Category: Democratic accountability

Nationalism and nation

Colm O'Doherty 28/01/2019

I am a long-term admirer of Fintan O’ Toole’s writing but in his recent analysis of the factors which triggered Brexit (Not just the economy, stupid – Brexit is about belonging) he mistakenly suggests structural inequality and fiscal austerity had less traction in influencing vote leave behaviour than nationalism and identity politics. This …

How to Effectively Address Populist Anxieties

Shana Cohen 01/06/2018

I came to Ireland from the UK, where I lived between 2004-17 (I am originally from the United States). I encountered, fairly early on the …

Transparency Will be Key to Delivering the National Investment Plan

Eoin Reeves 28/02/2018

The new national development plan Project Ireland 2040 could very well be a game changer in terms of Ireland’s future economic prospects. …

Ethics law needs to set the tone for standards in public life

Nuala Haughey 12/01/2017

Issues of ethics in public office are enjoying a rare moment in the spotlight with the ongoing discussion over US President-elect Donald Trump’s …

Leave no trace? How to combat off the record government

Nuala Haughey 13/12/2016

When we think of government record keeping it often conjures up images of dusty archives stuffed with crumbling paper documents. While historical …

Should judges be required to publicly declare their interests?

Nuala Haughey 15/11/2016

Should judges should be obliged to make annual declarations of interests – such as property, gifts, land, and shares – in much the same way as …

Insider lobbying and transparency - the hidden influence of expert and advisory groups

Nuala Haughey 18/10/2016

Nuala Haughey: After a full year in operation, the legislation behind Ireland’s lobbying transparency regime is being reviewed by the Department of …