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Ireland had, for a long time, been an outlier in European politics in that, despite having experienced large‐scale immigration in the 2000s, it had not seen a significant expression of anti‐immigrant sentiment, and it was almost absent at a political level. The year 2023 saw a significant rise in the number of people seeking international protection or asylum. The state struggled to cope with the rise in numbers, which saw it take control of hotels and other private premises across the country. Protests grew in some localities, but the political reaction was negligible until in late November, there was a riot in Dublin city centre causing millions of euros worth of damage. There was an expected impact on Irish politics that might change the shape of politics in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tests a theory to explain particularistic political spending not normally used on parliamentary systems. Using constituency-level data, we evaluate the merits of theories predicting whether parties reward their core voters or target floating or swing voters to maximise the party's electoral return. In order to bring new insights into the process of parliamentary pork in a system which incentivises garnering a personal vote, we introduce the decision-making rule (ministerial autonomy) as a variable and argue that the level of ministerial discretion in allocating funds coupled with the electoral system's incentives leads, in Ireland, to a form of distributive authoritarianism where the interests of ministers trump those of their party. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article looks at politics in Ireland in 2006. Changes made to the cabinet of Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern are reviewed, noting the replacement of Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Mary Harney by Michael McDowell on September 12, 2006. Major political issues in Ireland are discussed, including the collaboration of the Fine Gael and Labour parties, extended election campaigns, and the efforts of the Health Service Executive to regulate the health insurance market. The author also comments on evidence that proves former Taoiseach Charles Haughey had been involved in politically corrupt practices.

The article highlights the parliamentary elections in Ireland on May 24, 2007. Accordingly, the current Irish government has been dominated by the Fianna Fáil, the major coalition party in the country. However, the 2007 election has been found to be difficult for the government due to the intervention of the opposition parties, particularly Fine Gail party, in the local as well as the European elections. Information about the results of the political campaigns of the political parties as well as the election is indicated.

The article presents news briefs on political science, political parties, practical politics, the legislative body, and the cabinet system in Ireland under Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. The appointment of two Ministers of Parliament to European Union posts resulted in the conduct of two bye-elections. Ahern publicly criticized the nationalist movement Sinn Fein for its links to organized crime.