Stephen Collins

Irish waters in the Atlantic represent a black hole in western defences. The idea that Russia might decide to take its war to Europe’s exposed flank is a far-fetched scenario but not impossible

Official doublethink has left us with a warped definition of neutrality that has confused the public and left the country defenceless

Outpouring of praise in recent days is something he never experienced during his political lifetime but that did not dim his enthusiasm for politics

Even among politicians, support for the proposed changes to the Constitution is lukewarm at best

The choice confronting voters will be whether the attraction of change outweighs the stability and general prosperity offered by the Government parties

The pervasiveness of the Sinn Féin narrative is partly down to its adept use of social media to promote its unremittingly negative version of reality

The Joint Declaration has often been taken for granted in the 30 years since, but it was arguably more significant than the Belfast Agreement that followed

An unjustified ‘failed state’ narrative has taken a grip on public discourse in recent years

Party has made a concerted effort to use the legal system to muzzle the media as well as political opponents who have dared to criticise it

Despite Brexit, Ireland and the UK have more in common than any other two states in Europe. The two islands are inextricably linked by ties of family and kinship

Michael D Higgins criticised the European Commission President for overstepping her remit. What does he think he was doing?

Only certainty about the next election is that nothing is certain

While it is almost certain that Sinn Féin will emerge as the largest party, that is no guarantee of government

Dire warnings about the impact on trade for Irish firms did not materialise

A referendum to cap the number at 174 would surely find favour with voters, although sitting TDs may be reluctant to contemplate it

Spanish voters baulked at handing power to a party with a radical programme and no experience of government

US voters have almost ‘never had it so good’ as under Bidenomics, but they believe things have never been worse

The Fianna Fáil leader’s decision about Europe could influence Irish politics for the rest of the decade

There’s not much sympathy for the national broadcaster among Government politicians, who believe it goes out of its way to give them a kicking

Not content with seeing Tubridy’s career in tatters, his louder critics are demanding that he should never be allowed to work again. Time for some perspective