Understanding Irish politics at the end of 2025 requires acknowledging how much it has changed in the past decade and a half, and that it is likely to continue to change. I think the fairest verdict is that Donohoe was as prudent as Irish politics allowed – and certainly more prudent than any of the other possible alternatives. Is Simon Harris this person?Opens in new window ]Look back on the last election cycle for a perfect example of the rollercoaster that Irish politics has become. Most people in politics (not this columnist, though) assumed that a Sinn Féin-led government after the next election was inevitable. So we should learn from the recent history of these swings and roundabouts, and appreciate the huge level of unpredictability now inherent in Irish politics.

Source: The Irish Times November 22, 2025 18:30 UTC