Joe Mag Raollaigh

Political Coverage Editor

Political necessity trumped wider view on Mercosur deal

As farmers head towards a national rally in Athlone, Opposition TDs, including rally organisers Independent Ireland, are limbering up to fight the Mercosur deal and the Government they accuse of not doing enough to oppose it.

Analysis and Comment • 10 Jan

Law being drafted to remove Dublin Airport passenger cap

Legislation is being drafted by the Government to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, the Taoiseach has said.

Dublin • 08 Jan

A man stands on a metal fence looking at cattle

Ireland, France to vote against EU-Mercosur trade deal

The Government has confirmed that Ireland will vote tomorrow against the Mercosur free trade agreement between the European Union and a number of South American countries.

Politics • 09 Jan

Senior FF TDs reject 'top-down autocratic style' politics

Fianna Fáil TDs Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Willie O'Dea and Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher have issued a statement following Tuesday's Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting that discussed the report into the party's disastrous presidential election campaign.

Politics • 19 Dec 25

Taoiseach pays tribute following death of Máirín Quill

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute following the death of former Cork North Central TD, Máirín Quill.

Munster • 18 Dec 25

Adult red fox Vulpes vulpes in the autumn forest, natural habitat environment, Wild Ireland

Bill to ban fox hunting defeated in Dáil

The bill to ban fox hunting in Ireland, proposed by People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, has been defeated in the Dáil.

Politics • 17 Dec 25

State takes delivery of new €53 million Government jet

The State has taken delivery of a new €53 million Government jet that will be able to transport ministers to destinations across the globe.

Ireland • 16 Dec 25

The proposed changes will put a public interest of common good test at the centre of the process of judicial reviews

Cabinet to consider new laws over judicial reviews

The Cabinet will be asked to approve the drafting of new laws that will give effect to changes to the way judicial reviews are utilised.

Politics • 16 Dec 25

Gavin was asked five times about tenant dispute - review

Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate Jim Gavin was asked five times about a reference to a dispute with a tenant, including twice before he was selected, according to the party's review into the campaign.

Politics • 17 Dec 25

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has outlined a €1.7 billion defence spending plan that will run until 2030.

Defence spending takes centre stage as weak links exposed

The Government's €1.7bn defence spending plan, announced this week, comes at a time when there is a widespread perception that Ireland lags far behind its neighbours when it comes to defence and security, writes Joe Mag Raollaigh.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Dec 25