IrelandOwnership & classification
Founded: 1905
Ownership
The Irish Independent (successor to the 1890s pro-Parnellite Irish Daily Independent) was launched in 1905 by businessman William Martin Murphy. For most of its modern history it was the flagship of Independent News & Media (long associated with Tony O'Reilly and later Denis O'Brien). In April 2019 Belgian group Mediahuis acquired INM for about €145.6m, so the paper is now published by Mediahuis Ireland, a subsidiary of Mediahuis NV, which is owned by Flemish/Dutch publishing families (the Van Puijenbroek and Baert families and chairman Thomas Leysen with partners).
Funding
Financed by advertising, print sales and a growing digital subscription/paywall operation under Mediahuis.
Affiliation & stance
It is a privately owned commercial newspaper controlled by a family-backed European publishing group rather than by any party, church or the Irish state, with a broadly centre to centre-right editorial line. This commercial private ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 300
81/100
Factual
79/100
Objective
606
Articles
606
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
World Cup round-up: Messi breaks scoring record, Algeria survive, but Jordan are eliminated
UN: Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting children in Gaza
Calls for NI Police Ombudsman to probe what PSNI knew about Jeffrey Donaldson
Man pulled alive from Venezuela rubble 8 days after quake
‘Absurd’ to suggest Riad Bouchaker’s actions did not show intent to kill, jury told
France records 1,000 excess deaths this week due to ‘exceptional’ heatwave
Garda acquitted of assaulting teenager who was armed with knuckleduster at large-scale fight
Here's What Happened Today: Tuesday
Trump's bid to restrict birthright citizenship rejected
Recent coverage
Anne Gildea on ageing and how it influences her comedy
The article features an interview with Anne Gildea, an Irish comedian, discussing how aging affects her comedic style and perspective. She reflects on the changes in her career and personal life as she grows older, highlighting both challenges and opportunities that come with age. Gildea shares insights into how her humor has evolved, emphasizing authenticity and relatability in her work. The piece focuses on her personal experiences rather than broader societal trends or political issues.
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Pico Lopes prepares for Messi as family scramble to return for World Cup history
Pico Lopes, a Cape Verde national and former Shamrock Rovers defender, is preparing to face Argentina's Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Miami. His journey to representing Cape Verde began in 2018 after initially declining a call-up, and he has become a standout player for his country. Cape Verde's historic run in the tournament includes a draw with Spain and victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Lopes' family, including his wife Leah and young son Diego, has made significant efforts to travel from Dublin to Miami to support him. They have traveled across the U.S., with the help of friends and family, to ensure they can attend the match. Pico's parents and siblings are also working to secure travel arrangements to witness the game, highlighting the emotional significance of this moment for the Lopes family.
Single speed camera responsible for over 30,000 fines 'is unusual', justice minister says
A speed camera installed on the N25 near Glenmore, Co Kilkenny, has issued over 30,000 fines in a single year, significantly more than any other static speed camera in Ireland. The camera's placement has been questioned, with concerns that the sudden transition from a 100 km/h to an 80 km/h speed limit causes confusion for drivers. In response, Transport Infrastructure Ireland approved new signage placed farther from the old sign to improve clarity. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan acknowledged the discrepancy in fine numbers and ordered an investigation into whether certain cameras are disproportionately issuing fines. Labour TD George Lawlor highlighted the financial impact of the camera, noting it generated €4.9 million in 11 months and called for serious scrutiny, arguing that drivers who were complying with the speed limits should not face unfair penalties.
Record increase in income limits to benefit Louth carers
The article reports that income limits for carers in Louth have seen a record increase, which is expected to provide greater financial support to eligible individuals. This change aims to ensure that more people who care for others receive adequate assistance. The decision reflects broader efforts to improve social welfare policies in Ireland. While the focus is on the positive impact of the policy, the article does not elaborate on potential challenges or criticisms associated with the adjustment.
Zelensky hits Dublin as EU Presidency begins
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Dublin as the European Union began its presidency. The visit coincided with a significant period for EU foreign policy, particularly regarding its response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky's presence highlighted the importance of international support for Ukraine and underscored the role of the EU in shaping global responses to the crisis. His address likely focused on urging continued solidarity and assistance from European nations.
Louth Garda GAA video
The article title 'Louth Garda GAA video' suggests a report involving a Garda (Irish police officer) and a GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) event in County Louth, Ireland. The headline implies there may be footage or documentation related to an incident involving a Garda and the GAA, potentially highlighting a conflict or controversy. However, the provided article text is incomplete or very brief, offering little detail beyond the title. Without further information, it is unclear what specific event or issue the article is addressing.
Taoiseach disagrees with solicitors withdrawing services over new legal aid payment model
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has expressed disagreement with solicitors who are withdrawing their services from Ireland's criminal legal aid scheme due to changes in the payment model. Under the new system, solicitors will receive a flat fee for District Court criminal cases, rather than being paid per court appearance. Up to 60 solicitors staged a walkout at the Criminal Court of Justice in response to the change. Martin urged solicitors to 'continue to defend people and continue to represent people' and stated that he does not believe withdrawing from the courts is the correct course of action. He acknowledged some movement in negotiations regarding the initial fee offer but emphasized the importance of reforming legal systems to improve efficiency and fairness. The Department of Justice previously reported that solicitors were exploiting the system to maximize earnings, prompting reforms aimed at simplifying administration and ensuring fair remuneration. Critics, including the Law Society and various advocacy groups, warn that the changes could severely impact access to justice.
Bob Vylan is suing the BBC in Ireland a year on from Glastonbury row
The British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan has filed separate legal actions against the BBC in the Irish High Court, alleging that the broadcaster unfairly labeled their anti-war chants as antisemitic and sought to suppress their expression. The lawsuit follows their controversial performance at the Glastonbury Festival where frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster led chants against the Israeli Defense Forces, which were livestreamed by the BBC. The BBC later condemned the chants as 'antisemitic' and reviewed its broadcasting guidelines. Bob Vylan claims the BBC has used these accusations to silence criticism of actions in Palestine and seeks to challenge what they describe as biased censorship. The duo also previously sued RTÉ over a report labeling their performance as anti-Semitic, denying any antisemitic intent. Their legal team includes Belfast solicitor Darragh Mackin, who has experience with similar cases.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan ‘not prepared to rule out’ controversial EU migrant return hubs
The Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has indicated he is not ready to exclude the possibility of establishing controversial EU migrant return hubs. These hubs have been a point of contention due to concerns over their potential impact on human rights and migration policies. The proposal involves returning migrants to countries outside the EU, which has raised ethical and legal questions. Such measures are part of broader discussions around immigration control within the European Union. The minister's stance reflects ongoing debates about managing migration flows and aligning national policies with EU regulations.
‘We want to show that Ukrainians can also create jobs’ – founder of Dublin matcha pop-up to set up sister café in Ukraine
The founder of a successful matcha pop-up in Dublin plans to open a sister café in Ukraine, aiming to demonstrate that Ukrainians can create jobs and contribute economically despite the ongoing conflict. The initiative highlights efforts by Ukrainian entrepreneurs to rebuild and establish businesses in their homeland. This move reflects broader trends of international support and investment in Ukraine’s recovery post-war. The entrepreneur's statement emphasizes a desire to empower local communities through employment opportunities.
Intercultural Day brings colour, culture and community spirit to Wexford
The article reports on the Intercultural Day event held in Wexford, highlighting its celebration of diversity through cultural displays, community activities, and vibrant atmosphere. The event aimed to foster understanding and unity among different communities, showcasing traditional foods, music, and crafts. Local organizers emphasized the importance of inclusivity and shared heritage, while attendees praised the opportunity to engage with various cultures. The event reflected broader efforts to promote social cohesion in multicultural societies.
Storm Éowyn clean-up set to begin at Merlin Woods in Galway after months of planning
The clean-up process for damage caused by Storm Éowyn at Merlin Woods in Galway is set to commence after extensive planning. The storm, which occurred several months prior, resulted in significant environmental and infrastructural impacts in the area. Local authorities and environmental agencies have been working together to assess the damage and prepare for restoration efforts. The timeline for the clean-up has been carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to the local community and ecosystem. This marks a crucial step toward recovery following the storm's aftermath.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
