The first electoral test for progressives in the Connolly Coalition will be the Galway West by-election. A voter-transfer pact is essential to maximising support and the minimum needed to show that progressives are serious about building an alternative to the current Government.

Probably the most succinct (and correct) description of Budget 2026. Note: it is not so much 'pro-business' as 'pro-business owner'. It is highly debatable whether tax cuts will boost business productivity. And also note the 'austerity' headline above.

The Covid and cost-of-living crises have been good for profits. Since 2019, profits in the domestic sector (basically SMEs) increased by 72%. Wages increased by 40%. In the last year, profits grew by 10%. For wages it was 6%. Yet owners demand more tax breaks and subsidies.

Over the last 5 years, the nuclear-armed countries spent over $400 billion on their nuclear arsenals. For half that amount we could end global hunger. The EU should take the global lead and declare Europe to be a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Source: ICAN

Ireland has the fewest number of labour inspectors in the EU, bar Malta. A weak and under-resourced labour inspectorate puts employees at risk, allows low-road employers to undermine good businesses, and weakens consumer safety. Everyone loses. Source: ILO

Ireland will disporportionately suffer from the 15% tariff. Over a quarter of all Irish goods exports go to the US. The EU average is 8%. How is this a good deal for Ireland or the EU?

Today is 'No Kings Day' in America. Demonstrations in over 2,000 cities against the authoritarianism of Trump's rule are taking place. Solidarity with all those marching in the US and around the world for democracy and the rule of law.

Profit shifting. Tax avoidance. 0% corporate tax paid. Excellent investigation into Ireland's tax mirage and multinational accounting practices from the @businesspost.bsky.social Still, don't ever say that Ireland is a tax haven.

Considerable opposition to the government's proposed postponement of living wage and additional sick pay entitlements.

Military expenditure among the combined EU countries is nearly three times that of Russia. So why are we being frog-marched into ramping up military expenditure at the expense of social programmes? Source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database

War may be hell but it’s boomtime for shareholders. There’s been a significant increase in the share price of major arms manufacturers since the beginning of the year. In some cases, the share price has more than doubled.

We are inundated with stories of SMEs in crisis. Yet, according to a RED C/Grid Finance suvey, only 1% of SMEs suffered a big loss last year with 72% in profit (nearly a quarter making a substantial profit). So what's the rationale for tax cuts and more corporate handouts?