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.
Ten years after Brexit, the ‘Swiss model’ just keeps popping up
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From a blueprint for staying free of the EU to an idea for getting closer to it again, the “Swiss model” has had an eventful decade. What’s behind the success?
Could the 2026 G7 cause similar problems for Geneva as in 2003?
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When it comes to the G7 summit in Evian on June 15-17, debates in Switzerland have largely been focussed on one thing: how to manage protests against the event.
Protests in Switzerland less radical, but just as frequent as elsewhere
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Switzerland is hardly known as a hotbed of unrest. But in some of the country’s cities, demonstrations have been more frequent than ever.
Swiss direct democracy found to better reflect what citizens want
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Voters increasingly think parliaments don’t represent their views. Does direct democracy do a better job? In Switzerland, it does, says research.
Staying in neutral? How Swiss and Irish debates compare
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Defence shifts in Europe have put pressure on old policies in Ireland and Switzerland – and sparked heated resistance to any change.
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Around the world, many are worried about the decline of democracy. Pinning down the extent of this decline is not always so easy.
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Beyond Switzerland’s borders, democracy is under pressure. But with gradual decay as much the cause as violent coups, it’s not always clear when, or if, it really “ends”.
How direct democracy became part of Orbán’s ‘illiberal’ toolkit in Hungary
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Since 2010, Hungarian authorities have channelled public sentiment with a range of direct-democratic tools – including one which even Switzerland’s ample repertoire lacks.
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As global trade rules falter, countries are looking to bolster their exports and diversify their networks. Switzerland faces here a unique challenge: the ballot box.
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As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.
Where UN Special Rapporteur sees freedom of speech under threat in Bangladesh
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After fresh elections, Bangladesh is aiming to make good on the calls for reform which sparked 2024 protests. UN freedom of opinion rapporteur Irene Khan explains the stakes.
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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?
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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
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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?
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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
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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.
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Twice yearly, lawmakers from NATO and beyond – including Switzerland – meet to discuss all things defence. A portrait of an understated institution.
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?
