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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 975
84/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
1419
Articles
1419
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
Just 220 people opt to postpone drawing down State pension at age 66
In Ireland, very few individuals have opted to delay receiving their State pension under the new deferred drawdown scheme. As of now, only 220 people have postponed taking their pension, with most choosing to wait until age 67 or 68. Those who delay receive a higher weekly payment, €313.40 at 67 and €363.90 at 70, compared to the standard maximum rate of €299.30. Despite these incentives, uptake remains low, with financial advisors cautioning against deferring unless necessary. Some individuals may benefit from delaying if they haven’t accumulated enough PRSI contributions for a full pension. The Department of Social Protection noted that many people might not report their intent to defer, making the reported numbers lower than the actual potential participation. Officials emphasized that the goal of the scheme was to offer flexibility, not necessarily widespread adoption.
Spain’s prime minister calls snap election after protests over housing crisis
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for a snap general election on November 29th, triggered by widespread protests over the housing crisis and a recent parliamentary defeat. The move comes amid growing public discontent, fueled by the eviction of an 87-year-old wheelchair user, Maricarmen Abascal, which sparked nationwide demonstrations. Sánchez's government, already governing in a minority, faced rejection of proposed housing reforms aimed at protecting renters from evictions and ensuring contract renewals. The opposition, particularly the conservative People’s Party (PP), views the election as an opportunity to challenge Sánchez's leadership, though polls indicate the PP might need support from the far-right Vox party to form a government. Sánchez faces additional challenges, including scandals within his Socialist Party and a migrant crisis in Ceuta.
Yemeni and Saudi forces launch counteroffensive against the Houthis
Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have launched a counteroffensive against the Houthi rebels in an attempt to reclaim territory, particularly focusing on regaining control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This area is crucial for global trade and Saudi oil exports, giving the Houthis significant leverage over international powers like the U.S. and its Gulf allies. The U.S. has not committed to direct military involvement in the conflict, though it is offering intelligence and targeting support. The operation involves tens of thousands of Yemeni troops and Saudi air support, aiming to recapture the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control for years. Meanwhile, the Houthis continue attacking Saudi infrastructure, including Aramco facilities. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about engaging directly in Yemen, citing potential distractions from their focus on Iran. President Trump faces internal pressure to support his ally, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while avoiding deeper involvement in the region.
Modernised D3 redbrick on handsome street across from Fairview Park
The article describes a renovated redbrick terraced house located at number 17 Cadogan Road in Dublin 3, currently for sale through real estate agent Kelly Bradshaw at €645,000. The property, which has a C energy rating and features two bedrooms and a converted attic, was previously owned by a family who lived there since the early 1900s. The current owners undertook significant renovations between 2019 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding the home with a kitchen/dining room extension and a large bathroom. The renovation included thoughtful design choices such as matching the electricity meter box to the exterior decor and incorporating Art Nouveau tile patterns. The home offers ample living space, natural light, and outdoor access, making it suitable for families with young children.
Judgment reserved in legal challenge to Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road
A legal challenge to the Orange Order's planned parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown has reached the Court of Appeal, where judgment has been reserved. The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition and the Parades Commission are involved in the case, which challenges a previous High Court decision denying leave for a judicial review. The residents argue that the Parades Commission did not adequately consider police assessments regarding potential disorder, while the Parades Commission's representative claims the body was fully informed and the challenge lacks merit. The case highlights ongoing tensions between residents and the Orange Order, with both sides present in court. Public figures, including DUP MP Carla Lockhart and loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, attended the hearing, reflecting the high stakes of the dispute.
‘They want to kill all of us’: Life on Israel’s anxious frontier
The article discusses recent incidents where kites launched from Gaza landed on the Israeli side of the border, prompting concerns among Israeli residents. While these kites did not contain explosives, Israel attributes them to Hamas, warning of potential military action. Residents recall past tensions, including the 2001 rocket attacks and the 2023 Hamas-led invasion, which caused significant casualties. The piece highlights the ongoing security concerns and the historical context of Israeli-Gaza relations, noting the displacement and return of some residents. It also mentions the high death toll in Gaza since the 2023 attack and references the community of Netiv HaAsara, which experienced rocket attacks in 2001 and later moved to the Gaza border. The narrative includes personal accounts of local residents and the broader implications of the conflict.
Niamh O'Brien, dancer and wife of Michael Flatley, dies
Niamh O'Brien, a prominent Irish dancer and the wife of renowned Riverdance performer Michael Flatley, has died at the age of 52 after battling an illness. The couple, who were married in 2006, had one son together, Michael St James, born in 2007. Michael Flatley expressed his grief on social media, calling her his 'beautiful wife' and 'best friend.' O'Brien was known for her role as the lead performer in the Lord of the Dance productions. She had a long history in dance, having competed in World Championships from a young age. Her passing has deeply affected both the Flatley and O'Brien families, who requested privacy while expressing gratitude to hospital staff for their care.
I’m about to buy a ground-floor apartment but am worried about noise from the duplex above
A prospective buyer is considering purchasing a ground-floor apartment in a new residential development where a duplex unit is built above. Their primary concern is potential noise issues caused by impact sounds and vibrations from the upper duplex. The planning documents mention the upper unit is timber-framed over a masonry ground floor, but they lack specific details about the separating floor's materials, such as whether it is made of concrete, hollow core, or timber, and whether it includes an acoustic layer. The buyer is seeking guidance on what information they should request from the developer before finalizing the purchase. They are asking whether the developer should provide detailed specifications, acoustic test results, or if such data could be accessed via a Freedom of Information request. The buyer emphasizes the importance of understanding the acoustic performance of the separating floor, referencing technical standards like Technical Guidance Document E, which outlines required sound insulation levels. They note that factors like flanking transmission, noise traveling through structural elements, can complicate sound insulation in such developments.
What will €295,000 buy in the heart of Dundalk and in the Meath countryside?
The article compares two properties priced at €295,000 and €285,000 in Ireland. The first is a traditional cottage in rural Meath, featuring 92 square meters of living space, two bedrooms, and a landscaped garden. It is located approximately 20 minutes from Kells and offers privacy with mature grounds. The second property is a three-bedroom terraced townhouse in Dundalk, offering 126 square meters of space, with proximity to the town center and public transportation. While the cottage requires a car for access, the townhouse provides walking access to downtown and nearby amenities.
Irish 10s steal the limelight on an encouraging URC weekend
The article discusses the results of the first weekend of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, highlighting improved performances by several Irish provinces. After all four Irish teams lost in the opening round, this weekend saw better outcomes, led by strong performances from outhalf players. Connacht and Munster won their matches, while Ulster drew and Leinster earned a losing bonus point. Key players such as Ciarán Frawley of Connacht and Charlie O’Shea of Munster stood out with try-scoring and attacking play. The piece also notes weaknesses in the scrums, especially against South African teams, and mentions players like Todd Lawlor and Ethan McIlroy receiving praise despite their teams' results.
State subsidies, no VAT and lower costs: how Irish private schools are attracting UK students
The article discusses how rising costs of private schooling in the UK, due to the addition of VAT, are prompting some UK students, including members of the royal family, to seek more affordable alternatives abroad. It highlights that Irish private schools, which do not charge VAT and receive state subsidies, offer significantly lower fees compared to their UK counterparts. For instance, while UK boarding schools now average around £54,000 annually, Irish schools like Clongowes Wood College charge approximately €26,550. The piece cites quotes from school administrators and education consultants indicating increased interest from UK families considering Irish education, though there remains a challenge in educating UK families about the differences between the Irish and UK educational systems.
Is timing an issue when I am trying to offset losses against capital gains?
The article discusses the timing considerations involved in offsetting capital losses against capital gains for tax purposes, specifically in relation to the sale of a property. The individual in question has not yet finalized the closing date for their property sale and wants to delay it to organize old shares with losses to offset potential capital gains. The advice provided clarifies that losses from previous years can be used to offset current-year gains, but losses from unsold shares cannot be applied retroactively to prior years' gains. If the property sale occurs in the current year, capital gains tax (CGT) would be due by December 15th of the same year. Delaying the sale until January would defer the CGT payment until December 15th of the following year. However, delaying the sale risks the buyer withdrawing from the transaction. The article emphasizes that while timing matters, there is little benefit to unnecessarily postponing the sale.
US ban on diesel exports would hit Ireland harder and could lead to rationing, RSM warns
Tom Pugh, chief economist at RSM, warned that a potential US ban on diesel exports could worsen inflation in Ireland, leading to fuel rationing. He noted that Ireland is particularly vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on home heating oil, which has seen a 60% price increase since the Iran crisis began. Pugh predicted inflation could peak at 4.5% in early 2023, driven by rising utility bills, indirect energy effects on transportation and food prices, and potential impacts from a US diesel export ban. While Ireland's strong economy provides some resilience, a severe winter or prolonged energy crisis could amplify these challenges. Pugh also highlighted that Europe's dependence on US diesel imports has led to record-high diesel prices, with Trump threatening to impose a ban unless countries release emergency stockpiles.