Paul Cunningham

Political Correspondent

Ireland's participation in UNIFIL dates back to 1978

UN Security Council vote on Lebanon peacekeepers delayed

An expected UNSC vote on the future of the blue helmet peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon, which has faced US and Israeli opposition, has been pushed back as negotiations continue.

World • 26 Aug

Image shows a table setting at a restaurant

Government considers delaying hospitality VAT reduction

The Government is considering whether it should delay introducing a VAT reduction for the hospitality sector until the middle of next year.

Politics • 24 Jul

€2bn retrofitting commitment under review, dept says

A commitment given by the last government to spend €2bn retrofitting residential homes by the year 2030 is now under review by Minister for Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien.

Politics • 24 Jul

Tánaiste holds talks over Lebanon peacekeeping renewal

Tánaiste Simon Harris has held talks with UN and EU counterparts about the vital need to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.

Ireland • 18 Jul

Ibec: Ban on services from occupied territories difficult

Employers' group Ibec has warned that it would be "incredibly difficult" for businesses to implement a ban on services coming from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Politics • 17 Jul

The UNIFIL mandate is due to come up for renewal at the UN headquarters in New York next month (stock image)

Poland confirms 'full support' for Lebanon peace mission

Poland has confirmed its "full support" for the continuation of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, where it provides a mechanised Infantry Company to cooperate with Irish blue helmets.

Politics • 16 Jul

Image of Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the press

Govt intends to throw 'families under the bus' - McDonald

Runaway prices are worrying households as the Government refuses to include a cost-of-living package in the next Budget, the Sinn Féin Leader has said.

Politics • 16 Jul

The Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has been scrutinising the Bill

Pointed and combative language as OTB before committee

Delegates from the Ireland Israel Alliance were before the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, along with representatives of Ireland's Jewish community to explain their stance on the Occupied Territories Bill.

Analysis and Comment • 16 Jul

Tanaiste Simon Harris speaks to media outside Government Buildings before this morning's meeting of the Cabinet. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

EU 'shown considerable restraint' over US tariffs threats

The Tánaiste has said that the EU has "shown considerable restraint" in responding to Donald Trump's tariffs threats and remains focussed on preventing an outcome that "will be deeply detrimental to both the EU and US".

Politics • 16 Jul

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe speaking in the Dáil on the 15th of July 2025

ISIF divested all Israeli bonds in past weeks, Dáil told

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund has divested itself of all Israeli bonds in the past number of weeks, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has told the Dáil.

Politics • 16 Jul