Full coverage: Fine Gael

After a year of hesitation, the Government can no longer claim it’s finding its feet. With housing, childcare, disability and infrastructure still stuck in first gear, 2026 will be the year we find out what it’s really capable of.

Paschal Donohoe was a key proponent of the centre during a time of division and a Christian Democrat who presided over a massive increase in the size of the State. But to understand his policies and his personality, you have to look to Apple.

As the presidential race takes shape, Fine Gael can point to two credible candidates. Fianna Fáil, by contrast, is still searching for a potential winner — and the cost of sitting this one out could be greater than the risk of running.

Annual accounts are in for the two main coalition parties, showing which election they chose to spend more on and how much cash and debt they needed in the process.

The former Fine Gael Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton talks about the outcome of the general election, the issue of government formation, and Ireland’s waning influence in Europe.

A key clash between the parties during the campaign centred on manifesto costings. But when stripped back, the data shows striking similarities in how much they plan to spend and where it will be allocated. Agreeing a Programme for Government won’t be that tricky.

There was no political earthquake in General Election 2024, no recasting of the Irish political system. A sizable number of people looked at the status quo, and, despite its many deficiencies, decided it was, in the round, their preferred option.

Two major problems are now starting to manifest themselves in Fine Gael’s poll numbers. Both relate to the issues of incumbency.

Political analyst Gary Murphy talks about how Irish politics has moved left, why Sinn Féin will struggle to form a coalition, and who will win the election.

Fine Gael’s finance spokesperson argues that personal tax cuts would not increase Ireland’s exposure to global risks and welcomes new faces among voters and party colleagues.