Shawn Pogatchnik
@pogatchnik.bsky.social
I'm the Ireland correspondent at POLITICO following a quarter-century's toil at the Associated Press. A Washington State native and Dubliner with a resilient love of Belfast.
Seamus Culleton and his family long feared that speaking out could make his ICE ordeal even worse. Their interviews to the Irish Times and RTÉ have put his case squarely on the Irish political agenda. Will it still be there when the Taoiseach visits the White House? www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Ireland pushing to free citizen held by ICE in Texas
Irish PM Micheál Martin is wary of provoking the U.S. administration, but behind-the-scenes efforts to free Seamus Culleton from ICE custody have proven fruitless, an Irish official tells POLITICO.…
www.politico.eu
February 10, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Seamus Culleton and his family long feared that speaking out could make his ICE ordeal even worse. Their interviews to the Irish Times and RTÉ have put his case squarely on the Irish political agenda. Will it still be there when the Taoiseach visits the White House? www.politico.eu/article/irel...
The current seating plan for this afternoon's Screen 13 presentation of 'Melania' at Dublin Cineworld (the biggest cinema in Ireland). One seat sold, only 136 still available ...
February 3, 2026 at 1:32 PM
The current seating plan for this afternoon's Screen 13 presentation of 'Melania' at Dublin Cineworld (the biggest cinema in Ireland). One seat sold, only 136 still available ...
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Federal law enforcement agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 according to local police officials. DHS told Fox News that the man was “armed with a gun”. A video of the shooting appears to show that a gun was taken from the man before the first shot was fired. x.com/BillMelugin_...
January 24, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Federal law enforcement agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 according to local police officials. DHS told Fox News that the man was “armed with a gun”. A video of the shooting appears to show that a gun was taken from the man before the first shot was fired. x.com/BillMelugin_...
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
If there was a child porn factory down the road, it’d be closed immediately.
The Govt’s response wouldn’t be “hang on, they let us print flyers there too”.
The Govt’s response wouldn’t be “hang on, they let us print flyers there too”.
January 8, 2026 at 9:51 AM
If there was a child porn factory down the road, it’d be closed immediately.
The Govt’s response wouldn’t be “hang on, they let us print flyers there too”.
The Govt’s response wouldn’t be “hang on, they let us print flyers there too”.
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 AM
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
Ireland was already committed to spending €1.1bn on military projects for 2026-30, so today's announcement represents a €600m hike. Much will go on radar and sonar, even more on aircraft. Recruitment and retention remains a fundamental problem. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Ireland unveils €1.7 billion plan to beef up its weak defenses
The non-NATO member wants to erect drone defenses in time for next year’s EU presidency.
www.politico.eu
December 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Ireland was already committed to spending €1.1bn on military projects for 2026-30, so today's announcement represents a €600m hike. Much will go on radar and sonar, even more on aircraft. Recruitment and retention remains a fundamental problem. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Zelenskyy's hand-written message in the visitor's book on arrival at Áras an Úachtaráin, where he's meeting Ireland's newly elected president, Catherine Connolly: "I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland's steadfast support during our fight against Russian aggression."
December 2, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Zelenskyy's hand-written message in the visitor's book on arrival at Áras an Úachtaráin, where he's meeting Ireland's newly elected president, Catherine Connolly: "I express my sincere gratitude for Ireland's steadfast support during our fight against Russian aggression."
Paschal Donohoe won credit from colleagues for easing friction inside Ireland's coalition government. Now his diplomatic skills go to Washington. He leaves Fine Gael with no obvious successor in Dublin Central, where Sinn Féin could win a second seat beside Mary Lou. www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe quits as Irish finance minister
Donohoe will become managing director and chief knowledge officer at the World Bank.
www.politico.eu
November 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Paschal Donohoe won credit from colleagues for easing friction inside Ireland's coalition government. Now his diplomatic skills go to Washington. He leaves Fine Gael with no obvious successor in Dublin Central, where Sinn Féin could win a second seat beside Mary Lou. www.politico.eu/article/euro...
My latest on Catherine Connolly's even bigger-than-expected win. It was interesting to see her share the stage at Dublin Castle with the FF and FG leaders she's just humbled. Good grace shown by all. Next up: a byelection to fill Connolly's Galway West seat. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Ireland elects left-wing president in anti-government landslide
Catherine Connolly’s lop-sided victory to be Ireland’s next head of state was accompanied by a surge in vandalized ballots from right-wing voters.
www.politico.eu
October 25, 2025 at 7:28 PM
My latest on Catherine Connolly's even bigger-than-expected win. It was interesting to see her share the stage at Dublin Castle with the FF and FG leaders she's just humbled. Good grace shown by all. Next up: a byelection to fill Connolly's Galway West seat. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
My latest on the imminent coronation of Catherine Connolly, and yes I've included a hyperlink to her keepie-uppies.
She’s slammed NATO, voted against EU treaties, been accused of offering propaganda boosts for dictators from Russia to Syria — and now she’s on track to become Ireland’s next president.
Socialist critic of NATO and EU poised to win Ireland’s presidency
Independent socialist Catherine Connolly’s coolness to Brussels and hostility to Donald Trump put her at odds with the Irish government.
www.politico.eu
October 23, 2025 at 4:27 PM
My latest on the imminent coronation of Catherine Connolly, and yes I've included a hyperlink to her keepie-uppies.
My latest on Martin's misguided pick of Jim Gavin for president. This week's meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators should provide a platform for those seeking a new leader before Martin's due to step down as Taoiseach in Dec2027. Who takes the fall for Calamity Jim? www.politico.eu/article/mich...
Micheál Martin’s future as Irish PM in doubt as his presidential pick crashes out
Political novice Jim Gavin quit the election race to become Ireland’s next head of state after being accused of being a rip-off landlord.
www.politico.eu
October 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
My latest on Martin's misguided pick of Jim Gavin for president. This week's meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators should provide a platform for those seeking a new leader before Martin's due to step down as Taoiseach in Dec2027. Who takes the fall for Calamity Jim? www.politico.eu/article/mich...
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
October 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
After months of no-hopers declaring they'd run for president, we're left with 3 candidates backed by the heavyweights: Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. It'll be one leftie vs the broad-church parties of government. The top choice of the right can't make the cut. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Ireland’s presidential election will be a 3-way fight
A Catholic conservative from Ireland’s outgunned right, Maria Steen, fails in her last-ditch bid to join Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin and Heather Humphreys on the Oct. 24 ballot.
www.politico.eu
September 24, 2025 at 2:45 PM
After months of no-hopers declaring they'd run for president, we're left with 3 candidates backed by the heavyweights: Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. It'll be one leftie vs the broad-church parties of government. The top choice of the right can't make the cut. www.politico.eu/article/irel...
My latest on the Irish presidential race. Unsurprisingly, Conor McGregor won't be on the ballot. By submitting now, he avoids what would have been his first real political test: seeking a nomination from Dublin City Council. He never bothered to come back to Ireland before throwing in the towel.
Conor McGregor has quit without landing a blow in his doomed bid to become Ireland’s next president.
Fighter Conor McGregor taps out of Irish presidential campaign
The ex-mixed martial arts scrapper withdraws hours before facing his first real test of political support — a bout he was doomed to lose.
ow.ly
September 15, 2025 at 11:47 AM
My latest on the Irish presidential race. Unsurprisingly, Conor McGregor won't be on the ballot. By submitting now, he avoids what would have been his first real political test: seeking a nomination from Dublin City Council. He never bothered to come back to Ireland before throwing in the towel.
Here's my latest on Fianna Fáil picking political newcomer Jim Gavin to run for president. The backbenchers' sizable anti-Gav vote doesn't bode well. It's such a wildcard pick. He may be a strong campaigner. But will the GAA grassroots deliver goodwill outside Dublin? www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Gaelic football legend wins spot on Ireland’s presidential ballot
Jim Gavin — a former air force pilot and successful Dublin football manager — is the PM’s pick to compete in the Oct. 24 election.
www.politico.eu
September 9, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Here's my latest on Fianna Fáil picking political newcomer Jim Gavin to run for president. The backbenchers' sizable anti-Gav vote doesn't bode well. It's such a wildcard pick. He may be a strong campaigner. But will the GAA grassroots deliver goodwill outside Dublin? www.politico.eu/article/irel...
Catherine Connolly's bid for the Áras just got an unexpected boost. Much depends on whether FF and SF both run candidates. If either opts out, their councilors are more likely to put wildcard candidates on the ballot. The threshold for nominations via councils is low.
www.politico.eu/article/mair...
www.politico.eu/article/mair...
Mairead McGuinness quits Irish presidential race
Ex-EU commissioner cites health reasons as her Fine Gael party calls move “an awful shock.”
www.politico.eu
August 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Catherine Connolly's bid for the Áras just got an unexpected boost. Much depends on whether FF and SF both run candidates. If either opts out, their councilors are more likely to put wildcard candidates on the ballot. The threshold for nominations via councils is low.
www.politico.eu/article/mair...
www.politico.eu/article/mair...
My latest on the opening moves of Ireland's presidential race. Will Micheál run? No. Will Mary Lou? Possibly, but risk aversion likely wins out. The election-tilting wild card, if either FF or SF can play it: a 'celebrity' candidate from outside established political ranks. Brace for disappointment!
Former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and left-wing lawmaker Catherine Connolly have confirmed they both want to be Ireland’s next president — but the field could grow crowded as bigger names join the battle.
Brussels veteran and left-wing Israel critic launch bids for Irish presidency
Prime Minister Micheál Martin and opposition Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald are also potential contenders, while MMA fighter Conor McGregor likely won’t get on the ballot.
ow.ly
July 16, 2025 at 3:47 PM
My latest on the opening moves of Ireland's presidential race. Will Micheál run? No. Will Mary Lou? Possibly, but risk aversion likely wins out. The election-tilting wild card, if either FF or SF can play it: a 'celebrity' candidate from outside established political ranks. Brace for disappointment!
Here's my latest on the Ballymena rioting and its spread this week to other loyalist quarters. Context for U.S. readers: There's been more real trouble in Northern Ireland this month than in Los Angeles (with its three briefly burning, endlessly broadcast Waymos). www.politico.eu/article/immi...
Immigrants to Northern Ireland face new wave of terror
Police seek reinforcements to protect homes this weekend from racist mobs spurred by an alleged crime in Ballymena.
www.politico.eu
June 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Here's my latest on the Ballymena rioting and its spread this week to other loyalist quarters. Context for U.S. readers: There's been more real trouble in Northern Ireland this month than in Los Angeles (with its three briefly burning, endlessly broadcast Waymos). www.politico.eu/article/immi...
Story's up on Gerry Adams' libel win vs the BBC. The outcome could well have been different had he filed suit in the UK. Says the €100k will go to 'charitable causes.' www.politico.eu/article/ex-s...
Ex-Sinn Féin chief Gerry Adams wins libel award over BBC investigation linking him to IRA killing
The 76-year-old says he sued in plaintiff-friendly Dublin, not Belfast, to “put manners on the BBC.”
www.politico.eu
May 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Story's up on Gerry Adams' libel win vs the BBC. The outcome could well have been different had he filed suit in the UK. Says the €100k will go to 'charitable causes.' www.politico.eu/article/ex-s...
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Hard to believe they’re talking about the same event.
May 25, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Hard to believe they’re talking about the same event.
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Every year on Memorial Day, I share this video of French caretakers who take sand from Omaha Beach in Normandy, and scrub them into the letters to give them the gold coloring.
They do this for all 9,386 US soldiers who died.
France also gave us this land as American soil.
They do this for all 9,386 US soldiers who died.
France also gave us this land as American soil.
May 26, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Every year on Memorial Day, I share this video of French caretakers who take sand from Omaha Beach in Normandy, and scrub them into the letters to give them the gold coloring.
They do this for all 9,386 US soldiers who died.
France also gave us this land as American soil.
They do this for all 9,386 US soldiers who died.
France also gave us this land as American soil.
Reposted by Shawn Pogatchnik
Rubio publicly criticizing an ally for cracking down on right-wing extremism. And Germany hitting back. We are in a new world
May 2, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Rubio publicly criticizing an ally for cracking down on right-wing extremism. And Germany hitting back. We are in a new world
It doesn't look like Verona Murphy will go voluntarily as Ceann Comhairle, so a formal no-confidence motion on Tuesday seems a certainty. Once the opposition loses that vote, where then? The Leinster House one-stop shop will need to start issuing earplugs. www.politico.eu/article/sinn...
Sinn Féin demands resignation of Ireland’s parliament speaker
Prime Minister Micheál Martin vows to resist Sinn Féin’s campaign of “total opposition” in showdown that has crippled the ability of the Dáil Éireann parliament to function.
www.politico.eu
March 26, 2025 at 6:20 PM
It doesn't look like Verona Murphy will go voluntarily as Ceann Comhairle, so a formal no-confidence motion on Tuesday seems a certainty. Once the opposition loses that vote, where then? The Leinster House one-stop shop will need to start issuing earplugs. www.politico.eu/article/sinn...
Hard to see how this ends. Martin keeps wanting to describe it as a fight over an 8-minute speaking slot, but it's all about Michael Lowry and his two fingers. Verona Murphy's hold of the speaker's chair is slipping. www.politico.eu/article/chao...
Chaos as Ireland’s opposition shouts down speaker, shuts down parliament
Government forces through new speaking rules — but the Sinn Féin-led opposition makes it impossible for the other side to speak at all.
www.politico.eu
March 25, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Hard to see how this ends. Martin keeps wanting to describe it as a fight over an 8-minute speaking slot, but it's all about Michael Lowry and his two fingers. Verona Murphy's hold of the speaker's chair is slipping. www.politico.eu/article/chao...