The US President’s fist-bump with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah during the week was met with derision by both his domestic allies and foes

The participation of some of golf’s biggest names in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf event has thrown the administration of professional golf into turmoil

From elite-level golf to the 2022 World Cup finals, Middle Eastern oil money is altering the parameters of global sport like never before, despite the best efforts of activists to draw attention to the often brutal realities behind the curtain. Will the sheer weight of cash be sufficient to fool enough of the people, all of the time?

The government acted swiftly and forcefully after Russia invaded Ukraine, but Ireland continues to develop trade links with countries like Saudi Arabia and China, which stand accused of grave human rights abuses. Experts say it’s time we started to question this approach, but any change would have major economic consequences

The Dublin Airport Authority last week celebrated winning a five-year contract with Saudi Arabia, a country notorious for its poor human rights record

Ministers must not be afraid to ask awkward questions of repressive regimes

Tánaiste led Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia and pledged to “deepen ties” with the state, which executed 81 men last week

The country has a dire human rights record and is using its wealth in a bid to launder its reputation

The deletion of ‘at least’ gives some certainty for the future but while a higher corporation tax rate might not deter major international firms from locating here, they may have other questions about the reliability of electricity supply and potential planning issues