Podcasts about fianna f

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.

A President for AllAll three candidates in the Presidential election have made commitments in support of Irish Unity. Clear evidence of the growing importance of Irish Unity to the electorate.Last Saturday Catherine Connolly was invited to address a Sinn Fein conference in Dublin. There was a palpable buzz of anticipation in Dublin City University as over 500 party activists gathered to discuss ‘Building For Unity.'  It was an opportunity to judge her style, hear at first hand her vision for the future of our island, and to assess her ability to challenge the establishment parties and their candidates.Connolly has been an outspoken critic of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and an advocate for workers, communities, and equality. She supports the need for the Irish government to plan for the future unity referendums. A call Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and their candidates refuse to make.Real sanctions needed nowLast Friday I spoke on my podcast to Chris Andrews a Sinn Fein Senator who is on the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea which, as a I write this, is trying to bring much needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people of Gaza. The flotilla, which has already been bombed by Israeli drones, sails under the constant threat of Israeli assault. The 50 boats involved left the coast of Crete on Sunday. Another flotilla of ten vessels also left Sicily on Sunday. When I spoke to Chris we discussed the danger and challenges facing the flotilla. He urged the Irish government and Tánaiste Simon Harris to do more in support of the flotilla's mission and the Palestinian people.Last week at the United Nations most state representatives refused to sit while Israeli PM Netanyahu ranted against those who opposed his genocidal policies.  Every day Israeli forces are continuing to assault the people of Gaza City and scores of Palestinians are being killed, and others, mostly children, are dying from forced starvation.Using your Loaf!This week I want to highlight the virtues of the humble Belfast Bap and the man who created it. During the week I breakfasted on boiled eggs served on a sliced  bap plastered with butter and sprinkled with black pepper. An bhlasta. Really scrumptious. Try it. You won't be disappointed. This particular bap came ready sliced. I prefer to slice my bap myself so that the slices are thick and well able to carry the butter and the boiled  egg. This is real finger food.  The ready sliced baps can be a wee bit thin. Still tasty but a bit messy. So slice your own. 

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: What did yesterday's presidential debate reveal about the candidates, and the key issues that will dominate this election? Is the government's plan to splash cash at asylum applicants a "right-wing dog whistle"? We'll also discuss the Gaza "peace plan" along with all of tomorrow's front-page news.

Pat Leahy joins Hugh to talk about the first televised debate of the presidential campaign which took place on Virgin Media Television tonight. Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin debated a range of issues and did their best to come across as plausible candidates. But who dominated, and who struggled? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin go head-to-head in the first major TV debate of the presidential election. In this special edition of The Tonight Show, the three candidates outline their visions for Ireland's future, challenge each other's policies, and set the tone for the campaign ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's nothing quite like an election looming and the budget in the offing to make the work of a journalist more exciting. That's definitely been the case over the past week on Galway Talks. ?We started off the week by discussing VAT and the potential reduction back to 9% for the hospitality sector. There is some concern among certain quarters that it might also include big multinationals—something that many organisations, including unions, have not taken too kindly to. We discussed it on the programme with Galway man and Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, alongside Lorraine Heskin, who is the owner of the Gourmet Food Parlour chain, who have a premises in Salthill. On the opposite side of the fence was Dr. Laura Bambrick of ICTU. The issue of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe was brought into sharp focus this week by an Oireachtas Health Committee meeting. The committee heard contradictory information regarding the implementation of the Walker Report at the hospital. The committee heard information that appeared to conflict with previous statements from the Minister for Health and the Department of Health. Both Bernard Gloster (HSE CEO) and Colm Henry (Chief Clinical Officer, HSE) gave evidence at the committee meeting. They were questioned by Roscommon-Galway TD, Dr. Martin Daly. The admitted to him that the report was not fully implemented at the hospital. The ongoing saga has caused significant consternation locally, with many constituents demanding a meeting with the Minister for Health. The Minister has consistently maintained that her decision regarding the future of the services was made based on the "best clinical advice." However, the failure to fully implement the Walker Report is a key point of concern, exacerbating the anxiety among local communities about the long-term security and level of maternity services at Portiuncula. We're well into September now, and the storm season will be rolling in quick and fast from the south-west prevailing winds. The issue of the security of our energy grid was brought into focus this week by Fianna Fáil Deputy for Galway West, John Connolly. Connemara was one of the worst-hit areas affected in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn earlier this spring. We discussed investment into the energy grid between now and January 2026, which will cause a day or two of outages in certain parts of Connemara, from Carraroe right across and into Western South Connemara. Donald Trump's remarks in relation to autism and vaccines have caused quite a stir in the medical community this week. They have absolutely refuted his claims that paracetamol is linked to rising cases of autism. We discussed this on the programme earlier on this week with the President of the IMO Anne Deane. The question of funding for the Irish language and Irish language rights was very much put into focus last weekend with the Cearta March on Dublin. Our reporter Seán Ó'Maoilchiarán spoke to a number of different people and organisations on the ground who were passionate about the language, and who want to see increased funding and increased rights for Irish language speakers. We got a flavour of the march and the athmosphere on the day. Our Community Matters programme featured the wonderful island and islanders of Inishbofin. You can listen back on our website. Our Galway Great on Monday morning is Patricia Forde.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/277epztj Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Presidential Election: three candidates on the Atlantic path. Toghchán Uachtaránachta: triúr iarrthóirí ar shlí an Atlantaigh. The three candidates in the Presidential election are canvassing in Co. Donegal and Co. Kerry today. Ta an triúr iarrthóirí sa toghchán Uachtaránachta ag canbhasáil i gCo Dhún na nGall agus i gCo Chiarraí inniu. Left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly will be in Donegal town, Killybegs, Clifden and Ardara. Iarrthóir na heite clé Catherine Connolly, beidh sí i mbaile Dhún na nGall, sna Cealla Beaga, sa Chlochán Liath agus in Ard an Rátha. Since Sinn Féin is supporting Catherine Connolly, that party's finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty from Gaoth Dobhair, is canvassing alongside her today. Ó tá Sinn Féin ag tacú le Catherine Connolly, tá urlabhraí airgeadais an pháirtí sin, Pearse Doherty as Gaoth Dobhair, ag canbhasáil in éindí léi inniu. Kerry is home to both Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin. I gCiarraí atá iarrthóir Fhine Gael Heather Humphreys agus iarrthóir Fhianna Fáil Jim Gavin araon. They may run into each other as they are both due to go to the Listowel Races this afternoon. D'fhéadfadh sé go gcasfaí ar a chéile iad ó tá an bheirt acu le dul chuig Rásaí Lios Tuathail tráthnóna. The two were interviewed from various locations on Radio Kerry this morning. Cuireadh an bheirt faoi agallamh ó áiteanna éagsúla ar Radio Kerry ar maidin. Jim Gavin is in Tralee, where he will be giving a tour of the Tralee Bay Wetland Ecopark. Tá Jim Gavin i dTrá Lí, áit a dtabharfaidh sé sciuird ar Éiceapháirc Bhogach Bhá Thrá Lí. Heather Humphreys went on a short cart ride in Killarney, she is due to be in Muckross House soon and will also visit the Tralee Women's Hut. Chuaigh Heather Humphreys ar thuras gairid i gcairt i gCill Airne, tá sí le bheith i dTeach Mhucrois ar ball agus tabharfaidh sí cuairt freisin ar Bhothán Ban Thrá Lí. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

Martin Mansergh, the former Fianna Fáil TD, senator, and Minister of State, has died. A historian and political adviser, he played a central role in shaping the Northern Ireland peace process. To reflect on his life and contribution, Anton is joined by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The Fianna Fáil presidential candidate is also campaigning in Kerry today. He also came into the Killarney studio this morning before Kerry Today went on air and he recorded an interview with Jerry.

Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin has emerged as the candidate with the strongest national radio footprint in the run-up to the 2025 Presidential election, according to new research from Irish PR intelligence platform Everhaze. Analysis of 2,500 radio clips over the past twelve weeks shows that while Independent Catherine Connolly leads overall mentions (36.3%), Gavin (33.5%) pulls ahead in terms of national airwaves share, with 34.9% of his coverage on national talk formats. By contrast, Connolly's campaign is more heavily weighted to local outlets (68.6% of her coverage) and Heather Humphreys' profile is even more locally concentrated (71.3%). This national advantage translates into strong presence across high-reach talk shows such as The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk Breakfast, and The Anton Savage Show, where margins between candidates are typically slim but Gavin remains consistently competitive. On local radio, however, Connolly retains the edge, leading in 13 counties including Donegal (+22pp) and Galway (+18pp). Gavin posts selective peaks (notably Louth, where he dominates with 77.5% of mentions) and converts his national presence into 8 county leads overall. Humphreys, meanwhile, has a more concentrated footprint, with standout strength in Cavan/Monaghan (+12pp lead). Sentiment analysis underscores a three-way contrast: Humphreys records the most positive net tone (+12pp), Gavin trends neutral-positive (+5pp), while Connolly faces a more polarised balance (?3pp). Speaking about the findings of the report, James McCann, CEO of Everhaze said: "With nominations closed and facing into the four week sprint, each candidate will be looking to own the share of voice across the national airwaves to capture undecided voters. Outside of Dublin the counties of Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon have heard the least from all candidates so far which is unsurprising given the battle for the urban centres of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. As the campaign heats up its every candidate's race to lose in presenting a clear narrative and message to the public." 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. As part of the 2025 Presidential campaign, Everhaze has launched the "Battle of the Airwaves" tracker, a live view of how each candidate is performing week-by-week on radio. The tracker highlights: Share of voice across national vs local stations County-by-county exposure showing where candidates are winning or lagging Sentiment balance, capturing whether coverage is favourable, critical, or neutral Programme battlegrounds, where margins between rivals are razor-thin Updated weekly, the Battle of the Airwaves gives voters, journalists, and campaign teams a transparent lens on who is winning the media war as the race for Áras an Uachtaráin heats up. 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.

A look back on the news stories of the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Ciara Doherty was Séan Fleming, Fianna Fáil, Laois TD. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and NDP Delivery. Spokesperson on Infrastructure Delivery, Duncan Smith, Labour, Dublin Fingal East TD. Party Whip and Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence and Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times.

 Catherine Connolly – A President for all of IrelandIn less than five weeks' time the next Uachtarán na hÉireann will be elected by the people of the 26 counties. Election day is 24 October. That the people of the North and of the diaspora will be denied a vote is a disgraceful consequence of the efforts over recent years by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael (FFFG) to prevent the extension of the presidential franchise. Both parties are frightened by the prospect of people, who have never voted for either party, voting in Presidential elections.  They want to retain the status quo not change it. This partitionist approach also influences the resistance of Micheál Martin and others to the growing potential for a referendum vote in favour of Irish Unity.Last weekend's decision by the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle to endorse Catherine Connolly's campaign is, to quote Mary Lou, a ‘game changer.' Sinn Féin has many capable, articulate leaders who would have been great candidates. But the party chose to join with others as part of a left alternative. This was a courageous decision which gives those who can vote in the election a clear choice between the conservative politics of FFFG or a progressive and positive alternative.  Cearta –Marching for RightsUnder the banner of CEARTA – meaning RIGHTS - tens of thousands took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to demand equality for the Irish language. In scenes reminiscent of An Dream Dearg in Belfast three years ago, Irish speakers and activists from across the island, wearing their distinctive red with a white circle, marched from Parnell Square to the gates of Leinster House.The protest was an exuberant and joyful celebration of our language and culture and of the demand that the Irish government implement policy changes that will protect and enhance the lives of Irish speakers and of the Gaeltacht communities. There was live music from Ispíní na hÉireann, Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin and Breandán Ó Beaglaoich and others. Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin performed a song about the needs of young people, especially those living in Gaeltacht areas who are finding it impossible to buy or rent or build a home. Go raibh maith agat Bruce MorrisonIn two weeks' time there will be a celebration in New York to mark 30 years of the Morrison Visa Programme. The event will remember the introduction of the visa legislation that provided an estimated 45,000 Irish people with a legal pathway into the USA in the early 1990s.The Morrison Visa was the brainchild of former US Congressman Bruce Morrison who introduced a program that allocated visas to nationals who up to that point were underrepresented in US Immigration. Bruce however, is also known for his hard work in support of the peace process. He was part of a group of Irish American business, trade union and political leaders – the Connolly House Group – who played a pivotal role in creating the conditions for the 1994 IRA cessation. Bruce and his colleagues continued to be active for years afterward and Bruce remains so today. 

Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin will be the three names on the ballot paper for next month's Presidential election. The election will take place on Friday, the 24th of October. Maria Steen had hoped to be the fourth name in the race, but the conservative campaigner had received just 18 of the 20 required nominations from TDs and senators by the time the deadline passed, at midday on Wednesday. Independent Ireland's calling for a referendum to change the Presidential nomination system, following Maria Steen's failure to secure the support of 20 Oireachtas members to appear on the ballot paper. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley and Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD. Image (c) Aras An Uachtarain by Pawel Gaul from Getty Images Signature via canva

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Fianna Fáil Presidential Candidate Jim Gavin

Maoiniú curtha ar fáil do Scoil ag comhlacht do chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta. Ceist faoin nGaeilge agus bunscoil.

Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown; Richard O'Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County; Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central; Mary Regan, Political Editor for the Irish Independent

Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown; Richard O'Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County; Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central; Mary Regan, Political Editor for the Irish Independent

Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown; Richard O'Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County; Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central; Mary Regan, Political Editor for the Irish Independent

Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown; Richard O'Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County; Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central; Mary Regan, Political Editor for the Irish Independent

With the deadline approaching for candidates for the next Presidential election, who will be on the ballot on voting day?Joining Kieran with the latest updates is Political Reporter with The Journal, Jane Matthews, and, to discuss, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Leitrim County Council, Mary Bohan.

Minister of State Robert Troy said today that he was not trying to exclude those with a disability, carers or a parent without access to childcare when suggesting that local authorities should prioritise workers when it comes to social housing.But, he has maintained that he wants work to pay for workers.With the housing crisis as it currently is, does that say something about whether work pays or not?Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Eoin O'Broin, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing & TD for Dublin Mid-West and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing & TD for Cork South-Central.

Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof on 50 years of the Rats, why the Ireland of his youth was a 'Banana Republic', moving to London, observing social change, setting up Band Aid and Live Aid, grappling with overnight becoming 'Captain Africa' and his thoughts on modern-day free speech and cancel culture.

Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West // Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin // Alison O'Connor, Journalist and Commentator // Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor

It's believed it's "only a matter of time" before a serious road traffic accident takes place on one of the main approach roads to a Clare village. Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman is calling for a flooding issue to be addressed at Cappa South in Sixmilebridge. It's claimed the road, which he describes as "one of the busiest" in the Shannon Municipal District, floods every time it rains which forces cars to drive on the wrong side of the road. Councillor O'Gorman says it's an unsustainable situation.

The government should reverse its decision from earlier this year and introduce a content levy on streaming services, so say members of the Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. Fianna Fáil TD, Malcolm Byrne is one member with this view, and he joined Newstalk Breakfast to explain.

What if the solution to Ireland's housing crisis has been sitting on our doorstep all along? We dive into the Danish model of cooperative housing, where 7% of Danes live in co-ops, and a full third of Copenhageners do too, and explore how the GAA, with its 2,200 clubs and pristine community pitches in every village, could spearhead something similar here. Forget developer margins and speculative bubbles: in Denmark, a co-op share might cost €70–100k, with monthly housing costs around €800, compared to a private flat at €400k and €1,200 rent. We talk about the power of collective ownership, intergenerational communities, and why housing is really about dignity, not speculation. Along the way, we get into Jim Gavin's presidential bid, Fianna Fáil's GAA connection, and why our presidency has become more like Ireland's Got Talent than a serious constitutional role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Micheál Martin, Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, from his party's think-in in Cork ahead of the new Dáil term.

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reacts from Cork to the earlier interviews with Holly Cairns and Mícheál Martin.

The Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty, has rejected accusations of being anti-democratic. She opposed the council’s nomination of Dublin businessman, Gareth Sheridan, to contest the upcoming 2025 presidential election. Cathaoirleach Moriarty speaks to Jerry about why she opposed Gareth Sheridan’s nomination.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a Fianna Fáil think-in in Cork and Ciara spoke to An Taoiseach on a variety of topics including the current presidential race.

Roderic O'Gorman, Leader of the Green Party // Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee // Niamh Maher, spokesperson for St Margaret's The Ward Residents forum

PJ talks to Antoinette who challenged An Taoiseach over the wait for an operation for her daughter and An Taoiseach responds in audio captured by Katie O'Keefe of the 96FM newsroom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Presidential Election will take place on the 24th of October, when we will go to the polls to vote for Michael D. Higgins' successor in Áras an Uachtaráin. There are three names in the race to become President of Ireland so far: Former All-Ireland winning manager and player with Dublin, Jim Gavin, who is Fianna Fáil's candidate, Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, and former Cabinet minister and Fine Gael's presidential candidate Heather Humphreys. Alan Morrissey was joined on Mondays Morning Focus by Heather Humphreys for more. Photo (c) House of Oireachtas

If you want to find a confirmed presidential candidate, head to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly. In attendance are the three confirmed candidates: Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, and Independent Catherine Connolly. RTÉ Political Correspondent Paul Cunningham joined us to examine the candidates' strategies.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald from the Castleisland Municipal District is on the party’s Ard Chomhairle. Independent candidates who want to contest the Presidential election will need the support of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. Fine Gael has told its county councillors to block the local authority pathway for independents. Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald says no such diktat has been issued by Fianna Fáil to its councillors.

It has been said that Ireland will make a decision to not take part in the Eurovision next year, if Israel's participation goes ahead. In a statement RTE says it would be unconscionable for Ireland to take part, given the ongoing and appalling loss of life in Gaza. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil Ireland South MEP who also Co-Presented Eurovision in 1994.

‘We're all still friends,” was the comment from the first Fianna Fáil TD who emerged from the fifth floor in Leinster House where the party's representatives had met to vote for their candidate for the Áras. The numbers told a different story. There are 29 traitors in the Taoiseach's midst, who voted for Billy Kelleher in secret and in doing so, threw his leadership of the party into question. Does Micheál Martin's future hang on this massive Jim Gavin gamble? Host; Kevin Doyle, Guests; Tabitha Monahan and Mary Regan  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The run-in to October's presidential election continues to pick up pace this week with the selection of Jim Gavin as Fianna Fáil's nominee. Jack Horgan-Jones brings us behind the scenes at Fianna Fáil's special meeting where members had to choose between newcomer Gavin and party stalwart Billy Kelleher. Could the manoeuvring that took place around this vote foreshadow leadership contests to come? Jack, Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan also discuss Sinn Féin's stance in the presidential race now that Mary Lou McDonald has stated definitively she will not run. Does the party now clearly favour throwing in behind Catherine Connolly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Dublin GAA football manager Jim Gavin is Fianna Fáil’s presidential candidate. Yesterday, the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party supported his nomination; Jim Gavin received 41 votes and MEP Billy Kelleher got 29. Billy Kelleher got more votes than expected. Party leader Micheál Martin has been very clear that he wants Jim Gavin to represent Fianna Fáil. Jerry spoke to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Councillor Deirdre Kelly, Fianna Fáil Party Whip on Cork County Council, discusses her letter to party leadership over how a presidential candidate is selected.

Micheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, looks ahead to the Fianna Fáil vote to choose their nominee to run for the presidency.

MEP Billy Kelleher reacts to his defeat to Jim Gavin as the Fianna Fáil presidential candidate.

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports that Jim Gavin will be Fianna Fail's candidate in the election to be President of Ireland in just over 6 weeks time. Richard Moore, former political advisor and public relations strategist, assesses Jim Gavin's chances of winning the presidential election.

Barry Lenihan, RTÉ Reporter

Barry Lenihan, RTÉ Reporter and Brian O'Connell, RTÉ Reporter

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· With polling day expected to be October 24th, nominations are now open for the office of president and to close on September 24th. Another date to keep in mind is next Tuesday September 9th which will see a vote among Fianna Fáil's 71-strong parliamentary party to select its presidential candidate from former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin and MEP Billy Kelleher. · And with nominations closing on September 24th, that leaves just three weeks for Independent candidates, including Gareth Sheridan, Nick Delehanty and Maria Steen, to secure nominations from local authorities. · September 20th could be a red-letter day for Sinn Féin. The party will either confirm support for Independent TD Catherine Connolly or select a candidate of their own choosing. Will questions be asked of Mary Lou McDonald if a strong candidate doesn't materialise?· Labour's party think-in took place in Nenagh, Co Tipperary on Thursday and was almost derailed by Tipperary North TD and former party leader Alan Kelly's refusal to follow the party's endorsement of Cather Connolly. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Next month's budget critical for the Coalition, Ireland's past status as tradwife capital of the world, and RTÉ'S new national obsession, The Traitors Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.