Brian Doherty
@brianedoherty.bsky.social
Legal Aspects of Euro integration exGov.LegalService
-Ir. Centre for Euro.Law
-"Le Foyer des Artistes" classical music ensemble- Derry base. Players &Performance- continental &beyond
-Farming/GlensofAntrim/Trout/Trees/IrishSetter/SeaSwimming/ Travel&more
-Ir. Centre for Euro.Law
-"Le Foyer des Artistes" classical music ensemble- Derry base. Players &Performance- continental &beyond
-Farming/GlensofAntrim/Trout/Trees/IrishSetter/SeaSwimming/ Travel&more
Reposted by Brian Doherty
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
February 11, 2026 at 7:40 AM
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
Reposted by Brian Doherty
This is pretty menacing.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
February 10, 2026 at 8:53 AM
This is pretty menacing.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Reposted by Brian Doherty
Think-tanks have either MAGA-fied (like the Heritage Foundation) or stuck to their principles and faded into irrelevance. The Claremont Institute has a talent for adding intellectual gloss to Trumpism
Meet the brains who explain Trumpism
The Californian think-tank that applies intellectual gloss to MAGA
econ.st
February 10, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Think-tanks have either MAGA-fied (like the Heritage Foundation) or stuck to their principles and faded into irrelevance. The Claremont Institute has a talent for adding intellectual gloss to Trumpism
Reposted by Brian Doherty
Excellent piece. In any case, the 'trilateral peace talks' are a grim farce: Putin is only interested in coercing Ukraine into surrender, & the US seems content to go along. It makes no sense for Europe to try to join in; it should focus on strengthening UA & weakening RU, militarily & economically.
Once again European leaders are trying to reach out to Moscow, as part of a 'diplomatic solution' or 'peace process', but as long as we keep approaching as supplicants begging the king for an audience, these efforts are doomed to fail
pascallth.substack.com/p/dialogue-w...
pascallth.substack.com/p/dialogue-w...
Dialogue with Moscow is a trap for Europe
And it is our own fault
pascallth.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Excellent piece. In any case, the 'trilateral peace talks' are a grim farce: Putin is only interested in coercing Ukraine into surrender, & the US seems content to go along. It makes no sense for Europe to try to join in; it should focus on strengthening UA & weakening RU, militarily & economically.
Reposted by Brian Doherty
“The challenge for Ukraine’s membership prospects is getting all 27 member countries on board… any decision to expand the bloc requires unanimous support”
And it’s not just a case of overcoming Orban’s opposition. Accession treaties require ratification by all ms
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
And it’s not just a case of overcoming Orban’s opposition. Accession treaties require ratification by all ms
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
5 steps to get Ukraine into the EU in 2027
Plans to bring Kyiv into the tent before it has completed all reforms and to remove Hungary’s veto signal a sense of urgency in Brussels.
www.politico.eu
February 10, 2026 at 6:20 AM
“The challenge for Ukraine’s membership prospects is getting all 27 member countries on board… any decision to expand the bloc requires unanimous support”
And it’s not just a case of overcoming Orban’s opposition. Accession treaties require ratification by all ms
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
And it’s not just a case of overcoming Orban’s opposition. Accession treaties require ratification by all ms
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
Macron urges EU to seize ‘Greenland moment’ and break reliance on US and China
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Macron urges EU to seize ‘Greenland moment’ and break reliance on US and China
French president calls on bloc to take the necessary steps to become a true global economic power
www.irishtimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Macron urges EU to seize ‘Greenland moment’ and break reliance on US and China
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Reposted by Brian Doherty
New post out:
"The most dangerous man in America"
Understanding "Trump's Prime Minister" Stephen Miller - the nexus of all the streams of right-wing thought and behaviour that embody the current regime.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The most dangerous man in America"
Understanding "Trump's Prime Minister" Stephen Miller - the nexus of all the streams of right-wing thought and behaviour that embody the current regime.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
The most dangerous man in America
Understanding Stephen Miller: “Trump’s Prime Minister”
open.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:08 AM
New post out:
"The most dangerous man in America"
Understanding "Trump's Prime Minister" Stephen Miller - the nexus of all the streams of right-wing thought and behaviour that embody the current regime.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The most dangerous man in America"
Understanding "Trump's Prime Minister" Stephen Miller - the nexus of all the streams of right-wing thought and behaviour that embody the current regime.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Reposted by Brian Doherty
There's a lot of commentary on the Epstein files, to say the least, but this, by @mattcarr.substack.com, is well worth your time: mattcarr.substack.com/p/the-damp-s...
Epsteinland
When Patriarchy Meets Oligarchy
mattcarr.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:57 PM
There's a lot of commentary on the Epstein files, to say the least, but this, by @mattcarr.substack.com, is well worth your time: mattcarr.substack.com/p/the-damp-s...
Reposted by Brian Doherty
What is “misconduct in public office”?
An “explainer”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/misond...
An “explainer”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/misond...
Misconduct in public office | Institute for Government
What happens if someone holding public office is alleged to have abused their power?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM
What is “misconduct in public office”?
An “explainer”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/misond...
An “explainer”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/misond...
Reposted by Brian Doherty
This explainer is very good on the topical offence of Misconduct in Public Office.
Useful detail on when it has been used re politicians.
Useful detail on when it has been used re politicians.
Peter Mandelson is being investigated for potential “misconduct in public office” over emails he sent as a minister to Jeffrey Epstein.
Our explainer sets out what this means in UK law and why few politicians have been prosecuted over it.
Read more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mi...
Our explainer sets out what this means in UK law and why few politicians have been prosecuted over it.
Read more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mi...
Misconduct in public office | Institute for Government
What happens if someone holding public office is alleged to have abused their power?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 2:31 PM
This explainer is very good on the topical offence of Misconduct in Public Office.
Useful detail on when it has been used re politicians.
Useful detail on when it has been used re politicians.
Ireland’s contributions to Ukraine ‘well below’ aid given by smaller EU states
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Ireland’s contributions to Ukraine ‘well below’ aid given by smaller EU states
Internal correspondence from top official acknowledges State has provided comparatively less help to Ukraine than other EU allies
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Ireland’s contributions to Ukraine ‘well below’ aid given by smaller EU states
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Brian Doherty
‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
Seamus Culleton has been in a detention facility in Texas for nearly five months despite having no criminal record
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:55 PM
‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Fast-tracking Ukraine: why Europe is wary of bending rules for EU entry
Behind public words of support, national governments have concerns such as corruption, the impact on agriculture and freedom of movement
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Behind public words of support, national governments have concerns such as corruption, the impact on agriculture and freedom of movement
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Fast-tracking Ukraine: why Europe is wary of bending rules for EU entry
Behind public words of support, national governments have concerns such as corruption, the impact on agriculture and freedom of movement
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Fast-tracking Ukraine: why Europe is wary of bending rules for EU entry
Behind public words of support, national governments have concerns such as corruption, the impact on agriculture and freedom of movement
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Behind public words of support, national governments have concerns such as corruption, the impact on agriculture and freedom of movement
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Whisper it, but is Keir Starmer quietly reversing Brexit?
Starmer must be nimble as he seeks to deepen ties in Brussels and Beijing, while keeping Washington onside.
Britain still needs to “hedge for the future”
Anand Menon
www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/202...
Starmer must be nimble as he seeks to deepen ties in Brussels and Beijing, while keeping Washington onside.
Britain still needs to “hedge for the future”
Anand Menon
www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/202...
Whisper it, but is Keir Starmer quietly reversing Brexit?
Six year after leaving the EU, the UK is navigating a delicate balancing act on trade and diplomatic ties with Brussels, as well as Washington and Beijing
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Whisper it, but is Keir Starmer quietly reversing Brexit?
Starmer must be nimble as he seeks to deepen ties in Brussels and Beijing, while keeping Washington onside.
Britain still needs to “hedge for the future”
Anand Menon
www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/202...
Starmer must be nimble as he seeks to deepen ties in Brussels and Beijing, while keeping Washington onside.
Britain still needs to “hedge for the future”
Anand Menon
www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/202...
Europe “urgently” needs to reduce its reliance on US groups such as Visa and Mastercard, the head of a banking alliance has said, as officials warn that their market dominance could be weaponised if transatlantic relations were to deteriorate
www.ft.com/content/fcc2... via @FT
www.ft.com/content/fcc2... via @FT
European alternatives to Visa and Mastercard ‘urgently’ needed, says banking chief
US payment processing companies account for about two-thirds of card transactions in Eurozone
www.ft.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Europe “urgently” needs to reduce its reliance on US groups such as Visa and Mastercard, the head of a banking alliance has said, as officials warn that their market dominance could be weaponised if transatlantic relations were to deteriorate
www.ft.com/content/fcc2... via @FT
www.ft.com/content/fcc2... via @FT
EU failing to implement economic fixes as single market withers
- www.ft.com/content/28c0... via @FT
- www.ft.com/content/28c0... via @FT
February 9, 2026 at 2:57 PM
EU failing to implement economic fixes as single market withers
- www.ft.com/content/28c0... via @FT
- www.ft.com/content/28c0... via @FT
Proponents of these Buy European rules argue they are the only way to prevent the steady erosion of the EU’s €2.58tn manufacturing industry amid high energy prices, competition from cheap Chinese & south Asian products and US President Donald Trump’s volatile trade agenda
www.ft.com/content/b92a...
www.ft.com/content/b92a...
The controversial plan to set ‘Buy European’ rules
Are the EU’s proposals to encourage manufacturing to stay in the region pragmatic or protectionist?
www.ft.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Proponents of these Buy European rules argue they are the only way to prevent the steady erosion of the EU’s €2.58tn manufacturing industry amid high energy prices, competition from cheap Chinese & south Asian products and US President Donald Trump’s volatile trade agenda
www.ft.com/content/b92a...
www.ft.com/content/b92a...
The pessimist who became a prophet
He warned that relying on markets to organise every area of human life would undermine the social practices that imbue our lives with meaning. Sandel has a lot to say, then, about our rageful era of political polarisation
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
He warned that relying on markets to organise every area of human life would undermine the social practices that imbue our lives with meaning. Sandel has a lot to say, then, about our rageful era of political polarisation
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
The pessimist who became a prophet
Michael Sandel was ignored by a generation of political optimists. Now he is searching for a way out of the mess he saw coming
giftarticle.ft.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:15 PM
The pessimist who became a prophet
He warned that relying on markets to organise every area of human life would undermine the social practices that imbue our lives with meaning. Sandel has a lot to say, then, about our rageful era of political polarisation
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
He warned that relying on markets to organise every area of human life would undermine the social practices that imbue our lives with meaning. Sandel has a lot to say, then, about our rageful era of political polarisation
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Europe is not as weak as it acts - www.ft.com/content/52d2... via @FT
Europe is not as weak as it acts
A new vision of EU integration is slowly but surely taking shape
www.ft.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Europe is not as weak as it acts - www.ft.com/content/52d2... via @FT
Reposted by Brian Doherty
Count to one hundred. New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog reflecting on a frenetic fortnight of domestic and international news, the state of the reset, the significance of the latest calls for 'proper Brexit', and the anger suffusing our politics: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/coun...
February 6, 2026 at 8:08 AM
Count to one hundred. New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog reflecting on a frenetic fortnight of domestic and international news, the state of the reset, the significance of the latest calls for 'proper Brexit', and the anger suffusing our politics: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/coun...
Why Lord Frost’s Brexit wishlist is not realistic
The EU may be low growth but at least it is growth. We need good relations with it to protect ourselves against the threats from Russian actors- something which Trump seems increasingly reluctant to assist us with
www.ft.com/content/1cba... via @FT
The EU may be low growth but at least it is growth. We need good relations with it to protect ourselves against the threats from Russian actors- something which Trump seems increasingly reluctant to assist us with
www.ft.com/content/1cba... via @FT
Letter: Why Lord Frost’s Brexit wishlist is not realistic
From Jonathan Osborne, Berlin, Germany
www.ft.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Why Lord Frost’s Brexit wishlist is not realistic
The EU may be low growth but at least it is growth. We need good relations with it to protect ourselves against the threats from Russian actors- something which Trump seems increasingly reluctant to assist us with
www.ft.com/content/1cba... via @FT
The EU may be low growth but at least it is growth. We need good relations with it to protect ourselves against the threats from Russian actors- something which Trump seems increasingly reluctant to assist us with
www.ft.com/content/1cba... via @FT
“The US is the only major destination in the world that is tracking a decline in international visitor spending
.. a decline of about 11mn international visitors or $50bn in lost spending.. And that means hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
www.ft.com/content/8f6d... via @FT
.. a decline of about 11mn international visitors or $50bn in lost spending.. And that means hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
www.ft.com/content/8f6d... via @FT
Donald Trump’s policies dent international travel to US in blow to tourism sector
Foreign visitors to the US fell 4.2% in 2025, while international travel worldwide rose 4%
www.ft.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
“The US is the only major destination in the world that is tracking a decline in international visitor spending
.. a decline of about 11mn international visitors or $50bn in lost spending.. And that means hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
www.ft.com/content/8f6d... via @FT
.. a decline of about 11mn international visitors or $50bn in lost spending.. And that means hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
www.ft.com/content/8f6d... via @FT
Reposted by Brian Doherty
John Oxley points out the clear yet often overlooked point that young men 18-24 are the second most liberal, left-leaning group in society (after young women) - being more so than young-ish thirtysomething women, and older women, as well as than men in older cohorts
🚨🚨 NEW BLOGPOST 🚨🚨
The right wing should be worried about young men. Unlike Europe and the US, British young men are swinging wildly behind progressive parties. Some thoughts on why, and why most of the right are ignoring it.
open.substack.com/pub/joxleywr...
The right wing should be worried about young men. Unlike Europe and the US, British young men are swinging wildly behind progressive parties. Some thoughts on why, and why most of the right are ignoring it.
open.substack.com/pub/joxleywr...
The Revolt of the Young Men?
Britain's second wokest cohort might surprise you
open.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:47 AM
John Oxley points out the clear yet often overlooked point that young men 18-24 are the second most liberal, left-leaning group in society (after young women) - being more so than young-ish thirtysomething women, and older women, as well as than men in older cohorts