Podcasts about Fine Gael

Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right thing in taking on Paschal's old job? Will Gerry Hutch run in the by-election, and what are his chances of winning? Ireland-U.S. relations: What should our government's approach be in the face of Trump's aggression?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.

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· As Paschal Donohoe departs for pastures new at the World Bank, will his absence weaken Government? And does Simon Harris possess the right skillset for the role of Minister for Finance? It might not matter if the qualified doctors who have run the Department of Health are anything to go by. · Paschal leaving has led to a Cabinet reshuffle with Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee becoming the first woman to serve as the Minister responsible for both foreign affairs and defence. She will inherit many issues in need of urgent attention, not least the progression of the Occupied Territories Bill. · And the Oireachtas transport committee was told on Wednesday that Dublin's planned MetroLink will need about 8,000 workers for its construction. Speaking to RTÉ radio, transportation expert Brian Caulfield suggested that “something like an Olympic village” would be necessary to house workers on the project. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Emerson Newton on how the Left are agitating for a border poll when conditions are far from ideal, and Diarmaid Ferriter on why authenticity matters more than spin in politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A look back on the new stories of the week on the Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Bay South, Senator Laura Harmon, Spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Disability, Labour, Cork South-Central, Cork City South West and Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin TD for Mayo.

Philomena MulvennaPhilomena Mulvenna died in the early hours of last Friday morning. I have known Philomena and her husband Paddy for most of my adult life. Paddy and she were 72 years married and they had 7 children. Mrs Mulvenna protested with other women against military occupation and for decades on behalf of the political prisoners especially the Armagh women and the blanket men. The song sings unfairly, of the boys of Ballymurphy but all of us know that without the women of Ballymurphy, the struggle would have not succeeded as it has in this Republican heartland. Like working class Republican women throughout the North, these mothers and grandmothers, sisters and wives were unbreakable, indomitable and resilient.Brendan MurphyI was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brendan. I had the pleasure of knowing him for decades, although I haven't seen him in ages.Martin CollinsMartin Collins would not have been well known on this side of the Irish Sea. But in London he was central to many of the Irish organisations and campaigns, as well as the solidarity movements like Troops Out. Martin campaigned for decades against British injustice in Ireland. It was through this work that I often met him in London.Solidarity with the Palestinian PeopleTo mark International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People there will be an event in Ionad Eileen Howell/St. Comgall's in Belfast on 29 November at 11am. This will involve a conversation between myself and Seanadoir Chris Andrews who recently participated in the Global Freedom Flotilla to Gaza.A Passport office for the NorthThe consistent refusal by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to establish a passport office in the North flies in the face of the very clear demand for such a service. Year after year the numbers of people in the North applying for an Irish passport has grown substantially. Last year over 128,000 people living in the six counties applied for an Irish passport.

Pléadh ábhair a bhaineann le nuacht agus cúrsaí reatha inné le Coimisiún na Meán, agus ag an Roinn Cultúir, Cumarsáide agus Spóirt, ag cruinniú de choiste na Meán i dtithe an Oireachtais.

Another political giant departs Fine Gael... is this becoming a thing? Ivan Yates debates politicians over his influential pronouncements, all is not well at Peter McVerry's, Dáil rows and more from the political week in Leinster House.

Bebhinn Lombard of UCC Young Fine Gael explains to PJ that they cannot register with the college and all the other main parties are and whatever the reason it needs to be sorted for democracy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paschal Donohoe's departure for the world bank may leave a significant leadership gap in Fine Gael, so does Simon Harris now have to watch his back? and will Gerry the Monk Hutch run in the by-election in Dublin Central? All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of the Let me Explain Podcast.

After 14 years in Dáil Éireann and a decade in ministerial office, Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe today announced his resignation. He leaves to take up a senior role at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.Why did Paschal Donohoe decide to go now, and where is he going?How important and consequential was Donohoe, as a politician and a minister? And just how prudent was 'Prudent Paschal'?Where does the move leave Fine Gael and the Government?They also look at the 'mini-reshuffle' precipitated by Donohoe's departure, including Tánaiste Simon Harris's move to take over in the Department of Finance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paschal Donohoe is gone and Fine Gael now faces its most precarious reshuffle in years. With a by-election looming and Sinn Féin circling, we ask: who takes control and who loses everything? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities in Ardee, Carrickmacross, Drumconrath and Lanarkshire in Scotland have been devastated following a car crash which claimed the lives of five young people this weekend. Speaking to Pat on the tragedy was Mgr Shane McCaughey, Parish Priest, Carrickmacross and Paula Butterly TD, Fine Gael, Louth.

Parking metres continue to be a bone of contention here in Galway city and with City Councillors, as a legal settlement has been reached between the city council and the private company who were operating the machines in and around the city centre. Fine Gael councillor Frank Fahy has hit out at the fact that we don't know what the settlement was and he also wants clarity on how the parking situation can be improved upon in the future, as we are currently left in limbo. He joined me on the programme earlier on this week to highlight his concerns. The issue of road safety in Kinvara was brought into focus again this week as a number of schoolchildren protested from Seamount College, the National School and the creche. They marched through the village on Thursday at 12 noon, calling for safe crossings along the busy stretch of the N67. Currently, there is no traffic management plan for the village and there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings for the children. With many children exiting out of buses, they are having to cross the road at peak times. ​Our reporter, Saoirse Duhan was out there and spoke to a number of the children who were part of the demonstration and our reporter, David Nevin, also spoke to the Principal of Seamount College. The Government published their new housing plan this week, and it got a mixed response. ​Government spokespeople say that there are ambitious targets and that there have been a number of changes which will improve the lot of first-time buyers, developers, and builders looking to ramp up construction and infrastructure projects in the country. ​The Opposition have said that a lot of announcements in this plan have already been published in previous documents from previous governments, and they've added that it lacks the ambition and the mechanisms to allow us to ramp up the speed of our housing targets. ​We discussed this on the programme with Minister Seán Canney and also with Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell. Don't forget the best of Galway Talks comes out every Saturday and Sunday morning between 7:00 and 8:00. Join us again on Monday morning for Galway Talks and after 11:00 Our Galway Great is none other than the Westside native and former Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper, David Forde.

Catherine Connolly Inauguration, Party leadership criticised for focus on ‘parachuting in' famous names .Fine Gael spin doctors got €1,000 ‘gifts' for election campaign volunteer work .Housing plan aims to deliver 90,000 ‘starter homes' over five years Government has pledged overall delivery of more than 300,000 new homes by end of 2030.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent and Host of Let me Explain Podcast.

It's claimed the need for the construction of a new hospital is the 'general consensus' of the Midwest's elected representatives. It follows a meeting, oranised by Fine Gael, regarding Midwest healthcare which was the second of its kind since the publication of HIQA's review into emergency capacity in the region. Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan, says members of the opposition attended the meeting to put forward the viewpoint that all three of the health watchdog's recommendations be implemented. She says they were reassured the region's elected representatives are all pulling in the same direction.

Over 150 motorists avoided penalty points last year by making a charity donation. This is according to figures from the Courts Service. That is despite a 2014 High Court ruling saying this approach is inappropriate and circumvents legislation. Pat discusses this further with Michael Murphy TD, Chair, Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tipperary South, Fine Gael and also Susan Gray, Founder and Chairperson, Parc Road Safety Group.

Our Friday Forum looks back on the news stories of the week! Joining Pat today was Joe Neville TD, Kildare North, Fine Gael, Gary Gannon TD, Spokesperson for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Dublin Central, Social Democrats and also Tabitha Monahan, Political Reporter, Irish Independent and Presenter of the Indo Daily Podcast.

Ivan Yates, once the golden boy of Fine Gael, now finds himself in the eye of a media storm. Has his failure to declare political work put him, and the Coalition, in an awkward position? ­ Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Former Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and former Mayor of Tralee, retired Fine Gael councillor Jim Finucane has died at the age of 68. Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris, Minister Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District Norma Moriarty, Cathaoirleach of Castleisland Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District Bobby O’Connell, Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Deputy Michael Cahill and former TD John Brassil paid tribute to him. Mr Finucane’s death was sudden. Just over two weeks ago, he was appointed honorary consul of Ukraine for the south-west region.

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

Ministers have agreed to reduce the amount of time Ukrainians can stay in state accommodation from 90 days to 30 days. The decision comes as a deportation flight left for Georgia last night. To discuss all this and more Pat was joined by Craig Huges, Political Editor, Irish Daily Mail and alsoColm Brophy TD, Minister of State for Migration, Fine Gael.

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.

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

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.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan of Fine Gael spoke to Jerry about his party’s dismal performance in the Presidential election.

Though the presidential election is over, government parties are still feeling the fallout of their loss. With Fianna Fáil attempting to quell a confidence motion against Micheál Martin, and Seán Kelly accusing Fine Gael of ‘shafting' him, what's next for the government after this defeat? Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of Let me Explain Podcast, joined Pat to discuss.

Sean Kelly, Fine Gael's Ireland South MEP, had wanted to run for the presidency but withdrew due to lack of support. He reacts to the Fine Gael campaign and performance.

Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Times, assesses the political landscape following the Presidential result.

Fiana Fáil are not the only party with questions to answer after election defeat. Joining Barry Lenihan to discuss the state of the party is Brian Brennan, TD for Wicklow-Wexford

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.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an cúigiú lá is fiche de mhí Dheireadh Fómhair. Is mise Barra Mac Giolla Aoláin.Bhí seacht déag duine le cur os comhair cúirte Déardaoin tar éis dhá oíche foréigin ag ionad lóistín Citywest i mBaile Átha Cliath. Gabhadh 24 duine san iomlán, cúigear ógánach ina measc, le linn na n-eachtraí, nuair a caitheadh diúracáin agus tinte ealaíne ar na gardaí. Gortaíodh triúr gardaí, agus tugadh beirt acu chuig an ospidéal. Bhí breis is trí chéad garda ar dualgas, lena n-áirítear aonad ord poiblí, marcaigh, agus tacaíocht ón aer. Bhí an gunna uisce ar fáil ach níor úsáideadh é. Scaoileadh na cúigear ógánach faoi Chlár Athstiúrtha Óige an Gharda Síochána, agus scaoileadh beirt fhear eile gan chúiseamh. Dúirt an Taoiseach Micheál Martin go raibh na hionsaithe “gránna agus brúidiúil”, agus go mbeidh freagra láidir ón gcóras ceartais. Thosaigh na hagóidí Dé Luain, tar éis d'fhear teacht os comhair cúirte maidir le líomhain faoi ionsaí gnéis. Tá imscrúdú leanúnach ar siúl ag na gardaí le daoine eile a aithint.Tharla eachtra stairiúil sa Séipéal Sistíneach an tseachtain seo, nuair a rinne Rí Séarlas III agus an Pápa Leo XIV urnaí le chéile – an chéad uair ó aimsir Anraí VIII a ndeachaigh monarc Briotanach agus Pápa Caitliceach i gcomh-urnú. Bhí Banríon Camilla i láthair, ina suí taobh leis an Rí gar don altóir. Dúirt cléir Anglacánach gur “leigheas ar an stair” a bhí sa nóiméad seo, agus gur comhartha é ar an chaidreamh níos dlúithe idir an dá eaglais. Bhronn an Pápa teideal “Bráthair Ríoga” ar an Rí ag Basilica Naomh Pól, agus mar mhalairt thug an Rí onóracha Briotanacha don Phápa, lena n-áirítear Cros Mór Ord Bath. Tharla an cruinniú seo le linn Bhliain Iubhaile na gCaitliceach, agus feictear é mar chéim mhór eile i dtreo cairdeas idir an Eaglais Chaitliceach agus an Comaoineach Anglacánach.Tá deireadh le tréimhse Mhichíl D. Ó hUiginn mar Uachtarán na hÉireann. Bhí sé ina Uachtarán ar feadh ceithre bliana déag agus tá an-mheas ag an phobal air fós. Bhí beirt iarrthóirí ag seasamh sa toghchán uachtaránachta, a tharla inné: Catherine Connolly, polaiteoir neamhspleách a bhfuil tacaíocht aici ó pháirtithe ar an eite chlé, agus Heather Humphreys, iarAire Rialtais a bhí ag rith don pháirtí Fine Gael. D'éirigh Jim Gavin as an rás tar éis scannal faoi chíos neamhíoctha.  De réir na bpobalbhreitheanna, is í Catherine Connolly a rachaidh go hÁras an Uachtaráin, ach tá súil le torthaí an toghcháin anocht. Beidh téarma seacht mbliana ag an bhuaiteoir. Is í an tUachtarán an ceann stáit agus cosnaíonn sí Bunreacht na hÉireann. Bíonn an tUachtarán ag labhairt leis an náisiún agus ag glacadh páirt in imeachtaí móra náisiúnta. *Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAISClár Athstiúrtha Óige - Youth Diversion Programmemarcaigh - horse-ridersurnaí - prayeran Comaoineach Anglacánach - the Anglican Communionneamhspleách - independentBunreacht na hÉireann - the Constitution of Ireland

It's official - Catherine Connolly is Ireland's next President. The signs were there for weeks, but nobody thought the Fine Gael collapse would be this brutal. Is it a protest vote? A power shift? Or the first cracks in Ireland's old political order? Host: Fionnan Sheahan, Guests: Tabitha Monahan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

John and Sarah break down the two biggest stories of the week, discussing all aspects of the Citywest sexual assault and subsequent riots, and then examining the myriad ways that Fine Gael managed to blow the Presidential Election.

John and Sarah break down the two biggest stories of the week, discussing all aspects of the Citywest sexual assault and subsequent riots, and then examining the myriad ways that Fine Gael managed to blow the Presidential Election.00:00 Introduction to Current Events in Ireland03:25 The Disturbing Incident in Citywest12:08 Failures of TUSLA and Child Protection18:02 Cultural Context of Immigration and Crime26:16 Political Reactions and Media Coverage35:38 The Presidential Election Dynamics58:21 Predictions and Final Thoughts on the Election

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.  

We get the latest and reaction after another night of unrest in Citywest. Speaking to Pat this morning was our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Chairperson, Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council and Simon Harris, An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister for Defence, Fine Gael.

On Friday, the country goes to the polls to choose who will become the 10th president of Ireland. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys joined The Last Word for an interview ahead of Friday's vote. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

As the presidential election campaign draws to a close, the two remaining candidates - Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly - are making their final appeals to potential voters.Louise Burne, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Professor Gary Murphy, from the School of Law and Government in DCU, and Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, joined The Last Word to assess why this race has struggled to get off the ground and whether anything can change in the last days of the campaign.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh to talk about the all the latest from the presidential election campaign. There is one topic dominating the campaign today, or two related topics: Catherine Connolly's record as a barrister who worked on behalf of financial institutions in the aftermath of the property crash, and Fine Gael's negative campaigning around that record. A video posted by Fine Gael to social media and an interview Humphreys gave to a Sunday newspaper drew attention to the issue but also drew a huge negative reaction, from Connolly supporters but also from those who believe Connolly should be above such criticism due to how barristers are assigned cases. Ellen assesses Fine Gael's tactics. Who is their video really aimed at: voters or journalists? Meanwhile Pat has been speaking to members of the Bar to find out whether Connolly has any case to answer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Yesterday evening, Fine Gael posted a video on its X account where it questions Catherine Connolly's previous career as a Barrister. Titled ‘Catherine Connolly's hypocrisy', the video shows some of Connolly's Dáil dealings when working on housing and the banks in a legal capacity.Many in opposition have criticised this type of video and type of politics…Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Louse Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and later to give his reaction, Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire.

In 2012, while swimming in the Galapagos Islands, Delphine Kelly suffered an aortic aneurysm and drowned.On Free State today, Julia Kelly talks about her extraordinary memoir Still which is a conversation to her mother, built around the cold and austere language of the post mortem.She talks about her troubled relationship with her father the Fine Gael politician John Kelly who died when she was 21 and how to repair relationships after death.Julia explains too how, during the book's most difficult stage, she used microdosing to sharpen her focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago, Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys shocked many with her decision to retire from political life. Now she is looking to become Ireland's next president. Today we tackled some of her controversial decisions as a minister in government. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Heather Humphreys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

It began as a charity event that brought together some well-known faces, including a government minister. That same fundraiser is now part of a garda inquiry into how it was organised and where the money raised went. Heather Humphreys has revealed she was the minister in question. Although the Fine Gael presidential candidate is not accused of wrongdoing, the controversy risks casting a shadow over her campaign for the Áras. Host: Tessa Fleming    Guest: Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Humphreys, the Presidential candidate for Fine Gael, speaks to Rachel in a one-on-one interview.

As independent candidate Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys enter the final nine days of the campaign, Jack Horgan Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to launch our daily podcast coverage.A motion of no confidence in Simon Harris over controversies in Children's Health Ireland and waiting times for scoliosis surgery was itself a presidential election event. Meanwhile Heather Humphreys has been on the campaign trail in Monaghan, with Ellen following her. It's safe ground for the former Cavan-Monaghan TD. But is she spending too much time on home turf? Jack and Ellen compare the Humphreys and Connolly campaigns. Connolly has led in the latest polls, but who has the momentum? The Humphreys campaign is seeking the support of disenchanted centre-left voters, with help from ex-Greens Brian Leddin and Pauline O'Reilly, who this week said they regret their former party's support for Connolly. The two-horse race means intense focus on the nature of the two candidates. Could that mean the result will be more divisive than presidential elections past? 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.