a thug who has committed war crimes

John Walsh: Proposal to cut working hours has dealt public sector reform a fresh blow

A seemingly irreversible agreement made during the bailout to improve public sector productivity has been thrown out in a move that demonstrates the difficulties of implementing real reform

Matt Cooper: Clock is ticking on whether all the Six Nations games will be held in England

With restrictions on attendances in Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and France not wanting any visitors travelling from England at all – playing all the matches in England in full capacity stadiums might seem attractive. But would it be like Cheltenham 2020 all over again, only worse?

Climate, Covid and controversy: the political year that was

From state of the nation addresses to Northern Ireland protocol angst, from mica compensation to the Climate Action Plan, it’s been a busy 12 months in the corridors of power

Mary Lou McDonald interview: ‘I’m not one bit presumptuous about Sinn Féin’s automatic ascent to power’

The Sinn Féin leader’s prospects of becoming the first ever female taoiseach are looking increasingly good, but she is adamant that she won’t take the result of the next general election for granted

Pat Rabbitte: Martin has shown resilience in this crisis without a roadmap

Micheál Martin has endured a true annus horribilis, but he has held firm through the rapidly shifting, unpredictable circumstances of his time in office

How Ireland Inc is changing tack as Sinn Féin’s path to power opens up

Lobbyists for commercial interests which might have avoided contact with the party in the past are now pursuing it, anticipating it playing a lead role in the next government

Sinn Féin leader drives home point over ‘Cuckoo fund roadshow’

Mary Lou McDonald accuses the government of cosying up to institutional investors in the housing market

Sinn Féin ends opposition to juryless courts with landmark vote

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald tells ard fheis that the change in policy is a new way for courts to tackle criminal gangs

Susan O’Keeffe: Sinn Féin ready to turn the screw on weakened coalition

Expect to see the parliamentary party’s pace and tempo rise in this next Dáil session as its derives new confidence from being top of the polls

Analysis: Can Sinn Féin really deliver on the many promises it makes?

Some may cheer the utopia set out by Mary Lou McDonald’s party, while others will question the viability of its policies