The Government has defended itself against criticism after promised corrective action on gender balance failed to materialise in the appointment of junior ministers.

Government leaders decide on junior minister appointments this week, but the names are unlikely to assuage doubts after accusations of misogyny when the Cabinet was announced last week.

Tánaiste says his priority is harnessing the "full potential" of the Good Friday Agreement - while others argue that the Irish Unity debate can no longer be avoided.

The election of taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has been delayed after the Dáil (lower house of Irish parliament) was suspended amid chaotic scenes in the chamber. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the delay has been "premeditated, coordinated and a choreographed" position by the opposition and in particular Sinn Féin.

Before the US election in November, there was unanimity among the Irish political classes that Kamala Harris would comfortably win. This support for Harris was matched by a casual disdain for

The Taoiseach was speaking as members of his Fine Gael party met in Dublin to begin the process of ratifying the draft programme for government

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have rejected suggestions that the Coalition leaders have failed when it comes to ensuring gender equality in their ministerial appointments.

The audit was commissioned by OPW Chairman John Conlon following public outrage over the cost of the structure, which was branded “inexplicable and inexcusable” by then-Taoiseach Simon Harris

Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin has been elected taoiseach (Irish prime minister) for the second time after chaos in the Dáil (lower house of Irish Parliament) subsided. The Dáil was suspended several times on Wednesday after a bitter row between government and opposition parties.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. Mr Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at a ceremony inside the Capitol in Washington DC this afternoon. In a statement, Mr Harris said he wished Mr Trump "every success in his term-in-office".

The Dail meets today for the nomination of Taoiseach - but won't sit again next week despite the formation of a new government

Tánaiste Simon Harris will meet with political leaders ... I visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions as Taoiseach last year and intend to be a regular visitor in the time ahead.