Podcasts about fianna f

Tháinig sé chun solais ag an deireadh seachtaine go raibh cuma ar an scéal gur dóigh nach mbeidh an t-athbhreithniú faoin gcaoi inár láimhseáil Fianna Fáil a fheachtas uachtaránachta foilsithe faoin gCéadaoin seo.

In this episode I do two things... First, I explain why the "unsure" camp in the currently divided Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is in single digits and the pro and anti Martin factions are almost evenly divided.Second, I explain why a departure timeline for Martin that stretches into 2027 or 2028 not only makes no sense, it is potentially damaging to its electoral prospects.

Micheál Martin teetering on the edge as his leadership of Fianna Fáil comes up for debate, for how much longer can he hang on? Guests Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt for a spirited debate about the Taoiseach's future and just who will move against him? And what are Jim O'Callaghan's credentials to replace him? Also, why the 'Future Forty' doesn't inspire confidence.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+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.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· With renewed criticism from left-wing Opposition leaders of Tánaiste Simon Harris, over remarks he made about migration numbers in Ireland being too high, has it become almost impossible to have an honest discussion around immigration? · Taoiseach Micheál Martin is currently away at the Cop30 climate summit in Brazil, but the fallout from Fianna Fáil's disastrous presidential campaign shows little sign of ebbing away. Could a potential heave against the party leader be gathering momentum? · Could the controversy surrounding Ivan Yates and his admission that he advised Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate Jim Gavin, and the subsequent conflict of interest that created, all have been avoided if he highlighted it early on in the presidential campaign? · And Mayor-elect of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, has been branded a ‘commie', among other things, by US President Donald Trump and various members of the Republican Party, but has Mamdani shown the way forward for politicians mounting an election campaign?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The annual British search for Irish poppy refuseniks, the $20,000 AI home robot butler, and Westmeath footballer Luke Loughlin on the issue of recreational drug use and the GAA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fiona O'Loughlin, Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade // Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East and Party Spokesperson on Education and Youth // Christina Finn, Political Editor, The Journal.ie // Tom McEnaney, Media consultant and founder of Effective Aid Ukraine

Two MEPs have condemned the sale of childlike sex dolls on fast fashion retailer Shein. Both Barry Andrews and Regina Doherty are shocked with what they have come across and have called for a €5 levy on ultra-fast fashion purchases from China, as the sale of these dolls violates both our moral and legal obligations to protect children.What needs to be done to tackle the sale of these products and how can we prevent these platforms from advertising certain explicit and harrowing content?Joining Andrea to discuss Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, Arts and Culture Journalist Ashley Chadomoyo Malone, Traitors Contestant Faye Louise Brennan as well as listeners.

Mícheál Lehane, RTE Political Correspondent, discusses the details of a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting where tempers flared, in the absence of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

An impending heave or not in Fianna Fáil? An update housing plan next week or not? The immigration debate reverberates around the Dáil and Government Buildings and Deputy Boyd Barret makes his Dáil return.

The annual Eamon de Valera Commemoration will take place this weekend. Ennis Courthouse is the venue for Sunday's Fianna Fáil commemoration, the 9th of November at 11am. The party's Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher will give the oration. Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio on Thursday's Morning Focus by Billy Kelleher and Kilnamona monumental sculptor & Fianna Fáil member Mike McTigue. (c) Ógra Fianna Fáil via Facebook

Shane Curley, Fianna Fáil Senator, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Energy and Transport, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Tabitha Monahan, Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent.

Shane Curley, Fianna Fáil Senator, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Energy and Transport, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Tabitha Monahan, Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent.

Our Late Debate panel tonight is Shane Curley, Fianna Fáil Senator, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Energy and Transport, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Tabitha Monahan, Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent.

Fianna Fáil's infighting continues this week, with Micheál Martin flying to Brazil for the COP30 summit. With revolt in the air and Martin across the pond, could the rebels seize the moment and remove the Taoiseach? Joining Pat to discuss the latest news on the ongoing Fianna Fáil drama is Craig Hughes, Political Editor for the Irish Daily Mail.

On Saturday, the story broke that broadcaster and former Fine Gael politician Ivan Yates had provided interview and debate coaching to Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin before he dropped out of the race.This was at a time when he was co-presenting the political podcast Path to Power and doing stand in shifts on Newstalk radio.The story gained momentum in the days that followed as news emerged that senior Fianna Fáil politicians, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, also received media training from Mr Yates.How has this steady trickle of revelations played out in Leinster House? What does this controversy tell us about the entanglement of Ireland's media and political elites?And how does the Irish media handle commercial and political conflicts of interest?Today, on In The News, how Ivan Yates' links to Fianna Fáil have landed him, and the party, in hot water.Irish Times media columnist and host of Inside Politics podcast Hugh Linehan discusses the political fallout from this controversy and how it might impact public trust in the media.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Andrew McNair and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gillian is joined by John Lannon, CEO of Doras, Labour TD Conor Sheehan, and Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins to discuss asylum seekers working here, possibly facing a bill of up to €238 a week for accommodation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mícheál Lehane, RTE Political Correspondent, discusses the pressing issues on the agenda ahead of this week's meeting of cabinet ministers.

Ivan Yates agus Fianna Fáil; Cruinniú buiséid an lae inniu.

Mícheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, discusses the continuing argument about the role of Ivan Yates in training Fianna Fáil politicians.

Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator, Roderic O'Gorman, Green Party Leader and TD for Dublin West, Conor D McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and Paul Hosford, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Our panel tonight is Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator, Roderic O'Gorman, Green Party Leader and TD for Dublin West, Conor D McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and Paul Hosford, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator, Roderic O'Gorman, Green Party Leader and TD for Dublin West, Conor D McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and Paul Hosford, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Seven children were among 52 people deported to Georgia last night on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport — the sixth deportation operation so far this year as the government tightens its stance on failed asylum applications.With the Tánaiste saying migration numbers are now too high, is the coalition shifting to the right on immigration? And what does this signal about attitudes across Ireland?Joining Kieran Cuddihy to debate this on The Tonight Show:Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy DooleySinn Féin TD & Spokesperson on Justice and Migration Matt CarthyMick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish ExaminerLater — the political fallout from Ivan Yates's media training for Fianna Fáil sparks tensions within the coalition, and we'll ask: is a left-wing outsider about to become mayor of America's biggest city? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caithfear roghnú an iarrthóra a bheas ag Fianna Fáil san bhfo-thoghchán i nGaillimh Thiar a fhágáil go hiomlán faoi smacht lucht an phairtí sa toghcheantar, a deir sé.

Limiting media access to new council policing committees 'doesn't make sense' according to the National Union of Journalists. The Government is advising the restrictions for the new Local Community Safety Partnerships. The LCSPs, which will replace the old Joint Policing Committees, aim to bring together a broader range of stakeholders than before, including local residents, HSE and Gardaí. Alan Morrissey was joined by Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor and former member of the Joint Policing Committee Pat Hayes to discuss this further. Image (c) Fianna Fáil

Minister O'Callaghan and his colleagues on the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Migration will meet this evening to discuss proposed contributions of between 15 euro, and 238 euro, per week depending on their earnings. To debate this Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan and Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.

Malcolm Byrne is Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and has written in the Irish times today about the Fianna Fáil party, questioning where the Party has gone so wrong. He argues it was the Party that got things done, and is questioning its focus…He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

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

This week on The Group Chat, we unpack the fallout from Ireland's presidential election. Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as our tenth Head of State next month after a resounding victory, but what does her win mean for Fianna Fáil and Michael Martin? We also explore whether the left's newfound unity behind Connolly can last until the next general election. Tune in for insight, analysis, and debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.