Sandra Hurley

Political Reporter

Mary Lou McDonald with her party colleagues at the official announcement of the new Sinn Féin front bench (RollingNews)

After a disappointing election can Sinn Féin bounce back?

Sinn Féin will mount a "formidable opposition" according to leader Mary Lou McDonald, but in the aftermath of a disappointing general election, what will the party do next?

Politics • 28 Jan 25

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan speaking outside of Leinster House earlier this month

Soc Dems meet with FG as Labour ends govt formation talks

The Social Democrats met with Fine Gael for exploratory talks on housing, climate and disability as the Labour Party said it has withdrawn from government formation talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Politics • 19 Dec 24

What will happen on the first day of the new Dáil?

The 34th Dáil convenes this morning for its first sitting since the election. A total of 174 TDs will gather at Leinster House, including 66 newly elected deputies. So what happens on the first day?

Politics • 18 Dec 24

Deputy Eoin Hayes (C) was suspended from the Social Democrats

Gloss comes off Social Democrats' election success

The gloss has gone off the Social Democrats with one of its new TDs overboard before the Dáil even meets for the first time.

Analysis and Comment • 14 Dec 24

Tánaiste Micheál Martin will seek approval for Ireland to intervene in two cases before the International Court of Justice

Government approves Irish intervention in ICJ cases

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has secured Government approval for Ireland to intervene in two cases currently before the International Court of Justice, at the Cabinet's first meeting since the General Election.

Politics • 11 Dec 24

Eoin Hayes was elected in the Dublin Bay South constituency in the recent General Election

Hayes to sit as independent after suspension by Soc Dems

Newly elected Dublin Bay South TD Eoin Hayes has been suspended from the Social Democrats' parliamentary party with immediate effect.

Politics • 11 Dec 24

Despite all the contact over the past week on Government formation, all the meetings have been described as 'preliminary chats'

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael consider their options for govt

Following a week of posturing, the business of government formation begins in earnest next week.

Analysis and Comment • 07 Dec 24

Many of the Independents are already organising into groups ahead of Government formation talks

Independents move centre stage in Govt formation talks

The Dáil's 16 independents are feeling the love right now as they move centre stage in government formation talks, writes Sandra Hurley

Election 24 • 09 Dec 24

Paul Lawless will join party leader Peadar Tóibín in the Dáil

Aontú wins second seat as Lawless joins Tóibín in Dáil

Aontú has returned a second TD for the first time with the election of Paul Lawless in Mayo. He will join party leader Peadar Tóibín in the Dáil, who has been elected again in Meath West.

Election 24 • 01 Dec 24

Decisions ahead for Soc Dems and Labour leadership

Labour and the Social Democrats have both had a good election and could end up with around ten seats each - next they will grappling with whether to go into Government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and if so, on what terms.

Election 24 • 01 Dec 24