Politics watch: Who will be the new Minister for Finance when McGrath goes to Europe?
James Cox
Here, we have a look at the topics set to dominate political debate in the week to come.
Michael McGrath off to Europe
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath is set to be confirmed as Ireland's next EU Commissioner.
The three Coalition leaders discussed the move on Monday, with approval to come following the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.
With work on the October Budget to intensify in the weeks to come, all attention will turn to Mr McGrath's successor as Minister for Finance.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin agreed that the decision should be made quickly to give the best chance of an important role for the new Irish commissioner when the new European Commission is confirmed.
Who will be the new Minister for Finance?
Mr McGrath's replacement is certain to be another Fianna Fáil member.
One option, if the party was looking for maximum experience for the vital role, would be Tánaiste Micheál Martin taking the finance portfolio, leaving a vacancy to be filled in foreign affairs and defence.
However, this would be very much an outside option.
The favourites for the role are junior ministers Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary.
Mr Chambers was confirmed as the party's deputy leader next week, with many political sources believing this is a strong indication that the 33-year-old is a future Fianna Fáil leader.
He was also director of local elections, which saw Fianna Fáil emerge as the largest party in local government.
Mr Calleary is highly thought of in the party. He lost his Cabinet seat after attendance at the infamous 'Golfgate' dinner, but has since returned to a prominent role within the party.
Mr Calleary was also the last deputy leader of the party before Mr Chambers.
Another option is Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien moving to take over the finance role.
However, this is understood to be the least likely option.
The new Minister for Finance will probably be announced shortly after Michael McGrath's European nomination is confirmed.
Green Party leadership contest
It is now certain to be a two-horse race for the Green Party leadership.
Nominations closed on Monday night at 9pm with Minister Roderic O'Gorman and Minister of State Pippa Hackett the only nominees.
The election to appoint Eamon Ryan's successor will take place on July 8th.
Sixteen party members have backed Mr O'Gorman, while Ms Hackett has five to date.
While party backing is important, it is not the deciding factor. There are over 4,000 Green Party members, and they will each have a vote.
Sinn Féin election review
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party will “dust ourselves off” after it failed to reach its electoral ambitions in the recent local and European elections.
Ms McDonald said Sinn Féin got “a knock” after the party put in a poor performance earlier this month.
Sinn Féin, who was widely seen as the government in waiting, suffered a major setback when its support dropped well below what was projected.
Ms McDonald said the party has started a review into what went wrong in its electoral campaign, particularly as parties prepare for a general election which could take place later this year.
Abroad
In the UK, general election campaigning is heading in to the home straight with next week's Thursday, July 4th election day fast approaching.
Keir Starmer's Labour Party is the government in waiting. The only question is how bad things will be for Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.
Polls suggest Nigel Farage's Reform UK are close to the Conservative Party, with Mr Farage claiming they are set to become the largest opposition party.
In the US, all eyes are on Thursday's presidential debate.
With Donald Trump slightly ahead in many polls, it will be a crucial test for president Joe Biden.
The pair's debates ahead of the 2020 election descended into farce as Mr Trump tried to shout over his opponent at numerous points.
However, the CNN debate will have new rules meaning mics will be switched off when the opposite candidate is speaking.
