The role of the presidency has changed dramatically in the last three decades, and what had previously been considered fairly dull elections have been enlivened in recent years with a range of different candidates and visions for the office.
If politicians can’t do deliver realistic cost projections and timetables, they need to make sure the public grasp the full scale of the eventual benefits.
With Sinn Féin riding high on the back of voters’ dissatisfaction with the economy, the temptation to cash in Dublin’s corporation tax bounty will be great.
Around three quarters of all transatlantic cables in the northern hemisphere pass through or near its waters – yet Dublin spends just 0.2 per cent of GDP on defence.
Statistics suggest that rents have increased by an average of 63 per cent since 2015. Demand for housing outstrips supply, and house prices continue to rise year on year.
Of the party’s eight Members of Parliament, four struck a sceptical or hostile note whilst the others took a more reserved or conciliatory view.
This year 36 government ministers and other representatives will bring Dublin’s message to 74 cities in 44 countries around the world.
On both sides of the water, politicians are torn between urgent national need and powerful local objections to new development.
It was made at the same time that the police were opening a fraud investigation into the party over alleged misuse of its referendum fighting fund.
The Seanad in Dublin comprises people chosen by county councillors, the government, and graduates of certain universities. This week, it celebrated its centenary.
A recent brawl at the National Party conference highlights how totally marginalised it remains in Dublin politics.
As Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil prepare for an unprecedented game of musical chairs, the republicans are riding high in the polls.
Even if the Government has the will to act, it has rattled its sabres so long, and to so little effect, that this isn’t obvious.
A party which can’t even bear to say ‘Northern Ireland’ will never make Irish Brits feel welcome in an all-island state.
The Windsor Framework is not workable. Its flaws and unworkability are already apparent and will quickly become more so.