“Top of the morning,
Notably, budget discussions appear to surface earlier each year, perhaps an indirect result of climate change. Just into the second half of April, and already ruling parties are staking their territory, boastfully attributing any budget positives that won’t be finalised until five months later. For reference, this time last year, it was only late May when three ministers from Fine Gael instigated a disagreement with Fianna Fáil, authoring an op-piece demanding tax reductions – an act seen as precocious.
Keen to seize the initiative this year, Micheál Martin and Michael McGrath were proactive just this past weekend at their annual convention, laying groundwork for tax and welfare improvements, as well as possibly promising additional energy credits next winter – a curious u-turn given that it was just in January of this year that McGrath hinted at the termination of individual payments. Financial restraint reigns supreme, until politics interferes.
Could it be the consequence of a fresh Taoiseach appointment, or merely electoral machinations? Certainly Simon Harris—quick off the mark in recent weeks—tactfully utilised a consequential declaration extending the waiver of development levies for the construction domain in his annual convention speech (with Fianna Fáil currently overseeing the Housing Department). Scrutiny reveals numerous, minute territorial disputes—rightly claiming some accolades for decisions that are indeed government-resolved, while also ensuring shared recognition. Just yesterday, both Simon Harris and Heather Humphreys were in Lucan, carrying out a ceremony to announce an expansion of the warm school meals initiative, with Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers consigned to the periphery during news broadcast footage and failing to receive any recognition. Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s ministers were singing the same praises under the banner of their own party on social media platforms.
The former police chief calls for the hiring of more Catholics to the PSNI to be prioritised in political discussions.”
This year, compared to the fierce confrontation seen last year, political disagreements seem to have been somewhat subdued. Yesterday, Harris defended the individual right of each political party to present its unique viewpoint. However, this didn’t stop a subtle jab from Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne, who expressed satisfaction at their coalition partners’ newfound appreciation for hard-working families. The political landscape is evidently shifting gears, with a focus on the impending elections, a noteworthy change from the mockery of previous times.
The Greens, who are set to have their ardfheis this weekend, are under the effective yet understated leadership of Eamon Ryan, known for his carefully measured approach in budget negotiations since 2020. After the initial challenging period in 2020, Ryan and his party embraced a ‘no drama’ policy, a strategy that has been adopted by the other two coalition parties. However, there’s a growing realisation that the coming months offer a golden opportunity for the incumbent parties to remind voters about their policy achievements and why they should be re-elected. So, all eyes are on Ryan and his party to see the stance they take this weekend.
Meanwhile, internationally, happenings in the Middle East take precedence, also making the headlines back home.
Recommended reads
Insights from Michael Jansen on the potential for a lose-lose warfare situation.
Fintan O’Toole opinionates that the current turmoil in the Middle East is down to a series of Western blunders.
Mary Hannigan discusses continuous chaos at the FAI.
Fiona Reddan advises on tax pitfalls for parents considering monetary gifts to their children.
Agenda
Simon Harris will begin the week answering the delayed inaugural leaders’ questions at 2pm. This will be followed by Order of Business and Taoiseach’s Questions at 3.15pm. Heather Humphrey’s auto-enrolement Bill will move further along in the Oireachtas at 4pm, just before a Sinn Féin motion on cancer strategy presented in the evening.
Oral PQs for Norma Foley and topical issues will cap off the day shortly after 9pm.
Here’s the full diary.
Meanwhile, the housing committee will resume the lengthy hearings on the planning Bill at 2.15pm in committee rooms. The children’s committee has a briefing on children’s safety in relation to AI use, with representatives from social media companies expected to attend.
The justice committee is set to persist with its initial inspection of proceeds of crime laws at 4pm. The complete timetable can be found at the given link. Beginning at 1pm, the Seanad will handle foregoing issues, followed by discourses related to farming and legislations for secure access areas later in the day. A comprehensive summary of the aforementioned is accessible via this link.
Beyond the confines of Leinster House, Harris is scheduled to head for Brussels for his initial European Council gathering in the afternoon. The focus will be predominantly on Middle Eastern affairs, with the new Taoiseach planning to reinforce the argument for acknowledging Palestinian statehood with fellow EU leaders.
Meanwhile in the United States, Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe will be in attendance at Washington, DC, for the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank.