A Letter to Tanáiste, Leo Varakdar

Fri, Dec 16, 2022

Dear Leo,
Congratulations. Assuming there are no last minute problems, you are about to be appointed to the position of Taoiseach this weekend.The biggest challenge you face is to define exactly what Fine Gael stand for, under your leadership. Insider understands that you have been on a ‘political journey’ in relation to a number of issues in recent years.

A letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin

Fri, Dec 09, 2022

Dear Micheál,
Insider has closely observed your political career since you were first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1989, and believes you are now at your most politically content since that time. As you know better than most, the Ireland of 1989 was a different world to the Ireland of 2022, and there are only a handful of TDs still now in the Dáil who have had a longer parliamentary career than yourself.

National media a disgrace

Thu, Dec 01, 2022

Insider understands the job of opposition politicians: it is to make you feel miserable. Their thinking is as follows; no matter what condition the country is in, we must give the impression that things are a lot worse than they are, and if we can convince enough people that the country is ‘gone to hell in a handcart’, then we can pick up some extra votes which will help us at the next election.

Therefore, when you hear, see or read members of the opposition, they hope you will feel worse afterwards: mission accomplished in their view. This approach extends beyond their attempts to manipulate both broadcast and print media, it becomes all consuming for them. Take the recent ‘Raise the Roof’ march in Dublin: it is all part of the attempt to create disruption and sow seeds of discontent which will make voters think ‘we can do better than this’.

Why women’s sports deserve support and funding

Thu, Mar 24, 2022

"The last mile is never crowded and that’s the way it does feel sometimes. The difference is to be able to hold on in there, to keep it going."

Forget the populists, the Government is doing fine

Wed, Mar 16, 2022

A few short weeks ago, we were convulsed by the popping of some champagne corks in Iveagh House. This followed prolonged agonising over whether the partition in The Station House Hotel, in idyllic Clifden, was opened or closed.

Politicians, keyboard warriors, and toxic tweets

Thu, Mar 10, 2022

“Politicians and diapers need to be changed often…for the same reasons.” This quote (wrongly) attributed to Mark Twain is among what must be millions of jokes told to show politicians in a bad light.

The real worry about Sinn Féin

Thu, Mar 03, 2022

The recent Claire Byrne Live special, in which audience members were invited to put their furrowed brows on display, and share with the nation their hesitations about voting Sinn Féin, was, you can be sure, the opening salvo in what will be a relentless attempt by the media to shore up support for Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Greens.

Time to rebuild relationships between councillors and city council officials

Thu, Feb 17, 2022

Relationships matter. They impact on all our lives - daily. Some we do not notice, maybe take for granted. Others we work at, consciously. Whether we realise it or not, the former matter, the latter not as much.

Why cyclists now doubt councillors intentions over Salthill Cycleway

Thu, Feb 10, 2022

Cycling enthusiasts are sick. Reading last week’s extensive coverage of the Salthill Cycleway issue in the Galway Advertiser caused our stomachs to drop as we read how the opinions of some of the elected councillors on the proposal have changed.

Men need to ask themselves: Why the acceptance of sexism, misogyny, and femicide?

Thu, Feb 03, 2022

The recent murder of Ashling Murphy has catapulted the issue of femicide and male violence against women to the forefront of the political and social spectrum.

Flexible and remote working needs to be facilitated by employers

Thu, Jan 27, 2022

In the early days of the pandemic, it was not unusual for people to suggest that 'afterwards' things would not - could not - go back to the old normal.

A change in Taoiseach could be the first of many changes in 2022

Thu, Jan 20, 2022

The volatile nature of politics is such that change for the big office holders may only ever be around the corner, but at the outset of 2022 we find ourselves in the unusual position of being guaranteed a change of Taoiseach this year, and this in turn may have a knock-on effect in other areas.

2021 in review - another challenging year

Thu, Dec 16, 2021

A challenging year politically draws to a close with a sense of déjà vu as Ireland faces another Christmas coronavirus scare and renewed concerns about the efforts to extricate itself from the crisis - even if we are in a better position to do so than 12 months ago.

Controversial ring road continues to produce sharp responses from supporters and critics

Thu, Dec 09, 2021

The long running, highly controversial, and often bizarre saga of the Galway City Ring Road is finally set to both come to an end, and begin to become a reality, following An Bord Pleanála’s decision, on Tuesday, to grant planning permission.

Beware the reactionaries spreading fear and doubt about realities of Covid

Thu, Dec 09, 2021

As we get closer to the end of the year, Insider has once again been in a reflective mood. Almost two years into the pandemic, and the associated restrictions, the cumulative impact of trauma and hopes dashed is having an impact on so many of us.

Sinn Féin can win two seats in Galway at next election

Thu, Dec 02, 2021

The next General Election in the Republic of Ireland will take place in 2025. However, if the last two years have taught us anything, it is surely that nothing can truly be taken for granted and that “events, dear boy” can, and will, derail all manner of plans and expectations.

Our city councillors in 2021 - a review

Thu, Nov 18, 2021

As we approach the end of another year, it is always interesting to review the local political goings-on in the Galway City Council. Let us examine each grouping in the chamber.

Former mayor appointed chair of the Association of Irish Regions

Thu, Nov 11, 2021

A former mayor of Galway city has been appointed chair of the Association of Irish Regions, the body representing Ireland’s three regional assemblies.

Enabling citizens to express their views is what will transform the EU

Thu, Nov 11, 2021

There is a growing movement across Europe to actively seek out the views of its citizens on a whole range of issues that directly or indirectly have an impact on their daily lives — and ultimately give them a bigger say in the making of decisions.

O'Hara urges people in Galway to register to vote

Thu, Nov 11, 2021

Galway East Sinn Féin representative Louis O'Hara is urging people to ensure they register to vote in advance of the registration deadline of Thursday November 25.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.