• Sat, November 30, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

Donegal General Election 2024 updates: Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher delighted to be returning to politics

Senator Niall Blaney, who is Charlie McConalogue and Pat the Cope Gallagher's Director of Elections said the tallies revealed that Charlie McConalogue's vote in Inishowen was down but his vote has increased in other areas such as Letterkenny.

by: Brian Stokes

Government formation will not be pretty when dust settles

The first time line to form a coalition will be on 18 December when the Dail next sits. It is unlikely a government will be voted in on that day. Micheál Martin has hinted at another deadline, suggesting during the campaign that a government should in place by the time Donald Trump is inaugurated as US President, on 20 January.

by: Brian Stokes

Top pollster warns Keir Starmer will struggle to convince public with his 'plan for change'

Sir Keir Starmer will set out a "plan for change" this week as part of what he is calling the next phase of government after a tumultuous start in No 10 - but Britain's top pollster has raised serious doubts about whether he can convince the public.

by: Brian Stokes

Carmel Sepuloni says coalition Government needs a 'kuia' at Christchurch Labour conference

Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni told Labour members the coalition Government needs a "nana, tinÄ? or kuia" to keep its three leaders together. At the Labour Party conference in Christchurch today,

by: Brian Stokes

How Kristi Noem, Trump's homeland security pick, became an immigration 'zealot'

Throughout the country, Noem's focus on the border has endeared her to the Republican grass roots. The Shelby County GOP, in Tennessee, honored Noem at its annual Lincoln Day dinner over the summer, said the local party's chairman, Cary Vaughn, because, "She's a great zealot and advocate for fighting for border control."

by: Brian Stokes

Australia has overtaken New Zealand and Canada as the West's most authoritarian nation

There is something deeply odd and unsettling about Australia and New Zealand's attitude to their citizenry. Perhaps it's that they are so far away from the rest of the Anglosphere. Or perhaps historically-rooted insecurity about their national identity drives them to it.

by: Brian Stokes

How did SA's political donation ban gain such widespread support from MPs?

The South Australian parliament has backed laws to strip money out of politics - essentially, out of their own pockets. So how did the bill attract broad political support?

by: Brian Stokes

Keir Starmer attempts to 'reset' his government after disastrous start

Sir Keir will also signal that Government departments could face cuts in a tough spending review next spring that will include a "line by line" review of every item of spending.

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein leader is 'very actively pursuing' trying to form a government in a bid to topple Ireland's ruling coalition after 'incredible performance' in Irish election - as ...

Mary Lou McDonald made it clear she wanted to engage with other parties about the 'possibilities of government' as Ireland's ruling coalition of centre-right parties closed in on victory.

by: Brian Stokes

Keir Starmer has shown he is ruthless and dislikes being challenged

Jason Beattie says that following Louise Haigh's resignation, Cabinet ministers will have noted Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reluctance to back a colleague in difficulty

by: Brian Stokes

Election 2024: Five things we learned from the first day of the counts

Those numbers won't be finalised until the last counts finish. But the outcome of the election is already clear. The Greens may not actually lose all their seats; there are hopes that they might cling on to one.

by: Brian Stokes

So how did Trudeau and Trump's dinner meeting go? Here's what we know

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travelled to Palm Beach, Fla., to meet with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Friday night.

by: Brian Stokes

Donald Trump wants tax cuts and more in first 100 days

Trump's first term became defined by those tax cuts, which were approved by Republicans in Congress and signed into law only after their initial campaign promise to "repeal and replace" Democratic President Barack Obama's health care law sputtered, failing with the famous thumbs-down vote by then-Sen. John McCain.

by: Brian Stokes

Jeffrey Goldberg: Can People Working At Cabinet Departments "Thwart" What Trump's Nominees Want To Do?

President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have plans to overhaul the federal government after winning the popular vote, but his victory was far from overwhelming. How will Americans react to Trump's changes?

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein actively pursuing route into government, insists leader McDonald

Outgoing coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, however, claim they are well placed to return to power following Ireland's General Election.

by: Brian Stokes

It looks like the latest form of protest, and Lidia Thorpe is its master

Is taking offence the new form of protest? If so, then Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Green-turned-independent whose disruptions of parliament have become commonplace, could teach a masterclass in it. Under Thorpe's model, the more performative the offence-taking, the better the protest.

by: Brian Stokes

Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting

Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.

by: Brian Stokes

Alex Salmond: the political and personal side remembered

by: Brian Stokes

Labour 'hit job' against Louise Haigh had been brewing for months

Insiders believe Left-wing MP had a target on her back since 'going rogue' with unauthorised pay deal for train drivers

by: Brian Stokes

Over 1000 Spaza Shops Closed Since Food Poisoning Saga

President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed during his annual National Council of Provinces address in Parliament that over 1000 spaza shops were shut down.

by: Brian Stokes

U.P. govt doing politics of self-service: Mayawati

Mayawati urges BSP members to intensify efforts for power, criticizing the UP government for self-serving politics and alleging casteist tactics by the BJP.

by: Brian Stokes

Housing and homelessness biggest issue for voters, exit poll shows

Economic stability (9%), climate change (4%), crime (2%), local transport and roads (2%) and childcare (2%) all played lesser roles

by: Brian Stokes

Rafael Perez: Americans really need to relax and stop taking national politics so seriously

This is a time to appreciate your loved ones despite whatever flaws you believe them to have, so retire the pitchfork and relax a little bit.

by: Brian Stokes

Eknath Shinde suffering from fever, throat infection for 2 days: Family doc

by: Brian Stokes

Athawale comments on Shinde's dissatisfaction and ministerial roles

Athawale addresses Shinde's dissatisfaction and suggests the decision of CM's role lies with BJP. Attention shifts to key portfolio distribution in Maharashtra.

by: Brian Stokes

Sinn Fein leader wants to engage with left-wing parties 'about possibilities of government'

Early tallies in the Irish election have suggested some senior figures from the last government may struggle to retain their seats.

by: Brian Stokes

Albanese preparing January reshuffle to replace Shorten before election

The prime minister will unveil a refreshed frontbench line-up in late January to replace the retiring Bill Shorten.

by: Brian Stokes

Libby Mettam promises power bill relief if Liberals win 2025 WA State Election

WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam has promised more cost-of-living reprieve if she wins the next election, saying she will slash power bills by $169 a year.

by: Brian Stokes

Labor makes housing major issue at WA and Federal election, unveiling $450m package

Albanese and Cook announce a $443m plan for affordable housing in WA, aiming to build 360 social houses and 1440 residential units.

by: Brian Stokes

Ireland headed for coalition government, exit poll suggests

by: Brian Stokes

Iceland votes for a new parliament after political disagreements force an early election

Icelanders are electing a new parliament after disagreements over immigration, energy policy and the economy forced Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to pull the plug on his coalition government and

by: Brian Stokes

Bilawal urges political stability in country, either through dialogue or by use of force

"Political stability is essential for the country's future, whether achieved through dialogue or, if necessary, through firm measures," Bhutto stated. He also called for a new National Action Plan (NAP) to combat terrorism, recognising the country's urgent need to address growing security threats.

by: Brian Stokes

Time for Britain to follow the Aussies and take kids offline

Britain should follow Australia's lead and ban young people from social media, according to a leading campaigner for the protection of childhood. The Australian Parliament last week backed the world's toughest measures to stop under-16s using social media - and tech companies could fines of nearly £26million if they do not enforce new rules.

by: Brian Stokes

Doctors and charities lobby for safeguards after MPs back assisted dying

Government warned palliative care needs urgent improvement to stop terminally ill feeling suicide is only choice

by: Brian Stokes

Election 2024: First count result announced eight hours after boxes open - let the race begin

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by: Brian Stokes

Rachel Reeves' 'tax on jobs' is about to see prices surge at supermarkets

EXPERTS have called on the Labour Government to step back from an "assault on business" which they warn will lead to higher prices, lower wages and fewer jobs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves's plans to hike up National Insurance contributions on employers will go before MPs on Tuesday and leading voices are calling for an urgent u-turn.

by: Brian Stokes

Extend full support to interim govt: Dr Kamal

by: Brian Stokes

Great British Railways fiasco with only 15 staff and nationalisation months away

Industry insiders warning that new body's 'thin structure' will mean the taxpayer being billed for expensive private consultants

by: Brian Stokes

Former Evans supervisor sues Town Board members for defamation

Ex-Town Supervisor Mary Hosler filed a lawsuit against current Evans Town Board members Michael Schraft and Jeanne Macko, accusing them of defamation over comments they made about her accepting a $6,000 health insurance benefit.

by: Brian Stokes

Poilievre suggests Trudeau is too weak to engage with Trump, Ford won't go there

While federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week, calling him too 'weak' to engage with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford won't go there.

by: Brian Stokes

Trudeau meets with Trump for Florida dinner after president-elect pledges tariffs

The Prime Minister, the first G7 leader to meet with Trump since the U.S. election, discussed trade, border security in a wide-ranging conversation: official

by: Brian Stokes

Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cuts

A tax break for millionaires, and almost everyone else. An end to the COVID-19-era government subsidies that some Americans have used to purchase health insurance. Limits to food

by: Brian Stokes

The land was in his family for decades. According to the government, they don't own it

St. Philip's man has found himself at odds with the Newfoundland and Labrador government over a parcel of land that's been in his family since the 1980s.

by: Brian Stokes

Rep. Wade: The local ripple effect: Creating change close to home

Civic engagement helped me get to know myself, my neighbors, my city, my state, and the world in which I live so much better.

by: Brian Stokes

Republicans look to push government funding fight into Trump's term

MSNBC's Katy Tur is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Andrew Desiderio and NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Ryan Nobles to discuss the government funding battle in Congress.

by: Brian Stokes

Goodbye INAI: Senate approves elimination of Mexico's watchdog agencies

by: Brian Stokes

Trudeau says no question Trump is serious on tariff threat

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's threats on tariffs should be taken seriously.

by: Brian Stokes

How an Astrophysicist Became the Most Accurate Political Forecaster in Canada

How an Astrophysicist Became the Most Accurate Political Forecaster in Canada

B y day, Philippe J. Fournier teaches physics and astronomy at Cégep de Saint-Laurent in Montreal. His evenings and weekends, however, are devoted to a very different kind of expertise—election modelling.
The article from The Walrus discusses how Canadian astrophysicist Philip Lagassé, known for his work in political science, has become one of Canada's most accurate political forecasters. Lagassé, who initially pursued astrophysics, transitioned into political science after realizing his passion for understanding political systems. His unique approach combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, allowing him to predict election outcomes with remarkable precision. His forecasting model, which he developed over years, integrates historical voting patterns, current polls, and socio-economic factors. Lagassé's success is attributed to his meticulous attention to detail, his interdisciplinary background, and his ability to adapt his models to the nuances of Canadian politics. His work has not only earned him recognition but also highlighted the potential of applying scientific methods to the unpredictability of political events.

Read the Full The Walrus Article at:
https://thewalrus.ca/how-an-astrophysicist-became-the-most-accurate-political-forecaster-in-canada/