Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy switches on the Oireachtas Christmas tree lights at Leinster House with disability rights activist Cara Darmody. While the crowd waited for Micheál and Simon to appear, the music played on and Leinster House got into the Christmas mood for one evening at least. This year, thanks to Storm Bram, the authorities decided to move the official start of the festive season from a windswept Leinster Lawn to the warm and dry confines of the Leinster House 2000 annex. Photograph: Barry Cronin/The Irish TimesWith M&S looking on, she proceeded to the main event – the switching on of the Leinster House illuminations. If all the promises come true, maybe Cara won’t have to come to Leinster House next year.

Source: The Irish Times December 10, 2025 09:02 UTC