Podcasts about Fine Gael

Our Friday Forum looks back on the main new stories of the week. Joining Pat in studio was Grace Boland TD, Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael, Lynn Boylan MEP, Dublin, Sinn Féin and Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with The Sunday Times.

It's part two of our summer Ask Me Anything, with the panel tackling questions sent to politicspodcast@irishtimes.com by listeners. Hugh, Pat, Jack, Ellen and Cormac address topics from disapora voting rights to the lack of representation of migrant communities in Dáil Eireann, the meaning of populism and the efficiency of government spending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry spoke to the Kerry independent TD about the incident in Dublin on Sunday when it appeared that a garda pushed him. Jerry also asked him about a recent court case where an employee of Healy-Rae plant hire pleaded guilty to voter fraud and wider issues relating to electoral fraud raised by Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly.

Jerry spoke to Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly of Fine Gael.

As the race for the Presidency heats up, only two candidates have been nominated so far.They are Mairead McGuiness, nominated by Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, who has been nominated by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and 100% Redress, with other independent support.Catherine joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss her candidacy.

While the Presidential Election may not yet be in full swing, the pool of candidates is beginning to fill out.Mairead McGuinness has been nominated by Fine Gael, Catherine Connolly has also announced her intentions, and so has Conor McGregor, obviously.But, what is it really like to run?Joan Freeman is a former Independent Senator and Founder of Pieta House, as well as a former Presidential candidate. She joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

President Michael D Higgins's 14-year term is in its final months with an election to decide his predecessor set to take place before November 11th.After months when a changing list of potential candidates tended towards the fanciful – for a while it seemed that anyone with a public profile was in the frame – now two names have emerged as definite contenders: Independent TD Catherine Connolly and former MEP Mairead McGuinness.Connolly has secured the backing of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and several Independent members, while McGuinness is the Fine Gael nominee.Going by previous presidential elections, it won't be a two-horse race but when will other candidates declare? And do the two women have early-mover advantage?Irish Times political correspondent Ellen Coyne explains.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We take a look back at the main news stories of the week in our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Regina Doherty MEP, Dublin, Fine Gael, Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Roscommon-Galway, Independent Ireland and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 23ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1981 ghortaigh garda tar éis ruathar I mbainc agus scoil siad urchar ag carr a raibh neamh-mharcáilte. I 1991 chuir Fine Gael cheist ar an aire oideachas chun staidéar a dhéanamh ar an fá nach raibh fir ag obair mar mhúinteoirí a thuilleadh. I 1998 chuir siad siar cás d'fhear a rinne 722 glaoch ciapaireachta I dTeampall Mór. Dúradh leis an breitheamh go raibh ionsaí leanúnach de ghlaoch anaithnid ar chúig duine. Dúirt an breitheamh nach raibh aon aiféala ón gcosantóir do na rudaí a rinne sé. I 2000 bhí fear nocht ag rith tríd Durlas I lár na hoíche agus fuair sé fíneáil ó Bhreitheamh Tom O'Donnell. Bhí an fear ag iarradh dul isteach chuig óstán Hayes agus chonaic garda é. Dúirt sé go raibh a lán daoine ag seasamh timpeall air nuair a tháinig an gharda. Sin Take That le Pray – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1993. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 2005 tháinig an nuacht amach go raibh Live Aid 1985 le Queen an cheolchoirm rac is fearr riamh agus rinne 7,000 duine vótáil ar. I 2011 fuair Amy Winehouse bás ina dteach I Londain ag aois 27. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Woody Harrelson I Meiriceá I 1961 agus rugadh aisteoir Daniel Radcliffe sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1989 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 23rd of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1981: Garda wounded after bank raid gang shot a hail of bullets at their unmarked Garda car. 1991: Fine Gael demanded that the minstister for education commission an in depth study on why men are shying away from the teaching profession. 1998 - A man who made 722 nuisance telephone calls had his case adjourned at a sitting of Templemore Court. The Judge was told that the case involved a "sustained" attack of anonymous calls on five people. Judge Mary Martin said she was concerned that the defendant was not showing great remorse for his actions.  2000 - A MAN found naked on the main street of Thurles in the early hours was fined by Judge Tom O'Donnell.  The naked male was spotted by a garda trying to gain entry to Hayes' Hotel in Liberty Square. The court was told that a number of people were standing around when the garda arrived.  That was Take That with Pray – the biggest song on this day in 1993 Onto music news on this day In 2005 Queen's 1985 Live Aid performance was voted the best rock concert ever by over 7,000 UK Sony Ericsson music fans. 2011 Amy Winehouse was found dead at her north London home, she was 27. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Woody Harrelson was born in America in 1961 and actor Daniel Radcliffe was born in the UK on this day in 1989 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

2005 – Twenty Years OnNext Monday one of the most historic and transformative events in the Irish Peace Process took place. Twenty years ago on the 28 July 2005 the IRA issued a statement which ended its decades long armed struggle. In its statement the IRA said: "The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.  All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.”The IRA leadership also said that it had authorised its representative to engage with the IICD (Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) to “complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence.” This was confirmed two months later on the 26 September by the Commission.The IRA initiative opened up opportunities for progress.Peace processes are by their very nature challenging and difficult. They frequently fail. Many of the wars of the 1960s and 70's were a response to the colonial occupation and exploitation of native peoples by colonial powers.  Africa saw many examples of these. Some conflicts went on into the 1980s and 90s. Algeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), Angola, Mozambique, and others, including in Asia the Vietnam War and in the Middle East the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. The South African peace process brought an end to apartheid and witnessed the election of Nelson Mandela as President of that country in 1994. In our own place our peace process brought an end to decades of conflict and heralded processes of change.Today, in a world still bedevilled by wars, the Irish Peace Process is frequently held up internationally as an example of a peace process that is working.  The governments occasionally try to root it in the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985. But the truth is that it started in the 1970s when Republicans began to claim back the word ‘Peace.'A Welcome Electoral ChangeThe decision, announced last week by the British government, that it will be lowering the voting age to those aged 16 and 17, is a welcome move. There is already widespread support for a reduction in the voting age. Last September the Assembly backed a Sinn Féin motion calling for this change. In the South the policy has received widespread cross-party support from Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, The Green Party, The Labour Party, Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and many Independents.The London government is focussed on the 2029 Westminster election but the North will have local government and Assembly elections in 2027. The focus now must be on ensuring that the necessary legislative steps are taken to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds can vote in those elections.Updating the electoral register and ensuring that this new tranche of young voters have suitable identification, will be a big job of work but with political will it can be done. It would also send entirely the wrong message to future voters if the 2027 deadline is missed.Legislating for young people to have the right to vote is the right thing to do. All parties in the North, with the exception of the DUP, support changing the voting rules. Young people should have the right to vote on decisions that impact on their lives, including voting for a united Ireland.Gaels le Cheile In Conversation with Peter CanavanMonday 28th July, 7:30pm - Naomh Eoin CLG Corrigan Park

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 23ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1981 ghortaigh garda tar éis ruathar I mbainc agus scoil siad urchar ag carr a raibh neamh-mharcáilte. I 1991 chuir Fine Gael cheist ar an aire oideachas chun staidéar a dhéanamh ar an fá nach raibh fir ag obair mar mhúinteoirí a thuilleadh. I 1971 tuairiscithe an chéad chás de loitiméireacht thromchúiseach I gCill Chaoi. I 1981 fuair fear ó nDroichead an Chláir a bhí ag tiomaint fíneáil de 20 punt de bharr go raibh sé ag tiomáint go dainséarach chun a bean chéile a raibh tinn a thabhairt abhaile. Sin Take That le Pray – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1993. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 2005 tháinig an nuacht amach go raibh Live Aid 1985 le Queen an cheolchoirm rac is fearr riamh agus rinne 7,000 duine vótáil ar. I 2011 fuair Amy Winehouse bás ina dteach I Londain ag aois 27. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Woody Harrelson I Meiriceá I 1961 agus rugadh aisteoir Daniel Radcliffe sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1989 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 23rd of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1981: Garda wounded after bank raid gang shot a hail of bullets at their unmarked Garda car. 1991: Fine Gael demanded that the minister for education commission an in depth study on why men are shying away from the teaching profession. 1971: The first serious case of vandalism was reported in Kilkee 1981: A Clarecastle motorist was fine £20 because he drove dangerously while rushing to get his sick wife home. That was Take That with Pray – the biggest song on this day in 1993 Onto music news on this day In 2005 Queen's 1985 Live Aid performance was voted the best rock concert ever by over 7,000 UK Sony Ericsson music fans. 2011 Amy Winehouse was found dead at her north London home, she was 27. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Woody Harrelson was born in America in 1961 and actor Daniel Radcliffe was born in the UK on this day in 1989 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Clare's senator has spoken in the Seanad for the first time since his resignation from Fine Gael's Parliamentary Party five months ago. Senator Martin Conway left Fine Gael in February of this year after being arrested in Dublin in January for public intoxication which prompted an ongoing disciplinary process within the party. The Ennistymon native has received over €5,200 in Parliamentary Standard Allowance payments since February according to Oireachtas data despite not having spoken in the Houses of the Oireachtas since November of last year. Senator Conway broke his silence on the second-last day of the Seanad term before the summer recess by addressing the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, on the subject of inclusivity in sport.

Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll shows Sinn Féin on 22 per cent (down four), with Fianna Fáil on 22 per cent (no change) and Fine Gael on 17 per cent (up one). Given just 14% of voters feel Government is successfully tackling the country's problems, do Sinn Féin need to find a new strategy in order to stimulate support? · One of the most notable findings of the poll is the clear growth potential around the Independents (up five) and new conservative parties like Aontú. · The poll also shows that support for the Occupied Territories Bill is softening with voters as just one-fifth of voters (20 per cent) say the Bill should be passed quickly, with a further 14 per cent saying its scope should be expanded and it should be passed quickly. The Bill, which would ban trade in goods with the occupied Palestinian territories, is due before the Dáil in the autumn. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The plans to lower the UK voting age to 16, the Epstein Files present a new crisis for Donald Trump, and can Tipperary triumph in the All-Ireland hurling final against Cork? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tá Mairéad McGuinness dearbhaithe ag Fine Gael le bheith mar iarrthóir an pháirtí do thoghchán na hUachtaránachta. Tráthnóna inné pléadh Bille na gCríoch Gafa ag an gCoiste Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus bhí cuid den phlé sin teasaí.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael’s Neale Richmond who’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora.

Mícheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, reports on Cabinet and the close of nominations for Fine Gael's Presidential candidate.

Nominations are closed for the Fine Gael nomination for President, and unsurprisingly, Mairead McGuinness is on the ticket to run.Who else is looking to run?Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe, joins Kieran with the latest.

Wexford County Council Chair Joe Sullivan cast the deciding vote in a dramatic 13–13 tie to back a motion rejecting Government plans to abolish or amend the Triple Lock on military neutrality. The motion, brought forward by Aontú's Jim Codd, warns of a breach of trust with the Irish people. Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Cllr Darragh McDonald, who opposed the motion, tells us why he believes the Triple Lock needs review.

The government has ruled out any new cost of living supports in the upcoming budget, citing falling inflation and a shift toward infrastructure investment. Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the move in Leaders' Questions, while Tanaiste Simon Harris confirmed one-off measures will be scrapped. But with reduced VAT for hospitality still costing over €700 million annually, has the government prepared for the political fallout?Also on the show: the Tanaiste warns of serious risks from potential US tariffs, and Fine Gael confirms Mairead McGuinness as its presidential candidate.Joining Kieran Cuddihy tonight were Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney, and Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · When Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was asked on Monday if she was ruling herself out of this year's contest to succeed Michael D Higgins, she replied, “we're not ruling anything in or anything out.” But could a tilt at the presidency be a potential career-ender for Mary Lou?· Elsewhere, those ruling themselves firmly in include Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who says she plans to launch her presidential election bid next week. The veteran Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher says he is considering seeking Fianna Fáil nomination to run, but Fine Gael's Seán Kelly has ruled himself out, with Mairead McGuinness now widely expected to seek Áras election.· The Occupied Territories Bill is now undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The big question remains whether the proposed bill will include services along with the prohibition of trade in goods with Israeli companies operating in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The throwaway lyrics of Oasis, the social cohesion of the July 12th bonfires, and when crying in public is the natural thing to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feisire Parlaimint na hEorpa ag caint agus ainmniúcháin á nglacadh anois ag Fine Gael d'iarrthóirí le dul san iomaíocht i dtoghchán na huachtaránachta.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael councillor Bobby O’Connell about his priorities as Cathaoirleach for the next year.

There are calls for more enforcement around the use of illegally modified e-scooters.Fine Gael's Barry Ward told Newstalk that there have been no prosecutions since laws came into effect last year.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with scooter users and those who have seen what can happen when things go wrong.

Fine Gael is the first party to get its official presidential election process underway by opening nominations today, with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness expected to be a strong candidate for that nomination, and MEP Sean Kelly also potentially in the running.Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule herself out of the running today.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe and Independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who is also the Co-Founder of Tig Linn.

Housing Minister James Brown has proposed changes to building guidelines that would allow for smaller, more affordable apartments.Sinn Féin has strongly criticised the move, calling it “utter madness” and accusing Fine Gael of failing to tackle the housing crisis effectively.We want to know, what do you think? Could reducing apartment size be the answer for housing?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eddie Phelan, Chartered Engineer and Managing Director of VCL Consultants in Drogheda, Architect, Artist and Lecturer in Griffith College Roisin Murphy and Ray Cooke, CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The drive to inject some impetus into the Irish presidential race has not yielded anything of note just yet with the starter pistol not expected to sound until Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin nominate their candidates. · The Coalition remains divided over Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless's recent assertion that the student contribution could increase by as much as €1,000 next year for third-level students. · The pause on Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs is almost up – is there a plan in place to keep Ireland's pain to a minimum?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The puffins of Rathlin Island, the digital revolution that didn't turn out as expected, and how the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez destroyed quiet luxury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Ivan on this week's Friday Forum was Maeve O'Connell TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Rathdown, Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin, Galway West, Spokesperson on Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Also Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times.

Plotting the location of every defibrillator on Google Maps could help save lives - according to a Fine Gael senator. Manus Boyle is calling on the HSE to work with the tech company to allow people to search for their nearest A-E-D on its app. Between 2012 and 2023, there were 304 cases of defibrillation by members of the public, with an almost 30 per cent survival rate. Senator Boyle says most people don't know where their nearest defib is. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Carol Murphy, a first aid instructor who's volunteered with Cooraclare GAA club, previously aiming to make training available to clubs throughout West Clare and Tracy Murray, treasurer of Kilmurry Ibrickane Defibrillator Community Group.

Fine Gael's Ray McAdam has been elected as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin. His term will focus on ‘celebrating Dubin' in which he hopes to champion the city's people and potential. Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam spoke with Anton earlier to address his plans for the capital.Listen here.

Joe Mag Raollaigh, Political Coverage Editor, outlines what is due to come before Cabinet as ministers await an update on US-EU tariff talks.

Jerry spoke to Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae. Today's Irish Independent reports that he and other independent ministers are putting pressure on their Government colleagues, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, to abolish the means test for carers.

Plans approved by the government to redevelop the GPO into a mixed use precinct, with retail components, offices, and a post office has received criticism from Sinn Féin. We were joined by Sinn Féin's Louise O'Reilly and Fine Gael's James Geoghegan to discuss the matter.

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: · US President Donald Trump was the main attraction at a landmark Nato summit on Wednesday with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte calling him ‘Daddy' during their press conference. Trump got what he came for with Nato member states agreeing to an increase of 5 per cent of GDP in defence spending. · Over at the EU leaders summit on Thursday, defence spending was also high on the agenda with Ireland backing the EU's €150bn defence plan. The war in Gaza was highlighted too with Taoiseach Micheál Martin unable to comprehend how Europe doesn't seem capable of putting any pressure on Israel to stop it. And with Trump's tariffs pause set to end on July 9th, Ireland and other EU countries will be forgiven for looking at India and China as greater trading partners. · Do policy interventions like reviewing RPZs compensate for the delayed release of the Government's housing plan? The document won't be published until after the summer.· Presidential candidates are still pretty thin on the ground with Fine Gael's Seán Kelly saying he “could do a lot” as president but stopped short of declaring he actually will enter the race. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The endurance test that Irish concert-goers have to go through is worth it, Democratic mayoral primary Zohran Mamdani shocks as New York swelters, and Jaws and its Irish connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keira Keogh TD, Fine Gael, Mayo, Senator Laura Harmon, Labour, Spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Disability, Cork and Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent joined Jonathan in studio today for our Friday Forum.

Last week Fine Gael launched its ‘Building a Better Dublin' party document. But one section has come up for criticism from Dublin Bus the transport section. The first paragraph of the transport section includes the line: “and they can endanger pedestrians.” Joining Pat to discuss is Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus and the author of the document, James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD and Spokesperson for Dublin.

Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley has been elected the new Cathaoirleach – in other words, the new mayor of Kerry County Council. He’ll serve in this role for the next 12 months.

They are appealing to the government to abolish Minimum Unit Pricing and reduce excise duty on alcohol while also reforming Ireland's licensing laws. To discuss this, Dr. Sheila Gilheany, Chief Executive of Alcohol Action Ireland and Jamie Malone, President of Young Fine Gael.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 23ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1978 bhí na mná a bhí ag obair don stát trí chéile de bharr gur dhiúltaigh an rialtas chun an pá a bheith mar an gcéanna leis na fir. I 1989 bhí an cheannaire de na daonlathaí Desmond O Malley chun a bheith mar an bróicéir cumhachta den Dáil nua nuair a dhiúltaigh an Taoiseach an tairiscint a thug Fine Gael. I 1978 dá mbeadh Aerfort na Sionainne chun a sprioc a shroich don deireadh an bhliain, b'éigean dóibh níos mó daoine chun teacht chuig an aerfort, níos mó mar is gnách. I 2000 tháinig Aire Fiontraíocht Phoiblí Mary O Rourke amach mar an nasc deireanach chun gás nádúrtha a thabhairt chuig an chontae. Sin Bryan Adams le Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1995 Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1990 fuair Elton John a chéad uimhir a haon aonair sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Sacrafice/Healing Hands tar éis a fuair sé níos mó ná 50 amhráin ar na cairteacha agus 6 uimhir a haon I Meiriceá. I 2004 fuair Bob Dylan céim oinigh ó Ollscoil St. Andrew's san Albain, agus bhí sé mar dhochtúir de cheoil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Frances McDormand I Meiriceá I 1957 agus rugadh amhránaí Jason Mraz I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1977 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 23rd of June, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1978: the states women workers were up in arms over underhand attempts to deny them the benefits of the equal pay legislation. 1989: progressive democrat leader desmond o malley was poised to become the power broker of the new dail after the taoiseach rejected a fine gael offer. 1978: shannon airport was to come up with all time high records for the remainder of the year if targets set for 1978 are to be reached. 2000: public enterprise minister mary o rourke emerged as the final link in a chain to bring natural gas to clare. That was Bryan Adams with Have You Ever Loved A Woman – the biggest song on this day in 1995 Onto music news on this day In 1990 Elton John had his first UK solo No.1 single with 'Sacrifice / Healing Hands' after achieving over 50 previous UK hits and 6 chart toppers in the US. 2004 Bob Dylan was awarded an honorary degree by the University of St. Andrews Scotland's oldest University and made a "Doctor of Music." And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Frances McDormand was born in America in 1957 and singer Jason Mraz was born in America on this day in 1977 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Fine Gael today launched its vision for Dublin city with the objective of rejuvenating the city. Among the measures proposed is the introduction of a tourist levy of 5% to collect more funding for the city to discuss this James Geoghean, Fine Gael's spokesperson for Dublin & Paul Gallagher, chief executive with the Irish Hotels Federation.

Tá forbairt le déanamh ar chóras Luas Chorcaí, agus ar an mbóthar nua N20/M20 idir Corcaigh agus Luimneach.

Jerry spoke to Ireland South MEP for Fine Gael, Sean Kell, about whether he’s made a decision to seek his party’s presidential nomination.

Scott, a listener from Arisaig, Scotland sets today's first question  - “We have rebranded tourism, to backpacking, walking, cycling, mountaineering and exploring etc, so as to get an authentic experience of a place. Though in getting that authentic experience, often we turn a blind eye and we see places how we want to, not how they really are. In ways that fit our own narrative, maybe overly romantic? Maybe that's why when we revisit a place it often is not as good as we remember it? So those authentic experiences are skewed and informed by our own internal habits and processes. We readily overlook the impacts we are having, behaving like sheep, following the crowd, and going on mass to get these authentic experiences?”Join co-hosts Stuart and William on a wild ride through the contradictory world of travel. Stuart argues that all that backpacking, hiking, and cycling is mere "passing through"—nothing like truly diving into the heart of a culture. He even recounts safari adventures that leave you questioning if you're witnessing nature or a scene from a horror flick (spoiler: those animals aren't just posing for a selfie—they're feasting without mercy!). Meanwhile, William champions the power of local interactions, insisting that true cultural insights come from chatting with the locals, not ticking off tourist landmarks on a map.In each episode, our duo engages in a hilarious tug-of-war: Is travel about immersing yourself in the raw, unpredictable pulse of a foreign land, or merely curating a safe, picture-perfect postcard life? Stuart's anti-tourism stance collides with William's conscious, soul-searching travel vibe, leaving no cliché unchallenged and no tourist untouched. Their final piece of advice? If you're going to be a tourist, do it sustainably—think outside the mass flock and embrace your inner rebel.Strap in for candid debates, laugh-out-loud stories, and a fresh perspective on how travel can either be a genuine adventure or just another scheduled excursion. Tune in, because when authenticity meets absurdity, the conversation is anything but ordinary!What unconventional travel mishap or unexpected local encounter has made you question your holiday choices? Let's keep the conversation going!Oisin, from Cork, Ireland sets the second question  - Oisin's QuestionHistory isn't just written—it's wielded. In this thought-provoking chat, Stuart and William unravel the complexities of Ireland's past and its lingering impact on today. From the historic rivalry between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to the British government's strategic hands-off approach that allowed internal strife to flourish, they explore how political maneuvering has shaped nations.Stuart delves into how famines can be leveraged for social change, citing the Irish famine as a tragic example where suffering became an opportunity—intentional or not. Meanwhile, William sheds light on the erasure of Irish history in British education and asks: What do we conveniently forget, and why? The conversation expands to immigration, drawing parallels between past acceptance of Irish migrants in America and current hostility toward newcomers.Together, they emphasize a vital message: We must acknowledge history without weaponizing it—learning from past injustices without falling into the trap of blame. Tune in for an educational deep dive that challenges perceptions and uncovers the hidden forces shaping societies today.Which overlooked moments in history have shaped the world more than we realize? Let's dig into it!Send us a question to discuss to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.comSign the Petition: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilitiesFundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wowHelp us to spread the podcast. Share this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside

The Minister for Agriculture insists payments will be made to Clare farmers for non-productive investments under the ACRES scheme no later than September. A non-productive investment, or NPI, is a small-scale environmental action like the creation of field margins, wild bird cover or the planting of trees. Speaking in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says some farmers in the likes of the Burren and the Slieve Aughty Mountains are waiting two-and-a-half years for payments. Fine Gael's Martin Heydon says progress is being made.

The director of services for housing and roads at Mayo County Council said such a boycott would help bring vacant properties back into use and help address the housing shortage. Jerry got the views of Kerry County Councillor Tommy Griffin of Fine Gael.

PRESIDENTIAL VOTING RIGHTSIn a historic vote in the Assembly last week its members overwhelmingly passed by 46 votes to 25 - a motion calling on the Irish government to implement the recommendation of the 2013 Constitutional Convention on the Constitution to extend “the right to vote in elections for President of Ireland to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland.” The reality of course is that successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have deliberately refused to implement this recommendation despite having 12 years to do so. DONNACHA RYNNEDonnacha died last week. I had planned to visit him in July. Unfortunately, that will not be. Donnacha loved West Belfast. And West Clare. He loved life. He lived in the nowness. Donnacha remains an inspiration. 

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children's Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman's salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager to make their name a staple for the Dáil committee. · A move towards fiscal caution as Fine Gael's Neale Richmond signals planned tax cuts may have to be abandoned unless a trade deal with the US can be agreed. Will one-off cost-of-living payments be absent from Budget 2026?· The plan to introduce mandatory alcohol warning labels could be reconsidered amid the potential impact of US tariffs on the sector. And a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under 18s won't be a reality until the “necessary evidence-gathering, research and examination of appropriate policy options and stakeholder engagement” is achieved.· Plus, Minister for Housing James Browne backed out of meeting with Dublin Lord Mayor Emma Blain to discuss issues relating to the tenant-in-situ scheme.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· What can Dublin learn from San Francisco's regeneration? Collapsing cottages, dereliction and land hoarding, and should people in Northern Ireland get to vote in Irish presidential elections? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Harris had a difficult general election campaign as Fine Gael leader and has since faced criticism that he has not learned from mistakes in his new roles as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. On today's podcast he tells Jack Horgan-Jones and Hugh Linehan that his style of politics won't change. He also answers questions about policy issues including housing, the Occupied Territories Bill, a proposed levy on streamers like Netflix and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh almost became housing ‘tsar' until Fine Gael blocked his appointment this week. It seems communication between the two main parties was not at its strongest when it came to Fianna Fáil's push to have McDonagh head up the new Housing Activation Office.· Both the Government of the 34th Dáil and Donald Trump reach the milestone of 100 days this week, although it feels like night and day in terms of activity with the Government's executive functions here barely getting off the ground. · But nobody could accuse Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan of inactivity as he has taken that portfolio and ran with it. Building strongly on the work of his predecessor Helen McEntee, could Fianna Fáil be looking at a potential future party leader?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Has the EPP become a cold house for Fine Gael? Recollection of a soirée in Beijing, and Westminster's long memory for its murdered MPs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee analyse the latest Irish Times / Ipsos B&A poll results, which show that Sinn Féin has regained its position as the most popular party in the Republic while Fine Gael has slumped to a record low in the series. The new data also show voters have little enthusiasm for the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Independent Coalition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.