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.

We must remain optimistic, but realistic, about the future

Thu, Nov 04, 2021

Some weeks ago, Insider wrote an article championing the positives of life in Ireland today, and while he thinks it is correct to have an optimistic outlook on life in general, perhaps sometimes we can let optimism cloud certain material realities.

Beware the dangerous paranoia about China and Russia

Thu, Oct 14, 2021

Imagine if Iran, the Peoples’ Republic of China, and Russia suddenly announced a military pact to counter Boris Johnson which would involve the building of 12 nuclear submarines, with the contract for building said submarines being awarded to the smallest of the three, Iran.

Should our Army be involved in what is happening in Mali?

Thu, Oct 07, 2021

“Military men are just dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy,” Henry Kissinger once said, and any objective reader of Signal, the magazine of the Irish Commissioned Officers Association, might find it hard to disagree.

Galway’s night time economy needs to be strengthened and supported

Thu, Sep 30, 2021

As the sun sets and day turns to night, a special freedom sparks. The night has always been something magical, since fadó when people worshipped the moon, until today where it is a chance to celebrate, to create, and to live.

Why Irish reunification is worth it

Thu, Sep 23, 2021

"The conversation around Irish Unity is well underway, it's time for the Government to start preparing and taking an active role in this conversation. Preparation for a Unity Referendum must begin now. The discussion on unity is to the forefront of political discourse. We are living in the most exciting decade of Irish political change. This generation has the chance to build an inclusive republic on our island. A new constitutional settlement with self determination at its core is both achievable and necessary” - Sinn Féin Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell

Ireland needs social housing, student housing, and fair rents

Thu, Sep 23, 2021

The housing crisis in Galway continues to intensify. In late July, there were 234 adults accessing emergency accommodation in Galway, with 66 families, including 165 child dependents, counted in the West region, compared to 225 adults and 154 dependents (including adult dependents) a month earlier.

‘We want to tell the Irish people, France is your closest neighbour’

Thu, Sep 16, 2021

Ireland may geographically be closer to Britain, but politically, with Brexit, and the UK becoming a ‘third country outside the EU, France is now the Republic’s closest neighbour - a relationship the French are keen to develop and deepen.

Any ‘return to normal’ is a return to major challenges for Ireland

Thu, Sep 09, 2021

As summer comes to an end, attention is turning to the new political season as the various party think-ins get underway with the return of the Dáil just around the corner.

The pandemic is not over, but housing is once again taking centre stage

Thu, Jul 01, 2021

As we approach the midpoint of 2021, and with the summer Dáil recess approaching, now is a good time to take stock of the political year to date.

Will the housing crisis prove the undoing of this Government?

Thu, Jun 17, 2021

As the smoke begins to clear from the havoc wreaked by the pandemic, the provision of housing will more and more take centre stage, with a huge mountain to climb before we get to a situation where supply comes even close to meeting demand.

Arts bureaucrats urging writers to put themselves up for sale?

Thu, Jun 03, 2021

In a book called Das Kapital, first published 154 years ago, Karl Marx predicted capitalism would, in time, transform everything into a saleable commodity.

O’Reilly invokes Elvis Presley during Seanad Housing debate

Thu, Jun 03, 2021

Elvis Presley was invoked by Green Party Galway senator Pauline O’Reilly in the Seanad, when she described the controversial Affordable Housing Bill 2021 as requiring “a little less conversation, a little more action please”.

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