Newsletter
Key developments of the week
This week, our Public Affairs team reflects on Leo Varadkar’s comments on rural Ireland and the responsibility of former office holders to recognise the weight their words can carry.
Economic developments were also in focus, with the Tánaiste and Minister for Public Expenditure outlining updated forecasts, while Minister Helen McEntee convened a trade forum amid ongoing global uncertainty.
On sustainability, the European Commission signalled a renewed push to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy.
Finally, the impact of the Middle East conflict is being felt across Europe, with Germany’s manufacturing-heavy economy facing rising pressures and downgraded growth forecasts.
Key developments of the week
This week, our PA team reflects on the challenges the Government faces in responding to severe political pressure on energy prices when constrained by a EU rules around taxation, public expenditure and the granting of supports to companies.
Also covered are expert warnings around electricity prices, the impacts of climate change in Europe and the first public comments made by Viktor Orban since the Hungarian leader was ousted from office last weekend.
Key developments of the week
This week, our public affairs team looks ahead to Ireland’s EU Council Presidency and examines the potential challenges that a changing of the guard in European institutions may present for our longer-term interests.
We also reflect on the recent ESRI report showing that the recent energy price spikes are likely to drive inflation. Finally, the World Meteorological Organisation has warned that our planet's climate system is under increasing strain.
In Denmark, the ruling Social Democrats experienced their worst election result in a century and now look to form a government in a complicated political landscape.
Key developments of the week
This week, our public affairs team reflect on the Government’s response to the rapid increase in fuel prices, brought on by the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
We also examine the Taoiseach’s recent visit to the White House for St Patrick’s Day as well a new report which highlights a risk for Ireland if SME productivity doesn't improve. Finally, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities is being taken to the High Court over its decision to allow fossil fuel energy to be used to power new data centres.
In The Netherlands, a new report highlights that the country is unlikely to meet its legally binding 2030 targets for reducing nitrogen deposition in protected Natura 2000 areas.
Key developments of the week
This week, our public affairs team reflect on the effects the conflict in the Middle East is having on energy prices in Ireland.
We also examine the Government's handling of the evacuation of Irish citizens from the Gulf, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on the Irish financial system.
In Brussels, EU member states have given final approval to a new climate target requiring a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, while in Beijing, a major political conference is taking place with Chinese leaders set to announce their long-term economic plans.
Key developments of the week
This week, our public affairs team reflect on the 2026 ‘transatlantic diplomacy season’, so far.
We also examine Minister McEntee's hope that Ireland will rejoin the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund, and discuss the uneven distribution of wealth across Ireland.
On the Climate front, the EU Council has significantly simplified sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies across Europe, while internationally, a major political win was secured for Indigenous groups in Brazil after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva revoked a decree that would have opened up Amazon waterways to private concessions.
Key developments of the week
This week, our public affairs team reflect on a turbulent week for the government, faced with fiery opposition to the SNA review.
We also examine the reversal on a proposed social media ban, and declining business confidence in the wake of international volatility and rising costs of business.
On the Climate front, the Minister Darragh O'Brien has announced a €35 million for community climate action projects, while internationally, Hungary's Victor Orban has ramped up anti-EU rhetoric in the lead up to the country's April elections.
Key developments of the week
In this week's report, our public affairs team reflect on the upcoming Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections, as well as the impact that the Irish EU Presidency will have on domestic priorities.
We also examine the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026, alongside new Central Bank data showing that Irish mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in three years. Elsewhere, an Oireachtas committee report has identified 30 barriers to meeting Ireland’s 2030 climate targets, pointing to infrastructure gaps and policy delays; and Switzerland is preparing for a pivotal referendum on capping its population, reflecting wider European tensions around migration and economic growth.
Key developments of the week
In this week’s report, our public affairs team reflect on how extreme weather has dominated the political agenda, following record January rainfall and widespread flooding across parts of the country.
We also examine the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, which shows Sinn Féin maintaining its lead amid a fragmented party landscape, alongside confirmation that two by-elections will take place in May. Elsewhere, the European Central Bank has held interest rates steady as eurozone inflation continues to ease, new research has linked Storm Chandra to climate change with significant implications for flood management policy, and Spain has announced plans to ban under-16s from social media as part of a wider online safety push.
Key developments of the week
In this week’s report, our public affairs team reflect on this week’s Cabinet approval of the Residential Tenancies Bill, which will now proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The negative response from both opposition and developers suggest it will be far from plain sailing for the government.
We also look at the St Patrick’s Day travel programme, which includes the Taoiseach’s traditional visit to Washington DC, the latest CSO figures for housing completions, and the signing of the Hamburg Declaration to deepen offshore energy cooperation between North Sea states.
Key developments of the week
In this week’s report, our public affairs team reflects on a turbulent week in transatlantic relations and considers how Europe can reduce it’s economic and diplomatic reliance on the United States.
Key issues covered in detail are attempts to regulate US tech companies, the energy transition in Ireland and Europe, and the decision by the European Parliament to send the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice, in a move that runs against the logic of diversifying European trade.
Key developments of the week
In this week’s report, our public affairs team reflect on the impact of the report into Jim Gavin’ selection process on Fianna Fáil’s leadership. While most of the analysis of the report’s fall-out has centred on Taoiseach and Party Leader Micheál Martin, our team focus on the impact on Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. Chambers is Martin’s clear favourite as a successor, having in 2024 appointed him as party Deputy Leader and the youngest Minister for Finance since Michael Collins. The report is clear that Chambers played a central role in the decision to back Gavin – something that opponents in a future leadership contest will be quick to recall.
Key developments of the week
In this week’s report, our public affairs team reflect on the impact of the report into Jim Gavin’ selection process on Fianna Fáil’s leadership. While most of the analysis of the report’s fall-out has centred on Taoiseach and Party Leader Micheál Martin, our team focus on the impact on Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. Chambers is Martin’s clear favourite as a successor, having in 2024 appointed him as party Deputy Leader and the youngest Minister for Finance since Michael Collins. The report is clear that Chambers played a central role in the decision to back Gavin – something that opponents in a future leadership contest will be quick to recall.
Key developments of the week
Last week, Government published its much-anticipated Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Report and action plan. While the plan aims to unlock our infrastructure delivery, ultimately it is anticipated that this will also ramp up delivery of our housing stock, which remains the number one issue facing Government. There is a sense – including within the Government parties – that unless the latest iteration of the national housing plan can finally shift the dial on housing delivery in the term ahead, the electorate may finally decide to end a century of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael rule.
Key developments of the week
”Infrastructure” was the buzzword of the week, well, after Zelensky that is. The report, released on Wednesday, lays out 30 actions intended to accelerate the provision of critical infrastructure by addressing key barriers to delivery. Critical infrastructure for the purpose of the report refers to the electricity network, water and transport infrastructure, the infrastructure deemed necessary to support the development of all other social and economic infrastructure right across society.
Key developments of the week
The daily commute for people working and studying in Dublin may get worse this week, with the announcement of yet another delay to MetroLink. A judicial review lodged by residents near Dartmouth Square against the planning approval threatens to push construction back to 2028, frustrating hopes for improved transport and housing infrastructure.
Key developments of the week
If anyone needed a reminder of how quickly politics can move, this week provided it. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe resigned to take a senior role at the World Bank triggering a major government reshuffle. Within hours, a new cabinet was formed: Simon Harris became Minister for Finance, and Helen McEntee was appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, among other changes.