IrelandOwnership & classification
Founded: 1859
Ownership
The Irish Times was first published on 29 March 1859 by Lawrence E. Knox. Since 1974 it has been owned by The Irish Times Trust, a non-charitable trust with no beneficial shareholders that cannot pay dividends; profits must be reinvested in the newspaper. The Trust is governed by a body of Governors under its Memorandum and Articles of Association, insulating the paper from any individual or corporate proprietor.
Funding
Funded mainly by reader subscriptions and a digital paywall plus advertising; the company has stated its journalism is now substantially funded by subscribers rather than an external owner or the state.
Affiliation & stance
Held by an ownership-neutral trust with no controlling shareholder, party, church or state stake, and a centre to centre-left liberal editorial stance, the paper is structurally protected from proprietorial control. This makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 461
89/100
Factual
84/100
Objective
1032
Articles
1032
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Recent coverage
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.
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
Ikitau and McCloskey fight for starring role on Nations Championship’s centre stage
The article discusses the competitive dynamic between Australian rugby player Lene Ikitau and Irish player Stuart McCloskey, focusing on their rivalry in rugby matches. Ikitau, who plays for the Wallabies, reflects on his coaching under Joe Schmidt, highlighting the direct and candid approach Schmidt takes with players. Despite missing the 2023 World Cup due to injury, Ikitau has become one of the top centers globally, though his teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii receives more attention. Ikitau's career path includes growing up in Australia with Samoan heritage, being scouted as a youth player, and progressing through various teams including the Queensland Reds, Brumbies, and the Wallabies. He has had a successful career with consistent performances and has faced McCloskey in multiple matches. McCloskey, currently with Ulster, has been recognized as Ireland's standout player with numerous awards and accolades, including being named the URC team of the year. The article sets up their upcoming match in Sydney, where McCloskey aims to continue his winning streak against Ikitau.
An Post posts €2.8m trading profit but pension charge pushes it into the red
An Post, Ireland's state-owned postal service, reported a net loss of €180.5 million for the past fiscal year, primarily driven by a €209.5 million accounting charge related to its defined benefit pension scheme. This charge stemmed from an amendment to employee benefits, resulting in increased pension liabilities. The loss was partially offset by a €26 million tax credit, leaving the company with a €2.8 million trading profit after excluding these extraordinary items. Despite the financial challenge, An Post saw revenue growth of 2.9% to nearly €1.05 billion, though letter volumes dropped 8%, while parcel deliveries rose 16%. The company also noted a significant decline in election-related revenue, and operational costs increased. Executive compensation figures were disclosed, including CEO David McRedmond's final year of pay and plans for his successor.
Strong tax returns of €50bn strengthen Government’s budgetary position
The Irish government reported stronger-than-expected tax revenues in the first half of 2024, with total tax income reaching €50 billion, up 1.2% from the previous year. Excluding one-time gains from the Apple tax ruling, core tax receipts rose by 4.8%, driven largely by corporation tax, which increased by 1.3% in June. This growth comes despite concerns about the volatility of multinational corporate profits. The government is preparing for additional revenue from the OECD's global minimum tax rate of 15%, which could add €5 billion annually starting in 2026. Meanwhile, income tax and VAT collections also showed growth, though the hospitality sector questions the necessity of the 9% VAT rate. Public spending remains ahead of projections, with potential overruns exceeding €1 billion due to increased costs in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
Maria Walsh on her solo pregnancy: ‘If I didn’t do it, I would have deep regret, for not even trying’
Maria Walsh, a single, lesbian Fine Gael MEP in her late 30s, is expecting her first child via in vitro fertilization (IVF) later this year. She has chosen to become a parent on her own after her dream of being in a partnership and having children did not materialize. Walsh discussed her decision on The Irish Times Women’s Podcast, emphasizing her desire for transparency with her future child about her solo parenthood. She outlined the emotional considerations she faced, including concerns about societal expectations and personal motivation. She also shared her plans for parenting, including taking maternity leave and working remotely after the birth.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
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.
Deaths increased by 29% in France during week of record heat, health agency says
France experienced a significant rise in deaths during the week of June 22nd to June 28th, marked by record-breaking heat, according to Public Health France. The agency reported 8,973 deaths, a 29% increase compared to the previous week, with 2,025 additional deaths attributed to the extreme heat. The heatwave affected various regions, leading to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses. Mortuaries in Paris faced challenges due to the high volume of bodies. Public Health France noted that the figures are still partial and likely understate the true impact, as the heat caused stress on healthcare systems and vulnerable populations.
Regency Hotel attack getaway drivers fail in bid to have prison sentences reduced
Two individuals, Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, who served as getaway drivers during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack involving the Kinahan cartel, have had their prison sentences upheld by the Court of Appeal. The attack resulted in the death of Kinahan cartel member David Byrne during a boxing weigh-in. Bonney and Murphy were convicted of facilitating the Hutch Criminal Organisation's involvement in the murder. Despite their appeals citing Bonney's clean record and Murphy's limited role, Judge John Edwards ruled their contributions were 'far from peripheral' and significantly aided the criminals in evading police. The court emphasized the severity of the crime and the threat posed by the Hutch organisation.
Lyra McKee’s family says justice system ‘completely failed’ as men found not guilty of murder
Three men from Derry were found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019. McKee, a 29-year-old from Belfast, was killed during riots in the Creggan area of Derry when she was struck by a bullet near police vehicles. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. The trial, which took place in Belfast Crown Court in 2024, resulted in the acquittal of Jordan Devine, Paul McIntyre, and Peter Cavanagh. McKee's family expressed deep disappointment, stating that the justice system 'completely failed' their loved one and Northern Ireland. They criticized the lack of witnesses coming forward with evidence and called for an end to the 'culture of silence' in the region. The judge acknowledged the tragedy but noted that the evidence against the defendants was insufficient for a conviction.
Almost two-thirds of women who had hospital abortion were previously pregnant, analysis shows
A recent analysis by the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals that nearly two-thirds of women who underwent hospital-based abortions between May and December 2024 had a prior pregnancy. The report covers the first six years of Termination of Pregnancy Services in Ireland, showing a significant increase in the number of abortions performed, with 10,852 recorded in 2024 alone. The study examined 305 women across 14 maternity sites, finding that 81% received medical abortions, with most occurring between 10 to 12 weeks of gestation. Most participants were under 30, and many had histories of childbirth, miscarriage, or previous terminations. While the data collection system is currently limited to certain maternity units, plans exist to expand it nationally and into primary care. The HSE highlighted progress in expanding access to abortion services, noting an increase in both maternity units and primary care providers offering the procedure.
Late-night World Cup watching makes us both losers and winners. But mainly losers
The article humorously critiques the phenomenon of late-night World Cup watching, portraying it as a chaotic and sleep-depriving experience. It references a fictional scenario involving a writer named Paul Howard, who sends an incoherent WhatsApp message at 5:25 am while watching a match. The piece uses hyperbolic language to describe different groups of fans—maniacs, normals, and those struggling to stay awake—and frames the behavior as a form of self-inflicted rebellion. It suggests that this habit ultimately harms the viewer's future self, especially since Ireland is not participating in the tournament. The tone is satirical, highlighting the absurdity of staying up late to watch football matches, while also acknowledging the difficulty posed by extended game durations and technical delays.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Bob Vylan is suing the BBC in Ireland a year on from Glastonbury row
Kelly Earley: As global militaries wage war and kill people, they are also killing the planet
Ken Early: Cristiano Ronaldo’s decline leaves Portugal paying the price against Colombia
Harry Kane double rescues England after DR Congo threaten huge World Cup shock
Bessborough vigil hears survivors will chain themselves to diggers to stop building work
