Photograph: Cillian Sherlock/PA WireIf the first part of 2025 in Irish politics had a defining characteristic, it was stasis. While defensible in macroeconomic terms, the decision carried some political risk, even as it was simultaneously being criticised as insufficiently prudent. Within weeks, Donohoe had exited Irish politics to take up a position at the World Bank. Despite Connolly’s success, with a general election up to four years away the prospects for any major realignment in Irish politics remain cloudy. Ultimately, then, this was a year in which Irish politics seemed to lag behind reality.

Source: The Irish Times December 26, 2025 21:30 UTC