analysis-and-comment

Landmark verdict will have implications for platforms

On Wednesday, a California jury found that Meta and Google were liable for designing platforms that are addictive. It was a landmark moment that could have major implications for how social media companies defend themselves against future claims, writes Brian O'Donovan.

Resistance to Interconnector remains strong

Landowners along the route of the planned North South Interconnector have been told that compulsory easements will no longer be sought for access to lands earmarked for pylons.

MAGA backs Trump on Iran, but how strong is support?

Poll after poll has shown that a large majority of MAGA Republicans support the US strikes on Iran, writes Jackie Fox.

After Venezuela and Iran, is Cuba next?

The United States, for now the world's preeminent superpower, is actively pursuing a policy of regime change in other countries, writes Yvonne Murray.

Why is traffic congestion so bad?

Did you ever wonder why it seems to take longer and longer to commute by car? There are various reasons. But the growing number of cars on the road is a major factor, writes David Murphy.

The Hennessy gang and the torture of Barry Moore

Five members of the Hennessy Organised Crime Group were jailed this week but, as Paul Reynolds reports, the case has raised serious questions about the State's ability to tackle organised crime.

Worries, endings and cullings as Dáil breaks for Easter

It is holiday time again in Leinster House as politicians return to their constituencies for the two-week Easter break amid a looming energy crisis and calls for a cap on the number of TDs in the Dáil.

Children of Prague: Ireland inspire new wave of fans

The guy with the green, white and orange bucket hat and his friend wrapped in an Ireland flag, bundling last onto the Monday afternoon flight to Prague, was the first sign of the craic that was to come.

New student housing strategy distinctly underwhelming

The new student housing strategy puts the creation of 32,000 additional places completely into the hands of the private sector, writes Emma O'Kelly.

Hungary election draws near amid claims of Russian links

Hungarian Prime Minister Vitkor Orbán is facing the toughest challenge yet to his 16 years in government ahead of a parliamentary election on 12 April.

What Trump's war on Iran has meant for Ukraine

US mediation to end Russia's four-year invasion of Ukraine has paused since the Trump administration launched strikes against Iran three weeks ago

Has a Russian spring offensive begun in eastern Ukraine?

Ukrainian forces reported an increased number of Russian assaults along the entire frontline in mid-March, at the expense of higher than usual casualty rates for Moscow's forces. Was it the start of a Russian spring offensive in eastern Ukraine?

Boss Blunders: When CEO slip-ups damage their brands

Social media tore apart the McDonalds' CEO's attempt to promote the company's new burger - but his PR misstep is far from the biggest a company boss has ever made, writes Adam Maguire.

Left wave looking to beat Govt in Galway West by-election

With the date of the upcoming by-elections expected in late May but still to be finalised, parties have mostly selected their candidates for Dublin Central and Galway West, as canvassing is getting under way on the ground.

'Tech bros are going to war' - first major AI conflict

This war is just three weeks old and already the reported statistics are startling.

The uniquely complex power structure of Iran

How a web of institutions continues to operate following the assassinations of key leaders in Iran.

Govt relents, but what action will it take on fuel costs?

Relentless pressure on the Government from Opposition, and their own TDs, to take action on fuel costs has told, but it remains to be seen what form of 'appropriate intervention' they will make.

Striking a delicate balance key to White House meeting

He's been here before. Micheál Martin has done the St Patrick's Day White House visit with US President Donald Trump, writes Juliette Gash.

Philadelphia visit frames Taoiseach's message to Trump

As Taoiseach Micheál Martin marched through the streets of Philadelphia as a distinguished guest of the St Patrick's Day parade, he made it his business to stop and speak to a few people along the bitterly cold, windy route.

'Have fun with it' - Mo sheachtain ag foghlaim Gaeilge

I'm not a Gaeilgeoir. Aside from helping my young children with their Irish homework, before this week you wouldn't have heard me "ag labhairt as Gaeilge," writes Dyane Connor.

How does China view the US-Israeli war on its ally Iran?