Podcasts about ard fheis

 Stand-Up to RacismThe bullet holes from the August 1969 sectarian pogrom against the people of the Falls area are still visible on the front wall of St. Comgall's Primary School, Divis Street. Last Thursday lunchtime, a few yards from where, on that occasion, whole terraces of houses were burned out, scores of community activists from across Belfast came together in Ionad Eileen Howell to discuss another pogrom. This time the pogrom was rooted in violent racism.In the days before families and workers from the various ethnic groups, who now make up an important and valued part of our society, were attacked, threatened, and some were forcibly evicted from their homes. In harrowing scenes cars and some homes were destroyed as masked thugs roamed the streets of parts of Belfast, Portadown and Glengormley attacking the PSNI and the homes of our neighbours. Terrified children fled with their parents.Health workers were especially targeted. There was a clear attempt to intimidate many from their jobs. In addition, schools were closed. People were sent home from work. Public transport stopped.The Community Groups at the meeting in Ionad Eileen Howell described how they had helped relocate evicted families, worked with Belfast City Council to ensure that emergency accommodation was available, established a co-ordination and response group and had activists on the streets to defuse any attempt by right wing elements to stoke up further attacks. From the GAA and individual citizens there was widespread opposition to the racism. First Minister Michelle O'Neill met community representatives, youth workers and ethnic minority communities. She visited health staff in the Mater Hospital who had been threatened. She expressed her unambiguous solidarity and support for them.Belfast Ard Mheara Councillor Róis Máire Donnelly, who received death threats for standing up to the racists, refused to be silent. Last Friday she addressed a local anti-racism rally and the next day she spoke to the thousands who attended the massive anti-racist demonstration at the City Hall. Róis Máire told the crowd that Belfast is “stronger” because of our diversity. And she described Belfast people as “resilient, compassionate and welcoming.”She is right on both counts. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And notwithstanding the naysayers and begrudgers Belfast is welcoming city that embraces our ethnic minority citizens.  Momentum Building Around UnityThere are those who dismiss any possibility in the next few years of holding the unity referendums provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Foremost among them is Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who obstinately refuses to countenance any preparation for unity.However, his partner in Government, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris clearly doesn't agree. At the weekend he announced that his party is planning to develop and publish a blueprint for a united Ireland by their Ard Fheis in November. That is good news. Harris's statement of intent coincides with Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald's introduction this week in the Dáil of a Private Members Bill that will compel the Taoiseach to begin the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish Unity. The ‘Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026' will require the Taoiseach to institutionalise preparation and publish a Green Paper. This will facilitate consultation and encourage a national public debate as a first step before formal government legislation is established. The Green Paper will require the government setting out its ideas, vision and proposals on the economy, education, health, justice and the legal system and future governance arrangements.  Seeking the Truth: Pat FinucaneAfter 37 years the inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane has finally opened. Pat's wife Geraldine, his children John, Michael and Katherine and his dedicated family circle and legal team are to be commended for their diligence and steadfastness in pursuing the truth about Pat's murder.Successive British governments have lied, prevaricated, distracted, delayed and made every effort to prevent an inquiry from happening. Why? Because the extent of British state collusion with the UDA in his murder has the potential of laying responsibility for his death with senior political figures within the British Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher.That there was collusion in his murder and that of hundreds more, is not in doubt. But who was responsible? Who gave the orders? Who plotted and schemed to have Pat killed on 12 February 1989? Who knew what within the RUC; within RUC Special Branch; within MI5; the Force Reconnaissance Unit (FRU); British Army; and the British Cabinet? 

Cúpla FocalI often quote the late Seán Mac Goill. Seán was one of the visionaries who gave us the new Bombay Street after the pogroms of 1969, the urban Gaeltacht on Bóthar Seoighe, The Andersonstown News and many other outstanding projects going back to the 1960s. Seán and his peers and their families were immersed in the Irish language and the wider cultural revolution across Belfast. It was they who laid the foundations for today's revival and successes. Seán's name is immortalised in the Gael Ionad Mhic Gioll in Ballymurphy, home of Glór na Móna, the outstanding Irish language organisation. Britain's shameful role in the NakbaOn May 15 Palestinians across Palestine and throughout their diaspora commemorate the ‘Nakba' or the ‘catastrophe' of 1948. In that year Zionist militias commenced a systematic assault on Palestinian towns and villages creating fear and displacement. Massacres occurred daily and in a short time 800,000 Palestinians became refugees in their own place. The Nakba is ongoing. It is taking place now in the west Bank, in Lebanon and in the Gaza Strip.Fianna Fáil – A centenary of failureLast Saturday the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin marked the centenary of that party. At its foundation in 1926 meeting it was agreed that the party would be titled ‘Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party.'Its principal aim was defined as ‘Securing the political independence of a United Ireland as a republic.'That was the basis on which Fianna Fáil first entered government in 1932. But in the decades to follow nothing was done to advance that aim. On the contrary when in government every effort was made to thwart unity, including through the imprisonment and execution of republican political prisoners and the abandonment of nationalists living in the North under an apartheid unionist regime.

Fianna Fáil held its Ard Fheis in Dublin this weekend as the party marks its centenary year. Micheal Martin has been the party leader for the past 15 years. He joined Paul to discuss what Fianna Fáil stood for in 2026.

Yesterday's Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis celebrated the centenary of the founding of the party. While it was once guaranteed that the leader of Fianna Fáil would become Taoiseach, the fractured nature of contemporary politics may make that less and less certain. Joining Pat to reflect on the legacy of the party is Ronan Mc Greavy, journalist with The Irish Times and author of ‘Sean Lemass: The Lost Memoir'.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Mark Paul join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The findings of the Irish Times and TG4 by Ipsos B&A poll throws up some interesting permutations for the Dublin Central byelection. Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan leads the first preference vote at 21 per cent, Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is in second place on 18 per cent, but as Jack explains, ‘second preference intention' could be vital for both. · It is now a question of when and not if for Keir Starmer after disastrous local and parliamentary election results prompted a slew of Labour MPs to call on the prime minister to resign. A defiant speech on Monday did little to inspire party members as Starmer vowed to fight any leadership challenge. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been given a route to challenge Starmer following Josh Simons' decision to step down as MP for Makerfield.· And speaking to The Irish Times on Wednesday, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern addressed his recent comments on immigration, made while out on a canvass last week in Dublin Central. And while no apology was forthcoming, he did point out that he had “no problem with people from the Congo or Africa or anywhere else. I've good friends around Drumcondra, there's a lot of the clergy in from Africa.” Could this controversy overshadow Fianna Fáil's Ard Fheis taking place today and tomorrow as the party marks its 100th year in existence?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· One Dublin mother's 14-year wait for a bigger council house, the challenges for Ireland of a Reform-led UK government, and how difficult it has become for Irish diaspora to return home.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday, the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis will celebrate 100 years of activity by the soldiers of Destiny, with a number of party representatives from County Clare set to be in attendance. A series of events to mark the centenary are set to take place across County Clare later this autumn. To discuss the current mood among party members on the ground, and what the milestone means for the organisation locally, Alan Morrissey was joined by Inagh's first female Chair of Fianna Fáil's Clare branch, Mary Crawford and Former Defence Minister and Clare TD, Tony Killeen. Image (c) Clare Fianna Fáil via Facebook

Eviction rates soar with new rental rules, prompting calls for an eviction ban... A €7 billion budget looms but details are still scant, bye-elections and Fianna Fáil celebrating 100 years at this weekend's Ard Fheis.

This week marks 100 years of Fianna Fáil, as the party gears up for its Ard Fheis this weekend.Joining Shane in the studio to talk through the party's history to its present-day politics is former Fianna Fáil Leader and Iar-Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern…

Standing at the crossroadsSinn Féin, but especially, the party in Belfast pulled out all of the stops at the weekend to ensure that the Ard Fheis was a huge success. The ICC Waterfront Hall was buzzing with republican voices from across our island and beyond talking about the big issues confronting all of us nationally and internationally. The number of young people attending and taking part in the debates was particularly encouraging.There were 167 Motions on the clár for discussion. They ranged across the cost of living crisis, housing, Irish unity, education, health, the climate crisis and our environment, rural Ireland, justice and human rights, and the fraught international situation.International SolidaritySinn Féin believes in international solidarity. Consequently, an important element of our annual Ard Fheis is the many international guests who travel to be with us. This year there were around 60 guests from the ANC in South Africa, EH Bildu in the Basque country, the ERC in Catalonia, from Australia, Kurdistan, France and other comrades.I was especially pleased to meet again with Arab Barghouti, from Ramallah in the west Bank and son of Marwan Barghouti who has been imprisoned for 24 years by Israel. The situation is Gaza continues to be appalling with scores of Palestinians being killed on an almost daily basis, and towns and villages in the west Bank regularly targeted by criminal Israeli gangs of settlers.Honouring Rita O'HareThe next time you go into Áras Uí Chonghaile on Bóthar na bhFál in Belfast go up to the first floor where there is a plaque dedicated to the work of Rita O'Hare, who played a huge part in securing the support of American Trade Unions for the Áras. Last Friday a bunch of us, her family and friends, got together to remember Rita and to unveil a James Connolly bust in her memory. It's a striking piece of art. It was created by the talented sculptor Steve Finney and Barry O'Neill of Lough Neagh Bronze. The bust was originally donated to the Moore St. Preservation Trust that is campaigning to save the 1916 Battlefield site in Dublin.Remembering Bobby SandsFinally, next Tuesday, 5 May, will be the anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Bobby Sands. He was the first of ten men to die during the six-month hunger strike in 1981.This weekend there will be a number of events to remember Bobby and his comrades and their contribution to the struggle for freedom.·      At 9.30 am on Sunday the Annual Bobby Sands Walk will take place on Divis Mountain.·      At the same time there will be a 12k freedom run meeting at the Bobby statue in Twinbrook.·      At 2pm on Sunday there will be a commemoration and wreath laying at the Bobby Sands statue in Twinbrook.·    And later that evening at 8pm the Annual Bobby Sands Lecture will take place in Andersonstown Social Club. 

Sinn Féin held its Ard Fheis in Belfast this weekend, with delegates being told that an immediate mini-budget was required to make life more affordable for people. This is despite the Government having already ruled-out another cost-of-living package. The party leader Mary Lou McDonald has returned to Dublin and joined Paul for a conversation.

 The Great Fenian EscapeFor as long as the English have occupied Ireland there have been political prisoners. As long as there have been political prisoners there have been daring and ingenious escapes. In the most recent period of conflict it is estimated that around 100 republicans participated in escapes, including the great escape from the H-Blocks in 1983. That was the biggest ever in British penal history. Others tunnelled their way out; clambered over walls; escaped in a helicopter; shot their way out; blew a hole in a wall; hid in a bin lorry or dressed as priests or in one case as a woman. I was a Samuel Beckett type of escapee. I failed. But I never gave up. I failed better. Moore Street Trust calls on State to buy Moore St. TerraceThis Friday, 24 April, is the date 110 years ago when the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army launched the Easter Rising. They published the 1916 Proclamation and proclaimed a Republic. For six days a small band of Irish rebels took on the might of the British Empire.  Ard Fheis 2026 in BelfastThis weekend the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will be held in the ICC Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Like hundreds more I will be there as the party debates policy, including how we can advance our core objective of Irish Unity. 

A motion in favour of nuclear power is to go before the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis next month. It follows remarks by two ministers who have said that the switch to nuclear should be considered to meet Ireland's energy needs. All to discuss with William Reville Emeritus Professor of biochemistry, UCC and Irish Times Contributor.

A motion in favour of nuclear power is to go before the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis next month. It follows remarks by two ministers who have said that the switch to nuclear should be considered to meet Ireland's energy needs. All to discuss with William Reville Emeritus Professor of biochemistry, UCC and Irish Times Contributor.

Aontú held its Ard Fheis in Laois yesterday and Peadar Tóibín, the party's leader, speaks to This Week.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an t-ochtú lá is fiche de mhí Feabhra. Is mise Eoin Ó Seachnasaigh.Tá sé mar aidhm anois ag Conradh na Gaeilge “gníomhú i dtreo Éire Aontaithe ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta” tar éis don Ard-Fheis vótáil ar son athraithe ar bhunreacht na heagraíochta. Bhí an ócáid bhliantúil ar siúl san Óstán Europa i mBéal Feirste an deireadh seachtaine seo caite, an chéad uair a reachtáladh é sa chathair le tríocha bliain. Lá suntasach a bhí ann don eagraíocht nuair a ghlac mórchuid de na baill gur chóir go mbeadh an Conradh i lár an aonaigh maidir le deireadh a chur le críochdheighilt na hÉireann. Tagann an fógra seo ag am cinniúnach don teanga, dar leis an taighdeoir Róisín Nic Liam, a thug rabhadh go mbeidh an Gaeilge i mbaol mura n-athraíonn meon an phobail agus muid ag druidim le comhaontú na tíre. I measc na n-abhár eile a pléadh, glacadh freisin le rún a éilíonn gníomh ó Stát na hÉireann chun dul i ngleic leis an ngéarchéim tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht agus moltaí ón gConradh agus ó eagraíochtaí ar nós Bánú a chur i bhfeidhm. Bronnadh Gradam an Uachtaráin ar an ngníomhaí cearta Fergus Ó hÍr as a chuid éachtaí thar na blianta, lena n-áirítear a sheasamh in aghaidh na mBlocanna H agus a cheannaireacht ar Raidió Fáilte.Níl an dara rogha ag foireann sacair na hÉireann ach a gcluichí i Sraith na Náisiún in aghaidh Iosrael a chomhlíonadh. Sin de réir Phríomhfheidhmeannach Cumann Sacair na hÉireann (an FAI) David Courell, i ndiaidh an fhógra go n-imreofaí cluiche baile i mBaile Átha Cliath ar an gceathrú lá de mhí Dheireadh Fómhair. Tuigeann an FAI go mbeidh an cinneadh seo deacair ar go leor den lucht tacaíochta, a deir a ráiteas, ach caithfidh siad cloí le rialacha UEFA nó glacadh leis an mbaol dícháilithe. Thacaigh gnáthbhaill FAI roimhe seo le rún ag iarraidh go gcuirfí Iosrael ar fionraí ó chomórtais UEFA mar gheall ar an gcinedhíothú sa Phalaistín. Bhí ráflaí ann go n-imreofaí an cluiche thar lear, ag cur san áireamh an teannas idir an dá thír agus an imní faoi chúrsaí slándála. Tuigtear, áfach, go bhfuil na Gardaí sásta nach mbeidh aon fhadhb ann. Níl a fhios fós cad a dhéanfaidh daoine mar fhreagra, ach is féidir a bheith ag súil le baghcat nó le hagóid ag an Staid Aviva ar an oíche.Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 beagnach buailte linn, agus chun an ócáid ​​a cheiliúradh, beidh dhá scannán as Gaeilge le feiceáil i bpictiúrlanna ar fud na hÉireann. Beidh lucht féachana Cúla4 ar bís faoi fhilleadh carachtair bhuí áirithe ar an scáileán mór sa scannán beochana SpongeBob: Cá Bhfuil SquarePants? San eachtra nua seo, caithfidh SpongeBob a chrógacht a chruthú dá leathbhádóir, an tUasal Krabs, agus an bheirt acu sa tóir ar thaibhse fíochmhar. Más rud é go bhfuil tú ag lorg rud eicínt níos dorcha, áfach, is féidir leat dul chuig Báite, scéal noir atá suite sna seachtóidí, ina dtagann rúin ghránna chun solais tar éis corp a fháil i loch. Ba é Ruán Magan, deartháir Manchán, a stiúir an scannán, bunaithe ar an úrscéal The Lake, le script ón údar céanna, Sheena Lambert. Tá ardmholadh faighte ag Báite on eagarthóir coimisiúnaithe TG4, Máire Ní Chonláin, a deir go bhfuil sé “fréamhaithe go domhain in áit agus i gcarachtair”, le béim láidir ar shaibhreas scéalaíochta na Gaeilge.*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAIScríochdheighilt - partitionrún - resolutionbaol dícháilithe - risk of disqualificationar fionraí - suspendedleathbhádóir - partnereagarthóir coimisiúnaithe - commissioning editor

I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in alliance with business and societal elites, continues to enjoy a place of wealth and privilege and influence. Given that the British state includes a part of Ireland, at least for the time being, this is more than an academic issue for those of us who are captives of this undemocratic system of privilege. I am instinctively against monarchies. Of any kind. Constitutional or otherwise. Monarchies are bad. The late Tony Benn put it well when he said that “the existence of a hereditary monarchy helps to prop up all the privilege and patronage that corrupts our society; that is why the crown is seen as being of such importance to those who run the country - or enjoy the privileges it affords.”Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for UnityAt the end of last year Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast was a huge success. Thousands of Irish speakers, including Uachtarán Catherine Connolly, spent several days enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. In August Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.All of this is evidence of the change that is taking place. I was pleased to attend An Conradh's Ard Fheis. The conference was alive and vibrant with a new generation of young gaeilgeoirí determined to assert their Irishness, proud of their language and determined to stand up for their language and national rights. They were articulate, positive, funny, hopeful and generous. Micheál Martin out of step on UnityLast week, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in an interview with TG4, claimed that there is not much substance behind Sinn Féin's campaign on Unity.  The Fianna Fáil leader, who has consistently rejected any common sense suggestions to prepare for unity, returned to his favourite and bogus argument that we need reconciliation before unity.Martin's comments are out of step with the political reality and popular opinion North and South. He also misses entirely the point that the demand for unity is not simply being put by Sinn Féin. Former leaders of Fine Gael and the SDLP, as well the SDLP leadership, Ireland's Future, the Irish Labour Party, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and others are part of the growing demand for the Irish government to prepare for unity.

Bhí Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge ar siúl in Óstán an Europa i mBéal Feirste ag an deireadh seachtaine,

Mír taifeadta ag Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge 2026 i mBéal Feirste ag an deireadh seachtaine. Ghlac an Ard-Fheis le rún chun gníomhú i dtreo Éire aontaithe ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. Agallaimh le Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge, Annie Nic Mháinis de chuid Áras Uí Chonghaile, agus Frances Hand de chuid Gaelchúrsaí.

Róisín Ní Chinnéide, Bainisteoir Abhcóideachta Chonradh na Gaeilge & scoláirí a bhí ag Ard Fheis na nÓg an tseachtain seo.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall. * Inniu an naoú lá déag de mhí Dheireadh Fómhair. Is mise Eoin Ó Seachnasaigh. Tá sé ráite ag an Leifteanantchoirnéal Tom Fox, atá i gceannas ar choimeádaithe síochána na hÉireann i ndeisceart na Liobáine, go bhfuil na trúpaí slán sábháilte, in ainneoin coinníollacha an-dúshlánach agus teannas ag ardú sa Mheánoirthear. Tá níos mó ná 300 saighdiúir Éireannach lonnaithe in Camp Shamrock sa Liobáin Theas agus gar don teorainn idir Iosrael agus an Liobáin. Cé gur gortaíodh cúigear coimeádaithe síochána ó na Náisiúin Aontaithe le cúpla lá anuas, níl aon phlean ann faoi láthair chun na trúpaí a tharraingt siar. Tá rabhadh tugtha ag Príomhaire Iosrael, Benjamin Netanyahu, go bhfuil coimeádaithe síochána i mbaol mura mbogann siad ó dheisceart na Liobáine, comhartha go leanfar leis na hionsaithe in ainneoin agóidí an phobail idirnáisiúnta. Ar ais in Éirinn, agus ráflaí ag dul thart go mbeidh olltoghchán ar siúl go luath, tá Sinn Féin ag déileáil le roinnt géarchéimeanna atá ag bagairt dochar a dhéanamh dá bhfeachtas. Tá sé tagtha chun solais gur thug beirt bhall den pháirtí teistiméireacht d'iaroifigeach preasa an pháirtí ainneoin gur admhaigh sé coireanna mí-úsáide gnéis. Chomh maith leis sin, tá beirt Teachtaí Dála tar éis éirí as, ar chúiseanna ar leith. I gcás amháin, rinne an Teachta Dála gearán faoin gcaoi ar láimhseáil an páirtí líomhain maidir le hiompar neamhoiriúnach. Tagann na scéalta seo ar shála na nuachta go ndearna oifigigh an pháirtí iarracht smacht a choinneáill ar na ceisteanna a fuair an ceannaire Mary-Lou McDonald ag Ard Fheis an pháirtí. Cúrsaí sacair anois, agus tar éis an triú babhta de chluichí Shraith na Náisiún, tá foireann na hÉireann sa tríú háit agus trí phointe acu, chun tosaigh ar an bhFionlainn, a chaill gach cluiche, ach taobh thiar den Ghréig, atá i gceannas ar ár ngrúpa le dhá phointe dhéag, agus Sasana sa dara háit le naoi bpointe. Sa chéad chluiche, bhí bua inspioráideach ag Éirinn in aghaidh na Fionlainne, a bhuí le cúil ón gcosantóir Liam Scales agus ón imreoir lár páirce Robbie Brady tar éis botún tubaisteach ón gcaptaen Nathan Collins a thug tús foirfe do na Fionlannaigh.  Sa dara cluiche, áfach, thug na Gréagaigh triail i bhfad níos deacra i láthair, agus léirigh bua compordach don fhoireann baile san Aithin méid an dúshláin atógála atá roimh bhainisteoir nua na hÉireann Heimir Hallgrímsson. Idir an dá linn, téann na Gréagaigh ó neart go neart. Sa bhabhta seo, bhuaigh siad in aghaidh ní amháin na hÉireann, ach Sasana in Wembley freisin, den chéad uair riamh, éacht thar a bheith suntasach tar éis bhás tragóideach a n-imreora George Baldock an tseachtain seo caite. * Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta. * GLUAIS leifteanantchoirnéal - lieutenant-colonel coimeádaithe síochána - peacekeepers ráflaí - rumours iompar neamhoiriúnach - inappropriate behaviour cosantóir - defender méid an dúshláin atógála - the extent of the rebuilding challenge

WIN. This year's Sinn Féin Ard Fheis last weekend was full of enthusiasm and passion with great speeches covering every issue imaginable and the delegates voting through policy motions that will help shape Sinn Féin politics in the time ahead. The speeches, particularly from Michelle O'Neill and other national leaders demonstrated the strength and relevance of the party across our island. South Africa Supports Irish Unity.Irish Republicans have had a long and enduring relationship with the African National Congress. In 1995 I travelled to South Africa to meet its senior team of negotiators who successfully achieved an end to apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as President. In the midst of the negotiations around the Good Friday Agreement some of those senior figures travelled to Ireland to hold public meetings and go into the prisons to talk about their experience of negotiations. That relationship has remained strong over the years thanks in part to the hard work of Declan Kearney, Sinn Fein Party Chairperson.Irish government must take a stand against IsraelLast week most of the governments of the world turned their back on Israel as Benjamin Netanyahu took to the rostrum at the 79th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Netanyahu claimed that “no army has done what Israel is doing to minimise civilian casualties” and as he described the United Nations as an “anti-semitic swamp” and an “anti-Israel Flat Earth Society,” scores of UN delegates got up and walked out. Regrettably, the Irish government representatives stayed.

At Aontú's Ard Fheis over the weekend Peadar Toibin made calls for Ireland to have an ‘...international city in Ireland beyond the M50'. So, what would attract international companies to cities outside of Dublin ? Joining Jonathan to discuss is Economist and Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre at Cork University Business School, Dr Frank Crowley.

Chloe Ní Chonghaile agus Liam Ó Ceallaigh Coláiste Naomh Eoin in Inis Meáin ag freastal ar Ard Fheis na n-óg.

Jamie Ó Duinn (Scoil Mhuire, Muireann Ní Choileáin (Scoil Mhuire, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh), Conor Mac Alcoc (Coláiste Mhuire, Cabhrach, ), Andrea Ni Fhearaíll (Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Inbhear Mhór, Cill Mhantáin), Róish Ní Chonghaile (Coláiste Cois Life, Leamhcán, BÁC).

Peadar Ó Riada, Michael Tubridy;Ceoltóirí Chualann-the band that changed the course of Irish music. Ard Fheis na nÓg;daltaí. Ciara Nic Chormaic;Scannán Ó Bhéal. Tom Ó Neachtain agus Diarmuid Ó Ciardhubháin; Tech 2024

Pacáiste ó Ard Fheis an Chaomaontais Ghlais.

Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley spoke to Jerry ahead of her party’s Ard Fheis this weekend. As Minister for Education, she has announced new anti-bullying measures for schools. Jerry also asked her if Fianna Fáil plans to run a candidate in the Kenmare Local Electoral Area to replace Cllr John Francis Flynn who won’t be contesting June’s elections. Fianna Fáil’s two other councillors in the Kenmare Municipal District, Michael Cahill and Norma Moriarty are running.

Fianna Fáil's final Ard Fheis before the general election takes place today and tomorrow, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath joined The Last Word to discuss the challenges being faced by Ireland as we approach another election.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Mary Regan, political reporter and Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant, discuss the political priorities outlined by Fine Gael leader Simon Harris over the weekend as Leo Varadkar undertakes his final day in office as Taoiseach.

Labhair Eagraí Polaitíochta RnaG RTÉ,Cuan Ó Seireadáin le roinnt toscairí a bhí I láthair ag Ard Fheis Fhine Gael ar an deire seachtaine.

Tomorrow is a seismic day for Ireland as Simon Harris gets set to take over as Taoiseach and if his speech at this past weekend's Ard Fheis is anything to go by he is hoping to achieve big things in his short tenure. He also spoke about law and order, health and a lot more – however today marks Leo Varadkar's last day as Taoiseach as he prepares to resign this evening. Today he was undertaking his final engagements in the job as the North South Ministerial Council. He says Stormont shouldn't be impacted by such disruptions.For more on this, Kieran was joined by Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to discuss...

Political Correspondent, Irish daily Mail, Aisling Maloney previews the event Galway

We speak to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohue ahead of the Fine Gael Ard Fheis.

As the Ard Fheis takes place this weekend, join us as we discuss the upcoming cabinet reshuffle and what's in store for Fine Gael ?Speaking to Pat ahead of the Ard Fheis was Neale Richmond Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment & Retail. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown.

Leo Varadkar has announced he is stepping down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael. He made the shock announcement outside government buildings at midday on Wednesday, saying his reasons were both personal and political. His resignation as Fine Gael leader is effective immediately, with his successor to be elected before the party's Ard Fheis on April 16th. A new Taoiseach will be elected following the Dáil's Easter break. Alan Morrissey spoke with former Clare Fine Gael TD and Senator from Kilkee, Madeline Taylor Quinn and Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe. Picture (c) finegael.ie

Fr. Alec ReidNext Wednesday – 22 November – will mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Father Alec Reid. It is a matter of wonderment that a decade has passed since he left us. Students of the Irish peace process will know that Alec was a central figure in our search for peace. He and Fr. Des Wilson were key to the beginning of that process. I won't deal in this column with all the twists and turns of those times or the stubborn refusal for decades of the establishments, British and Irish, to embrace dialogue. Fr Alec and Des helped to change that. And much more. This column reflects on some of Fr Alec's qualities.Making magic at the Ard FheisThere have been Sinn Féin Ard Fheiseanna that have had their special, magical moment that remains in the memory years – even decades - later. Last weekend's Ard Fheis in Athlone produced two such moments. The first came just before 1pm on Saturday. Matt Carthy TD - the party's spokesperson on Foreign Affairs - introduced the Palestinian Ambassador Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.

Mary Lou McDonald TD delivers the closing Presidential Address to Sinn Féin's annual conference which took place in Athlonehttps://linktr.ee/sinnfein

Housing, housing, housing and Palestine. Anyone hoping to hear much about anything else at this weekend's Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will have left Athlone disappointed. Pat Leahy was there and he joins Hugh Linehan to discuss what happened at the conference, including the warm welcome given to Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid.They also look at how party leader Mary Lou McDonald handled questions about members of her party taking legal action against journalists and media organisations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry McGee and Pat Leahy join Hugh to look back on the week in politics:The dire situation in Israel and Palestine continues to dominate Irish political discourse.UK home secretary Suella Braverman's controversial opinion piece may cost her her job. Sinn Féin's annual conference or Ard Fheis takes place this weekend. A new Irish political party was born this week - Harry McGee has the details.And the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week:A brilliant piece about displacement of Bedouins in the West Bank by Hannah McCarthyMartin Wall's coverage of Donald Trump's legal woes contrasts with the former president's growing chances of winning a second termShould religion get out of the classroom? A debate in our pages set out both sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tithíocht,sláinte,agus cúrsaí pleanála do mhuintir na Gaeltachta cuid don ábhar a bheidh á phlé aige Ard Fheis Shinn Féin in Átha Luain an deireadh seachtaine seo.

On today's show: 9am-10am Councillors hit out at decision to allow concerts to take place at Galway Airport   Stricter rules on controlling dogs set to be introduced  Sinn Féin Ard Fheis takes place today   ‘Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan' broadcasts every weekday morning from 9am on Galway Bay FM

Jerry spoke to Sinn Féin spokesperson on finance Pearse Doherty ahead of the party’s Ard Fheis. Jerry also asked him about his reaction to Kerry deputy Michael Healy-Rae’s comments in the Dáil in which he accused Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh of hypocrisy for lodging an objection to a social and affordable housing development.

Bobby McDonagh, Former Ambassador to the UK and the EU spoke to Kieran about Sinn Fein's decision not to invite the Israeli ambassador to their Ard Fheis

There has been criticism that Sinn Fein have not been engaging with the Israeli Embassy despite saying they will ‘talk to everybody'. This comes as the Ambassador for Israel won't be receiving an invitation to Sinn Fein's Ard Fheis taking place this weekend in Athlone. Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Defence, Matt McCarthy and Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator

Fianna Fáil's Ard Fheis was on over the weekend and party leader Micheál Martin is still on a high after it. Although, it seems the presence of Bertie Ahern is slightly overshadowing things. Hit play to hear the full episode.

Fianna Fáil Leader, Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Michéal Martin.

Time to Extend Presidential Vote to North and Diaspora  Last week I wrote about the threat posed to our world by climate change. The international climate change conference - COP 27 – which commenced in Egypt on Sunday is viewed by many as the world's last real opportunity to reverse this threat. This year has been especially dangerous with a mixture of floods, droughts, huge storms and the threat of famine in East Africa.End the Cuban EmbargoThe economic and societal impact on the people of Cuba of the economic blockade by the USA is enormous. The blockade, which began in 1960, prevents essential economic and medical resources from reaching the people of that Caribbean island nation. It imposes billions in costs on the Cuban economy each year. A Good Day Out. It was good to be able to attend the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin last Saturday. The Ard Fheis is the supreme authority in Sinn Féin. It is  the open democratic forum where policy is agreed, leaders elected and strategy and direction discussed. Members can attend and visitors but the democratic base of the Ard Fheis is the delegates elected and directed by local cumainn and other party structures  to speak and vote on motions  which have also been put forward by members.  

Declan Kearney MLA, Tom Arnold and Ailbhe Smyth host a discussion entitled "Why the Irish Government must establish a Citizens' Assembly on Irish Unity" at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in the RDS, November 2022

Mary Lou McDonald's presidential address to party members and supporters which brought to a close the 2022 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis (Annual Conference) in the RDS, Dublin. 

It was a pleasure to be joined by WTS Podcast Co-host, Graham Merro Merrigan, Latinist Academic, Siobhán McElduff, Sunday Times journalist, Aoife Moore and Mr Election Projections, Harry McEvansoneya. We talked Cllr Crowe's apology to the Traveller Community, Cuba voting for same sex marriage, Brazilian exit polls, the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, Ireland's Future events, the no-budget bounce polls, housing and the homelessness stats that shame us all. Thanks for all the support over the last 900 episodes. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack