Enoch Burke’s ferocious desire for martyrdom has roots in Irish life
Catholic anti-divorce crusaders deliberately made outrageous analogies and used modern tactics, too
Diarmaid Ferriter: Departing Fine Gaelers leave a mixed legacy
Leo Varadkar, Paschal Donohoe and Simon Coveney are gone but the question remains: what does Fine Gael stand for?
Catherine Connolly makes a strong case against political spindoctors
Authenticity matters more, and charisma cannot be contrived
‘Prone to lose the run of himself’: Ireland’s taoisigh, from de Valera to Micheál Martin
Diarmaid Ferriter reviews The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership, a collection of essays on the State’s 16 political ‘captains’
Anglo-Irish breakthroughs have always been intentionally vague
The Anglo-Irish Agreement, signed 40 years ago this week, didn’t bring the reassurance that was hoped for, but ultimately was a significant milestone
Sr Stan asked a question in 1985 – it still hasn’t been answered
At the time of her death, more than 16,000 people were in emergency accommodation across the country
Talk of reforming the presidential nomination process is likely to fizzle out
Spoiled votes and lack of candidates has renewed focus on the presidential nomination process
Giving all artists a basic income means they can get on with the bloody work
For every €1 invested in the pilot scheme, €1.39 is generated
Jim Gavin’s name on the ballot paper raises troubling questions
We need clarity about what constitutes a ‘special difficulty’ in relation to the administration of elections
Charles Haughey’s fate was sealed by the 1990 presidential election. Is Micheál Martin next?
Brian Lenihan debacle of 35 years ago spelled the beginning of the end for Haughey
Martin Mansergh: Mandarin who quietly nudged this island towards peace
On his secret talks with Sinn Féin in the late 1980s, he said: “I was given the instruction just to listen but I’m afraid I did a great deal more than that”
Two out of three candidates for the presidency can’t speak fluent Irish. That matters
During the 2011 general election campaign, the leaders of the three main parties debated in Irish. That can’t happen now
UCD’s debating society rescinding an award to John Boyne is an odd decision
L&H rescinds plans to offer Joyce medal to author due to what many regard as his offensive views on transgender issues
What’s the point of party think-ins when the same social problems persist?
Participants will undoubtedly focus on the presidential election campaign, which is a short-term diversion from long-standing and worsening social issues
Diarmaid Ferriter on Speaking My Mind by Leo Varadkar: Jaunty but superficial and lazy at times
Former taoiseach provides gossip and entertaining titbits but displays detachment about matters of substance