Podcasts about social democrats

Joseph Sternberg examines Germany's economic struggles under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a shift toward deregulation and infrastructure borrowing. Massive layoffs at Volkswagen signal the end of traditional "lifetime employment." Merz faces political challenges from Social Democrats who resist aggressive free-market changes. (7)1839 RHINELAND

CLiz Peek discusses the strong American economy, noting that small businesses feel relief as tariff threats abate and inflation falls. Lower energy and gasoline prices have cheered investors. Anecdotal evidence from local bookstores and ice cream parlors reinforces a positive outlook for consumer sentiment. (1)Liz Peek highlights the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America as a significant threat to established Democraticincumbents. Young voters are flocking to radical platforms promising free services. Rahm Emanuel emerges as a blunt voice for the party, urging a challenge against these "loons." (2)Jonathan Schanzer reports on the restart of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, where oil prices have hit $87 per barrel. The US is conducting air strikes against Iranian naval assets and drone bases. Schanzer questions why these strategic targets were not hit earlier in the conflict. (3)Jonathan Schanzer explores the Houthi threat in North Yemen and the potential for a wider regional conflict. While the US keeps Israel on the sidelines to avoid escalation, Turkey's "neo-Ottoman" ambitions are rising. Schanzer warns that Turkey seeks to fill the power vacuum left by Iran. (4)Mary Kissel analyzes the failure of the Iran ceasefire, noting that Iran calculated the US lacks the will for ground intervention. The conflict centers on Iran's suspect nuclear program, with potential new targets at Pickaxe Mountain. Public engagement remains low despite rising energy costs. (5)Mary Kissel discusses NATO's decision to reinforce Ukraine with advanced drone technology and Patriot missile manufacturing. Ukraine is hailed as the "future of warfare," transitioning from a security consumer to a security contributor. Kissel emphasizes the need for the US to counter Russian propaganda. (6)Joseph Sternberg examines Germany's economic struggles under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a shift toward deregulation and infrastructure borrowing. Massive layoffs at Volkswagen signal the end of traditional "lifetime employment." Merz faces political challenges from Social Democrats who resist aggressive free-market changes. (7)Joseph Sternberg addresses the assassination of former MP Ann Widdecombe, which is being investigated as a possible act of political violence. Sternberg notes that existential political rhetoric on social media often inspires such attacks. These tensions reflect broader global concerns regarding political polarization. (8)Gregory Copley critiques the stalemate in the Persian Gulf, suggesting that US air strikes alone cannot win without a plan for regime change. He advocates for supporting the domestic Iranian population against the clerical leadership. Turkey's opposition to empowering Kurdish forces remains a significant complication. (9)Gregory Copley discusses the inevitability of Ukraine's path to NATO, a move he views as a provocation to Russia. He argues the war preserves President Zelensky's power without a democratic mandate. However, he acknowledges Ukraine's technological ingenuity in developing swarming drone capabilities for modern combat. (10)Gregory Copley highlights Australia's declining regional power as Indonesia and India rise strategically. China'smissile tests and interest in Antarctica further destabilize the South Pacific. As the Antarctic Treaty ends, a scramble for the world's largest oil deposits appears imminent. (11)Gregory Copley details King Charles III's visit to the Isle of Man, the world's oldest continuous parliament. The King also held a private, discreet meeting with Prince Harry. Meanwhile, the UK faces rising anxiety over security for political leaders following the assassination of Ann Widdecombe. (12)Jeff McCausland discusses the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian threats from land-based missiles and drones. President Trump faces a dilemma: muddle through, escalate with ground forces, or withdraw. McCausland warns that seizing territory like Kharg Island would result in significant casualties. (13)Jeff McCausland notes that Europe now views Ukraine as a security contributor due to its mastery of drone and robotic warfare. While Putin considers escalation or mobilization, Chinese pressure likely prevents the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The US continues to communicate "serious consequences." (14)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa condemn Gustavo Petro's refusal to recognize election results in Colombia. They criticize Brazil's President Lula for his silence on criminal leftist regimes. The "Shield of the Americas" alliance is emerging to defend regional democracy and fight corruption. (15)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that 60,000 people are missing in Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes and government neglect. They propose an emergency temporary government to replace the Rodriguezsiblings. Brazil hosts 700,000 refugees fleeing the "gangland" regime's destruction. (16)All 16 segments formatted, tail numbers (1)–(16). Name check clean: Liz Peek, Peña Esclusa, Araújo with the accent, Ann Widdecombe all correct.

As the Dáil shuts down for the summer it's time for Hugh, Pat and Jack to take stock of the term gone by. But the biggest political event of the year didn't happen in Leinster House. The April fuel protests left their mark on Irish politics as few other events of recent years have. In part two: How have the various parties navigated the term? Has Mary Lou McDonald steadied the SF ship, and could a forthcoming book by a former party insider cause renewed problems? Can the Social Democrats maintain their recent momentum? Has Simon Harris dialled down his high-energy approach to politics? And when Harris rotates back into the taoiseach's office next year, will Micheal Martin still be the man he'll take over from? Finally: Martin has repeatedly said this Government will be about results, delivery and substance. But will there be enough of that to satisfy voters? On the cost of living issue in particular, the challenge is steep - even with the next election a long way off. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Concerns around greater home care for adults with intellectual disabilities, which has been covered on the show many times, was brought up in the Dáil today. So, what is the current situation for aging parents?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cian O'Callaghan, Deputy Leader of the Social Democrats and Sarah Roarty, who is on the committee with the Before we Die campaign.

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

A senior strategist for the independent Roots Action India Walton

This week host James Savage and regular panelist Richard Orange record the podcast from Almedalen, the annual politics fest in Visby on the Baltic island of Gotland. They are joined for a lively politics conversation by Henrik Torehammar, a political commentator for the Svenska Dagbladet newspaper. Almedalen is sometime criticised as an event for Sweden's elites, but how elitist can any event really be in what Torehammar calls a "bicycle monarchy" famed for its flat hierarchies? Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's Moderate Party is edging towards a disastrous election if polls are to be believed. Can he pull a result out of the fire at the eleventh hour? The opposition parties look poised to snatch power. But will some pretty major ideological differences act as a stumbling block for the Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson? And what issues are likely to dominate in the run-up to the September election. Immigration? Climate? Or could the rise of AI make its presence felt on the campaign trail? Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:PoliticsWhy are Swedish politicians so silent on AI?Sweden Democrat leader takes aim at Social Democrats in key speechSweden Democrats launch retro election campaign to make 'Sweden like Sweden again'More than half of voters think Sweden's government will lose electionStay on top of the Swedish election: How to follow The Local's coverage  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Socially Democratic covers a massive month in Australian politics: One Nation's rise, Pauline at the National Press Club, and a Victorian Labor leadership non-challenge that fizzled before it started.David Feeney is back on the Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone and host Stephen Donnelly.They cover:

A major shift in Ireland's approach to drug policy could be on the horizon following the publication of a landmark report by the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use.   The committee is recommending that possession of drugs for personal use should be decriminalised, and that Ireland adopts a more health-led approach to tackling addiction and substance misuse.   The report contains 161 recommendations, including expanded treatment services, greater access to harm reduction measures, and increased support for people affected by addiction.   Meanwhile, the Taoiseach says the government will give serious consideration to the recommendations of the Oireachtas report.   He was responding to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who said the Government was not taking a health-led approach to the issue.  Micheal Martin said a health referral scheme will be introduced shortly for those found to be in possession of illicit drugs, saying the report will be fully examined. To discuss what these proposals could mean in practice, Alan Morrissey was joined by Midwest-based addiction counsellor Michael Guerin. Photo (c) Towfiqu barbhuiya from Pexels via Canva

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste are to both vote in favour of a Sinn Féin Bill being proposed which would see the removal of the mandatory three-day wait period for women seeking abortion in early stages of pregnancy Sinn Fein's bill is to come before the Dáil tomorrow This comes after Social Democrats' Bill proposing abortion law changes was defeated in a Dáil vote in the last month

It's been a week of rising political temperatures in Sweden, with the government withdrawing one of its most high-profiled political proposals when they realised it may not get through parliament. We also hear from the leader of the Centre Party, who this week announced which party is their favoured partner after the election, and check in on the Social Democrats to find out why they voted the way they did on the proposal to scrap permanent residency for certain groups.This week also saw the start of the FIFA World Cup, with people in Sweden getting ready for that first match at 4 AM on Monday - or maybe not. And hear why Sweden's strawberry growers are nervously eyeing the weather forecast for this weekend.

The FAI have decided to move Ireland's game against Israel to a neutral venue. But is this a pragmatic move or another attempt to avoid making a principled decision?On Free State today Joe and Dion talk to Sinead Gibney of the Social Democrats about why this is a cop out. Would there be consequences for Ireland if they refused to play the game or would it lead to others following?Sinead Gibney explains why this is a moral issue and even if Ireland were removed as hosts of the Euros in two years, they should refuse to play. The decision to move the game doesn't address the moral core of the problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry spoke to Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney, who is visiting Kerry this week for a public meeting, about her party's motion in the Dáil this week calling for Ireland's game with Israel to be cancelled altogether.

Pádraig Rice, Social Democrats health spokesperson, discusses the latest in the row over the Rotunda maternity hospitals implementation of Public Only Consultant Contracts.

Tony O'Donoghue, RTÉ Soccer Correspondent; Stuart Gilhooley, solicitor for the PFAI and Sinead Gibney, Social Democrat spokesperson on Sport

Swan Alley, located between Thomas Street and Hanbury Lane, has long been a source of discussion among members of the South Central Area Committee...Last week, it was gated shut due to the ongoing issues related to drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping. Is this the correct thing to do to tackle anti-social behaviour?Joining Ciara to discuss is Brendan Brady of Brady Associates on Meath Street and Lesley Byrne, Dublin City Councillor with the Social Democrats.

There's a push to give the Government greater powers to prevent munitions from being flown through Shannon Airport. The Social Democrats have introduced a bill that would extend what qualifies as a State aircraft by including aircraft operating as custom flights. It follows reports of chartered flights assisting with ICE deportations in the US passing through the Clare base. Speaking in the Seanad, Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Patricia Stephenson, believes the proposed legislation would put an end to ICE flights coming through Shannon.

The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

PJ talks to Padraig Rice about the Social Democrat plans to ban advertising for Zero alcohol beers, learns about the beautiful Spanish sail ship Nao Santa Maria coming to Cork, chats to a woman who started a food business with a coffee shop regular and grew it. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is set to oppose a Bill that calls for restrictions on ads for alcohol-free drinks.Padraig Rice TD of the Social Democrats is set to bring the Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025 forward on Thursday.Deputy Rice and Fine Gael TD John Clendennan speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

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

Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats.

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

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

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

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

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.

Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats' agriculture spokesperson, on draft government legislation to tackle puppy farms.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Mark Paul join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The findings of the Irish Times and TG4 by Ipsos B&A poll throws up some interesting permutations for the Dublin Central byelection. Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan leads the first preference vote at 21 per cent, Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is in second place on 18 per cent, but as Jack explains, ‘second preference intention' could be vital for both. · It is now a question of when and not if for Keir Starmer after disastrous local and parliamentary election results prompted a slew of Labour MPs to call on the prime minister to resign. A defiant speech on Monday did little to inspire party members as Starmer vowed to fight any leadership challenge. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been given a route to challenge Starmer following Josh Simons' decision to step down as MP for Makerfield.· And speaking to The Irish Times on Wednesday, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern addressed his recent comments on immigration, made while out on a canvass last week in Dublin Central. And while no apology was forthcoming, he did point out that he had “no problem with people from the Congo or Africa or anywhere else. I've good friends around Drumcondra, there's a lot of the clergy in from Africa.” Could this controversy overshadow Fianna Fáil's Ard Fheis taking place today and tomorrow as the party marks its 100th year in existence?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· One Dublin mother's 14-year wait for a bigger council house, the challenges for Ireland of a Reform-led UK government, and how difficult it has become for Irish diaspora to return home.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.

Pat Leahy, political editor with The Irish Times, on the second opinion poll of the bye-election campaign in Dublin Central.

The Irish Times and TG4 by Ipsos B&A poll shows Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan leads the byelection race in Dublin Central with first preference votes at 21 per cent, Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is in second place on 18 per cent. But Ennis will be in line for a lot of transfers from the fragmented left-wing vote, with Labour, People Before Profit and the Green Party all having candidates in the race. Veteran criminal Gerry Hutch is running in third place on 14 per cent, growing his vote from 9 percent in the last general election. Could his transfers play an important role for Boylan's path to victory?And Fianna Fáil's John Stephens is way back in the field on 4 per cent. His cause won't have been helped by Bertie Ahern's comments on immigration, captured while the former taoiseach was out on a byelection canvass last week. The poll shows immigration trails cost-of-living and housing as an issue for voters ahead of election day on May 22nd.Produced by John Casey.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.

Barry Lenihan, Political Correspondent, discusses the voting down of a Social Democrats bill which would have reformed abortion law.

Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP followed by Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fail spokesperson on housing and Rory Hearne, Social Democrats housing spokesperson

Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator, Joanna Byrne, Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

HSE Chief Anne O'Connor had told senior management the organisation is “significantly over budget” and the situation is “serious” while a Dáil spending watchdog was announced in response to the €127,000 bike shed in Kerry hospital.The HSE will be pausing recruitment in some non-frontline roles due to a €250 million overspend…Joining Shane to discuss this is Pádraig Rice, Social Democrat TD for Cork South Central and Health Spokesperson for the Social Democrats.Image: University Hospital Kerry

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.

This episode of Socially Democratic brings Stephen, David, and Jessie back together to discuss Labor news and politics over the past month - and envision what's to come.They cover:

The Social Democrats want to scrap Ireland's mandatory three-day “cooling off” period before an abortion — and on this episode Adrian and Jeremy ask: is it a sensible safeguard… or a patronising barrier that drags out an already traumatic decision? Callers clash hard. Some argue women have already “thought long and hard” before they ever walk into a GP, especially in crisis situations. Others insist the wait protects women, offers support, and could prevent regret — with heated debate over statistics claiming thousands don't return for a second appointment. Plus, another Opinions Matter travel mug winner… and a new mug giveaway question at the end.

Nearly eight years since the Eighth Amendment was passed. The Social Democrats are seeking to reform reproductive rights in Ireland, including removing the mandatory three-day wait period before you get an abortion. To discuss further Anton spoke to Holly Cairns, Social Democrats Leader and Cork South-West TD.

Senator Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats.

Rory Hearne, Social Democrats spokesperson on housing and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on housing

Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD, explains his party's motion that aims to tackle rising energy costs.

What does it say about self-identifying ‘socialists' when they are endorsing parliamentarism of the most reactionary type? The Green party long ago revealed itself to be pro-war, pro-Zionist, pro-austerity and pro-capitalist. So how does it come about that it is being held up by national newspapers and ‘socialist radicals' alike as the great new hope of the working class? Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! www.thecommunists.org www.lalkar.org www.redyouth.org Telegram: t.me/thecommunists Twitter: twitter.com/cpgbml Soundcloud: @proletarianradio Rumble: rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: https://thecommunists.org/education-programme/ Each one teach one! www.londonworker.org/education-programme/ Join the struggle www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: www.thecommunists.org/donate/

Happy long weekend, Social Democrats!In this episode of Socially Democratic, Stephen sits down with economist Adam Triggs, a Partner at Mandala and Non-Resident Fellow at The Brookings Institution and ANU.They discuss the issues that are top-of-mind for many Australians, including:⛽The Fuel Crisis - How does the war in Iran impact things like GDP, inflation, and unemployment? What can we do to reduce the demand for oil in Australia?

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on March 27th 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Presenter/Producer: Kris Boswell.

Two state elections in western Germany this month resulted in one win for Chancellor Merz's Christian Democrats and two poor outcomes for the Social Democrats. The Alternative for Germany, meanwhile, performed better …

Jack Horgan-Jones and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· This week saw the European Parliament approve a € 90 billion package to support Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia. The loan was approved by a comfortable majority, but among those who voted against it were Sinn Féin's two MEPs, Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion. The decision to oppose the measure put them in the company of the likes of Germany's Alternative für Deutschland, Hungary's Fidesz and France's Rassemblement National.· The Government has made a U-turn on the regulation of short-term lets here. After consultation with the tourism industry, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke decided to change the previous plan to restrict such lets in towns with populations of more than 10,000 to populations of at least 20,000, this move would effectively lift the threat of regulation from potentially thousands of Airbnbs across rural towns here.· The mood was buoyant at the Social Democrat national conference in Cork with the afterglow of Catherine Connolly's presidential election win in evidence, along with polls showing the party has begun to put daylight between itself and the Greens and Labour, who occupy the same political space. Are they about to spearhead a united left movement ahead of the next general election?· Plus, sport and politics collide ahead of the Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Israel in the autumn. There have been calls for a boycott, but the FAI confirmed on Thursday that the matches would go ahead as planned. 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.