The week that really was

John and Sarah look in detail at the €4.4billion awarded to often obscure companies in Ireland to house migrants; examine Sinn Fein's hypocrisy in Carrickmacross, and discuss Regina Doherty's renewed confusion over men and women.

John and Sarah discuss the media's slightly unhinged coverage of the Papal interregnum, dissect Conor McGregor's relevance after that Tucker interview, and argue over women's right to know everything about their partner. Also: Are Paedophile hunters good or bad?

John returns to the podcast as he and Sarah discuss this week's various triumphs for old-fashioned women: The UK transgender ruling, Katy Perry in space, Mary Lou's poll boost, and so on. Also: Are lots of us pretending to have fake medical conditions?00:00 Introduction and Context01:14 The UK Court Ruling on Gender Identity03:39 The Impact of the Ruling on Women and Society12:03 The Broader Implications for Trans Rights18:09 Political Landscape in Ireland20:17 Government Performance and Public Sentiment30:03 The Identity Crisis of Finna Gael33:33 Leadership Changes and Political Dynamics35:37 Public Perception and Political Competence39:51 The Role of Communication in Politics42:46 Violence and Political Narratives51:09 ADHD 

Sarah Ryan, minus her usual whipping boy, is joined instead by her husband Keith on this week's episode. They discuss Trump's tariffs, Ireland's exposure to economic ruin, and then for fun they debate whether libertarianism has any merit whatsoever.

John and Sarah discuss Dublin City Council's move to protect the Molly Malone statue from boob-gropers, discuss Donald Trump's cleavage of the western economy with tariffs, and laugh quite openly at RTE's new campaign to tackle "fake news and misinformation". 

John and Sarah ask why nobody ever talks about toxic femininity; discuss the great speaking rights row in the Dáil, and the new transgender controversy engulfing Irish scouting.

John and Sarah discuss Conor McGregor, Fine Gael's new war on "toxic masculinity", look back on covid five years on, and have a good old fashioned row about the covid vaccines.

John and Sarah discuss the white house shindig, foreigners buying homes in Ireland, migrant crime figures from the UK, and the celebrity cheating scandal that has women up in arms.

John and Sarah discuss "a week where decades happened", debating whether America is a falling Empire or recovering its greatness, discussing Micheál Martin's upcoming visit, and asking: Does the Irish opposition suck? Also, tradwives, NGOs, and assisted dying.

John and Sarah debate - are females more gullible? And also: Why do paedophiles keep getting away with it? Why don't the public care about wasteful spending? And why does the Government want to make some people homeless?

John and Sarah discuss Garda invasions of privacy, Jim O'Callaghan's start in Justice, the latest stabbing in Dublin, Pregnant Porn stars, and the latest horrors from Gaza.00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Week's Events02:53 The Controversial Garda Incident05:52 Media's Role in Political Narratives09:06 Justice Minister's Performance and Challenges11:57 Reflections on the Gaza Conflict15:07 Dublin Stabbing Incident and Immigration Issues38:10 The Changing Landscape of Dublin42:59 Cultural Commentary and Controversial Figures52:09 Trump's Influence and Political Commentary

In a week dominated by crimes committed at home and abroad, John and Sarah tackle the issue of migrant crime head on. Also: How should men comport themselves on Valentine's Day; why does Micheál Martin love one Senator so much; and why do women love alternative medicine?00:00 Valentine's Day and Gender Dynamics05:20 Migrant Crime and Public Safety10:51 State Responsibility and Immigration Laws16:58 Public Sentiment and Political Accountability25:32 Political Conduct and Personal Responsibility28:18 The Impact of Alcohol on Behavior29:57 Political Accountability and Public Perception31:42 The Hypocrisy of Political Morality35:40 Sexual Misconduct in Politics39:00 The Culture of Silence in Political Misconduct40:32 Media Influence in Politics42:11 Public Understanding of Political Processes44:55 Critique of Political Nominations48:02 Trump's Recent Political Moves52:08 Exposing Government Spending and Ideological Issues

With Sarah away due to a bereavement, John is joined by Laura Perrins. They discuss Donald Trump's big week, argue over who should pay for rural electricity, and is Irish politics blind to the suffering of teachers?

On this week's podcast, viewers can watch John be wrong and Sarah be right about the Seanad election in real time. Also, reflections on Storm Eowyn, and a heated argument about Robert F Kennedy, Jnr.

John and Sarah discuss the new Irish Government, the New Irish President, why the new Minister for Immigration is the worst job in Irish politics, whether the US is savable, and why Sarah thinks a certain person is a "f**king niffnuff". 

John and Sarah on Biden's exit, the new programme for Government, what it's like to need a hospital in Ireland today, and the heroic achievement of Bonnie Blue.

As 2025 opens, John and Sarah lay out some predictions for the year, ask why so many "bright young thing" liberals fail, and discuss the ongoing fallout around grooming gangs in the UK.03:49 Predictions for 202510:01 The Rise and Fall of Liberal Leaders17:59 Ireland's Political Landscape and International Relations24:37 The Role of Leadership in Crisis Management25:33 Political Predictions and Their Implications26:56 The Grooming Gang Scandal and Its Fallout28:17 Elon Musk's Influence on Politics30:11 Transparency in Political Interference33:02 Cultural and Racial Dynamics in Crime34:51 Victimhood and Feminism: A Double Standard39:10 The Value of Victims in Society46:30 The Institutional Failures in Protecting Victims

John and Sarah review the year by reviewing John's good and terrible predictions that he made in January. But before that: The lawyer who traded pictures for money on twitter, and the Taoiseach who traded Ceann Comhairles for power.

John and Sarah discuss the exertions of porn star Lily Phillips, the merits of keeping kids in the dark about Santa Claus, the return of Katherine Zappone, the exit of Eoin Hayes, and some stuff about transgenders.

John and Sarah review the election, look forward to five more years of Micheál Martin, look at the strength of "vote left transfer left", and also muse on the Toy Show, Hunter Biden, and the tragic case in New Ross.

John and Sarah attempt (poorly) to predict the election, and also discuss Dee Devlin's statement on Conor McGregor, Assisted Dying in the UK, and should dirty jokes from 17 years ago get you suspended?

John and Sarah bid farewell to a beloved colleague, and then turn their attention to the wheels falling off the Fine Gael bus. What went wrong - and could politicians across all parties get punished for an utterly insipid campaign?

John McGuirk is joined by Gript Media's Fatima Gunning, who sat through nearly all of the McGregor trial, and Laura Perrins, former criminal barrister, to talk through the evidence and verdict in the the civil case that captivated the nation.

John and Sarah talk the latest twists in Russia and Israel, Blindboy's new RTE documentary, and the latest twists in the very, very, very unexciting general election.

"Derek Blighe should have been in that debate" - John and Sarah discuss the RTE debate, and the campaign where all the parties agree and are having fake rows about nothing of importance.

John and Sarah bemoan their lack of recognition at the national media awards, review another boring few days in the greatest election of our age, Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, and why John is not a fan of Micheál Martin.00:00 Introduction to the General Election Landscape02:40 Media and Political Awards03:36 The Hutch's Candidacy: Implications for Dublin Central07:28 Sinn Féin's Vulnerability: Polling and Leadership Concerns10:01 Sinn Féin's Policy Stagnation: A Critical Analysis19:46 Fianna Fáil's Campaign: A Lack of Substance24:10 The Rise of the Social Democrats: A New Hope?26:37 Micheál Martin's Political Legacy32:18 Election Dynamics and Candidate Insights38:04 Trump's Cabinet and Political Change43:43 Political Strategies and Public Perception45:56 Climate Change and Political Posturing

With the election campaign underway, John and Sarah review the major issues of the first few days. Which appear to be Michael O'Leary, and whether the country wants new energy or change.

John gets a deserved spanking from Sarah over his Trump Derangement Syndrome, The US election gets thoroughly analysed, and a look forward at the very short three weeks campaign to come here in Ireland.02:55 The Shift in Voter Sentiment06:14 The Impact of Campaign Messaging08:56 Reactions from the Media and Political Pundits12:00 The Future of American Politics15:09 Reflections on Trump's Second Term17:53 Cultural Reactions and Public Sentiment20:53 Final Thoughts on Political Dynamics34:05 Election Chaos and Cynicism39:58 Political Punditry and Voter Apathy45:09 The Need for Robust Political Discourse54:18 Anger in Politics and the Power of Voting

"I've never seen a race like this" - John McGuirk talks to legendary Republican strategist Karl Rove about what to expect tonight as the Harris/Trump votes come in, and what key counties to watch in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

John and Sarah discuss the new Cillian Murphy "Ireland was awful" movie and it's predictable acclaim; offer final thoughts on the Trump/Harris campaign, and discuss issues that won't come up in Ireland's general election:03:13 Cultural Reflections on Ireland's Past06:02 Critique of Modern Cultural Narratives08:51 The Impact of Historical Narratives on Society12:03 Contemporary Issues and Social Pressures14:54 Transgender Issues in Society18:10 Political Implications of Gender Discussions21:02 Election Predictions and Political Landscape30:06 The TikTok Political Experiment33:44 The Dynamics of Trump and Harris Supporters37:33 The State of American Politics40:42 Retail Politics and Candidate Effectiveness43:36 Cultural Consequences of the Election46:17 The Irish Political Landscape57:12 The Impact of U.S. Elections on Ireland

John and Sarah discuss the latest developments in sex ed, the passage of the hate crime bill, the government clearing the decks for an election, and why John has full blown Trump derangement syndrome, god love him.

With an election due to be called any day now, John and Sarah review the state of the opposition. Also: Councils ban Bibi, Roderic escapes scrutiny, and tragedy in Argentina.

Sarah and John discuss the spy in the Oireachtas, Sinn Fein forgetting how to do politics, Scary Movies, Scarier Sex Education, and the Government buying the media in a packed podcast this week.

John and Sarah walk through the budget, John's row with an unfortunate Fine Gael canvasser, the latest celeb muck from Philip Schofield and P. Diddy, and the horrifying case of the woman allegedly tortured in Dublin.00:00 Budget Week Insights05:54 Child Welfare and Family Support12:09 Critique of Government Spending17:45 Opposition Response and Political Dynamics23:48 Vice Presidential Debate Analysis29:52 Celebrity Controversies and Accountability35:46 Rising Violence in Society51:48 Concluding Thoughts on Current Events

In the aftermath of the defeat of the hate speech legislation, John and @sarahcatryan unleash a torrent of what some might consider hate speech towards the bike shed, the children's hospital, various members of the Government, and President Higgins.

John and Sarah examine the contradiction between Fine Gael's standing in the polls and the state of Scoliosis treatment for children. Also: Simeon Burke and the law library, Micheal Martin's endless leadership, and did Israel blunder in Lebanon?02:45 Political Landscape and Opinion Polls05:47 Fine Gael's Momentum and Election Strategy09:01 Health Care Crisis: Scoliosis Case Discussion12:05 Government Accountability and Public Health14:50 Contraception for 16-Year-Olds: A Controversial Policy21:01 Israeli Operations and Ethical Considerations23:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

The big debate in America; The big windfall at home; Another clue about the election date; and Ireland's useless opposition misses again - John and Sarah round up the week.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Week01:22 Analysis of the US Presidential Debate12:57 Political Landscape in Ireland: Dáil Returns16:50 Sinn Féin's Challenges and Opportunities28:04 The Role of Immigration in Irish Politics40:12 Discussion on the 13 Billion from Apple51:14 Accountability in Government Spending

John and Sarah discuss the SPHE book that set tongues wagging; the world's most expensive bike shelter; what may be the world's most expensive sex abuse enquiry; and why some stories impact you emotionally more than others.00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Topics02:18 Controversy Over Depiction of Irish Culture09:32 Emotional Impact of the Middle East Hostage Situation19:24 Concerns About the Abuse Scandal in Catholic Schools29:25 Balancing Believing Victims and Presumption of Innocence29:53 Presumption of Innocence in Sexual Abuse Cases40:07 The Controversy Over the Cost of a Bike Shelter53:24 Government Involvement in Regulating Ticket Prices for Concerts

John and Sarah discuss the latest developments in the Enoch Burke case, the nude cyclists and the Mayor of Cork, Kamala Harris finally agreeing to an interview, and the latest revival of the hate speech bill. 00:00 Introduction and Back to School Week01:00 Enoch Burke's Return to School and Stance on Pronouns09:58 Discussion on the Stabbing Incident in Galway16:54 Proposed Ban on Smoking in Beer Gardens24:55 Critique of the Naked Cycling Event in Cork27:47 Inconsistent Enforcement of Public Indecency Laws28:41 Cycling in the Nude and Boundaries31:03 The Pavel Durov Case35:10 The Proposed Hate Speech Bill in Ireland45:20 Changes in Childcare Subsidies47:10 The US Election and Constructive Criticism

John and Sarah discuss beauty contests this week: The upcoming election, during which politicians will flash their ankles. The Democratic Convention, which attempted to entice us to Kamala, and the Rose of Tralee, which has nothing to do with beauty at all:00:00 Apologies and Introduction01:22 Minor Public Spat and Election Speculation04:05 Fine Gael's Advantage and Fianna Fáil's Risk06:03 Navigating the Election Campaign11:37 Potential Government Formation Scenarios13:43 Cynicism and Promises in Politics17:03 The Need for Substance in the Campaign21:28 Facing Fines for Climate Targets22:56 The Challenges of Meeting Climate Change Targets33:30 Critiquing the Democratic National Convention42:29 The Rose of Tralee: Defining Irishness

Sarah and John review a week that featured big revelations about government spending, plans to abolish same sex schools, a big love island breakup, and a disagreement over olympic breakdancing.00:00 Introduction and Weather00:55 Government Spending and Lack of Discussion01:48 Media Coverage and Lack of Challenge03:08 Lack of Hard Conversations in Irish Politics13:19 Issues with Single-Sex Schools26:28 Prison Overcrowding and Drug Use30:04 Overcrowded Prisons31:42 Government's Focus on NGOs and Charities33:40 Passport Issues at Dublin Airport38:03 The Public's Obsession with Celebrity Breakups52:30 The Emergence of Citizen Journalism

In what should be silly season, John and Sarah discuss a surprisingly busy week: Riots in the UK, an anti-media rebellion for Kellie Harrington, a new VP nominee for Kamala Harris, and Simon Harris goes to war with Elon Musk.00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Recent Events01:07 Hypocrisy in Media and Politics: The Treatment of Athletes06:32 Dismissive Attitude Towards the Concerns of the Working Class14:37 Biased Coverage of Protests and Riots18:09 The Potential Impact of Social Media Regulation25:15 Elon Musk's Controversial Tweets29:22 Kamala Harris' Choice of Running Mate30:18 The Electoral College System33:06 Cooperation vs. Co-option in Politics39:38 Unity Between Orange and Green in Belfast44:27 The Upcoming General Election in Ireland

John and Sarah discuss the controversy around the Olympic games, the riots in Southport, the death of Edna O'Brien, and ask whether it's time to revisit the way the state engages with Travellers after the Dooley murder in Kerry.00:00 Introduction and Discussion of the Olympic Opening Ceremony13:10 Tragedy in Southport and Societal Issues16:46 Frustration with the Government's Handling of Immigration24:06 The Need for a Reasonable and Informed Discussion on Immigration26:21 Misrepresentation of Edna O'Brien's Books36:40 The Presence of Irish Troops in Lebanon41:03 The Need for Conversations about Traveler Culture49:14 The Controversy Surrounding Kamala Harris

John and Sarah discuss Sinn Fein's new immigration policy, the fantasy of "public service broadcasting", Catherine Martin's bad press conference, and the pitfalls of the Trump versus Kamala Harris election.

John and Sarah discuss events in Coolock, which has John "f*cking livid", as well as the attempt on Donald Trump's life, why Sarah adores JD Vance, and why Sinn Fein's apology to its voters likely won't work.

John and Sarah discuss a week of implosions, including the implosion of Independent Ireland, the disintegration of Joe Biden's campaign, and yet more lenient sentences in our mess of a justice system. Unfortunately, technical difficulties mean this week's audio is sub-par: We apologise.

John and Sarah discuss the fallout from the Biden debate debacle; Independent Ireland's woke turn; the rise to power of Ebun Joseph, and the many many people who simply aren't having children.

John is on holiday; Sarah is taking refuge in the loving arms of Taylor Swift; and both are in absolute despair at the events of the week in the Oireachtas ranging from standing ovations to baby finance ministers.

John and Sarah react to the Cathal Crotty case, and Fine Gael's continued claims to be the party of law and order. Also: Eamon Ryan's departure, Michael O'Leary is far right now, and Micheál Martin is feeling left out.

John McGuirk talks to co-host Sarah Ryan about what it was like to spend 3 days at the RDS, only to come out on the losing side; what the elections might mean for the future of a "right" in Ireland; and why Holly Cairns has something to be sorry for.

As voters cast their ballots, John and Sarah review the election campaign, and stick their necks on the line with predictions for each of the Euro constituencies, and the local elections.