With the appointment this week of Cork-born Morgan McSweeney as his chief of staff, British prime minister Keir Starmer must be hoping for some calm after a turbulent first 100 days in office.
As the brains behind Starmer’s leadership campaign, McSweeney (47) is credited with having brought the prime minister to power.
After a landslide win in July, Starmer’s first three months should have been spent consolidating that popularity and delivering on the pre-election promises of a selfless, calm and steady government with none of the drama of the previous administration.
[ Profile: Who is Morgan McSweeney? Opens in new window ]
Instead there has been a stream of damning stories; some around policy such as Labour’s plan to cut fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners; other involving Starmer’s acceptance of thousands of pounds worth of freebies, from suits and glasses to tickets for football matches and concerts.
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It’s not the image he projected when in opposition while bashing the Tory government for similar behaviour.
Irish Times London correspondent Mark Paul looks back at Starmer’s difficult first three months, explains why McSweeney, a master strategist, is now in the top job and what banana skins await the new Labour leader in the coming months.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
