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 Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 519
72/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
753
Articles
733
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Fundraiser to help pay for funeral costs of Brazilian woman murdered in Limerick
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with the repatriation and funeral costs of Jady Cristine Pereira Rosa, a 33-year-old Brazilian woman who was found murdered in Limerick, Ireland. Jady, who had lived and worked in Limerick for several years, was discovered dead in an apartment on Cecil Street. Authorities confirmed she died from a violent cause, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. While her employer will cover the transportation of her body to Brazil, additional funds are needed for local travel from São Paulo to her hometown and for funeral arrangements. The campaign has raised over €11,000 toward a €16,000 goal. Police have assigned a family liaison officer to support the victim's family and have established an incident room to oversee the ongoing murder investigation.
Gardaí appeal for information 30 years on from the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender
This article reports on the ongoing investigation into the 1996 disappearance and suspected murder of Fiona Pender, a 25-year-old pregnant woman from Tullamore, County Offaly. She was last seen on August 23, 1996, and her body has never been recovered. Gardaí (Irish police) continue to seek information from the public, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could be valuable. Five individuals were previously arrested but not charged, and recent searches in 2025 did not yield results due to operational sensitivity. Inspector Alan Kerin stated that the case remains active, and authorities encourage anyone with relevant information, whether new or previously shared, to come forward.
Two ‘brave’ Pcs killed in A66 crash are named
The Irish Independent has reported on the tragic deaths of two police officers who were killed in a collision on the A66 road. The article refers to the officers as 'brave,' highlighting their sacrifice. No specific names or further details about the incident are provided in the headline, but the focus is on recognizing the bravery of the deceased officers.
Rory McIlroy keeps BMW Championship hopes alive with strong third round 65
Professional golfer Rory McIlroy improved his performance at the BMW Championship with a five-under-par third round, bringing him to 12 under par and keeping him within striking distance of leader Wyndham Clark. After struggling with an eight-over finish at the previous event, St Jude Championship, McIlroy showed steadiness during the front nine before boosting his score with four consecutive birdies. Despite challenges such as hitting bunkers and playing from the rough, McIlroy managed to save par on the final hole. He acknowledged the need for patience and noted that his short game helped maintain momentum. McIlroy remains in a competitive position heading into the final round, with Patrick Cantlay also tied at 12 under.
Campaigners in final push for Skyclarys approval
Campaigners in Ireland are making their final effort to secure approval for the drug Skyclarys, which treats Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder affecting approximately 200 individuals in the country. A demonstration took place in Dublin, with advocates and patients gathering at the Garden of Remembrance and marching to Custom House Quay to urge the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reimburse the medication. Earlier this month, the HSE Drugs Group advised against covering the drug’s costs, citing concerns raised by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics regarding the limited and uncertain clinical data supporting its efficacy. Despite these recommendations, there is significant support for the drug's approval from both opposition parties and members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The final decision will be made by the HSE during a senior management meeting on Tuesday. The drug, approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2024, could cost up to €280,000 per patient annually, leading to a potential five-year budget impact of €130 million.
'Give the people a chance to grieve': Bishop says wider conversation needed after M9 crash
Five teenagers, Alex McCarthy, Jack Kennedy, Joe Carthy, Jeremy O'Brien, and Kamil Pustowski, were killed in a tragic crash on the M9 motorway on Sunday. Two funerals for the deceased are taking place today in Carlow. Bishop Denis Nulty expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of allowing grieving families space to mourn before discussing the incident publicly. He called for a broader national conversation on road safety and highlighted the need for early intervention and support for young people. Former Garda inspector Tony Gallagher warned that the funerals could become sites of public unrest if not managed carefully, noting concerns about potential displays or demonstrations during the events. Three other individuals, including three women and a seven-year-old boy, remain hospitalized following the crash.
Tottenham manager makes candid confession after his side are well beaten in their Premier League opener at Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur's manager provided a straightforward admission following their significant defeat in the opening match of the Premier League season against Brentford. The match took place at Brentford's stadium, where Tottenham struggled to compete, resulting in a clear loss. This performance has raised questions about the team's readiness for the new season and the effectiveness of the manager's strategies. The result could impact Tottenham's position in the league table early on and may lead to discussions about potential changes in tactics or personnel.
‘Devastated’ — West Bromwich Albion issue emotional statement as former player dies after collapsing on the pitch
West Bromwich Albion, a football club, issued an emotional statement expressing devastation after a former player collapsed on the pitch during a match and later died. The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and emergency protocols in sports. The club emphasized the shock and grief felt by players, staff, and fans, while authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse. No official cause of death has been released at this time.
Woman arrested and explosives seized in Dundalk
Authorities in County Louth, Ireland, conducted a joint operation involving the Garda, Army explosive ordnance disposal unit, and special detective units, resulting in the arrest of a woman in her 30s and the seizure of firearms and improvised explosives. The operation targeted an organized crime group and included multiple home searches in Dundalk. The confiscated weapons and explosives are being examined further. The suspect was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 and could remain in custody for up to 72 hours.
All Blacks mega tour of South Africa promises plenty, but is it good for the game?
The article discusses the upcoming high-profile rugby series between the All Blacks (New Zealand) and the Springboks (South Africa), highlighting its significance as a potential 'Greatest Rivalry' in the sport. It notes that this marks the first such tour since 1996 and includes additional matches in the United States. The piece reflects on the shift in rugby's scheduling, with major teams opting for concentrated rivalries over broader competitions like the Rugby Championship. The commercial motivations behind these decisions, such as maximizing revenue from television deals and ticket sales, are emphasized, drawing comparisons to the Lions tour format. The article questions whether prioritizing financial gain over global rugby unity is beneficial for the sport.
Lando Norris surges past Russell and Antonelli to take Dutch Grand Prix pole
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, outperforming Mercedes' George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. His strong performance came despite concerns about McLaren's pace following a third-place finish in the previous sprint race. Norris described his lap as 'the best of my life,' highlighting his confidence in the team's recent improvements. This marks his second pole at the Dutch GP and the 18th of his career, further solidifying McLaren's competitiveness against Mercedes. Norris now trails Russell by 56 points in the championship standings.
Constance Marten granted permission to appeal sentence for killing her baby
Constance Marten has been granted permission to appeal her conviction for the murder of her infant child. The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic nature of the crime and the legal proceedings surrounding it. Marten was previously sentenced to prison for the killing, but she now seeks to challenge that decision through an appeal process. This development highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of the case and potential reconsideration of the initial ruling.
Michael Carrick tells Manchester United to keep calm and ‘carry on’ after humbling by Hull
In a Premier League match, Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0, marking United's fifth consecutive loss in their opening games. Michael Carrick, United's head coach, acknowledged the defeat but urged composure, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. He noted that the team's poor defensive performance, particularly from set-pieces, led to the loss. Carrick stressed that while emotions were present, the team needed to focus on progress rather than reacting emotionally. Bruno Fernandes highlighted recurring issues with ball possession and set-piece defense, calling for increased aggression. Hull's coach, Sergej Jakirovic, revealed the team identified a defensive weakness in United's set-pieces but kept his strategy secret. Despite being tipped for relegation, Hull celebrated their win, with fans singing at the commentator who doubted their survival prospects.