“On a strictly confidential basis” a senior civil servant sent a confidential draft document to a lobbyist at the billionaire Collison brothers-funded Progress Ireland – whose board includes the civil servant’s former boss at his department.

The head of the Irish media regulator was described as a “conspirator” during a Hong Kong parliamentary probe – but claims he blew the whistle on “political interference” in a controversial €20 million contract award.

The Ditch can reveal Fine Gael Galway West byelection and Seanad leader Seán Kyne is the senator alleged to have blackmailed and harassed the former Inland Fisheries Ireland CEO.

With activists – including an Irish citizen – facing a “show trial” in Germany, The Ditch can reveal the weapons factory they’re accused of vandalising is today sending a laser system for marking human targets to Tel Aviv.

Fine Gael's Dublin Central byelection candidate Ray McAdam travelled to an election event last week in the official car provided to him as lord mayor – then used it again to get to his campaign launch.