Podcasts about Fine Gael

Another step in the right directionThe decision by Micheál Martin last week to oppose Sinn Féin's “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026” was no real surprise. His opposition to any meaningful planning for Irish Unity has been transparently obvious for many years. Despite Fine Gael spokespersons declaring that Fine Gael would not oppose the Sinn Féin Bill they then chose to support An Taoiseach. No surprise there. Simon Harris is Tánaiste to Micheál Martin's Taoiseach. For Fine Gael to step away from a united government approach would have likely had serious repercussions for the coalition government.I spent the day in Leinster House on the day of the debate and it was clear from my conversations with some Fianna Fail TDs and the Sinn Féin team, who had spent significant time speaking to TDs from other parties and none, that there is a significant number of them deeply unhappy with ‘The Republican Party' turning its face against a common sense Bill that would have advanced the discussion about the future.Irish Republicanism & ‘The Gays' ExhibitionNext Wednesday, 22 July, an important exhibition will open in Áras Uí Chonghaile in Belfast. It examines the relationship between Irish Republicanism and ‘The Gays'. For those of a certain age who remember in particular the hunger strikes of 1980 and 1981, the support of members of the gay community in Ireland in solidarity with the men on the Blanket Protest in the H-Blocks and the women in Armagh Prison, was evident at many of the demonstrations that took place. Their banners were always front and centre and were well received by the crowds in attendance.The exhibition records the fact that it was a gay republican prisoner writing in the H-Blocks in 1991 who pointed out that “gay men and lesbian women have been involved in the struggle for national liberation and independence as long as any other section of our people.” He was right.Moore St. should be bought by the GovernmentLast week it was announced that the London developer Hammerson had sold the Carlton site on O'Connell Street to Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Hammerson is the company that owns part of the 1916 Moore St. Battlefield site and the Carlton site connects it to O'Connell St.Responding to the news James Connolly Heron of the Moore St. Preservation Trust pointed out that under the Hammerson plan the former Carlton site was to be the gateway to a shopping mall extending into Moore Lane and Moore Street. This was to include the demolition of part of the terrace, the last headquarters of the leaders of The 1916 Rising. We were told that this was essential for retail ‘footfall'.James Connolly Heron pointed out that: “The sale of the Carlton site rendersThe Glorious Twelfth. Now that the Twelfth has come and gone it is long past the time for opinion makers within unionism to chart out a course to regulate the building of Twelfth bonfires so that they are safer, legal and community friendly. The Orange Parade in Rossnowlagh in Donegal should be an example to the ‘Loyal‘ Orders of what is possible.  Is anyone out there within the Orange or Unionist leaders up for that challenge?  

There was a time in Irish political history when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael believed they were diametrically opposites of each other. Now, it seems hard to believe they could hold Government without a coalition. So, should they remove all pretense, and call themselves centre right parties?David W. Higgins, Economist and Political Analyst, believes they should, and joins Seán to discuss.

Fine Gael councillor, Olivia O'Sullivan and Chief Operating Officer with Peninsula Ireland, Moira Grassick, chat to Paul about the government approving plans to introduce paid leave for women who experience a miscarriage before 23 weeks of pregnancy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a time in Irish political history when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael believed they were diametrically opposites of each other. Now, it seems hard to believe they could hold Government without a coalition. So, should they remove all pretense, and call themselves centre right parties?David W. Higgins, Economist and Political Analyst, believes they should, and joins Seán to discuss.

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Sinn Féin's Planning for Constitutional Change Bill, which obliges the Government to draft and publish a Green Paper on unification within 18 months, failed to win support from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, or independents. · All Government TDs also voted against a PBP Bill to ban hare coursing. The Bill presented an issue where the party whip could have been spared in favour of a free vote, given the public's clear support to outlaw the practice. The Bill was overwhelmingly defeated by 125 votes to 24. · And this week saw Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and far-right French leader Marine Le Pen take the biggest political gambles of their respective careers.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Graham Platner crashes and burns, dwindling swag bags for visiting journalists, and the derelict ‘Carlton' site on O'Connell Street is snapped up by MetroLink.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unionism and UnityThis week significant developments that can shape the future direction of constitutional politics on this island are taking place in Leinster House. On Tuesday Sinn Féin's Bill setting out a practical plan to achieve a united Ireland is up for discussion. Fine Gael is moving ahead with its plan for a blueprint for Irish Unity for November. And other parties, including the Social Democrats and Labour have expressed their support for Unity and notwithstanding Micheál Martin's opposition, it is obvious that there are many within Fianna Fáil who understand that planning for Unity makes sense.National Hunger Strike Commemoration for MayoWednesday 8 July was the 45 anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Joe McDonnell. Joe was the fifth of the ten hunger strikers who were to die in 1981. Last week the 45th Anniversary National Hunger Strike Commemoration was officially launched in Mayo. The march and rally to honour those ten hunger strikers, and three Mayo hunger strikers Michael Gaughan (1974) and Frank Stagg (1976), and Jack McNeela (1940), will take place in Ballina on Sunday, 30 August.'Our Chains will be Broken before we Are' – Marwan BarghoutiMarwan Barghouti is a Palestinian leader who has spent almost a quarter of a century in Israeli prisons. He is widely recognised as the single most important Palestinian leader, capable of uniting the various Palestinian groups and for that reason Israel holds him in appalling conditions and refuses to release him. For much of that time he has been held in solitary confinement, frequently beaten, denied medical care and contact with his family.A Thousand Days of GenocideIn the way that the news cycle is constantly shifting from one headline story to another the genocide of the Palestinian people no longer catches the headlines in the way that it once did. The devastating earthquake in Venezuela; the US war against Iran; the war in Ukraine; oil prices; the internal machinations of the British Labour Party; and much else have all pushed Israel's genocidal policy down the news agenda.However, as desperate as some of these other stories are we have a responsibility to constantly remind people that Israel's torture of the people of Gaza and of the West Bank has been unrelenting for over 1000 days.

A vote will be held tomorrow on a non-binding motion that seeks to impose EU sanctions preventing the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick from exporting to Russia.Fine Gael are voting in favour of the amendment, but Fianna Fáil are abstaining from the vote, believing sanctions would hurt Europe more than Russia.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South.

A poll out over the weekend shows the Fine Gael are the most Important popular party in the country with 20% of Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll giving support to Simon Harris's Party. For more on this and for a political roundup on everything, Anton was joined by Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe .

A poll out over the weekend shows the Fine Gael are the most Important popular party in the country with 20% of Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll giving support to Simon Harris's Party. For more on this and for a political roundup on everything, Anton was joined by Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe .

Are politicians worse than they used to be, or are we all wearing rose-tinted glasses? Sean Defoe takes on the big question as a new poll suggests Fine Gael has edged back into first place, with Sinn Féin stalling and the Social Democrats still climbing. From “Pepsi and Coke” party comparisons to what Mary Lou McDonald says about Sinn Féin's momentum, Sean unpacks the fractured landscape and why approval ratings now look grim compared to the Haughey/Ahern/Robinson era. He also makes the case that, for all the noise, the overall quality of today's Dáil might actually be improving.

Momentum around Unity GrowsI want to begin by commending the SDLP for organising last week's conference – The Future of these Islands: Preparing for Change. It was a well-attended day-long event, held in Belfast, on the issue of Irish Unity. Among those who contributed to the series of discussions was Dublin Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy and others, including leading figures in the SDLP like the party leader Claire Hanna.Add this to Fine Gael's announcement that it is planning to publish a blueprint on Irish Unity at its Ard Fheis in November and next Tuesday's Dáil debate on Sinn Féin's legislative proposal - “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026” – and it is clear that there is increasing unanimity in the Unity movement that planning for unity is now a priority.These are significant developments. Sinn Féin has long argued that the cause of Unity is bigger than any one party. It requires the greatest number of citizens, political parties, community and lobby organisations all moving together in the same broad direction and planning for unity.   Sign the Petition for Moore St.The 1916 Moore St. Battlefield site in the centre of Dublin is a hugely important historical and cultural location whose significance has been ignored by successive Irish governments for over a century. Currently much of the Moore St. Terrace and adjoining lanes are under threat of demolition by the London based developer Hammerson. The Moore St. Preservation Trust (MSPT), the Relatives of the 1916 Rising Relatives and others groups and individuals have been involved in a long running campaign to save this iconic site.Early next year the Moore St. Preservation Trust will be in court to judicially review the Hammerson Plan. This is a vital step to preserve this historic area and the Trust is engaged in a campaign to inform, lobby, and win support for its efforts. As part of its campaign the Trust has launched a petition calling on the Irish Government to bring Moore Street into public ownership and build a 1916 historical Cultural Quarter. Sínigh an achainí | Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-moore-street-buy-the-terrace  Tá fáilte romhaibh - Féile an Phobail AbúI'm looking forward to 25 July when Féile an Phobail – begins its longest and biggest ever summer extravaganza as the largest community festival on the island of Ireland.The programme was launched last week and is an amazing mix of music, sport, gaeilge, arts exhibitions, literary events, discussions and debates, comedy, film, tours and walks and much more. Over 500 events with something for everyone. And an anticipated 120,000 tourists from outside of west Belfast coming along to join in the celebrations. The programme is available online through this link - https://feilebelfast.com/  Seomra Máire DrummThe conference room in the Sinn Féin Falls Office was dedicated last Friday to Sinn Former Vice –President Máire Drumm by the current Vice President of the party Michelle O'Neill. Máire was assassinated in the Mater Hospital in October 1976.She was a passionate, gifted and articulate advocate for Ireland and republicanism who frequently faced down armed British soldiers, and RUC officers. The image of Máire leading a river of women into the Falls in the summer of 1970 to break the British Army - imposed curfew, or her protests by women carrying hurling sticks, are iconic moments in the struggle for freedom.  

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode, Tony is joined by PBP TD Paul Murphy to dig into the lay of the land in Irish politics, the current left-wing strategies for change, future coalition possibilities, and the influence of global corporations on our current political realm. Paul explores and gives his take on the challenges and opportunities for building a progressive government in Ireland that does not include Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. Contantin Gurdgiev on US politics and the global economy:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-161617099 Two Palestinian journalists on life and reporting in Occupied Palestine: https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162124288

New reports emerged today that the OPW are installing 6 new ‘eco-toilets' in the Phoenix Park, which will be open to the public. But are there enough public toilets in cities around the country?Shane and Ciara were joined by Oliver Moran, a Cork City Councilor for the Green Party, and Clodagh Ní Mhuirí, a Dublin City Councillor for Fine Gael.

 Stand-Up to RacismThe bullet holes from the August 1969 sectarian pogrom against the people of the Falls area are still visible on the front wall of St. Comgall's Primary School, Divis Street. Last Thursday lunchtime, a few yards from where, on that occasion, whole terraces of houses were burned out, scores of community activists from across Belfast came together in Ionad Eileen Howell to discuss another pogrom. This time the pogrom was rooted in violent racism.In the days before families and workers from the various ethnic groups, who now make up an important and valued part of our society, were attacked, threatened, and some were forcibly evicted from their homes. In harrowing scenes cars and some homes were destroyed as masked thugs roamed the streets of parts of Belfast, Portadown and Glengormley attacking the PSNI and the homes of our neighbours. Terrified children fled with their parents.Health workers were especially targeted. There was a clear attempt to intimidate many from their jobs. In addition, schools were closed. People were sent home from work. Public transport stopped.The Community Groups at the meeting in Ionad Eileen Howell described how they had helped relocate evicted families, worked with Belfast City Council to ensure that emergency accommodation was available, established a co-ordination and response group and had activists on the streets to defuse any attempt by right wing elements to stoke up further attacks. From the GAA and individual citizens there was widespread opposition to the racism. First Minister Michelle O'Neill met community representatives, youth workers and ethnic minority communities. She visited health staff in the Mater Hospital who had been threatened. She expressed her unambiguous solidarity and support for them.Belfast Ard Mheara Councillor Róis Máire Donnelly, who received death threats for standing up to the racists, refused to be silent. Last Friday she addressed a local anti-racism rally and the next day she spoke to the thousands who attended the massive anti-racist demonstration at the City Hall. Róis Máire told the crowd that Belfast is “stronger” because of our diversity. And she described Belfast people as “resilient, compassionate and welcoming.”She is right on both counts. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And notwithstanding the naysayers and begrudgers Belfast is welcoming city that embraces our ethnic minority citizens.  Momentum Building Around UnityThere are those who dismiss any possibility in the next few years of holding the unity referendums provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Foremost among them is Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who obstinately refuses to countenance any preparation for unity.However, his partner in Government, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris clearly doesn't agree. At the weekend he announced that his party is planning to develop and publish a blueprint for a united Ireland by their Ard Fheis in November. That is good news. Harris's statement of intent coincides with Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald's introduction this week in the Dáil of a Private Members Bill that will compel the Taoiseach to begin the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish Unity. The ‘Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026' will require the Taoiseach to institutionalise preparation and publish a Green Paper. This will facilitate consultation and encourage a national public debate as a first step before formal government legislation is established. The Green Paper will require the government setting out its ideas, vision and proposals on the economy, education, health, justice and the legal system and future governance arrangements.  Seeking the Truth: Pat FinucaneAfter 37 years the inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane has finally opened. Pat's wife Geraldine, his children John, Michael and Katherine and his dedicated family circle and legal team are to be commended for their diligence and steadfastness in pursuing the truth about Pat's murder.Successive British governments have lied, prevaricated, distracted, delayed and made every effort to prevent an inquiry from happening. Why? Because the extent of British state collusion with the UDA in his murder has the potential of laying responsibility for his death with senior political figures within the British Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher.That there was collusion in his murder and that of hundreds more, is not in doubt. But who was responsible? Who gave the orders? Who plotted and schemed to have Pat killed on 12 February 1989? Who knew what within the RUC; within RUC Special Branch; within MI5; the Force Reconnaissance Unit (FRU); British Army; and the British Cabinet? 

The Dáil majority voted to end the 3 day wait, but a majority of Government TDs did not agree, the guillotine is wheeled out to push a glut of bills through the house, Fine Gael's unified island initiative, data centres and the triple lock.

A Sinn Féin bill to remove the requirement for a three-day waiting period for an abortion was passed by TDs last night. The Government parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael allowed their deputies a free vote. A majority of these parties’ deputes voted against the change. Paula Dennan of Kerry for Choice gave her reaction.

Caithfidh daoine cead pleanála a fháil agus clárú le Fáilte Éireann nuair atá áiteachaí á ligean ar feadh achar gearr acu. Labhair an Teachta Dála Kyne le Séamus Ó Scanláin.

Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, discusses Fine Gael's blueprint for a unified island.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley was at a birthday party in King Charles’s honour in Dublin yesterday. The Fine Gael councillor who lives in Ballylongford, North Kerry has strong views on the controversy over Aughinish Alumina’s Russian links. The factory is one of the biggest employers in the West Limerick/North Kerry area.

Yesterday’s Fine Gael four MEPs issued a statement in which they expressed concern that the West Limerick refinery – a major employer in the region – might be fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine. Reports suggested that alumina which is extracted from bauxite at the plant, is being exported to Russia, where it is eventually used to support Russia’s war cause; the company has denied this. Jerry spoke to one of the four MEPs, Kilcummin’s Sean Kelly.

Yesterday, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance, and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris was asked about Michael Healy-Rae. In April, the Kerry Independent TD resigned as a junior minister following the fuel protests; he also voted no confidence in the government. On Tuesday’s Kerry Today, he told Jerry that he’d been effectively forced into this position; he said his brother fellow TD Danny had dragged him overboard when he, Danny, had called on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs to topple the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in April. Jerry got the views of Fine Gael councillor Teddy O’Sullivan Casey.

Inside the Farmers Journal: Big landowners in Fine Gael's CAP firing line On this week's show, the team examines the top CAP payments in the country, how large landowners are in Fine Gael's crosshairs and we hear from Phil Hogan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has told the Fine Gael parliamentary party that the Government is preparing the biggest overhaul of rural housing rules in two decades.The changes will allow those who have a social or economic need to live in a rural area, or those who have lived in a rural area for a defined period of time at any point in their life, have a reasonable expectation they can get planning.Joining Shane to discuss this is Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon and Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, and Professor of Economics at UCC, Frank Crowley.

Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis and Fine Gael's Sean Kyne were elected in the by- elections for Dublin Central and Galway West at the weekend. Our Political Correspondent, Micheal Lehane has more.

The Dáil will welcome two new TD's today after a busy weekend of by-elections saw Fine Gael and the Social Democrats come out on top. To discuss what this means for the future of Sinn Féin And Fianna Fáil, Derrick Lynch was joined by Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan and Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

This weekend's Dublin Central by-election was a roaring success for the Social Democrats, who saw Daniel Ennis take the seat over Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan. This brings the party's number of TDs to 12. This is also the first time the Social Democrats hold two seats in one constituency. Anton spoke to Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central. Also we heard from Grace Boland TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Fingal West.

The Dáil has two new TDs after this weekend's by-elections –Social Democrat's Daniel Ennis in Dublin Central and Fine Gael's Sean Kyne in Galway West. It was a disappointing weekend for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil. To explain more is Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh to talk about the results of the Dublin Central and Galway West byelections: As the day began Fine Gael were confident that their man, Senator Sean Kyne, would win the seat. That confidence wavered a little as Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas picked up significant transfers throughout the morning. In the end it wasn't enough and Fine Gael leader Tanaiste Simon Harris was celebrating a rare byelection win for a party in power. But is he right to call it “a victory for centrist politics”? Independent Ireland can be encouraged by Noel Thomas's performance in Galway West. Fine Gael and Social Democrats are the winners on this occasion. But can they turn these victories into long-term success? There was evidence of “vote left, transfer left” behaviour in Galway. But many of Sinn Féin's voters gave their second preferences to Independent Ireland rather than Labour or Social Democrats. Fianna Fáil were the other big losers in this campaign. But how much do these byelections, both won by strong local candidates, really tell us about the strength of the party nationwide?Should the counting of votes take so long? Hugh and Pat think not, but Harry McGee dissents. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Social Democrats triumphed in the Dublin Central bye-election, with Daniel Ennis winning the seat vacated by Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe. Meanwhile, in the Galway West constituency, Fine Gael's Seán Kyne is still battling Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas for the seat. RTÉ Western Correspondent Pat McGrath joined Paul with the latest.

Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael director of elections for Galway West Peter Burke joined Paul to talk about recent lay-offs in the tech sector and the bye-election.

A picture is emerging in the byelection counts. Hugh is joined by Pat Leahy, Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss what we have learned so far:On the basis of the numbers available on Saturday afternoon, Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis and Fine Gael senator Sean Kyne look well placed to take seats in Dublin Central and Galway West respectively. But transfers could still shift result in Galway West where Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas is polling strongly.The anti-establishment vote in Dublin Central has grown significantly with strong showings from both Gerry Hutch and Malachy Steenson.Sinn Féin's apparent failure to top the poll in either constituency is a bad result for the leader of the opposition Mary Lou McDonald.The results are even worse for Fianna Fáil, with its showing in Dublin Central, once a party stronghold, likely to be of particular concern to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics. ­ A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust. ­ A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum. ­ Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday. ­ As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael's Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind. ­ So, what does it all mean? ­ Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast. ­ Mary Lou McDonald says there's no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch? ­ Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end? And are the Greens back in business? ­ It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two TDs left for bigger gigs last year it triggered elections to fill their places.Fine Gael's Pascal Donohoe left for a big job at the World Bank and Independent TD Catherine Connolly left for a bigger job in Áras an Uachtaráin.Voters tomorrow will be faced with long ballot papers but the Irish Times IPSOS B&A poll suggests the early emergence of a small number of clear favourites in both constituencies.But who are? How did the candidates perform in the last week of canvassing? And will the Government have a bad day at the polls?Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy gives his take on what's happening in these two large constituencies and predicts who will win.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly, from Listowel, who has sharply criticised the decision to place key championship football fixtures behind the GAA+ streaming paywall, calling it “a disgrace” and urging the Minister for Sport to intervene on behalf of supporters in Kerry, Donegal and across rural Ireland.

In the week of Fianna Fail's centenary Hugh and Pat are joined by reporter and historian Ronan McGreevy to trace the party's origins and assess its legacy. Ronan explains how in 1926, with frustration growing at Sinn Féin's ineffectiveness, Éamon de Valera and allies such as Seán Lemass formed Fianna Fáil, rapidly building hundreds of cumainn. He looks at how the party first entered the Dáil, helped create a two-party system and ultimately won power. The discussion also covers the party's catch-all pragmatism, recent history of compromise with Fine Gael, and its mixed legacy of ties to corruption along with a commitment to democracy and state institutions.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta, TikTok, Snap, Google and Microsoft are all before the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality this morning to discuss the safety and wellbeing of children online. It follows weeks of meetings, including hearing from young people directly and Cathaoirleach of the Committee, Fine Gael's Keira Keogh is with me in studio

Fine Gael is tabling a Bill that would remove some barriers to installing more CCTV cameras around Dublin. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South would be helpful in areas that have “a high prevalence of crime” along with aiding Garda Investigations.Dublin has one of the lowest levels of CCTV cameras in Europe with just over 200 cameras operated by An Garda Síochána. So, is it time to follow in the footsteps of other European cities?For more on this, Ciara is joined by Declan Power, Security and Defense Analyst and Dr Elizabeth Farries, Director at UCD Centre for Digital Policy.

Submissions close tomorrow for people to give feedback on Dublin City Council's Litter Management Plan to help clean the capital's streets. Jonathan discusses further with Ray McAdam, Dublin's Lord Mayor, and Fine Gael candidate in Dublin Central.

Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne has called for the Sustainable Energy Authory of Ireland (SEAI) to reform how they conduct Building Energy Ratings (BER) Seán explained why to Anton.

Hugh, Pat and Ellen are joined by columnist Gerard Howlin to talk about a tumultuous day in Leinster House that capped a terrible week for the governing coalition:The Government faced down a confidence challenge, as expected. But the loss of now-former minister of state Michael Healy-Rae, along with the support of his backbencher brother Danny, cut its majority and underlined how the fuel protests have emerged as its biggest political challenge since the general election.The speed with which hundred of millions of euro were found to fix the problem has not been lost on every other interest group in the country. Further militant protests and renewed public sector pay demands are likely to follow. Is the Dáil lacking voices calling for fiscal restraint?Rural disillusionment is a slow-burning crisis for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with rural voters feeling abandoned by the big parties. Jim O'Callaghan's stock has fallen within Fianna Fáil over his handling of the crisis.And with the Government lacking a clearly articulated plan to steer citizens out of a painful cost of living crisis, the deep unhappiness on display over the past week is likely to persist. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cé gur éirigh leis an rialtas sa vóta ar an rún muiníne sa Dáil inné, chaill siad tacaíocht ón mbeirt teachta Dála neamhspleách as Ciarraí a bhí ag tacú leis ag comhrialtas.

PJ talks to senior Cork Government and Opposition politicians Jerry Buttimer and Thomas Gould Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporter, Conor Hunt looks back at the life and career of former Ceann Comhairle and Fine Gael minister, Sean Barrett, who has died at the age of 81.

Inside Politics is coming to Galway in May for a live recording. Get your tickets here.In part two of this three-part series on Labour's harrowing experience in government from 2011 to 2016, Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan follow the story of the first three years of that austerity-delivering coalition. As punishing budget after punishing budget was delivered, Labour struggled to retain its political identity and principles while working with Fine Gael to present a united front to a world that saw Ireland as an economic basket case. Successes - exiting the EU-IMF bailout programme, securing legislation on abortion - are completely overshadowed by the harshness of austerity. For Labour and its party leader Eamon Gilmore, the political damage mounts. Listen to part one here. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Politics is coming to Galway in May for a live recording. Get your tickets here.When Labour came to power in 2011 Ireland was in the depths of an economic crisis that had several more years to run. Their coalition with Fine Gael spent the next five years struggling to fix the economy while satisfying the EU and the IMF, who had bailed us out.But it was Labour, led by Eamon Gilmore to its greatest ever number of seats in that election, who bore the brunt of voter frustration over the deep cutsLinehanx increases that the government then imposed. The party was decimated in the next election and voters, particularly of the working class, never fully trusted the party again. So why did Labour get the blame? Could Gilmore and Joan Burton, who succeeded him in 2014, have done things differently? In this series Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan relive the fateful events and decisions of that era and, a decade on, take a fresh look back at Labour's collapse. In episode one they look at Eamon Gilmore, how Labour fought the 2011 election, the formation of the coalition with Fine Gael, how one of Labour's key promises to voters was abandoned without a fight, and how the seeds of future trouble were sown with Labour's top brass taking on some of the trickiest ministries. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry spoke to Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Michael Foley of Fine Gael. Yesterday the High Court dismissed a legal challenge against plans for the 600-megawatt power plant on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank. Shannon LNG Ltd had been granted permission for the facility by An Coimisiún Pleanála last year. Friends of the Irish Environment took a judicial review against that decision.

Múineadh na Gaeilge i mbunscoileanna T2 agus Córas na ndíolúintí ag Comhchoiste na Gaeilge

Eoin Drea is a senior researcher at the Wilfried Martens Centre, the official think tank of the European People's Party (of which Fine Gael is a member), and an occasional contributor to the opinion pages of The Irish Times, where he is often critical of Ireland's approach to Europe. Recently he wrote that “Ireland's recent hissy fit at not being invited to a pre-EU summit meeting in Belgium speaks volumes as to where Dublin ranks in the minds of our fellow EU members”. On today's podcast he talks to Hugh about how Ireland's influence in Europe has declined, why he believes Ireland's political discourse around Europe is naive and lacking strategic depth and what “two-speed” EU development could look like - with or without Ireland as a key player. He also talks about how Ireland is viewed as being "in the pocket of the US multinationals".Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thug Aire Stáit na Mara Timmy Dooley le fios don Seanadóir Kyne go bhfuil bailchríoch dhá chur faoi láthair ar an Ráiteas Polasaí ar Phleanáil Mara.