Podcasts about 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.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With the presidential election over, the fallout has begun. Government parties are counting the cost of defeat, with Fianna Fáil facing renewed internal unrest and whispers of a no-confidence motion against Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Seán Kelly has accused his party of “shafting” him, deepening the coalition's woes.Plus, Stripe co-founder John Collison says Ireland is “stuck” - caught in a web of agencies and red tape that's stalling progress on housing and infrastructure. The panel debates: is he right, and have our leaders lost sight of the basics of running a country?

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.

Sarah Carey reflected on the election of Catherine Connolly as President and the fallout for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Andrew Milne, PRO of St Margaret's Celtic Supporters Club and editor of the club fanzine "More Than 90 Minutes", offered his thoughts on the sudden departure of manager Brendan Rodgers. Dr Sarah Cleary the Queen of Halloween told us that October 31st is her Christmas! With hurricane Melissa about to roar, Emeritus Professor John Sweeney is bound for COP30 in Brazil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.

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.

Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so many people didn't vote, and why Micheál Martin's Jim Gavin disaster may prove fatal for his leadership. Also, Matt's idea for a new way to appoint the president, which Ivan derides.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/2baut57r Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Presidential candidates lobbying in various locations. Iarrthóirí Uachtaránachta ag stocaireacht in áiteanna éagsúla. The two candidates in the Presidential election are campaigning in different regions of the country today – half and half in Leach-Quinn and half in Leach- Mogha – with only two days left before the big day itself. Tá an bheirt iarrthóirí sa toghchán Uachtaránachta ag stocaireacht i réigiúin éagsúla sa tír inniu – idir Leath Chuinn agus Leath Mhogha leath ar leath – agus gan ach dhá lá fanta roimh an lá mór féin. Among those in Munster is Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys, between Cork and Co Clare. I measc na ndaoine i gCúige Mumhan atá iarrthóir Fhine Gael Heather Humphreys, idir Corcaigh agus Co an Chláir. She was first in Cork city this morning, then in Ballycastle, and from there she will go to Enniscray. I gcathair Chorcaí a bhí sí ar dtús ar maidin, i mBaile Mhisteála ina dhiaidh sin, agus rachaidh sí as sin go hInis an Chláir. Left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly is in Ulster, going out through the people in Co. Monaghan and Co. Cavan. Is in Ultaibh atá iarrthóir na heite clé Catherine Connolly agus í ag dul amach trí na daoine i gCo Mhuineacháin agus i gCo an Chabháin. She will visit Athlone in County Westmeath this afternoon and Mullingar afterwards. Tabharfaidh sí sciuird ar Bhaile Átha Luain i gCo na hIarmhí tráthnóna agus ar an Muileann gCearr ina dhiaidh sin. The pair clashed in the final election debate which aired on RTÉ television last night. Chuaigh an dís in árach a chéile i ndíospóireacht dheireanach an toghcháin a bhí ar siúl ar theilifís RTÉ aréir. Heather Humphreys was the most controversial of them all during the debate, and if the polls are true, she is far behind Catherine Connolly. Ba í Heather Humphreys ba spairní díobh le linn na díospóireachta arae, más fíor do na pobalbhreitheanna, tá sí i bhfad chun deiridh ar Catherine Connolly. According to political analysts, then, while it cannot be said that neither of them was without a sense of urgency, neither of them was without a sense of urgency. Dar leis na hanailísithe polaitíochta, más ea, cé nach bhféadfadí a rá nár bhain béim chreabhair do cheachtar acu nár buaileadh an bhrathbhéim ar cheachtar acu. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

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!

Consultant Tony O'Brien reflected on the Presidential PR debacle the campaign has been for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Kevin McCann's family orchards between Tullyallen and Slane are yielding bumper crops of Gala apples. Dr Kate McCann advised of preparing well for good health in late autumn and early winter. While Fr Paddy Rushe is looking for support for essential works at his ancient churches in Monasterboice parish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With just days to go before voters head to the polls, our panel analyses The Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick, dissecting Heather Humphreys' performance and presidential vision. Plus, controversy over a Fine Gael attack ad targeting Catherine Connolly - a legitimate challenge or a sign of campaign panic?

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.

Ivan as a footnote to presidential history, why Catherine Connolly is about to win and how heavily Heather Humphreys might lose. The likely fallout in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and whether Sinn Féin has missed a trick. Paul Murphy's legal action assessed. And how the result of the election may reflect societal division and provoke real change.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ 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.

John and Sarah ask: Is Judge Martin Nolan unfairly maligned or justly criticised? Also, Independent Ireland backs Simon Harris; The Deposit Return Scheme humiliates voters; and Fine Gael flounders towards humiliation.

We began this week by exploring the chaos which had been unleased in Tuam, as nearly 100 families have been impacted by the foreclosure of the Happily Ever After creche.  The childcare facility cannot continue to function as the owner's, Tuam Parish, have been hit with a bill of over 1 million euro if they decide to proceed with renovations of the building.  A lot of families have been left in the lurch, and do not know where to turn as there are no places available in any of the crèches in the Tuam hinterland or further afield.  It's may result in job losses and hard decisions for families who are scrambling to find alternative arrangements with family or further afield.  I went out to Tuam last Saturday and spoke to a number of the families affected by this, as well as the Minister locally, Seán Canney. What is pyschosis and is there stigma surrounding the condition? We explored this subject in an open and honest way with Renmore man Conor Gavin. "You're not a psychopath, you just experienced an episode of pyschosis"  At just 16, Conor experienced his first psychotic episode and now, he's the Co-Ordinator of Ireland's new Psychosis Research Centre and founder of the Psychosis Arts Collective.  Drawing on his lived experience, he is using his voice to drive change, challenge stigma, and show that recovery from psychosis is possible. He spoke to Galway Talks about the advice the psychiatrist gave him after his first episode.   It was a big week in the presidential election campaign as polling approaches on the 24th of October.  Both candidates were on the programme with us this week.  We started by interviewing independent candidate Catherine Connolly, discussing a number of issues from the campaign and some of key local issues here in Galway, including the likes of the mother and baby homes scandal the ring road in Galway and a question from one of our T.Y media week students.  We also spoke to the Fine Gael candidate and former minister, Heather Humphreys, asking questions on repeating the seal on the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, her offices and more.  Make sure to exercise your democratic rights and get to the polling booth on Friday next. Also make sure to tune into our next Community Matters series programme in Mervue from the Credit Union.

John and Sarah ask: Is Judge Martin Nolan unfairly maligned or justly criticised? Also, Independent Ireland backs Simon Harris; The Deposit Return Scheme humiliates voters; and Fine Gael flounders towards humiliation.00:00 Overview of Current Events in Politics02:42 The Motion of Confidence in Simon Harris11:15 The Deposit Return Scheme Controversy20:14 Discussion on the Gender Recognition Act29:22 Donald Trump's Recent Peace Deal30:52 Judicial Sentencing and Child Abuse Cases41:35 Presidential Election Predictions

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.

Henry's Front Bench is back! Henry McKean meets the Presidential election candidates on a park bench and tries to get to know them behind the politics.Today, Henry meets Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys, and sends in this report…

Sinn Féin councillor Tom Barry spoke to Jerry about anti-social behaviour and the use of fireworks in North Kerry. Jerry also spoke to Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly about the ongoing issue.

Concerns are being raised around the suitability of both Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly for the office of President at a time when both camps claim they're gaining momentum. For the latest Barry Lenihan.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this explosive Echo Chamber Podcast, Prison Office Whistleblower, Noel McGree, talks about his eviction into homelessness following his proven and legally tested accusations of mass fraud and misogyny in the Irish Prison Service. Noel talks candidly about his devastating experiences and of how he has been failed by many including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and current Fine Gael presidential election candidate, Heather Humphreys. This is an interview that I'm very sad to say was necessary, but that you do not want to miss. The Willa White podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141104503 The 'Smear the Bejaysus' podcast is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-141038145

Voting day in the Presidential election is less than two weeks away, and polls so far have indicated a lead for Independent Catherine Connolly. With Jim Gavin's drop out, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys still trails in the polls, but how much can we take from these polls, and much change is likely before election day?Guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Politics Lecturer at TUD and Founder of Ireland Thinks, Kevin Cunningham, to discuss.

Sinéad Gibney Dublin Rathdown TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport; and Defence, Pat Leahy, Political Editor, Irish Times and Barry Ward - Dún Laoghaire TD, Fine Gael. All joined Pat this morning to look back on the news stories of the week.

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. 

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

Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael candidate in the Presidential election

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

Speaking to Drivetime about the response from the local community, Cllr Rachel Kerley of Fine Gael and Deputy Ruairí O'Murchu of Sinn Féin

A Clare senator claims people with disabilities still aren't living lives "equal to those of their peers". Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway has called for debate on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030, which was launched by the Government this month. It's his second contribution in Seanad Éireann since resigning from the Fine Gael parliamentary party in February of this year. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Conway says any new strategy must ensure people with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need.

The Fine Gael presidential candidate came into the Killarney studio this morning to speak to Jerry.