Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Former RTÉ journalist Ciaran Mullooly pictured at the Midlands-North-West count centre

Mullooly set to join EU's Renew grouping

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly is expected to formally join the Renew group in the European Parliament within the next week, following the endorsement of a key figure within the liberal grouping.

Politics • 02 Jul 24

Ursula von der Leyen is set for a second term as Commission president

Perilous charm offensive ahead for Von der Leyen

Despite the far right and hard right gains in the European elections, EU leaders have this week steered the European project away from the shoals with their handling of the top jobs.

Europe • 29 Jun 24

Simon Harris: "We're delighted to have her here in Ireland but she did take a pebble from a beach in Greystones"

Simon Harris has a 'bone to pick' with Taylor Swift

The Taoiseach Simon Harris says he has a "bone to pick" with Taylor Swift ahead of her Dublin concerts over her song lyrics about taking a pebble from a Wicklow beach.

Music • 28 Jun 24

The Taoiseach said the price of the TV licence fee could fall, depending on the method of collection

Govt keeping options open on RTÉ funding

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that if the Government chooses a new licence fee model to fund RTÉ, the price of the licence could fall depending on the method of collection.

Ireland • 28 Jun 24

Ursula von der Leyen needs the support of a majority in the European Parliament and there are indications that she may struggle to win enough votes

Harris to 'engage' with Irish MEPs on von der Leyen vote

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will be "engaging" with Irish MEPs ahead of a key vote to confirm Ursula von der Leyen's second term as European Commission President after she was nominated last night by a majority of EU leaders.

Politics • 28 Jun 24

The ruling by the ECJ could have far-reaching implications for the granting of refugee status where female applicants are at risk of persecution in their home countries (file pic)

ECJ case over refugee status for female asylum seekers

The European Court of Justice has ruled that refugee status may be granted to female asylum seekers who have, over time, adopted the values of equality between men and women in their EU host countries.

Europe • 11 Jun 24

A man, who was taking part in a traditional parade, voting in Belgium yesterday

European elections 2024: What happens next?

The results are still coming in from across Europe, but a relatively clear picture is emerging.

Elections 2024 • 12 Jun 24

A ballot box being emptied in Madrid as vote counting got under way in the European elections in Spain

Far-right gains in EU election as France calls snap vote

Across Europe far right parties have made gains in the elections at the expense of mainstream parties, particularly in France and Germany.

Elections 2024 • 10 Jun 24

Archbishop Eamon Martin, left, and Archbishop John McDowell attended the D-Day prayer service in Normandy

Tributes paid to Irish chaplains at D-Day prayer service

The Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops have held a joint commemoration in Normandy, France, for two chaplains, one from Belfast, the other from Co Roscommon, who both served on the beaches during D-Day 80 years ago.

Ireland • 07 Jun 24

Supermac's in 2017 had filed an application for revocation of the Big Mac trademark in relation to certain goods and services (File image)

Supermac's wins Big Mac trademark case with McDonald's

The General Court of the European Court of Justice has upheld a complaint by the Irish fast-food company Supermac's against the global giant McDonald's in a long-running dispute over the use of the "Big Mac" trademark.

Business • 05 Jun 24