Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

Police face-off with pro-Palestinian students after destroying part of the encampment barricade on the campus of the University of California

US universities - a battleground in culture wars

The combination of police clearances, inter-factional violence in Los Angeles, politicians weighing in and the end of the academic term suggests it may well be - at least in its current phase.

US • 04 May 24

School shootings happened before Columbine, but they were rare, and usually had few casualties

Columbine and a quarter-century of US school shootings

The frequency of US school shootings has increased since the Columbine High School massacre. On the 25th anniversary of the shooting, the question remains if enough is being done to protect children from gun violence.

Analysis and Comment • 22 Apr 24

Mr Biden and Ms Harris at a campaign rally to Restore Roe in January (File image)

Abortion front and centre in US presidential election

The issue of abortion is becoming an increasingly sticky topic for Donald Trump on the run up to the US presidential election as the Democrats attempt to capitalise on his inconclusive stance.

Analysis and Comment • 15 Apr 24

Trump senses which way wind blowing when it comes to Gaza

Donald Trump is pretty good at sensing which way the wind is blowing and has, for the second time in as many weeks, come out with some strong criticism of a country he has, up until now, been incredibly strongly behind.

Analysis and Comment • 08 Apr 24

Marcin Pieciak did not appear in court today

Man formally indicted over killing of Sarah McNally

In New York, a man has been formally indicted by a Grand Jury over the killing of Longford woman Sarah McNally.

World • 05 Apr 24

NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels on the 75th anniversary of the alliance

NATO turns 75 with plenty ahead to justify its existence

On the 75th anniversary of the creation of NATO, its leaders are discussing the next 75 years of the alliance and stepping up military spending to levels not seen since the Cold War.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Apr 24

Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton on stage at the Radio City Music Hall in New York

Race for the White House hangs in the balance

Thursday night's Democratic Party fundraiser for Joe Biden's re-election campaign was notable for three reasons: party unity, with three Presidents on one stage; the amount of money it raised; and the intrusion of Gaza protests.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Apr 24

The concrete pylons that supported the main span of the bridge jut from the water like a few broken fence posts

Effects of US bridge collapse will be felt for long time

The effects of the Baltimore bridge collapse are going to be felt for a long time to come, writes Washington Correspondent Seán Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 27 Mar 24

The Taoiseach was responding to Mr Netanyahu's claim on that Israel had greatly expanded the delivery of food aid into Gaza

Netanyahu not telling truth about Gaza aid - Taoiseach

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau is not telling the truth about aid deliveries to Gaza.

Ireland • 18 Mar 24

The meetings marked the centenary year of US-Irish diplomatic relations

Irish-US meetings: Different but similar messages on Gaza

Gaza was supposed to overshadow Leo Varadkar's trip to Washington. There was talk of hard conversations, of putting it up to the Americans. In the end, there was little or no conflict - instead a great deal of consensus.

Analysis and Comment • 18 Mar 24