Ireland lobbying analysis reveals 63 former politicians approached former colleagues

An analysis of over 83,000 returns from the Irish Lobbying Register since 2020 reveals that at least 63 former politicians and civil servants have lobbied their former colleagues dozens of times.

The disclosures highlight a “revolving door” between public office and private interests. Listed lobbyists include former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and former cabinet ministers such as Simon Coveney, Frances Fitzgerald, Mary Coughlan, Richard Bruton, Catherine Martin, and Stephen Donnelly. These individuals have approached current officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, on behalf of various entities including multinational companies, property interests, housing charities, trade unions, and disability services.

Under Irish rules administered by SIPO, lobbyists must submit returns three times a year to identify the officials contacted, the subject matter, and the intended outcome. The findings raise questions regarding political transparency and whether the contact between former officeholders and current officials is being properly recorded and managed according to established lobbying regulations.