Fine Gael

The latest news, analysis and comment on Irish political party Fine Gael

Q&A: What is the Mercosur trade deal and what does it mean for Ireland?

Q&A: What is the Mercosur trade deal and what does it mean for Ireland?

Irish and European farmers, as well as environmentalists, fear the effect of a market in Europe for cheaper South American beef

By Colm KeenaFri Dec 06 2024 - 13:55

Irish Times voter panel: A ‘disaster’ for Fine Gael, Simon Harris ‘let himself down’, and Sinn Féin is ‘not fooling anybody’

Irish Times voter panel: A ‘disaster’ for Fine Gael, Simon Harris ‘let himself down’, and Sinn Féin is ‘not fooling anybody’

Post-election, readers have their final say on the 2024 general election, giving their thoughts on the campaign, issues that influenced their vote, and what the immediate future holds

By Jennifer BrayFri Dec 06 2024 - 13:52

Count weekend excitement gives way to slow bicycle race of government formation

Count weekend excitement gives way to slow bicycle race of government formation

Your essential end-of-week politics catch up: While the overwhelming likelihood is next government will be based on FF and FG, there are wheels within wheels

By Jack Horgan-JonesFri Dec 06 2024 - 12:57

Is it time for Opposition parties to come together under the banner ‘Put them out’?

Is it time for Opposition parties to come together under the banner ‘Put them out’?

Given today’s political landscape, the current Opposition might well profit from looking closely at what happened in 1948

By Diarmaid FerriterFri Dec 06 2024 - 06:00

Fianna Fáil to seek the upper hand in next government

Fianna Fáil to seek the upper hand in next government

Labour and Social Democrats to hold first post-election meeting about how to proceed after increasing their Dáil numbers, as divisions between the parties emerge

By Jennifer BrayFri Dec 06 2024 - 06:00

What are the potential points of conflict between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when coalition talks begin in earnest?

What are the potential points of conflict between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when coalition talks begin in earnest?

The justice portfolio, VAT rates, the proposed department of infrastructure and savings account for newborns are among potential pinch points in negotiations

By Cormac McQuinnFri Dec 06 2024 - 06:00

It's time to put unrealistic election promises aside and become realistic

It's time to put unrealistic election promises aside and become realistic

The programme for government should explicitly state that all commitments are contingent on the wider economic picture, which looks volatile

By John FitzGeraldFri Dec 06 2024 - 06:00

Independents TDs hold the balance of power. A lot hinges on Verona Murphy’s next move

Independents TDs hold the balance of power. A lot hinges on Verona Murphy’s next move

With Labour divided and the Social Democrats sceptical, the focus is on a handful of Independents

By Gerard HowlinFri Dec 06 2024 - 06:00

Radio review: A darkly farcical incident on Liveline ends up exposing a hot-button issue

Radio review: A darkly farcical incident on Liveline ends up exposing a hot-button issue

Radio: The Liveline host gleefully performs the audio equivalent of nudges and winks after a general-election weekend that leaves him hoarse

By Mick HeaneyFri Dec 06 2024 - 05:30

Opposing Mercosur trade deal a ‘red line’ for Independent Ireland to enter government

Opposing Mercosur trade deal a ‘red line’ for Independent Ireland to enter government

Finish line in sight for pact between EU and group of South American countries, says European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen

By Cormac McQuinnThu Dec 05 2024 - 19:04

Fianna Fáil seeking to reclaim old Leinster House meeting rooms from Fine Gael

Fianna Fáil seeking to reclaim old Leinster House meeting rooms from Fine Gael

Party requests return to coveted fifth-floor meeting rooms, which it lost in 2011, now its Dáil numbers have risen

By Cormac McQuinnThu Dec 05 2024 - 16:52

Labour holding ‘robust’ discussions on government formation, says Bacik

Labour holding ‘robust’ discussions on government formation, says Bacik

Leader says there is a ‘spectrum’ of views within the parliamentary party on entering a coalition

By Jennifer BrayThu Dec 05 2024 - 13:18

Fianna Fáil’s policing agenda set to trigger coalition spat over justice portfolio

Fianna Fáil’s policing agenda set to trigger coalition spat over justice portfolio

Misgivings among Martin’s TDs over Fine Gael leader’s plan for a department of infrastructure

By Jack Horgan-Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Eoin Burke-KennedyThu Dec 05 2024 - 06:00

Eight Independent TDs banding together to form new Regional Group in Dáil

Eight Independent TDs banding together to form new Regional Group in Dáil

Purpose of move is to maximise speaking rights, and individual members are free to engage in government-formation talks

By Cormac McQuinnWed Dec 04 2024 - 18:18

Sligo-Leitrim: story of the count

Sligo-Leitrim: story of the count

Marian Harkin ‘hugely grateful’ after rollercoaster count

By Arthur BeesleyWed Dec 04 2024 - 16:52

Fianna Fáil’s election result must be reflected in composition of next government, Martin says

Fianna Fáil’s election result must be reflected in composition of next government, Martin says

Sinn Féin leader believes Fianna Fáil ‘shaping up themselves with Fine Gael as a junior party’ to form coalition

By Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinnWed Dec 04 2024 - 16:38

‘We’re good at getting people on electoral register but not so good at getting them off’

‘We’re good at getting people on electoral register but not so good at getting them off’

Efforts to modernise and fix ‘work of fiction’ register will take time before ‘big health warning’ on turnout figures no longer needed

By Marie O'HalloranWed Dec 04 2024 - 13:07

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to renew push for government formation talks with Independents

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to renew push for government formation talks with Independents

There is a renewed push from within both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to hold serious negotiations with Independent TDs

By Jennifer Bray, Harry McGee, Pat Leahy, Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinnWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:32

Business will miss the Green Party now it is gone

Business will miss the Green Party now it is gone

Fewer companies likely to choose to spend to cut emissions now Greens have been all but wiped out

By John McManusWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:00

Where was the ‘parity of esteem’ talk when Fine Gael was riding high in the polls?

Where was the ‘parity of esteem’ talk when Fine Gael was riding high in the polls?

Some in the Dublin establishment and media regard demands of regional Independents as ‘parish pump’ but concerns of urban TDs as ‘progressive’ and ‘socially concerned’

By Michael McDowellWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:00

Who are the Independent TDs and what price their support in a coalition?

Who are the Independent TDs and what price their support in a coalition?

Independents countrywide emerging as best bet for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to form the next coalition

By Cormac McQuinnWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:00

Labour Party hardens against going into coalition without Social Democrats

Labour Party hardens against going into coalition without Social Democrats

‘It would be suicide for us’: Some party members express concern ahead of key government formation talks

By Jack Horgan-JonesWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:00

Analysis: What next for climate policy now the Greens are out of government?

Analysis: What next for climate policy now the Greens are out of government?

A campaign where the main parties downplayed climate issues and shunned hard choices bodes ill for ambitious climate policies in the next programme for government

By Kevin O'SullivanWed Dec 04 2024 - 06:00

Unlikely a new government will be in place before Christmas, says Micheál Martin

Unlikely a new government will be in place before Christmas, says Micheál Martin

Fianna Fáil leader says there is an urgency to assembling a coalition because of ‘pressing issues internationally’ after general election

By Harry McGeeTue Dec 03 2024 - 19:47

What happens when politicians fall short on Dáil re-election?

What happens when politicians fall short on Dáil re-election?

Twenty-six TDs who lost their seat have two weeks to clear out their Leinster House office

By Sarah BurnsTue Dec 03 2024 - 17:47

Fianna Fáil makes quarter of all seat gains with Greens suffering almost a third of all losses

Fianna Fáil makes quarter of all seat gains with Greens suffering almost a third of all losses

Election 2024 sees close to 50 gains secured among parties and Independents across 43 constituencies

By Harry McGeeTue Dec 03 2024 - 16:56

First key meetings in government formation talks due to begin today

First key meetings in government formation talks due to begin today

Social Democrats writes to Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour to arrange meetings

By Jennifer BrayTue Dec 03 2024 - 15:20

Tipperary North: story of the count

Tipperary North: story of the count

Kelly repeatedly broke down in tears both before and after the result

By Neil MichaelTue Dec 03 2024 - 15:08

Election 2024: Dublin North-West results

Election 2024: Dublin North-West results

A total of 13 candidates contest three seats in Dublin North-West constituency

By Luke CassidyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:57

Election 2024: Dublin Rathdown results

Election 2024: Dublin Rathdown results

A total of 15 candidates contest four seats in Dublin Rathdown constituency

By Luke CassidyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:56

Election 2024: Dublin Mid-West results

Election 2024: Dublin Mid-West results

A total of 17 candidates contest five seats in Dublin Mid-West constituency

By Luke CassidyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:52

Tipperary South: story of the count

Tipperary South: story of the count

Election’s oldest candidate, Seamus Healy, took the last of three seats

By Neil MichaelTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:52

Meath East: the story of the count

Meath East: the story of the count

Helen McEntee tops poll but Fine Gael fails to reclaim second seat

By Shauna BowersTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:45

Mayo: the story of the count

Mayo: the story of the count

Fine Gael’s Keira Keogh secures fourth seat in surprise victory as Sinn Féin’s Rose Conway-Walsh tops poll

By Tom ShielTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:31

Election 2024: Sligo-Leitrim results

Election 2024: Sligo-Leitrim results

A total of 18 candidates contest four seats in Sligo-Leitrim constituency

By Luke CassidyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:29

Sligo-Leitrim: Eamon Scanlon (FF)

Sligo-Leitrim: Eamon Scanlon (FF)

Scanlon resigned whip in 2009 over moves by Fianna Fáil-led government to close breast cancer services in Sligo hospital

By Arthur BeesleyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:28

Election 2024: Longford-Westmeath results

Election 2024: Longford-Westmeath results

A total of 20 candidates contest five seats in Longford-Westmeath constituency

By Luke CassidyTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:22

Longford-Westmeath: Robert Troy (FF)

Longford-Westmeath: Robert Troy (FF)

Fianna Fáil TD has represented Longford-Westmeath since his election to Dáil on first attempt in 2011

By Stephen FarrellTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:21

Longford Westmeath: Sorca Clarke (SF)

Longford Westmeath: Sorca Clarke (SF)

Dubliner is party spokesperon on education

By Stephen FarrellTue Dec 03 2024 - 14:16

Longford-Westmeath: the story of the count

Longford-Westmeath: the story of the count

Independent Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran wins back seat lost in 2020 while Fine Gael’s Peter Burke tops poll

By Stephen FarrellTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:57

Kildare South: the story of the count

Kildare South: the story of the count

Fine Gael’s Martin Heydon tops poll, while it’s third time lucky for Labour’s Mark Wall

By Fiachra GallagherTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:38

Limerick City: the story of the count

Limerick City: the story of the count

On Saturday night, Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea, was first past the post

By David RaleighTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:26

Kildare North: the story of the count

Kildare North: the story of the count

Three first-time TDs elected in five-seater, while Bernard Durkan’s 42-year spell comes to an end

By Fiachra GallagherTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:22

Limerick City: Conor Sheehan (Lab)

Limerick City: Conor Sheehan (Lab)

Sheehan contested first ever mayoral election finishing with 2,390 votes

By David RaleighTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:22

Louth: Erin McGreehan (FF)

Louth: Erin McGreehan (FF)

McGreehan hopes to ‘work to help mitigate the costs of Brexit’

By Jade WilsonTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:17

Louth: Paula Butterly (FG)

Louth: Paula Butterly (FG)

In her early career, Butterly lived in Italy for twenty years

By Jade WilsonTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:12

Limerick City: Maurice Quinlivan (SF)

Limerick City: Maurice Quinlivan (SF)

Sinn Féin TD elected on 13th count

By David RaleighTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:12

Louth: story of the count

Louth: story of the count

Sinn Féin’s incumbent Ruairí Ó Murchú first to be elected on day two of the count

By Jade WilsonTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:08

Kildare north: Réada Cronin (SF)

Kildare north: Réada Cronin (SF)

Cronin (60), a mother of four, previously worked in social care

By Fiachra GallagherTue Dec 03 2024 - 13:01

Galway West: the story of the count

Galway West: the story of the count

Four of the five outgoing TDs elected following marathon count

By John FallonTue Dec 03 2024 - 12:58

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