Paul Cunningham

Political Correspondent

Mary Lou McDonald and Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly hugging at the party’s Building for Unity national conference

'Gamechanger proved to be a gamechanger' - McDonald

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said "the gamechanger proved to be a gamechanger", regarding the party's decision to back Catherine Connolly in the Presidential Election.

Presidential Election • 26 Oct

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly arriving at Dublin Castle for the count at Dublin Caste in Ireland's presidential election to replace Michael D Higgins, who has served the maximum two seven-year terms. Picture date: Saturday October 25, 2025.

Will the left-wing political collective stick together?

Politicians from the left-wing parties gathered to mark Catherine Connolly's elevation to Áras an Uachtaráin after her election win, but can the collective replicate the cohesion in a General Election and put both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of office?

Analysis and Comment • 25 Oct

The free travel pass would be valid for three months from the day it was issued (stock image)

Bill on free travel for domestic violence victims debated

The Government has been criticised for delaying the introduction of a Social Democrats bill which seeks to establish a free travel scheme for victims of domestic violence.

Ireland • 22 Oct

Composite image of Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys arriving to Prime Time debate

Connolly increases lead in Áras race, poll suggests

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly has increased her lead in the Presidential Election, a new Business Post/Red C poll suggests.

Presidential Election • 22 Oct

Debate topics reflect campaign as election draws closer

The issues raised in last night's Prime Time 70-minute debate are in many ways the themes of the entire Presidential Election campaign, as Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys were quizzed on a number of topics.

Presidential Election • 22 Oct

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly

Connolly accused of double standards over barrister role

The Fine Gael candidate for the Presidency has once again accused her opponent of double standards for representing banks as a barrister in repossession cases while criticising them as an elected representative.

Presidential Election • 20 Oct

A photo of Aras an Uachtarain, with the Irish flag above and blue skies

Nothing taken for granted in final push towards the Áras

It's been yet another Presidential Election campaign with both shocks and surprises and while the opinion polls may suggest a clear result, campaigners are taking nothing for granted, writes Paul Cunningham.

Presidential Election • 20 Oct

A composite photo of Heather Humphreys on the left and Catherine Connolly on the right

FG's Heather Humphreys defends record on disability issue

Fine Gael Presidential Election candidate Heather Humphreys has defended her record on the issue of disability.

Presidential Election • 20 Oct

composite image of heather humphreys and catherine connolly in the morning ireland studio

Sticky moments as Syria, O'Farrell case raised in debate

The two Presidential candidates clashed over the cost-of-living, housing and migration in the latest election debate, with a couple of sticky moments too, writes Paul Cunningham.

Presidential Election • 17 Oct

Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking in the Dáil

Dáil passes Harris confidence motion by 94 votes to 65

The Government motion of confidence in Simon Harris was passed after 94 TDs voted in favour and 65 against.

Politics • 16 Oct