As part of the democracy team, I report on the dynamic relationship between citizens and their institutions in Switzerland and abroad.
Born in Ireland, I have a BA in European Studies and MA in International Relations. I've been at SWI swissinfo.ch since 2017.
This content was published on
Well over a decade after its launch, the EU’s tool for citizen participation has failed to gain traction, especially set against the wide popular rights enjoyed in Switzerland. Why?
This content was published on
In 2026, “AI slop” will submerge the internet, a pioneer of illiberal democracy is up for election, and the pioneer of liberal democracy celebrates its 250th birthday.
Why calls to ‘tax the rich’ are loud, popular – and rarely successful
This content was published on
The idea of clamping down on the rich often enjoys large public support. In practice, it rarely succeeds – even when citizens can vote directly on it. Why not?
This content was published on
The Swiss have overwhelmingly voted against both a proposal for a new tax on big inheritances and a call for all citizens to perform civic duty in Sunday's polls.
Switzerland flies under the radar at NATO gathering
This content was published on
Switzerland is not a NATO member, but it keeps half a foot in the door – a visit to the alliance’s recent parliamentary assembly shows how this works.
This content was published on
Twice yearly, lawmakers from NATO and beyond – including Switzerland – meet to discuss all things defence. A portrait of an understated institution.
This content was published on
For years, democracy was sold as a path to prosperity. More recently, that promise has been under pressure – despite apparent success stories like Switzerland.
Taiwan is voting to restart a nuclear power plant – what’s at stake?
This content was published on
Votes on nuclear energy are always about long-term risk assessment. In Taiwan, they are also about the risk posed by China.
This content was published on
Should 16-year-olds get the vote? In Switzerland, the idea is often on the political agenda – and is just as often thrown off it again.
A delicate export: how Swiss foreign policy promotes democracy
This content was published on
Switzerland has a constitutional mandate to promote democracy around the world. What happens when that world starts looking more authoritarian?
Switzerland refines its global democracy aims in a tough context
This content was published on
Amid a global democratic “recession”, the foreign ministry has clarified how it wants to shore up freedoms around the world.
The purest democracy? Visiting one of Switzerland’s historic open-air assemblies
This content was published on
The annual “Landsgemeinde” in Glarus is like a folk festival, a party, and a crash-course in politics rolled into one. Is it democratically relevant?
‘One for all, all for one’ – how the Swiss government makes decisions
This content was published on
Secret meetings, no prime minister, and a seven-member executive that defends decisions collectively – the Swiss system of “collegiality” explained.
‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone
This content was published on
Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.
Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy
This content was published on
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has long advocated for “Swiss-style” direct democracy. What does the party hope to achieve with this?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
