Mícheál Lehane

Political Correspondent

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

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

€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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Composite image of Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, Heather Humphrey

Connolly, Humphreys, and Gavin confirmed in race for Áras

There will be three candidates running in the Presidential election, following the closing of nominations earlier today. Independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys will be on the ballot come polling day, after nominations closed at midday.

Presidential Election • 25 Sep