Podcasts about The Irish Times

The Irish economy is in a strange position - we have strong employment and rising wages, yet many people feel under increasing pressure from housing costs and the tax system.House prices continue to rise despite widespread agreement that they are unaffordable for many buyers, while the debate over whether middle-income workers are carrying too much of the tax burden is intensifying ahead of the Budget.To look at the pressures facing households and the choices facing policymakers, Bobby's joined by Cliff Taylor, columnist with The Irish Times.

A plan by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to sell stakes in the World Cup appears to be in jeopardy after a third confederation expressed its opposition. For the latest Sports Correspondent with the Irish Times, Gavin Cooney.

Sports writer Kieran Cunningham and Irish Times columnist Roe McDermott join Matt to look back on the biggest stories of the week.The week started with celebrations and joy as Mayo beat Kerry to take home Sam and captured not only the hearts of the country, but gained legions of new fans across the globe.They discuss tourism protests in Spain and why a small Spanish outpost in North Africa has become the site of mass migration.Kieran and Roe also remember musician, actor and activist Glen Hansard who died tragically on Wednesday.To catch the full conversation, press 'play' on this page.

Have you ever gone into the supermarket for milk, and come out with a trolley full of things? You're not alone. It turns out shopping is as much about psychology as it is about groceries, and retailers know exactly how to encourage us to spend a little more…To explain the psychology behind the way we shop, Ciara is joined by Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times, Conor Pope…

This episode was originally published in February 2026. In today's episode, we're covering a topic that isn't often spoken about, but is estimated to affect around one in four families: family estrangement. It's a subject that writer and Irish Times contributor Laura Kennedy wrote about recently in her Substack, detailing the complicated grief she experienced following the death of her father late last year - a man she hadn't seen in over a decade. In today's episode, Kennedy joins Róisín Ingle to reflect on the strange, unsettling reality of losing a parent whose death changes almost nothing in her daily life. You can find her piece on family estrangement on Substack here https://lkennedy.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavin Cooney, Sports Correspondent, The Irish Times, discusses UEFA's decision to hold an emergency meeting following FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in upcoming World Cups to private equity.

Writing in The Irish Times this morning Brian Caulfield, Professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin says that e-scooters can play a role in sustainable transport Brian spoke to Anton about this.

While enthusiasm for learning and speaking more than one language is growing, why do people in Ireland speak so few of them? Anton was joined by Dr Paul Gillespie, research fellow with the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD and former foreign policy editor with The Irish Times and Columnist to discuss this more.

Writing in The Irish Times this morning Brian Caulfield, Professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin says that e-scooters can play a role in sustainable transport Brian spoke to Anton about this.

While enthusiasm for learning and speaking more than one language is growing, why do people in Ireland speak so few of them? Anton was joined by Dr Paul Gillespie, research fellow with the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD and former foreign policy editor with The Irish Times and Columnist to discuss this more.

Fintan Drury joins This Is Hell! to talk about his new book “Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine”, published by the Irish Academic Press. Fintan will be speaking with us live from Dublin. m(https://www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/genocide-sponsoring-the-destruction-of-palestine/) Fintan was a journalist with RTÉ in the 1980s. Before co-anchoring Morning Ireland for its first three years, he was a correspondent in Northern Ireland and reported from Britain, Europe, Africa, and the United States. In 1985, he volunteered in the then largest refugee camp in the world, in Darfur, with GOAL, an international humanitarian organization that delivers emergency life-saving aid. A longtime activist on migration, he's written extensively on the subject. In 2016 he volunteered in a refugee camp in Athens, which led to a fifteen-part series in The Irish Times on the diary of a Syrian refugee. His 2025 book, “Catastrophe: Nakba II," was released to critical acclaim and was shortlisted for Best Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards. Fintan is also chair SARI (Sport Against Racism in Ireland), which "harnesses the power of sport to embrace difference, celebrate diversity and promote social inclusion across Ireland."

Find Fintan on X at @DruryFintan and on Instagram @fintan.drury We will have a new installment of Jeff Dorchen's Moment Of Truth. We will also be sharing your answers to this week's Question from Hell! from Facebook, Welcome To The Hellhole, and Discord. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell

Glen Hansard died in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a motorcycle crash in the Strawberry Beds area of Dublin. He was 56. He was one of Ireland's most well-known musicians who leaves behind an incredible musical legacy from a career that took him from being a teenage busker on Grafton Street to winning an Oscar for the song Falling Slowly. A lifelong activist, he was also a husband to Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa and a father to three-year-old Christy.Irish Times writer Patrick Freyne once played in a band and they supported Hansard's first band The Frames in the early 1990s.Freyne traces Hansard's career; talks about his ability to bring musicians together, his deep well of charisma and why he thinks the Dublin man had become the unofficial national bard.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Friday, 35-year-old Andrew Haire was found dead at a recycling facility in Dublin. Andrew was the partner of 49-year-old Donal Scanlon from Ballybunion who drowned in the Grand Canal with American Alex Warnick two years ago. They, like Andrew, were homeless. Jerry spoke to Kitty Holland, social affairs correspondent with The Irish Times.

On this week's 42FM, Sinéad O'Carroll is joined by Ian Robertson, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, and author of ‘The Winning Effect'.In a recent Irish Times article, Professor Robertson explained how Mayo's approach to historical failures was in direct contrast to that of Thomas Tuchel's England football team.But why were their responses to adversity so varied?How much could be gleaned from Kobe McDonald's pre-game grin as he and his teammates paraded around the storied ground of Croke Park?And if the curse of Mayo wasn't real, might it have had a placebo effect? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new statue was unveiled last week honouring Mick ‘Iron Man' Murphy.Ian O'Riordan, Sports Reporter with the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss more about him!

Mayo have ended their 75-year wait for an All-Ireland football title!Former Mayo footballer Martin Carney, Keith Duggan, Irish Times journalist and author of 'House Of Pain', Will O'Callaghan and Ray Silke all join The Last Word to discuss Mayo's momentous win against Kerry.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new statue was unveiled last week honouring Mick ‘Iron Man' Murphy.Ian O'Riordan, Sports Reporter with the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss more about him!

Over 300,000 people have evacuated their homes in France and Spain, with a European council official stating the wildfires could last until early November.Naomi O'Leary, European Correspondent at The Irish Times, and Dr Claire Bergin, Climate Researcher at Maynooth University, join The Last Word to discuss the devastation the wildfires have caused so far. To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!

As the suspect in the Berlin Pride car attack, which killed 1 person and injured 29 others during the weekend, has reportedly been shot by German police, Jonathan Healy spoke to Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent of The Irish Times to get the latest update.

As the suspect in the Berlin Pride car attack, which killed 1 person and injured 29 others during the weekend, has reportedly been shot by German police, Jonathan Healy spoke to Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent of The Irish Times to get the latest update.

Police in Germany are searching for a 21-year-old man believed to have Islamist links after a vehicle drove into a crowd near Berlin's Gay Pride celebrations. One person was killed and 16 others are reported as wounded, including three with life-threatening injuries. Fiachra was joined from Berlin by Irish Times journalist Derek Scally.

Conor Gallagher, Investigations Reporter with The Irish Times, reacts to the government's summary of a report into alleged breaches of sanctions by Aughinish Alumina.

When a defendant in a court case is granted legal aid, the State pays. Before a reform of the payment system introduced on July 1st, solicitors could bill the Department of Justice €239.38 for their first appearance in court for their client and €59.86 for each subsequent one. The invoice is called a legal aid certificate.Defendants frequently face multiple charges that are heard together in the same sitting. Before July 1st, the solicitor could invoice for each charge, meaning multiple payments for each client. In the past 18 months more than 100 cases involved at least 10 invoices being sent to the Department concerning individual clients whose charges were dealt with together or in quick succession before the District Court.In the reform of the payment system, solicitors will now receive a flat fee of €520 per criminal legal aid client.Many solicitors on the legal aid panel have rejected this new payment model, and withdrew their services for two days this week.The Minister says he will meet the Law Society to discuss its concerns about payment reforms, but as he has previously said the reforms will stay, is there any hope of resolution?Irish Times political correspondent Cormac McQuinn explains.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local authorities are to conduct a review of childcare providers' fees as a result of a direction from the Department of Children.T he review will begin this August. Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times brought us the details.

What is the most important quality of any politician? A certain nonchalance.Well, that's the view of Stephen Collins, former Political Editor with The Irish Times, who joins Ciara to discuss.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has described as "extremely significant" the discovery of a car bomb intercepted as it was being driven across the border to Northern Ireland.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Security and Crime Editor with The Irish Times, Conor Lally.

Work to restore Marlay Park's so-called ha-ha wall is set to cost Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council €660,000 plus VAT, with the project now in its final stages, is this yet another example of spending public money frivolously?Joining Shane to discuss is Emmet Malone, Work Correspondent and Assistant News Editor at The Irish Times and Oisín O'Connor, Councillor in the Glencullen - Sandyford area.

Day 1,609.Today, after Mykhailo Drapatyi is appointed Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, we examine the reaction from Russian soldiers and military commentators as Kyiv reshapes its wartime leadership. We also report on Ukraine's continuing campaign of long-range strikes, with fresh attacks on a key Russian logistics hub and another strategically important oil refinery as Kyiv seeks to weaken Moscow's war machine far behind the front lines. Then we assess how Russia's war against Ukraine is reshaping global grain exports and food prices, before unpacking the European Union's latest sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime, finally agreed after weeks of difficult negotiations.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Yesterday's Ukraine: The Latest, offering a deep dive into Kyiv's new commander-in-chief:YouTube – https://youtu.be/xqBiyMPM4jo?si=p1rlhUOodgg781ck Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraines-legendary-new-commander-takes-charge-after/id1612424182?i=1000777916224Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CktsLADyTxmHVesqf6RxW?si=abe2835da3fc4782 Kremlin propagandist Xenia Fedorova escapes EU sanctions targeting Russian figures (Le Monde):https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/07/22/kremlin-propagandist-xenia-fedorova-escapes-eu-sanctions-targeting-russian-figures_6755722_4.html?srsltid=AfmBOopfQv9I8HMURwgR6Hkc7GNY7nqJuYDoS-YXXq1t3JMx29P71kMxFrom the Shannon to Siberia: How alumina from a Limerick refinery enters Russia's weapons supply chain (The Irish Times)https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/03/24/from-the-shannon-to-siberia-how-alumina-from-a-limerick-refinery-enters-russias-weapons-supply-chain/For more on Caolan Robertson's investigation into the Auginish aluminium plant, Ukraine: The Latest June 16th episode: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mimSeae4Nw&t=1492sApple podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/trump-tells-putin-to-make-a-deal-at-g7-revenge/id1612424182?i=1000772992491Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XXCl4A8oZ871GwjvdXowYEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: The European Union's 21st sanction packageInterview with Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Power from the Irish Times joined us to tell us more about this meeting from Kyiv.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ronan McGreevy, News Reporter, Irish Times.

In this Film Ireland podcast, recorded live on location in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Irish Film Festival, Gemma Creagh chats with filmmaker Nuala O'Connor about her film In Time: Dónal Lunny. The documentary chronicles the enigmatic and innovative musician Dónal Lunny, tracing his profound influence on Irish music and his role in shaping its modern evolution.In this conversation, Nuala shares insights into her varied career, balancing her two passions - film and music - her craft, and the challenge of capturing the spirit of such a pioneering artist on screen.The episode was recorded live at the Irish film festival, presented annually by Solas Nua. The 20th edition of the festival took place in Washington, D.C., from February 26 to March 1, 2026.Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts or watch the otigional recording here:https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-filmmaker-nuala-oconnor-on-in-time-donal-lunnyAbout In Time: Dónal Lunny Charting the life and legacy of the iconic Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland's most outstanding artists, this film offers an insightful appraisal of his creative process, exploring the enduring and far-reaching influence he has had on Irish traditional music. The film reveals a life lived entirely for art's sake. The major events of his creative and personal life have converged with major cultural, political and historic changes in Ireland and around the world and reflects the impact this had on his art from the 1950s to the present day. Music fuses with the personal material of Dónal Lunny's biographical journey and brings the artist into being in this film. That journey is the journey of Irish culture and people who lived through those decades from the 1950s to the present day. Nuala O'ConnorNuala O'Connor has worked for nearly twenty years in broadcasting: in RTÉ for nine years as a researcher and radio producer, and for the past ten years in the independent film sector. In 1987, Nuala established Hummingbird Productions with Philip King to produce high quality music and arts documentaries. With Philip King, she worked as assistant producer on Bringing It All Back Home and is the author of the book which accompanied the series.Nuala went on to produce documentaries including A River of Sound, Christy, Meitheal and Bláth Gach Géag Dá dTig, collaborating with Donal Lunny, Liam O'Flynn, Seamus Heaney, Sinéad O'Connor and Mary Black.Subsequently, with Philip King and Tina Moran, she was a founder director of South Wind Blows Productions, initially directing the Irish history documentary series The Limits of Liberty with Professor Diarmaid Ferriter. In 2013, she co-directed An Glaoch: The President's Call with President Michael D. Higgins and also that year wrote and directed From Moment to Moment about the Irish band The Gloaming. In 2014, she worked as co-producer on the acclaimed Ceiliúradhconcert at the Royal Albert Hall.Nuala also worked as the traditional music reviewer for The Irish Times for many years.Capital Irish Film FestivalSolas Nua's annual Capital Irish Film Festival in Washington, D.C., presents one of the largest programmes of Irish cinema in North America, showcasing the latest Irish dramatic and documentary features, shorts, art films and animation releases by Irish and Ireland-based filmmakers. The 20th edition of the four-day festival takes place 26 February – 1 March 2026 in partnership with the prestigious American Film Institute's Silver Theatre & Cultural Center.Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up on Inside Business this week, we look at the woes impacting the Irish aviation sector.Aer Lingus last week announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs at the airline, the equivalent of 8 per cent of its workforce.And Ryanair announced on Monday that its profits had dropped in the first half of the year due to higher fuel costs and a reduction in air fares as people hedge their travel plans amid the current increases in the cost of living.To discuss these issues, host Ciarán Hancock was joined in studio by Davy stockbrokers aviation analyst Stephen Furlong and on the line by Eoghan Corry, a veteran aviation journalist.Plus, Ciara O'Brien of The Irish Times on the Government's plans to introduce a digital wallet, that in time could hold your passport and driving licence.How will it work and why is it being brought in now?Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Employees of three key State agencies use a computer programme called Passwork to generate and protect their passwords. It's a cybersecurity measure.But what they didn't know, before it was revealed by The Irish Times, is that Passwork, which purports to be EU-based, has extensive links to a Russian company licensed by Russia's security service.The agencies using Passwork are the Office of Public Works, the State Laboratory, which provides chemical testing and scientific advice to Government departments, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the agency tasked with, among other things, helping consumers stay cyber safe. It is unclear how many other Irish State agencies use Passwork.So what does it mean for State security? Who has access to these passwords? And what does the Russian owner of the Spanish-based company that sold the Passwork programme to the State agencies say? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Murphy, RTÉ Economic & Public Affairs Editor; Ger Howlin, public affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist; and Adrian Kane of SIPTU

Tá rún ag an rialtas dlús a chur le beartais infreastruchtúir a measann siadsan práinn a bheith leo agus ar an gcéad cheann a bhfuil sé i gceist acu a dheifriú tá Seach Bhóthar na Gaillimhe.

In recent weeks, the Irish Government has come under pressure to introduce a ban on e-scooters following a steep increase in the number of serious e-scooter accidents involving children. One of those supporting the ban is Seana Brennan, a mother of two from Cavan whose son, Mason, was involved in a serious e-scooter accident last year.Brennan joins Bernice Harrison on today's episode to share her family's experience and to highlight the dangers e-scooters pose to children. Later, Irish Times political correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones discusses the political response to the rise in e-scooter related accidents and examines how a ban might work in practice.Produced by Suzanne Brennan, with research by Ellen Clusker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Claire Brock to discuss the top stories in Sunday's newspapers are Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Aisling Meehan, Agricultural Solicitor, Tax Advisor and Farmer, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

The National Competitive and Productivity Council has called for the speedy delivery of Ireland's offshore wind energy projects. As it stands, Ireland's only offshore wind farm, Arklow Bank Wind Park, ceased operations last year. To establish where we stand, Paul was joined by Caroline O'Doherty, Environment Correspondent with the Irish Times.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Susan HayesCulleton. Presenter of Taking Stock here on Newstalk &Ciaran Hancock, Business Editor of The Irish Times.

Because of the warmer weather, we are getting through more wine. Should we go back to the 80s with the bag-in-box wine?Joining Seán to discuss is John Wilson, Wine Critic for The Irish Times.

For his hosting duties on America 2026, the Irish Times podcast, Paul Howard watched every World Cup single match, even it was on at 4am and featured a no-hoper team in the tournament to make up the numbers.What did he make of England's loss to Argentina?Why does he think the bloated half-time show featuring Shakira and Justin Bieber, planned for Sunday's final, highlights just how much Fifa is enthralled to the US; and who will lift the World Cup when the final whistle blows on Sunday, Argentina or Spain?Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor at the Irish Independent and Jen Hogan, Irish Times parenting columnist

The body of Jamey Carney, a 43-year-old mother-of-one, was found by her teenage daughter at their home in Killarney last week. The American woman had suffered head injuries and a postmortem confirmed she had died a violent death by suffocation. Gardai traced her partner, Ahmed Al Saqar's, movements immediately after the killing and found that he left Ireland hours after she was killed, flying to Turkey having taken the night bus from Kerry. He then travelled on to Jordan where he was arrested and is in custody. It is thought the 28-year-old had been in Ireland for two years and had sought asylum before fleeing back to Jordan after the murder. The investigation is a full-scale murder inquiry. Gardaí did not seek Al Saqar's arrest in his home country, so why was he detained? How long can he be held by Jordanian authorities before he must be released? Ireland and Jordan do not have an extradition treaty so how can Al Saqar be brought back to Ireland? And when?Irish Times crime and security editor Conor Lally explains the complex road ahead in this investigation. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Dáil goes into recess, there are plenty of issues that will generate some controversy throughout the summer and beyond. To discuss with Jonathan was Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.

Arthur Beesley, Reporter for The Irish Times, outlines the complexities involved with the outcome of the investigation into Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick.

First up on this week's episode of Inside Business, host Ciarán Hancock speaks to Cliff Taylor of The Irish Times about the State's purchase of the a 5-acre site on O'Connell Street in Dublin that used to house the Carlton cinema. Officially, it has been purchased for the Metrolink underground rail link to Dublin airport. But is this part of a wider plan by the Government to take charge of regeneration in this key urban quarter of the capital?Why did Transport Infrastructure Ireland pay €80 million to purchase the site from UK developer Hammerson? And did it really need to buy the site to deliver a Metrolink stop on O'Connell Street?Plus, fighting has once again broken out in the Middle East as the fragile ceasefire between the US an Iran has impacted on shipping going through the Strait of Hormuz. Denis Staunton has covered the story for The Irish Times, and he sums up the events of this week and where peace talks might go from here.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online gambling on black-market betting sites is big business. One company, Soft2Bet, which has been licensed in Ireland since 2022, and its related entities received €600 million from dozens of offshore casinos that regulators in Europe had blacklisted or fined.For gamblers using some of these sites, it means few rules apply. Unauthorised betting sites deliberately target people with gambling addictions and ignore local gambling regulations, including age limits to protect young people.While working on an investigation with cross-border journalism group Investigate Europe, Irish Times investigative reporter with The Irish Times, Mark Tighe discovered that Irish authorities granted gambling licences to six companies at the heart of this global network of black-market betting and casino websites.One of the scheme's newest websites, OnlySpins, a bookmaker and casino with pornographic content targeting Europeans, does not verify whether Irish users are over the age of 18 or provide checks on a customer's identity.He also discovered that two Irish companies were processing payments for Soft2Bet-linked unlicensed gambling sites operating in Europe.Soft2Bet is led by Ukrainian-Israeli millionaire Uri Poliavich.He joins In the News to explain how this investigation unfolded, what the activities of black market sites mean for vulnerable users and what the Irish authorities had to say.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Day 1,588.After Russia unleashes one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more, Dom reports on a city that knew the assault was coming hours in advance. He then examines a major new report alleging that Russia's shadow fleet has been used not only to evade sanctions, but potentially to launch drones targeting military bases and civilian airports across Europe, raising profound new questions about the Kremlin's hybrid war against the West. Later, Dom, Adelie and Francis answer your questions in the first edition of our new regular postbag segment.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Listen to ‘Ernstfall: What if Russia Attacks NATO? Inside a German Wargame' (featuring dubs from Francis Dearnley and James Rothwell): – Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ernstfall-what-if-russia-attacks-nato-inside-a/id6785429115 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/033GHuBrh6zwl1mq4TVeY6?si=-RApaIauQXaQhD5tgzhD_g&nd=1&dlsi=50aee65f40c4451b Eighteen killed in massive Russian attack on Kyiv (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/02/ukraine-war-russia-attacks-kyiv-drones-missiles/ Russia's UAV Campaign Over Europe (International Institute for Strategic Studies)https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2026/06/russias-uav-campaign-over-europe/ Russian drones spy on nuclear weapons in Britain (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/02/putin-shadow-tankers-drones-nuclear-weapons-russia-nato/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 1, 2026 (Institute for the Study of War)https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-1-2026/Sanctioned Russian billionaire retains control of Aughinish parent company, Sweden finds (Irish Times)https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/07/01/sanctioned-russian-billionaire-retains-control-of-aughinish-parent-company-sweden-finds/Russia buys gasoline from India to tackle shortages, sources say (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-buys-gasoline-india-tackle-shortages-sources-say-2026-07-01/Russia shuts railway border crossings with Finland, Estonia and Latvia (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-suspends-railway-border-crossings-finland-baltic-neighbors/ How likely is the use of nuclear weapons by Russia? (Chatham House)https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/03/how-likely-use-nuclear-weapons-russiaRussia's Nuclear Signaling in 2026 and Implications for European Security (DGAP) https://dgap.org/en/research/publications/russias-nuclear-signaling-2026-and-implications-european-security Nuclear Signaling since the beginning of the full-scale invasion (Ukraine: The Latest, February 3rd)https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/putin-waits-until-kyiv-hits-20c-before-knocking-out/id1612424182?i=1000747895284Postcards of the Front:https://postcardstothefrontcanada.com/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.Thumbnail image credit: Vlada.UAHIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine's '40-day campaign' to break Russia continues as Kyiv suffers huge attackShadow fleet drones spy on Europe's nuclear warheads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With dining out becoming an increasingly expensive luxury, we find out how to order the perfect restaurant meal with top tips from a panel of seasoned pros. The Irish Times food critic, Corinna Hardgrave, veteran server and podcast host Brittany Felton and chef and hospitality advisor James Knight-Pacheco join Ruth Alexander to discuss how to make the most of a well-deserved meal from your hard-earned money. They cover everything from sharing dishes, whether to trust a waiter's recommendations and if it's best to stick to what you know – or try something more adventurous when visiting a restaurant with friends or family. We get the inside track from the diner's table to the wait staff and of course the kitchen. Brittany Felton explains how her 15-year career as a server means she can quickly assess a table's needs, even to the extent of working out what kind of meal and evening the diners would like to have. Corinna Hardgrave shares advice from her 20-plus years as a professional restaurant critic, including how to stay in control if you experience pushy or impatient wait staff when eating out. And chef James Knight-Pacheco shares his insight on when is the best time to order the special – and when to avoid certain dishes on a menu. Producer: Sam Clack and Niamh McDermott Sound engineer: Hal Haines(Image: Waitress taking the order of a group of friends eating at a restaurant - stock photo. Credit: Getty Images)