Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

The US budget row that's not about the budget

As the US government is mostly in shutdown because the fiscal appropriation authority has not been passed in the US Senate, Sean Whelan looks at what might play out next.

Analysis and Comment • 06 Oct

Donald Trump (L) greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House

Hamas given a take-it-or-leave-it offer by US

Now it's over to Hamas, who have been given a take-it-or-leave-it that some are already calling a surrender document, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 30 Sep

Ireland to ratify CETA trade deal next year - Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ireland will fully ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada by next summer, following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

World • 25 Sep

EU ministers call for vote on suspension of Israeli trade

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has joined the foreign ministers of Belgium, Slovenia, Spain and Luxembourg in calling for an urgent vote in the European Council on suspending parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement.

Middle East • 24 Sep

EU and Trump could work together to end Gaza war - Harris

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has said that the EU and President Trump could both work to put pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

World • 22 Sep

OREM, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 11: A memorial is growing at Timpanogos Regional Hospital on September 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah, where Charlie Kirk was taken yesterday after being shot. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour”

Charlie Kirk killing ignites bitter free speech debate

Southwestern Utah is a beautiful part of the world. Edging towards the Grand Canyon and Arizona beyond, the scenery is spectacular.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Sep

Supporters gather outside of Timpanogos Regional Hospital to mourn Charlie Kirk who was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University

Void in MAGA movement after leading light Kirk shot dead

A generation of young Americans is left to process what has happened to one of their big political figures after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah, writes Sean Whelan

Analysis and Comment • 11 Sep

A National Guard unit patrols the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Crime numbers disputed as National Guard deployed to DC

Analysis and Comment • 02 Sep

Donald Trump waves from the door of a plane

For 'the closer' to close, an EU-US deal needs sweetening

It was Ursula von der Leyen's late afternoon social media post that confirmed a deal is on, writes Washington Correspondent Sean Whelan.

US • 28 Jul

Undated handout photo issued by US Department of Justice of Jeffrey Epstein

The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein

The big revelation from the second Trump administration about the Epstein files is that there is nothing to reveal. And too many of the punters just don't buy it.

Analysis and Comment • 21 Jul