I wish to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman SC who died suddenly earlier today. Adrian Hardiman was a significant figure in Irish public life, and one of the country’s leading legal brains. He had a close association with Irish politics and was a liberal voice on many…

I welcome today’s sentence of 18 months in jail for Thomas “Slab” Murphy for tax evasion. Justice has finally caught up with this notorious individual. For many years there have been substantial allegations that he is at the heart of republican activity – criminal and otherwise – in South Armagh. These allegations include matters far…

Progressive and left-leaning voters have a choice to make on Friday. They can vote for the far left, or for parties who have adopted a left-wing stance as a flag of convenience. One of these, Sinn Fein, says it will not enter Government unless Gerry Adams is Taoiseach. The others will spend the next five…

I’d like to focus my remarks on the next five years. This election is about the future. We’ve worked hard over the last five years to bring this country back from the brink. Back from the cliff Fianna Fail drove it over. I confess it hasn’t always been easy. But because it has been difficult…

This is the last Labour Party press conference at the end of a long and vital national debate. At the end of that debate, the choice facing the Irish people is still clear. They can vote Labour to return the current Government to continue with the job of repairing and reforming the country. Or they…

At its final press conference before the General Election, the Labour Party outlined its commitment to providing a fair and balanced government. Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin, and Minister for Communications Alex White detailed Labour’s key manifesto commitments, including their pledge to: Cut USC for low and middle income people Invest…

Deputy Lyons has strongly welcomed the publication of Labour’s plans to tackle child poverty and disadvantage. “It’s so important that we target a serious reduction in child poverty. Labour’s proposals will make a real difference. Increasing Child Benefit by €15 a month will have a real impact on those parents struggling to get by. We…

West Cork TD, Michael McCarthy has welcomed the publication of Labour’s plan for an age-friendly society. “Labour’s plan to raise the State pension to €260 per week is a clear and direct investment in the living standards of older citizens. We want to continue to build a system where older people are supported to live…