Podcasts about independent ireland

The Government has announced a new €10 million scrappage scheme designed to encourage motorists to switch from older petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars.    Under the proposal, drivers who scrap a vehicle more than 13 years old could receive up to €8,500 in support towards the purchase of an electric vehicle, with 65% of the funding reserved for people living outside Ireland's major cities.   Supporters say the scheme could help accelerate the move to cleaner transport, while others have raised questions about affordability, charging infrastructure and its suitability for rural Ireland.   To discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the initiative, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Casey of the Clare EV Owners Club and Eddie Punch of Independent Ireland. Image (c) rattanakun via Canva 

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The left-wing alliance that was formed during Catherine Connolly's presidential campaign is already straining, with the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit concerned with the policy direction of Sinn Féin on issues like migration and reproductive rights.· Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins was not impressed by left-leaning voters neglecting to supply party candidate Noel Thomas with enough transfers to prevail in the recent Galway West byelection. Perhaps those voters did not want to give Thomas a preference given his far from left-leaning stance on immigration.· The omission of services from the Occupied Territories Bill, which targets Israeli imports produced from Palestinian lands, came as a surprise to no one. After many months of mulling it over, the Taoiseach was accused by Opposition parties of reneging on promises to prohibit all trade with settlements. Government can expect many calls for amendments when it is brought to Oireachtas in the coming weeks.· And the building of one-off rural housing could become easier with plans to relax the rules for rural housing, aimed at allowing for increased supply, expected to be brought to Cabinet next month.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.

In this week's podcast, Laura talks to Councillor Linda de Courcy. We discuss Independent Ireland's loss in the Galway by-election, is it hard to break the status quo with the PR system, race-baiting by the left, victims that count and victims that do not, mixed-sex bathrooms, the EU Migration pact, and Laura's fury over the Deposit Return scheme. Finally, the councillor explains why orange juice is toxic. 

Transfers from the eliminated Fianna Fáil candidate Cillian Keane helped Fine Gael's Seán Kyne edge ahead of Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas in a tightly contested Galway West by-election. Simon Harris called the result a “victory for centrist politics,” but questions remain over why the right failed to benefit from transfers.Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency warns Ireland is set to fall significantly short of its 2030 emissions targets, with critics accusing the Government of sidelining climate ambition in favour of energy security.Plus, in RTÉ, new figures show €230,000 was spent on chauffeurs since 2021, raising fresh questions about spending culture and reform within the broadcaster.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael Michael Collins TD, Independent Ireland John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

Featuring Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland; Cillian Keane (Fianna Fail); Míde Nic Fhionnlaoic (Social Democrats); and Sheila Garrity (Independent)

Ciaran Cannon, former Fine Gael TD and President of Cycling Ireland and Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland

Hugh Linehan hosts a live Inside Politics show in Galway's Róisín Dubh with Pat Leahy, Ellen Coyne and Galway native Harry McGee ahead of the May 22nd Galway West byelection. Harry, fresh from his day of shadowing candidates on the canvass, profiles the constituency and what influences are at play in this huge electoral area, which spans urban, rural and Gaeltacht districts. The Irish Times politics team outlines why byelections are hard to predict, who the key candidates are, and what dynamics might shape the race; from Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas and the lingering impact of the fuel protests to the “vote left, transfer left” pact and Catherine Connolly's influence. They also consider whether government candidates can break the usual byelection pattern, the Social Democrats' momentum, and what the result could signal about longer-term shifts in Irish politics. Hugh also fields questions from our live audience, some of whom have travelled from as far away as Dundee in Scotland.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.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Talk show host and former Independent Ireland candidate in the European elections, Niall Boylan; Alison O'Connor, political commentator with The Sunday Times; Research Professor at the ESRI, Alan Barrett and Dr Shana Cohen, Executive Director of the independent think-tank TASC.

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· There are now 14 candidates confirmed as running in Dublin Central and 17 candidates in Galway West in the upcoming byelections on May 22nd. And while it looks like a tussle between those representing centre-left parties in the capital, Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas already looks to be the frontrunner in Galway West.· Sinn Féin are hopeful of a byelection win in leader Mary Lou McDonald's own constituency of Dublin Central, not least because of reported unrest, albeit privately, over the party's future direction under McDonald's leadership.· And the Government announced this week that it will begin a six-month process of withdrawing tourist and commercial accommodation housing up to 16,000 Ukrainians here from August, coupled with the winding down of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme which will see the €600 monthly payment to hosts reducing to €400 in September and ceasing next March. What impact will this have on homeless figures and the number of integrated Ukrainians leaving the country?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Gerry Hutch in sunny Lanzarote, the Ukrainian grandfathers fighting on the front line, and online misogynistic abuse thrives and proliferates. 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.

Laura talks to Elaine Mullally about women in politics, setting up Independent Ireland, Leo Varadkar as a free speech martyr, and flying in for social welfare payments.

Treasa spoke to Michael Collins TD of Independent Ireland on the party’s desire to spread further across the country.

This week Laura talks to Ken O'Flynn of Independent Ireland. Laura asks who is jumping ship to Independent Ireland, if Ken is an egomaniac, his opinion on the fuel protests, and Leo Varadkar's attack on rural Ireland.

Tonight's panel is Catherine Ardagh, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-Central, Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central and Aisling Moloney, political reporter, Irish Independent.

Independent Ireland leader, Cork South West TD Michael Collins following the party's national conference, Damien Long on big future plans for West Cork Connect, Adi Roche on the 40th anniversary of Chornobyl, Insurance Matters with Paul Kavanagh from MIG: the call for a new system to help reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads and Ailín Kennedy and Mike McGrath-Bryan chat about their book; ‘Have I Got Your Attention?', a practical and deeply relatable guide to Adult ADHD in Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent Ireland held its annual conference in Galway yesterday, and party leader Michael Collins joins Paul Cunningham in studio.

Michael Collins, Independent Ireland leader and TD for Cork South West, reacts to the Government's package of fuel support measures.

Michael spoke with Neil about the nationwide protests against the rising cost in fuel.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins has said that you would “need a very strong stomach” to eat some of the hot school meals currently being provided in schools.For many children, these meals are not just an option - they are a vital source of daily nutrition and, in some cases, their main meal of the day.This raises an important question: are these meals truly fit for purpose, or should they be more nutrient-dense to properly support children's health, growth and learning?Joining Andrea to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Dolan, as well as listeners.

Joe is joined by Cllr Tommy Hartigan, Independent Ireland and residents Chris Noonan and Declan Hallett, chair of the parish park in Loughill, as they want to correct the name of their local village, Loughill.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest of our interviews with the leaders of parties in the Dáil, we're joined from our Cork studio by deputy Michael Collins who is leader of Independent Ireland.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  10am-11am  €186 million in Agriculture payments to Galway in 2025   Independent Ireland to hold anti-Mercosur protest   Reminder to check passport expiry before new year travel   11am-12pm 'Mini brain' research could benefit stroke, Alzheimer's studies   Galway man overcomes set-backs to build sportswear brand   Sports review

Michael Murphy, Fine Gael TD for Tipperary South and Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Energy and Transport, Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland, TD for Cork South West, Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail.

Businesses in Bantry in west Cork are again counting the cost after about 20 premises were flooded when the town experienced a heavy downpour earlier in the week…This left many locals worried, as it marked the town's seventh flood since 2020 and 10th since 2012.So, what needs to be done to prevent more flooding?Andrea is joined by Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland, as well as local residents, to discuss.

Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland and TD for Cork South-West, Garret Ahern, Fine Gael Senator, Laura Harmon, Labour Party Senator and Sarah Burns, reporter with The Irish Times.

Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland and TD for Cork South-West, Garret Ahern, Fine Gael Senator, Laura Harmon, Labour Party Senator and Sarah Burns, reporter with The Irish Times.

Our panel Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland and TD for Cork South-West, Garret Ahern, Fine Gael Senator, Laura Harmon, Labour Party Senator and Sarah Burns, reporter with The Irish Times discuss today's meeting of the Health Committee.

After an attack on a young girl occurred in Citywest on Monday evening, protesters took to the streets to express their feelings. It comes after the Citywest hotel has been used as an IPAS center to house refugees.The protests soon turned into riots, and a Garda car was set alight, Gardaí were out in force to control the situation.We want to know your opinions on the riots. Were you there, were you impacted, and do these riots hold any merit?Andrea is joined by local residents, Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor with the Irish Times and John Lahart, Fianna Fail TD for Dublin Southwest & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Later, to discuss if more should have been done to stop it, she is joined by Newstalk's Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, James Morrisroe, GRA Deputy General Secretary and Cllr Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland.

John and Sarah ask: Is Judge Martin Nolan unfairly maligned or justly criticised? Also, Independent Ireland backs Simon Harris; The Deposit Return Scheme humiliates voters; and Fine Gael flounders towards humiliation.

John and Sarah ask: Is Judge Martin Nolan unfairly maligned or justly criticised? Also, Independent Ireland backs Simon Harris; The Deposit Return Scheme humiliates voters; and Fine Gael flounders towards humiliation.00:00 Overview of Current Events in Politics02:42 The Motion of Confidence in Simon Harris11:15 The Deposit Return Scheme Controversy20:14 Discussion on the Gender Recognition Act29:22 Donald Trump's Recent Peace Deal30:52 Judicial Sentencing and Child Abuse Cases41:35 Presidential Election Predictions

Clare's opposition TD has dismissed a recent meeting of MidWest politicians over the HIQA review as an optics exercise. Only government Oireachtas members from Clare and Limerick along with Mayor of Clare Paul Murphy attended the event, where they decided to lend support to a three-tiered HSE plan aiming to solve overcrowding in the region. Despite being invited, TDs from Sinn Féin, Labour and Independent Ireland declined to attend. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan believes it was a talking shop that won't deliver real results.

Toll income for the Dublin Port Tunnel increased by 18 per cent to 32 million euros last year, while on the M50, Ireland's busiest road, toll income grew by 12 per cent to 212 million. That's according to the 2024 annual report of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. All to discuss with Michael Collins Leader of Independent Ireland and TD for Cork South-West.

Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin will be the three names on the ballot paper for next month's Presidential election. The election will take place on Friday, the 24th of October. Maria Steen had hoped to be the fourth name in the race, but the conservative campaigner had received just 18 of the 20 required nominations from TDs and senators by the time the deadline passed, at midday on Wednesday. Independent Ireland's calling for a referendum to change the Presidential nomination system, following Maria Steen's failure to secure the support of 20 Oireachtas members to appear on the ballot paper. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Timmy Dooley and Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD. Image (c) Aras An Uachtarain by Pawel Gaul from Getty Images Signature via canva

In the wake of Maria Steen's failed bid to get on the ticket for this year's presidential election, Independent Ireland is now calling for a referendum to change the nomination process for future elections. Jonathan discussed this further with Michael Collins is Leader of Independent Ireland and a TD for Cork South-West.

Paul Cunningham, RTÉ Political Correspondent, discusses the latest in the Presidential Campaign.

Independent Ireland leader, Michael Collins on his support to Maria Steen's nomination. Our political correspondent, Paul Cunningham provides us with the latest on the race to Áras an Uachtaráin.

Presidential Hopeful Maria Steen is edging closer and closer to being on the ballot on Friday the 24th of October. Having secured the support of Independent Ireland today she has received 17 votes out of the required 20.Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times and Minister for State and Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim, Marian Harkin.

Michael Collins, Cork South-West deputy and Independent Ireland leader, discusses whether Independent Ireland will back barrister Maria Steen as presidential candidate. Harry McGee, Irish Times Political Correspondent, assesses whether Maria Steen will be able to garner the required 20 Oireachtas nominations to be on the presidential ballot.

We take a look back at the main news stories of the week in our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Regina Doherty MEP, Dublin, Fine Gael, Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Roscommon-Galway, Independent Ireland and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

Councillor with Independent Ireland, Michael Leainde joins Newstalk Breakfast with reaction to the deaths of Sunny Jacobs — who spent five years on death row in the US — and Galway man Kevin Kelly, in a Connemara house fire.Listen here.

A fresh call has been made to reintroduce 100% mortgages for first time buyers.Independent Ireland leader TD Michael Collins has said there is a clear need for targeted, responsible mortgage products that reflect today's economic realities.Despite there not being enough supply for demand, hearing 100% mortgages for many will strike PTSD of the Celtic Tiger days…Joining Kieran to discuss is John McGuirk, Editor at Gript.ie and Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and TD for Dublin North-West.

Jerry spoke to Deputy Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland and TD for Cork South West.

As Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she has written to the Taoiseach calling for a reconvening of the Dail, Michael Collins of Independent Ireland is on the line urging immediate Government action amidst Storm Éowyn Crisis

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan on today's Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics:· The panel started by teasing out the convoluted and somewhat undemocratic Seanad election process. Is it better to be on the inside or the outside panel? And how important is it for nominees to possess sufficient qualifications?· Does Sinn Féin need to change its message and personnel after so long in opposition? Could it be time for a reshuffle despite the party's strength in areas like housing and finance?· The decision on who will be the third leg of the next government edges ever closer, with Independent Ireland, the Regional Independent Group and the Healy-Rae brothers all still in contention. But what kind of ministries are in the offing?· And speaking at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, President Michael D Higgins described Nato's call for increased military spending as ‘appalling'. Will his frequent comments on international affairs set a precedent for his successor? Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, on Elon Musk and the AfD, Justin Trudeau's legacy, and planning refusal for 900 apartments in Dundrum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Collins, Independent TD for Cork South West, and leader of Independent Ireland discusses their objectives when entertng talks around government formation.

Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.The three largest parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in general election 2024, according to the results of an exit poll tonight.The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: Sinn Féin 21.1 per cent, Fianna Fáil 19.5 per cent, Fine Gael 21 per cent, the Green Party 4 per cent, Labour 5 per cent, the Social Democrats 5.8 per cent, Solidarity-People Before Profit 3.1 per cent, Aontú 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6 per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.If the findings of the exit poll are borne out when the votes are counted tomorrow, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely.If the results of the counts taking place around the country tomorrow bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Fein has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: pondering AI, Matthew Parris wonders if he is alone in thinking (1:10); Joanna Bell meets the leader of the Independent Ireland party, Michael Collins, ahead of the Irish general election later this month (8:41); Professor Peter Frankopan argues that the world is facing a new race to rule the seas (17:31); Mary Wakefield reviews Rod Dreher's new book Living in wonder: finding mystery and meaning in a secular age (28:47); and, Flora Watkins looks at the Christmas comeback of Babycham (34:10).    Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.