Podcasts about fianna f

Daniel McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss the political response to the outrageous and horrific crash on the M9. They focus on Jim O'Callaghan's pronouncements and the likely implementation of new laws and Garda measures. The Healy-Rae documentary and what it revealed about the extent of the split in the Kerry dynasty. Autumn's political dilemma: how does the government deal with reducing fuel excise duties? And the Fianna Fáil TD objecting to a major new housing development in his constituency.Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some children are being denied a place on the Government's school transport scheme because they are not attending the nearest school, often because the school itself is full. Justin was joined by RTÉ reporter Sally-Ann Barrett and the Minister of state in charge of school transport Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Michael Moynihan.

A number of Fianna Fáil TDs, Senators and MEPs have signed a letter protesting the recommendation not to fund a drug used to treat Friedreich's ataxia. Fiachra O'Cionnaith of our political staff.

Paul Hosford tells PJ that Fianna Fáil backbenchers want the Skyclarys question sorted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ hears about Fianna Fáil backbenchers writing a letter backing Craig Coady's campaign to get Skyclarys for his son Paudie, talks to Michelle about ways to stop thugs ruining Mahon's playground and other facilities, learns about all the history on view at the Blarney Woollen Mills Heritage Open Day tomorrow. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest figures from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities make for stark reading. More than 328,000 households are behind on their electricity bills, with almost 189,000 in gas arrears. Hundreds of households are also being disconnected for failing to pay.  With energy prices remaining high and further increases on the way, what should Government be doing when the Dáil returns from its summer break?  Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss the growing pressure on families were Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan, and Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe / Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney. Photo (c) AndreyPopov from Getty Images via Canva

Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy close their series on the PDs. In 1997 the party runs a disastrous campaign, falling from 10 seats to four. But they still enter government with Fianna Fáil, with Mary Harney their sole cabinet minister.Their real influence comes through Charlie McCreevy, effectively a PD inside Fianna Fáil, whose close friendship with Harney drives a tax-cutting agenda during the boom years.Facing wipeout in 2002, Michael McDowell rescues them with a Ranelagh lamppost stunt and an ingenious slogan. But the next term in government is less successful.McDowell takes the leadership in 2006 just as the Mahon Tribunal investigates Bertie Ahern. Why does he choose to stay in coalition rather than pull the plug?The 2007 election reduces the PDs to two seats. Does the party have another fightback in them? Finally Pat and Hugh deliver their verdict on the Progressive Democrats and ask where that centre-right energy now resides in the Irish political scene. 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.

The heatwave may be on the way back. But in a few weeks, we will be back to the cold and flu season. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher explained to Anton why he wants to see a review of high-dosage flu vaccines ahead of the next winter season.

“Maybe it's better if we never know the full cost of hosting the Ryder Cup in Ireland”.So wrote Economist Sinead O'Sullivan in today's Irish Times. Is she right?Joining Shane for more on this is Niall Collins, Fianna Fáil TD for County Limerick and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The HSE Drugs Group has decided to recommend not funding the drug Skyclarys for the rare condition Friedreich's Ataxia. Around 200 people have this disease in Ireland.Pádraig O'Sullivan is Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and joins Shane to discuss.

The heatwave may be on the way back. But in a few weeks, we will be back to the cold and flu season. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher explained to Anton why he wants to see a review of high-dosage flu vaccines ahead of the next winter season.

In the second of three episodes on the rise and fall of the Progessive Democrats, Hugh and Pat pick up the story on the eve of the 1987 general election with the PDs riding a wave of energy and Fianna Fail's Charles Haughey chasing the overall majority that always eluded him.The party's first outing at the polls is a triumph: 12 per cent of the vote, 14 seats and third place ahead of Labour, much of it carved out of a collapsing Fine Gael. Haughey falls two seats short. Without O'Malley's new party, would he finally have had his majority?Instead, a minority Fianna Fáil government, propped up by Fine Gael's "Tallaght Strategy", embarks on savage spending cuts and commits to tax cuts, policies the PDs demanded.The PDs' successes bring a problem: when your opponents adopt your programme, what are you for? By 1989 the party is squeezed from both sides and in the next election it slumps to six seats. But again, no party wins a majority. This time the solution brings the PDs to power, changing Irish politics forever.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.

Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan is Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. Today he is meeting officials at Killarney National Park were there was a wildfire last month. Yesterday, he announced almost €8m for a marine restoration project in the county. Jerry also asked him about the pay increase granted to the CEO of the ESB.

Kerry County Council’s current approach to managing roadside Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and other invasive species is a “failed policy” that “does not work”. That’s according to Kenmare Municipal District councillor Norma Moriarty of Fianna Fáil.

Today Hugh and Pat embark on a deep dive into the history of a political party that, despite its small size, had an enormous and lasting impact on Ireland.Born of the dire economic and political realities of 1980s Ireland, the Progressive Democrats, or PDs, spent half of their 23-year existence in power despite never having more than a handful of TDs - and sometimes far fewer. Under successive leaders Des O'Malley, Mary Harney and Michael McDowell, the party used that power to fight for lower taxes and economic liberalisation, reshaping the Irish political landscape along the way. But despite their outsized impact, the PDs could not survive.In the first of three episodes Pat traces the birth of the party to the misery of mid-80s Ireland, the enmity between Fianna Fail leader Charles Haughey and prickly, clever Des O'Malley, a natural leader and a Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick. In a controversy emblematic of 1980s Ireland, O'Malley was expelled from Fianna Fáil over the issue of contraception, ridding Haughey of a problem - or so he thought. But what followed was the emergence of a new political force that would threaten Ireland's sclerotic two-and-a-half party system.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.

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Clare next month for the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort, with a trip to Dublin also expected during his stay.     While the visit is being welcomed by some for the economic boost it could bring, it's also expected to attract protests.     Among those planning demonstrations is People of Clare Against Genocide, which has announced a peaceful picnic at Doughmore Beach and a protest at Shannon Airport.    Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this were the Clare-based Chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, Eamon Meehan, and Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South / Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Labour Party MEP for Dublin

Jim O'Callaghan is a politician with leadership ambitions and a reform agenda. But in his bid to overhaul Ireland's legal system, he has picked a high-stakes fight with a formidable adversary: the lawyers of Ireland. It has been a month since solicitors withdrew their services in a deepening row over criminal legal aid fees, and tensions look to be escalating. At the heart of the controversy is a new flat-fee payment model introduced by the Justice Minister, which he argues is necessary to control the spiralling cost of legal aid. For O'Callaghan, the stakes could hardly be higher. The minister has made the legal reform a cornerstone of his leadership ambitions. A victory could bolster his credentials as a future Fianna Fáil leader, but a stalemate could turn into a political crisis. And while the political battle intensifies, it is those seeking access to justice who may be paying the highest price. On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by two of the Irish Independent's political team, Mary Regan and John Downing, to unpack the growing dispute, the political stakes and what it could mean for the future of the man at its centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, and Conor McGuinnessSinn Féin TD

The organisation representing local elected representatives has expressed concern over the harassment of up to 70 female Councilors across the country…The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) said it had been made aware of repeated telephone calls from an individual who has subjected female elected members from across the political spectrum to disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments.What can be done about this harassment?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Fine Gael Cllr Mary Howard, Social Democrats Cllr Nuala Killeen, Fianna Fáil Cllr Racheal Batten and more.

 The Re-Conquest of IrelandWell done Mayo in the all-Ireland football final. Commiserations to Kerry. Both teams played their hearts out but in the end Mayo were worthy winners.Next month on August 30 I will be in Ballina, Mayo for the 45th anniversary of the 10 hunger strikers who died during the 1981 hunger strike. The event will also remember the three Mayo Hunger Strikers, Jack McNeela (1940), Michael Gaughan (1974) and Frank Stagg, (1976). 22 Republican prisoners died on hunger strike in the 20th century. Gerry KellyMy friend and comrade Gerry Kelly has announced his decision not to stand in the Assembly election next May. That does not mean that he will no longer be a republican activist. No chance of that. As I found out when I stepped back from electoral politics there is still a lot to do. And I am certain Gerry Kelly will also find that to be true.Gerry's commitment to ending the union with Britain and building a new Ireland, based on equality and respect is well known. As is his courage and determination in the face of enormous challenges. He spent 15 years in prisons in Ireland, Britain and Europe and was 205 days on hunger strike. For 167 of those days he was force fed by having a tube inserted into his nose – “like a red-hot needle being pushed into one's head”, he later wrote – and a wooden clamp jammed between his teeth to hold his jaws open while a feeding tube was fed down his throat.He was in solitary confinement in Mountjoy, Brixton, Wormwood Scrubs, Long Lartin, Maastricht, Amsterdam, the H-Blocks and Crumlin Road prisons. He attempted to escape several times and succeeded in the Great Escape from the H-Blocks of 1983 with 37 comrades.I have many fond memories of working with and socialising with Gerry, including on one occasion when he and I drove over to Lissadell House in County Sligo, childhood home of Countess Markievicz, to listen to Leonard Cohen sing. It was a beautiful summer evening in 2010. Leonard had an affection for Ireland and occasionally he sang “Kevin Barry”.Gerry is a wonderful dancer. In Lissadell Leonard started his set and after a time Gerry found a spot near the beer tent, where he was soon moved to go into the dancing repertoire he'd developed in solitary, listening to the music in his head. A crowd gathered around him. “Dance me to the end of love,” sang Leonard. “Dance me through the panic ‘til I'm gathered safely in.” Gerry moved more deeply into synchronicity with the song, fluid, absorbed, committed, his whole body in it in an expression of melodic wonderment. From the stage Leonard stopped mid-verse to salute him. I basked in the reflected glory of Gerry's rhythmic perambulations. ‘I'm your man,' I told him.As an elected official and negotiator Gerry has been a formidable representative for Sinn Fein and for the people of North Belfast. In the early 1990's he and Martin McGuinness engaged in secret talks with the British. He was one of our negotiating team for the Good Friday Agreement and in many subsequent negotiations, most frequently on policing.Gerry is a very fine writer. I have an Australian friend who frequently tells me that Gerry's book – The Escape: The Inside Story of the 1983 Escape from Long Kesh Prison – is the best book he's read on the struggle. Gerry has also written a memoir and two books of poems. So well done Gerry. You won't get away that easy – but you know that!!! Go luck to you and Margaret and all your clann. No Place for Armed GroupsLast week an explosive device was discovered in a car in County Monaghan, apparently on its way North. Whoever was responsible for this irresponsible action is actively working against the significant opportunity that now exists to end partition.Public and political support for Irish unity is stronger now than at any time since partition was imposed over a century ago. The conversation on unity crosses all political and community sectors. Apart from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin there is a growing consensus among the broad nationalist/left parties across the island that Irish Unity is a winnable objective and offers the best prospect for a better future for all of the people of our island. 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development was in Clare on Friday.    Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary came to the county to see first-hand some of the projects supported by the Community Recognition Fund.    In last year's allocation, Bunratty Search and Rescue Service received €86,000 to fund the acquisition of a new lifeboat and the refurbishment of another.    The Minister also made stops in Lahinch and Corofin during his trip.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was in Bunratty where Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley, spoke of the impact the funding has had.  Photo (c) Clare FM

The key findings of the Aughinish Alumina report were revealed on Friday. Fiachra was joined by Yaroslav Humeniuk, first secretary on economic issues at the Ukrainian embassy in Ireland, and minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County Niall Collins.

A Clare TD claims it's "inevitable" that Ryanair's €50 million investment in Shannon Airport will result in new routes in the near future. The Irish airline has stated its intention to build an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar along with a training facility for aircraft mechanics at the Clare base. The announcement has been welcomed as a "powerful endorsement" by the Shannon Airport Group. As part of its planning application for a four-bay aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at Shannon, the airline is seeking to build a new Ryanair Engineering Academy. This will see the creation of 80 new apprenticeship roles, supporting the training of over 400 additional aircraft mechanics between 2027 and 2031. The three-bay aircraft maintenance hangar currently operated by Ryanair at the airport supports over 200 jobs. Shannon Airport Group CEO Ray O'Driscoll says while the investment doesn't necessarily mean more flights in and out of the airport, they're always working to achieve more growth. Pending planning approval, construction is expected to begin early next year, with the facility expected to be operational in late 2028. Chairperson of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group and Fianna Fáil aviation spokesperson, Meelick TD Cathal Crowe, believes it will make financial sense for Ryanair to add more routes once the hangar is up and running.

Many people living in rural areas cannot access local towns and villages on foot due to the lack of footpaths and safe roads. With little to no public transport across rural areas, locals are forced to drive their cars, when they may not be needed. Those that do not have cars face treacherous walks on the side of busy roads due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure.We want to hear from our listeners today: does your area need more footpaths, and do we have to fight so hard to get them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Fianna Fáil Cllr, Patrick McGowan, as well as listeners.

The Taoiseach has said that the Government's investigation into Aughinish Alumina has not found definitive proof linking its alumina exports to a weapons manufacturer in Russia.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at DCU and author of ‘Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad' who is at the Magill Summer School in Donegal and Niall Collins, Fianna Fáil TD for County Limerick and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Businesses in a North Clare are said to be "down thousands of euro" due to ongoing public realm works.    Frustration was expressed at this week's West Clare Municipal District Meeting in relation to the enhancement project currently underway in Ennistymon.    Parliament Street has been closed since April 20th to facilitate construction and was due to reopen at the end of this month but the local authority has confirmed access will be restricted until August 28th.    Speaking at this week's meeting, Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery and Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty criticised the contractor, claiming the works should be taking place more days of the week and that one section of the project should be completed before another is commenced.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Councillor Slattery about his concerns. Image (c) Clare FM

Before the Seanad rose for the Summer, Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher drew attention to recent NTA figures showing that 23 counties have seen a decline in taxi numbers. This is while facing population increases. How a decline in taxi numbers affecting the economy? Robbie Gallagher spoke to Jonathan this morning.

The Department of Finance today published its Summer Economic Statement which outlines spending projections.It sets out a €125 billion package, which is how much the Government expects to have available for Budget 2027.Joining Shane to discuss this is Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West.

The Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South is in Kerry and earlier today met with Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been signed into law. It will seek to speed up housing delivery and streamline the judicial review process. James Browne Minister for Housing and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford discussed this further with Jonathan.

Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from Bunratty Castle for stop three of Alan Morrissey's Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, and Caimin Dillion, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, from Shannon Municipal District about what the MD does and how it benefits residents. Fianna Fáil's Timmy Dooley and Sinn Féin's Donna McGettigan discussed how the Dáil has done so far this year ahead of their summer recess, and what needs to be the main priorities when they return. Alan was then joined by John Strand, Executive Engineer, Pat Kearney, Senior General Services Supervisor, and Taryn de Vere, Creative Places Coordinator, about the improvements to Shannon MD that people have been enjoying, including the popular new Shannon Dog Park. Aidan Acheson, Technician, Patricia O'Neill, Staff Officer, and Michael Keane, Supervisor, continued telling Alan about the developments in Shannon MD, and how community groups could get their ideas made reality. Kevin O'Connor, Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and Mike Rohan, Vice Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, spoke to Alan about the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and how they're continuing to develop Bunratty's famous tourism trade. Alan, Mark O'Shaughnessy, Head of Operations at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and Erin Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park discussed what makes the area's historical sites so special. Alan remembered the life and legacy of the late Anthony "Sconey" Kilmartin with Bob Enright, Anthony's former coach, and Seanie Dilger, Chairman of New York Clare Hurling Club. Our Friday Panel (Mike Glynn and Maurice Walsh) discussed the Government's performance so far, the new Sex For Rent legislation, the unusally warm weather you might have noticed, and should we stop automatically supporting every team who plays against England. Finally, to take us into the weekend, Alan learnt about a Clare submission to the Galway Film Fleadh from Douglas Reddan, Movement Artist, Choreographer, and Director from Quin. Image (c) Clare FM

The Dáil has risen for its summer recess, bringing to a close a politically eventful first half of the year.     From the ongoing housing crisis and rising living costs to renewed controversy over the National Children's Hospital, fuel protests and heated exchanges across the floor of the Dáil, the Government and Opposition remain sharply divided on the country's direction.     So, at the halfway point of this Government's term, is Ireland seeing real progress, or are the biggest challenges still unresolved?     Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the Government's report card and what's in store when the Dáil returns in September were Minister of State Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

There was a time in Irish political history when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael believed they were diametrically opposites of each other. Now, it seems hard to believe they could hold Government without a coalition. So, should they remove all pretense, and call themselves centre right parties?David W. Higgins, Economist and Political Analyst, believes they should, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Minister for Local Government claims he doesn't have a role in the delivery of an upgrade to the Clareabbey Treatment Plant.    At present, no new planning permissions can be granted for developments in Clarecastle or on the southside of Ennis as the treatment plant is at full capacity.    In written correspondence to Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne has said the upgrade of the facility is the responsibility of Uisce Éireann.    The correspondence was the subject of a discussion at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who's previously called for an upgrade of the treatment plant.

The Government has agreed to set up a Commission of Investigation into the activities of prolific paedophile Michael Shine.Shine was a surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for over four decades, and he also had a private practice.He was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of abuse of a number of boys. Now, more than 400 victims and survivors have been identified.Joining Ciara for more on this is Fianna Fáil Senator in Louth, Alison Comyn…

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer in 2020, says a tax is being placed on skin cancer prevention.It comes as there is still a 23% VAT on suncream, despite it being a necessity to prevent the risk of skin cancer.With the high UV rays and the great weather over the last couple of weeks, many people are more exposed to sunburn and higher risks of skin cancer as the high cost of suncream can often act as a deterrent for people applying this necessary product…Andrea shares her own story about a mole screening, and is joined by former Fianna Fáil Minister, Conor Lenihan and skin cancer survivor of basal cell carcinoma, Deirdre Bonass and listeners to hear their experiences.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says that a new amendment proposed by Reform would be against the Good Friday Agreement…He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The state paid more than €1 million for a single deportation flight when returning 42 adults & children to South Africa in June.Fianna Fáil's Seamus McGrath, and Aontú's Peader Tóibín, join Matt to discuss the reasoning behind this high travel bill.To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page now!

Class size plays a key role in a child's learning and development, as larger classes can reduce the individual attention teachers are able to give each student.Figures released in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne show that, of Ireland's 520,482 primary school pupils, 36,805 were in classes of 30 to 34 students, while 2,237 were in classes of 35 to 39. The largest classes, with 38 pupils each, were recorded at St Peter and Paul Boys' School in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and Fahy National School in Westport, Co. Mayo.So, why are some of these classes so big, what should change, and what is the impact on students?Joining Andrea to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Doyle, Karen Beckett, Charted psychologist and listeners.

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Sinn Féin's Planning for Constitutional Change Bill, which obliges the Government to draft and publish a Green Paper on unification within 18 months, failed to win support from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, or independents. · All Government TDs also voted against a PBP Bill to ban hare coursing. The Bill presented an issue where the party whip could have been spared in favour of a free vote, given the public's clear support to outlaw the practice. The Bill was overwhelmingly defeated by 125 votes to 24. · And this week saw Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and far-right French leader Marine Le Pen take the biggest political gambles of their respective careers.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Graham Platner crashes and burns, dwindling swag bags for visiting journalists, and the derelict ‘Carlton' site on O'Connell Street is snapped up by MetroLink.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.

Unionism and UnityThis week significant developments that can shape the future direction of constitutional politics on this island are taking place in Leinster House. On Tuesday Sinn Féin's Bill setting out a practical plan to achieve a united Ireland is up for discussion. Fine Gael is moving ahead with its plan for a blueprint for Irish Unity for November. And other parties, including the Social Democrats and Labour have expressed their support for Unity and notwithstanding Micheál Martin's opposition, it is obvious that there are many within Fianna Fáil who understand that planning for Unity makes sense.National Hunger Strike Commemoration for MayoWednesday 8 July was the 45 anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Joe McDonnell. Joe was the fifth of the ten hunger strikers who were to die in 1981. Last week the 45th Anniversary National Hunger Strike Commemoration was officially launched in Mayo. The march and rally to honour those ten hunger strikers, and three Mayo hunger strikers Michael Gaughan (1974) and Frank Stagg (1976), and Jack McNeela (1940), will take place in Ballina on Sunday, 30 August.'Our Chains will be Broken before we Are' – Marwan BarghoutiMarwan Barghouti is a Palestinian leader who has spent almost a quarter of a century in Israeli prisons. He is widely recognised as the single most important Palestinian leader, capable of uniting the various Palestinian groups and for that reason Israel holds him in appalling conditions and refuses to release him. For much of that time he has been held in solitary confinement, frequently beaten, denied medical care and contact with his family.A Thousand Days of GenocideIn the way that the news cycle is constantly shifting from one headline story to another the genocide of the Palestinian people no longer catches the headlines in the way that it once did. The devastating earthquake in Venezuela; the US war against Iran; the war in Ukraine; oil prices; the internal machinations of the British Labour Party; and much else have all pushed Israel's genocidal policy down the news agenda.However, as desperate as some of these other stories are we have a responsibility to constantly remind people that Israel's torture of the people of Gaza and of the West Bank has been unrelenting for over 1000 days.

RTE has said it will need an additional €65m from the government in 2028, suggesting that the number of households without a television has “increased steadily”, meaning it's missing out on potential revenue.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

ESB Networks say they’ve reached an important milestone at the Woodford 38 kV Station, Killarney, with the completion and energisation of the second of two new upgraded transformers. Jerry spoke to local Fianna Fáil councillor Niall Kelleher.

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD, Lisa Chambers; political editor of the Irish Times, Pat Leahy; Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP, Louise Bayliss; security analyst, Declan Power and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly.

The Energy Minister claims the proposed liquefied natural gas storage unit in Clare "couldn't be more democratic". The Government has faced criticism over the planned strategic gas emergency reserve in Cahiracon near Kildysart after just two hours were set aside to debate the bill seeking to progress the project in the Dáil this week. Friends of the Earth Ireland has accused the Government of "attempting to undermine democracy" with the move. Speaking in Ardnacrusha, Fianna Fáil Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien says he believes it's in Ireland's best interest.

There's much speculation that at some point before the next election, Micheál Martin will be replaced as Leader of Fianna Fáil, further lending to the tradition of ‘long goodbyes' for Ireland's political leaders.Newstalk's Political Correspondent and host of the ‘Let Me Explain' podcast Seán Defoe joins Seán to discuss and look back on some examples.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: All anyone can talk about this week is the weather. While the country enjoys the warmth, the Government still has to find balance between spending to prevent climate change and spending to mitigate the impact of change that has already arrived. Keir Starmer may be gone but the UK's biggest problem remains: the lack of growth in their economy. Proposed “reform” (read: scrapping) of the “triple lock” restriction on Irish overseas military deployment has run into trouble due to disquiet among Fianna Fail backbenchers. If not a rebellion, there was certainly “a renewed amount of grumbling” over the issue. But will it be a real problem for Taoiseach Micheal Martin? Plus the panel pick their IT stories of the week including a plea for underground bins, Michael McDowell's bold predictions and the divestment of Catholic church patronage.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.

 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?