Podcasts about Fine Gael

I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in alliance with business and societal elites, continues to enjoy a place of wealth and privilege and influence. Given that the British state includes a part of Ireland, at least for the time being, this is more than an academic issue for those of us who are captives of this undemocratic system of privilege. I am instinctively against monarchies. Of any kind. Constitutional or otherwise. Monarchies are bad. The late Tony Benn put it well when he said that “the existence of a hereditary monarchy helps to prop up all the privilege and patronage that corrupts our society; that is why the crown is seen as being of such importance to those who run the country - or enjoy the privileges it affords.”Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for UnityAt the end of last year Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast was a huge success. Thousands of Irish speakers, including Uachtarán Catherine Connolly, spent several days enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. In August Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.All of this is evidence of the change that is taking place. I was pleased to attend An Conradh's Ard Fheis. The conference was alive and vibrant with a new generation of young gaeilgeoirí determined to assert their Irishness, proud of their language and determined to stand up for their language and national rights. They were articulate, positive, funny, hopeful and generous. Micheál Martin out of step on UnityLast week, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in an interview with TG4, claimed that there is not much substance behind Sinn Féin's campaign on Unity.  The Fianna Fáil leader, who has consistently rejected any common sense suggestions to prepare for unity, returned to his favourite and bogus argument that we need reconciliation before unity.Martin's comments are out of step with the political reality and popular opinion North and South. He also misses entirely the point that the demand for unity is not simply being put by Sinn Féin. Former leaders of Fine Gael and the SDLP, as well the SDLP leadership, Ireland's Future, the Irish Labour Party, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and others are part of the growing demand for the Irish government to prepare for unity.

Our reporter Barry Gallagher spoke to National Private Hire and Taxi Association spokesperson Jim Waldron and TD who wants to see more taxis available is Fine Gael's Michael Murphy from Tipperary.

In a statment on his website, John Moran said some councillors from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had a deliberate strategy to ensure that his term wasn't successful. John spoke Rachel this afternoon.

In the latest of our interviews with the leaders of parties in the Dáil, we're joined by Simon Harris, Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael.

The Government's approved legislation to change the current rental system is to be debated in the Dail later today. Sinn Fein is accusing Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Independents of “pushing through the Rip-Off Rent Hike Bill” To debate further Anton was joined by Eoin O‘Broin Sinn Fein' Spokesperson on Housing and James Geoghegan Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South.

The Government's approved legislation to change the current rental system is to be debated in the Dail later today. Sinn Fein is accusing Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Independents of “pushing through the Rip-Off Rent Hike Bill” To debate further Anton was joined by Eoin O‘Broin Sinn Fein' Spokesperson on Housing and James Geoghegan Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South.

Former justice minister Alan Shatter said he has been the target of a vicious and antisemitic smear campaign since Social Democrats justice spokesman Gary Gannon put up a social media post that linked him with Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Shatter, who was Fine Gael's justice minister from 2011 to 2014, said he has twice written to Mr Gannon and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns in the last week seeking the withdrawal of false claims that he met Epstein while in office. It is understood Mr Shatter is considering taking defamation action against Dublin Central TD Mr ­Gannon. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns declined to comment on the issue on Sunday. Asked whether Mr Shatter will be receiving an apology from she or Mr Gannon, she told RTÉ's The Week in Politics: "This is potentially a legal matter so I can't comment on this." Mr Gannon was also contacted for comment Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Tabitha Monahan is joined by The Sunday Independent's Mark Tighe, to look at how a misinterpreted document, could now turn into a political and possible legal controversySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 54th Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy set to take place in Miltown Malbay from the 4th to the 12th of July this year, planning is already well underway. A recent meeting at Miltown Malbay Town Hall focused on traffic arrangements for Willie Clancy Week, including possible changes to traffic flow and even the suggestion of extending arrangements over two weeks. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by two councillors who attended that meeting — Fianna Fáil councillor Shane Talty from Ennistymon, and Fine Gael councillor Joe Garrihy from Lisdoonvarna. Image (c) Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy

Tá sé tugtha le fios ag an HSE dó go bhfuil deireadh curtha leis an bpróiseas tairisceana a bhí ar siúl acu chun Ionad Cúram Príomhúil a thógáil sa Spidéal, agus go bhfuil siad anois ag breathnú ar shuíomh eile a cheannach i gceantar an Spidéil.

This week our Friday Forum was Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Fine Gael, Dublin-Rathdown, Conor Sheehan TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Labour, Limerick City and Sinéad O'Carroll, Editor, The Journal.

For decades, voters have flocked to local national schools on polling days. From general and presidential elections to local and European contests, the use of school buildings as polling stations has become routine—much to the delight of pupils and teachers who often enjoy a day off as a result.However, concerns are now being raised in Cork about the disruption caused to early education. The county sheriff is being urged to identify alternative polling venues, as an inordinate number of national schools continue to be used for voting purposes.Andrea was joined by Joel Loftus, Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon, Siobhan O'Neill Whyte from Mams.ie, Fine Gael councillor representing the Carrigaline LEA in Cork and teacher, Una McCarth aswell as listeners to discuss whether schools should still be used as polling stations

With all that happened at Davos and the growing divide between NATO allies, where does this leave Ireland and what's next for EU/US relations? Joining Anton to discuss is Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste, Minister for Enterprise and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael.

Tá fáilte curtha ag an Seanadóir Kyne roimh fhógra an Choimisiúin Pleanála nach mbeidh éisteacht ó bhéal acu don mheasúnú atá ar bun acu i dtaobh an iarratais pleanála do chuarbhóthar na Gaillimhe.

Simon Harris, Minister for Finance and leader of Fine Gael, is currently in LA on a three day trip to discuss Ireland-US ties. He captured it all on socials including chance encounters with Tom Cruise and Michael Douglas plus hanging out with Brendan Gleeson at the Golden Globes.

Councillors in North Cork are calling for legislative changes to tackle litter and illegal dumping, after what they describe as unprecedented dumping levels in the area. Fine Gael councillor for Charleville in Cork, Aileen Browne joined Sean Defoe to discuss.

An issue affecting thousands of women but rarely talked about openly – access to vaginal oestrogen treatments. At Clare County Council's December meeting, Ennis Mayor and Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard brought a motion calling on the Minister for Health to allow vaginal oestrogen gels and creams to be available over the counter, as they are in other countries. The Department of Health has since replied, saying these products remain prescription-only unless manufacturers apply to have them reclassified by the HPRA – something that hasn't happened to date. To discuss why this matters, the impact on women's health, and what needs to change, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, and Dr Máire Finn, Ennis GP and female health specialist.

Friday Forum reviews the news stories of the week. Joining Pat this morning was Regina Doherty MEP, Dublin, Fine Gael, Richard Boyd-Barrett TD, Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit and Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times.

Reporter, Cian McCormack speaks to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backbenchers about the fury over the Mercosur deal.

Joining Dearbhail to parse through the Sunday newspapers are former Fine Gael government minister, Josepha Madigan; Professor of US and International Politics at UCD's Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas; Publisher of TheBriefing.ie, Liz Carolan; and Political Editor with the Irish Times, Pat Leahy.

This evening, GAA-Réabhlóid Shóisialta, airs on TG4 at 7.45pm. Jerry spoke to AnnaMay O’Connor Mullins, producer and co-director of the documentary, and two members from Kerry’s Golden Era, Jimmy Deenihan and Mickey Ned O’Sullivan. Separately, Jimmy Deenihan, as a former Fine Gael minister, pays tribute to the late Gerard Lynch, who was former Fine Gael TD for North Kerry.

Tabitha Monahan, reporter with the Irish Independent; Regina Bushell, Chair of Seas Suas and MD of Grovelands Childcare; followed by a debate between Emer Currie of Fine Gael and Claire Kerrane of Sinn Féin

An effort to ban fox hunting in Ireland will be voted down in the Dáil later today, which is seen by some to be a step back in animal welfare. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are all set to oppose the ban.To discuss this decision, Ciara Doherty is joined by Independent Minister of State, Michael Healy Rae.

If you enjoyed part 1 of my chat with Marion McKeown, you're going to LOVE part 2. This time we get stuck into some of the key characters in the crazy story that is the USA today – characters like Robert F Kennedy junior, the anti-vax US health secretary with a worm in his brain; Olivia Nuzzi, the machiavellian journalist that had an affair with RFK Jnr, the late Jeffrey Epstein who is having a major impact on US politics even several years after his death; Pete Hegseth, Howard Lutnick...the list goes on. We also ask some important questions, like really how intelligent is Donald trump ? Did a bullet actually hit his ear in the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania? And did Jeffrey Epstein really take his own life, or was he killed?Marion has been covering US politics and culture for decades – she's been all over the country, attended scores of MAGA rallies, been in the white House press group, and met all the big players.COMEDY - its the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail joint Christmas party! Produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack A short podcast with MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, on the return (again!) of CETA, the Governments insane push for unconstitutional investor courts, Mercosur's hormone enhanced cows for German cars and how to react to the EPP and Fine Gael joining with the far right in the EU. The Leilani Farha Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 The Christy Moore Podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/135485064?collection=1509929 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael councillor Tommy Griffin who believes that new tenancy rules due to come into effect on March 1st will prompt more landlords to sell their rental properties.

Gas Networks Ireland has announced the country’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve will be located in Cahiracon in Co Clare.   The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Michael Foley of Fine Gael and Noel Lynch chair of Ballylongford Enterprise Association and chair of Ballylongford/ Tarbert/Kilcolgan Development Group believe it should have been located on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, we heard tributes paid to former Clare Fine Gael TD Donal Carey, who has passed away at the age of 88. Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris led the tributes to the Clarecastle native, who, during a long political career, served as a local councillor, Senator and TD. His reposal will take place at Clarecastle Church on Friday from 4.30 pm, with funeral prayers at 7 pm, before Funeral Mass on Saturday in Clarecastle Church at 11 am. To explore Donal Carey's life and legacy further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Madeline Taylor Quinn, Former Clare Fine Gael TD and Senator, John Callinan, Partner of Berwick Solicitors LLP and former Irish sportsperson, and Paschal Russell, Clarecastle community activist. Photo (c) Simon Harris via Facebook

he Tánaiste is leading tributes to former Minster of State and Clare TD Donal Carey, who passed away overnight, at the age of 88. The clarecastle native was first elected to Clare County Council in 1974 and served as a TD for the Clare constituency from 1982 to 2002, while he also served as a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1981 to 1982. In 1995, he was appointed by the Rainbow Government on the nomination of John Bruton as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, holding the posts until the change of government in 1997. His son Joe Carey was a Fine Gael TD for Clare from 2007 to 2024, while his daughter Leonora Carey ran for Fine Gael in last year's General Election. Fine Gael Leader, Tanaiste and Minster for Finance Simon Harris says Donal Carey's “legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to the Fine Gael family will always be remembered”. Paul Murphy, Fine Gael Councillor spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Simon Harris via Facebook

The Tánaiste and newly-anointed Finance Minister was in Clare on Friday. On invitation from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, Simon Harris visited Kilkishen where he had the honour of turning on the village's Christmas lights. The Wicklow native was treated to musical entertainment courtesy of children from Kilkishen National School before he attended a meeting of local Fine Gael branch members. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the event where he had the opportunity to speak to the Tánaiste on a number of local issues.

Jerry spoke to Michael Foley who’s Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and a Fine Gael councillor from Ballylongford in North Kerry. He believes there are too many renewable energy projects proposed for North Kerry. Jerry also spoke to Dr Paul Deane who’s a senior lecturer in clean energy futures at UCC and a researcher at the MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, which is also based at UCC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paschal Donohoe has stepped down from his role as Minister for Finance to take up a senior position at the World Bank, prompting a Cabinet reshuffle.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sarah Carey, columnist with the Irish Independent, and Professor Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss Donohoe's surprise move and where it leaves Fine Gael and the coalition going forward.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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

On Saturday, the story broke that broadcaster and former Fine Gael politician Ivan Yates had provided interview and debate coaching to Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin before he dropped out of the race.This was at a time when he was co-presenting the political podcast Path to Power and doing stand in shifts on Newstalk radio.The story gained momentum in the days that followed as news emerged that senior Fianna Fáil politicians, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, also received media training from Mr Yates.How has this steady trickle of revelations played out in Leinster House? What does this controversy tell us about the entanglement of Ireland's media and political elites?And how does the Irish media handle commercial and political conflicts of interest?Today, on In The News, how Ivan Yates' links to Fianna Fáil have landed him, and the party, in hot water.Irish Times media columnist and host of Inside Politics podcast Hugh Linehan discusses the political fallout from this controversy and how it might impact public trust in the media.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Andrew McNair and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.

Hope and OpportunityBa mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil le Catherine Connolly agus a foireann. Maith sibh as feachtas Uachtaránachta dearfach, forásach agus trócaireach a chur chun cinn.I want to extend my congratulations to Catherine Connolly and her team. Well done for fighting a positive, progressive, compassionate and cohesive Presidential campaign. Well done also to the many Sinn Féin activists from all parts of the island and all the others who enthusiastically handed out leaflets, erected posters, canvassed thousands of doors and worked hard to get the vote out last Friday.Lots of words have been used to described the outcome. Stunning. Triumph. Historic. And many more. For me the two most important are hope and opportunity.Catherine Connolly was an exceptional candidate. The success of her campaign cannot be separated from her authenticity and her connectiveness with the electorate and with those, many of them first timers, who campaigned for her. That campaign and the emergence of a centre left alliance of parties backing Catherine has provided hope that the century long dominance of the two conservative parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, can be ended. The Vinyl GiftI love listening to music. There is nothing as uplifting as a good live session. And the music stays in your head forever after,  to be dipped into when the need or notion moves you. For example, Martin Hayes magical concert last week in Belfast's Grand Opera House. Its still jigging in my brain. Martin was well served by guitarist Conal O'Kane and bouzouki and concertina driver Brian Donnellan. They were joined for the encore sets by Donál O'Connor and Neil Martin, two of my favourite musicans, who opened the event along with singer Mary Dillon who was outstanding.  All  in all a wonderful evening. Martin Hayes  playing was amazing, elegent, draoíluíleacht, exquisive, sublime and betwitching. He transported us to a higher state of being. And all of us are the better for it. But it isn't possible to get to live events all the time. So apart from the radio I have a fine collection of recorded  music. They include cassette tapes, CDs and LPs. Some are over fifty years old.Seamus Drumm gave me an ipod of over a thousand tunes years ago. I'm still working my way through  them. Go raibh maith agat SeamieSupporting PalestineOctober is the month Palestinian farmers in the west Bank harvest their olive groves. But this year many such groves sit untended because Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian villages and farms and the Israeli forces have erected barriers to prevent Palestinians getting to their land.In the Gaza Strip the ceasefire is being repeatedly broken as Israel continues to pound Palestinian families and communities. At the same time the medical situation in Gaza remains critical with Israel blocking much need humanitarian and medical aid entering the Palestinian territory. The World Health Organisation last week reported that only 10 percent of the requested medical supplies have arrived. Medicines like Paracetamol that we take for granted and that can be bought freely here are not available to help those in pain.October is the month Palestinian farmers in the west Bank harvest their olive groves. But this year many such groves sit untended because Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian villages and farms and the Israeli forces have erected barriers to prevent Palestinians getting to their land.In the Gaza Strip the ceasefire is being repeatedly broken as Israel continues to pound Palestinian families and communities. At the same time the medical situation in Gaza remains critical with Israel blocking much need humanitarian and medical aid entering the Palestinian territory. The World Health Organisation last week reported tha

Mary Regan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent, discusses the fallout for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael from Catherine Connolly's victory in the Presidential election.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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.