Ireland’s underdeveloped vocational education and training system is restricting the supply of skilled workers in important areas of the economy such as construction

It has become an article of faith among many Republicans that the era of the US acting as the world’s policeman is over

Home ownership is the legitimate aspiration of many, but rental reform remains essential too

There is a risk that this campaign loses contact with the likely budgetary reality and the choices that will face the next government

A judge ruled that seven men brought to Albania by an Italian warship on Friday cannot be detained in Albania

The Labour government in London has allocated more cash to Northern Ireland, providing an opportunity to its politicians

Inviting Michael O’Leary to speak off the cuff at its campaign event might not have been the wisest strategy

Disagreement over who should pay – and how much – risks turning the Cop into a failure, but this must not be allowed to happen

Increasing demand for outpatient psychiatric and psychological services from younger age groups has overwhelmed a chronically under-resourced system

The issues that preoccupy voters are well established but there are two additional challenges it would be folly to ignore

The restoration of the cathedral, five years after a devastating fire, was a Herculean task

A second Trump term could upend old US alliances and undermine multilateral efforts to deal with global issues such as climate change.

The injection of uncertainty into EU politics comes at a bad time, following the return of Donald Trump and in the face of a range of political and economic threats

For almost a decade, he has loudly proclaimed a number of core policy goals. Now he has the opportunity to radically remake Washington

Court hearings demonstrate clearly that Ireland is not meeting its obligations in this vital area

The goal of building more homes requires a rethink on policies and a new sense of urgency

Faced with serious claims, the High Court had little choice but to press the pause button

Unlike in 2000, a contested election now raises the spectre of widespread civil unrest and even violence

The Tories are trying to win back the right wing voters who have deserted the party for Reform UK, but risk abandoning the middle ground

Tehran’s next move in reaction to recent Israeli air strikes will be vital as attempts at diplomatic progress continue

Lengthy delays in transport approvals are common, though the BusConnects project is starting to take shape

Trump’s criminality, venality, misogyny, xenophobia and psychological instability render him unfit for any office

The devastation around Valencia demonstrates that we are dealing with a real and increasing danger and not a speculative future scenario

There will be criticism that the proposed process is toothless and insufficiently independent

The Knesset decision to severely restrict the work of UNRWA will seriously disrupt food supplies and worsen a dire situation

Commuters on the proposed route, many sitting in daily traffic with few other options, will hope that a decision is forthcoming shortly

Low investment in the construction sector means modern methods of construction are not being adopted on a wide enough scale

It was only after decades of procrastination that the political establishment was forced into action following a legal challenge

Japan’s much-vaunted political stability looks set to come under strain after an inconclusive result

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has to plug the hole in the national finances as well as finding ways to fund vital investment

The move to cut waiting lists must be managed effectively, but questions remain about delivering a better service in Ireland

Recent events illustrate the transnational nature of the problem, and the necessity for governments across the world to co-operate against it

Observers and the press report widespread ballot irregularities as the governing party claims a victory which will be welcome in Moscow

Carbon-cutting commitments for 2030 are not being met, and even if they were the temperature rise would still be hugely damaging

Despite the annual complaints of disruption, the race has earned its place on the streets of the capital

If incumbency is an electoral advantage then the party is carrying a significant handicap as it approaches the starting line

The sponsors of the NCSC may have a legal contract but it is unlikely to see the light of day without Government buy-in

New domestic guidelines are needed on fiscal policy as EU rules are unlikely to be effective here

Massively scaled-up restoration measures are needed, requiring a paradigm shift in national priorities

The code is best seen as setting a standard that platforms must meet whichever way they choose - but much will come down to implementation

Driven by Russia and China, the Brics aspire to be a global counterweight to western power, though it can be an uncomfortable alliance

Critics of Simon Harris will see the entire exercise as proof of a reactive style of politics driven by the soundbite

Moldova’s knife-edge weekend vote in support of joining the EU was significant, particularly given Russian attempts to influence the referendum

The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had led to calls for a ceasefire, but intense Israeli strikes continued over the weekend

Reducing the incidence of tragic events must be the priority, but measures are needed too to reduce the costs of lengthy legal proceedings

When the official campaign begins, it will focus minds on questions that offer profitable lines of attack for the Opposition

Stable and efficient institutions are seen as vital to development - there are lessons here for Ireland

What is clear is that the current environment is causing serious harm, in particular for women

Ireland does have an abundance of alternative energy sources, particularly wind, but tapping them requires planning and investment

As we head towards a general election, the Government needs to concede that a new policy approach is needed