Humphreys won’t say if she paid vacant homes tax

Make a one-time donation to The Ditch Heather Humphreys won’t say if she paid an anti-vacancy tax on her unused residential property. Humphreys has left the property unoccupied for the last 14 years, during which time the vacant homes tax was introduced – when Humphreys was in government

Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys has avoided a property tax on old constituency office

Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys has avoided a property tax on her old constituency office after failing to declare she’s no longer entitled to an exemption.

Heather Humphreys, Alan Shatter spreading misinformation about Oireachtas vetting

Heather Humphreys is among those spreading misinformation that Oireachtas political staff need so-called garda clearance – they don’t, according to policy documents obtained by The Ditch.

Governments won't take responsibility – someone had to: Irish doctor speaks to The Ditch from Gaza flotilla

Veronica O'Keane expects to be intercepted by Israeli forces soon – a near certainty she says she’s ready for.

Presidential election ballot gives Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil unlawful advantage – The Ditch is challenging

The presidential returning officer’s sample ballot paper for Ireland’s presidential election is unlawful – and gives an unfair advantage to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s candidates. 

Nazi-linked company among suppliers of 500 tonne+ munitions shipment to Israel

A Nazi regime-linked company is among the suppliers of 563 tonnes of bomb shells and ammunition headed to Israel on a ship moored at a US port.

Comment: Sunday's game in Croke Park betrayed the GAA

I don’t know why this stayed with me. Three years ago and it’s halftime of Newcastle United against Manchester City at St James’s Park. I’m in the East Stand, cigarette smoked, queuing for burgers.

Comment: Dan O'Brien considers a West Bank settler's view of the Occupied Territories Bill

Make a one-time donation to The Ditch By Fintan Drury Dan O’Brien has consistently questioned the value of the Occupied Territories Bill, long overdue legislation with political support across the spectrum. His Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), where he’s chief economist, is hosting an official

Comment: Fine, here’s unequivocal – Catherine Connolly is right

There’s an intellectual insecurity to the Irish ruling class, its political parties, its media, its blind followers. Driven by despair, it needs little encouragement, enjoys company and this week Catherine Connolly’s defence of self-determination was all it took. 

Whistleblower warned Leo Varadkar that Irish Aviation Authority broke hiring rules appointing Jim Gavin

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) didn’t follow proper procedures when it hired Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin as chief operating officer, according to a confidential letter from a whistleblower to then taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Comment: Culture wars – great for ruling classes

Here’s the type of story you’re supposed to tell back west after working for Chinese state media.

Basque company sent vehicle parts to Israeli arms firm

A Basque company last week sent almost half a tonne of vehicle components to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems – the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) largest weapons supplier.