Fine Gael leads political pack as independents surge in the latest poll

Fine Gael leads political pack as independents surge in the latest poll

According to The Journal, a fresh Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll shows Fine Gael maintaining its position as the potential largest party in the next Dáil, with newly appointed Taoiseach Simon Harris’s party commanding 25% of voter support. In a surprising twist, independent candidates have emerged as major players, seeing their support jump by four points … Read more

Ireland braces for winter chill after balmy November days

Ireland braces for winter chill after balmy November days

According to The Journal, Ireland’s brief spell of mild, autumnal weather is about to come to an end as the country prepares for a significant drop in temperatures over the next few days. Met Éireann’s latest forecast paints a picture of a gradual transition from the current cloudy, drizzly conditions to a much colder, wintry … Read more

Sinn Féin proposes new migration agency to speed up asylum applications

Sinn Féin proposes new migration agency to speed up asylum applications

As part of their policy platform, Sinn Féin has announced plans to establish a new standalone agency to oversee migration into Ireland. The proposed agency would consolidate existing bodies, including the International Protection Office (IPO), under a single entity responsible for accommodating asylum seekers, processing applications, and managing deportations. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald emphasized … Read more

Cyber security agency issues alert over Election hacking threats

Cyber security agency issues alert over Election hacking threats

According to The Irish Examiner, Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has raised significant concerns about potential cyber threats during the upcoming general election, warning of various risks to the democratic process. The agency has identified an overall “medium” threat level for cyberattacks targeting political candidates and parties during the election campaign. Of particular concern … Read more

Crackdown on uninsured drivers: New Irish measure requires insurers to collect driver numbers

Crackdown on uninsured drivers: New Irish measure requires insurers to collect driver numbers

In a move to crack down on uninsured drivers, the Irish government has rolled a new measure that requires motorists to furnish their driver number to their insurer while applying for a policy from next year. The measure, which comes into force on March 31, will also require the driver numbers of named drivers to … Read more

Fine Gael vows to cap childcare costs at €200 per child if re-elected

Fine Gael vows to cap childcare costs at €200 per child if re-elected

In a bid to make childcare more affordable for families, Fine Gael has announced a major new policy pledge ahead of the upcoming election. The party has committed to capping the cost of childcare at €200 per child per month, and €600 per family for households with more than three children. Speaking at the launch … Read more

Secret police operations jump 25% in fight against organized crime

Secret police operations jump 25% in the fight against organized crime

According to The Irish Examiner, Irish law enforcement significantly increased its covert surveillance activities last year, with nearly 120 secret bugging and tracking operations conducted to tackle organized crime and subversive activities, according to a new oversight report. The figures, revealed by Mr Justice Michael Twomey, show a dramatic 25% rise in these clandestine operations … Read more

Rental crisis deepens: Regional cities hit €2,000 monthly milestone

Rental crisis deepens: Regional cities hit €2,000 monthly milestone

New research from Daft.ie reveals an alarming surge in rental prices across Ireland’s regional cities, with average monthly rents now exceeding €2,000 in Cork, Galway, and Limerick. The report shows a significant nationwide increase of 7.2% in rental costs over the past year. The data indicates a particularly concerning trend in the capital, where Dublin’s … Read more

Last call: Register to vote today for November 29 general election

Last call: Register to vote today for November 29 general election

Today marks the final opportunity for Irish citizens to register to vote ahead of the upcoming general election on November 29. The Electoral Commission has issued an urgent reminder to all potential voters, emphasizing that the registration process takes less than three minutes to complete. Those looking to register for the first time or verify … Read more

Greens eye €7bn Apple tax for major transport overhaul

Greens eye €7bn Apple tax for major transport overhaul

The Green Party has unveiled ambitious plans to allocate approximately €7 billion from the Apple tax windfall to transform Ireland’s public transport infrastructure. The proposal, announced as part of their general election manifesto, aims to “supercharge” major transport projects across the country. The party’s plan includes funding for significant developments such as Metrolink, Dart+, Luas … Read more

Young Irish adults lead cash usage despite digital payment boom

Young Irish adults lead cash usage despite digital payment boom

In an unexpected twist to the digital payment revolution, young Irish adults are emerging as the nation’s most frequent cash users, according to new research commissioned by An Post. The study reveals that 35% of people aged 18-24 use cash daily, significantly higher than the 26% reported among those aged 35-44. The national survey, conducted … Read more

Parents' flu vaccine hesitancy rises despite school absences, study shows

Parents’ flu vaccine hesitancy rises despite school absences, study shows

A new study by the Irish Patients Association (IPA) reveals growing hesitancy among parents regarding flu vaccines for children, with more than half of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children against flu last year. This trend comes despite evidence showing significant impact on school attendance and family life. The research, which surveyed 1,062 people, … Read more

Energy price debate heats up: Harris counters Martin's VAT rate concerns

Energy price debate heats up: Harris counters Martin’s VAT rate concerns

A political clash has emerged between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil over proposed VAT rates, with significant implications for Irish households’ energy costs. The dispute centers on Fine Gael’s plan to reduce VAT rates to 11% for the food and hospitality sector, which Micheál Martin warns could inadvertently force up energy prices from their current … Read more

Fine Gael unveils ambitious €40bn housing plan with boosted rental credits

Fine Gael unveils ambitious €40bn housing plan with boosted rental credits

Fine Gael has announced a comprehensive housing strategy that aims to tackle Ireland’s housing crisis through increased tax credits and support for frontline workers. The party’s new policy promises to construct over 300,000 homes by 2030, backed by a substantial €40 billion investment, including €10 billion from the Apple tax windfall. A key feature of … Read more

Fianna Fáil promises to double Renters' Tax Credit if voted back to power

Fianna Fáil promises to double Renters’ Tax Credit if voted back to power

Fianna Fáil has committed to doubling the Rent Tax Credit and expanding housing support schemes as a part of its housing plan if voted back to power in the upcoming general election. In an interview with The Journal, Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin revealed the party’s intent to alleviate financial strain for those … Read more