Irish politics in 2025 was anything but dull. From the speaking rights row in Dáil Éireann to Jim Gavin’s withdrawal from the Presidential Election, the year was full of political spectacle.
However, behind much of the political spectacle we have seen, 2025 represented a year of transition in Irish politics, with the election of left-wing President Catherine Connolly and a growing united left opposition being among the defining moment
Below are five moments that defined Irish politics in 2025.
The Speaking Rights Row
Starting off the year, there was a major row over speaking rights in Dáil Éireann coinciding with government formation. This came following the 2024 General Election, which led to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and a number of Independent TDs forming a coalition.
As part of this coalition agreement, a number of the independents would become Ministers, but they proposed that the rest of the independents in Government get opposition speaking time instead of using government speaking time in the Dáil. This led to a major row in the Dáil from the opposition over this, as these Independents helped to negotiate the programme for government, and were not simply providing supply and confidence.
Notably, Independent TD Michael Lowry was pictured giving a two-finger gesture to People Before Profit (PBP) TD Paul Murphy, which included his middle finger, and subsequently went viral online.
There were disruptions in the Dáil for a period of time because of this speaking rights row, delaying government formation.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy also faced a confidence vote in the Dáil over her handling of the situation, which she survived. This was the first time in history a Ceann Comhairle faced such a motion.
Jim Gavin’s Withdrawal from the Presidential Race
On October 6th, Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin withdrew from the presidential race, marking a major turning point in the election. This came following news that he owed a former tenant €3,300, something which Gavin had owed for years.
This has led to major fallout within Fianna Fáil, and has raised questions surrounding Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin’s leadership, something which is still slowly unfolding.
Following his withdrawal, there were only two candidates remaining in the presidential race, Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys and Independent candidate Catherine Connolly. However, Gavin remained on the ballot as his withdrawal came following the close of nominations.
Catherine Connolly’s Election as President
Following Gavin’s withdrawal, Connolly was subsequently elected as President of Ireland in a landslide victory, securing over 63 per cent of valid votes, compared to 29 per cent for Humphreys and 7 percent for Gavin. This marks a major turning point in Irish politics in opposition to the government parties, as Connolly is a left-wing socialist politician.
Connolly was supported by a number of parties, including Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, Labour, the Greens, and PBP. This election has been described as potentially sewing the seeds for a left-wing coalition government after the next general election, should the numbers allow for it.
This election was also notable for the large number of spoiled ballots that were cast, many of which were cast intentionally due to the fact that Independent Maria Steen was unable to secure enough nominations to get on the ballot.
Student Fee Increases in Budget 2026
The first budget of the new government was unveiled in October 2025, but, one notable point stuck out to many, that student fees were being increased by €500.
This came despite the fact that the coalition’s Programme for Government stated that they will “continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government to ease the financial burden on students and families at the start of each academic year, in a financially sustainable manner”.
The Government tried to frame the fee increases as a cut, saying that the previous €1000 reductions were temporary and that this was a permanent €500 cut, however, the new budget measures still effectively raised student fees by €500 when compared to previous years.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s Resignation
Rounding out 2025, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe resigned in November in order to take up a role as Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank. Donohoe had served as a Government Minister since 2013.
Recently, it has emerged that in April 2025, Donohoe gave the World Bank an extra €10 million above what the World Bank suggested Ireland should have contributed. This is still a developing story, and only time will tell what will come of this, as questions have been raised given the fact that he would go on to work for the World Bank only a few months later.
As a result of his resignation, there will also be a bye-election in Dublin Central in 2026 to fill the vacancy in the constituency.
Overall, 2025 was a year to be remembered in Irish politics. From Government formation and an eventful Presidential Election, to the resignation of Paschal Donohoe, the year was defined by political turbulence and spectacle. Whether 2026 will prove to be as eventful remains to be seen.
