The narrative of the week
The topic of immigration politics remains a hot-button issue, even when it’s not dominating newspaper headlines. The contentious topic had calmed briefly in recent weeks. However, it has resurfaced as a major news item this week after violent confrontations erupted in Coolock, accompanied by a series of attacks on migrant settlements in Phibsboro and City Quay. Concurrently, leftist protestors have been dismantling fencing across the Grand Canal.
On Thursday, the site that once housed Crown Paints was subject to arson for the second time, and a high likelihood of further protests for the upcoming weekend persists despite a court injunction. In addition, demonstrations were seen in Dundrum, County Tipperary. The implementation of 30+ additional housing sites by the Government suggests that there is potential for more conflict in the future. The immigration issue feels like a ticking bomb, with the Government struggling to find effective solutions.
Drama unfolds
As reported by Jack Power this morning, it seems the Government might face a disagreement with Ursula von der Leyen over their suggested nomination of Michael McGrath for the role of Ireland’s next commissioner. She supported a gender-balanced candidacy, however, Dublin seems adamant about nominating the former finance minister. The tension was heightened by Irish politicians from Fianna Fáil who failed to back the German for a second presidential term in the commission. This souring situation is an unwelcome backdrop as Ireland hopes to acquire an influential portfolio. Meanwhile, the politicians of Fine Gael are pointing out that von der Leyen is not particularly happy with this situation.
In other news, Simon Harris skirted around the issue but did mention on Tuesday about the Fianna Fáil discipline falling under the purview of the Tánaiste, possibly indicating an underlying sentiment that disciplinary actions should be taken.
We also analyse how Irish-American areas voted in both the 2016 and 2020 US elections. Will the obstinate Fianna Fáil members be responsible for Ireland being assigned an EU Commissioner for Toilet Seats? And will the resolution on RTE funding end the long-standing saga or will it introduce new uncertainties?
“It’s only just that every endeavour be made to reveal the truth to families’: Amendments to the Legacy Act garner support.
If McGrath does happen to take on the role of EU Commissioner for Toilet Seats, there’ll be no dearth of people to point fingers at in the event things go awry.
There will soon be a resolution regarding the TV licence fee, as a hybrid model – a blend of the fee and multi-annual treasury funding – has been agreed upon at the ministerial level. The model is set to be forwarded to coalition leaders for their contemplation, and eventually, endorsed by the cabinet in the ensuing week.
However, there has been a discernible silence about whether this fee will be expanded to encompass new households, even those bereft of a TV. While logically, it seems a sober step, from a political standpoint it might be incendiary. Does the government aim to enact a significant policy transformation or sidestep it for political reasons? This is an area that still needs some working out.
Victors and vanquished:
Victor: Paschal Donohoe has successfully staved off the drive for direct treasury funding for RTÉ.
Vanquished: Charlie McConalogue seems to have unwisely instigated discord with Fine Gael over the Straw Incorporation Scheme – a programme that rewards farmers for shredding straw and integrating it into the soil. The scheme is hardly significant overall, with only €12 million disbursed last year. Nevertheless, his temporary halt of the scheme sparked a retaliation from farmers and Fine Gael that escalated to his ministerial peer, Martin Heydon. This won’t be the final straw for the government, but as parties strive to diverge and capture rural votes, Fianna Fáil TDs might not appreciate their minister’s input.
What to read:
Jack Power will present an in-depth study on the first back-to-school week for the European Parliament, and the brewing matter of Irish backing for Ursula von der Leyen that we cited earlier.
Kitty Holland sheds light on an anti-immigrant uproar in Coolock that turned violent recently, while Conor Gallagher delves into the radical groups triggering violence against the State and immigrants.
Jennifer Bray is stepping in to cover the Saturday column during Pat Leahy’s absence, arguing that the upcoming election is a battle between the fear of uncertainty against the fear of status quo.
Hear to it here!”
Keith Duggan, the Washington Correspondent, phoned into the Inside Politics podcast on Wednesday from the GOP National Convention in Wisconsin. He attempted to paint a picture of the festive ambiance in the convention. His observations included partygoers in varied costumes and an ambiance filled with music possessing a unique blend of country and rock, that was somewhat challenging to categorize. However, on a side note, there will likely be no podcast on Friday as Hugh is presumably taking a break in Donegal.