Podcasts about Fine Gael

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.

Concerns are being raised as to why the majority of Ministers of State have no legal powers over five months since the general election. The Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent coalition contains 23 Junior Ministers. Reporter Barry Lenihan has more.

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.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley about Friends of the Irish Environment’s legal action to quash An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant Shannon LNG planning permission for a power plant on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank.

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.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 8ú lá de mí Bealtaine, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1971 bhí dochtúirí ag iarradh saol cailín a shábháil tar éis a loisceadh í agus dhá uair dhiúltaigh lena tuismitheoirí aistriú fola a dhéanamh. I 1987 d'fhan an polaisaí pá don rialtas I rith comhréiteach den ESB agus d'fhan sé faoin ráta boilscithe timpeall 3.4%. I 1998 tháinig an nuacht amach go raibh an Coláiste Traenáil I Teampall Mór ag fáil níos mó ná 2 milliúin punt chun níos mó áiseanna a bheith acu agus go mbeadh níos mó daoine ábalta a bheith ann sa todhchaí. I 2012 in ainneoin na agóid de Tom Moylan ó Fhine Gael, ritheadh an rún chun carrchlós Tyone a thabhairt chuig an HSE. Sin Starship le Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1987. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1976 fuair ABBA a tríú huimhir a haon sa Bhreatain lena amhrán Fernando agus bhí sé an t-amhrán a dhíol den chuid is mó don bhanna cheoil le níos mó ná 10 milliúin chóip. Chum Benny agus Bjorn an t-amhrán. Níor tháinig ABBA amach leis an amhrán ar dtús ach tháinig Anni ón bhanna cheoil amach leis an amhrán ar dtús ar a albam I 1975. I 1993 fuair Aerosmith uimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena albam Get A Grip agus shroich siad uimhir 2 sa Bhreatain. Dhíol siad níos mó ná 20 milliúin cóip den albam timpeall an domhain agus bhuaigh siad dhá Grammy. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh David Attenborough sa Bhreatain I 1926 agus rugadh amhránaí Enrique Iglesias sa Spáinn ar an lá seo I 1975 agus seo chuid de a 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 8th of May, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1971: doctors were trying to save the life of a badly burned 15 year old girl and were twice refused by the girls parents to add minister blood transfusions. 1987: The governments overall pay policy remained intact through settlement of the ESB dispute at fractionally below the current 3.4 per cent inflation rate. 1998 - THE Garda Training College in Templemore is set for a £2 million infrastructural boost with the additional classroom facilities and other accommodation and will cater for further recruits to the force in the coming years.  2012 - DESPITE the protests of Fine Gael's Tom Moylan, Nenagh, Town Council passed a motion to sell Tyone car park to the Health Service Executive (HSE).  That was Starship with Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now – the biggest song on this day in 1987. Onto music news on this day In 1976 ABBA scored their third UK No.1 single with Fernando, the song went on to become ABBA's biggest selling single, with sales over 10 million. Composed by Benny and Björn the song carried the working title of ‘Tango'. ‘Fernando' was not originally released as an ABBA song but as a solo single by band member Anni – featured on her 1975 solo album 1993 Aerosmith entered the US album chart at No.1 with 'Get A Grip', a No.2 hit in the UK. The album went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide as well as winning the band two Grammy awards. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – presenter David Attenborough was born in the UK in 1926 and singer Enrique Iglesias was born in Spain on this day in 1975 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael councillor Tommy Griffin about the plan for the town

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.

The extent of flooding that occurred in Listowel last November is unlikely to happen again for another 150 years. That’s according to MWP Ireland engineering consultants who were commissioned by Kerry County Council to investigate the flood which hit parts of Listowel and the surrounding area on November 23rd last year. The consultants recommend an early warning system be installed as a short-term mitigation. Jerry spoke to Radio Kerry news editor Treasa Murphy who read the report and he got the reaction of Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly from Listowel.

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee of Fine Gael is in Killarney for the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) conference which is taking place in the Europe Hotel. JMB represents voluntary secondary schools. Jerry asked her about current issues in education. He also asked her the decision by NAMA chief Brendan McDonagh from Killorglin who no longer wishes to be considered for the role of CEO of the Government's new Housing Activation Office, the so-called housing tsar role. The opposition has been critical of reports that had he taken up the position, he would still retain his NAMA salary of around €430,000

Brendan McDonagh has dropped out of the running for housing czar, after Fine Gael sought to block his appointment at a special Cabinet meeting. Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald gives her reaction to Shane on the show this morning.

We look back on the week's news including Donald Trump passing the 100 day mark, a row over a housing tsar and a seven day work week for the HSE. All to discuss with Hildegarde Naughton TD, Fine Gael, Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability, Galway West Rory Hearne TD, Social Democrats, Spokesperson for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dublin North-West andCraig Hughes, Political Editor, Irish Daily Mail.

Brendan McDonagh has dropped out of the running for housing czar, after Fine Gael sought to block his appointment at a special Cabinet meeting. Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald gives her reaction to Shane on the show this morning.

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly, who is from Kilcummin, is still considering whether he’ll seek a nomination to run for the Presidency for Fine Gael. He spoke to Treasa Murphy about if he’s any closer to making a decision:

Plans have been unveiled for a winter sports arena in South Dublin. The proposed €190 million development in Cherrywood will include two Olympic-sized ice rinks; a 5,000-seat indoor arena and a training centre.Joining Andrea to discuss is Raymond Hegarty, Chair of Seamrog Ice Skating Club, Cllr Jim O'Leary from Fine Gael and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as well as listeners.

We take a look back on the stories of the week on our Friday Forum. Joining Pat this morning in studio was Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Fine Gael, Dublin Mid West, Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit, Dublin South West and also Jane Matthews, Political Correspondent, The Journal.

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has strongly shut down suggestions that the Government is seeking to introduce water charges and has hit-out at ‘disingenuous' social media comments relating to water charges from Shannon Sinn Fein TD, Donna McGettigan. A Sinn Féin Bill on Water Services was debated in the Dáil earlier and was defeated following a vote. On social media in recent days, Deputy McGettigan accused Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents of allowing water charges to be introduced following the vote. However, Deputy Crowe has hit out at the accusation. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, and Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan.

Author and historian Pádraig Ó Ruairc joins the show to discuss his new book, Burn Them Out: A History of Fascism and the Far Right in Ireland. We discuss Ireland's complicated political situation post war of independence, the rise of the Blueshirts and their leader Eoin O'Duffy, how FIne Gael reckons (or doesn't reckon) with its fascist origins and much more! Buy Pádraig's book from your local independent bookshop or buy directly from the publisher here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/burn-them-out-9781035915279/ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/12rulesforwhat

Just over a year after Fine Gael installed Simon Harris as its leader… the party has suffered its worst opinion poll in 30 years. To look at what might be behind this slump, we are joined by the former government advisor, Irish Times Columnist and Public Affairs Consultant, Gerard Howlin.

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.

Today’s Irish Times/ Ipsos B&A opinion poll shows Fine Gael with 16% support – the lowest recorded by an Irish Times poll since 1994. Jerry spoke to North Kerry Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley.

Fine Gael has nominated Aoife Kennelly to be opted onto Kerry County Council and replace her father, Senator Mike Kennelly, on the local authority.

The podcasters turn away from the heavy news agenda of tariffs and economic upheaval to examine a lighter, more enjoyable but still important topic: the 2025 Irish presidential election. What makes a good president? What makes a good presidential candidate? And who are the candidates in the running at this late stage? From big party nominees like Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness to left unity candidates like Senator Frances Black and celebrity candidates like Conor McGregor, the list is long. Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh for the first of many episodes dedicated to the presidency this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A politician in a neighbouring county has hit out at the "painstakingly slow" progress of Clare infrastructural projects. It follows concerns raised over blockages to housing development in Cooraclare, Broadford and Kilkishen. New wastewater systems for Cooraclare and Broadford were approved in December 2023, but no ground has been broken to date, while in Kilkishen plans for a 61 unit housing estate have been rejected twice due to sewerage deficiencies. Addressing the Housing Minister, Fine Gael's Seanad Housing Spokesperson Senator PJ Murphy says communities here are extremely frustrated.

Donald Trump last night announced a raft of new tariffs as part of his ‘Liberation Day'. Among those tariffs announced were 10% worldwide tariffs and 20% on the EU. We ask how how will companies change in response to tariffs. All to discus with Founder, Clonakilty Whiskey Michael Scully along with Mairead McGuiness, Fine Gael, former Vice President of the European Parliament and EU Commissioner.

Almost one year since taking over as Taoiseach, Simon Harris is now two months into his new role as Tánaiste, along with two ministerial portfolios in Foreign Affairs & Trade and Defence. Both portfolios have not been quiet in his first two months and neither has domestic politics. Simon Harris, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister for Defence and Leader of Fine Gael, joined Pat Kenny on the show.

The Dáil had to be suspended yesterday as the row over speaking rights to independent TDs, who support the government but want designated time to question the coalition, rages on. Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae is one of the independents who now qualify for this speaking time as it was passed in the Dáil yesterday. 0pposition parties say it’s wrong to allocate opposition speaking time to TDs who support the government. The new speaking time allocation will also allow backbench Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael deputies question the government. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said this was stroke politics and would not allow the government to be held to account. The Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the opposition was completely disproportionate in their response over what he said was an additional eight minutes of speaking time on two days in the Dail. The image that went viral from yesterday’s chaos was Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry of the Rural Independent Group – who was at the heart of the deal that independents made with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael - giving a two-finger gesture to Paul Murphy of People Before Profit. Jerry spoke to Deputy Danny Healy-Rae and Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill. Jerry also spoke to Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland editor with the Irish Independent.

Rudy joins Oisín Gilmore and David Landy, authors of Fragments of Victory Fragments of Victory: The Contemporary Irish Left for a discussion on the unique political history of the Republic of Ireland. We talk about why the country never developed a strong social democratic tradition, the dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the economic turmoil of the Celtic Tiger crash, and Ireland's distinctive response to austerity compared to Southern Europe. We then move to the major social movements—water charges, abortion rights, and housing—highlighting their impact and legacy. The discussion also covers the role of trade unions, the evolution of the Irish left from Labour's decline to the rise of Sinn Féin and Trotskyist parties, and the influence of figures like Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. Finally, the episode reflects on the recent election results and what they mean for the future of Ireland's left-wing politics.

John and Sarah discuss Conor McGregor, Fine Gael's new war on "toxic masculinity", look back on covid five years on, and have a good old fashioned row about the covid vaccines.

John and Sarah discuss Conor McGregor, Fine Gael's new war on "toxic masculinity", look back on covid five years on, and have a good old fashioned row about the covid vaccines.

Kerry Today was the first to reveal yesterday that An Bórd Pleanála has granted planning permission for Shannon LNG to construct a power plant and grid connection on the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank. Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae and Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley welcome the news. Jerry Mac Evilly, who’s head of policy with Friends of the Eartb, is disappointed by the decision.

Could Seán Kelly be preparing to succeed Michael D Higgins in the Áras? The Fine Gael Ireland South MEP is considering whether to launch his bid to be president of Ireland in November's presidential election. The Kerry native has previously been President of the GAA, as well as leader Fine Gael in the European Parliament. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sean Kelly.

Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly was elected to the Seanad last month. He discusses flood relief for Listowel and plans by Fine Gael to replace him on Kerry County Council.

Cabinet has approved the development of a state-led LNG facility, as yet unknown where, while the removal of the policy statement on the importation of fracked gas now opens the door to separate commercial LNG facilities. One such proposed facility has been on the cards for North Kerry for around 20 years. Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley, who has long-called for a facility on the Tarbert-Ballylongford landbank spoke to Jerry. Cllr Foley also spoke on the burning of the Tarbert bird hide.

Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour Party // Neale Richmond, Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora // Jackie King, Executive Director IBEC Global

The Dáil has been told that a 92-year-old Clare woman has been without mobile reception or landline connectivity for almost five weeks following Storm Éowyn. Fine Gael's Joe Cooney has used his maiden speech in Leinster House to call for "less talk and more action" when it comes to futureproofing against extreme weather events. The Bodyke TD has proposed reviewing setback distances between trees and power lines, fast-tracking felling licenses for landowners, better resourcing the forestry service and allowing telecom companies to cut down trees when landowners fail to do so. Addressing Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Micheal Healy-Rae, Deputy Cooney says people in rural Clare can't be left stranded.

A Clare TD claims Fine Gael leadership has serious questions to answer over its handling of incidents involving Clare Senator Martin Conway. Sinn Féin has submitted a Dáil motion calling for Tánaiste Simon Harris to clarify the details of a 2020 internal investigation into the Ennistymon Senator concerning alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female staffer. The motion also says that a substantial sum of money was donated to a charity on foot of the outcome and questions Fine Gael's decision to endorse Senator Conway in two subsequent elections. Conway, who is yet to take his seat in Seanad Éireann, resigned from Fine Gael's parliamentary party following his arrest for intoxication in Dublin last month and is now facing a disciplinary process within the party. Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that Fine Gael has the chance to put the issue to bed and prevent misinformation.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Hugh to look back on the week in politics: Sinn Féin announced it would not send representatives to Washington for St Patrick's Day, in protest over the proposed "mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes and the permanent seizure of Palestinian lands". Should the Government provide tax breaks for developers to encourage homebuilding? Within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, there are opposing views. The speaking rights row is not over. Is there a solution? Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times stories of the week. And finally, an announcement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this month, Red Flag Global, an Irish-based strategic communications firm was acquired by New York-based Ankura Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm.The financial details weren't revealed but it is understood that the price tag on the deal was €45 million.Founded in 2013 by Karl Brophy, the company was chaired by Gavin O'Reilly, son of Tony O'Reilly and a former chief executive of Independent News & Media.Karl joins host Ciarán Hancock on this episode of the Inside Business podcast to discuss his career that began as a Fine Gael press officer before stints covering politics for the Daily Mirror and the Irish Examiner.He later went to work as a journalist and editor with INM, including a six-year stint editing an edgy tabloid title in South Africa.In January 2011 he was appointed as Director of Corporate Affairs and Content Development at INM, reporting to Gavin O'Reilly.It was a turbulent period in the history of the company, with a well-publicised battle for control of the business between the O'Reilly family and Denis O'Brien, who became a major shareholder.Karl left INM in October 2012, setting up Red Flag just months later.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last episode of Free State ended with Joe and Dion arguing while guest Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc kept the peace. Today, they continue the conversation about how Ireland deals with the trauma of the wars fought on this island over the past 100 years. What would have become of Michael Collins if he hadn't been killed? Would he have continued to simply be a fine finance minister as some Fine Gael politicians said or would he have taken a turn in another direction? Joe and Dion continue to disagree about how the past is dealt with. They look at the Bandon Valley Massacre and why the truth about these events must be confronted.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan Jones, Political Correspondent, Irish Times

Senator Martin Conway finds himself at the centre of two major controversies. The first, an inappropriate behaviour row, dates back to 2018. The other one happened as recently as last month, when he was arrested on Dublin's O'Connell Street in an “intoxicated state”. Why was this story so complicated to report on? And where does it go from here? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send your thoughts, feelings, opinions and suggestions to 0892096423!Carl Kinsella and I hit possibly our highest level of incredulity yet as we discuss Donald Trump and Netanyahu, Elon Musk's continued assault on the U.S. government, why a recently re-elected senator has resigned from Fine Gael and why it's so difficult to make sense of sentencing.Apologies for going relatively hard on the bad language this week guys, it felt unavoidable.Theme Song: HowDoILook, Pillow Queens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Céard é a thuairim ar na seanadóirí atá ceaptha ag Fine Gael den tréimhse seo?

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports that Fine Gael is to initiate a disciplinary process against Senator Martin Conway, who resigned from the parliamentary party yesterday after confirming that he had been arrested but failed to inform party headquarters.

Partitionism Rules. Simon Harris has said that Irish unity is not a priority for him.  That is self-evident. But for him to say so is at odds with the stated position of most senior Irish politicians including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Their position is one of verbalised adherence to the constitutional objective of unity. In other words, they are verbalised republicans. Rhetorical United Irelanders. Mr Harris doesn't even pay lip service to this. Some may think this clarity from him is good for the unity debate. And they have a point.Simon Harris words reflect the reality of the position of successive governments. Thus far no Irish government has a strategy or a plan for unity. So unity is not only not a priority for Simon Harris. It is clearly not a government priority either.   The truth is he reflects a deep-rooted view within the southern establishment which sees partition as acceptable. For 100 years Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have run the southern state – in their own interests. One led the government. The other led the opposition. And every so often they would walk across the floor of Leinster House, play musical chairs and change places. Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. Now they are Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dum.International support grows for Palestinian StruggleAs the Israeli state's brutal assault on the rights of the Palestinian people continues in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank nine countries came together last Friday at The Hague, in the Netherlands, to inaugurate a new international alliance in support of Palestinians.‘The Hague Group' supports South Africa's genocide case against the Israeli state at the International Court of Justice, and also seeks to maximise international diplomatic and legal action in support of Palestinian national and human rights.OFF LINE.I ordered a pair of jeans on line recently. Why, by the way, do we say a pair of jeans? It's the same with trousers. A pair of trousers is what we say. That means literally two trousers. Or does it?  Maybe it's a generational thing. Do younger people just say jeans? Or trousers? And why is it plural? Maybe because most jeans and trousers have two legs? A pair of them. So maybe that's the answer to my question.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have rejected suggestions that the Coalition leaders have failed when it comes to ensuring gender equality in their ministerial appointments. Six of the 23 ministers of state announced yesterday are women while three of 15 members of Cabinet are women.

Dublin Lacks AmbitionLast week Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, supported by the regional independents, published their Programme for Government 2025. This contains the objectives set by the government parties for the next five years. In my ten years in the Oireachtas as the TD for Louth and East Meath I worked through two such Programmes. First in 2011 and then again in 2016. Neither Programme for Government matched the rhetoric or the commitments contained within them.The Programme for Government 2025 is no different. It is as Pearse Doherty aptly described it “a copy and paste job from five years ago … a tired and stale document that is completely devoid of the ambition and big ideas our people need and deserve.”Presidential VoteA further example of the lack of ambition by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can be found in their refusal to honour the commitment both made in 2020's Programme for Government to hold a referendum on the extension of Presidential voting rights to Irish citizens living in the North and outside the island of Ireland. Solidarity with the people of PalestineAs I write this column the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is less than 24 hours old. Already thousands of displaced Palestinians driven from their homes by Israel's genocidal war are starting to slowly make their way back into Gaza City and northern Gaza. Most carry on their backs the entirety of their possessions. Their very few clothes and personal belongs and for some the tents that will provide them with shelter among the rubble that was once their homes. Some have donkeys to help while a few of the more fortunate have motor vehicles.

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today's Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: · As the process of ratifying the Programme for Government continues, will the wheels of power slow down or will much-needed infrastructure projects get going while climate targets remain a priority? · With Fianna Fáil set to have 8 Cabinet seats and 7 going to Fine Gael with Micheal Martin becoming next Taoiseach, which TDs are being tipped as the most likely for promotion and will outgoing senior ministers stay in Cabinet? · Cormac breaks down some minor controversy around the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann, involving Independent TD Michael Lowry and new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy. · And journalist Ken Foxe's Freedom of Information request shows an email containing questions in advance of Taoiseach Simon Harris's appearance on the 2 Johnnies podcast ahead of the November general election.Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the passing of lauded film-maker David Lynch, Joe Biden's tarnished presidential legacy, and DEI programmes in universities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.