Ellen Coyne
@ellenmcoyne.bsky.social
Political correspondent at The Irish Times 📰 Part of the Inside Politics podcast 🎙️
Like the townsfolk of Whoville, the Taoiseach seems to have survived an attempt to steal Christmas out from under him.
Not unlike the Grinch, his detractors seem to have come unstuck by maths. Was their abortive heave two sizes too small? 🎄
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Not unlike the Grinch, his detractors seem to have come unstuck by maths. Was their abortive heave two sizes too small? 🎄
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Martin’s detractors unstuck by basic maths
Taoiseach would be wise to pay attention to the end of The Grinch on the eve of the Dáil Christmas recess
www.irishtimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Like the townsfolk of Whoville, the Taoiseach seems to have survived an attempt to steal Christmas out from under him.
Not unlike the Grinch, his detractors seem to have come unstuck by maths. Was their abortive heave two sizes too small? 🎄
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Not unlike the Grinch, his detractors seem to have come unstuck by maths. Was their abortive heave two sizes too small? 🎄
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
True scale of domestic abuse in Ireland to be established through new national study
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
True scale of domestic abuse in Ireland to be established through new national study
Existing figures based on people who report abuse not a reliable barometer of problem as many never seek support
www.irishtimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:07 AM
True scale of domestic abuse in Ireland to be established through new national study
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
Plan to cap value of homes eligible for vacant property grant scrapped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to cap value of homes eligible for vacant property grant scrapped
Ministers will consider introducing a new grant to convert unused properties above retail units into residential accommodation
www.irishtimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Plan to cap value of homes eligible for vacant property grant scrapped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
New data centres in Ireland could need additional energy supply that is almost equal to the peak electricity demand for the entire country.
5.8GW = almost record peak winter electricity demand for the entire country
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
5.8GW = almost record peak winter electricity demand for the entire country
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
New data centres may need additional electricity supply close to Ireland’s peak demand
Expected new demand for data centres of 5.8GW would exceed Ireland’s 2030 offshore wind target of 5GW
www.irishtimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:25 AM
New data centres in Ireland could need additional energy supply that is almost equal to the peak electricity demand for the entire country.
5.8GW = almost record peak winter electricity demand for the entire country
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
5.8GW = almost record peak winter electricity demand for the entire country
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
open.spotify.com/episode/4rNg...
That interview, digital wallets, mercusor, assessments of need and everything else that made it into our wrap of the week 🗞️ 🎙️ 🎧
That interview, digital wallets, mercusor, assessments of need and everything else that made it into our wrap of the week 🗞️ 🎙️ 🎧
That interview, Fianna Fáil's review and thorny issues for the Government
open.spotify.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:17 PM
open.spotify.com/episode/4rNg...
That interview, digital wallets, mercusor, assessments of need and everything else that made it into our wrap of the week 🗞️ 🎙️ 🎧
That interview, digital wallets, mercusor, assessments of need and everything else that made it into our wrap of the week 🗞️ 🎙️ 🎧
Fourteen cases taken against State over age verification of international protection applicants
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Fourteen cases taken against State over age verification of international protection applicants
Tusla confirms it ‘does not conduct age assessment in the strict statutory sense’ on people presenting as unaccompanied minors
www.irishtimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Fourteen cases taken against State over age verification of international protection applicants
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
In my *personal* opinion, the second half of this podcast is a testament to Hugh's seemingly limitless patience as a presenter.
open.spotify.com/episode/1FUH...
open.spotify.com/episode/1FUH...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:19 PM
In my *personal* opinion, the second half of this podcast is a testament to Hugh's seemingly limitless patience as a presenter.
open.spotify.com/episode/1FUH...
open.spotify.com/episode/1FUH...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Why is the government trying to get rid of assessments of need for children who need to be in a special class or a special school?
Why is the government trying to get rid of assessments of need for children who need to be in a special class or a special school?
Why routine assessments for children with special needs are being scrapped
For parents scrambling to find places in special schools for 2027, a new system is on the way
www.irishtimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Why is the government trying to get rid of assessments of need for children who need to be in a special class or a special school?
Why is the government trying to get rid of assessments of need for children who need to be in a special class or a special school?
The failure to agree European-wide online child protection laws is to the “collective shame” of political institutions, the Minister for Media has said.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/oir...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/oir...
Europe’s failure to agree online child protection laws a ‘collective shame’, says Minister
Social media ban on under-16s a ‘sticking plaster on gaping wound’, Dáil hears
www.irishtimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The failure to agree European-wide online child protection laws is to the “collective shame” of political institutions, the Minister for Media has said.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/oir...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/oir...
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has warned that the European Court of Human Rights is interpreting “inhuman and degrading treatment” too broadly, which is limiting the ability of member states to deport foreign criminals.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
European court interprets inhuman and degrading treatment too broadly, says O’Callaghan
Ireland shares concerns over challenges posed by convention on human rights in relation to migration and deporting criminals, Minister tells meeting
www.irishtimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has warned that the European Court of Human Rights is interpreting “inhuman and degrading treatment” too broadly, which is limiting the ability of member states to deport foreign criminals.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Legally binding age classifications for websites and apps, similar to age ratings that exist for films and television shows, could be introduced under reforms proposed by a Government taskforce.
www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/...
www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/...
Age classifications on websites and apps could be introduced under online safety reform plans
Online safety taskforce was set up in recognition of social media’s harm to children’s physical and mental health
www.irishtimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Legally binding age classifications for websites and apps, similar to age ratings that exist for films and television shows, could be introduced under reforms proposed by a Government taskforce.
www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/...
www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/...
This would be a massive change for parents of children with additional needs - Children with additional educational needs will not need assessment to access classes or schools
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
Children with additional educational needs will not need assessment to access classes or schools
Minister for Children Norma Foley announces Government will replace existing process with new system
www.irishtimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:42 PM
This would be a massive change for parents of children with additional needs - Children with additional educational needs will not need assessment to access classes or schools
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
Looks like the Government could be set for a privacy row over its plans to introduce age-verification for social media with a new digital wallet. Echoes of the Public Services Card controversy here ...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to verify people’s ages on line with Government ID a ‘disproportionate response’
Civil liberty and digital privacy campaigners question legal basis for proposed digital wallets
www.irishtimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Looks like the Government could be set for a privacy row over its plans to introduce age-verification for social media with a new digital wallet. Echoes of the Public Services Card controversy here ...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
New digital wallet to be tested within months to restrict social media access in Ireland for under-16s
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
December 6, 2025 at 8:31 AM
New digital wallet to be tested within months to restrict social media access in Ireland for under-16s
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to verify ages of children who use social media in Ireland to be considered by Cabinet
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to verify ages of children who use social media in Ireland to be considered by Cabinet
Instagram and Facebook have started shutting down social media accounts of children in Australia believed to be under 16
www.irishtimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Plan to verify ages of children who use social media in Ireland to be considered by Cabinet
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
People objecting to infrastructure projects could be offered damages to avoid delays
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
December 4, 2025 at 7:08 AM
People objecting to infrastructure projects could be offered damages to avoid delays
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
New infrastructure plan: Government expects legal challenge to judicial review reforms
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
New infrastructure plan: Government expects legal challenge to judicial review reforms
Report warns court challenges and overly complex regulatory system could stall infrastructure improvements
www.irishtimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
New infrastructure plan: Government expects legal challenge to judicial review reforms
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/hous...
Good morning ☀️ Inside Politics digest ahead of the President Zelenskiy visit should be in your inboxes now 📧
December 2, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Good morning ☀️ Inside Politics digest ahead of the President Zelenskiy visit should be in your inboxes now 📧
✍🏻 🗞️ back to work after a few days off!
Plan to phase out State-funded commercial accommodation for Ukrainians dropped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to phase out State-funded commercial accommodation for Ukrainians dropped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to phase out State-funded commercial accommodation for Ukrainians dropped
Proposal, which has not previously been reported, was considered and backed by officials in December 2024
www.irishtimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
✍🏻 🗞️ back to work after a few days off!
Plan to phase out State-funded commercial accommodation for Ukrainians dropped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Plan to phase out State-funded commercial accommodation for Ukrainians dropped
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
More than 1,000 social homes in Donegal visibly cracked due to defective blocks
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
More than 1,000 social homes in Donegal visibly cracked due to defective blocks
Council has been asking Department of Housing for four years for funding to repair damage done to housing stock
www.irishtimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:49 AM
More than 1,000 social homes in Donegal visibly cracked due to defective blocks
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Verona Murphy says photo opportunity with Sinn Féin does not mean she supports party’s Bill
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Verona Murphy says photo opportunity with Sinn Féin does not mean she supports party’s Bill
Ceann Comhairle pictured outside Dáil with SF on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls
www.irishtimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Verona Murphy says photo opportunity with Sinn Féin does not mean she supports party’s Bill
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
‘Exceptionally high building inflation’ blamed for €6m Dublin park tearooms rising over budget
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dubl...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dubl...
New €6.1m tearooms for Dublin's Merrion Square delayed amid ‘exceptionally high building inflation’
Cost of consultant architects rose from €246,000 in 2015 to €655,000 last year, audit finds
www.irishtimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:38 AM
‘Exceptionally high building inflation’ blamed for €6m Dublin park tearooms rising over budget
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dubl...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dubl...
The Minister for Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces have been ordered to hand over the identity and contact details of people who may have blocked or ignored complaints of abuse within the armed forces.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Minister for Defence told to provide details of people who may have ignored abuse complaints
Defence Forces initially claimed providing the information could be a breach of data protection
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The Minister for Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces have been ordered to hand over the identity and contact details of people who may have blocked or ignored complaints of abuse within the armed forces.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
The records from mother and baby homes, where more than 100,000 Irish women and children stayed between 1922 and 1998, are being held in a database which is “not fit for purpose” and which is not designed for the long-term preservation of the important documents.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The records from mother and baby homes, where more than 100,000 Irish women and children stayed between 1922 and 1998, are being held in a database which is “not fit for purpose” and which is not designed for the long-term preservation of the important documents.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...