Podcasts about Taoiseach

Ellen Coyne and Naomi O'Leary join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:· In the wake of Catherine Connolly's emphatic presidential election win, could there now be a legitimate prospect of a left-wing government arising from the next general election? · With anger still simmering in Fianna Fáil's ranks after a disastrous presidential campaign, is party leader Micheál Martin looking at a leadership challenge down the line? Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 this week, the Taoiseach criticised “unacceptable” and “hurtful” comments about him from Fianna Fáil rebels like fellow Cork TD James O'Connor. · The coalition partners are becoming more openly critical of immigration. Perhaps they are now following the example of other European countries? · And Naomi O'Leary discusses the Dutch political scene with reports suggesting the centrist D66 party caused a big upset in Dutch elections this week.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Mary ‘Mae' McGee who successfully fought the ban on contraception in Ireland, and Newton Emerson on how Fine Gael's anti-British rhetoric came back to bite Heather Humphreys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cháin an Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin, na hionsaithe Iosraelacha a Ghaza inar maríodh ós cionn 100 duine, 46 páiste ina measc, go géar. I ráiteas a eisíodh aréir, rinne an Taoiseach achainí go gcloífí leis an tsos comhraic agus go gcuirfí tuilleadh chúnamh dhaonnachtúil ar fáil do phobal Gaza.

Maurice Patton O’Connell is one of four survivors of industrial and reformatory schools, who have been on hunger strike for the last 40 days. The survivors met with the Taoiseach and Minister for Education on Wednesday.

A Clare homeless charity has branded comments by the Taoiseach on homelessness as "disappointing" and says they ignore the "deeply traumatic" effects of living in emergency accommodation. Micheál Martin has come under fire for claiming homelessness figures are "a bit like hospital waiting lists" in that "it's not the number on the waiting list; it's how fast you get treated". Focus Ireland has called the statement a "poor choice of words", saying "people go to hospitals because they are sick; they do not have to become homeless". Head of Policy and Communications at Novas, which operates a small family hub in Ennis, Una Burns, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons regardless of how much time people spend with homeless services, the experience often leaves long-lasting wounds.

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 50s & 60s as an anti-morning sickness drug but was later pulled because of links to birth defects. Last year, Simon Harris announced an enhanced health package for survivors. For more on this Finola Cassidy spokesperson for the Irish Thalidomide Association who was part of that meeting.

Clare's Minister of State is not any expecting any sudden challenge to the Taoiseach's leadership. It's understood that 10 members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party have signed a document seeking a no confidence motion in Micheál Martin, where 12 are required. Party officials at Fianna Fáil have darwn up an alleged 'rebel' list of those who oppose the Taoiseach's reign, which includes TDs James O'Connor, Paudie O'Sullivan, Seamus McGrath, John Lahart, Erin McGreehan, John McGuinness and Peter Chap Cleere. There's a separate list detailing the "old guard" of Willie O'Dea, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher and Seán O'Fearghail, who are not behind any heave, but would reportedly welcome change. The developments have been sparked by the Jim Gavin presidential debacle, and now many political analysts are touting Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan as the potential successor. However, Tulla based Minister Timmy Dooley can't see anyone stepping up in the current climate. Micheál Martin has been at the helm of Fianna Fáil for 14 years now, which is the joint second longest reign at the party, tied with Bertie Ahern and only beaten by Éamon De Valera who was in office for 33 years. Despite the controversey of recent weeks, Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists that Martin's leadership is not in question and that he intends to lead the party into the next General Election. Image (c) Micheál Martin via Facebook

Europe Editor Tony Connelly looks ahead as the Taoiseach attends a meeting of the European Council in Brussels with Ukraine loan and Israeli sanction discussion.

Iain Dale talks to political historian Alex Puffette about the French Emperor who is one of the most famous dictators in world history.Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024Buy a signed copy of THE PRIME MINISTERS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-prime-ministers-edited-by-iain-dale-paperback-coming-on-august-26-2022-signed-copy Buy a signed copy of THE PRESIDENTS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-presidents-signed-by-iain-dale Buy a signed copy of KINGS & QUEENS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/kings-queens-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-in-novemer-2023 Buy a signed copy of THE TAOISEACH here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-irish-taoiseach-ed-iain-dale-coming-31-october-2026

The national planning body is said to be "flatly ignoring" passenger safety advice by allowing wind farms to be built close to flight radar in Clare. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has told the Taoiseach that in spite from advice from the Irish Aviation Authority, wind turbines are being granted planning permission in the vicinity of radar infrastructure. This, he says, distorts the signal of where the aircraft are and "jeopardises passenger safety". Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Crowe says expert advice must be heeded.

Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach spoke to Shane this morning on the middle east, the Presidency and his own disappointment at not being the Fianna Fail candidate.

Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach spoke to Shane this morning on the middle east, the Presidency and his own disappointment at not being the Fianna Fail candidate.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. In this episode: a Taoiseach's apology, a leadership debate, a presidential road race and one of the biggest budgets in Irish history – but are people happy? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration; Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin; Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West

I nGaelscoil na Dúglaise do comóradh 40 bliain oscailt na scoile nuair a raibh an Taoiseach i láthair ar maidin.

PJ hears from Antoinette that not much progress has been made since she doorstepped the Taoiseach outside a meeting a month ago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ talks to Billy Kelleher MEP about last night's crunch Fianna Fáil party meeting on the Taoiseach's handling of the Presidential campaign, hears how Victoria Beckham lived with an Eating Disorder and anxiety, chats to Máire Cassidy about pivoting from State Pathologist to thriller writer. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bhí an Teachta Dála Pat the Cope Ó Gallchoir ar dhuine de na Teachtaí Dála is mó a cháin an Taoiseach ag cruinniú na hoíche aréir de pháirtí parlaiminteach Fhianna Fáil maidir leis an phróiseas ainmniúchán a bhí ag an pháirtí le hiarrthóir a roghnú do thoghchán na hUachtaránachta i ndiaidh do Jim Gavin a ainm a tharraingt siar ag tús na seachtaine.

The Taoiseach has been apologising to his party faithful over the handling of the presidential election campaign. Micheál Martin addressed the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party last night, to answer questions over the exit of Jim Gavin from the race on Sunday. The Fianna Fail leader told the meeting he can 'sometimes get things wrong,' adding he was 'devastated' by Jim Gavin's hasty withdrawal. Some within Fianna Fáil are calling for change. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey discussed this issue with FF councillor Alan O'Callaghan and FF councillor Rita McInerney. Photo (c) Fianna Fáil

In this episode of ‘My Identity' Professor Colin Graham (Maynooth) is in conversation with Leo Varadkar. Leo Varadkar was Taoiseach of Ireland from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2024. During the thirteen years he spent in cabinet, he held many positions across the Ministries of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social Protection, and Health. After stepping down from political life in late 2024, he was appointed as a Hauser Leader at the Center for Public Leadership in the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, a Board Member of Brussels based Care4Everybody and writes a column for the Sunday Times Ireland. In this episode he discusses, among other things, national identity, religion, family and his book: Speaking My Mind. About the Series My Identity is hosted by Professor Colin Graham, Maynooth. In this series, Colin is in conversation with a range of people whose ideas, work and life experiences shed light on the topic of identity on the Island of Ireland. My Identity is part of the ARINS project. Colin Graham is Professor English and formerly Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Maynooth University. His books include Northern Ireland: Thirty Years of Photography, Deconstructing Ireland and Ideologies of Epic. He was editor of The Irish Review from 2004 to 2020. During the Brexit negotiations he created the Twitter account @borderirish and wrote the book I am the Border, so I am, published by HarperCollins. ARINS: Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South brings together experts to provide evidence-based research and analysis on the most significant questions of policy and public debate facing the island of Ireland, north and south. The project publishes, facilitates and disseminates research on the challenges and opportunities presented to the island in a post-Brexit context, with the intention of contributing to an informed public discourse. More information can be found at www.arinsproject.com ARINS is a joint project of The Royal Irish Academy, an all-island body, and the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. My Identity is hosted by Professor Colin Graham. Podcast management and production by Dr Susie Deedigan.

As you will have heard, Jim Gavin has stepped down from the Presidential race.But, what now for Fianna Fáil, and what now for the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin?Joining Kieran to discuss and give their reactions is Seán Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Minister of State Niall Collins, Paidi O'Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and Michael Regan, Fianna Fáil Councillor on the Galway County Council. Also joining later to give their thoughts is Conor Lenihan, former Fianna Fail Minister and David W Higgins, Independent Economist.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  'Severe and damaging gusts' to come as Storm Amy hits Galway   Closures and event cancellations across the city after rain warning overnight  Flooding across the county with Moycullen and Connemara badly affected  Fears Government's proposed short-term rental legislation could devastate family-run businesses across rural Ireland  10am-11am We speak to Eamon O'Cuiv after Catherine Connolly was criticized by the Taoiseach over hiring a woman convicted of firearms offences  Concern at new influx to UHG maternity unit  We hear about a new project involving the compositions of a Columban missionary priest who lived in Woodford  11am-12pm Galway Thoughts panel - Albert Dolan and Mairead Farrell  Sports Preview 

Leo Varadkar served as Taoiseach of Ireland (prime minister) from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. He was Ireland's youngest ever Taoiseach in 2017, and the first openly gay person and first person of colour to hold the office. He resigned in 2024 and stepped away from electoral politics. His new memoir, Speaking My Mind, is out now.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Clare TD claims a United Ireland would reunite families and allow displaced Shannon residents to reconnect with their ancestral home. The Taoiseach has poured cold water on suggestions a poll on Irish unity will be held before 2030, saying more time is needed to prepare and to unite people across the island. The Good Friday Agreement states that a border poll should be called by the Northern Ireland secretary when they believe there is evidence that public opinion in the six counties has shifted in favour of change. Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she's observed appetite for reunification in her hometown and throughout the county.

Before becoming Ireland's youngest Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar was a Dublin GP with bold ambitions and a belief that politics could be a kind of medicine for society.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien sits down with the former Prime Minister to explore his extraordinary rise from a mixed-heritage childhood in 1980s Ireland, to leading his country through Brexit battles, historic referendums and the turbulence of the pandemic. They discuss the unlikely path that took him from medical practice to the world stage, the emotional costs of leadership, and why he chose to step away at just 45 years old.Frank, reflective and often surprising, this is a conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really means to hold power in a changing IrelandFind out more about Leo Varadkar's memoir Speaking My Mind here

In many ways, Leo Varadkar was a historic Taoiseach. The youngest Irish PM, the first from an ethnic minority, and the first openly gay head of government. His time at the top of Irish politics was also historic - he grappled with Trump's first term, the Brexit years, and the Covid pandemic. At just 44 years of age, he walked away from politics. But he is still fascinated - even obsessed - by the political arena. He's written a memoir, 'Speaking My Mind', about his rise to power and his time at the seat of government. He came into The News Agents studio to speak to Lewis about the populist surge and where Starmer is failing in his efforts to curb it here, what it's like dealing with Donald Trump up close and personal, and why he found Boris Johnson easier to deal with than Theresa May - even though he couldn't trust him.

As budget day looms closer, the Taoiseach has announced that second homes will not fall under the first-time buyers' scheme. However, housing is still expected to big a big part of the budget as a tax break for developers is set to be on the cards. But will this help the government reach their housing targets as wages in the construction industry continue to rise? All to discuss with Karl Deeter from Irish Mortgage Brokers.

Iain Dale talks to Nadhim Zahawi about the brutal rule of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Nadhim spent the first 11 years of his life living under Saddam before his family left Iraq for the UK Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024Buy a signed copy of THE PRIME MINISTERS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-prime-ministers-edited-by-iain-dale-paperback-coming-on-august-26-2022-signed-copy Buy a signed copy of THE PRESIDENTS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-presidents-signed-by-iain-dale Buy a signed copy of KINGS & QUEENS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/kings-queens-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-in-novemer-2023 Buy a signed copy of THE TAOISEACH here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-irish-taoiseach-ed-iain-dale-coming-31-october-2026

PJ talks to Antoinette who met the Taoiseach over the weekend about her daughter's hip operation, hears why Irene became a Pain Ambassador, chats with Agnes about her doggy B&B. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ talks to Antoinette Burke who met with the Taoiseach over the weekend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget 2026 must include tax measures to support green energy innovators, according to Hydrogen Ireland. With less than four weeks to go until October 7th, the organisation has identified supportive fiscal frameworks as crucial elements of the drive to promote emerging opportunities. CEO of Hydrogen Ireland, Paul McCormack, says the right framework of technologies and personnel with the right skillsets must be in place - and that requires support for funding now: "With the right approach, hydrogen projects could be having an impact on Ireland's energy landscape in three to five years. To achieve that, our hydrogen economy needs to be underpinned by a progressive tax strategy - one that rewards innovation, de-risks investment, and aligns fiscal tools with our climate ambition. We engage with dozens of investors and international organisations that all recognise Ireland's potential as the epicentre of the hydrogen revolution. What we need is the right support framework to convince them to invest here. We need to provide tax reliefs that will help convince people that Ireland is ready to lead the way towards a just transition, with hydrogen as a central element on that journey". Paul McCormack's comments follow the Taoiseach's comments in a letter to the EC President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing concerns about the impact of rising energy costs on semiconductor chipmakers, and calling for 'interim measures' to be taken to address the situation. CEO of Hydrogen Ireland Paul McCormack welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin's decision to raise the issue directly with Ms von der Leyen and sees the move as 'a strategic inflection point': "If Europe wants to lead in high tech, semiconductors, big data and AI, it must also lead in clean, affordable energy. That means coupling hydrogen innovation, grid reform, and industrial resilience into one cohesive vision. "Thanks to progress made to date, Ireland is in a prime position to harness the full potential of green hydrogen. We're calling on the government to create the kind of fiscal environment that will capitalise on the work done so far and allow innovators the space to accelerate progress towards a cleaner energy future for ourselves and our European neighbours". The global hydrogen dialogue will take centre stage at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Dublin from October 21 - 23. Hosted by Hydrogen Ireland, WHTC is one of the best-known conventions in the fields of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology. Speakers will include Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Timmy Dooley TD, Tony O'Reilly, Founder and CEO of dCarbonX and President of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy, Dr Ayfer Verizoglu. Sponsors include ESB, Gas Networks Ireland and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

At the age of 45, Leo Varadkar decided to resign as Taoiseach. Many people wondered why.In an extraordinarily frank interview on Free State today, Leo Varadkar talks about how finding peace in his personal life dulled his political ambition.He speaks about his failings as a politician and a man. He explains why he believes in a united Ireland but isn't a nationalist.He criticises Keir Starmer's embrace of nationalism in Britain and denies he was conned by Boris Johnson during their summit at the Wirral in 2019. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Taoiseach says broadening a Government scheme that funds smaller airports so as to allow Shannon Airport to benefit from it is "under consideration". Across 2023 and 2024, Shannon Airport received €7.64 million through the Regional Airports Programme which was established to support airports handling less than one million passengers per year but was expanded during the pandemic to assist slightly larger facilities like Shannon. The outcomes of the Mid-term Review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, which included the broadening of its scope to include airports with greater than one million passengers, were published in July of this year. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the review showed the benefit of including Shannon in the scheme.

I am back in harness after taking a three-month break. I feel energised and ready for "One more spin on the merry-go-round". (The title of a book written by Sean Duignan after Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach in 1992. Albert said to Sean, "Are you ready for one more spin on the merry-go-round?") What did I spend my summer doing? I read books for the pleasure of reading and the "white space" reading provides. Discovered new songs and singers, new poems, and as a result of the time spent relaxing, visiting bookshops, but also in pubs in Sligo and elsewhere, listening to music and engaging in conversation. Oh yes, I also played some golf! I visited "Liber", an independent bookshop on Sligo's Main Street, staffed by very knowledgeable and helpful book lovers, and came away with an armful of books. I have made a determined effort to read as many as possible. My favourite holiday read was "The Last Ditch", as I very much enjoy Eamonn Sweeney's writing style. You will also find him on the back of the sports supplement in the Sunday Independent. His publisher's brief for the book was to review the 2024 GAA hurling and football season. However, the colour in the book comes from his memories of his family and, most enjoyably, the stories about the pre- and post-match engagements with people on the stands. Also, the craic on trains and buses, travelling to and from the games. MY most enjoyable evening of the summer was in "Shoot the Crows" music pub in Sligo town, when we joined in with the group singing "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, a song that passed me by when first released, and is now a favourite on my playlist. A great chorus to sing along to loudly. I will share some more of the inspiration I received because of taking time out, and hopefully my musings in the coming months will also benefit you. I am now ready for another spin on the merry-go-round and look forward to connecting with you again through my articles. By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie

Micheál Martin, Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, from his party's think-in in Cork ahead of the new Dáil term.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said "Government is not happy that chief executive officers of county councils the length and breadth of the country seem to be displaying a degree of inertia and lack of proactivity in terms of rezoning land, never mind dezoning land" We hear from Tommy Moylan, Director of the Association of Irish Local Government.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a Fianna Fáil think-in in Cork and Ciara spoke to An Taoiseach on a variety of topics including the current presidential race.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025Join Amy Forde on day one of the National Ploughing Championships. We had boots on the ground and you will hear from presidential candidates, Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin.Michael D Higgins officially opened the event.You will also hear from the Taoiseach who made an appearance at the Irish Farmers Journal stand.There's plenty of fun and ploughing throughout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ talks to Antoinette who challenged An Taoiseach over the wait for an operation for her daughter and An Taoiseach responds in audio captured by Katie O'Keefe of the 96FM newsroom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ takes calls with a mum who confronted the Taoiseach on her daughter's hip operation, on the shortage of electricity and water connections slowing down building, about how to make the best Hobnob. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Jason share their reactions to the murder of Charlie Kirk, as well as what they thought of the many reactions celebrating and justifying his death. Left-wing violence on Irish streets and the Taoiseach's view that saying 'Ireland for the Irish' is tantamount to inciting violence were also on the agenda this week.

Earlier today, a Cork mother confronted Taoiseach Micheál Martin about her daughter's need for hip surgery and the years of negligence from the Government.Antoinette Burke's daughter, Katie, has cerebral palsy and requires a femoral and pelvic osteotomy surgery. An operation that Irish surgeons are unable to carry out, forcing her to have it abroad in the U.S. state of Florida…Antoinette believes that the surgery could have been carried out here in Ireland when Katie was a child, but doctors at the time refused.Antoinette joins Kieran to discuss.If you would like to help with Katie's hip surgery, you can support at https://gofund.me/19ffd38b1

As he publishes his memoir ‘Speaking My Mind' former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, joins Brendan in studio to talk about his personal and political life so far. The conversation spans his upbringing, his political awakening, coming out publicly in 2015, leading Ireland through the pandemic, and his professional regrets.

‘We're all still friends,” was the comment from the first Fianna Fáil TD who emerged from the fifth floor in Leinster House where the party's representatives had met to vote for their candidate for the Áras. The numbers told a different story. There are 29 traitors in the Taoiseach's midst, who voted for Billy Kelleher in secret and in doing so, threw his leadership of the party into question. Does Micheál Martin's future hang on this massive Jim Gavin gamble? Host; Kevin Doyle, Guests; Tabitha Monahan and Mary Regan  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin Town, the collective voice of traders in the city centre, says businesses in the city centre cannot wait any longer for urgent action to restore confidence. The are calling for immediate funding of the Taoiseach's Taskforce report. We discuss further with CEO of Dublin Town Richard Guiney.

Speculation is mounting that West Clare will be hosting the 2026 Irish Open. It follows reports that Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg will be confirmed as the venue later today. The Taoiseach says he'd welcome a meeting with Donald Trump if he attends the Irish Open next year. Meanwhile Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's vital road infrastructure is upgraded in time for the event that should have long lasting economic impacts.

Well, its the final run of Dev! In this one we cover his last two terms as Taoiseach, his run as President, and talk about his general impact on the country. We will have one more bonus episode covering the more salacious parts of Devs life so if you want to listen to that along with ad free episodes, related bonus content, and all our film clubs you can do so by following this link to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Headstuff+⁠⁠⁠ Also you can ⁠⁠follow us here⁠⁠ to find out about our upcoming live shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jewel tells PJ about the theft of his sister's car in broad daylight, Ciarán Fitzgerald on what needs to be done to solve housing problems, Opinion Line Producer Paul Byrne on location at the School Secretaries protest. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opinion Line Producer Paul Byrne talks to the secretaries about why they are on strike as they protest outside Micheál Martin's office Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Cowen became Taoiseach in 2008, just as Ireland's economy was going into free-fall. For the next three years he struggled to lead the country through some of its darkest days, with public opinion quickly souring against him and Fianna Fáil. In a new three-part series from The Irish Times Inside Politics podcast, Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy look back at how Cowen became Taoiseach and his short, turbulent time in power. The podcast follows his early promise as the heir to an Offaly Fianna Fáil dynasty, through his rise to power and his doomed attempts to fix the banking crisis and the chaotic end of his political career. Parts two and three will be published on Wednesday August 13th and Monday August 18th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's part two of our summer Ask Me Anything, with the panel tackling questions sent to politicspodcast@irishtimes.com by listeners. Hugh, Pat, Jack, Ellen and Cormac address topics from disapora voting rights to the lack of representation of migrant communities in Dáil Eireann, the meaning of populism and the efficiency of government spending. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.