Mícheál Lehane of RTÉ's Political Staff gives his take on some of the key issues ahead of the looming election.
On Topic
Political debates can be a mixture of theatre and point-scoring exercises – but underpinning them are the policies of the parties. At least that is the theory.
Here is what we heard about those key issues at the RTÉ Leaders' Debate at the University of Limerick.
A long time in politics
The road to the General Election has been long, with plenty of speculation for much of last year about a November 2015 date.
Take a look back at all of the major political developments of 2015 in this monthly review.
Politics 2015: The good, the bad and the ugly
Labour Pains
After winning 37 seats five years ago, all forecasts and predictions point to numerous Labour seat losses in Election 2016.
Is there is a point when a depleted Labour Party should reconsider going into government?
BaIancing act
Even the most optimistic on the Government side will concede that numbers are likely to be very tight when the time comes to form the next administration. That’s good news for Independent TDs.
A certain understanding exists now between the outgoing Government parties and a small number of Independents about how the days after the election might possibly pan out.
So who are the potential kingmakers who could shape the next Dáil?
