‘Pantomime’ Erupts in Dáil as Simon Harris Holds up Graphic of Michelle O’Neill

‘Pantomime’ erupts in Dáil as Simon Harris holds up graphic of Michelle O’Neill

“You say one thing here, and you do the exact opposite in Northern Ireland," the Tanaiste said

‘Pantomime’ erupts in Dail between Simon Harris and Pearse Doherty

Tempers flared in the Dáil on Thursday as Tánaiste Simon Harris and Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty traded accusations over broken promises, college fees and the cost-of-living crisis. Doherty opened fire, accusing Harris of repeatedly abandoning election pledges to workers and families. People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy joined in, urging the newly appointed finance minister: ‘Don’t continue to be Scrooge.’ Harris hit back, defending Fine Gael’s eco…

Northern Ireland doesn’t have a political system. We have endless performative pantomime politics…

Watching the events of this week, I can’t help but be struck by the performative nature of it all. Everything is gesture, everything is theatre. Everyone hits their mark, delivers their line, waits for their side of the audience to cheer. The set changes. The script never does. Like any right‑thinking person, I find the genocide in Gaza utterly abhorrent. I understand why people want to show solidarity. I get the instinct to shout, march, protes…