Irish Times Inside Politics

It's part two of our summer Ask Me Anything, with the panel tackling questions sent to politicspodcast@irishtimes.com by listeners. Hugh, Pat, Jack, Ellen and Cormac address topics from disapora voting rights to the lack of representation of migrant communities in Dáil Eireann, the meaning of populism and the efficiency of government spending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's summer holiday season and that means it's time to open the floor to questions from the Inside Politics audience. Hugh, Pat, Jack, Ellen and Cormac sift through the politicspodcast@irishtimes.com inbox and pick out questions on the presidency, Gaza, the State's struggle to solve complex problems, and more. Thanks for listening to Inside Politics throughout the political year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· With Independent TD Catherine Connolly and former MEP Mairead McGuinness having declared their candidacy, there will now be at least two names in the race for the Áras. But with no sign yet of a clear candidate for Fianna Fáil or Sinn Féin, are any of the potential names currently being discussed likely to gain party support? · Fianna Fáil's Niall Collins would be 'very uncomfortable' with a one-size-fits-all approach to a blanket VAT cut for the hospitality sector, given that luxury and five-star hotels would benefit from a measure they don't necessarily need. Some Fine Gael Ministers are unhappy with Mr Collins for criticising a policy that would help support entry-level jobs in rural Ireland. · And as the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, urgency around the Occupied Territories Bill increases. The inclusion of services is still the big question given the huge potential knock-on effects for some businesses here. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· A new exhibition exploring the legacy of the Magdalene Laundries, fifty years since the release of Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, and Joe Canning's take on Tipperary's triumph in the All-Ireland hurling final against Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government's updated National Development Plan (NDP) proposes to spend a vast sum of money on capital infrastructure. But beyond three ‘mega projects' there is little detail and the vagueness of the document has led to some skepticism. In part one of today's podcast Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to discuss the NDP and whether the Government's promise to prioritise infrastructure could survive a major economic shock - the kind created by heavy US tariffs, for example, They then look at the Summer Economic Statement, also revealed this week, which shows there will not be much wriggle room in this year's Budget. In part two, back to the NDP and what it says about the Government's plan for the development of transportation infrastructure. Dublin's proposed MetroLink is one of the three mega projects identified, but there is €20 billion earmarked for other unidentified projects. Where should it go? How much will be spent on new roads, and what are the implications for carbon emissions? And what about public transport projects outside Dublin? Professor Brian Caulfield talks to Hugh and Pat. Brian Caulfield is a Professor in Transportation in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll shows Sinn Féin on 22 per cent (down four), with Fianna Fáil on 22 per cent (no change) and Fine Gael on 17 per cent (up one). Given just 14% of voters feel Government is successfully tackling the country's problems, do Sinn Féin need to find a new strategy in order to stimulate support? · One of the most notable findings of the poll is the clear growth potential around the Independents (up five) and new conservative parties like Aontú. · The poll also shows that support for the Occupied Territories Bill is softening with voters as just one-fifth of voters (20 per cent) say the Bill should be passed quickly, with a further 14 per cent saying its scope should be expanded and it should be passed quickly. The Bill, which would ban trade in goods with the occupied Palestinian territories, is due before the Dáil in the autumn. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The plans to lower the UK voting age to 16, the Epstein Files present a new crisis for Donald Trump, and can Tipperary triumph in the All-Ireland hurling final against Cork? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU negotiators thought a deal with their US counterparts on trade and tariffs was near. Then US president Donald Trump ended those feelings of optimism by threatening to apply 30% tariffs from August 1st. Is this another negotiating tactic or does he mean it this time? And what is the mood in Dublin and Brussels about Trump's threats? Jack Horgan-Jones and Jack Power join Pat Leahy. In part two: Independent TD Catherine Connolly is seeking a nomination to run for president. Will Labour, her erstwhile party, support her bid? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · When Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was asked on Monday if she was ruling herself out of this year's contest to succeed Michael D Higgins, she replied, “we're not ruling anything in or anything out.” But could a tilt at the presidency be a potential career-ender for Mary Lou?· Elsewhere, those ruling themselves firmly in include Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who says she plans to launch her presidential election bid next week. The veteran Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher says he is considering seeking Fianna Fáil nomination to run, but Fine Gael's Seán Kelly has ruled himself out, with Mairead McGuinness now widely expected to seek Áras election.· The Occupied Territories Bill is now undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The big question remains whether the proposed bill will include services along with the prohibition of trade in goods with Israeli companies operating in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The throwaway lyrics of Oasis, the social cohesion of the July 12th bonfires, and when crying in public is the natural thing to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month marks 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide, when more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were massacred by Serb forces in Bosnia. In today's episode, Irish Times Eastern Europe Correspondent Daniel McLaughlin joins Hugh to reflect on his recent visit to eastern Bosnia. They discuss the enduring legacy of the atrocity, how the town is preparing to commemorate the 30th anniversary and the political deadlock that still grips the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is just over a year since Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a huge majority and took power in London, but Starmer's political capital is already at a low ebb. It hasn't all been bad: most noticeably here, he has managed to repair the UK's relationship with Ireland after the fractious Brexit years. But he has also handled the Trump administration and the EU with skill. It's at home where he hasn't done so well. Some notable successes - on reducing NHS waiting times - have been overshadowed by a series of u-turns, mishaps and political miscalculations. So what does the electorate make of him, and where does he go from here? London correspondent Mark Paul talks to Hugh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The drive to inject some impetus into the Irish presidential race has not yielded anything of note just yet with the starter pistol not expected to sound until Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin nominate their candidates. · The Coalition remains divided over Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless's recent assertion that the student contribution could increase by as much as €1,000 next year for third-level students. · The pause on Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs is almost up – is there a plan in place to keep Ireland's pain to a minimum?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The puffins of Rathlin Island, the digital revolution that didn't turn out as expected, and how the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez destroyed quiet luxury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money always matters in politics. Just ask UK prime minister Keir Starmer, whose attempt to cut UK welfare payments is on the rocks thanks to Labour party rebels, leaving a multibillion pound hole in his economic plan. Over here, the various departments are currently working out how much money they need to operate in advance of the Summer Economic Statement, the report that outlines the parameters for what is likely to be a tighter Budget than those of recent years. The Government is also trying to get to grips with an urgent need for investment in infrastructure. And it's all happening against a backdrop of growing economic uncertainty. This week the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council accused the Government of lacking a coherent spending plan. So how well fixed is our system to navigate all this?Pat Leahy joins Hugh to discuss it. They also discuss the inter-Coalition row over third level fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: · US President Donald Trump was the main attraction at a landmark Nato summit on Wednesday with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte calling him ‘Daddy' during their press conference. Trump got what he came for with Nato member states agreeing to an increase of 5 per cent of GDP in defence spending. · Over at the EU leaders summit on Thursday, defence spending was also high on the agenda with Ireland backing the EU's €150bn defence plan. The war in Gaza was highlighted too with Taoiseach Micheál Martin unable to comprehend how Europe doesn't seem capable of putting any pressure on Israel to stop it. And with Trump's tariffs pause set to end on July 9th, Ireland and other EU countries will be forgiven for looking at India and China as greater trading partners. · Do policy interventions like reviewing RPZs compensate for the delayed release of the Government's housing plan? The document won't be published until after the summer.· Presidential candidates are still pretty thin on the ground with Fine Gael's Seán Kelly saying he “could do a lot” as president but stopped short of declaring he actually will enter the race. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The endurance test that Irish concert-goers have to go through is worth it, Democratic mayoral primary Zohran Mamdani shocks as New York swelters, and Jaws and its Irish connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe correspondent Jack Power joins Pat and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss monumental events in the Middle East, with the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities being followed by a ceasefire that may or may not be holding as you listen to this podcast. They also discuss the EU's struggle to assert influence on the global stage as it heads into a summit, and bring it back home to the Irish government's awkward stance on the Occupied Territories Bill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally Hayden and Harry McGee join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics:· Sally Hayden joins the pod on the line from Beirut where missiles flying overhead have become a fact of daily life despite the ceasefire agreement Lebanon signed with Israel last November. With Israel's attention now firmly on Iran, the rising death toll and continuing aerial attacks from both sides show no signs of abating. And is the US on the verge of joining Israel's attack on Iran? What could that mean for stability in the Middle East? · Children's Health Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee this week with politicians eager to tear strips off the embattled group responsible for running children's hospital services in Dublin. After so many controversies since its inception in 2018, can CHI be trusted to run the new national children's hospital when it opens? And how will this all be handled by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill given her short time as a first-time senior Minister? Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· How AIB came back from the brink, and a misguided viral appeal following the death of an Irish emigrant in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Harry McGee to talk about the ongoing fallout from the Government's proposed changes to the rights of tenants and landlords. They look at growing criticism of the finer points of the policy. Will the delay in rolling out RPZs to the whole country incentivise landlords to raise rents while they can? Do the new rules effectively prohibit short-term lets in tourism areas? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can tell an awful lot about a society by who it labels a genius. You can also learn from who it excludes from that category, who it enables and what it is prepared to tolerate from them. The tortured poet, the rebellious scientist, the monstrous artist, or indeed the tech disruptor. All of these archetypes feature in The Genius Myth, the new book by the journalist, author and podcaster Helen Lewis. She joins Hugh to talk about so-called geniuses, from Elon Musk to The Beatles, the modern influence of concepts like IQ, and what it takes to be a political genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back at the week in politics:Rent reform: the announcement of Minister for Housing James Browne's plans to change the rules around rent pressure zones dominated the week. But why was the rollout so haphazard?Adjustments to residential property tax received less attention but the changes also carry political riskIsrael's attacks on Iran add further uncertainty to a fraught geopolitical momentAnti-immigrant riots in Northern Ireland: was the violence exacerbated by political interventions?Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week on topics including the dull ache brought on by remembering Ireland's past attitudes to women, a critique of Irish media's coverage of gender issues and how social media firms used the ‘like' button to turbocharge their business models. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US president Donald Trump's response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles - to send in troops - is in keeping with a broader theme of his second presidency so far - extending executive power and challenging institutional norms. But how far is Trump willing to go? TCD's Daniel Geary joins Hugh to talk about the events in LA and the pressure Trump 2.0 is putting on the American system. Daniel Geary is Mark Pigott Professor of U.S. History at Trinity College Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where does Europe fit into the 21st century? Political scientist Professor Helen Thompson returns to the podcast to talk about the big picture for the global economy and international relations in the age of Trump's second term, China's rise and Europe's relative decline. She talks to Hugh about the real significance of America's debt pile, Silicon Valley's shift to Trump, the future of NATO, the growing interest in controlling the Arctic and China's economic and technological rise. And she argues that Europe needs to realise just how different a place America is - and always has been. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond:The crisis at Children's Hospital Ireland deepens Growing international disquiet over Israel's conduct in GazaPlanning exemptions for "granny flats" - can such tinkering make a real difference to the housing crisis? The spectacular breakup of Donald Trump and Elon MuskPlus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles on the week, including the impact of Airbnb in rural towns, the dreaded one-star review and a disappearing rainbow crossing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many challenges, including a political system in disarray, the threat of tariffs and a looming demographic disaster. Denis Staunton reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country's right-wing opposition, won Sunday's presidential by less than two percentage points. The result also has major implications for European politics. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the outcome with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the questions posed by politicians during RTÉ's appearance in front of the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday.· Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, who support the Government, put a dent in the Coalition's majority by voting in favour of a Sinn Féin Bill in support of Palestine.· Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was awarded €100,000 after a jury found he was defamed by a 2016 BBC TV programme and related article that falsely accused him of sanctioning the murder of a British agent.· And is it time to disband Children's Health Ireland? Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill is considering subsuming the statutory body into the HSE following several controversies during its six years in existence.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The tight Polish presidential race, looming climate fines, the rise of the campervan, and the wonderful Cáit O'Riordan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism". She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and why its appeal to traditional left-wing tendencies, like solidarity and supporting the underdog, helps disguise its more reactionary elements. They also talk about Germany's relationship with Israel and how its own history influences German views on what is happening in Gaza. Susan Neiman is an American moral philosopher, commentator and author known for her work on ethics, the Enlightenment and contemporary politics. She is the director of The Einstein Forum, a think-tank based in Potsdam, Germany, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Ireland's decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called '2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe', and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since the birth of England's first Norman king William the Conqueror have been labelled “offensive” by the Opposition party.· In a move to start the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza after Israel's near three-month blockade, a majority of EU states have backed a proposal to review the union's agreement governing relations with Israel.· The HSE estimates that the number of children on waiting lists for disability or autism services will grow from 15,000 now to 25,000 by the end of the year, something disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody (14) highlighted with a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House this week.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Joe Biden's cognitive and physical decline, hurling at its most biblical, and the four distinct categories that leaders fall into. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. The new Government has signalled a tougher approach to the issue, and has claimed some success. Are their reforms working, and is the tougher messaging appropriate? Hugh is joined by Colm Brophy TD, Minister of State for Migration, Madeleine Allen, policy and advocacy officer with the Irish Refugee Council, and Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum has prompted some reminiscing about how the vote was the first of two pinnacles for progressivism in Ireland, the other being the abortion referendum three years later. For women and members of the LGBT community, the successful campaigns were pivotal moments for an Ireland escaping its oppressive past. But what about those on the losing side? Senator Ronán Mullen, who campaigned for a no vote, joins Hugh and Pat to talk about how those defeats shaped social conservatism in Ireland in the years since. Click here for our podcast on the legacy of the marriage equality referendum with Gerard Howlin and Ivana Bacik. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children's Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman's salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager to make their name a staple for the Dáil committee. · A move towards fiscal caution as Fine Gael's Neale Richmond signals planned tax cuts may have to be abandoned unless a trade deal with the US can be agreed. Will one-off cost-of-living payments be absent from Budget 2026?· The plan to introduce mandatory alcohol warning labels could be reconsidered amid the potential impact of US tariffs on the sector. And a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under 18s won't be a reality until the “necessary evidence-gathering, research and examination of appropriate policy options and stakeholder engagement” is achieved.· Plus, Minister for Housing James Browne backed out of meeting with Dublin Lord Mayor Emma Blain to discuss issues relating to the tenant-in-situ scheme.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· What can Dublin learn from San Francisco's regeneration? Collapsing cottages, dereliction and land hoarding, and should people in Northern Ireland get to vote in Irish presidential elections? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is ten years since the country voted to legalise same-sex marriage. This victory for progressive politics was followed by another when abortion rights were won in 2018. But what is sometimes called "the progressive agenda" has since had setbacks, including last year's defeated referendums on family and care. So how relevant is progressivism to Irish politics now, and where does it go next? Labour leader Ivana Bacik, columnist Gerard Howlin and political editor Pat Leahy join Hugh to look back at the 2015 referendum campaign and assess its legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Harris had a difficult general election campaign as Fine Gael leader and has since faced criticism that he has not learned from mistakes in his new roles as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. On today's podcast he tells Jack Horgan-Jones and Hugh Linehan that his style of politics won't change. He also answers questions about policy issues including housing, the Occupied Territories Bill, a proposed levy on streamers like Netflix and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· On the same day that the US agreed a trade deal with the UK, the European Commission unveiled a second, larger package of retaliatory tariffs – this was in response to the absence of negotiation from the US on what they actually want. Thankfully for Ireland, our biggest export to the US, pharmaceuticals, remained untouched, this is welcome news given the warnings from the Department of Finance this week.· The procrastination around the Occupied Territories Bill has been going on for years. Tánaiste Simon Harris has indicated that there may be some movement as he will seek approval from the Government to begin the process of drafting the legislation, but it likely wouldn't be discussed in the Dáil before autumn. · The Catholic Church have a new leader, confirmed on Thursday evening, Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost was an outside bet to succeed Pope Francis and is the first pope from the United States. Another 69-year-old taking up a prominent position is Germany's new federal chancellor Freidrich Merz.· And the panel give their reaction to the decision by People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger to refuse to answer a question posed by a Gript journalist at the Dáil plinth on Wednesday.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The continued inertia fueling the housing crisis, the misery of Prince Harry, and the story of The Irish Times' most famous front page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Pope Francis has set in train one of the most unique contests in world politics: the Papal conclave. Cardinals will vote again and again until one name achieves a two-thirds majority and becomes pope. Voting is not the conclave's only similarity to secular politics. The prospects of victory for frontrunners Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and current Vatican secretary of state Pietro Parolin have declined in recent days, thanks to the emergence of negative stories about the two cardinals. But how do the 133 cardinals, many of whom do not know each other, align behind a particular candidate?Venezuelan journalist Edgar Beltrán is Rome Correspondent for The Pillar, a US-based Catholic news organisation. He joins Hugh to explain the behind-the-scenes politics, friendships and rivalries that play a big role in the selection of the next pope, why it is possible this conclave of cardinals may struggle to reach a conclusion and what happens if the votes remain tied. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Inside Politics podcast Irish Times London Correspondent Mark Paul joins Hugh Linehan to discuss what Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is already calling “the beginning of the end of the Conservative Party" as Tories lost council seats all over England.And to add icing to Farage's cake, Reform Party candidate Sarah Pochin dramatically won the Runcorn and Helsby byelection by just six votes, the narrowest margin of victory in a byelection since 1944.Labour didn't fare well in Thursday's local elections either - will they now view Reform as a legitimate challenger? And is the clock already ticking for Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh almost became housing ‘tsar' until Fine Gael blocked his appointment this week. It seems communication between the two main parties was not at its strongest when it came to Fianna Fáil's push to have McDonagh head up the new Housing Activation Office.· Both the Government of the 34th Dáil and Donald Trump reach the milestone of 100 days this week, although it feels like night and day in terms of activity with the Government's executive functions here barely getting off the ground. · But nobody could accuse Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan of inactivity as he has taken that portfolio and ran with it. Building strongly on the work of his predecessor Helen McEntee, could Fianna Fáil be looking at a potential future party leader?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Has the EPP become a cold house for Fine Gael? Recollection of a soirée in Beijing, and Westminster's long memory for its murdered MPs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadian journalist Jen Gerson joins Hugh to talk about the results of Monday's federal election, which confirmed the once-unlikely comeback of the Liberal party led by former central banker Mark Carney. Gerson explains the unique challenges facing this vast, dispersed country whose relationship with its closest ally - the USA - has collapsed since the election of Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Thoughts now turn to the election of his successor and whether they will be viewed to be as tolerant and progressive as the late pontiff. · Minister for Education Helen McEntee has her work cut out for her to keep secondary school teachers onside with both the Teacher's Union of Ireland and the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland voting to ballot on industrial action if plans to reform the Leaving Certificate from this September are not paused. · And the Government has told RTÉ that State funding of more than €60 million for its redundancy plan will hinge on the broadcaster hitting yearly targets as it reduces its headcount. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Bill Clinton on a polarized America 30 years on from the Oklahoma bombing, Ireland needs to tread carefully with the EU on tariffs, and have we reached an empathy crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork-based author Pádraig Óg O'Ruairc joins Hugh Linehan to discuss his new book 'Burn Them Out; a history of fascism and the far right in Ireland'. He argues a line can be drawn directly between the far-right and, in the case of the Blueshirts, openly fascist movements of the 1920s and 1930s and the Dublin riots of 2023. Ó'Ruairc objects to the Irish exceptionalism many feel in having largely escaped the xenophobic populism seen elsewhere in Europe, arguing we have a long history of 'looking the other way' when it comes to confronting a pervasive and enduring fascist undercurrent.'Burn Them Out' is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first published in October 2023. Naomi Klein shot to fame with her first book, No Logo, which offered an acute critique of how powerful corporations in the 1990s had profited off exploitation in a globalising world. Her later books have examined a range of subjects including crisis capitalism, militarism, and climate change. Klein is also commonly confused online for a very different writer, Naomi Wolf, who has called Covid-19 vaccine programmes ‘mass murder'. In Klein's latest book Doppelganger she draws on this unwanted comparison to explore themes like online identity, conspiracy theories and the 21st Century supremacy of the ‘personal brand'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee analyse the latest Irish Times / Ipsos B&A poll results, which show that Sinn Féin has regained its position as the most popular party in the Republic while Fine Gael has slumped to a record low in the series. The new data also show voters have little enthusiasm for the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Independent Coalition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cliff Taylor joins Pat Leahy to assess the latest developments in the trade war initiated by US president Donald Trump that threatens to upend the global economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the head of an organisation called Labour Together, which despite its name '"was all about dividing the Labour party and defeating the left", Irishman Morgan McSweeney handpicked Keir Starmer as the leadership candidate to take on Jeremy Corbyn and the party's left wing in 2020. That is according to Patrick Maguire, co-author of Get In, an entertaining book about Starmer's road to Number 10 and McSweeney's accumulation of power behind the scenes. He talks to Hugh about McSweeney's talent, Starmer's leadership and why the Labour government is struggling to get its message across.Get In by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.