Gavan Reilly
@gavreilly.com
Politics guy @virginmedianews.bsky.social; one third of The Group Chat podcast; columns here and there; author of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞: linktr.ee/gavreilly
A serving Garda has today been arrested under organised crime legislation, as part of an inquiry into the alleged removal of a significant quantity of drugs from a Garda station in 2024. Five other non-Gardaí have also been arrested
November 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
A serving Garda has today been arrested under organised crime legislation, as part of an inquiry into the alleged removal of a significant quantity of drugs from a Garda station in 2024. Five other non-Gardaí have also been arrested
Hildegarde Naughton will be new Education Minister. Simon Harris will take finance, Helen McEntee foreign affairs and defence. Emer Higgins will be the new FG super junior at Dept of Children. Frank Feighan will be a junior minister for public procurement. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Hildegarde Naughton will be new Education Minister. Simon Harris will take finance, Helen McEntee foreign affairs and defence. Emer Higgins will be the new FG super junior at Dept of Children. Frank Feighan will be a junior minister for public procurement. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
NEW: Paschal Donohoe is resigning as MInister for Finance, and as a TD, in order to take up a role with the World Bank in Washington. Announcement expected after this morning's Cabinet meeting. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 AM
NEW: Paschal Donohoe is resigning as MInister for Finance, and as a TD, in order to take up a role with the World Bank in Washington. Announcement expected after this morning's Cabinet meeting. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
Broke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the Titanic music
Woke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the berserk Icelandic commentary from Euro 2016 (when Heimir Hallgrimsson was the manager!):
Woke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the berserk Icelandic commentary from Euro 2016 (when Heimir Hallgrimsson was the manager!):
November 17, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Broke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the Titanic music
Woke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the berserk Icelandic commentary from Euro 2016 (when Heimir Hallgrimsson was the manager!):
Woke: Watching Troy Parrott's winner with the berserk Icelandic commentary from Euro 2016 (when Heimir Hallgrimsson was the manager!):
🇮🇪 LONG STORY SHORT ON IRELAND’S WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS:
We will have home advantage for our semi-final as long as:
• Bosnia don’t beat Austria on Tuesday
• Wales don’t beat North Macedonia on Tuesday
The seeding pots are based on FIFA’s world rankings and, as things currently stand, Ireland are pot 2.
We will have home advantage for our semi-final as long as:
• Bosnia don’t beat Austria on Tuesday
• Wales don’t beat North Macedonia on Tuesday
The seeding pots are based on FIFA’s world rankings and, as things currently stand, Ireland are pot 2.
November 17, 2025 at 6:37 AM
🇮🇪 LONG STORY SHORT ON IRELAND’S WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS:
We will have home advantage for our semi-final as long as:
• Bosnia don’t beat Austria on Tuesday
• Wales don’t beat North Macedonia on Tuesday
The seeding pots are based on FIFA’s world rankings and, as things currently stand, Ireland are pot 2.
We will have home advantage for our semi-final as long as:
• Bosnia don’t beat Austria on Tuesday
• Wales don’t beat North Macedonia on Tuesday
The seeding pots are based on FIFA’s world rankings and, as things currently stand, Ireland are pot 2.
Football’s coming Heim.
November 16, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Football’s coming Heim.
Je telephone à la airport police
Me listening to Zara King read airport dad @gavreilly.com for filth.
a woman in a suit is sitting in front of a crowd and says yahhh gurrrll you tell ' em
ALT: a woman in a suit is sitting in front of a crowd and says yahhh gurrrll you tell ' em
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Je telephone à la airport police
Reposted by Gavan Reilly
There’s an easy answer to this: I have to watch Diogo Dalot every week.
"Gavan, what's emotionally broken you more - Ireland or Man Utd?"
November 13, 2025 at 9:56 PM
There’s an easy answer to this: I have to watch Diogo Dalot every week.
All of this emotional tumult, just for the right to slip to an underwhelming playoff semi-final away loss to Kosovo
November 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
All of this emotional tumult, just for the right to slip to an underwhelming playoff semi-final away loss to Kosovo
Although if this jolt of national feelgood factor is too much for you, join us at 10pm where we’ll take the housing plan down a peg or two
November 13, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Although if this jolt of national feelgood factor is too much for you, join us at 10pm where we’ll take the housing plan down a peg or two
TIME Magazine (!!!) asked me to explain what the wider world should know about Catherine Connolly:
time.com/7333194/irel...
time.com/7333194/irel...
The Meaning of Ireland's New Anti-Establishment President
Catherine Connolly has a change mandate that may put her at odds with Ireland's own government—and its allies in Europe and America.
time.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:41 PM
TIME Magazine (!!!) asked me to explain what the wider world should know about Catherine Connolly:
time.com/7333194/irel...
time.com/7333194/irel...
Michael D Higgins, with his wife Sabina, has left Áras an Úachtaráin for the final time as president.
He was given a guard of honour by members of the Sanctuary Runners, a charity of which he is patron.
The President’s term of office ends at midnight.
@VirginMediaNews.bsky.social
He was given a guard of honour by members of the Sanctuary Runners, a charity of which he is patron.
The President’s term of office ends at midnight.
@VirginMediaNews.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Michael D Higgins, with his wife Sabina, has left Áras an Úachtaráin for the final time as president.
He was given a guard of honour by members of the Sanctuary Runners, a charity of which he is patron.
The President’s term of office ends at midnight.
@VirginMediaNews.bsky.social
He was given a guard of honour by members of the Sanctuary Runners, a charity of which he is patron.
The President’s term of office ends at midnight.
@VirginMediaNews.bsky.social
Liveline about to be bombarded with calls complaining about changing the sig tune to Liveline
November 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Liveline about to be bombarded with calls complaining about changing the sig tune to Liveline
Reposted by Gavan Reilly
Have been sent the clip of Bernese Mountain Dog owners sending off Michael D twice by heart-melted people outside of Ireland.
What a country.
What a country.
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina are preparing to leave Áras an Uachtaráin for the final time this evening as his term comes to an end.
Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated tomorrow as Ireland’s next president.
#VMNews
Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated tomorrow as Ireland’s next president.
#VMNews
November 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Have been sent the clip of Bernese Mountain Dog owners sending off Michael D twice by heart-melted people outside of Ireland.
What a country.
What a country.
On @virginmedianews.bsky.social at 5:30: and invite to an Oireachtas committee on the way for Ivan Yates… and for Anton Savage, Terry Prone, Mandy Johnston and Lucinda Creighton… for discussions around how best to disclose any conflicts of interest among broadcasters and commentators
November 7, 2025 at 5:22 PM
On @virginmedianews.bsky.social at 5:30: and invite to an Oireachtas committee on the way for Ivan Yates… and for Anton Savage, Terry Prone, Mandy Johnston and Lucinda Creighton… for discussions around how best to disclose any conflicts of interest among broadcasters and commentators
Warm applause in the Dáil chamber - from all sides - as the House is formally notified that, for the first time since 1973, a sitting member of the Dáil has been elected President of Ireland. Catherine Connolly’s seat in Galway West has now been formally vacated. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Warm applause in the Dáil chamber - from all sides - as the House is formally notified that, for the first time since 1973, a sitting member of the Dáil has been elected President of Ireland. Catherine Connolly’s seat in Galway West has now been formally vacated. @virginmedianews.bsky.social
As if the front page of the Sunday Independent wasn’t bad enough reading for the Taoiseach…
November 2, 2025 at 8:49 AM
As if the front page of the Sunday Independent wasn’t bad enough reading for the Taoiseach…
Apropos of recent comments by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste:
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
November 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Apropos of recent comments by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste:
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
POLL: Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks
(Oct 31, MoE 2.5%)
Sinn Féin 23 (+2 in four weeks)
Fine Gael 19 (-2)
Fianna Fáil 18 (-2)
Social Democrats 9 (+1)
Aontú 6
Ind Ireland 5 (+1)
Labour 5 (+1)
PBP-Solidarity 3
Greens 2 (+1)
Inds/others 10 (-1)
www.independent.ie/irish-news/s...
(Oct 31, MoE 2.5%)
Sinn Féin 23 (+2 in four weeks)
Fine Gael 19 (-2)
Fianna Fáil 18 (-2)
Social Democrats 9 (+1)
Aontú 6
Ind Ireland 5 (+1)
Labour 5 (+1)
PBP-Solidarity 3
Greens 2 (+1)
Inds/others 10 (-1)
www.independent.ie/irish-news/s...
Support for Sinn Féin rises as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil see drop after presidential election, new poll shows
Sinn Féin is now the most popular party in the country, as support for the government parties has dropped in the wake of Catherine Connolly’s resounding victory in the presidential election.
www.independent.ie
November 1, 2025 at 5:51 PM
POLL: Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks
(Oct 31, MoE 2.5%)
Sinn Féin 23 (+2 in four weeks)
Fine Gael 19 (-2)
Fianna Fáil 18 (-2)
Social Democrats 9 (+1)
Aontú 6
Ind Ireland 5 (+1)
Labour 5 (+1)
PBP-Solidarity 3
Greens 2 (+1)
Inds/others 10 (-1)
www.independent.ie/irish-news/s...
(Oct 31, MoE 2.5%)
Sinn Féin 23 (+2 in four weeks)
Fine Gael 19 (-2)
Fianna Fáil 18 (-2)
Social Democrats 9 (+1)
Aontú 6
Ind Ireland 5 (+1)
Labour 5 (+1)
PBP-Solidarity 3
Greens 2 (+1)
Inds/others 10 (-1)
www.independent.ie/irish-news/s...
Reposted by Gavan Reilly
New Pod:
A comprehensive natter about where #Aras25 leaves the Left, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Right - ft. thoughts including the importance of the Irish language in politics, and why didn't Fine Gael let Heather Humphreys be Heather Humphreys?
open.spotify.com/episode/6R1e...
A comprehensive natter about where #Aras25 leaves the Left, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Right - ft. thoughts including the importance of the Irish language in politics, and why didn't Fine Gael let Heather Humphreys be Heather Humphreys?
open.spotify.com/episode/6R1e...
Unpacking Ireland’s Political Earthquake
open.spotify.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:41 AM
New Pod:
A comprehensive natter about where #Aras25 leaves the Left, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Right - ft. thoughts including the importance of the Irish language in politics, and why didn't Fine Gael let Heather Humphreys be Heather Humphreys?
open.spotify.com/episode/6R1e...
A comprehensive natter about where #Aras25 leaves the Left, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Right - ft. thoughts including the importance of the Irish language in politics, and why didn't Fine Gael let Heather Humphreys be Heather Humphreys?
open.spotify.com/episode/6R1e...
If you’ve ever appreciated my updates, here or on Bird Site, I have a favour to ask:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 is up for Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and part of the decision is by public vote!
It’s category 11 here:
irishbookawards.ie/vote
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 is up for Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and part of the decision is by public vote!
It’s category 11 here:
irishbookawards.ie/vote
Vote - Irish Book Awards
AN POST IRISH BOOk AWARDS Public Vote 2025 Vote for your favourite books of the year here and win €100 of National Book Tokens Scroll down and vote for your favourite books and be in with a chance of ...
irishbookawards.ie
October 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
If you’ve ever appreciated my updates, here or on Bird Site, I have a favour to ask:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 is up for Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and part of the decision is by public vote!
It’s category 11 here:
irishbookawards.ie/vote
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 is up for Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and part of the decision is by public vote!
It’s category 11 here:
irishbookawards.ie/vote
Too late, NYT. That top line ain’t fooling anyone.
October 28, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Too late, NYT. That top line ain’t fooling anyone.
