Politics

What’s up, Doc?

Leo Varadkar was a paradox, the quintessential Tory Boy who oversaw massive increases in welfare spending. His sudden, unexpected departure from politics only adds to…

Irish Politics

The Old Order and the New

Fianna Fáil dominated the old three-party – or two-and-a half-party system - for so long due to political skill and its good fortune in usually…

The Great Unloved

Many claim that Ahern was constrained by the desire of the PDs and liberal ministers in his Cabinet to cut back the state. This misses…

They Took The Blows

Ahern’s patience, likeability and almost congenital desire to avoid confrontation helped him. He effectively handed over control of domestic policy to Charlie McCreevy and the…