Podcasts about Taoiseach

Politicians and regulators grapple with Grok AI, a challenging White House visit looms for the Taoiseach, and is it a case of easy come, easy go with public expenditure and Ministerial pay mistakes.

An Taoiseach ag caint in ómós do Sheáin Uí Shé.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The long-anticipated EU-Mercosur trade deal was provisionally approved on Friday, despite the opposition of Ireland, France and three other countries. The deal has been immensely unpopular in Irish political life for a long time, thanks largely to efforts by the farming lobby. But there is now a sense that some figures in the European Commission are disappointed the Government did not make the case for the economic upsides of the deal. · Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in China this week on a four-day visit. Trade was also high on the agenda there, with China eager to import more high-quality food from Ireland. Human rights were mentioned in passing, and there was condemnation by the Taoiseach of Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime in Venezuela, the irony seemingly lost on the Fianna Fáil leader given the country he was visiting.· And the Taoiseach's party colleague, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, wants to ditch the one-bed en suites as the Government looks to move towards a co-living model involving communal space for university accommodation. A bathroom of one's own is a luxury students can go without. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The Saipan film reopens old wounds for Kevin Kilbane, Seán Moncrieff can't throw away all those old electronic cables, and boycotting Doonbeg is the least we can do to oppose Donald Trump's appetite for war.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.

We are in a new era of global superpowers, and while Ireland has always sat comfortably with America, this week the Taoiseach has been enjoying the company of Chinese president Xi Jinping rather than Donald Trump. It's an interesting place for Micheál Martin to be, caught in the middle of the battle for the new world order. But why did China roll out the red carpet for Ireland? And from our perspective, is it all about money? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Alexander Dukalskis and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, on the Grok artificial intelligence tool being used to create sexually explicit images of adults and children.

Denis Staunton, Irish Times China Correspondent on the Taoiseach's official visit to China.

Aengus Cox reports from Beijing on the Taoiseach's official visit.

During the Taoiseach's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday, the two bonded over the shared love of an Irish novel which is somewhat lost and forgotten here in Ireland, but which has sold millions of copies in Russia.Joining Seán to discuss is Zoe Comyns, Creator of the Lyric FM documentary ‘Ethel Voynich - Music Mystery and Manuscripts'...

Aengus Cox reports from Beijing on the Taoiseach's meeting with Presient Xi Jinping.

Another year in the history books, full of all kinds of point-scoring, in-fighting, power plays and seismic shifts. So, who won big on the political stage? Who lost in headline-making fashion? What were the standout gaffes? And just who can call themselves the “Brat of the Year” for 2025? All will be revealed as the Indo politics team hand out their coveted gongs just in time for Christmas... Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Mary Regan, Tabitha Monahan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taoiseach Michael Martin has been visiting Irish peacekeeping troops this weekend in Lebanon. Justin McCarthy reports from Camp Shamrock in Southern Lebanon where he has been speaking to Ltt Col Mark Lennon.

Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss not the gang who couldn't shoot straight, but the gang who couldn't even get a shot off, and yet Micheál Martin is injured, but is it all self-inflicted because of his Jim Gavin gaffe?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For reaction to the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin comments on the report into Jim Gavin's Presidential candidacy, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fail MEP.

PJ looks at the Gavingate Report, hears about the Dáil vote on foxhunting, admires some superhero puppies. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chaith baill de Pháirtí Pairliminte Fhianna Fáil cúig huaire a chloig ag plé na tuairisce a cuireadh ar fáil daofa maidir leis an athbhreithniú inmheánach ar thoghchán Uachtaránachta Fhianna Fáil. Cháin Pat the Cope Ó Gallchóir an dóigh ar láimhseáil an Taoiseach roghnú Jim Gavin mar iarrthóir Uachtaránachta do pháirtí Fhianna Fáil.

The latest from our political correspondent Michael Lehane.

The big politics story of the day is storm that continues to swirl around Michael Martins leadership of his party as questions still remain over the handling of Jim Gavin's disastrous Presidential bid.Matt is joined by Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner Louise Burne and Editor at the Business Post Daniel McConnell to discuss Martin's positionHit Play on this page to listen now

Taoiseach's leadership comes under further pressure as Fianna Fáil TDs and senators demand to know when the party first heard about Jim Gavin's issue with a former tenant. All to discuss with Louise Burne Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner

Booker Prize-winning writer, John Banville, screen and stage actor, Clelia Murphy and former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar joined Brendan with books, old and new, that they would gift someone this Christmas.

Hauliers say they may go on strike if TII doesn't allow them discounts they're entitled to at the toll booth. Industry representatives met with the Taoiseach on Wednesday to highlight the issue. They've accused toll oper­at­ors of mak­ing it delib­er­ately dif­fi­cult for truck­ers to claim dis­counts when pre-paying for the toll. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Eugene Drennan, Former President of the Irish Road Haulage Association.

Recorded November 25th, 2025. On 1 July 2026, Ireland will take on the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time since Brexit. This event, in partnership with the global CEO advisory firm Teneo, will reflect on the last time Ireland held the presidency (in 2013) and debate the challenges and opportunities ahead. The event will reflect on challenges and achievements of the 2013 presidency (including the Multiannual Financial Framework, Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020), and debate the challenges and opportunities of the forthcoming presidency. The inaugural Trinity European Laureate Award will be presented to Enda Kenny, who served as Taoiseach during the presidency, and he will speak on what was achieved during that time. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr Brigid Laffan (Chancellor of the University of Limerick), Danny McCoy (CEO of IBEC), and Professor Sineád Ryan (Dean of Research, Trinity College Dublin). This event will also mark the launch of the Trinity Long Room Hub's programme of events around the EU Presidency. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub

A planned taskforce dedicated to the revival of Cork's city centre was included in the programme for government In October, Tánaiste Simon Harris repeated his desire that a taskforce for cork be urgently introduced, adding that when he was Taoiseach, he had established a Dublin city centre taskforce which had resulted in clear benefits for the capital. Last week Mr. Harris explained that there would be no task force for cork city in 2025. How badly is a Cork task force needed? Pat asked Catríona Twomey, Volunteer coordinator Penny Dinners and also Colm Burke, Fine Gael Spokesman for Cork.

Three years on from when he first addressed the Oireachtas, Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Ireland. He landed in Dublin Airport yesterday and is set to call in to President Catherine Connolly before meeting with the Taoiseach and addressing the Oireachtas in person. Joining Patto chat about Ireland's support for Ukraine since Russia's invasion is Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne.

Recorded November 19th, 2025. The Trinity Long Room Hub was delighted to launch a new seminar series - Bridging the Gap between Policy and Research - exploring how scholarship in the Arts and Humanities can shape and inform public policy for the common good. The opening seminar, Do the Humanities Actually Matter? Public Policy and the Humanities hears from Peter MacDonagh, a former senior advisor in the Taoiseach's Office whose career has bridged government and academia, and includes considerable experience in public policy and research in different countries.  Speaker: A former senior advisor in the Taoiseach's Office, Peter MacDonagh has had an unusually broad involvement in public policy development, research funding and participation in pan-EU research programmes. Following studies in history in UCD and Cambridge, he worked for the now Taoiseach Micheál Martin when they developed the foundations for funding research in the Humanities. In government, he was substantially involved in deepening the engagement between academic research and public policy. Subsequently he served on the Board of Science Foundation Ireland, now Research Ireland, and as chairperson of its Grants Awards Committee. He has been involved with a range of large-scale Horizon projects and works on public policy and political research in different European countries. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk through the week in politics:Jim O'Callaghan's message on migration The Taoiseach's fondness for overseas tripsNew data showing a rise in eviction notices Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is an episode of our new sister podcast, Early Edition. It's in your feed this morning because -as a listener of In The News, we thought you might like enjoy it. But don't worry, you'll still find In The News in its usual spot. If you enjoy Early Edition - four of our top stories in ten minutes - please give it a follow on your podcast app.“Flying blind” and “budgeting like there's no tomorrow” – the government's management of the economy is being roundly criticised by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.A group of Ranelagh residents have launched a legal challenge to the Metrolink project – with the potential to stall the long-awaited underground rail line.Consumer Affairs correspondent Conor Pope is urging caution in the Black Friday online shopping frenzy.The RDS has been renamed the Laya Arena in a new naming rights partnership, while a bill to rename Dublin Airport after this former Taoiseach has progressed in the Dáil.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

he Tánaiste is leading tributes to former Minster of State and Clare TD Donal Carey, who passed away overnight, at the age of 88. The clarecastle native was first elected to Clare County Council in 1974 and served as a TD for the Clare constituency from 1982 to 2002, while he also served as a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1981 to 1982. In 1995, he was appointed by the Rainbow Government on the nomination of John Bruton as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, holding the posts until the change of government in 1997. His son Joe Carey was a Fine Gael TD for Clare from 2007 to 2024, while his daughter Leonora Carey ran for Fine Gael in last year's General Election. Fine Gael Leader, Tanaiste and Minster for Finance Simon Harris says Donal Carey's “legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to the Fine Gael family will always be remembered”. Paul Murphy, Fine Gael Councillor spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Simon Harris via Facebook

The Group of 20 world leaders are meeting in Johannesburg in South Africa this weekend. Our Global Security Reporter Yvonne Nolan tells us what to be expected.

Jerry spoke to Sinn Féin Deputy Pa Daly. He made the comments in a social media post about the new development which was officially opened by the Taoiseach on Monday.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode, a government housing policy with no annual targets, Fianna Fáil's presidential “perma-crisis”, the Taoiseach's rebels and their “clusterbleep”, what to expect from President Catherine Connolly and finally, CMAT. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lurch rightwards in our politics has brought a wave of disinformation and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people.As well as exacerbating prejudice, the anti-LGBTIQ+ campaigns, many supported by US evangelicals and Russian oligarchs, foment social divisions and aim to weaken liberal democracy. That's why the new era of bigotry should be seen as a strategic threat for Europe, former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar explains in this episode. Leo is currently a Senior Fellow for the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program at the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at the Harvard Kennedy School. He stepped down as Taoiseach last year after serving two terms and making history as Ireland's first openly gay head of government.Among Leo's current concerns: how US diplomats and corporate executives who formerly supported LGBT rights have changed position or melted away, leaving regions like Central and Eastern Europe especially vulnerable."The fact that America is withdrawing from that space has left it open to Russia," says Leo. "That's where I think the European Union needs to come in and needs in many ways I think to fill the space of the Americans."A particular focus is Hungary, the EU state that is the subject of what Rémy Bonny, executive director of Forbidden Colours, calls the largest human rights lawsuit in the bloc's history.That lawsuit concerns a so-called child-protection law that censors inclusive sex education, equates LGBTI lifestyles with pedophilia, blocks adoption for LGBTI couples, and restricts content in media and advertising.A top advisor has already issued a preliminary finding against Hungary and the Court of Justice of the EU is expected to reach a verdict next year.A definitive ruling against Hungary "can't go without a meaningful response" from EU authorities, says Leo. "The treaties are worth nothing if that's the case."When it comes to EU politics, Leo encourages a return to centrist leadership rather than reliance by his political family, the center-right European People's Party, on the possibility of majorities with the far right."I much prefer us being in alliance with Liberals and Social Democrats and Greens."Leo also critiques fellow conservative Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, for saying "too little, too late" about homophobia in Hungary — and about Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza.Even so von der Leyen does "come around to the right position eventually, which is better than the reverse."As for Donald Trump, who Leo met several times as Taoiseach, the US president is taking a far more hostile approach to LGBT rights compared to his first term. Whether Trump actually leaves office after 2027 general could come down to the US military."It's a dangerous time."Asked whether he could have done more as Taoiseach to regulate the giant US tech companies that have bases in Ireland, Leo says he oversaw stepped up enforcement during his time in office. There was however a wider failure, where tech companies still are shielded from liability for the illegal and highly polarizing content hosted on their platforms."We allowed them to really get away with this idea that they're not publishers" and "that wasn't right," says Leo, who says he supports a crackdown on algorithms that amplify hate and toxicity.Support the show

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

A Clare based Lecturer has branded the Taoiseach's comments ahead of COP 30 as "nothing short of disgraceful." The thirtieth Conference of Parties is taking place in Belém, Brazil this week with 60 Irish delegates in attendance. Speaking at a climate summit in Brizal prior to COP 30, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ireland's development of Liquified Natural Gas plants can't happen fast enough. Futureproof Clare Spokesperson Dr Sinéad Sheehan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that she believes its a contradictory and harmful stance.

Iain Dale knows he is walking on perilous terrain.Dale is one of Britain's best known broadcasters and podcasters but his new book is about Ireland, specifically Irish Taoisigh.On Free State today Iain Dale has an animated conversation about what has gone wrong in England and the dangers of nationalism. Yet he argues that he doesn't believe Nigel Farage is an extremist. Dale has recruited some of Ireland's foremost writers to write about the holders of the Taoiseach's office. But he talks about how his own fascination with Ireland began and why he believes it is part of history that Britain needs to reckon with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin has told the COP30 conference that More leaders need to 'tell it as it is' in relation to climate change. We get the latest on the conference with Jessica Woodlock, Newstalk Reporter in Belém.

Broadcaster and Author, Iain Dale, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest book he's edited: ‘The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership'.

A Killarney listener wrote to Jerry about the local property tax, he wrote: “I don’t object to the idea of a property tax, but this tax in its present blunt form is totally immoral and unjust because it takes no account of personal circumstances or ability to pay. I hereby challenge the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, or any government minister to come on your programme, or on any programme, and say that I am wrong.” Separately, Killarney Municipal District Budget meeting yesterday heard that due to the re-valuation of homes, it’s currently expected that there will be an additional €900,000 allocated to the council from the LPT. Cllr Niall Kelleher made some points about how this additional income should be used.

Iain Daie talks to Lewis Goodall about the life and brutal rule of the man who ruled the Soviet Union for close on three decades. 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

Miriam Reynolds, daughter of Albert Reynolds, and Martin Morris, County Archivist for Longford County Council, on a new collection which commemorates the former Taoiseach's political life to go on display in Longford.

Iain Dale, broadcaster, author and political commentator

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.

John Stack from Tarbert is Ireland’s youngest Thalidomide survivor and was in Dublin for yesterday’s meeting.         

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.

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

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.

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