Jane Matthews
@janematthews1.bsky.social
Nosy Parker/Political Correspondent @thejournal.ie
“Michael Shine was one of the most prolific, if not the most prolific abuser in the history of the Irish health service.” - Louth TD Ged Nash has welcomed the scoping exercise announced by the Health Minister on the issues raised by victims of former doctor Michael Shine.
November 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
“Michael Shine was one of the most prolific, if not the most prolific abuser in the history of the Irish health service.” - Louth TD Ged Nash has welcomed the scoping exercise announced by the Health Minister on the issues raised by victims of former doctor Michael Shine.
On the immigration reforms being brought to Cabinet by the Justice Minister today, SocDems TD Gary Gannon says there is “cruelty inbuilt” in them.
He says it “could not be further from the truth” that the opposition don’t want to debate these issues + is calling for one today.
He says it “could not be further from the truth” that the opposition don’t want to debate these issues + is calling for one today.
November 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
On the immigration reforms being brought to Cabinet by the Justice Minister today, SocDems TD Gary Gannon says there is “cruelty inbuilt” in them.
He says it “could not be further from the truth” that the opposition don’t want to debate these issues + is calling for one today.
He says it “could not be further from the truth” that the opposition don’t want to debate these issues + is calling for one today.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This time last year, The Journal hit the streets in Dublin Central to ask voters what they made of gangland figure Gerry Hutch running in the general election.
Little did we know that we would be doing the same thing again almost exactly one year later.
jrnl.ie/6882422t
Little did we know that we would be doing the same thing again almost exactly one year later.
jrnl.ie/6882422t
Disillusionment prompts some Dublin Central voters to consider backing second Hutch run
The big question everyone is wondering is whether a certain gangland figure will be on the ballot again. Many, are hoping he will be.
jrnl.ie
November 22, 2025 at 12:15 AM
This time last year, The Journal hit the streets in Dublin Central to ask voters what they made of gangland figure Gerry Hutch running in the general election.
Little did we know that we would be doing the same thing again almost exactly one year later.
jrnl.ie/6882422t
Little did we know that we would be doing the same thing again almost exactly one year later.
jrnl.ie/6882422t
Senator Frances Black says she has run out of patience with Tánaiste Simon Harris & the government when it comes to their promise to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
A key election pledge from FF and FG last year, but progress seems to have halted.
A key election pledge from FF and FG last year, but progress seems to have halted.
November 17, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Senator Frances Black says she has run out of patience with Tánaiste Simon Harris & the government when it comes to their promise to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
A key election pledge from FF and FG last year, but progress seems to have halted.
A key election pledge from FF and FG last year, but progress seems to have halted.
Ivana Bacik: “There has been enough foot dragging, there’s been enough stalling.”
Leaders of Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats, PBP and the Greens have joined with Senator Frances Black to call for the Occupied Territories Bill to be enacted before Christmas.
Leaders of Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats, PBP and the Greens have joined with Senator Frances Black to call for the Occupied Territories Bill to be enacted before Christmas.
November 17, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Ivana Bacik: “There has been enough foot dragging, there’s been enough stalling.”
Leaders of Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats, PBP and the Greens have joined with Senator Frances Black to call for the Occupied Territories Bill to be enacted before Christmas.
Leaders of Sinn Féin, Labour, Social Democrats, PBP and the Greens have joined with Senator Frances Black to call for the Occupied Territories Bill to be enacted before Christmas.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
*stands up on bus*
"I don't know what a starter home is"
"I don't know what a starter home is"
90 seconds spent answering the question "what is a starter home" without once getting near answering what a starter home might actually be.
"Starter homes are absolutely crucial"
"People just want to get into their starter home"
"It's about having that right starter home"
"Starter homes are absolutely crucial"
"People just want to get into their starter home"
"It's about having that right starter home"
Re starter homes:
November 13, 2025 at 11:35 AM
*stands up on bus*
"I don't know what a starter home is"
"I don't know what a starter home is"
At the launch of the long awaited housing plan this morning - Minister for Housing James Browne says the scale of homes needed is now far beyond previous estimates.
He says the new plan is built around two pillars: supporting people and activating supply.
He says the new plan is built around two pillars: supporting people and activating supply.
November 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
At the launch of the long awaited housing plan this morning - Minister for Housing James Browne says the scale of homes needed is now far beyond previous estimates.
He says the new plan is built around two pillars: supporting people and activating supply.
He says the new plan is built around two pillars: supporting people and activating supply.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This week on The Journal's politics podcast:
Why did yesterday's inauguration, such a major democratic moment, feel stilted and oddly empty?
Listen now pod.link/1439226641/e...
Why did yesterday's inauguration, such a major democratic moment, feel stilted and oddly empty?
Listen now pod.link/1439226641/e...
November 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
This week on The Journal's politics podcast:
Why did yesterday's inauguration, such a major democratic moment, feel stilted and oddly empty?
Listen now pod.link/1439226641/e...
Why did yesterday's inauguration, such a major democratic moment, feel stilted and oddly empty?
Listen now pod.link/1439226641/e...
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins claimed "the shit was frightened out of" Transport Infrastructure Ireland today during a committee appearance in relation to CPOs and greenways.
"Remember one thing, Cromwell is gone," the Cork TD told protesters.
jrnl.ie/6872252t
"Remember one thing, Cromwell is gone," the Cork TD told protesters.
jrnl.ie/6872252t
Independent Ireland leader claims 'sh*t frightened out of' TII during committee appearance
A protest against compulory land purchases for greenways took place outside Leinster House this afternoon.
jrnl.ie
November 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins claimed "the shit was frightened out of" Transport Infrastructure Ireland today during a committee appearance in relation to CPOs and greenways.
"Remember one thing, Cromwell is gone," the Cork TD told protesters.
jrnl.ie/6872252t
"Remember one thing, Cromwell is gone," the Cork TD told protesters.
jrnl.ie/6872252t
We’re in place in St Patrick’s Hall ahead of the inauguration ceremony later this morning. Some final rehearsals for the Army No. 1 band while guests begin to arrive at Dublin Castle.
A colleague has just passed out KitKats while we wait for the action to begin.
A colleague has just passed out KitKats while we wait for the action to begin.
November 11, 2025 at 10:45 AM
We’re in place in St Patrick’s Hall ahead of the inauguration ceremony later this morning. Some final rehearsals for the Army No. 1 band while guests begin to arrive at Dublin Castle.
A colleague has just passed out KitKats while we wait for the action to begin.
A colleague has just passed out KitKats while we wait for the action to begin.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett has shared that his cancer treatment has been successful.
He said he will be returning to work on a phased basis.
jrnl.ie/6861296t
He said he will be returning to work on a phased basis.
jrnl.ie/6861296t
'I'm on my way back': Richard Boyd Barrett says cancer treatment has been successful
The Dún Laoghaire TD was diagnosed with throat cancer in March.
jrnl.ie
October 31, 2025 at 10:55 AM
People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett has shared that his cancer treatment has been successful.
He said he will be returning to work on a phased basis.
jrnl.ie/6861296t
He said he will be returning to work on a phased basis.
jrnl.ie/6861296t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This week on The Journal's politics podcast: we sit down with presidential candidate Catherine Connolly for a wide-ranging conversation.
We delve into her campaign so far - its origins, its controversies, and its future.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641
We delve into her campaign so far - its origins, its controversies, and its future.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641
October 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
This week on The Journal's politics podcast: we sit down with presidential candidate Catherine Connolly for a wide-ranging conversation.
We delve into her campaign so far - its origins, its controversies, and its future.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641
We delve into her campaign so far - its origins, its controversies, and its future.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641
Reposted by Jane Matthews
As the electorate goes to the polls next week, one presidential candidate has been far more active on podcasts than the other.
PR and communications expert Eoghan Tomás McDermott explains to us why this matters.
jrnl.ie/6847584t
PR and communications expert Eoghan Tomás McDermott explains to us why this matters.
jrnl.ie/6847584t
One candidate is winning the podcast war - the other has hardly been on the field
As the electorate goes to the polls next week, one presidential candidate has been far more active on podcasts than the other.
jrnl.ie
October 18, 2025 at 7:05 AM
As the electorate goes to the polls next week, one presidential candidate has been far more active on podcasts than the other.
PR and communications expert Eoghan Tomás McDermott explains to us why this matters.
jrnl.ie/6847584t
PR and communications expert Eoghan Tomás McDermott explains to us why this matters.
jrnl.ie/6847584t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This week on The Journal's politics podcast: Connolly is pulling ahead in the polls, and it's starting to look a lot like Humphrey's campaign just hasn't landed. She's running out of time to change that.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
October 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This week on The Journal's politics podcast: Connolly is pulling ahead in the polls, and it's starting to look a lot like Humphrey's campaign just hasn't landed. She's running out of time to change that.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
New: In a rejig of their party spokespeople, the Social Democrats have appointed Eoin Hayes as their social protection spokesperson.
October 15, 2025 at 4:04 PM
New: In a rejig of their party spokespeople, the Social Democrats have appointed Eoin Hayes as their social protection spokesperson.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Lucia O'Farrell, the mother of hit-and-run victim Shane O'Farrell, has pushed back on presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' claim that she "did everything she could" to help the O'Farrell family.
jrnl.ie/6843351t
jrnl.ie/6843351t
Shane O'Farrell's mother pushes back on Humphreys' claim she did 'everything she could' for Shane
Lucia O’Farrell said Humphreys “did nothing” to support her family’s fight for justice and answers.
jrnl.ie
October 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Lucia O'Farrell, the mother of hit-and-run victim Shane O'Farrell, has pushed back on presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' claim that she "did everything she could" to help the O'Farrell family.
jrnl.ie/6843351t
jrnl.ie/6843351t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Former Labour leader Brendan Howlin has confirmed he is backing Catherine Connolly in the presidential election, despite Heather Humphreys sharing a photograph of them both over the weekend.
jrnl.ie/6842888t
jrnl.ie/6842888t
Ex-Labour leader Brendan Howlin 'supporting Connolly' despite being photographed with Humphreys
The Labour Party voted during the summer to support Catherine Connolly’s campaign, but some members have defected.
jrnl.ie
October 13, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Former Labour leader Brendan Howlin has confirmed he is backing Catherine Connolly in the presidential election, despite Heather Humphreys sharing a photograph of them both over the weekend.
jrnl.ie/6842888t
jrnl.ie/6842888t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Opposition parties and a housing charity have criticised the Government after ministers failed to mention homelessness in their Budget speeches today
Opposition parties round on Government for not mentioning homelessness in their Budget speeches
One TD said the crisis ‘should not be seen as inevitable’ by the Government.
www.thejournal.ie
October 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Opposition parties and a housing charity have criticised the Government after ministers failed to mention homelessness in their Budget speeches today
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Minister Jack Chambers shed further light this evening on the timeline surrounding the circumstances that led to Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential election.
http://jrnl.ie/6838101t
http://jrnl.ie/6838101t
Chambers says 'facts changed' from Jim Gavin in relation to tenant issue
Fianna Fáil’s deputy leader admitted that the party put the tenant query to Gavin in September.
jrnl.ie
October 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Minister Jack Chambers shed further light this evening on the timeline surrounding the circumstances that led to Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential election.
http://jrnl.ie/6838101t
http://jrnl.ie/6838101t
“Repeatedly Jim was asked had you ever any issue with a tenant, and he said absolutely not” - Micheál Martin tells RTÉ’s Six One.
He claims “very comprehensive” due diligence was done with his selection.
He claims “very comprehensive” due diligence was done with his selection.
October 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
“Repeatedly Jim was asked had you ever any issue with a tenant, and he said absolutely not” - Micheál Martin tells RTÉ’s Six One.
He claims “very comprehensive” due diligence was done with his selection.
He claims “very comprehensive” due diligence was done with his selection.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
The blame game has already begun within Fianna Fáil as the dust settles on last night's shock news of Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race.
http://jrnl.ie/6836206t
http://jrnl.ie/6836206t
'WTAF' and 'Micheál needs to apologise': The reaction within Fianna Fáil as Áras bid implodes
The blame game has already begun within Fianna Fáil as the dust settles on last night’s shock news.
jrnl.ie
October 6, 2025 at 10:48 AM
The blame game has already begun within Fianna Fáil as the dust settles on last night's shock news of Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race.
http://jrnl.ie/6836206t
http://jrnl.ie/6836206t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Last night's presidential debate gave voters their first real close-up look at how the three candidates perform under pressure... but maybe left viewers without a clear picture of who they actually are.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/
September 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Last night's presidential debate gave voters their first real close-up look at how the three candidates perform under pressure... but maybe left viewers without a clear picture of who they actually are.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/
Maria Steen has just arrived at Leinster House ahead of Independent Ireland TDs announcing their intentions for the presidential election. Looks like she has their 4 votes.
September 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Maria Steen has just arrived at Leinster House ahead of Independent Ireland TDs announcing their intentions for the presidential election. Looks like she has their 4 votes.
A spokesperson for Gareth Sheridan tells @thejournal.ie “It’s over.”
Having failed to secure a nomination from Offaly Council, Sheridan’s team have conceded it’s the end of the line in his bid for the Áras.
Having failed to secure a nomination from Offaly Council, Sheridan’s team have conceded it’s the end of the line in his bid for the Áras.
September 22, 2025 at 2:26 PM
A spokesperson for Gareth Sheridan tells @thejournal.ie “It’s over.”
Having failed to secure a nomination from Offaly Council, Sheridan’s team have conceded it’s the end of the line in his bid for the Áras.
Having failed to secure a nomination from Offaly Council, Sheridan’s team have conceded it’s the end of the line in his bid for the Áras.
New: The Green Party has made the decision to back Catherine Connolly in the presidential election.
@thejournal.ie
@thejournal.ie
September 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM
New: The Green Party has made the decision to back Catherine Connolly in the presidential election.
@thejournal.ie
@thejournal.ie