Podcasts about Leinster House

Our political correspondent Micheal Lehane brings us the latest from Leinster House today.

Our political correspondent, Barry Lenihan has the latest from Leinster House.

Mungret Community College have recenty been encouraging students to cycle to school. Their #AndSheCycles campaign, encouraging more girls to cycle to school, has been a huge success, with three of their TY student ambassadors taking a trip up to Dublin to present their work at Leinster House.Two of the campaign ambassadors, Juno Loughran and Laura Pietruszkiewicz, join Joe.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the latest from Leinster House our Political Correspondent, Micheál Lehane.

A new political chapter begins as Social Democrats and Fine Gael welcome new TDs into the 34th Dáil, following weekend by-elections that signal shifting fortunes across the parties.Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin face scrutiny over disappointing results. Sinn Fein's results have raised questions about organisation, political direction, and the prospects for future left unity.Plus, debate continues over the Occupied Territories Bill, with opposition claims it has been “hollowed out” in Cabinet, as protests outside Leinster House call for the Ireland vs Israel football match to be cancelled.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Catherine Ardagh TD, Fianna Fail Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Fein Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner Harry McEvansoneya, Irish Election ProjectionsSenator Frances Black Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Nash is one of the most interesting artists working in British and Irish music right now.   You might know her from 'Foundations', the debut single that went to number one in the UK in 2007, or maybe winning a BRIT Award for Best Female Artist in 2008 or the excellent Netflix TV show GLOW on Netflix about female wrestlers.  But the Kate Nash of the last few years is an advocate for artists who kicks against the pricks of the music industry and the world at large.  In the last couple of years alone she has given testimony before a UK parliamentary select committee about the economics of touring, losing £26,000 on a European tour leg and covering those losses by selling photos of her arse on OnlyFans. She's travelled around London on a fire engine visiting the offices of Live Nation and Spotify as part of her Butts for Tour Buses campaign. She is a patron of the Music Venue Trust speaking up for grassroots venues. She's been one of the founding members of the Featured Artists Coalition since 2009.  She played the Trans Mission show at Wembley. She's been to Leinster House. She also released trans ally anthem 'GERM'. Nash  grew up in North Harrow going to Irish dancing at weekends, listening to Christy Moore and the Dubliners at home, spending summers in Ireland. Last month, Nialler9 debuted her cover of Sinead O'Connor's Famine - a song that serves as an introduction to her dual Irish English heritage. So there is a lot to talk to Kate Nash about. Listen on Apple | Android | Patreon | Pocketcasts | CastBox | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS Feed | Podlink   * Support Nialler9 on Patreon, get event discounts, playlists, ad-free episodes and access our Discord community.

New analysis by Eurostat finds the average household in Ireland is paying almost €500 more a year on electricity then people in other EU countries. The cabinet is due to discuss a plan aimed at lowering energy bills, our Political Correspondent, Barry Lenihan was in Leinster House.

The Goverment keeps some powder dry but the Opposition demands action now to reduce costs; cutbacks to Ukrainian accommodation as housing completions increase, plus more on the bye-elections and what the results will mean for Government parties and Sinn Féin.

For a man who has been targeted by assassins, Gerry Hutch is surprisingly easy to track down in the village in Lanzarote where he has lived for more than 10 years.He hikes in the morning, frequents the island's many Irish bars – Paddy's Point is a favourite – and is happy to stop for selfies with the Irish holidaymakers attracted by the island's winter sun.Irish Times investigative reporter Conor Gallagher travelled to the Spanish island last week to interview the veteran criminal as part of a wider investigation into the Dubliner's property holdings.Hutch has long maintained that his lifestyle is funded by savvy property investments although in a wide-ranging interview he tells Gallagher they have been “exaggerated”.From his sunny base he talks of his political ambitions for the May 22nd Dublin Central byelection, his reaction to his son's recent arrest in Lanzarote and the ongoing criminal investigation by the Spanish authorities into his own activities.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The standard breath testing target should be equal to every licensed driver being tested once a year. That's the call from Alcohol Action Ireland, who are today set to brief TDs and Senators at Leinster House on the impact of alcohol on road safety. Anton Savage was joined by Shelia Gilheaney, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland to discuss.

The standard breath testing target should be equal to every licensed driver being tested once a year. That's the call from Alcohol Action Ireland, who are today set to brief TDs and Senators at Leinster House on the impact of alcohol on road safety. Anton Savage was joined by Shelia Gilheaney, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland to discuss.

This May, 13 members of the Sea of Change choir will spend five days walking a Camino in Portugal. The choir, which is based in Dublin, is made up of cancer survivors and supporters. Formed in 2018, they have performed at venues across the country, at Electric Picnic, and have even featured on Britain's Got Talent. Ahead of their departure early next month, two choir members, Terry Kinane and Miriam Payne, joined Róisín Ingle on the podcast to discuss their preparations for the 120km walk. Kinane, who will be leading the group of women on the walk, shares her Camino expertise, while Payne, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, explains what this achievement will mean to her.But first, freelance journalist Kate Lynch is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the publication of the 1926 census, a new report detailing the barriers some women face in accessing free contraception, and why 91-year-old Leila Doolan walked from Shannon Airport to Leinster House this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

For the latest from Leinster House, our Political Correspondent Micheal Lehane.

On this morning's show... Another day of disruption is expected due to fuel protests. We'll be hearing from both the protesters and those affected by the disruption. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín will join me after 10. Cara Darmody was in Leinster House for a meeting with Minister for Disability, Emer Higgins. And regular contributor Muiris Walsh had an interesting experience on the Luas in Dublin.

The "referee" of Irish politics: Verona Murphy on power, pressure and running the DáilWhat actually happens when you're handed the whistle in Irish politics?On Episode 145 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL travel to Leinster House to sit down with Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle — the referee of the Dáil.This is not a standard political career story.From leaving home at 14, school at 15…to a period of homelessness… to driving trucks across Europe with ABBA blasting…to running a haulage company…to qualifying in law… to becoming Ceann Comhairle.Inside this conversation:What the Ceann Comhairle actually does (it's far, far bigger than you think)Why the job is effectively 24/7How legislation really moves (or doesn't) inside the DáilThe reality of managing conflict, egos and political theatreWhy many TDs don't understand the system they operate inThe truth about independence in Irish politicsPlus:Brexit through the eyes of the haulage industryWhy respect (or lack of it) is crippling key sectorsAnd the surprising power behind “standing orders”Decisis Case Round-Up (with thanks to our sponsor)This episode includes analysis of three recent decisions, brought to you by Charltons Solicitors & Collaborative Practitioners, Georges Street, Dún Laoghaire — specialists in family law, civil litigation, property, wills and probate.Cases discussed:1. Student A v Trinity College Dublin Can you stay anonymous if accused of academic misconduct? The High Court says: almost never.2. Hegarty & Others v Revenue Commissioners Revenue loses — because “tax avoidance” isn't enough if there's a real commercial reason.3. G v G (Child Abduction Case) A 22-month-old taken from the US to Ireland — and the court orders the child back.Subscribe, follow, and share. Because law — like politics — only makes sense when someone explains it properly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government's gone full wellness mode, with a brand-new sauna (and a very pricey plunge pool) installed at Leinster House — and Gift Grub has the exclusive.Micheál Martin and Simon Harris sweat it out “on behalf of the Irish people”, while Willie, Mary-Lou and Leo Varadkar make steamy guest appearances.

PJ talks to Carmel Cantwell one of the protest organizers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As conflict in Iran pushes up energy prices, the Government faces mounting pressure over possible emergency supports. New rent reforms are already causing controversy in the Housing Minister's own constituency, while Phil Hogan re-emerges as Ireland's candidate for a top UN job. Tabitha Monahan and Conal Thomas chat through down a tense week in Leinster House. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Women's Council are calling for both maternity and paternity benefits to be linked directly to income and expanded to cover at least the first year of a child's life. They will be protesting outside Leinster House later today. Speaking to Anton this morning was Donal Swan, Women's Economic Equality Co-ordinator, with the National Women's Council.

The national Gaeltacht housing campaign group TINTEÁN will hold a protest today outside Leinster House. They are calling on the government to take immediate action on the housing and language crisis in Irish speaking areas. Speaking to Anton was John Prendergast, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge.

Mice spotted ‘scurrying along skirtings' in the canteen, a ladybird infestation in a TD's office and seagull troubles are among pest-control issues in Leinster House…Joining Ciara with the story is Darragh McDonagh, Freelance Journalist.

It follows a hunger protest by four survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools that lasted for over 50 days outside Leinster House last year. Our Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, Ailbhe Conneely.

This afternoon An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and An Tánaiste Simon Harris have issued a state apology to survivors of institutional abuse, following a protest by four survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools which lasted fifty days outside Leinster House last year.Joining to discuss this further is Dr Maeve O'Rourke, Lecturer at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway.

A tricky week for the Government inside and outside of Leinster House goes under the microscope on the latest Indo Politics. On the agenda: public outcry at proposed SNA cuts, the planning permission row at the Rotunda Hospital, and the much-mooted social media ban for under-16s and how it might work, not to mention the Coalition tensions it's causing. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Mary Regan and Maeve McTaggartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Residential Tenancies Bill has now passed the Dáil and is set to come into effect on March 1st, bringing major changes to the rental market. The new law will allow landlords to reset rents to market rates when a property becomes vacant — a move the Government says will boost investment and supply, but which tenant groups warn could drive rents even higher. With protests taking place outside Leinster House this week and concerns that tens of thousands of first-time renters could be affected, Megan Kenny, Threshold's National Casework Manager spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) CharlieAJA from Getty Images via Canva.com

From ghostly goings on in Leinster House, to Irish interest at Crufts – Laura Donnelly joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

Whilst heavy rain and winds battered parts of the East coast this week, temperatures rose inside Leinster House. As Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin appeared before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. The government continued to push through regulations on the ban on scramblers, and we now have a date for the upcoming by-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central. So how is the field shaping up? Mary Regan joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss the runners and riders in the upcoming by-elections. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has finally reached the corridors of power. TDs and Senators are now paying more for meals in the Dáil bar and Members' Restaurant, with price hikes on everything from soup and burgers to calamari and lamb. While costs have risen across the menu, prices still undercut most Dublin city eateries — and notably, wine prices have been left untouched. So, is Leinster House feeling the squeeze like everyone else, or is this a reminder of how insulated political life can be?Joining Sean was Craig Hughes, Political Editor of the Irish Daily Mail

The Taoiseach will make a formal apology in the Dail to survivors of industrial and reform schools, a move that follows decades of campaigning by those who suffered abuse in state run institutions The apology comes after a deal was reached between the Government and four hunger strikers who had been protesting outside Leinster House for over 50 days, having survived on coffee and water That hunger strike ended after a promise that a package of supports would be delivered but one of those campaigners says the promises are already falling apart Maurice Patton O'Connell is a survivor of Pembroke Arms industrial school and one of the hunger stokers he joined Ciara Doherty to discuss

After 13 years in the search for justice, Margaret Loftus says that she will handcuff herself to the gates of Leinster House if her ex-husband who assaulted her, Garda Trevor Bolger, is not dismissed from the force.She joins Ciara to discuss…

Ahead of the Dáil break, Mary Lou McDonald claimed the coalition's first year in office was the worst Government performance since the Dáil was founded. The Sinn Fein president gave her year-end assessment of the Government, saying it is the worst this century. She characterised the coalition as “a do-nothing Government,” saying it had processed the least amount of legislation this century. Mary Lou McDonald said people were being hammered with price increases and ‘mean spirited' decisions ahead of Christmas. Was 2025 the worst performance by any Government since the foundation of the Dáil? What is the plan for 2026? Joining Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus to discuss this was Donna McGettigan, Shannon Sinn Fein TD, Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD, and Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fail TD. Photo (c) Oireachtas.ie

2026 - Bliain Úr faoi Mhaise DaoibhseA very happy New Year to all readers of this column, to the staff of the Belfast Media Group and The Irish Echo. And to you good readers who have stayed with me over the years.None of us know what 2026 will bring but we can be sure it will be interesting. May it also be good to you all and to your families. Beirigí bua. Eyes On The Prize. 2025 was a good year for Irish Unity. All of those advocating for a new Ireland, including Sinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland, worked hard and effectively promoting the message that Irish Unity will be good for the people of the island of Ireland. Crucially, both houses of the Oireachtas, the Dáil and the Seanad, passed motions calling on the Irish government to begin the process of planning and preparing for Unity referendums. These include The Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee. This is the only all-Ireland committee in Leinster House. It is unique in that Members of Parliament from the north join TDs and Senators to work on issues relating to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.The Good Friday Agreement remains the basis for relations on the island of Ireland and between the islands of Ireland and Britain. However, its implementation has been challenged, principally by indifference from London and a lack of consistent and positive leadership from Dublin.‘I'm so scared, please come'For as long as I have been a republican activist I have been reading and writing about the impact of British colonialism on peoples around the world. As the largest empire in human history Britain's conquests and exploitation of other places resulted in untold misery, death and hardship for those living under British rule - not least here in Ireland. To maintain its domination, the British Empire used violence and dehumanised the peoples it sought to exploit. Behind its claim of being a guardian of the ‘rule of law' Britain stole land and property, exploited mineral resources and reduced native peoples to little more than slaves.Among those many locations was Palestine. British policy is largely responsible for the decades of war that have plighted that land for a hundred years. Current British government policy is facilitating the genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli apartheid regime.I have visited Palestine and Israel on at least four occasions, including the Gaza Strip in 2009. I walked along the ‘separation wall' – a monstrous perversion designed to imprison Palestinians into smaller and smaller ghettoes.

From jaw-dropping scandals to moments of pure Irish joy, 2025 was a year nobody will forget in a hurry. In this special end-of-year edition of the Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by Fionnan Sheehan, Tessa Fleming and Kevin Doyle to look back on the stories that dominated headlines and conversations across the country. They revisit the shocking downfall of DJ Carey, a presidential election full of surprises, political chaos in Leinster House, and the unlikely rise of Dublin's cherry tomato bridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What were the big political stories of 2025? Were there issues we were obsessed with at the time and now can't quite remember why? And were there any laughs to be had around Leinster House?For a look back on the year in Irish politics, Irish Times political correspondents Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones came into the studio with their standout stories – from the fretting about the threat of US tariffs to the highs and lows of the presidential election; and from Paschal Donohoe's exit for a more glamorous job to the Government's new housing manifesto.Then there was Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry's unparliamentary sign language.And what exactly are “country pursuits” and why did they emerge as a talking point during the presidential election.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan with Andrew McNair on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Department of Housing is an unexpected source of top tips for young adults on how to behave. “Help out around the house”, it advises, “Set house rules” and “Communicate with your family”.All generally sound advice but widely perceived as tone deaf as it is in an information campaign aimed at young people forced to move back into their family homes, to once again sleep in their childhood bedrooms.The housing crisis with its high rents and lack of choice has meant many young people stay living with their parents for far longer than they want. The average age for Irish people to leave the family home is 28.The video, created by youth group SpunOut for the Housing Agency, has sparked negative responses from online commentators and Opposition politicians.Irish Times political correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones explains why the messaging fell so flat and how the controversy is playing out in Leinster House.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new plan to improve the assessment of needs process was discussed today in Cabinet.It comes as autism campaigner Cara Darmody starts another 50-hour campout outside Leinster House.Waiting lists for assessments of needs have long surpassed times set out in the guidelines, which state the assessment must be carried out within six months…Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Minister of State for Disability and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid West Emer Higgins, who brought forward this plan.

The National Bravery Awards are taking place as Nigel Cullen - bronze medal winner - and Martin O'Keeffe - whose father Cal has posthumously won gold - recall the heroic deeds that are being honoured today.

Mayo homeowner Nicola Byrne explains why defective concrete blocks forced her out of her home, ahead of a protest at Leinster House.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Maryam Elwaheidy is a translator with a strong foundation in English, Arabic. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Translation from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. She joins us from Gaza city to update us on the latest situation on the ground with the heavy fall of rain which flooded the tents of displaced Palestinians. We also discuss how the world is pretending that the so-called ceasefire means we can all forget about Gaza and what Israel has done over the last two plus years. Tune in for the full story. Note: this was recorded in Leinster House and Richard Boyd-Barrett makes an impromptu appearance at the end. Richard Boyd-Barrett is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143926042 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Maryam Elwaheidy is a translator with a strong foundation in English, Arabic. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Translation from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. She joins us from Gaza city to update us on the latest situation on the ground with the heavy fall of rain which flooded the tents of displaced Palestinians. We also discuss how the world is pretending that the so-called ceasefire means we can all forget about Gaza and what Israel has done over the last two plus years. Tune in for the full story. Note: this was recorded in Leinster House and Richard Boyd-Barrett makes an impromptu appearance at the end. Richard Boyd-Barrett is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-143926042 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

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

There has been a sense for some time that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe's next move was never going to be to some other role in Leinster House.Instead it has long been expected that his side gig as President of the Eurogroup since July 2020 would lead to a top job on the financial world stage - the IMF was mentioned regularly. The question was when might he hand in his notice.Yesterday Donohoe announced that he had resigned his job and will start his new job as number two at the World Bank in Washington on Monday.Irish Times political correspondent Ellen Coyne explains the political fallout to his move, while economics correspondent Eoin Burke-Kennedy outlines what the job will entail.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At around midnight, the four survivors of industrial and reformatory schools ended their hunger strike. They began their protest outside Leinster House on September 21st because they believed the State needed to provide more to survivors of the industrial school and orphanage system including enhanced medical cards. The protestors are Maurice Patton O’Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan who were child inmates of Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Tralee, and Mary Dunlevy Greene who attended an industrial school in Limerick. Miriam Moriarty Owens spoke to Treasa Murphy this morning and confirmed that the protest was over following a meeting with the Taoiseach and Education Minister Helen McEntee.

I was honoured when Holly Cairns asked if I'd be up for chatting with her in her first sit down interview since she returned to Leinster House since giving birth on polling day last year. We discussed the reality of becoming a mother as a sitting TD and leader of the Social Democrats, and why she's keen to get more women and people from diverse backgrounds in to politics, as well as how she feels about the current anti-immigration discourse. I hope you enjoy.To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports from Leinster House on today's motion of confidence in Tánaiste, Simon Harris.

 Catherine Connolly – A President for all of IrelandIn less than five weeks' time the next Uachtarán na hÉireann will be elected by the people of the 26 counties. Election day is 24 October. That the people of the North and of the diaspora will be denied a vote is a disgraceful consequence of the efforts over recent years by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael (FFFG) to prevent the extension of the presidential franchise. Both parties are frightened by the prospect of people, who have never voted for either party, voting in Presidential elections.  They want to retain the status quo not change it. This partitionist approach also influences the resistance of Micheál Martin and others to the growing potential for a referendum vote in favour of Irish Unity.Last weekend's decision by the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle to endorse Catherine Connolly's campaign is, to quote Mary Lou, a ‘game changer.' Sinn Féin has many capable, articulate leaders who would have been great candidates. But the party chose to join with others as part of a left alternative. This was a courageous decision which gives those who can vote in the election a clear choice between the conservative politics of FFFG or a progressive and positive alternative.  Cearta –Marching for RightsUnder the banner of CEARTA – meaning RIGHTS - tens of thousands took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to demand equality for the Irish language. In scenes reminiscent of An Dream Dearg in Belfast three years ago, Irish speakers and activists from across the island, wearing their distinctive red with a white circle, marched from Parnell Square to the gates of Leinster House.The protest was an exuberant and joyful celebration of our language and culture and of the demand that the Irish government implement policy changes that will protect and enhance the lives of Irish speakers and of the Gaeltacht communities. There was live music from Ispíní na hÉireann, Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin and Breandán Ó Beaglaoich and others. Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin performed a song about the needs of young people, especially those living in Gaeltacht areas who are finding it impossible to buy or rent or build a home. Go raibh maith agat Bruce MorrisonIn two weeks' time there will be a celebration in New York to mark 30 years of the Morrison Visa Programme. The event will remember the introduction of the visa legislation that provided an estimated 45,000 Irish people with a legal pathway into the USA in the early 1990s.The Morrison Visa was the brainchild of former US Congressman Bruce Morrison who introduced a program that allocated visas to nationals who up to that point were underrepresented in US Immigration. Bruce however, is also known for his hard work in support of the peace process. He was part of a group of Irish American business, trade union and political leaders – the Connolly House Group – who played a pivotal role in creating the conditions for the 1994 IRA cessation. Bruce and his colleagues continued to be active for years afterward and Bruce remains so today. 

Have we caught a case of Dutch Disease? Ireland's dependence on foreign multinationals looks less like a golden goose and more like Japanese knotweed, invasive, overwhelming, and slowly strangling everything around it. Yes, the jobs are plentiful and the tax coffers are bulging, but the hidden costs are piling up: small businesses being elbowed out, rents spiralling, public spending ballooning, and a state increasingly captured by the very companies it courts. We trace how multinationals now pay almost 90% of our corporate tax, how graduates are sucked into big tech rather than start-ups, and how housing and wages are being distorted in the process. Ireland's economy, once sold as nimble and entrepreneurial, is bending instead to the whims of boardrooms in California and Basel rather than Leinster House. Along the way we draw comparisons to the Premier League eclipsing Irish football, Trump's short-term deal-making on the world stage, and even brothel keepers in Saigon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.