Stephen Collins

Invasion of Ukraine brought an end to any indulgence by our European allies and highlights ridiculousness of giving China and Russia a veto over Irish actions

Pressure is coming on the Government to start spending the projected €65 billion budget surplus

Stephen Collins: President Michael D Higgins’s desire for a shift in the national focus from material progress to ethics and a more balanced relationship with nature has struck a chord. But we tried it before

An intimate conversation between King George VI and the then Irish ambassador reveals what he really thought about de Valera - and the ordeal of coronations

In spite of adversity, Ireland became one of the few newly independent states to survive as an uninterrupted democracy

We spend less than any EU country on defence, yet wallow in the notion that our neutrality confers some sort of moral superiority

Biden’s only mistake on his nearly note-perfect visit, during which he managed to walk the tightrope with skill, was his snub of Sunak

Government is in tune with voters on most issues with one big exception: housing is regarded by 52% of voters as the key concern in Ireland

Since losing office the party appears more concerned with apologising for what it failed to do rather than claiming credit for what it achieved

Interest in influencing Government policy rather than grandstanding on the emotive issue of the eviction ban bodes well for the Coalition lasting its full term

Stephen Collins: Intensely proud of his Irish roots, US president has a string of political and economic victories - whether the electorate recognises it or not

Ireland risks squandering a golden economic opportunity unless the Taoiseach takes personal charge and drives projects forward

The nous shown by the UK prime minster in resolving the protocol impasse might save Tories from annihilation

At a stroke, the DUP leader could bring stability to Northern Ireland, gain influence with Sunak and win friends in Starmer’s Labour Party

Several politicians are likely to announce their retirements before the end of the current Dáil. Fine Gael will be hardest hit