Podcasts about taoiseach miche

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in Limerick yesterday on a visit to Analogue Devices as part of their 50-year celebrations, and Live 95's Lauren Byrne was there too.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Taoiseach has pledged to intervene on a West Clare's school bid to expedite an upgrade of its toilet facilities. It's after Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe raised the case of St Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point in the Dáil. It was claimed the school currently has 216 female students sharing just four cubicles between them and that a request to build an additional ten was approved by the Department five years ago, but has yet to be actioned. Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he wants to see the matter progressed.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan builds up to tonight's huge WCQ between Ireland and France, plus there is all latest from the Israel debacle and a look-ahead to the upcoming World Cup.Ireland face France in Grenoble tonight knowing a win secures automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.Carla Ward's side arrive full of confidence after a landmark victory over the Netherlands.Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan discusses the squad's belief ahead of the decisive Nations League clash.Ward insists her players can be proud regardless of the outcome and backs them to deliver on the big stage.Denise O'Sullivan and Emily Murphy return to contention after suspension.Former Ireland defender Louise Quinn debates whether Murphy should start ahead of the in-form Abbie Larkin.Live commentary of France v Ireland is available tonight on Off The Ball from 7pm.The FAI is expected to decide this week on whether Ireland's Nations League fixture against Israel will be moved to a neutral venue.Growing protests and political pressure continue to surround the upcoming Ireland-Israel matches.Taoiseach Micheál Martin says FIFA should address the wider issues, while the government will not intervene.Michael McCarthy explains why fulfilling the fixture could represent a significant statement by Irish football.Michael Olise scores a hat-trick as France defeat Northern Ireland and book their place at the FIFA World Cup.French football expert Philippe Auclair assesses Didier Deschamps' squad and highlights concerns about balance within the team.The Netherlands suffer a setback with Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber ruled out of the World Cup through injury.England boss Thomas Tuchel tells his players they are heading to the World Cup with one objective: winning it.John Brewin and Tim Vickery join Off The Ball to preview England's chances and Brazil's expectations heading into the tournament.FIFA referee Omar Artan is removed from the World Cup roster after reportedly being denied entry to the United States despite holding valid travel documents.Iran accuses the United States of revoking its World Cup ticket allocation, while Michel Platini launches legal action naming FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the tournament.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ireland has banned two Israeli Ministers from entering the country.Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed the Israeli Ministers, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been banned from travelling into Ireland.Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, joins Ciara to discuss.Image: Reuters

Irish Footballer Séamus Coleman says the question of whether the Republic of Ireland should play Israel in the Nations League or not “should never have came down to the players”.Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport have confirmed this week that they will not attend the Ireland v Israel match at the Aviva Stadium later this year.Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said this afternoon that Ireland does not want to be "self-defeating" in its approach to international soccer matches against Israel in the autumn.For more on this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central and Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs.

A picture is emerging in the byelection counts. Hugh is joined by Pat Leahy, Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss what we have learned so far:On the basis of the numbers available on Saturday afternoon, Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis and Fine Gael senator Sean Kyne look well placed to take seats in Dublin Central and Galway West respectively. But transfers could still shift result in Galway West where Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas is polling strongly.The anti-establishment vote in Dublin Central has grown significantly with strong showings from both Gerry Hutch and Malachy Steenson.Sinn Féin's apparent failure to top the poll in either constituency is a bad result for the leader of the opposition Mary Lou McDonald.The results are even worse for Fianna Fáil, with its showing in Dublin Central, once a party stronghold, likely to be of particular concern to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

For an update our Europe Editor, Tony Connelly.

While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoiseach since 2018.Meanwhile, CMAT made headlines as she won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her album 'Euro-Country'. The Irish popstar used the opportunity to urge artists to stop "sitting on the fence".And a new survey has indicated a growing interest in the Irish language on both sides of the border.Cathal O'Sullivan and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss all of these and more of the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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.

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.

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.

 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/27mnh3du Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com No news yet from activists captured by Israeli forces. Gan aon scéala fós ó ghníomhaithe atá tógtha ag fórsaí Iosrael. It is understood that no one in this country has received any news from any of the activists from a humanitarian aid flotilla detained by Israeli military forces in the Mediterranean. Tuigtear nach bhfuil scéala faighte ag aon duine sa tír seo ó aon duine de na gníomhaithe ó loingeas cabhrach daonnúla atá faoi choinneáil ag fórsaí míleata Iosrael sa Mheánmhuir. The Israelis intercepted over twenty boats from the aid fleet in the eastern Mediterranean yesterday and have taken the approximately 400 people who were on board those boats. Tháinig na hIosraelaigh roimh os cionn dhá scór bád ón loingeas cabhrach in oirthear na Meánmhara inné agus tá an tuairim is 400 duine a bhí ar bord na mbád sin tógtha acu. It seems that ten more boats are still heading towards Gaza. Is cosúil go bhfuil deich mbád eile ag tabhairt aghaidh ar Gaza i gcónaí. A number of Irish citizens are part of the fleet and Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of the late President Catherine Connolly, is one of those captured by the Israelis. Tá roinnt saoránach de chuid na hÉireann páirteach sa loingeas agus tá an Dr Margaret Connolly, deirfiúr leis an Uacharán Catherine Connolly, ar dhuine den dream a ghabh na hIosraelaigh. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the Israelis’ actions in international waters and has called for the immediate release of the hostages. Tá a bhfui déanta ag na hIosraelaigh in uiscí idirnáisiúnta cáinte ag an Taoiseach Micheál Martin agus d’éiligh sé na géibheannaigh a scaoileadh saor láithreach. The vessel closest to Gaza, the Sirius, was 145 nautical miles from its destination, according to the group in Ireland to which the activists are affiliated. An soitheach ba ghaire do Gaza, an Sirius, bhí sí 145 muirmhíle ó cheann scríbe, dar leis an ngrúpa in Éirinn a bhfuil na gníomhaithe bainteach leis. In a statement, Israel’s foreign ministry said that no one would (not) be allowed to breach the naval blockade they are imposing on Gaza, which the Israelis say is a “legal” blockade. I ráiteas, dúirt roinn gnóthaí eachtracha Iosrael nach gceadófaí d’aon dream an léigear mara atá siad a dhéanamh ar Gaza a shárú, ar léigear “dleathach” é, dar leis na hIosraelaigh. The Israeli navy has a habit of taking people they capture to the port of Ashdod in Israel and deporting them from the country shortly thereafter. Tá sé de nós ag cabhlach Iosrael daoine a thógann siad a thabhairt go calafort Aisdeod in Iosrael agus iad a dhíbirt as an tír go gairid ina dhiaidh sin. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

Taoiseach Micheál Martin distances Fianna Fáil from anti-immigration comments made by former leader Bertie Ahern during a canvas in Dublin Central — but is migration really becoming a doorstep issue?Plus, concerns over road safety enforcement as breathalyser testing falls, conviction rates remain among the lowest in Europe, and road fatalities continue to rise.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael - Chair of Transport CommitteeRoderic O'Gorman TD, Green Party Mary Regan, Political Editor Irish Independent Derek Mooney, Former Fianna Fáil advisor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authorities have confirmed that a third British national has been diagnosed with suspected Hantavirus linked to the cruise ship outbreak.It was announced yesterday that plans being made for Irish citizens onboard to self-isolate after leaving the ship. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said health authorities are “working actively” to bring the Irish citizens home.Joining Shane to discuss this is Head of the Department of Biology and Director of the Human Health Research Institute at NUI Maynooth, Professor Paul Moynagh.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Ireland should explore the idea of using nuclear power in order to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor has introduced a bill to reverse the ban and it is due to be debated in the Dáil in the coming months.Dr. Paul Deane, senior lecturer in Clean Energy Futures at UCC and Senator Malcolm Noonan of the Green Party speak to Matt on The Last Word about this.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Ireland should seriously examine the idea of developing nuclear power as one way to reduce its future dependence on fossil fuels, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. It comes as Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor has introduced a bill to reverse the ban on nuclear energy in Ireland. Joining Anton to discuss further was Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate policy researcher and Denis Duff, Co-founder of 18for0.

The Government has unveiled a new fuel support package aimed at easing pressure on key sectors including farming and road transport, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying the measures will significantly help those struggling with rising costs. But while industry groups have broadly welcomed the move, questions remain about whether the supports go far enough—and whether households are being left behind. To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Eugene Drennan of the Irish Road Hauliers Association and Stephen Walsh, Clare farmer and County Chair of the IFA. Image © Filling up at the gas station with a green nozzle in the car's tank by Madalina Todica's Images via Canva

PJ puts listener worries and questions to Taoiseach Micheál Martin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ hears about news in the Du Plantier case, learns of a campaign to allow people exchange US driving licences for Irish ones, talks to Taoiseach Micheál Martin. And More... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said leaders are concerned at the global implications of the war, for more Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports from Cyprus.

The Government has approved new rules on modular homes, meaning they can be rented out, with up to €14,000 being tax-free, and do not need planning permission.Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that the decision was a practical one, but is this a reasonable response to the housing crisis?Joining Andrea to discuss is Michael Houghton, Columnist with the Irish Independent, host of the ‘Irish Fire' podcast and private landlord, as well as listeners.

In a breaking news story, cartel boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.Stephen Breen, crime editor with the Irish Sun, joins The Last Word to discuss this sensational development.After that, Kieran Cunningham and Orla Ryan join to discuss the week's trending stories including a short-lived attempt to oust Taoiseach Micheál Martin as Fianna Fáil leader and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth channeling his inner Quentin Tarantino.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

How much pressure is being put on Taoiseach Micheál Martin by his party Fianna Fáil?Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South. And later joining Ciara to discuss is Naoise Ó Cearúil Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North.

Today, a group of European leaders, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, held a remote conference on the potential of EU-wide action to implement a ban on social media for under sixteens. Australia became the first country to implement such a ban last December, but when it comes to regulating social media for young people - are bans truly the best way to go?Dr Sinan Aşçı is a Post Doctoral Researcher at the Anti-Bullying Centre in DCU, and joins Seán Defoe to discuss.

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

On Wednesday, as fuel protests over the Government's response to rising petrol and diesel prices entered their third day it became clear the demands of the protesters showed no signs of being met.Taoiseach Micheál Martin said fuel protesters blocking cities and towns around Ireland are “wrong” and those breaking the law will be penalised.Several distinct but co-ordinated protests took place over the past three days, involving slow-moving convoys on motorways, such as the M1 and M50, as well as the blocking of main roads in Dublin.Those taking part include hauliers and agricultural contractors using large trucks and tractors to disrupt traffic.Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy analyses the political reaction to the protesters and Colm Keena explains who the protesters are and what they want.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. 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.

Iran, the energy crisis, global relations, the reshaping of the West, looking back on the visit to the US, European presidency, UNIFIL. Anton discusses all this and more with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in studio this morning.

The How to Gael podcast has been driving conversations through and about the Irish language and they've just launched their (not contentious at all) ‘How To Unite Ireland?' podcast.The six-part series features some big Irish names including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and GAA President Jarlath Burns.Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss the podcast is one of its hosts, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Israeli strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure marked an escalation in the US-Israeli war on Iran. With global oil and gas prices climbing, could we soon see Government measures to offset the cost to consumers?· Opposition parties were less than impressed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin's showing during his St Patrick's Day meeting with US president Donald Trump, but the world's media praised Martin's polite pushback on certain points. · The demolition of an illegally-built Co Meath home has captured the public imagination this week. It has served to highlight the urban-rural divide when it comes to one-off housing during the current housing crisis.· And the monthly payments to those housing Ukrainian people in their spare rooms will be wound down over the coming year.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Ronnie Delaney's Olympic gold medal win inspires Frank McNally to victory, the generational talent of Oscar winner Jessie Buckley, and the enduring fascination around JFK jnr.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 will join other EU Leaders today at a European Council meeting in Brussels, to address the situation in Middle East. But what sort of influence can Europe have as the conflict continues to escalate? All to discuss with Cathal Berry former Independent TD and former member of the Defence Forces.

Dan Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States and Lorcan Nyhan from The Communications Clinic, analyse Taoiseach Micheál Martin's performance alongside US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office

Taoiseach Micheál Martin sat down with US president Donald Trump for the traditional St Patrick's Day summit, with Mr Trump in typically boisterous form. How did the Taoiseach get on, though, with Iran, Keir Starmer, and a potential Doonbeg visit all on the agenda? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Mary Regan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this morning's Gift Grub, Ian caught up with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was still in Washington, trying to manage Donald Trump! Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

Columnist Cal Thomas and Larry Donnelly, lecturer in law at the University of Galway, join The Last Word to discuss the latest developments in Trump's Iran war and look back at Taoiseach Micheál Martin's St Patrick's Day visit to the White House.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump has described the Iranian regime as "sick", "demented", "maniacs", and promised a quick end to the war. Following his meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, Mr. Trump says he's "way ahead of schedule" on Iran and the whole world should be "very thankful" for his intervention. He also said he is disappointed in NATO, and gave a timeline of a "couple of weeks" for the end of the war. President Trump said he was forced to act. The EU's foreign policy chief says the door is not closed to European participation in protecting the Strait of Hormuz. But Kaja Kallas says it would probably be part of a diplomatic solution. She also says EU is consulting with governments in the Middle East about how to bring the conflict to a conclusion. Kaja Kallas warned about the need to improve our own defences. Iran has confirmed its top security official has been killed in an airstrike. Tehran had yesterday denied Ali Larijani had been killed - displaying a handwritten note supposedly written by him as evidence he was alive. Iran launched missiles at Israel overnight, killing two people. Meanwhile, senior US counter-terrorism boss Joe Kent has resigned, saying he doesn't support the conflict. To discuss all of this, along with growing concern about the impact on global energy supplies and fuel prices, given the situation with the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world's oil passes, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Associate Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, and Micheál Collins, Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin. Image © Getty Images Signature

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Sean Spicer Show. I was able to spend a few days with Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Washington D.C. to celebrate. Our prayers go out to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as President Trump recently announced her breast cancer diagnosis. Congressman Marlin Stutzman joins the show to discuss the broader aspects when it comes to the war in Iran. After Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran did not cooperate and did not stop their nuclear ambitions. President Trump took out a legitimate threat, how long will it take to deem this successful? Congressman Stutzman gives his take on the MAGA divide and the recent resignation of Joe Kent, former Director of National Counterterrorism Center. The Save America Act hits the Senate floor but will it go anywhere? Featuring: Rep. Marlin Stutzman U.S. Congressman | Indiana, District 3 https://x.com/RepStutzman FREE CONTENT: https://www.seanspicer.com/p/why-republicans-are-losing-younger Today's show is sponsored by: Patriot Mobile - PatriotMobile.com/SPICER for 1 free month Take a stand for faith, family, and freedom—switch to Patriot Mobile. Patriot Mobile provides PREMIUM service on all three major U.S. networks.  Patriot Mobile has the same or even better coverage, backed by 100% U.S.-based customer support. Get unlimited data plans, mobile hotspots, international roaming, and more with Patriot Mobile. Take a stand as a PATRIOT by going to ⁠https://PatriotMobile.com/SPICER⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT for a FREE month! Firecracker Farms - https://firecracker.farm/ use code word: SEAN for a discount. Everything's better with HOT SALT. Firecracker Farms hot salt is hand crafted on their family farm with Carolina Reaper, Ghost and Trinidad Scorpion peppers. This is a balanced, deep flavor pair perfect with your favorite foods. Whether it's eggs, steaks, veggies or even your favorite beverage, Firecracker Farms hot salt is what you've been missing. Just head to https://firecracker.farm/ use code word: SEAN for a discount. Unlock the flavor in your food now! ------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Phil's Oval Office exchange with Vice President JD Vance yesterday about his support for the Iran War. Also, yesterday's announcement that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and will continue her job at the White House during treatment. Then, they discuss press coverage of the Iran War and FCC Chair Brendan Carr's threat to revoke broadcasters' licenses over their coverage of the conflict. Also, President Trump yesterday called Cuba a “very weakened nation” and says “I think I can do anything I want with it.” Next, they talk about a new poll that shows that 59 percent of American adults believe a college degree is “not worth the cost.” Also, Ireland's leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, visits Washington today for a full round of celebrations of St. Patrick's Day, including events on Capitol Hill and the White House. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Juliette Gash, political staff, reports from Washington ahead of Taoiseach Micheál Martin's visit to the White House.

Tá an Taoiseach Micheál Martin i Washington sna Stáit Aontaithe mar chuid de cheiliúradh na Féile Pádraig.

Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Taoiseach Micheál Martin's St Patrick's Day visit to The White House to meet US president Donald Trump could prove awkward should he face questions about the US and Israel's military action against Iran, and its impact on the Middle East, Gulf regions and soaring fuel prices. Last year's meeting was a minefield to be navigated – perhaps Martin has learned from that experience.· A far less fraught meeting took place on Friday when the Taoiseach welcomed Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer to the UK-Ireland summit at Fota House in Cork. Security and co-operation were the order of the day, as Anglo-Irish relations continued to improve from a post-Brexit low.· And the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided this week, after a mere fifteen years, not to bring criminal charges against anyone arising from the Moriarty tribunal's final report in 2011. Michael Lowry and Denis O'Brien no doubt welcomed the decision.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The brave and anonymous women we all owe a debt, the beef between farmers and Government, and Patrick Freyne's golden age of male role models.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.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived at Fota House in East Cork for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Both leaders have committed to closer working relationships on maritime security, trade, energy and culture. RTÉ Southern Editor Paschal Sheehy joined the show to tell us more.

This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick's Day podium. Now that the Taoiseach has been restored to March 17 parity, he has one hell of a job on his hands. What kind of reception awaits him in Donald Trump's Oval Office next week? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Connelly, Europe Editor, looks ahead to Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

President Catherine Connolly's statement on violence in the Middle East is expected to increase pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to take a stand when he visits the White House for St Patrick's Day.Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway, join The Last Word to discuss whether the Taoiseach should use the opportunity of the Oval Office meeting to express Ireland's concerns about the war in Iran.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Brian O'Donovan, Work and Technology Correspondent, reports on the details of an email from Taoiseach Micheál Martin to social media platform X asking that the company appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee.

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· In the Dáil on Wednesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued an apology on behalf of the State to survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools. Nobody doubts the sincerity of such apologies, but given the number of them over the years, perhaps their rhetoric should be matched with the practicalities and supports survivors need.· With the Residential Tenancies Bill comes into effect from March 1st, Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty was accused of “scaremongering and misinformation” by Tánaiste Simon Harris in the Dáil on Thursday. Doherty pointed to research carried out by I-Res Reit, the State's largest corporate landlord, which suggested a potential increase in rent returns of up to 25 per cent resulting from the new rent rules. The new rules are designed to attract new investors into the rental property sector, and what could be more attractive than charging higher rents?· The glacial speed at which vital infrastructure projects such as the Greater Dublin Drainage Project are delivered here could be accelerated by the establishment of a new Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification Unit in Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers's department.· And the upcoming byelections in Dublin Central and Galway West, with seats vacated by Paschal Donohoe and Catherine Connolly respectively, are looking increasingly hard to call.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.

I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in alliance with business and societal elites, continues to enjoy a place of wealth and privilege and influence. Given that the British state includes a part of Ireland, at least for the time being, this is more than an academic issue for those of us who are captives of this undemocratic system of privilege. I am instinctively against monarchies. Of any kind. Constitutional or otherwise. Monarchies are bad. The late Tony Benn put it well when he said that “the existence of a hereditary monarchy helps to prop up all the privilege and patronage that corrupts our society; that is why the crown is seen as being of such importance to those who run the country - or enjoy the privileges it affords.”Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for UnityAt the end of last year Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast was a huge success. Thousands of Irish speakers, including Uachtarán Catherine Connolly, spent several days enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. In August Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.All of this is evidence of the change that is taking place. I was pleased to attend An Conradh's Ard Fheis. The conference was alive and vibrant with a new generation of young gaeilgeoirí determined to assert their Irishness, proud of their language and determined to stand up for their language and national rights. They were articulate, positive, funny, hopeful and generous. Micheál Martin out of step on UnityLast week, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in an interview with TG4, claimed that there is not much substance behind Sinn Féin's campaign on Unity.  The Fianna Fáil leader, who has consistently rejected any common sense suggestions to prepare for unity, returned to his favourite and bogus argument that we need reconciliation before unity.Martin's comments are out of step with the political reality and popular opinion North and South. He also misses entirely the point that the demand for unity is not simply being put by Sinn Féin. Former leaders of Fine Gael and the SDLP, as well the SDLP leadership, Ireland's Future, the Irish Labour Party, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and others are part of the growing demand for the Irish government to prepare for unity.

Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· When it comes to the housing crisis or whether to spend the exchequer surplus, the results from the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll suggest an electorate that wants to see some action. This is despite Government's claims that real progress has been made on housing. · One of the most noteworthy finds of the latest Irish/Ipsos B&A opinion poll is the uptick in Taoiseach Micheál Martin's approval rating. He is now the most popular party leader here who continues to have the backing of more than 80 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters. Perhaps he has now put Jim Gavin's fiasco of a presidential campaign behind him?· And the latest tranche of Epstein files is proving to be quite damaging for UK prime minister Keir Starmer, with an apology issued this week to victims of Jeffrey Epstein over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador at a time when his friendship with Epstein was already public knowledge.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The Melania Trump film, a world without nuclear arms control, and why transgender rights misinformation is the last thing schools need.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.