Political party in the Republic of Ireland, one of two leading parties since 1927
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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.
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.
Calls are continuing across Clare for an increase in the amount of Gardai deployed for duty in the county. It follows on from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan visiting here last week, where he heard of safety concerns from local business owners, retailers, and elected representatives. This included in Ennistymon where issues around growing anti-social behaviour problems were raised, along with a recent spate of local car thefts In Ennis, a deputation of town centre retailers and business owners detailed ongoing challenges to Minister O'Callaghan, including persistent anti-social behaviour, the intimidation of customers, and rising retail theft. Meelick Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe is calling for increased Garda personnel for Clare, while Fianna Fail councillor Shane Talty was among those who met with the Minister in Ennistymon last week. To discuss this further, Cathal Crowe and Sahne Talty joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) An Garda Siochana
Joining Brendan to discuss the stories making the papers today were teacher and broadcaster Emer O'Neill; Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with the Sunday Times; Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU and Mary Hanafin, Barrister and former Fianna Fail government minister.
Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP followed by Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fail spokesperson on housing and Rory Hearne, Social Democrats housing spokesperson
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.
As of 10am today, the majority of some 160 people seeking international protection application were due to be moved from the Skellig Star accommodation centre, Cahersiveen today – around 2pm. Treasa spoke to local councillor with Fianna Fail, Norma Moriarty, for the latest update on efforts to keep the residents in Cahersiveen.
Fuel protests may have started at the pumps, but Niall Boylan says the real anger is about the cost of living, a growing disconnect, and people feeling ignored by government.
Niall Boylan asks if the fuel protests have actually changed anything in Ireland, or if we'll be back to “same old, same old” in a few weeks' time.
Niall Boylan breaks down what Varadkar said, why it's struck such a nerve, and whether the financial facts are being used in the wrong context.
Fianna Fail party whip Paul McAuliffe TD discusses a week of unrest and upheaval for Fianna Fail and leader Micheál Martin.
Some Fianna Fail TDs are still calling for an urgent meeting of the party over the Government's handling of last week's fuel protests. It comes after Micheál Martin says he doesn't feel his leadership is under threat. That's despite growing criticism and dissent among three Fianna Fail backbenchers. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with Chair of the Clare branch of Fianna Fáil, Mary Crawford and Meelick TD, Cathal Crowe on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Fianna Fáil
On this morning's show... Johnny Luby will join us in a few moments for his take on the week that was.... Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent Fionnan Sheahan will give us a run down on what's happening in Irish politics... Pat Mullaly and Collette Roche from Fianna Fail will offer their insight on the three youngest TDs shock statement... Noel Madden has some good news! Our psychotherapist Joannes Berkley will be here... And our Friday Panel will unpack the hot topics of the week...
It's been a torrid few days in Fianna Fail, is this building up to a heave against Micheal Martin? Is the government out of touch with daily realities? Minister for Public Spending and Reform Jack Chambers joined Áine in studio.
Joe is joined by Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe to discuss the continued road protests due to the fuel price hikes.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Analysis from Alan Barrett of the ESRI followed by a debate between Lynn Boylan of Sinn Féin and Niall Collins of Fianna Fail
Michael Martin remains as Fianna Fail leader despite continuing disquiet over his handling of Jim Gavin's botched Presidential Election campaign. Drivetime's Barry Lenihan reports.
Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fail, on calls to publish a delayed report on the party's botched presidential campaign.
If you enjoyed part 1 of my chat with Marion McKeown, you're going to LOVE part 2. This time we get stuck into some of the key characters in the crazy story that is the USA today – characters like Robert F Kennedy junior, the anti-vax US health secretary with a worm in his brain; Olivia Nuzzi, the machiavellian journalist that had an affair with RFK Jnr, the late Jeffrey Epstein who is having a major impact on US politics even several years after his death; Pete Hegseth, Howard Lutnick...the list goes on. We also ask some important questions, like really how intelligent is Donald trump ? Did a bullet actually hit his ear in the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania? And did Jeffrey Epstein really take his own life, or was he killed?Marion has been covering US politics and culture for decades – she's been all over the country, attended scores of MAGA rallies, been in the white House press group, and met all the big players.COMEDY - its the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail joint Christmas party! Produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand
Shay Brennan, Fianna Fail spokesperson on Finance and Pearse Doherty, Sinn Fein Finance spokesperson
The community in count Offaly are coming to terms with the deaths of four-year-old, Tadgh Farrell and his grandaunt 60-year-old Mary Holt. Our reporter Barry Gallagher has being talking to people there. We also hear from local Fianna Fail councillor Claire Murray.
PJ talks to Billy about his fear that the party is losing relevance with younger people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More than 55 thousand people have formally registered their objection to being considered organ donors when they die. New laws mean people are automatically considered donors unless they opt out. So far, 55,241 people have chosen to do this. The figures were provided by the HSE to Fianna Fail's Cormac Devlin following a parliamentary question. To go into this in more detail, Alan Morrissey was joined live on the line by Clare representative of the Irish Kidney Association Board of Directors and organ recipient, Sharon Fitzgerald. Image (c) Irish Kidney Association
Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett (Tuesday, 28th October 2025) 9am-10am Election of Catherine Connolly as President: Mayor of Galway City Reaction Mary Coughlan on Catherine Connolly Election The presidential election has thrown up a number of questions for the Government parties. 10am-11am What now for Fianna Fail post Presidential Election Debacle? SPORTS REVIEW with OLLIE TURNER GARDA SLOT with KEVIN FARRELLY 11am-12pm Think Smart Cyber events HELEN MANNION - EVERGREEN
Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Times, assesses the political landscape following the Presidential result.
Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach spoke to Shane this morning on the middle east, the Presidency and his own disappointment at not being the Fianna Fail candidate.
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.
The Taoiseach has been apologising to his party faithful over the handling of the presidential election campaign. Micheál Martin addressed the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party last night, to answer questions over the exit of Jim Gavin from the race on Sunday. The Fianna Fail leader told the meeting he can 'sometimes get things wrong,' adding he was 'devastated' by Jim Gavin's hasty withdrawal. Some within Fianna Fáil are calling for change. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed this issue with FF councillor Alan O'Callaghan and FF councillor Rita McInerney. Photo (c) Fianna Fáil
A Fianna Fail meeting being held tonight is expected to focus on its calamitous Presidential election campaign and the handling of the news that Jim Gavin owed over €3k to an ex-tenant. Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports from the Dáil.
What was Jim Gavin thinking? What was going through his head when he decided he would like to be Fianna Fail's candidate for president.On Free State today Joe talks about the conversations he has had with Jim Gavin and why he was a good man, going for the wrong role with the wrong people. Joe and Dion look at what brought Gavin down and why the campaign was doomed even before the weekend revelations. And Dion reveals the secret of Catherine Connolly's success at keepy uppies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fianna Fail's presidential candidate Jim Gavin's sensational withdrawal from the presidential race has plunged Fianna Fáil into crisis. There's dismay among party backbenchers, anger at Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and uncertainty over what kind of presidential election race we now have. Earlier today, Jack Horgan Jones and Ellen Coyne talked to Hugh Linehan on our sister podcast Inside Politics about the affair. In the News will be back with another regular episode tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Late last night Fianna Fail's candidate for president, Jim Gavin withdrew from the presidential election. It followed reporting in Saturday Irish Independent, that Mr Gavin was overpaid rent to the tune of 3,000euros due to a banking clerical error, which Mr Gavin did not return.Speaking to Pat this morning was Fionnán Sheahan who broke the story this weekend.
Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin has written to social media companies to demand action in response to “smears” posted about him online. To discuss this Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne and Labour's Alan Kelly who are both members of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.
Jerry speaks to the Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy with special responsibility for the Marine, Fianna Fail’s Timmy Dooley. The National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) proposal and the accompanying Public Participation Statement (PPS) were published on Friday. He outlines a strategic plan to develop offshore renewable energy resources off Ireland’s coast.
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.
Day of high political drama has ended with former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin as Fianna Fail's candidate for next month's Presidential Election. Barry Lenihan was in Leinster House for some party reaction to today's vote.
Today on Galway Talks with John Morley: 9am-10am Disgust as hundreds of bottles and cans removed from Galway city canal The new CEO of Galway Simon Community joins us as child homelessness reaches record high Ballymacward woman with dyspraxia speaks about managing her condition 10am-11am Parents in Furbo say progress on safe routes to school doesn't go far enough Caution urged as High Tide Warning in place this week As fundraising continues for a pupil of Tirellan NS who suffered a catastrophic brain bleed in February we speak to his father Fianna Fail cllrs in Loughrea put colours to the mast for the underdog candidate as the nomination process for President is finalised later 11am-12pm Cartoon Fest kicks off today in Galway City and Inis Oirr We hear about a defence forces adventure challenge for silver gaisce award Music Mornings - Finghin Collins joins us live in studio
Heather Humphreys begins her campaign, the joust for the Fianna Fail nomination continues, Sinn Féin accused of dithering by Labour whose leader is standing by Catherine Connolly. All the while independents continue the hunt for a nomination
Jim Gavin is expected to formally announce his intention to seek the Fianna Fail nomination for the Presidential Election over the coming days, with the backing of the Taoiseach. However, some Government ministers are expected to instead vote for MEP Billy Kelleher. Meanwhile, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is also wading in.
Disparate political wings of Catherine Connolly's campaign, Sinn Féin's decision process, intrigue over a Fianna Fail candidate and Heather Humphreys closes on the FG ticket
Former Dublin manager Jim Gavin has been heavily linked to becoming the Fianna Fail candidate for the upcoming race to the Aras. Bertie Ahern, Paschal Donohoe and Davy Fitzgerald all chat to Ian about this breaking political GAA story.
It's been reported that former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin has been courted by Fianna Fail as a possible presidential candidate. Irish editor for The Independent, Fionnan Sheehan, joins Kieran to discuss.
With two months until the Presidential Election, there is still just one candidate (Catherine Connolly) in the field while we await Fine Gael's choice. But what about Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil? We hear from Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne; former deputy head of press for Sinn Fein, Siobhan Fenton; and then analysis from the Irish Times' Harry McGee.
Here's part two of three on Éamon de Valera, released on the day of Collins 103rd anniversary. In this episode we cover Dev's part in the Civil War, the creation of Fianna Fail in the '20s, and his wild political run in the '30s. If you want to hear this episode without ads, or to listen to our related bonus content, you can do so by following this link to Headstuff+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrew Lowth, reporter, hears from Fianna Fáil representatives about what the party should do for the presidential election campaign
Fianna Fail will make a decision on the Presidency by the end of the month, according to the Taoiseach. The party can opt to run its own candidate or support an external person. Independent TD Catherine Connolly and businessman Gareth Sheridan are the only other candidates to officially launch a bid for the Áras, however Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly have announced their intentions to join the race. Sinn Fein has yet to outline its position, but it's understood the party's preference is to run its own candidate. Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he won't be speculating until he meets with party members. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by Ireland South Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, who has announced his intention to join the race. Meanwhile, we heard earlier from the Taoiseach that Fianna Fail will make a decision on the Presidency by the end of the month. This follows calls from the party's MEP, Billy Kelleher, for an urgent meeting to figure out what's going on. He said he had written to the Cathaoirleach asking him to convene a meeting. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Billy Kelleher, Ireland South Fianna Fail MEP.
Radio Kerry journalist Breda Forrest was in South Kerry yesterday for the State commemoration to mark Daniel O’Connell’s 250th birthday. You’ll hear from the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O'Donovan, as well as the actor Declan McCarthy. Breda also spoke to former Minister for Justice and Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue, Kerry County Councillor Dan McCarthy and Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher. Breda also spoke to Cathoirleach of Seanad Eireann, Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly who commented about the protest at the event organised by South Kerry Friends of Palestine, and you will also hear the Catholic Bishop of Kerry Dr Ray Browne.
After lengthy government formation talks and a chaotic first week in the Dáil, the new Government is finally settling into it's first few weeks of a new term. There's a whole host of new faces in Leinster House, including 10 new women TDs. We wanted to hear what life is like for three of those women, so we've invited Labour's Marie Sherlock, Fianna Fail's Erin McGreehan and Social Democrats' Jen Cummins to tell us their first impressions of the Dáil, their background in politics and what issues they'll be focusing on in their term.But first, Irish Times reporter Niamh Towey is here to discuss some of the stories making the headlines this week including the results of a new survey which found an “alarming” incidence of rooms being advertised in exchange for sex, the decision to grant planning permission to rebuild Creeslough service station and the long fight for justice for murdered backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.Email for International Women's Day live event entries: thewomenspodcast@irishtimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever heard of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins? The Big Fellow? His heroic contributions to the fight for Irish Independence, while ignored/overlooked/misunderstood for many years, are beginning to get noticed and appreciated again. While short, what a life he led! WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Bw8hfxfUf9oFor Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com