Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump as he arrives to speak at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show

Trump returns to Butler seeking bounce as election looms

It always seemed that the greatest risk to human life at the Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds would come from a roof giving way under the weight of Secret Service agents stationed on them, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 08 Oct 24

The two candidates mostly stuck to their designated roles, of being the surrogates for Trump and Harris

VP debate a cordial affair unlikely to move the needle

A VP debate built up as two attack dogs going at each other turned out to be something not seen for a while at the top level of US politics - an old-fashioned affair in which two politicians talked about policy in a polite and civil way and didn't insult one another, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Oct 24

Simon Harris and Mahmoud Abbas met on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York

Taoiseach pledges to advocate for Palestinian recognition

The Taoiseach has told President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas that he will continue to speak out for Palestine in the EU and other international forums, and urge other countries to recognise the state of Palestine.

Middle East • 25 Sep 24

Meryl Streep was speaking at 'The Inclusion of Women in the Future of Afghanistan' event

Squirrels have 'more rights' than Afghan girls - Streep

Meryl Streep is one of Hollywood's greatest actors - but at the United Nations she is lending her voice to Afghanistan's women - denied the right to speak out publicly, or do much else by the Taliban.

World • 24 Sep 24

The Department said it is working to confirm the accuracy of reports about cargo alleged to have been on board the flights (Stock pic)

Airlines flying arms in airspace may be refused - Martin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said companies that fly munitions through Irish sovereign airspace that do not abide by regulations may be refused flight permission in future.

Ireland • 23 Sep 24

Kamala Harris crossed the stage to where Donald Trump was standing, her arm stretched out almost demanding the handshake

Trump gets distracted as Harris goads, picks and provokes

For several weeks now, virtually every political pundit here has been offering the same analysis of what Kamala Harris would have to do to if she was to stand any chance against Donald Trump in the presidential debate: She would have to provoke him into an outburst of angry, intemperate rhetoric.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Sep 24

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris will face each other in a TV debate this week

Debate could prove vital in tight US Presidential race

The US Presidential election has come down to a "game of inches", with both candidates hoping to land a spectacular score on their opponent and establish themselves as the top quarterback for the nation, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 10 Sep 24

The sculpture combines a Celtic trinity shape intertwined with a heart

Choctaw Nation unveils 'eternal' sculpture to Ireland

Choctaw tribal members, tribal leaders and dignitaries from Oklahoma and Ireland have gathered at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, to unveil a new sculpture honouring the Choctaw-Irish connection.

US • 01 Sep 24

Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination from US President Joe Biden this week

Irish-American issues feature in busy US politics week

Another wild week in American politics - this one with Irish-American bookends.

Analysis and Comment • 25 Aug 24

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both appealing to middle-income earners

Harris and Trump push populism to target middle America

Kamala Harris is vulnerable on the cost of living. As an incumbent politician, she owns the nasty price rises that have racked the US over the past three and a bit years. That's the way it goes in politics.

Analysis and Comment • 18 Aug 24