Paul Cunningham

Political Correspondent

Follow@RTENewsPaulC

President Catherine Connolly inspects a guard of honour following her inauguration at Dublin Castle

Catherine Connolly becomes tenth President of Ireland

Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as Ireland's 10th President at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

Ireland • 12 Nov 25

A yellow crane looming over an almost complete apartment building site surrounded by scaffolding

Govt's National Housing Plan to be published on Thursday

The Government's long-awaited National Housing Plan is expected to be published on Thursday morning, and provide the overall framework for housing over the next five years and beyond.

Ireland • 10 Nov 25

FF needs to 'reconnect' with young people, says Kelleher

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said his party needs to "reconnect and re-engage" with young people, given it is facing "a demographic cliff-edge when it comes to membership, activists and voters".

Ireland • 10 Nov 25

The issue caught fire the previous week due to comments made by the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris

Can there be a calm debate on Ireland's migration policy?

Can there be a calm, open and honest debate on Ireland's migration policy in the Oireachtas, as the Government says it wants, asks Paul Cunningham.

Analysis and Comment • 09 Nov 25

Review of Fianna Fáil's Áras campaign may be delayed

Fianna Fáil has signalled that an independent review into its failed presidential campaign may not be finalised by the agreed deadline of next Wednesday.

Ireland • 08 Nov 25

David Cullinane holds a paper as he speaks in the Dail chamber

High rents, energy bills hitting households, says SF

High rents, rising insurance costs and soaring energy bills are all hitting households, the Dáil has heard.

Politics • 05 Nov 25

Poll suggests rise in support for SF as FG and FF drops

Sinn Féin is the most popular party in the country, a Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll has suggested.

Politics • 02 Nov 25

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 25

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 25

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 25