Podcasts about Taoiseach

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.

Action plan for offshore wind energy launched as first projects expect to get planning this year. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) today launched its Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026, setting out the urgent steps needed to . accelerate the delivery of offshore wind energy and achieve energy independence for Ireland. The plan, launched before more than 400 delegates at the annual Offshore Wind Conference taking place today and tomorrow in the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin, comes at a time of rising costs for households and businesses driven by continued reliance on imported fossil fuels. Minister Darragh O'Brien TD will deliver the keynote address on Day One of the conference at 1.35pm and Minister Timmy Dooley TD will deliver the keynote address on Day Two at 9.30am. Recent research from the ESRI confirms that Ireland's electricity prices are the highest in Europe because of our dependence on imported gas. The report also pointed out that countries like Spain which, after the previous fossil fuel crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cut their dependence on gas the fastest saw prices fall quickest. The action plan highlights significant progress over the last 12 months driven by the Taoiseach's new Clearing House for Offshore Wind Energy and a successful auction for the new Tonn Nua offshore project on the south coast, with industry confident that the first planning decisions on east-coast offshore projects can be expected later this year. However, while progress is clear, challenges remain and the plan identifies 18 actions for delivery over the next 12 months with key priorities including: An Coimisiún Pleanála must be supported to deliver on its commitment to offshore wind planning decision timelines – including getting the first decision out in September; The CRU, EirGrid and industry must finalise all grid agreements and specifications for the existing east-coast projects so they can connect to the grid; Clarity is needed on Ireland's future offshore wind pipeline, which sites will be available to progress and when; The Government must publish the National Ports Policy and, where a strong and credible business case is made, facilitate State investment in ports so they can build Irish offshore wind farms. The Government should advance plans for coastal Green Energy Parks which use offshore wind energy to attract new industries and create jobs. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Irish families and businesses are living through their second global fossil fuel energy crisis in five years. As long as we choose to depend on energy imports, in an increasingly volatile and erratic fossil fuel market, we are vulnerable. "And when the next crisis hits, pensioners will, again, worry about the price of heating oil. Transport, fishing and agricultural sectors will, again, face enormous pressures as diesel prices rise. Families will, again, sit at the kitchen table looking in disbelief at their electricity bill. "Let's make a different choice. We choose Irish energy independence. We choose to generate our own clean and affordable power from our own enormous offshore wind energy resources. We can transport this on our upgraded grid, we can store this using new technologies, like long-duration energy storage. "We can invest in electrification and use our opportunity as holders of the EU Presidency later this year to prioritise the coming European Electrification Action Plan." Achieving this will require a concerted and joined-up effort right across the policy system to enable the first phase of projects to be built and energised in the early 2030s. Noel Cunniffe continued: "Ireland is radically and permanently transforming our entire energy system from how we generate electricity, to how we move and store it, to how we use it. "Achieving this cannot rest with one single department or group of policymakers, no matter how committed they might be. "It requires sustained support across Government, EirGrid, the regulato...

Pat Leahy and Naomi O'Leary join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Taoiseach Micheál Martin arrived in Italy on Friday, meeting Pope Leo in the Vatican and Italian premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome. This is part of a round of meetings with leaders ahead of Ireland's EU presidency starting in July, with Martin meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. An estimated 270 meetings with senior politicians are scheduled for the duration of Ireland's EU presidency, expect a lot of traffic disruption around Dublin Castle.· Naomi O'Leary has been covering the taoiseach's tour, where he has been keen to highlight the mistreatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces. Could this, coupled with the slowdown in humanitarian aid into Gaza and the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, finally spark the EU into placing sanctions on Israel?· And record rent surges in the first quarter of 2026. There was a 4.4 per cent increase between December and March as the Government's new rent control system came into effect. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Arsenal end 22-year wait for title win, the tragic death of Yves Sakila, and the issues foreign investment presents for Ireland.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.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is raise the matter of Israel's treatment of EU citizens from the Sumud Flotilla with French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Paris. There are at least 12 Irish citizens on board the flotilla that were detained by Israel, according to organisers. We get the latest on this with Mark Weiss, Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.

The Taoiseach says he is appalled and shocked by the way activists on board an aid flotilla to Gaza were treated by the Israeli authorities. We get more reaction from Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.

The Agriland team bring you the biggest stories of the week in Irish agriculture, which this week includes:Farmers slam EU Fertiliser Action Plan;Kerry Dairy Ireland reveals new name;Taoiseach says negotiating next CAP budget will be 'challenging';122,000 farmers apply for BISS and related schemes;26% of dairy herds defaulted to highest excretion band;Teen creates farm management tool.Don't forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland's weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is raise the matter of Israel's treatment of EU citizens from the Sumud Flotilla with French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Paris. There are at least 12 Irish citizens on board the flotilla that were detained by Israel, according to organisers. We get the latest on this with Mark Weiss, Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.

The Taoiseach says he is appalled and shocked by the way activists on board an aid flotilla to Gaza were treated by the Israeli authorities. We get more reaction from Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that passing the Occupied Territories Bill “will not change” Israel's behaviour. This comes as the Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill will be voted on in the Dáil this evening…Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD.

Conal McMenamin, father of Luke who was on the flotilla, joins tonight's panel of Peter ‘Chap' Cleere, Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow Kilkenny, Pauline Tully, Sinn Féin Senator, Paul Lawless, Aontú TD for Mayo and Sarah Burns, news reporter with The Irish Times.

Bertie Ahern says he rejects ‘racism in all its forms'. So what is it if not racism when a former Taoiseach says ‘we can't be taking in people from Congo and all these places'?On Free State today we ask how do you talk about immigration and not get mistaken for a racist? Is it best not to say things that a racist might say to begin with?Ahern defended himself by saying ‘I don't think there is anything wrong talking about what the people are talking about'.But what does this mean? What is the requirement of a leader, even a former leader, when people are troubled and anxious? Do you resort to the lowest common denominator or do you provide a vision? What did Bertie Ahern do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach told Radio Kerry News that he was committed to appointing a successor to Michael Healy-Rae who resigned as minister of state at the Department of Agriculture last month after he voted no confidence in the government. The Kerry independent TD was junior minister with responsibility for forestry, horticulture, and farm safety. Jerry spoke Padraig Stapleton who’s chair of the IFA Farm Forestry Committee.

Stephen Bowen, Executive Director, Amnesty International Ireland

Yesterday's Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis celebrated the centenary of the founding of the party. While it was once guaranteed that the leader of Fianna Fáil would become Taoiseach, the fractured nature of contemporary politics may make that less and less certain. Joining Pat to reflect on the legacy of the party is Ronan Mc Greavy, journalist with The Irish Times and author of ‘Sean Lemass: The Lost Memoir'.

Phoebe Duvall, Senior Planning and Environmental Policy Officer with An Taisce, joins the panel of Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Marie Sherlock, Labour TD for Dubin Central and Conor McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford.

Klaudia Barrett explains how she and her family are being evicted from their Mayo home and the panel of Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Marie Sherlock, Labour TD for Dubin Central and Conor McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford react.

Today's panel is made up of Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Marie Sherlock, Labour TD for Dubin Central and Conor McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford.

One hundred years on from the foundation of Fianna Fáil, the party faces difficult polling, internal criticism, rising populism, and questions over Ireland's economic future, with national debt heading towards €230 billion. An Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, joins Pat in studio to discuss.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland. ­ In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments. ­ 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.

Bertie Ahern has been talking about his controversial comments on immigration. In a video circulated on social media, the former Taoiseach expressed concern about the level of immigration, and about what he called, ‘the next generation of Muslims'. Rachael was joined by RTÉ political correspondent Barry Lenihan.

Cynthia NÍ Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP with Renew Europe Group and, Nial Ring, Independent Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, discuss comments made by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, on immigration.

Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, outlines the political reaction to comments made by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern around immigration.

The Taoiseach has said that views on immigration expressed by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on a video which is circulating on social media do not represent the views of Fianna Fáil or their candidate in Dublin central. RTÉ Political Correspondent Mícheal Lehane joined Rachael from the Dáil for commentary.

This week on the podcast, Laura talks to Dr Stella O'Malley who, unlike the Taoiseach, is an expert on transgender matters. Dr O'Malley describes transgender policies as an 'ongoing medical scandal of gargantuan proportions.' We discuss why the Taoiseach may come to regret his comments stating that he believes in the existence of transgender children, who funds the NGOs pushing this agenda, the dangers of mixed-sex toilets, how to think about antidepressants, and the mental load.

Donncha O'Murchú, Political Correspondent with Nuacht/TG4

Lisa Ryan, Professor of Energy Economics at the UCD School of Economics and Energy Institute, discusses Europe's reliance on fossil fuels, a subject which has been highlighted by European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen.

Jack Power, Irish Times Europe Correspondent

David Murphy, RTÉ Economics Editor and Tadgh McNally, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent

The Taoiseach is urging a Clare TD to raise the case of a refugee who's reportedly on a "crime spree" in the Midwest with the Minister for Justice. Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe is calling for the deportation of a man who he claims committed his eighth crime last weekend since coming to Ireland three months ago. Speaking in the Dáil, the Meelick deputy has asked "what mechanism is there to send him back?", arguing the individual has "lost all right to be here". Responding to Deputy Crowe, Micheál Martin says the Justice Minister has the ability to issue a deportation order to someone convicted of a crime while seeking refugee status in Ireland.

Eanna Ní Lamha, wildlife expert, joined Anton to discuss the wonderful news that a sea turtle that's been recovering in Kerry since Bertie Ahern was Taoiseach, is now being released.

After much speculation, a judge has refused to identify the former TD who provided a character reference for convicted child sex offender Daniel Ramamoorthy, who previously worked as an adviser for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Taoiseach has said it is “not acceptable” for public representatives to give such references. So, why has the politician in question not been named? ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Catherine FeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a lone Garda decided to arrest a squad of SAS men found in the Republic of Ireland on 1976, little did he know he had sparked an international incident which would involve the Taoiseach and Prime Minister – or that it would see the Irish government interfere with the justice system. Top secret files have revealed how the PM drew up a law to let two SAS men go on the run from the Irish but that in fact Dublin was determined that the soldiers would never do time. Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride discovered the file at the National Archives in Kew, London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christina Finn, political editor with TheJournal.ie, on the latest into the internal dispute in the Fianna Fáil party, as leader Micheál Martin secures two important supporters.

Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD, on the tensions emerging within the party towards leader Micheál Martin.

Gerard Howlin, political commentator and columnist with The Irish Times, discusses the turmoil within Fianna Fáil.

It has been a busy first week back in the Dail, as the effects nationwide fuel protests continue to be felt within the coalition government. With Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil facing renewed threats, with a group of TDs approaching senior ministers to discuss a change at the top. While it is understood the disgruntled backbenchers are not close to having the numbers for a successful no-confidence motion. They are trying to build support. And are in search of a leader to lead a heave. Host: Mary Regan Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruinniú a bhí ag an Taoiseach, Michéal Martin aréir leis na triúr teachtaí Dála is óige i bhFianna Fáil - céard é a thuairim?

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Pressure Mounts on Taoiseach as Fianna Fáil Faces Internal Revolt   124 Homeless Deaths Recorded in 2022 — 10 Lives Lost Each Month  10am-11am  Major Overhaul of Ireland's Asylum System Passes into Law   Family Fundraises to Bring Galway Dad Home After Life-Changing Illness   Bestselling Author Liz Nugent to Headline Cúirt with New Thriller   11am-12pm Culture Corner - Irish Times Books Editor Brings Inside Stories of Top Writers to Galway Event   We reveal all about a new segment coming to Galway Talks tomorrow   Music Mornings - Sharon Shannon joins us in studio 

Mícheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, outlines reaction to the government's €505m energy package which was announced on Sunday night.

The Taoiseach said yesterday that the decision to spend more than half a billion euro in temporary measures to reduce the cost of fuel would have implications for the budget in October. John Fitzgerald, adjunct Professor with Trinity College Dublin gives us a view on the economic impact of the package of supports.

Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin faoin bplé a rinne sí leis an Aire Dara Calleary agus an Taoiseach i mBaile Bhuirne inné.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke to us about the ongoing fuel crisis.

PJ speaks to Michael Collins who spoke on behfalf of Ger, the man who approached the Taoiseach in Ballyvourney. He also spoke about his talks with protesters to try and find a solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are coming to you from O'Connell Street in a gridlocked Dublin city centre. For the past few days, this has been the hub of a nationwide protest by hauliers, farmers and contractors in the face of rising fuel costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the action as “national sabotage”, while insisting that “a gun won't be put” to the head of the Government. As talk of Defence Forces deployment mounts, how much longer will this protest last? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Ciaran Moran and Michael FarrellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin city centre is brought to a standstill as farmers, truckers and others hit the roads over soaring fuel prices — and the Taoiseach warns there “will be penalties” for turning O'Connell Street into a car park. Adrian and Jeremy ask: do you fully support these protests… or have they gone too far? Natasha tells a shocking story of being stuck on the M7 for nearly two hours on the way to a serious medical appointment, with no Garda presence and the hard shoulder blocked. Callers are fiercely divided: “short-term pain for long-term gain”… versus “you're only hurting ordinary people.”

Finola Cassidy, spokesperson for the Irish Thalidomide Association, on their meeting with the Taoiseach and Tanaiste yesterday.

Seán Lemass is remembered as the man who changed Ireland.Several opinion polls have noted Lemass as the country's most admired taoiseach.He never left any papers of autobiography, but rather twenty-two hours of private interviews.Hugh speaks to Irish Times reporter Ronan McGreevy who has gathered these lost interviews and collated them into a memoir in Lemass's own words.Produced by JJ Vernon and Andrew McNair.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.

Taoiseach Michel Martin has been meeting US president Donald Trump as part of the annual St Patrick's Day pageantry. Martin once again faced the challenge of outlining Ireland's positions on issues from tariffs to wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran while maintaining his personal dignity and without antagonising Trump to Ireland's detriment. It was no easy task, with the US president criticising UK prime minister Keir Starmer, attacking Europe on its migration and energy policies and misgendering President Catherine Connolly. So how did Martin do? Pat Leahy reports from Washington.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.

President Donald Trump said the Iran War could be wrapped up soon, when asked on Monday whether he thinks the war could end this week. Trump said the operation stopped Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, adding that it prevented a nuclear war that could have escalated into World War III. Trump also says some countries have agreed to help patrol the Strait of Hormuz. He says an announcement on the patrol effort will be made soon.Trump will meet with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House on St. Patrick's Day. NTD will have live coverage of the bilateral meeting.

The Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin arrives in Washington D.C. to celebrate St. Patrick's day. The Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer just traveled to all 50 states, talking directly to workers and small business owners to find out exactly what they need form the labor market . Secretary Chavez-DeRemer is dedicated to injecting the $18 trillion of U.S. investments President Trump has brokered directly into the U.S workforce. New apprenticeship programs are soaring as tradesman and woman take up new jobs to meet market demands. AI is already in the workforce and is here to stay, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer explains how the Labor department is committed to making the American workforce is literate and efficient in AI tools. Brent Buchanan from Cygnal polling has brand new polling data. November is a ways away, but Republicans are bleeding voters in the under 55 crowd. Issues like Iran, affordability, housing and even healthcare are messaging misses from Republicans. Brent strongly advises Republican candidates to shift from cable networks and get onto the social media platforms where this younger audience can hear their message and connect with them in an authentic way. Featuring: Sec. Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor | U.S. Department of Labor https://x.com/SecretaryLCD Brent Buchanan President & Founder | Cygnal Polling https://x.com/brentbuc Get your copy of Brent's book here: https://a.co/d/0b4uQ3Wj The latest from Brent and Cygnal polling: https://www.cygn.al/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/23673-Cygnal-National-Mar26-NVT-Deck-Public.pdf Brent's March summary: https://www.cygn.al/news/national-poll-79-of-voters-distrust-corporate-america-even-republicans-as-bipartisan-populism-reshapes-the-political-landscape/ Today's show is sponsored by: Beam - shopbeam.com/SPICER to receive 40% off your order Are you tossing and turning at night and running on fumes during the day? If so, then you are missing out on the most important part of your wellness, sleep. If you want to wake up refreshed, inspired and ready to take on the day then you have to try Beam's Dream powder. This best-selling blend of Reishi, Magnesium, L-Theanine, Apigenin and Melatonin will help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed. So if you're ready for the best night of sleep you ever had just head to https://shopbeam.com/SPICER to receive 40% off your order. Ruff Greens - ⁠https://ruffgreens.com/⁠ enter code: SPICER for your FREE starter pack. If you're a dog lover and want to keep your dog healthy and happy then you have to give them Ruff Greens. Ruff Greens bring the nutrition your dog needs back. Dr. Dennis Black a Naturopathic Doctor helping humans and their pets for over 25 years created Ruff Greens. Ruff Greens supports long-term health by providing LIVE bioavailable nutrients and essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega oils. It promotes longevity and supplements the diet with natural antioxidants and anti- inflammatory compounds that help dogs stay active, mobile, and alert as they age. Head to ⁠https://ruffgreens.com/⁠ enter code: SPICER for your FREE starter pack. ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices