“When the full truth of [what is happening] in Gaza is finally known, when the evidence is gathered, when the testimonies are heard, when the true horrors are finally and fully revealed, it will shame the world.”
Such were the words of Taoiseach Micheál Martin during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he also criticised settler violence, the failure of the Gaza Peace Plan, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s continued efforts “to make the prospect of a two-state solution impossible.”
The Taoiseach’s remarks drew applause and broadly reflected an increasingly critical international consensus among many European and other delegations on Gaza; all of which were met by strong rebuttals from Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, whose 45-minute address was targeted as much to domestic audiences as it was the largely empty UNGA hall.
Martin’s speech also condemned the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine, the oppression of women in Afghanistan, and growing international threats to human rights, with the Taoiseach calling for greater global cooperation, defence of our shared principles, and for collective effort to strengthen our multilateral system, “to make it stronger, fairer and fit for the world we live in.”
It was also a clear statement of Ireland’s case for election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term – with elections due to take place next month. As the Council faces mounting global challenges, compounded by funding pressures, contested membership and deepening geopolitical division, the Taoiseach’s message signalled the role Ireland would seek to play if elected: continuing to use its soft power and diplomatic influence to advance multilateralism, human rights, peacekeeping and international law
Political Update
Poll reveals growing fragmentation of Irish political landscape
The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll has shown a drop in support for the three major parties, with each party down one percentage point since February. Sinn Féin leads in public support on 23 per cent, with Fianna Fáil on 18 per cent and Fine Gael on 17 per cent. Combined support for the three largest parties combined now sits at 58 per cent, the lowest level since 2016, compared with 62 per cent at the last general election and 78 per cent in October 2022.
The Social Democrats, Aontú and People Before Profit–Solidarity have each gained support, polling at 8 per cent, 5 per cent and 3 per cent respectively. Independent candidates also continue to attract significant support at 14 per cent. More broadly, government satisfaction has fallen one point to 29 per cent, its lowest level this term.
Budget 2027 on 6 October gives both government and opposition parties an immediate opportunity to reach voters facing rising costs. Fianna Fáil is emphasising support for renters, families and children in poverty; Fine Gael is prioritising income tax relief and childcare for working households; and Sinn Féin is calling for a €400 energy credit and the abolition of USC on the first €40,000 earned.
In terms of voter priorities, the poll also found that help with energy and heating bills was voters’ most frequently chosen Budget priority.
Economic Update
Low pay report prompts debate over proposed minimum wage increase
New research led by University College Dublin has found that more than 30 per cent of full-time workers earn less than the real living wage, while almost one in four workers earn less than two-thirds of the median weekly wage. However, seven in ten low-paid workers earn above the hourly minimum wage, indicating that insufficient working hours are a significant factor.
The research also found that women are more likely to be low paid than men, while the retail, hospitality, and health and social care sectors account for more than half of low-paid workers. The report also found that nearly one in three low-paid workers struggle to make ends meet.
The findings complicate the debate over a proposed 79 cent increase in the national minimum wage to €14.94 an hour in Budget 2027, recommended by the low pay commission. Seven in ten low-paid workers already earn above the hourly minimum wage but do not work enough hours to secure adequate weekly pay. However the Small Firms Association has urged the Government to reject the increase because of rising employment costs.
Sustainability Update
Government plans to ease environmental assessment rules for housing and infrastructure
The Government is expected to change Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules by the end of September as part of the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Under the new rules housing developments of up to 250 units would no longer require EIA screening; developments between 250 and 750 units would require screening, while larger developments would require a full assessment.
Exclusion thresholds are also expected for some infrastructure serving housing developments, including overhead electricity cables and wastewater treatment plants. Minister of State for Planning John Cummins says the changes will reduce delays and costs. Government sources argue that some environmental screening is duplicated during the planning process.
Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has criticised the new rules, warning against weakening environmental standards. He argued that planning delays, utility connections and financing costs remain more pressing barriers for smaller developers.
Around the World
Far-right gains increase pressure on Germany’s Chancellor
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has topped a second state election this month, winning 38.2 per cent in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) received 4.9 per cent, falling below the threshold for entry to the state parliament. In Berlin, the CDU also lost ground as the AfD increased its vote share. Merz called the result a “disaster” but said he would remain in office and pursue his reform agenda. The defeats have increased pressure on his leadership and could deepen disagreements within Germany’s governing coalition.
The AfD campaigned on tighter immigration rules, opposition to further wind power development and criticism of support for Ukraine, issues with wider European relevance. Despite finishing first in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it lacks a majority and the other parties elected there have rejected cooperation with it.