Taxi protests, juggling work and sick days, and the best cars to buy in 2026
Taxi drivers are to stage another protest in Dublin this evening in their ongoing campaign against a fixed-fare option introduced by booking platform Uber.Winter is here and if you’re a parent of small children, so is the juggle of trying to work when coughs, colds and tummy bugs mean they can’t go to school or creche. Joanne Hunt writes about the different types of leave you can avail of when something’s got to give.If you’re thinking of buying a new car in 2026, our motoring journalists Neil Briscoe and Michael McAleer have hand-picked the best vehicles on the market as we head into a new year. Today is the second instalment of a three part series. You can check out the best family and EV options here.We all have a death day lurking unseen. When’s mine? When’s yours? It might sound morbid but Róisín Ingle hopes her column will actually be the uplifting read you need today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Zelenskiy in Ireland, President Conolly's 2018 Syria trip, Herzog Park, and 12 best value restaurants
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has arrived in Dublin for his first official visit here. It comes at a fraught time for peace negotiations, with Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff visiting the Kremlin at the same time as President Zelenskiy meets Irish leaders.Fresh information has been revealed about President Catherine Connolly’s controversial trip to Syria in 2018, when she was photographed in the vicinity of a militia group leader. Colm Keena has been speaking to the Irish activist and Assad supporter who facilitated Clare Daly and Mick Wallace’s trip the year before.A number of our reporters are covering the proposal to dename Herzog Park in Dublin’s Rathgar, and remove the reference to former Israeli president Chaim Herzog.Ella Sloane profiles the Belfast-born, Dublin-raised man who would go on to be leader. Olivia Kelly reports on a stormy meeting of Dublin City Councillors over the proposed denaming. Ronan McGreevy examines similar controversies down through the decades over renaming streets. And the letters to the editor feature two sample perspectives on the issue.Finding a restaurant that provides decent food, service and ambiance at moderate price is increasingly difficult these days. Our restaurant critic Corinna Hardgrave, however, has picked 12 particularly good value eateries from across the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Creaking infrastructure, playoff in Prague, learning Irish again, and Christmas prep
If you’re commuting to work right now on a jam-packed train or bus, you’ll want to read Cliff Taylor’s look ahead to the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.Considering whether to go to Prague for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play off against the Czech Republic? Dubliner Cóilín O’Connor has lived there since 1995 and has a few tips on how to avoid the sky high air fares.What’s it like to learn Irish again as an adult? Completely different, reports Jack White. He’s been speaking to a number of people taking evening classes at Conradh na Gaeilge. “Raging I didn’t do this years ago,” says one.And “regift the bejaysis out of it,” says Conor Pope. Our Pricewatch editor is doling out his top tips for a cheaper (and greener) Christmas 2025. There’s some “helpful” advice from some of our readers too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Flag wars, Enoch Burke, rent rises, and the Irish Book Awards
A decision has been made not to remove tricolours erected across Dublin city, over fears it could put council workers at risk. Conor Gallagher has been investigating the proliferation of Ireland flags hung on lamp posts across the country.The manner of Enoch Burke and his family’s combative approach to protesting can be traced back through the decades, and according to Diarmaid Ferriter, is particularly similar to the catholic anti-divorce crusaders of the 1980s.The number of people being served notice to quit their tenancies has risen again, mostly due to landlords selling up. Niamh Towey has been analysing the latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board.And if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next read, you might be interested to see who won big at last night’s Irish Book Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Clondalkin attack likened to Mexican cartels, and IP applicants sleep rough to "demonstrate homelessness"
Around 20 male International Protection applicants slept rough on a wintry Tuesday despite thousands of beds available. Sources have told Kitty Holland officials want to them to “demonstrate homelessness” in order to prove their need.Meanwhile Pat Leahy analyses Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s claim that immigration is increasing at the fastest rate in the EU, and Ireland can’t cope.The HSE tried to conceal the fact it was on the cusp of awarding a state contract to the company at the centre of a false Garda vetting scandal. Jack Power reveals a review of Good People homecare’s dealings with Túsla, resulted in an employee being prohibited from any further work with vulnerable children.Monday’s drug-related attack on a woman in Clondalkin in Dublin was akin to “cartel tactics,” a Garda source has told Conor Gallagher.And Ukrainians on the streets of Kyiv have told Eastern European correspondent Dan McLaughlin that Donald Trump’s “peace plan” with Russia is a “total betrayal.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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