Podcasts about fianna f

The impact of the high number of spoiled votes in the election for future politics assessed, and how it will impact on migration policy. Is the left primed for power? Micheál Martin's tenuous grip on Fianna Fáil appraised, and our first musings on Jim O'Callaghan's (and others') suitability to replace him.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Naomi O'Leary join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:· In the wake of Catherine Connolly's emphatic presidential election win, could there now be a legitimate prospect of a left-wing government arising from the next general election? · With anger still simmering in Fianna Fáil's ranks after a disastrous presidential campaign, is party leader Micheál Martin looking at a leadership challenge down the line? Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 this week, the Taoiseach criticised “unacceptable” and “hurtful” comments about him from Fianna Fáil rebels like fellow Cork TD James O'Connor. · The coalition partners are becoming more openly critical of immigration. Perhaps they are now following the example of other European countries? · And Naomi O'Leary discusses the Dutch political scene with reports suggesting the centrist D66 party caused a big upset in Dutch elections this week.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Mary ‘Mae' McGee who successfully fought the ban on contraception in Ireland, and Newton Emerson on how Fine Gael's anti-British rhetoric came back to bite Heather Humphreys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s the claim being made by billionaire John Collision of Stripe who fears this country is being stifled by red tape and can’t keep up with the demand to live, work and invest here. Minister Patrick O’Donovan also believes local authorities should be more transparent in their spending and should be brought before Oireachtas committees to explain their spending. Jerry got the views of Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy from the Tralee Municipal District, Killarney MD’s John O’Donoghue of Kerry Independent Alliance, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Michael Foley of Fine Gael who represents the Listowel MD, and independent councillor for the Kenmare MC, Johnny Healy-Rae.

A proposed development which would see several warehouse units built in a residential area of a south-east Clare village has been given the green light. Clare County Council has approved Tekelek Group Holdings Limited's planning application to construct four warehouse units including office accommodation in what the firm has referred to as the "Portdrine Business Park" in Portdrine, Cratloe. A total of nine submissions were made in opposition to the development during the appeals process, with local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman among those who objected. He believes the additional traffic arising from the development will overwhelm the area and create a road safety risk in the vicinity of the N18.

This week's podcast covers all the fallout to the great spoiled vote of 2025: Simon Harris's migration u-turn, Micheál Martin's jeopardy, the Galway West by-election, and the state of Ireland's right wing politics.Click here to watch a video of this episode. https://youtu.be/BIFEpzGDBiE00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections02:00 Post-Election Fallout in Ireland07:01 The Impact of Spoiled Votes15:50 Leadership Challenges in Fianna Fáil19:23 Government Performance and Legislative Initiatives28:20 Emerging Voices in Fianna Fáil30:39 Immigration Discourse and Political Responsibility36:39 Media Dynamics and Political Debate42:06 The Challenge of Left-Wing Politics46:33 Reflections on Political Engagement and Voter Sentiment

Joining Pat on the Friday Forum was Malcolm Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy, Wicklow-Wexford. Also on the panel was Peadar Toibin TD, Leader, Aontú, Meath West and Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent, Irish Times.

Hope and OpportunityBa mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil le Catherine Connolly agus a foireann. Maith sibh as feachtas Uachtaránachta dearfach, forásach agus trócaireach a chur chun cinn.I want to extend my congratulations to Catherine Connolly and her team. Well done for fighting a positive, progressive, compassionate and cohesive Presidential campaign. Well done also to the many Sinn Féin activists from all parts of the island and all the others who enthusiastically handed out leaflets, erected posters, canvassed thousands of doors and worked hard to get the vote out last Friday.Lots of words have been used to described the outcome. Stunning. Triumph. Historic. And many more. For me the two most important are hope and opportunity.Catherine Connolly was an exceptional candidate. The success of her campaign cannot be separated from her authenticity and her connectiveness with the electorate and with those, many of them first timers, who campaigned for her. That campaign and the emergence of a centre left alliance of parties backing Catherine has provided hope that the century long dominance of the two conservative parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, can be ended. The Vinyl GiftI love listening to music. There is nothing as uplifting as a good live session. And the music stays in your head forever after,  to be dipped into when the need or notion moves you. For example, Martin Hayes magical concert last week in Belfast's Grand Opera House. Its still jigging in my brain. Martin was well served by guitarist Conal O'Kane and bouzouki and concertina driver Brian Donnellan. They were joined for the encore sets by Donál O'Connor and Neil Martin, two of my favourite musicans, who opened the event along with singer Mary Dillon who was outstanding.  All  in all a wonderful evening. Martin Hayes  playing was amazing, elegent, draoíluíleacht, exquisive, sublime and betwitching. He transported us to a higher state of being. And all of us are the better for it. But it isn't possible to get to live events all the time. So apart from the radio I have a fine collection of recorded  music. They include cassette tapes, CDs and LPs. Some are over fifty years old.Seamus Drumm gave me an ipod of over a thousand tunes years ago. I'm still working my way through  them. Go raibh maith agat SeamieSupporting PalestineOctober is the month Palestinian farmers in the west Bank harvest their olive groves. But this year many such groves sit untended because Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian villages and farms and the Israeli forces have erected barriers to prevent Palestinians getting to their land.In the Gaza Strip the ceasefire is being repeatedly broken as Israel continues to pound Palestinian families and communities. At the same time the medical situation in Gaza remains critical with Israel blocking much need humanitarian and medical aid entering the Palestinian territory. The World Health Organisation last week reported that only 10 percent of the requested medical supplies have arrived. Medicines like Paracetamol that we take for granted and that can be bought freely here are not available to help those in pain.October is the month Palestinian farmers in the west Bank harvest their olive groves. But this year many such groves sit untended because Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian villages and farms and the Israeli forces have erected barriers to prevent Palestinians getting to their land.In the Gaza Strip the ceasefire is being repeatedly broken as Israel continues to pound Palestinian families and communities. At the same time the medical situation in Gaza remains critical with Israel blocking much need humanitarian and medical aid entering the Palestinian territory. The World Health Organisation last week reported tha

Fiachra O'Cionnaith, of RTÉ Political Staff, discusses the rumblings of a vote of no confidence in Mícheál Martin.

As the dust settles on the presidential campaign, will the left stay united for the Galway byelection, will a Fianna Fáil heave materialise and what messages are the spoilers sending?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil and TD for Cork South Central

Clare's Minister of State is not any expecting any sudden challenge to the Taoiseach's leadership. It's understood that 10 members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party have signed a document seeking a no confidence motion in Micheál Martin, where 12 are required. Party officials at Fianna Fáil have darwn up an alleged 'rebel' list of those who oppose the Taoiseach's reign, which includes TDs James O'Connor, Paudie O'Sullivan, Seamus McGrath, John Lahart, Erin McGreehan, John McGuinness and Peter Chap Cleere. There's a separate list detailing the "old guard" of Willie O'Dea, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher and Seán O'Fearghail, who are not behind any heave, but would reportedly welcome change. The developments have been sparked by the Jim Gavin presidential debacle, and now many political analysts are touting Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan as the potential successor. However, Tulla based Minister Timmy Dooley can't see anyone stepping up in the current climate. Micheál Martin has been at the helm of Fianna Fáil for 14 years now, which is the joint second longest reign at the party, tied with Bertie Ahern and only beaten by Éamon De Valera who was in office for 33 years. Despite the controversey of recent weeks, Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists that Martin's leadership is not in question and that he intends to lead the party into the next General Election. Image (c) Micheál Martin via Facebook

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With the presidential election over, the fallout has begun. Government parties are counting the cost of defeat, with Fianna Fáil facing renewed internal unrest and whispers of a no-confidence motion against Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Seán Kelly has accused his party of “shafting” him, deepening the coalition's woes.Plus, Stripe co-founder John Collison says Ireland is “stuck” - caught in a web of agencies and red tape that's stalling progress on housing and infrastructure. The panel debates: is he right, and have our leaders lost sight of the basics of running a country?

Mary Regan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent, discusses the fallout for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael from Catherine Connolly's victory in the Presidential election.

Fiachra O'Cionnaith, of RTÉ's poltical staff, reports on the meetings taking place within Fianna Fáil backbenchers today.

Kerry County Councillors Tommy Cahill and Niall Kelleher spoke to Jerry about the fall-out from Fianna Fáil’s disastrous presidential election.

The latest Everhaze "Battle of the Airwaves" report has found that Fianna Fáil's leadership turmoil was the most defining and negatively framed story of the 2025 Presidential election, eclipsing all other topics across more than 16,000 radio mentions. The fallout, which was intertwined with Jim Gavin's withdrawal generated over 2,000 mentions resulting in a sustained national discussion and an average negative weighted sentiment of -43.8 pp, the lowest of the election. Amid the turbulence, Maria Steen emerged as an unexpected winner of the campaign, gaining national prominence on a non-polarising current securing 1,300 mentions largely avoiding controversy and securing net sentiment of +1.0 pp. In contrast, the two leading candidates, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, were both drawn into negative narratives late in the race, as Connolly's "Bank Representation" (-3.6 pp) and Humphreys' "Shane O'Farrell" (-4.2 pp) storylines became the most damaging stories of their respective campaigns. Connolly ultimately led the airwaves in the final fortnight (44.1% share of voice, +2.3 pp net sentiment) with coverage driven by governance reform and community advocacy themes. Humphreys followed at 37.3% (-2.6 pp), her tone weighed down by ongoing justice and departmental accountability discussions. Gavin's residual post-withdrawal commentary held 18.6% (-3.6 pp) and remained strongly associated with leadership fallout. Local radio again proved decisive, accounting for 72% of all mentions, while national talk shows supplied narrative framing and tone moderation. Overall sentiment across the campaign closed slightly negative (-0.8 pp net), underscoring a cycle defined more by leadership disruption and controversy than by policy promotion. Speaking about the findings, James McCann, CEO of Everhaze said: "Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the race, and the ensuing fallout for Fianna Fáil's leadership, will likely stand as the defining story of the 2025 Presidential campaign. Equally striking is how Maria Steen's absence from the ballot became an unexpected advantage. The sheer volume of her mentions, combined with their notably non-polarising tone, propelled her into national prominence without the burden of controversy. It's also unsurprising that Catherine Connolly was the only candidate to finish with a positive sentiment score, largely because Heather Humphreys' campaign struggled to generate strong counter-narratives capable of offsetting a series of negative stories." The Battle of the Airwaves: Irish Presidential Campaign 2025 report analysed more than 16,000 radio mentions from 60 stations nationwide, tracking sentiment, share of voice, geography, and trend dynamics between 24 September and 25 October 2025. Everhaze is an Irish-built PR intelligence platform that tracks real-time media coverage across radio, print, and online sources in Ireland and the UK. Its technology combines broadcast capture with AI-driven analysis to map who is getting talked about, where, and in what tone. The platform is widely used by communicators to monitor campaigns, understand sentiment shifts, and measure share of voice. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Senior Fianna Fáil members have called for unity and calm in the wake of the weekend's presidential election results, following discussions among some TDs around the future of leader Micheál Martin. All to discuss with Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail TD.

Senior Fianna Fáil members have called for unity and calm in the wake of the weekend's presidential election results, following discussions among some TDs around the future of leader Micheál Martin. All to discuss with Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail TD.

Political correspondent with the Sun, Adam Higgins, Labour's Conor Sheehan, and Fianna Fáil's Niall Collins join Gillian to discuss their thoughts on Catherine Connolly being declared the next president of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan and technology expert Pat Browne from Munster Business join Gillian to talk about a recent controversial deep fake video during the presidential election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fianna Fáil TD's and Senators discuss the fallout from the presidential election and what should happen next with the party. Sinéad O'Carroll, Editor of The Journal.ie, analyses the consequences of the presidential election.

Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment discusses the implications for Fianna Fáil following a disastrous presidential election campaign.

Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for the Wicklow-Wexford Constituency, discusses the repercussions of Catherine Connolly's overwhelming victory in the Presidential election on Fianna Fáil.

The Transport Minister has been urged to make funding available for the improvement of a road described as "the main access point to the Cliffs of Moher". Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway is calling for the N85 Realignment Project between Ennis and Inagh to be included in the department's 2026 funding programme. A motion tabled by local Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty seeking the project's recommencement as well as the allocation of the necessary funding received unanimous support at the most recent meeting of Clare County Council. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Conway says the upgrade works are long overdue.

Critism is growing of Fianna Fáil leadership following the presidential election. For more Barry Lenihan speaks to Minister Mary Butler of Fianna Fáil

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday newspapers and Catherine Connolly's election are Irish Times' political editor, Pat Leahy; former Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock; Sunday Times' columnist, Alison O'Connor; VP of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, and former Labour candidate, Niamh Hourigan; and former Fianna Fáil minister, Mary Hanafin.

After Catherine Connolly's decisive victory in the 2025 Presidential election, there's plenty to sift through with Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport; John McGuinness, Fianna Fáil TD and Leas-Cheann Comhairle; and Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin.

Votes are still being counted but it is already clear that Catherine Connolly has won the presidency by a huge margin. Connolly's victory will be confirmed at Dublin Castle this afternoon. Hugh, Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne are there and sat down to discuss the emerging results and what they mean. How did Catherine Connolly get her campaign so right and Fine Gael theirs so wrong? What does the unprecedented level of spoiled votes really signify? And how will the government parties interpret and respond to this loss? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare's County Registrar says a spoiled vote is "as if the person hadn't voted". A total of 94,054 people are going to polling stations countywide today to indicate their preference for the next occupant of Áras an Uachtaráin. People will have three choices on the ballot paper; Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin. A ballot paper is considered a spoiled vote when it's left blank, boxes are ticked rather than numbered, the order of preference isn't clear, the writing isn't legible, the voter identifies themselves in some way or anything is written other than the order of preference. Polling stations are open until 10pm today, and Clare County Registrar and Returning Officer Rita Considine says even if you accidentally spoil your vote, it doesn't count in the electoral process.

Adh Mór CatherineThe Presidential election is on Friday. Many of you reading this column or listening to it on social media platforms, will not have a vote. But some of you will. So, I am asking you to cast your first preference for Catherine Connolly and to encourage everyone else to do the same. The last week has seen a significant increase in negative campaigning against Catherine by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and by the establishment media.Why has Catherine Connolly, who most of the media ignored during her time as a TD, become the bête noire of the establishment? Is it because she has unashamedly challenged Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on their appalling record in government – on health, on homelessness, on the cost-of-living crisis, and on carers? Is it because of her fluency in the Irish language? Is it because she has defended neutrality and condemned genocide against the Palestinian people? Is it because of her support for a United Ireland.Hiding the TruthLast Sunday was the anniversary of the imposition on 19 October 1988 of the broadcasting ban by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.  Prior to that    censorship in one form or another had operated in the North and in Britain, and also in the 26 counties. The rational for this had long been the desire of the two governments to deny citizens their right to information. In this way it was easier to promote the establishment's narrative.In Ireland the British media strategy had its roots in Britain's colonial experience. But it was especially influenced by the writings in the late 1960s of General Frank Kitson who believed that all governmental structures; the judiciary, the law, the police and the media, must be part of a co-ordinated strategy to defeat ‘the enemy' while suppressing citizens and their rights.Legacy Bill deeply flawedPresented by the Irish and British governments as the resolution to the long running legacy issue the ‘Northern Ireland Troubles Bill' is anything but that. Once again the British government, with the support of the Irish government, is introducing a legal structure that provides the British state with the means to deny the truth to families.Under draft legislation, drawn from the two governments Framework Agreement, the British Secretary of State will have the power to withhold information from families and inquests; from the information retrieval body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (CRIR), and from the new Legacy Commission. In addition, agencies like MI5 will have the power to vet all reports. The British Secretary of State will also be able to make various regulations and guidance, including the power to make an award to cover legal representation/expenses etc. for participation in inquisitorial proceedings.Comhghairdeas Naomh EoinWell done to Naomh Eoin's Senior hurlers. Crowned Antrim Champions on Sunday after six semi-final defeats in seven years and after a dogged battle with Loughgiel the Johnnies are hurling Kings of the county. Well done to all the hurlers, the Management and support staff, the Club Committee and every one in Saint Johns.  

This Friday, the 24th of October, the people of Ireland will go to the polls to elect our next President. The electorate will decide whether Independent candidate, Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys succeed Michael D Higgins in Áras an Úachtaráin. The name of Jim Gavin, Fianna Fáil's candidate who withdrew from the race on the 5th of October, remains on the ballot paper. That means there will still be three names on the ballot, even though only two candidates remain active in the campaign. For some guidance ad advice on all this, Alan Morrissey spoke to Art O'Leary, Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Toghchain on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) An Coimisiún Toghcháin

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday newspapers are Lisa Chambers, Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD and Senator, Oisin Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with the Sunday Times and Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government at DCU .

Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central / Marie Sherlock, Labour TD for Dublin Central / Harry McGee, Political correspondent with The Irish Times / Brenda Power, Journalist & Commentator

Catherine Connolly holds a commanding lead in the presidential election with just over a week to go before votes are cast, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll.The poll finds that Connolly, on 38 per cent, has almost double the support of her nearest rival, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, on 20 per cent. Support for the Fianna Fáil candidate, Jim Gavin, who stopped his presidential campaign last week, but is still on the ballot paper, is at just 5 per cent.Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to talk about the significance of Connolly's lead, the mountain Humphreys now has to climb to win and what her campaign may do in the final week of the race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A total of €2.3 million in funding has been allocated for the purchase of the former Pretty Polly site on Upper Park Road in Killarney. The funding, granted by Minister for Further Education James Lawless, has been allocated to the Kerry Education and Training Board to transform the site into a Tourism Sector Training College. Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill spoke to Jerry about the announcement and gave his thoughts on the Motion of Confidence vote, pushed early by the Government in the Dáil yesterday.

A look at what happened today in the presidential election race with Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for The Irish Examiner, John Connolly, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Féin TD for Louth, and Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.

Tháinig ionadaithe ón gceardchumann Fórsa os comhair comhchoiste na Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge inné le hearcaíocht san tseirbhís phoblí a phlé -céard a bhí le rá acu?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin gave an explanation today in the Dáil of the current position on the Occupied Territories Bill. To debate this Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs.

Did you know that Hillery was forced to deal with rumours of his extramarital affair at a time when the Pope was visiting Ireland? Or that he was embroiled in political controversy when senior members of Fianna Fáil made calls to Áras an Uachtaráin to try and persuade the president not to dissolve the Dáil?In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy find the real scandals behind what was considered a largely uneventful presidency.

Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · With Jim Gavin gone, the presidential election is now a two-horse race between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, and a more combative one at that as the third live debate on Thursday on RTÉ Radio's Drivetime will attest. Is Heather Humphreys trying to appeal to voters on the left who haven't made their mind up about Connolly yet? · As the timetable of who knew what and when becomes apparent in the Jim Gavin controversy, could those running his campaign have done anything to dampen the impact of the revelation around an unpaid debt to a former tenant from Gavin's time as a landlord in 2009? And why did Gavin go ahead and participate in RTÉ's televised debate last Sunday when the game was already effectively up? · And will Wednesday's marathon Fianna Fáil party meeting provide enough catharsis for a cohort within the party questioning Micheál Martin's leadership in the wake of the Jim Gavin fiasco? Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Manchán Magan remembered, Japan's Iron Lady, and Ray D'Arcy leaves RTÉ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was Micheál Martin's worst week in the job as leader of Fianna Fáil and it began on late on Sunday evening when the party's campaign for the presidency imploded. Its candidate Jim Gavin resigned following media reports that, 16 years ago, a tenant had accidentally overpaid him by €3,300 and despite repeated requests, the former military man and presidential hopeful had refused to return it.The failure to repay a debt – and a landlord's debt at that – had caused a sensation when news of it was reported on Friday.Gavin was Martin's man – his “celebrity” non-party pick announced after a summer of speculation.But from his first outing it was clear that he lacked the charisma and communication skills that are baseline requirements in any political campaign. And for a celebrity candidate he was remarkably unknown.Many in Martin's party were simply puzzled by his choice while also being angry at a process in which they felt sidelined.Wednesday provided a new twist when the tenant outed himself on his popular crime podcast as Niall Donald, deputy editor of the Sunday World.Then on Wednesday evening before a five-hour parliamentary party meeting, a shaken Martin apologised for the disaster which has left party members furious and embarrassed.So how did Micheál Martin get here; how did he make this massive misstep in choosing Gavin and has he set the clock ticking on the end of his career leading Fianna Fáil.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where now for Micheál Martin?The decision by Fianna Fáil Presidential candidate Jim Gavin to withdraw from the contest means the race is now between Independent Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys.But what of the man who asked Gavin to stand? Suffice to say I am not a supporter of Micheál Martin. There is nothing personal in this. I have seen at close quarters how he works and I am not impressed. How Fianna Fáil responds to this debacle which its leader landed it in will determine how it faces into the future. Because the process by which Jim Gavin became the Fianna Fail candidate says more about Fianna Fáil and how Micheál Martin runs it than anything else. No leader can ignore or disregard the views of grassroots or other activists. Diktat may keep a leader in place if he has the guile and resilience to survive. But for what purpose?  Especially for a party which is proclaims itself to be republican. Micheál's instinct will be to brazen it out. But he can only do that if the party lets him. And that risks the party completely losing its sense of itself.Mr. Martins negative approach to the Good Friday Agreement and the Unity Referendum it provides for amounts to a refusal to fulfil his obligations under the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Constitution and Fianna Fáil's own aims and objectives.The Orange and the Green. Another friend of mine died last week. An Orangeman, Ian Milne. He was also an undertaker. I met Ian in 2003 in Dublin Castle when he spoke at The Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. I thought it was a very good initiative by him in an effort to find a resolution of the Drumcree stand-off caused when the Portadown Orangemen refused to accept a ruling by the Parades Commission preventing them from marching down Garvaghy Road. After the event we bumped into each other in the Men's Room. In those days Men's Rooms were the main venue for the many first informal off the record words between me and some unionists. I told him that Sinn Féin would talk to the Orange if that would be helpful.  Ian was very friendly although he was at pains to tell me that he wouldn't reveal at that time that he talked to me. Eventually we did do the meeting with some Portadown Orangemen. It was in Conway Mill and while it didn't resolve the issues it was a very worthwhile and informative discussion. It's good to talk. And to listen. Ian was also in dialogue with Seán Murray for over twenty years as part of their efforts to advance reconciliation. 

Reporter, Cian McCormack speaks to Fianna Fáil members, following a five-hour meeting last night concerning the handling of Jim Gavin's failed presidential bid.

Political correspondent, Mícheál Lehane on what happened at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting last night, which discussed the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the Presidential election.

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, outlines reaction to Budget 2026 and looks ahead to tonight's Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting. Peter O'Connell, Reporter, gets reactions from Limerick residents to the Budget.

This Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Crime World. It's the biggest story of the presidential election as former football manager Jim Gavin stands down and the fate of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin hangs in the balance. While political fallouts are not our normal beat on Crime World, today co-host Niall Donald tells Nicola Tallant how he ended up in the eye of the storm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands-North West, on his reaction to the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the Presidential campaign.

Andrew Lowth, Reporter, speaks to Fianna Fáil councillors about the fallout of Jim Gavin's exit from the Presidential race. Mícheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, has the latest on the Presidential race as the political fallout, following Jim Gavin's shock withdrawal, continues.

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk about the stunning news of Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race, leaving Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly in a head-to-head battle.The news has infuriated Fianna Fáil backbenchers and leaves party leader Michéal Martin and campaign director Jack Chambers with big questions to answer over how Gavin was selected and how his campaign was run. There is also the question of which of the remaining candidates benefits most from Gavin's withdrawal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to talk about the week in politics: We already know next Tuesday's budget is going to be a much less generous affair than recent years. Jack and Pat share what they know about the tough stance being taken by Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers in negotiations, including one Government source's characterisation of Chambers as akin to Margaret Thatcher: “no, no, no”. Of the three presidential hopefuls, Catherine Connolly has run the strongest campaign so far. But could the news that she employed a woman convicted of firearms offences hinder her in gathering the votes she needs?Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin's campaign also made some missteps this week, hampering the novice politician's campaign as it finds its feet. Security issues are at the top of the European agenda thanks to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the fear of Russian cyberattacks and drone incursions. Finally the panelists pick their favourite Irish Times journalism of the week including Senator Michael McDowell's explanation for why he didn't nominate Maria Steen, the passing of Martin Mansergh and a relatable personal problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.