Sandra Hurley

Political Reporter

Composite image showing Irish presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly

5 key takeaways from first head-to-head debate

With just two candidates left in the race, this was the first opportunity for a head-to-head debate between Independent Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime programme.

Presidential Election • 09 Oct

Presidential Election upended by Jim Gavin's statement

This shock development leaves the Fianna Fáil Presidential Election strategy in tatters, writes Sandra Hurley.

Analysis and Comment • 06 Oct

Budget to include VAT cut for new build apartments

A VAT cut for new build apartments looks set to be introduced in the Budget in a bid to kickstart the building of stalled schemes.

Budget 2026 • 05 Oct

VAT cut for hospitality industry from next July

The hospitality industry will benefit from a VAT cut next year, it is understood, as the measure has now been agreed as part of Tuesday's Budget.

Budget 2026 • 04 Oct

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly speaking at a podium

Unacceptable that person's privacy 'invaded' - Connolly

Independent TD Catherine Connolly has said it is unacceptable that a person's privacy has been invaded in what she said was a disrespectful manner as part of an attempt to damage a presidential candidate.

Presidential Election • 04 Oct

Composite shot of heather humphreys catherine connolly and jim gavin

What's at stake for the three presidential campaigns?

There are just under three weeks to go in the Presidential Election, as campaign teams take stock this weekend.

Presidential Election • 06 Oct

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly speaks to Claire Byrne on the Today progamme

Woman with criminal conviction 'was perfect for job'

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has defended her attempt to hire a woman with a criminal conviction saying she was "absolutely perfect" for the job.

Presidential Election • 02 Oct

Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman described the current administration as a 'do nothing Government' (File pic)

Greens propose free public transport for all under 12s

The Green Party has called for an extension of free public transport to all children under 12 as well as a permanent basic income scheme for artists as part of its Budget 2026 proposals.

Budget 2026 • 02 Oct

Connolly doorstep at government buildings

US is an imperial power adding to volatility - Connolly

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has described America as an "imperial power" contributing to current volatility.

Politics • 25 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