Life & Style  
Noel Whelan

Noel Whelan

Noel Whelan is a barrister, author, political analyst and columnist with The Irish Times.

The Seanad chamber. “The Government decision this week to allow the Seanad Reform Bill 2013 to pass to committee stage without a vote arose for reasons of realpolitik rather than from any commitment to reform.” Photograph: Alan Betson
Cabinet allowed Seanad reform Bill to advance because it had little choice

Column: Once a political system becomes dysfunctional it is difficult to alter

The Dáil chamber. “Our parliament could do with an injection of vitality.” Photograph: Alan Betson
High time for political system to allow free votes on issues of conscience

Column: It is not surprising that so many voices on both sides of the abortion debate have called for TDs and Senators to be giv(...)

Then taoiseach Bertie Ahern at a press conference in October 2001 to announce plans for the 2002 referendum on abortion. “In making the case for that referendum and for rowing back on the suicide ground Bertie Ahern and indeed Micheál Martin repeatedly cited the so-called ‘slippery slope’ argument that legislating for termination on grounds of suicide would, as Ahern put it, ‘commence an inevitable slide towards social abortion in Ireland’.” Photograph: Chris Bacon/PA
A free vote on abortion Bill would be healthy precedent for democracy

Column: If it opposes this legislation Fianna Fáil risks alienating the mainstream middle ground

Fianna Fáil’s capacity to recover will depend on its leader Micheál Martin’s success in tackling inherent organisational defects. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Key to Fianna Fáil’s recovery is organisational reform

Column: Recent poll ratings bode well for Micheál Martin and his party

“Not putting the Seanad’s status to the Constitutional Convention undermines the Labour Party position.” Photograph: Frank Miller
Constitutional Convention must be allowed discuss future of Seanad

There is no reason why judges should be the only ones consulted on the Upper House

“Same-sex statues” adorn the top of a wedding cake at a wedding specialists store in, Birmingham, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Time may have arrived for referendum on same-sex marriage

Opinion: Public support for change has happened faster than predicted

Nessa Childers with Labour leader Eamon Gilmore at the Ireland East count in Punchestown, Co Kildare, in June 2009. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Resignation of Childers creates additional worry for Labour

Party establishment may be glad to see her go but timing of MEP’s decision adds impact

The Meath East byelection result will test the personal political bond between Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore. Photograph: Alan Betson
Meath East result will test Coalition partners’ relationship

‘Small party takes blame’ effect is more obvious than ever

US president Barack Obama and vice-president Joe Biden shake hands on arriving at a reception for Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the White House this week. Photograph: Mike Theiler/via Bloomberg
Biden rallies Irish Americans to Hispanic immigrants’ cause

US vice-president’s folksy speech to Irish audience had a political purpose

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