Podcasts about fianna f

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: All anyone can talk about this week is the weather. While the country enjoys the warmth, the Government still has to find balance between spending to prevent climate change and spending to mitigate the impact of change that has already arrived. Keir Starmer may be gone but the UK's biggest problem remains: the lack of growth in their economy. Proposed “reform” (read: scrapping) of the “triple lock” restriction on Irish overseas military deployment has run into trouble due to disquiet among Fianna Fail backbenchers. If not a rebellion, there was certainly “a renewed amount of grumbling” over the issue. But will it be a real problem for Taoiseach Micheal Martin? Plus the panel pick their IT stories of the week including a plea for underground bins, Michael McDowell's bold predictions and the divestment of Catholic church patronage.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the government planning abolition, Derek answers 7 critical questions: Why it's not sovereignty loss, Why reform, not abolition is sensibleHow the Fianna Fáil leader shifted from 2020's "fully maintain" pledge to backing abolitionWhat public support means, Why defence mustn't be politicisedValue of military neutrality, and Brutal reality that the Defence Forces is at less than 70% of its 11,500 target strength. Martin, Harris, McEntee and Byrne cannot Triple Lock their way out of their massive capability gap

Today's panel included Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown, Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Today's panel included Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.

The timeline for the delivery of a long-awaited medical facility in Ennis has been pushed back yet again. The Government has confirmed that the county's first renal haemodialysis unit to be operated by Fresenius Medical Care in the Clare Technology Park on the Gort Road is expected to be operational within the final three months of this year. The unit, which will have 120 slots per week, was initially intended to be open by the end of 2024. Responding to Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad, Fianna Fáil Minister of State Michael Moynihan says it will ease pressure on services in Limerick and Galway.

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

A Sinn Féin bill to remove the requirement for a three-day waiting period for an abortion was passed by TDs last night. The Government parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael allowed their deputies a free vote. A majority of these parties’ deputes voted against the change. Paula Dennan of Kerry for Choice gave her reaction.

Former Clare TD and long-serving Councillor James Breen has passed away, aged 81.   The Kilnamona native retired from politics 7 years ago following 34 years in politics.    First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen left the Fianna Fáil party and ran as an Independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, in which he topped the poll.   After he lost his Dáil seat in 2007, he was re-elected to the Council in 2009, and in 2015, he became the first person from Kilnamona to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He stepped down from politics in May 2019.   James Breen is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter.  To reflect on his life, career and legacy, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Daly, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, and Pat Hayes, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD on the Oireachtas Education Committee and Eoghan Kenny, Labour TD and spokesperson on education and youth.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty, discuss the proposed introduction of a new returns policy for international protection applicants being voted on in the European Parliament.

Dúirt leaschathaoirleach Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge an Teachta Dála Naoise Ó Cearúil, go bhfuil reachtaíocht a ullmhú aige le dul i ngleic leis an easpa dul chun cinn atá a dhéanamh le córas gaeloideachais a bhunú sa tír.

Fiona O'Loughlin, Fianna Fáil Senator, Sorca Clark, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Oisín Coghlan, Policy Advisor to the Environmental Pillar, and Eimer McAuley, news reporter, The Journal.

Fiona O'Loughlin, Fianna Fáil Senator, Sorca Clark, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Oisín Coghlan, Policy Advisor to the Environmental Pillar, and Eimer McAuley, news reporter, The Journal.

Tonight's panel consists of Fiona O'Loughlin, Fianna Fáil Senator, Sorca Clark, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Oisín Coghlan, Policy Advisor to the Environmental Pillar, and Eimer McAuley, news reporter, The Journal.

An Ennis theatre is being called on to clarify its position for hosting politicial events by local Fianna Fáil Councillors. It's understood Glór refused to host a commemoration marking 100 years since the party's establishment last month. It comes just over two years after the ALDE Europe Party held a conference on the future of renewable energy policy at the venue. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker Bashua says clarity is needed.

The planning stage for a long-awaited Ennis housing development has been completed. Ennis Municipal District has confirmed the Causeway Quarter project on Francis Street can now proceed to construction stage subject to funding. The 39-unit development had been held up due to the presence of an illegal encampment on the site. Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly, who requested an update on the project this week, says locals want to see progress.

A Sligo representative is calling for targeted tax breaks to help businesses hire students, as young people are struggling to find part time work.She says the proposal is based on a simple principle — support companies that give our young people work opportunities.The calls are being made by Fianna Fáil Sligo County Councillor, Edel McSharry, who joined Anton to explain her proposal.

Residents of Doonbeg are being invited to help shape the future of their community through a new public consultation aimed at developing an ambitious five-year plan for the village. The survey is seeking ideas on social, economic and environmental initiatives that could make Doonbeg an even better place to live, work and socialise. To discuss the project and what it could mean for the area, Alan Morrissey joined by Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney and Doonbeg resident Jennie Drysdale. Photo (c) Eddylandzaat via Wikipedia

The Climate Change Advisory Council has today called for the Government to start actively considering the feasibility of relocating families affected by coastal erosion. They are pushing for new legislation to provide funds and a plan for how to implement a “managed retreat”.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Lisa McDonald, a Fianna Fáil Councillor from Rosslare in Wexford and coastal protection campaigner.

Opposition parties have called on the government to back motions which call for Ireland vs Israel to be cancelled.It was reported on Monday that the game could be moved out of the Aviva Stadium and into a neutral venue, however the FAI said the board is still meeting to “discuss the operational aspects” of the fixture.Duncan Smith TD, Labour spokesperson for foreign affairs, and Senator Alison Comyn of Fianna Fáil speak to The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Professor Peter Thorne, member of the Climate Change Advisory Council joins the panel of Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford - Westmeath and Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon - Galway and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire.

Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford - Westmeath and Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon - Galway and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire.

Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford - Westmeath and Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon - Galway and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire.

Today's panel consists of Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford - Westmeath and Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon - Galway and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire.

Tá imní léirithe aige go bhfuil cúrsaí tráchta i nGaillimh ag cur bac ar eagraíochtaí ar nós Údarás na Gaeltachta, comhlachtaí a mhealladh le lonnú i gConamara.

Yesterday, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance, and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris was asked about Michael Healy-Rae. In April, the Kerry Independent TD resigned as a junior minister following the fuel protests; he also voted no confidence in the government. On Tuesday’s Kerry Today, he told Jerry that he’d been effectively forced into this position; he said his brother fellow TD Danny had dragged him overboard when he, Danny, had called on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs to topple the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in April. Jerry got the views of Fine Gael councillor Teddy O’Sullivan Casey.

A row has erupted over continued exports of alumina from the Aughinish refinery on the Shannon Estuary to Russia, with the Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland expressing what it describes as "serious concern" about the trade. The controversy centres on claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned plant in County Limerick could ultimately be ending up in supply chains linked to Russia's military-industrial complex. The company insists it is fully compliant with all EU sanctions and trade regulations, while the Government has launched an investigation and says it is awaiting the findings before any decisions are made. The issue raises difficult questions about sanctions, European energy and industrial security, Ireland's support for Ukraine, and the future of one of the country's most significant manufacturing employers. To discuss the political and European dimensions of the story, Alan Morrissey was joined by Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, Donnacha Ó'Beacháin, and Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South. Image (c) Liam Burke via Irish Times

Pat joins Hugh after interviewing Fianna Fáil's Darragh O'Brien about major issues related to his twin ministries, Transport and Climate, Energy and the Environment. They listen back to the interview and discuss what O'Brien had to say about a new scrappage scheme to encourage the purchase of EVs, Ireland's certain failure to hit its legally-binding emissions targets in 2030 and the financial cost to the state of that failure.They also discuss data centres and the future of Fianna Fail's leadership after a disappointing showing in the recent byelections.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Hogan, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Pembroke, reacts to a 21 year old man being stabbed to death on Clarendon Street in Dublin.

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has confirmed he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving last week while travelling to Dublin Airport in the early morning. For the latest on this Anton was joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.

Reporter, Laura Whelan outlines the details of the arrest of Fianna Fáil TD, Malcolm Byrne, on suspicion of drink driving.

Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Defence Donnchadh O'Laoghaire.

"Suitable locations" in Shannon are to be assessed with a view to providing additional parking. It follows a call from Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman for more parking in older parts of the town where no new spaces have been created since the developments were built. Shannon Municipal District says it'll look at areas where this is possible but says it will be "subject to funding". Councillor O'Gorman says the original planning of certain developments didn't allow for the ownership of multiple vehicles within a household.

What do Sinn Fein stand for? What do they believe? And do the other left wing parties believe they believe it?On Free State Joe and Dion look at the state of Sinn Fein following the recent by-elections. Does it tell us something about the scrutiny Sinn Fein are under that there is more analysis of them than of Fianna Fáil which got a comically low vote?Dion and Joe disagree about what Sinn Féin's intentions are when they talk about immigration. Joe also responds to the Jim McGuinness developments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ has been in the news again lately thanks to renewed controversy over payments to presenters. So it is a timely moment for the release of a new book on the institution. RTÉ: Saints, Scholars, and Scandals is the latest work by former TD, minister and journalist Shane Ross, who brings his dual experience of media and politics to bear on this unwieldy subject.He talks to Hugh about the deep roots of RTÉ's structural problems, Fianna Fáil's dominance of RTÉ throughout its history (exemplified by Gay Byrne's cozy relationship with Charles Haughey) and the damaging recent scandals over payments and governance.He tells Hugh the frustration politicians feel over negative coverage is the reason cash-strapped RTÉ has not enjoyed a licence fee increase since 2008.Ross also talks about how illness (he is recovering from throat cancer) derailed the book for a few years.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James O'Connor, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Mark Wall, Labour TD for Kildare South and Ciara O Loughlin Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror.

James O'Connor, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Mark Wall, Labour TD for Kildare South and Ciara O Loughlin Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror.

Tonight's panel is made up of James O'Connor, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Mark Wall, Labour TD for Kildare South and Ciara O Loughlin Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror.

Several schools across Carlow have had to close today after alleged threats were sent to them, with Gardaí now assessing the communications.Joining Andrea to discuss more and share their own experience is Laoise Murray, Journalist with the Carlow Nationalist, Simon Lewis, Principal and host of the ‘If I were the Minister for Education' podcast, Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness and listeners.

Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD and housing spokesperson discuss the costs of emergency accommodation. They also debate what lies behind the increasing costs and whether current Government plans will end long terms homelessness by 2030.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The Dáil will welcome two new TD's today after a busy weekend of by-elections saw Fine Gael and the Social Democrats come out on top. To discuss what this means for the future of Sinn Féin And Fianna Fáil, Derrick Lynch was joined by Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan and Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

Well, the by-election is all over, and on this morning's Gift Grub, Ian delved into the results, from Gerry Hutch's loss to the poor performance for Fianna Fáíl. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh to talk about the results of the Dublin Central and Galway West byelections: As the day began Fine Gael were confident that their man, Senator Sean Kyne, would win the seat. That confidence wavered a little as Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas picked up significant transfers throughout the morning. In the end it wasn't enough and Fine Gael leader Tanaiste Simon Harris was celebrating a rare byelection win for a party in power. But is he right to call it “a victory for centrist politics”? Independent Ireland can be encouraged by Noel Thomas's performance in Galway West. Fine Gael and Social Democrats are the winners on this occasion. But can they turn these victories into long-term success? There was evidence of “vote left, transfer left” behaviour in Galway. But many of Sinn Féin's voters gave their second preferences to Independent Ireland rather than Labour or Social Democrats. Fianna Fáil were the other big losers in this campaign. But how much do these byelections, both won by strong local candidates, really tell us about the strength of the party nationwide?Should the counting of votes take so long? Hugh and Pat think not, but Harry McGee dissents. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A picture is emerging in the byelection counts. Hugh is joined by Pat Leahy, Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss what we have learned so far:On the basis of the numbers available on Saturday afternoon, Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis and Fine Gael senator Sean Kyne look well placed to take seats in Dublin Central and Galway West respectively. But transfers could still shift result in Galway West where Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas is polling strongly.The anti-establishment vote in Dublin Central has grown significantly with strong showings from both Gerry Hutch and Malachy Steenson.Sinn Féin's apparent failure to top the poll in either constituency is a bad result for the leader of the opposition Mary Lou McDonald.The results are even worse for Fianna Fáil, with its showing in Dublin Central, once a party stronghold, likely to be of particular concern to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics. ­ A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust. ­ A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum. ­ Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday. ­ As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael's Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind. ­ So, what does it all mean? ­ Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast. ­ Mary Lou McDonald says there's no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch? ­ Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end? And are the Greens back in business? ­ It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Chuir sé ceist Dála faoi iascaireacht mangach in uiscí na hÉireann an tseachtain seo caite.

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

Cynthia NÍ Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP with Renew Europe Group and, Nial Ring, Independent Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, discuss comments made by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, on immigration.

In the week of Fianna Fail's centenary Hugh and Pat are joined by reporter and historian Ronan McGreevy to trace the party's origins and assess its legacy. Ronan explains how in 1926, with frustration growing at Sinn Féin's ineffectiveness, Éamon de Valera and allies such as Seán Lemass formed Fianna Fáil, rapidly building hundreds of cumainn. He looks at how the party first entered the Dáil, helped create a two-party system and ultimately won power. The discussion also covers the party's catch-all pragmatism, recent history of compromise with Fine Gael, and its mixed legacy of ties to corruption along with a commitment to democracy and state institutions.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.