Podcasts about Fine Gael

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

With Budget 2026 on the horizon, TD John Clendennen outlines the findings from Fine Gael's Backing Business survey—and what's needed to ease pressure on Ireland's SMEs. Mullingar's Ray Carolan shares his journey from building Lakeland Kayaks to helping businesses thrive online through WebFizz. Rosanna Irwin of Samsú reveals how LEO's Grow Digital Voucher helped her transform burnout into a streamlined, screen-free retreat brand. And Joe Wynne brings the latest on K Buggy Coaches' recruitment drive and training partnership with Wynne's School of Motoring.

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

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin go head-to-head in the first major TV debate of the presidential election. In this special edition of The Tonight Show, the three candidates outline their visions for Ireland's future, challenge each other's policies, and set the tone for the campaign ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/277epztj Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Presidential Election: three candidates on the Atlantic path. Toghchán Uachtaránachta: triúr iarrthóirí ar shlí an Atlantaigh. The three candidates in the Presidential election are canvassing in Co. Donegal and Co. Kerry today. Ta an triúr iarrthóirí sa toghchán Uachtaránachta ag canbhasáil i gCo Dhún na nGall agus i gCo Chiarraí inniu. Left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly will be in Donegal town, Killybegs, Clifden and Ardara. Iarrthóir na heite clé Catherine Connolly, beidh sí i mbaile Dhún na nGall, sna Cealla Beaga, sa Chlochán Liath agus in Ard an Rátha. Since Sinn Féin is supporting Catherine Connolly, that party's finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty from Gaoth Dobhair, is canvassing alongside her today. Ó tá Sinn Féin ag tacú le Catherine Connolly, tá urlabhraí airgeadais an pháirtí sin, Pearse Doherty as Gaoth Dobhair, ag canbhasáil in éindí léi inniu. Kerry is home to both Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin. I gCiarraí atá iarrthóir Fhine Gael Heather Humphreys agus iarrthóir Fhianna Fáil Jim Gavin araon. They may run into each other as they are both due to go to the Listowel Races this afternoon. D'fhéadfadh sé go gcasfaí ar a chéile iad ó tá an bheirt acu le dul chuig Rásaí Lios Tuathail tráthnóna. The two were interviewed from various locations on Radio Kerry this morning. Cuireadh an bheirt faoi agallamh ó áiteanna éagsúla ar Radio Kerry ar maidin. Jim Gavin is in Tralee, where he will be giving a tour of the Tralee Bay Wetland Ecopark. Tá Jim Gavin i dTrá Lí, áit a dtabharfaidh sé sciuird ar Éiceapháirc Bhogach Bhá Thrá Lí. Heather Humphreys went on a short cart ride in Killarney, she is due to be in Muckross House soon and will also visit the Tralee Women's Hut. Chuaigh Heather Humphreys ar thuras gairid i gcairt i gCill Airne, tá sí le bheith i dTeach Mhucrois ar ball agus tabharfaidh sí cuairt freisin ar Bhothán Ban Thrá Lí. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

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

That's right folks. Leo Varadkar — neoliberal prince of darkness, lover of packed lunches, and all-round messy bitch — has written a memoir. Helen and Matt read it so you (and Glen) don't have to. And you really, really don't have to. Listen in for all the goss on Leo's very normal childhood, the tough decisions he had to make in office, and his unabashed hatred and suspicion of all poor people! Truly a relatable masterpiece written by a regular, down to earth fellow. Not a damning indictment of the soul-sucking neoliberal mind virus at all! Support the show

Jerry asked the minister of state at the Department of Agriculture if there’s an inherent contradiction in his attempts to get Maria Steen on the ballot paper for next month’s presidential election while championing the Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.

Mountshannon Harbour was a hive of activity on Friday afternoon as local elected representatives assembled to mark the official opening of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience. Despite opening its doors to the public during the summer, the new tourism centre had its official opening on Friday the 19th of September 2025. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was present at the event and spoke to local Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke about the day's significance.

Friday Forum look back on the new stories of the week. Joining Pat live from The Townhall Theatre in Westport was Keira Keogh TD, Fine Gael, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Sinn Féin and Michael Duffy, Editor, Mayo News.Our show today live from Westport was with thanks to Destination Westport.

Cian McCormack, Reporter, speaks to Tipperary Fine Gael Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan about Tipperary County Council's nomination of businessman, Gareth Sheridan for presidential candidate.

Fine Gael councillor in the Kenmare Municipal District, Teddy O’Sullivan Casey, speaks to Jerry about another crash at Loo Bridge yesterday evening. He says he has repeatedly called for safety measures to be introduced at the junction of the N22 Killarney-Cork Road and the R569 to Kilgarvin and Kenmare. There have been several collisions at that location in recent years.

Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar has released his autobiography ‘Speaking My Mind'.He joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss his career in politics and why he resigned in March 2024, the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland, and receiving threats to his home while in office.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

The Presidential Election will take place on the 24th of October, when we will go to the polls to vote for Michael D. Higgins' successor in Áras an Uachtaráin. There are three names in the race to become President of Ireland so far: Former All-Ireland winning manager and player with Dublin, Jim Gavin, who is Fianna Fáil's candidate, Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, and former Cabinet minister and Fine Gael's presidential candidate Heather Humphreys. Alan Morrissey was joined on Mondays Morning Focus by Heather Humphreys for more. Photo (c) House of Oireachtas

With many hopefuls making presentations to local authorities around the country, in the hope of securing a nomination, and to ultimately make it on to the ballot paper. For the latest Sarah is joined by reporter Barry Lenihan, Independent Councillor Aisling Moran, of Laois County Council and Fine Gael councillor, Liam Callaghan.

If you want to find a confirmed presidential candidate, head to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly. In attendance are the three confirmed candidates: Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, and Independent Catherine Connolly. RTÉ Political Correspondent Paul Cunningham joined us to examine the candidates' strategies.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald from the Castleisland Municipal District is on the party’s Ard Chomhairle. Independent candidates who want to contest the Presidential election will need the support of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. Fine Gael has told its county councillors to block the local authority pathway for independents. Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald says no such diktat has been issued by Fianna Fáil to its councillors.

Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O’Brien, spoke to Jerry about the behaviour of some drivers of e-bikes and e-scooters. Fine Gael councillor Angie Baily raised the issue at this week’s meeting of Tralee Municipal District.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys. He asked her if she thinks she will be impacted by the fact that MEP Sean Kelly who’d hoped to get the Fine Gael nomination is from Kerry, and that there’s a feeling that he was treated badly by the Fine Gael leadership.

Mícheal Lehane, Political Correspondent, reacts to Tánaiste Simon Harris' earlier interview and the issues that lie ahead for the party, as they commence their think-in today in Mullingar.

Both parties' TDs gathered yesterday to discuss their main priorities ahead of the start of the new Dáil term on the 17th of September. Fine Gael is meeting in Mullingar, where budget priorities and the strategy for the Presidential election will be up for discussion. Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris arrives to his party's meeting under the cloud of a further threat against his family - with his home having been thoroughly searched by gardaí. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has come together in Dun Laoghaire. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has as described it as the final chance for her parliamentary party to have a say on their Presidential plans, although she has ruled herself out of the race for the Áras. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD and Donna McGettigan, Shannon Sinn Féin TD. ©Oireachtas.ie

Tánaiste Simon Harris spoke with Newstalk Breakfast this morning on how he is dealing with threats towards his family. It comes after three bomb threats were made to the Fine Gael leader's home over the weekend…Despite the ongoing threats towards his family, Harris is still showing up to work and is “trying his best to get on with his job”.Is this harassment and abuse completely out of line, or are public figures always at risk of threats?Joining Andrea to discuss is Martin Kenny Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson & TD for Sligo/Leitrim, Mick Clifford Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with The Irish Sun,Journalist Aoife Grace Moore, Social Media Content Creator Charlene Murphy and Fine Gael TD Barry Ward.

Tá ordú tugtha ag Fine Gael do Chomhairleoirí an Pháirtí ar na húdaráis áitiúla ar fud na tíre gan ainmniúchán a thabhairt d'aon duine de na hiarrthóirí neamhspleácha i dtoghchán na huachtaránachta.

Mícheal Lehane, Political Correspondent, discusses the parliamentary party meetings for Sinn Féin and Fine Gael which are taking place this week. Kevin Cunningham of Ireland Thinks assesses the current state of the presidential race.

This afternoon, Kerry County Councillors are due to hear from at least 12 potential candidates seeking their backing to run in the Presidential election today. One of those is Presidential candidate Gareth Sheridan, who spoke to Jerry about why he believes it’s important Independents go forward. Potential candidates need the support of four local authorities to get on the ballot paper. Wexford County Council is also holding a similar process today. Jerry spoke to Kerry County Councillors Michael Foley of Fine Gael, Labour’s Marie Moloney, and Breandán Fitzgerald of Fianna Fáil.

Gardaí are investigating claims there was a bomb at the family home of Tánaiste Simon Harris yesterday afternoon, resulting in a large security operation. This is the third threat made against the Fine Gael leader in just over a week. Ciaran Cannon, Former Fine Gael TD joined Jonathan Healy on the show this morning.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley 9am-10am Relief locally as Fine Gael councillors instructed to block nomination of independents   Good Friday Agreement could have reference to ECHR removed – according to Reform UK's Nigel Farage   We hear about how Galwegians can access healthcare in Northern Ireland  10am-11am Tributes paid as retired Galway Bay fm journalist Ken Kelly passes away after a short illness   Commercial Bus Operators Call for Full Inclusion in New Free Travel Scheme for Children Under 9   Galway Hospice to Host Palliative Care Conference  11am-12pm Galway Great - Jarlath McDonagh   Sports review 

Inné ghlac Fine Gael leis gurbh í Heather Humphreys an t-iar Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí a bheidh siad a chur chun cinn don toghchán. Iarrthóir an-láidir a deir ceannaire FG sa Seanad.

Heather Humphreys, former cabinet minister, opens up about her presidential run as the Fine Gael candidate.

Former Minister Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as the sole nominee for Fine Gael to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, which is set to take place on October 24th.Heather spoke to Shane in her first interview since announcing her Presidency election bid.

Ivan Yates, Former Fine Gael Minister and co-host of podcast Path to Power, discusses the Presidential Campaign as Fine Gael nominations close.

Paul Cunningham, Poltical Correspondent, discusses the current state of the Presidential race.

Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly from Kilcummin has withdrawn from the contest to become the Fine Gael presidential candidate.

Fine Gael councillor Teddy O'Sullivan Casey is a school caretaker. He supports the industrial action taken by school secretaries and his fellow caretakers.

Minister of State and independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has been clear in his support for the front runner to win the Fine Gael nomination to contest the presidency, former minister Heather Humphreys. MEP Seán Kelly from Kilcummin who’s also hoping to be selected by Fine Gael has criticised Michael Healy-Rae. What’s the view of the other independent TD for Kerry, Michael’s brother Danny Healy-Rae?

Despite all the talk over the summer, the names that came and went, the speculation and supposition – there is still only one name confirmed for the presidential race.Catherine Connolly, who launched her candidacy early with the support of Labour, the Soc Dems and others will be on the ballot paper.She will be joined by other presidential hopefuls – that much is certain – but who?Today in The Irish Times Pat Leahy reports that Fianna Fáil may have found its candidate. On today's podcast political correspondent Ellen Coyne looks at GAA legend Jim Gavin's potential candidacy, why Fine Gael picked Heather Humphreys over Sean Kelly, and whether the independents pushing for a place on the ballot have a real shot.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland South MEP for Fine Gael, Sean Kelly, from Kilcummin spoke to Jerry about his bid to win Fine Gael’s nomination to run for the presidency. He gave his views on the Fine Gael's parliamentary party's seemingly overwhelming support for Heather Humphreys who is also vying for the party’s nomination. Jerry also asked him about Minister of State and independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae who has endorsed Ms Humphreys.

Yesterday parents and guardians of Brandon children attending secondary school in Castlegregory received an email from Bus Éireann informing them that there wouldn’t be a school bus to take them to school this Wednesday. Bus Éireann said a bus contractor had been sourced but that it could take two to three weeks before a bus could operate. Jerry spoke to Sylvia whose son was starting secondary school today and whose daughter is returning to school tomorrow. He also spoke to Fine Gael councillor Tommy Griffin. Bus Éireann later sent in a statement to the show. It said Bus Éireann has sourced cover at present and the route is operational again, and that all families have been notified.

Harry McGee and Ellen Coyne look back on the week in politics:· The presidential race is the only show in town with Fine Gael recovering remarkably well from the news last week that Mairead McGuinness was dropping out for health reasons. Within days of that bombshell, Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly emerged as rivals for the party candidacy, but Humphreys' momentum and popularity across party lines makes her a strong favourite to win the race for the nomination. · And while Fine Gael can count three legitimate potential candidates, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is playing his cards close to his chest with Fianna Fáil yet to put anyone forward. Perhaps former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will eventually get the nod? · Will Sinn Féin throw their support behind Catherine Connolly in the absence of an obvious candidate in their own ranks? Mary Lou McDonald aside of course. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Walking the Boyne Valley Camino, and Rose of Tralee winner Katelyn Cummins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darragh O'Brien, the energy minister, has told An Coimisiúin Pléanala that Ireland no longer bans importing fracked gas after the planning board sought his advice on the Shannon LNG case. Jerry got the views of the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley who has been an ardent supporter of the liquefied natural gas project on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank.

Jerry spoke to Minister of State Michael Hely-Rae about his public backing for Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys’ presidential bid.

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, announces his decision to seek the Fine Gael nomination to run for President of Ireland.

John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail, discusses the Presidential race & Fine Gael's next move

Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Fine Gael TD for Limerick County and Noel McCarthy, Fine Gael TD for Cork East

Fionnan Sheahan, Irish Independent, discusses the merits of Heather Humphreys becoming Fine Gael's candidate for President.

The surprise withdrawal from the presidential election race of Fine Gael candidate Mairead McGuinness on health grounds has introduced even more uncertainty to an already unpredictable contest. On today's podcast Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh to assess the state of the campaign. Who will Fine Gael choose to replace McGuinness on their ticket? When will Fianna Fáil nominate a candidate? Would Dr Tony Holohan's Covid record be an asset or a liability if he decided to run? Could McGuinness's withdrawal carry downsides for independent candidate Catherine Connolly? And who exactly is Gareth Sheridan? The panel also pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including an emotional preview of Oasis at Croke Park, a review of the pro golfers appearing in Happy Gilmore 2 and a dispatch from a small Welsh town that hit the jackpot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporter, Juliette Gash has the latest on the Presidential Election, as Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness withdraws. Gerard Howlin, former government advisor and political commentator, analyses the current state of the Presidential Election after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness.