Simon Coveney
Simon Coveney is a prominent Irish politician who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence from 2020 to 2021. A member of the Fine Gael party, he has been instrumental in shaping Ireland's foreign policy and its relationship with the European Union. Coveney is known for his emphasis on international cooperation and diplomacy, particularly in the context of Brexit and its implications for Ireland. He has recently voiced concerns that the 'America First' policy of former President Donald Trump could damage the United States' international reputation and influence, particularly in relation to its partnerships with European nations.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Simon Coveney's Dáil career was launched through a byelection.
Expect to hear the phrase ‘Governments don’t win byelections’ a lot in the months ahead – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-03-04
Simon Coveney announced plans to introduce a temporary 4 per cent annual cap on rent rises in Dublin and Cork.
What will new tenancy rules really mean for Irish renters? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-03-01
Simon Coveney was a minister and for whom several advisers worked.
former government advisers and what they did next – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-07
The legislation was very dependent on getting the vote of Simon Coveney, who I understand was tánaiste at the time.
Bill to abolish three-day abortion wait introduced – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-29
Simon Coveney is referenced as part of the government during Brexit negotiations.
EU ‘used Ireland as a battering ram’ against Britain. It’s time to undo the damage – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-29
Simon Coveney is noted as a former Tánaiste and brother of Patrick Coveney.
At least we’re not Greenland, an Atlantic island with limited defences, strategic value and Russian ships around it – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-11
Simon Coveney was the minister for foreign affairs who supported sanctions against the Assad regime.
New detail emerges about President Catherine Connolly’s 2018 trip to Syria – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-02
Simon Coveney promised more efficiency when he deregulated the planning process.
Judicial reviews are not the problem – and deregulation is no answer – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-27
Simon Coveney was elected in 1998 in a byelection following the tragic death of his father, Hugh.
‘Many TDs don’t see it as a career any more’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-22
Simon Coveney called Germany's support for Ireland during the crisis 'unambiguous solidarity'.
Catherine Connolly should keep her inner Basil Fawlty under wraps – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-30
Simon Coveney is the minister for foreign affairs who offered Zappone an opportunity to represent Ireland on LGBTQ+ diversity and equality issues.
‘I didn’t really realise how crazy you can become with grief’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-28
Simon Coveney, the event’s chair and former tánaiste and minister for defence, said 75 per cent of transatlantic cables 'come through or very close to' Irish-controlled waters.
New laws needed to tackle Russian ‘shadow-fleet’ threat, says Department of Defence official – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-25
Simon Coveney is one of the Irish politicians who expressed concerns about London's conduct during Brexit negotiations.
Leaving post, but not leaving Ireland, the UK ambassador who is not going home – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-09
Fine Gael deputy leader Simon Coveney was the first to be told of Varadkar's decision to step down.
Six takeaways, from Golfgate to that heave against Enda Kenny – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-08
I’d told Simon Coveney that there was no way I’d be willing to put my colleagues, my party and myself through that.
Varadkar questioned if lengthy ‘Leo the leak’ Garda inquiry was ‘someone’s revenge’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-07
Simon Coveney is another minister who has been involved in addressing the homelessness crisis.
A decade ago homelessness was branded a ‘crisis’, so why are numbers still climbing? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-31
Coveney put in a spirited campaign and his challenge raised some doubts about Varadkar.
Unfortunately, Fine Gael’s candidate selection process for president looks like a victory parade – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-23
Catherine throws in another vote for Coveney, whose 'great people skills' and diplomatic experience she praises.
Fintan O’Toole? Johnny Logan? Liveline asks the nation, one by one, who should be president – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-22
Then-tánaiste Simon Coveney believed the argument regarding the repeal of the Eighth Amendment.
As abortions triple, when will we admit that reluctant repealers were profoundly wrong? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-20
Simon Coveney joined EY as a consultant.
Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald joins consultancy firm Teneo as adviser – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-25
He was appointed as chairman of Enterprise Ireland by then Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney in 2023.
Michael Carey steps down as chair of Enterprise Ireland and Housing Agency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-13
Simon Coveney represented a courageous move by Fine Gael regarding rent pressure zones.
This is a housing strategy written by Flann O’Brien – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-12
Simon Coveney’s Rebuilding Ireland plan has led to the construction of new houses by councils since mid-2016.
Dublin City Council built just 35 social houses in 2024. That’s one symptom of a bigger problem – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-15
Simon Coveney is recognized as a key figure in Kenny's government.
Enda Kenny’s life and times offer five lessons for today’s politicians – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-03
Simon Coveney has joined EY Ireland as a consultant in its geopolitical strategy unit after retiring from the Dáil and the Cabinet.
Painter Francis Bacon’s childhood home on the market in Dublin for €1.6m – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-20
Simon Coveney, the former tánaiste, speaks about the tariff crisis with a purposeful seriousness.
On Newstalk, Bertie Ahern’s talent for mangling everyday phrases is undimmed by years away from politics – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-18
John Mullins later sought a nomination to run for Fine Gael in Cork South Central, where the party was bidding to retain the seat held by former tánaiste, Simon Coveney.
John Mullins, businessman and former Bord Gáis chief executive, dies – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-14
Simon Coveney announced he would not stand in the next general election.
Leo Varadkar to take up role with Washington based Penta Group
United Kingdom· 2025-03-24
Simon Coveney was the minister for foreign affairs and employed Chris Donoghue.
Why do some journalists leave to work for politicians? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-03-24
Simon Coveney assisted in the project as the minister for foreign affairs.
‘It’s like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His body represents us all’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-03-22
