Sean Whelan

London Correspondent

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage poses to show off his socks as he visits a polling station in Walton-on-the-Naze

Reform UK arrives as major force in British politics

The counting has barely started, but the spinning is already in overdrive, with the political consequences already clear, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 08 May

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a statement in number 10 Downing Street

'Starmergeddon' fears as UK's Labour faces tough night

Such is the electoral kicking the UK Prime Minister and his Labour Party is expected to receive on Thursday night that it has attracted its own nickname: "Starmergeddon".

Analysis and Comment • 04 May

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer making a statement in the House of Commons, London, on security vetting

Starmer avoids parliament investigation over Mandelson

The former chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blamed Peter Mandelson for not telling the full truth about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his appointment as Ambassador to the US.

UK • 28 Apr

a view from behind donald trump as he makes a speech

Time will tell if Trump's message of unity hit the mark

Despite its near two-hour length, this State of the Union was one of President Donald Trump's most focused, most tightly scripted and well delivered speeches.

US • 26 Feb

Once suppressed, now celebrated - Choctaw stickball

It's a bit like hurling, and used to result in riots - now the Choctaw sport of stickball is enjoying a renaissance

Nationwide • 18 Feb

Wreath laying ceremony in Washington, DC, at the grave of John F Kennedy

Irish contribution to US presidency celebrated

The contribution of Ireland to the United States has been marked by wreath laying ceremonies in Washington, DC, at the grave of John F Kennedy.

US • 17 Feb

US can't take their eyes off 'boring' Epstein trainwreck

Jeffrey Epstein is boring, according to President Donald Trump. Not for the first time, the US leader has suggested there are more important things to pay attention to, writes Washington Correspondent Sean Whelan.

US • 15 Feb

Huge haul of powerful figures caught up in Epstein's net

They were all there. A glittering occasion in the Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Jeffrey Epstein was there too. Not to be honoured, but just to be there. Epstein had flown into Dublin on his private jet - at that stage the Boeing 727 that came to be known as the 'Lolita Express'.

Analysis and Comment • 09 Feb

Helen McEntee speaks to press prior to EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

McEntee discusses Digital Services Act with US officials

The Digital Services Act and its implementation in Ireland and the EU was discussed in a meeting between US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Minster for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee.

Europe • 05 Feb

Comedy writer and journalist Graham Linehan testifies on "Europe's Threat to American Speech and Innovation" at the US Capitol

Linehan among critics in US of EU Digital Services Act

There has been criticism of the European Union's Digital Services Act at a committee hearing in the United States.

US • 05 Feb