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The Candidate
The Explainer
29 Jan 2026
Met Éíreann issues Status Yellow politics warning
00:00

The most powerful political force in Ireland? Flooding.


Storm Chandra has kicked off a public row between Housing Minister James Browne and Met Éireann. After Browne suggested Met Éireann 'guarded' information and should change how it issues warnings, question are now being asked: is the warning system fit for purpose, and who is accountable when flooding hits?


Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy examine what this tells us about Ireland’s preparedness for more extreme weather - and if politicians are able to handle the fallout themselves.


Also: why are defections a running drama in UK politics, but not in Ireland?