Podcasts about Taoiseach

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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney & An Taoiseach Micheál Martin held a success bilateral meeting in Ottawa, & reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Canada & Ireland, anchored in shared democratic values, deep historical ties

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.

Sinn Fein back Catherine Connolly for the Aras, the Minister with responsibility for special education on school places, Katie Byrne's mom Antoinette Burke after their meeting with the Taoiseach, credit card fraud, JumpAGrade and Anneliese Dressel answers nutrition questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The Council of Fashion Designers (CIFD) has written to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers, and TDs to request that they wear an Irish brand when attending the return of the Dáil on September 17th as a "gesture of support for Irish design". Joining Anton to discuss is freelance journalist, Bairbre Power.

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.

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.

Jim Gavin is expected to formally announce his intention to seek the Fianna Fail nomination for the Presidential Election over the coming days, with the backing of the Taoiseach. However, some Government ministers are expected to instead vote for MEP Billy Kelleher. Meanwhile, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is also wading in.

Health issues were to the fore in more ways than one this week. There was a very public back and forth between the Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and BAM in relation to the National Children's Hospital. Closer to home on Galway Talks we focused in on the Rare Diseases Strategy which is being developed for the next five years up to 2030. There are calls for expansion of rare diseases tested for, but also reliability of said tests. While plans and strategies are important, ultimately it is delivery of changes and implementations of health recommendations that will make differences on the ground. We got to see the real human impact of that when Renmore mother Roisin Costello joined us alongside Anne Lawlor, a founding member and chair of 22q Ireland. Very poignantly at the end of the interview Roisin laid bare that due to inaction on implementing changes other families have gone through similar situations to her family as genetic anomalies have not been caught by the screening system. She wants to see and has renewed her calls for a centralised screening lab here in Ireland so that nothing is missed by health officials. Giving families the medical advice they need by making them aware of all the factors going into subsequent pregnancies. BreastCheck missing screening targets for a second year running also made headlines locally here in Galway. We covered it with Prof. Michael Kerin who is over the cancer programme locally and Edel Shovlin the COO of the Irish Cancer Society. Staffing dominated the changes needed alongside implementation of recommendations and completed promised infrastructure projects. In more positive news for service users and family members in Loughrea, the Seven Springs Day Centre fully reopened this week following a long campaign from the Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group. Mattie Quinn heralded the reopening and put it down to people power, adding that “they won't be going away” anytime soon. The Presidential election has remained in the focus and this week on Galway Bay FM we heard calls for grassroots Fianna Fáil members to be given a say in who will contest the race for the Áras. Loughrea area Cllr. Michael Regan hit out at the top brass of the party and expressed his support for Eamon O'Cuív. He wants to see a democratic process opened up without delay. We should hear more on the next moves from Fianna Fáil next week when the Taoiseach discusses options with the parliamentary party. Meanwhile, two Ministers from the party were on Inis Oírr this week to announce the first announcement of the NDP spending ahead of Budget 2026. The island will benefit from over 35 million euro investment in its pier, some 20 years on from when the project became one of the many victims from the financial downturn. Better late than ever and a shock to islanders, planning will now begin in earnest to get the most out of this massive infrastructural boost to the area. Don't forget we are out and about on Friday next the 5th of September for Community Matters! We will be covering Kilnadeema Leitrim from Finnerty's Mills in the heart of Southeast Galway. Join us on the morning between 9am-12pm if you are in the area. Galway Talks Galway Talks with John Morley is the flagship show on Galway Bay FM and broadcasts Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and is the most popular talk show in the Galway region. The current affairs show features a mix of breaking news, human interest stories, sport, entertainment, history and live music. From local and national politics to community issues, voices from across the county and beyond discuss and debate the major events affecting Galway, the country and the world. There's a lighter side too as we feature the stories of local characters, the talent of Galway's arts scene and debate the county's many sporting achievements. To listen back to previous shows see here.  Meanwhile. Galway Bay FM News provides trusted, comprehensive coverage and analysis of local, national, and international stories. Tune in every hour, Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, with breakfast updates at 7:30 and 8:30. Catch the multi-award-winning FYI Galway from 5pm for all your news and sport, along with traffic and business information. And if its sport you're after -Listen live to Galway Bay FM Sport on the hour from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. For all your local, national and international sports commentaries, fixtures and results check out Over the Line on Fridays from 7pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday Sports from 1pm – 6pm and Mondays from 8pm to 10pm. Download the Galway Bay FM app to get the latest stories on the go and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and X   Morley's Mouthfuls

Joining Pat this morning for our Friday Forum were Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for European Affairs and at the Department of Defence and TD for Meath East, Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South and also Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.

Fianna Fáil councillor and Cathaoirleach of Listowel Municipal District Michael Leane says he’d support the former Taoiseach if he’s a presidential candidate.

Fianna Fail will make a decision on the Presidency by the end of the month, according to the Taoiseach. The party can opt to run its own candidate or support an external person. Independent TD Catherine Connolly and businessman Gareth Sheridan are the only other candidates to officially launch a bid for the Áras, however Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly have announced their intentions to join the race. Sinn Fein has yet to outline its position, but it's understood the party's preference is to run its own candidate. Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he won't be speculating until he meets with party members. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey was joined by Ireland South Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, who has announced his intention to join the race. Meanwhile, we heard earlier from the Taoiseach that Fianna Fail will make a decision on the Presidency by the end of the month. This follows calls from the party's MEP, Billy Kelleher, for an urgent meeting to figure out what's going on. He said he had written to the Cathaoirleach asking him to convene a meeting. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Billy Kelleher, Ireland South Fianna Fail MEP.

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.

The Taoiseach has condemned plans by Israel to escalate its offensive in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the Israeli security cabinet had approved a plan early today to take over Gaza City and take full control of Gaza. With Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian ambassador to Ireland and Oliver McTiernan, director of Forward Thinking.

Dúirt an Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, inné gur chóir do Uachtarán na Stáit Aontaithe, Donald Trump, cuimhneamh go ndéanfar damáiste do chomhlachtaí chogais Mheiriceánacha má chuireann sé a bhagairt táillí importála arda faoi leith a ghearradh ar chogais i bhfeidhm.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Revenue writes to almost 70,000 pensioners over incorrect tax payments   We speak to the minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and at the Department of Defence   We look ahead to Galway vs Cork in the All-Ireland senior comogie championship   10am-11am Public Rally to take place in Ballinasloe over future of maternity services   Connacht Tribune Headlines   Israeli security cabinet 'expected to approve' Gaza takeover plan - as aid trucks wait at Egyptian border  We talk about the aviation changes with the CEO of Shannon Airport as over a million passengers have flown through it so far this year   11am-12pm Culture Corner - Clifden Arts Festival full programme announced    Pet Corner    Music Mornings - Pat McGovern   

Beidh an Taoiseach i measc na gcainteoirí inniu ag comóradh an Stát ar bhreith Dhónaill Uí Chonaill dhá chéad go leith bliain agus an lá inniu i gCathair Dhónaill i gCiarraí.

Jerry spoke to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who is in Kerry for the state commemoration to mark the 250th birthday of Daniel O’Connell. He asked him about a number of issues including attempts to secure a release for Irish aid worker and missionary Gena Heraty who’s been kidnapped in Haiti.

Planning for the FutureIt was Charles Stewart Parnell who said: “No man has the right to say to his country. Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” This was in the 19th century. He also declared; “Let no one set a boundary to the march of a nation.”Parnell was clearly setting out the right of the people of Ireland to self-determination. Interestingly he chose Cork to make this declaration.  That was the 21st January 1885. One of the current Cork TDs and the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a contrary view. Our right to self-determination is contained in the Good Friday Agreement so that right has been won. We now need to exercise it. There is an irony that An Taoiseach has set his face against this and that he refuses to plan for the certain day when the Good Friday Agreement referendums will be held.Planning for the FutureIt was Charles Stewart Parnell who said: “No man has the right to say to his country. Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” This was in the 19th century. He also declared; “Let no one set a boundary to the march of a nation.”Parnell was clearly setting out the right of the people of Ireland to self-determination. Interestingly he chose Cork to make this declaration.  That was the 21st January 1885. One of the current Cork TDs and the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a contrary view. Our right to self-determination is contained in the Good Friday Agreement so that right has been won. We now need to exercise it. There is an irony that An Taoiseach has set his face against this and that he refuses to plan for the certain day when the Good Friday Agreement referendums will be held.Our MartinLast week, in the Guildhall in Derry, several hundred friends, comrades and family of Martin McGuinness came together for the launch of Jim McVeigh's authoritative and compelling new book on Martin. Jim is a gifted writer.‘Our Martin' is a very personal, insightful account of Martin's life in Derry and his love for his wife Bernie, and she for him, and for their children, Fionnuala, Emmet, Fiachra and Grainne.Martin said: “What politicised me was the civil rights protest. It wasn't anything I heard in the house, or even in my grandmother's house in Donegal. There was no republicanism whatsoever in my background.”‘Our Martin' by James McVeigh will be launched in Belfast at 1pm on 2 August in St. Mary's University College Belfast, as part of Féile an Phobail. It is available from An Fhuiseog, 55 Falls Road and from www.beyondthepalebooks.com 

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.

Tá fáilte curtha ag an Taoiseach, Michéal Martin roimh an margadh trádála atá déanta ag an Aontas Eorpach leis na Stáit Aontaithe agus a fhágfas go mbeidh táille 15% ag dul ar an gcuid is mó de na hearraí a bheidh Meiriceá ag importáil as an Eoraip.

A Clare MEP believes uncertainty for the pharmaceutical sector in the Midwest will continue as a result of the framework trade agreement signed by the EU and US. The deal signed yesterday imposes a 15% import tariff on the majority of EU goods including pharmaceuticals which it was hoped would be exempted. The outcome of talks has been welcomed across the Government with the Taoiseach claiming it will bring "clarity and predictability" to the trading relationship. Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the US President appears to have got what we came for and may come back for more.

First introduced in 2018 by senator Frances Black, the Occupied Territories Bill is increasingly the subject of public pressure and debate, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris continue to address criticism. And it's not just here at home, with a growing number of international political voices chiming in, some in a more derogatory fashion than others. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee slated the Occupied Territories Bill and told Ireland to "sober up." "Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness," he posted on Twitter. The diplomat said the bill was "so stupid" it smacked of "diplomatic intoxication". The Taoiseach has stressed that people needed to focus on the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and across the Middle East. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Mary Regan and Tabitha Monahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bhí cruinniú aréir ag an Taoiseach agus ag an Tánaiste leis na hAirí Stát neamhspleácha atá ag tacú leis an rialtas. Rinne na neamhspleaigh éilimh ar chéard atá uathu sa bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta, atá le foilsiú an tseachtain seo chugainn.

You may be aware that the Taoiseach was on a state visit to Japan last week.What you may not know is that Japan has something of a thriving community of traditional Irish musicians, who are indigenous Japanese, with no ancestral ties to Ireland.Rieko Yamashita is the Chair of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann Japan, and joins Seán to discuss.Image: John John Festival