Mícheál Lehane

Political Correspondent

Budget 2026: €10 rise in pension, welfare rates expected

A €10 increase in the State pension and Social Protection rates is expected in today's Budget. The Budget will also see mortgage interest relief, which has benefitted more than 60,000 householders, extended for another year before being gradually phased out in 2027.

Budget 2026 • 07 Oct 25

Micheál Martin stands alongside Jim Gavin who is waving

Fianna Fáil in crisis as Gavin exits presidential race

Jim Gavin's departure from this election left many in Fianna Fáil stunned last night but tellingly the party leader said it was the correct decision.

Analysis and Comment • 06 Oct 25

Shot of Heather Humphreys, Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin in the RTÉ studio

5 key takeaways from the latest presidential debate

After the second debate of the Presidential Election campaign, Michéal Lehane takes a look at the key talking points.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Oct 25

€2.5bn cost of living package in SF alternative budget

Sinn Féin has launched its alternative budget, entitled 'End The Rip-Off', which includes a €2.5 billion cost of living package.

Budget 2026 • 02 Oct 25

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan was questioned in the Dáil about the C&AG report (File image)

Govt accused of incompetence over IPAS overpayments

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said he has renegotiated more than 100 contracts and terminated 12 contracts for International Protection Accommodation Centres.

Politics • 01 Oct 25

Gavin campaign deletes photo with Defence Forces chief

A photo of the Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Rossa Mulcahy was deleted this evening from Mr Gavin's social media campaign platforms.

Presidential Election • 02 Oct 25

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald speaks during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil

SF leader criticises €100k tender for bike shed at NMH

The Sinn Féin leader has raised the spending of public money during Leaders' Questions and accused the Government of throwing away millions of euro.

Politics • 30 Sep 25

The OPW has insisted that the €180,000 price tag covers the project in its entirety

Leinster House access works set to cost €180,000

Works to ensure all visitors to Leinster House are able to access the building independently are set to cost €180,000.

Politics • 29 Sep 25

Gavin says vision to ensure everyone has voice in society

Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin has said his vision is to ensure that every person from every section of society has a voice.

Presidential Election • 28 Sep 25

Presidential candidate Jim Gavin addresses journalists outside the Fianna Fail's parliamentary party annual think-in in Cork

Stakes are high for Gavin on campaign launch day

There are some august former high-ranking members of the Defence Forces who without much prompting will talk at length about Jim Gavin's leadership qualities, writes Political Correspondent Mícheál Lehane.

Presidential Election • 28 Sep 25