Michael Sheridan

From Chappell Roan to Billie Eilish and Janelle Monáe, Michael Sheridan explores the pop industry's much-needed queer renaissance.

Compact cars make so much sense yet they have gone out of fashion with the majority of buyers. The car makers have fed the trend towards quasi-SUVs and crossovers, which are fun, but not cheap. We’re testing the MG 3 hatchback this week. The VW Polo-sized car is the Chinese firm’s first hybrid model to go on sale in Ireland.

The brand new Rafale model is the new flagship passenger car for Renault Ireland. The coupe SUV has hints of BMW X4, Mercedes GLC Coupe and even Rafale’s smaller sibling the Arkana in its sleek crossover styling. Our top-grade Esprit Alpine version looks very handsome and is packed with tech too – including four-wheel steering!

Both men want the democracies to fall into chaos and disarray. They see the international order led by the West as presumptuous, weak and ripe for overthrow. But behind the mutual professions of esteem lie deep fissures of history, race and power, writes China expert Michael Sheridan

The bear and the dragon can never be friends. That is a lesson Xi Jinping heard at a young age. And it explains why the Chinese leader’s “no limits” partnership with Vladimir Putin may turn into a limitless liability — for the Kremlin. While researching a new biography of Xi, I came across a startling declassified US document. It reveals that the man who was Xi’s mentor in his first job, at the heart of China’s military, was fiercely anti-Russian. Never trust Moscow, he told his staff.

The new Ford Capri is a five-seat car powered by electricity that comes as a result of Ford’s partnership with Volkswagen. Under its skin, the Capri, unlike its iconic namesake, shares a host of parts common to the VW ID.5. So why revive a two-door coupe’s name for what is clearly a family car? Could Ford be guilty of a cynical marketing exercise… heavens forbid.

Advances in forensic technology could finally help determine whether Ian Bailey or someone else was behind the murder of the French television producer

The President-elect and his Chinese opponent have made a fist of playing buddies. But Trump has vowed to raise tariffs on Chinese imports – and Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are cosying up to China. Michael Sheridan asks if this could put a major roadblock in the way of cordial East-West politics...

Nissan’s ‘next gen’ Interstar takes the large van class to new heights. This comes as no surprise as Interstar is the Japanese firm’s version of the Renault Master – the reigning European Van of the Year! We’ve been testing it in Northern Spain prior to its arrival in Ireland in early 2025. In short, Nissan has a gem of a commercial vehicle with its new Interstar.

Need a Mercedes-Benz MPV but don’t want a huge V-Class? The T-Class could be the answer. The large and luxurious V-Class and Vito Tourer are based on the Vito van, whereas the new T-Class is based on the Citan van (Irish Van of the Year 2024). The T-Class comes as a five-seater with sliding side doors and a huge boot. An even more accommodating seven-seater is available by special order and features a stretched body.