Podcasts about Fine Gael

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 23ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1978 bhí na mná a bhí ag obair don stát trí chéile de bharr gur dhiúltaigh an rialtas chun an pá a bheith mar an gcéanna leis na fir. I 1989 bhí an cheannaire de na daonlathaí Desmond O Malley chun a bheith mar an bróicéir cumhachta den Dáil nua nuair a dhiúltaigh an Taoiseach an tairiscint a thug Fine Gael. I 2002 bhí agóid mhór in AIB I gCill Náile le cúig fhear mar bhí an bhainc chun dúnadh dhá lá sa tseachtain. Tar éis a thosaigh siad an agóid, bhailigh a lán daoine taobh amuigh ag tacú leis na fir. I 2012 bhí Ryans Cleaning ó mBuiríos Ó Luigheach dhearbháilte mar an criú do BT Live, an t-imeacht a bhí ar siúil I Hyde Park agus Victoria Park I Londain I rith na gCluichí Oilimpeacha. Bhí timpeall 200 duine ag obair ann agus taisteal timpeall 50 dóibh ón chontae. Sin Bryan Adams le Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1995 Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1990 fuair Elton John a chéad uimhir a haon aonair sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Sacrafice/Healing Hands tar éis a fuair sé níos mó ná 50 amhráin ar na cairteacha agus 6 uimhir a haon I Meiriceá. I 2004 fuair Bob Dylan céim oinigh ó Ollscoil St. Andrew's san Albain, agus bhí sé mar dhochtúir de cheoil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Frances McDormand I Meiriceá I 1957 agus rugadh amhránaí Jason Mraz I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1977 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 23rd of June, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1978: the states women workers were up in arms over underhand attempts to deny them the benefits of the equal pay legislation. 1989: progressive democrat leader desmond o malley was poised to become the power broker of the new dail after the taoiseach rejected a fine gael offer. 2002- FIVE men staged a sensational sit-in at the AIB branch in Killenaule, this week, in a dramatic protest at the Bank's decision to close for business two days a week. After the group commenced their sit-in, a large crowd gathered outside the bank on Main Street , in support of the men staging the protest.  2012 - BORRISOLEIGH-BASED firm Ryans Cleaning were confirmed as the cleaning crew for BT live: an Olympic-long event occupying London's Hyde Park and Victoria Park during the 2012 Games. Ryans had 150-200 staff at the event, of which around 50 travelled from Tipperary.  That was Bryan Adams with Have You Ever Loved A Woman – the biggest song on this day in 1995 Onto music news on this day In 1990 Elton John had his first UK solo No.1 single with 'Sacrifice / Healing Hands' after achieving over 50 previous UK hits and 6 chart toppers in the US. 2004 Bob Dylan was awarded an honorary degree by the University of St. Andrews Scotland's oldest University and made a "Doctor of Music." And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actress Frances McDormand was born in America in 1957 and singer Jason Mraz was born in America on this day in 1977 and this is one of his songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 -00.33 Joe Cooney TD for Fine Gael talking in the Dail about derelict and vacant homes scheme. -05.17 Mary Coughlan was one of the headline acts of this years Mountshannon Arts Festival. After her performance at the festival she sat down and spoke to Fiona Levie of SBCR. -11.50 Fiona Levie spoke to local Councillors and TDs as well as some of the locals at the opening of the Killaloe Ballina bypass that took place recently. Originally broadcast  14th June 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Books is a regular popular author interview podcast presented by Breda Brown. In this episode Breda is in conversation with Kevin Rafter an Irish academic and non-executive director. He has authored/edited over a dozen books including, most recently, Dillon Rediscovered: The Newspaperman Who Befriended Kings, Presidents and Oil Tycoons published by Martello. His previous books include Political Advertising in the 2014 European Parliament Elections , Martin Mansergh - and several histories of Irish political parties including Clann na Poblachta, Sinn Féin, Democratic Left and Fine Gael.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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