Ireland may see a political overhaul in European elections

State is set to gain two MEP seats from Brexit, while boundary changes will also take a toll

‘No way’ Brian Crowley can run as Fianna Fáil MEP, say party sources

MEP fell out with party over a change of groups in the parliament five years ago

TTM aims to dominate UK healthcare staffing market

Ennis-based recruitment firm opens new Manchester office to drive UK expansion

Varadkar defends decision to drop transport links from EU scheme

Including west and northwest projects in Ten-T could have exposed State to ‘majority of costs’

Varadkar move blocked funding for western rail corridor

Fine Gael colleague warned minister intervention could close off EU financing ‘for good’

Openings for Irish firms in UK despite Brexit, Enterprise Ireland says

Report from State agency encourages Irish businesses to develop ties in north of England

Crowley’s European absence a gift to Brexiteers, says substitute

Kieran Hartley appeals to Micheál Martin to intervene over Brian Crowley’s long absence

‘Ming’ Flanagan says he would quit as MEP if in Brian Crowley’s situation

Being present for votes in European Parliament an ‘essential element’ of MEP’s job

Miriam Lord: Juncker’s MEP outburst disrupts bloc party

Meanwhile, Leo proves to be the perfect host as Fine Gael looks forward to summer nights

European Parliament has no power to sanction absent MEPs

Brian Crowley has not attended parliament since re-election in 2014 due to ill health

Substitute for Brian Crowley MEP complains at absence since 2014

Kieran Hartley writes to FF chief over lack of representation in European Parliament

Refusing to retire: Why the over 60s still have a passion for work

A growing cohort are stalling retirement and starting new careers in 50s and 60s

‘Irish Museums Survey 2016’ quietly encouraging

Culture shock: The publication is a significant resource for professionals and policymakers involved in the future development of museums

Attendance rate of Irish MEPs at European Parliament improves

New figures show average attendance rate of 81 per cent in 2015, up from 76 per cent

Stephen O’Sullivan inspires Templenoe to All-Ireland junior title

Ardnaree-Sarsfield soundly beaten as victors become seventh Kerry side to win club title

Human rights body ‘deeply concerned’ about Halawa situation

European Parliament resolution demands unconditional release of Irish man

Europe calls for release of Halawa from Egypt prison

EU parliament seeks Irish man’s immediate release and cites breach of human rights

Fine Gael MEPs oppose anti-bullfighting law in vote

An amendment banning bullfighting subsidies was passed by the European Parliament

Madrid congress provides forum for delegates from EU centre-right parties

Political groups play crucial backroom role in European politics

Irish MEP attendance rate ‘one of lowest in EU’ in second half of 2014

Turnout of Republic’s representatives dropped almost 25% – one of lowest in the EU

No mercy for Ming: Expenses may be slashed for low attendance

MEPs entitled to daily allowance of €304 and monthly stipend of €4,299

Europe Letter: MEP election must be scrutinised given dismal voting records

One can empathise with personal cases but Ireland’s voice in Europe is vital

Minister for European Affairs says MEPs should attend parliament ‘as far as possible’

Dara Murphy responds to research showing Ireland has worse voting rate of all 28 member states

Two Irish MEPs have worst voting record in Parliament

Independents Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and Brian Crowley monitored by watchdog

Brian Crowley and Luke Flanagan’s absence rates cast doubt on logic of running as MEPs

Ireland’s MEPs generally seen as strong performers in EU politics

Byelection ordered to replace Deirdre Clune in Seanad

Only TDs and senators entitled to vote which means the Government can chose winner

€1.1m legal fees paid out to Mahon case builders

Biggest payment made by department since start of last year was €1.7m to engineering firm lawyers

And the end-of-term awards for political prowess go to . . .

We can’t let our representatives go on a very long summer break without acknowledging their outstanding contribution

With new power for European Parliament comes scrutiny

Political groups will be judged by whether or not they deliver on promises

‘Ode to Joy’ as old hands show newbies Europe’s parliamentary ropes

Members of the UK Independence Party turned their back to the EU flag

Brian Crowley’s defection

Jack Lynch would ‘be spinning in his grave’ over Crowley move

Micheál Martin says FF cannot be linked to a group with racist or homophobic views

Brian Crowley’s MEP group ‘xenophobic’, says FF leader

ECR parliamentary grouping contains ‘racist’ and ‘homophobic’ elements, says Martin

Dáil Sketch: Not a shred of truth in Brian Crowley shift from ALDI

Chief whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl said the party was “reeling” and “bewildered” by Crowley’s actions, which suggests the Soldiers of Destiny ought to get out more

Le Pen fails to form new political group in European Parliament

National Front leader unable to get necessary support from seven EU countries

Rise of far right in EU elections ‘overstated’, says Trinity College professor

Oireachtas committe told 18 out of 28 states have no far-right representation

Fianna Fáil: The little party with big party problems

Analysis: Martin playing political ‘whack-a-mole’ with troublesome TDs, Senators and MEPs

Crowley no longer member of FF parliamentary party

MEP’s decision to join Eurosceptic group ‘totally incompatible’ with party principles

FF disputes MEP Brian Crowley claim over European Parliament staff

Crowley says he has moved to the European Conservative and Reformist (ECR) group not for ‘any personal gain’

Fianna Fáil to discuss expelling Brian Crowley

MEP faces possible expulsion from parliamentary party over joining group

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

The Irish Times ePaper

Stardust

Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people

Common Ground

How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands