Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Leinster House today was filled with sympathy for Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan who took ill during an EU presidency meeting in Limerick on Tuesday. On today’s podcast Hugh speaks to Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy and political correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones about the mood in the Dáil. Fellow politicians “understand the stresses and challenges” of the job, Pat said. They also discuss today’s public sector strike and the likelihood of another next Wednesday. “Both sides have staked out their territory” said Pat. “The government has shown its willing to let people go out on strike, the unions have shown their prepared to go on strike” he added. Unions say the threat of larger scale walk outs in the dispute over the public sector pay deal aren’t off the table. Jack Horgan-Jones said “generationally no one in politics or the unions has dealt with something of this scale before”. He added, ”though we haven’t reached the point of confronting what a full scale public…

In less than a month US voters will get a chance to express their feelings about the direction of the country in elections for seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate. While president Donald Trump is not on the ballot, his unpopularity is weighing his party down. Polls show a "blue wave" looks likely, with Democrats favoured to win back the House and possibly the Senate. But many races are still very close. Washington correspondent Keith Duggan has been visiting some of the key battlegrounds to find out about the candidates and the issues. 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 Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: The fallout from Budget 2027 has been minimal, save for Minister for Media Patrick O’Donovan’s eleventh-hour decision to cut State subvention to RTÉ by €20 million. Having seen his department pre-budget demands not being met, the Minister warned that the Government – not just his department - “will renege on the three-year funding deal agreed with RTÉ in July 2024”. Unlike O’Donovan, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers saw his political capital augment this week. It took a giveaway budget of €8.5bn to avoid putting anyone’s nose seriously out of joint, but at least he kept to the 6 per cent spending margin for 2027. Public sector pay demands will see industrial action rather than negotiations in the short-term but perhaps the Government and the unions will sit down and talk before both sides become entrenched. And once lobbied by property developers like Johnny Ronan, former minister Simon Coveney now lobbies on his…

The Inside Politics panel debates the implications of the recent Irish budget, questioning whether it represents a genuine fiscal strategy or a performative political act designed to minimize friction. The discussion explores the tension between maintaining economic stability and the rising costs of public expenditure, specifically focusing on the nation's increasing reliance on volatile corporation tax revenues. The speakers further critique the erosion of the tax base through inflation-driven threshold stagnation and examine the risks of a potential economic downturn necessitating austerity. The episode also examines the internal political dynamics of the budget process, including lobbying efforts and ministerial negotiations, while concluding with a critique of the government's lack of a coherent national strategic mission.

Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor discuss their book 'End Times Fascism', exploring the emergence of an unstable political alliance between Christian fundamentalists, Silicon Valley billionaires, and ethno-nationalists. They examine how religious apocalypticism, AI development, and climate change are being used to fuel accelerationist politics and global instability. The conversation further explores the intersection of capitalism, environmental crises, and the 'Armageddon complex' driving disparate extremist groups. The speakers argue for a coordinated movement centered on optimism, international cooperation, and community-based political mobilization to counter social dislocation and regulate the influence of tech giants.

The hosts examine the intense negotiations surrounding the upcoming Irish budget, noting significant tension between departments and the Minister of Public Expenditure amidst discussions on potential spending cuts and rising corporate tax revenues. The episode explores whether the government will prioritize structural changes like tax cuts or focus on smaller 'baubles' while navigating public sector industrial action and the credibility of opposition proposals. The discussion also covers the resurgence of parade tensions in Northern Ireland and the long-term stability of the Belfast Agreement's institutions. Finally, the hosts pay tribute to the retirement of political sketch writer Miriam Lord and review recent Irish Times articles covering topics from football protests to Mark Zuckerberg's donations to GAA clubs.

Host Hugh Linehan interviews Siobhan Fenton, a former Sinn Féin press officer and author of 'Ourselves Alone', to explore the party's evolution from an anti-establishment outsider to a significant political force. The discussion covers the party's rapid growth following the 2020 election, its efforts to professionalize communications, and the complexities of navigating different political jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The episode further examines Sinn Féin's recent political challenges, including the impact of the 2023 Dublin riots, communication failures regarding housing policy, and a decline in polling numbers. The conversation highlights the party's struggle to reconcile its progressive identity with rising anti-establishment and socially conservative sentiments within its traditional base, as well as the difficulty of gaining momentum against government economic interventions.

Hugh Lennon and Mark Little explore the evolution of the internet, tracing its journey from a period of collective excitement to an era dominated by algorithmic control and engagement-driven business models. They discuss how technological shifts influence human agency, the rise of private digital communities, and the tension between venture capital incentives and true innovation. The conversation further examines the shift in digital threats from content policing to identifying coordinated inauthentic behavior. The speakers conclude by discussing the need for robust regulation and new economic models that prioritize community loyalty and participatory democracy over surveillance-based advertising.

The hosts analyze the latest Irish Times poll, noting stagnant political support and a record low 29% satisfaction rating for the current government. The discussion explores Sinn Féin's shifting strategy, the potential for future coalitions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and the lack of deep engagement regarding the practical implications of Irish unity. The episode also covers various political and social issues, including the strategic implications of nationalist alliances in the UK, internal disputes over sports grants within the Irish coalition, and upcoming budgetary measures. The conversation concludes with a look at international political models, such as party mergers in the Netherlands, and a debate on the origins of U2.

This episode begins with the origin story of U2 before transitioning to a deep dive into US-China relations. The discussion explores Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, the ongoing trade truce, and the differing approaches to AI development and economic competition between the two superpowers. The conversation further examines China's strategic shift toward high-value exports amidst internal economic challenges like property slumps and youth unemployment. Additionally, the episode covers the global semiconductor race, geopolitical tensions regarding Taiwan, and the internal dynamics of the Chinese Communist Party, including recent anti-corruption purges within the military.

In this episode of Inside Politics, Anthony Scaramucci discusses his book 'All the Wrong Moves,' analyzing major US political and economic mistakes, including the integration of China into the WTO, banking bailouts, and the fiscal impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The discussion explores how these policies contributed to the rise of Donald Trump and increased political polarization. The conversation further examines structural flaws in the American political system, such as gerrymandering and the influence of money in politics. The episode concludes with a critique of Trump's foreign policy, the perceived cowardice of Republican leaders, and reflections on America's historical cycles of instability and renewal.

This episode begins with an exploration of U2's origins before transitioning to a deep dive into rising political violence and polarization in Ireland, specifically regarding threats against politicians. The discussion covers Donald Trump's visit to Ireland and its implications for whisky tariffs and Northern Irish stability, alongside shifts in transatlantic relations involving Canada and the EU. The episode also examines legislative debates in the Dáil concerning abortion laws and the political maneuvers behind them. Finally, the hosts investigate the impact of massive crypto-billionaire donations on UK politics, the socio-economic drivers of recent race riots in Belfast, and controversies surrounding Oireachtas members' expense claims.

Correspondent Derek Scully examines the shifting political landscapes in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, focusing on how rising security and migration concerns are reshaping social policy. The episode explores how mainstream social democratic parties are adopting tougher stances on migration to counter right-wing populism. The discussion further delves into the electoral success of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, analyzing how the party leverages economic disappointments and historical narratives to appeal to voters. The conversation also examines the tension between East and West German approaches to historical responsibility and the growing difficulty for establishment parties to maintain a political 'firewall' against the far-right.

In this episode of Inside Politics, Hugh Linehan interviews Shanna Cohen, director of the think tank TASC, to examine the state of inequality in Ireland. The discussion explores how the Irish economic model relies heavily on government transfers to redress market income inequality, while failing to address structural causes such as housing and healthcare access. The conversation further delves into the long-term socio-economic challenges facing the nation, including the impact of AI on the workforce, the risks of political centralization, and the fiscal pressures of an aging population. The speakers conclude by discussing the need for transparent, community-based policy making and potential paths for a political revival of the centre-left through tangible short-term wins.

Journalists Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones discuss Donald Trump's visit to Dublin, focusing on his bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmley House. The discussion covers Trump's unexpected comments regarding support for Irish unification and the chaotic nature of press interactions during the visit. The speakers also reflect on the atmosphere of Trump's event in Ireland, describing it as a mix of entertainment and political tension. They analyze his performance style, physical energy, and the diplomatic nuances of his interactions with Irish officials.

The hosts examine recent shifts in Irish and European politics, beginning with the Green Party's proposed €2.5 billion energy fund and the increasing competition for the centre-left vote. The discussion covers new, stricter requirements for Irish citizenship, including language proficiency and extended residency, alongside broader trends in immigration policy and integration. The episode also explores international developments, such as sanctions on Israeli settlements and the hardening of political attitudes across Europe. Finally, the conversation reviews recent news regarding Donald Trump's economic maneuvers and examines alarming reports on declining global educational standards and the existential risks posed by rapid AI development.

In this interview, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers discusses his role in maintaining fiscal discipline and managing budget constraints. The conversation covers the temporary delay of excise on fuel due to energy price volatility, the potential impact of carbon tax increases on climate initiatives, and the management of the national surplus. The discussion further explores government fiscal strategies, including the necessity of implementing expenditure levies to drive efficiency across departments and the planned centralization of financial controls within the HSE. The episode also evaluates Chambers' approach to public sector pay deals, infrastructure delivery reform, and his long-term leadership prospects within Fianna Fáil.

Paul Mason discusses his political evolution from Marxism to left-wing social democracy and introduces his new book, 'Reds', which explores the global history of communism and its religious-like structures. The episode examines how the Russian Revolution and Leninist tactics diverged from democratic socialist paths, highlighting the dangers of elite-led movements and the economic failures of forced agricultural planning. The conversation further explores the historical impact of communism on Western capitalism and the rise of a new 'Leninism' driven by identity politics. The episode concludes with reflections on the sustainability of Chinese and Western economic models and the urgent need for social democratic success to prevent far-right ascendancy.

This episode explores the shifting political landscapes in Ireland and the UK, beginning with the Labour Party's cost-of-living strategies and the complexities of EU budget negotiations during Ireland's presidency. The discussion moves into pressing security concerns, highlighting Ireland's defense vulnerabilities amidst growing European threats and analyzing Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Ireland. The conversation further examines the political tensions surrounding a potential border poll in Northern Ireland and the legal ambiguities of the Good Friday Agreement. Finally, the episode covers recent UK political controversies involving Reform UK and the Green Party, while reflecting on historical Irish leadership, modern infrastructure delays, and the personal vulnerabilities of political figures.

Host Hugh Linehan interviews author Paul Harrod about his satirical novel, 'A Nation Once Again', which explores the concept of Irish reunification through a fictional secret civil service department. The conversation covers Harrod's personal history moving from England to Ireland and his use of phonetics in writing. The discussion delves into the complexities of Irish unification, weighing the logistical challenges of merging civil services and health systems against shifting demographics. The speakers explore themes ranging from the absurdity of border partition to the potential for new political formations like a federal Ireland.

This episode examines the shifting political landscape in Ireland and the UK, beginning with a debate over Andy Burnham's comments regarding a Northern Ireland border poll and Sinn Féin's strategic use of Irish unity. The discussion explores how identity markers like United Ireland serve as political tools despite low voter priority. The conversation further analyzes the internal dynamics of major Irish parties, including leadership stability within Sinn Féin, Micheál Martin's standing in Fianna Fáil, and the electoral interdependence between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Finally, the panel evaluates Simon Harris's leadership of Fine Gael and whether the party can sustain power through 2029 without a significant economic disruption.

The podcast explores the resumption of the Irish Presidency of the EU and the domestic political challenges facing the Irish government, including fuel excise postponement and budgetary constraints. The discussion covers fiscal pressures related to rising departmental costs and the long-term economic implications of Ireland's demographic crisis and aging population. The episode also analyzes the lack of long-term political strategy regarding economic issues, the British Prime Minister's comments on a potential Northern Ireland border poll, and the financial crisis facing Scouting Ireland due to abuse lawsuits. Finally, the hosts discuss geopolitical developments involving the CIA director's visit to Moscow and recent 'pieces of the week.'

This episode examines the legal and regulatory challenges of managing harmful social media content following a fatal motorway tragedy in Ireland. The discussion explores the limitations of the Digital Services Act, the complexities of intermediary liability, and the difficulty of implementing effective age restrictions or platform accountability. The conversation further delves into the political and social pressures surrounding regulation, debating whether criminalizing specific content is a viable strategy versus addressing root causes. Additionally, the episode touches upon the fiscal implications of drug funding in Ireland, specifically how political pressure influences HSE decisions regarding expensive treatments for rare diseases.

The hosts announce a live recording of the Inside Politics podcast in Cork and discuss the government's decision to stall planned fuel excise increases, noting the difficulty of reversing once-off tax measures. The episode also covers the tragic impact of a recent fatal motorway crash on the M9 and explores the legal and social complexities surrounding high-speed driving incidents in Ireland. The conversation further examines the challenges of regulating social media algorithms, the transformation of X under Elon Musk, and shifting political landscapes, including the rise of the AfD in Germany and declining Catholic baptisms in Ireland. The speakers also debate the evolution of 'woke' politics and the potential for extreme political dynamics to move across the spectrum.

Researchers Michal Canavan and Liam Neafsey discuss their study on Irish attitudes toward the Israel-Palestinian conflict, revealing that Ireland holds the highest level of pro-Palestinian sympathy in Western Europe. The researchers explore how historical parallels to Irish colonialism serve as a cognitive heuristic for understanding the distant conflict, noting that this support is widespread across various political parties and not tied to militant republicanism. The episode also examines the complexities of measuring antisemitism and prejudice within Ireland. While levels of antisemitism are not uniquely high compared to other nations, the study notes that such prejudices often move in tandem with broader xenophobia. The discussion concludes by addressing the lack of awareness regarding the Jewish experience in Ireland and the limitations of this research as a single snapshot in time.

The podcast explores several pressing political and economic issues in Ireland, beginning with the controversy surrounding Ireland's regulatory role in approving Israeli war bonds and the potential for political volatility driven by rising fuel prices. The discussion also critiques the government's new gender equality strategy, arguing it fails to address the socioeconomic realities of women outside the workforce. Additionally, the episode examines themes of pronatalism and the cultural backlash against motherhood, alongside a critique of government transparency regarding data centers and Freedom of Information findings. The hosts conclude by discussing various news stories, including the value of digital archives and allegations of academic fraud involving Professor Jason Arday.

This episode traces the political trajectory of Ireland's Progressive Democrats (PDs), beginning with the 1997 formation of the Fianna Fáil and PD alliance under Bertie Ahern. It examines the early Celtic Tiger era, characterized by economic expansion and the influential roles of figures like Mary Harney and Charlie McCreevy, alongside the challenges of the 2002 election campaign. The discussion further explores the party's decline between 2002 and 2007, driven by shifting policy focuses, internal leadership struggles, and the impact of the Mahon Tribunal. The episode concludes by debating the PDs' lasting legacy, weighing their role in Ireland's economic modernization against their responsibility for the vulnerabilities that preceded the financial crash.

This episode explores the transformative era of Irish politics beginning with the 1987 general election, where the emergence of the Progressive Democrats disrupted traditional two-party dominance and prevented Charlie Haughey from securing a majority. The discussion details how this shift led to significant fiscal changes, including the adoption of tax-cutting policies and the eventual formation of a historic, albeit tense, coalition between Fianna Fáil and the PDs. The narrative follows the transition from the Haughey era to Albert Reynolds' leadership, examining the internal friction within Fianna Fáil, the impact of the Beef Tribunal, and the rise of economic growth. The episode also covers the political fallout of corruption allegations and the eventual shift toward the Rainbow Coalition.

This episode explores the history and influence of the Progressive Democrats (PDs) in Irish politics, beginning with the economic instability and social conservatism of 1980s Ireland. The discussion details the era's high debt, state monopolies, and the political friction caused by social legislation, which ultimately led to Des O'Malley's expulsion from Fianna Fáil. The episode follows the subsequent formation and rapid rise of the PDs, driven by a surge in public interest and defections from established parties. It examines the party's radical economic manifesto—focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and privatization—and how its platform resonated with PAYE workers despite being labeled 'Thatcherite' by opponents.

The podcast examines the Irish government's failure to meet climate targets, specifically regarding home retrofitting and heat pump installations, while debating the political implications of deferring carbon tax increases. The discussion also covers the escalating costs and delays of the Metrolink project and the tension between necessary infrastructure investment and a culture of risk aversion. Additional topics include the risks of regulatory overabundance, the ideological divide within the EU budget, and the controversy surrounding apartment developments at the former Bessborough mother and baby home site. The episode concludes with news regarding legal proceedings against the Christian Brothers, Mayo's All-Ireland victory, and a tribute to the late singer-songwriter Glenn Hansard.

This episode examines a significant political movement in India triggered by medical entrance examination leaks, which led to the resignation of the Education Minister. The discussion explores how student protests against corruption and high unemployment have evolved into a broader critique of Prime Minister Modi's administration. The conversation further delves into the growing political instability facing the Prime Minister due to various protests involving students, transporters, and farmers. It explores themes of systemic corruption, judicial delays, and the potential impact of upcoming state elections on the BJP's political hold.

The hosts analyze the implications of the Summer Economic Statement, examining potential tax measures and the fiscal constraints imposed by new EU rules and rising demographic costs. The discussion extends to various Irish political and social issues, including concerns over inheritance tax, childcare spending oversight, and the regulation of e-scooters following increased injury rates. The episode also explores the future of private maternity care in public hospitals and a deep dive into RTÉ's financial challenges, specifically regarding executive salaries and the license fee crisis. The segment concludes with reflections on British politics, the reopening of the Louvre's Apollo Gallery, and a critique of long-form media runtimes.

Host Hugh Linehan and guest Ian Dale discuss the unprecedented transition of power to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, exploring his communication style, potential regional challenges in England, and the stability of British democracy. The conversation also examines the shifting UK political landscape and the potential for a multi-party system. The episode further reflects on the life of the late Anne Widdicombe and addresses the rising climate of hostility and physical threats against politicians fueled by social media polarization. Despite these challenges, the discussion concludes with an optimistic outlook on Britain's economic potential in sectors like fintech and AI.

In this interview, Michel Barnier discusses his political formation under the influence of Gaullism and reflects on the historical significance of the Élysée Treaty. He provides a critique of Brexit, arguing that it was a choice made by the UK rather than an exclusion by the EU, and warns against the dangers of political silence and demagoguery. Barnier also discusses his past interactions with figures like Nigel Farage and the challenges of maintaining EU unity during Brexit negotiations. He further reflects on current political instability in France, the rise of far-right populism, and his own return to the French National Assembly.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: The Government’s report into Aughinish Alumina is expected to say that material produced there may or may not have been used in Russia’s war machine, citing a lack of evidence either way. Half of the alumina produced in the plant in the first quarter of this year went to Russia, up from 43 per cent last year. Will the Limerick plant’s days be numbered eventually? The calls to ban e-scooters grew louder this week with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly saying society would be “better off” without them. On Tuesday Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a total ban on e-scooters as the Dáil discussed the issue following incidents resulting in deaths and serious injuries. The high cost of deportation flights was laid out in figures supplied by the Department of Justice to the Public Accounts Committee. They showed that the State paid more than €1 million for a single deportation flight when returning 42 adults and…

As the Dáil shuts down for the summer it's time for Hugh, Pat and Jack to take stock of the term gone by. But the biggest political event of the year didn't happen in Leinster House. The April fuel protests left their mark on Irish politics as few other events of recent years have. In part two: How have the various parties navigated the term? Has Mary Lou McDonald steadied the SF ship, and could a forthcoming book by a former party insider cause renewed problems? Can the Social Democrats maintain their recent momentum? Has Simon Harris dialled down his high-energy approach to politics? And when Harris rotates back into the taoiseach's office next year, will Micheal Martin still be the man he’ll take over from? Finally: Martin has repeatedly said this Government will be about results, delivery and substance. But will there be enough of that to satisfy voters? On the cost of living issue in particular, the challenge is steep - even with the next election a long way off. Would you like to receive daily insights…

Last week an appeals court opened the way for Marine Le Pen of French far-right party National Rally to stand in next year's presidential election. If the far right comes to power in Paris it will be the culmination of a long journey that is outlined in The Dark Side of France: A History of the Far Right, a new book by Irish journalist Enda O’Doherty. Hugh talks to O’Doherty about his book and what a Le Pen victory would mean. They discuss tensions within National Rally between economically liberal conservatism and its working-class base and trace the far right’s roots from the Dreyfus Affair and antisemitism through Action Française, Vichy collaboration, the Algeria crisis and how Marine’s father Jean-Marie Le Pen built up National Rally, then called Front National. 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…

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Sinn Féin’s Planning for Constitutional Change Bill, which obliges the Government to draft and publish a Green Paper on unification within 18 months, failed to win support from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, or independents. · All Government TDs also voted against a PBP Bill to ban hare coursing. The Bill presented an issue where the party whip could have been spared in favour of a free vote, given the public’s clear support to outlaw the practice. The Bill was overwhelmingly defeated by 125 votes to 24. · And this week saw Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and far-right French leader Marine Le Pen take the biggest political gambles of their respective careers. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week: · Graham Platner crashes and burns, dwindling swag bags for visiting journalists, and the derelict ‘Carlton’ site on O’Connell Street is snapped up by MetroLink. Would you like to receive daily insights…

For Germany, football is often a reflection of the nations’ stability. “When Germany is going well, things are going well on the pitch” Irish Times Berlin correspondent Derek Scally tells the Inside Politics podcast. Following another premature exit from a world cup tournament they won only 12 years ago; in football, as in German politics, the future is uncertain. Host Hugh Linehan asks where the major fault lines are in the upcoming federal elections in September. Elections, Scally explains, that are likely to be won by the far-right party Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) bar any major shifts. “Establishment parties are seen as lacking ideas and energy” Scally says. “The sense of a government exhausting its political potential seems to be a general agreement around Berlin”. Europe’s biggest economy is vulnerable on a number of fronts. It relies on Chinese manufacturing for its automotive sector, while facing major competition from increasingly popular, often cheaper, Chinese car makers. Though the…

British MP Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP triggering a by-election in the constituency of Clacton-on-Sea which he says he will stand in. It comes amid a row over his financial support, after The Sunday Times reported he had not declared benefits, including staff and security, received from his ally George Cottrell, who was convicted of fraud in the US. “I’ve done nothing wrong” Farage said on a live stream provided by his UK Reform party and broadcast on British news channels. Hugh speaks to our London Correspondent Mark Paul in the moments after the speech about what this move represents for British politics, and what happens next. Produced by Andrew McNair. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union got off to a slightly awkward start at the opening ceremony at Dublin Castle on Wednesday when guest Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned against “material emanating from a plant in Ireland” being used in Russia’s war effort. The Ukrainian president didn’t name Aughinish Alumina, but his feelings were clear. · Dozens of solicitors walked out of District Court rooms on Wednesday in protest against a new pay system for legal aid. This marked an escalation in tensions with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan who has pushed the reform through. · The Government are not going to act on Oireachtas committee recommendations on the decriminalisation of the possession of drugs for personal use. · And as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, how has the country lived up to the principals and aspirations of its founding fathers? Would you like to receive daily insights…

Hugh Linehan is joined by Alex Kane to discuss the double life of disgraced politician Jeffrey Donaldosn and its broader impact on the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as well as Ulster unionism overall. Alex Kane is an Irish News columnist and a political commentator as well as a former director of communications for the Ulster Unionist Party. The pair discuss a recent wave of stories that reveal the hypocritical behaviour of self-professed christian Donaldson over the course of his career; from projectile vomiting on the Mayor of Beijing to swigging from a wine bottle in the House of Commons and being spotted entering a gay sauna. Kane says it seems as if no one in the DUP attempted to address this highly inappropriate behaviour. He also highlights a growing conspiracy theory among unionists who believe the British government may have used this information to blackmail Donaldson to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly. In today’s episode, they discuss what all of this spells for the future of unionism in…

Last week Pat Leahy sat down with former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte for an interview about his life in politics. Rabbitte is now retired but for decades he was one of the most recognisable faces and voices of centre left politics in Ireland. As a minister in the 2011 Fine Gael-Labour coalition, he witnessed first hand the events explored in our recent mini series on the subject. He talked about the decisions he made as party leader and as a minister, as well as his formative years in the west of Ireland and 1960s America, and what he thinks of today’s splintered centre-left. 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.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: All anyone can talk about this week is the weather. While the country enjoys the warmth, the Government still has to find balance between spending to prevent climate change and spending to mitigate the impact of change that has already arrived. Keir Starmer may be gone but the UK's biggest problem remains: the lack of growth in their economy. Proposed “reform” (read: scrapping) of the “triple lock” restriction on Irish overseas military deployment has run into trouble due to disquiet among Fianna Fail backbenchers. If not a rebellion, there was certainly “a renewed amount of grumbling” over the issue. But will it be a real problem for Taoiseach Micheal Martin? Plus the panel pick their IT stories of the week including a plea for underground bins, Michael McDowell’s bold predictions and the divestment of Catholic church patronage. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for…

Next week Ireland takes over the presidency of the EU Council. But what does that mean? What exactly is the EU Council anyway? How does this council and this presidency fit in among the numerous other European councils and presidents? And how is Ireland going to approach the challenges and opportunities the six-month position brings? To find out Pat Leahy talks to Jack Horgan-Jones and Jack Power. 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.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Mark Paul join Harry McGee to look back on the week in politics: · Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Brussels for the EU summit this week, also in attendance is Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy who is pushing for serious peace negotiations with Russia. Will Vladimir Putin come to the negotiation table? And could Ukraine’s EU membership be fast-tracked during Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency? · Security, competitiveness and the EU budget are some of the issues that will come into focus as Ireland becomes a deal maker and parks parochial affairs for the duration of its six-month presidency starting July 1st. · And with Andy Burnham justifying the hype by crushing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in the Makerfield byelection, will prime minister Keir Starmer go quietly or hang around for a leadership battle he stands little chance of winning? Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week: Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Would you like to receive daily…

Jimmy Wales founded Wikipedia in January 2001, and almost nobody thought that an encyclopedia that anyone in the world was allowed to edit would actually work. But a quarter of a century later, Wikipedia is still one of the most visited websites on Earth and one of the few large-scale online institutions that people across the political spectrum broadly trust. In his new book, The Seven Rules of Trust, Wales argues that what made Wikipedia work was a set of principles encompassing human nature, reciprocity, purpose, civility, independence and transparency. He joins Hugh to talk about where Wikipedia came from, what those principles are and whether they offer any way out of the crisis of trust that is currently shaping politics across the democratic world. 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.

Cormac McQuinn and Harry McGee join Hugh to discuss the week in politics: The disorder in Northern Ireland since a knife attack in Belfast on Monday reached levels not seen since “the worst possible days of the Troubles”, the Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Jon Boutcher said. In a society with a history of sectarianism, there are complex layers to the events taking place. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill won her battle with the Rotunda Hospital this week. The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel on October 4th will be played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors. Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times stories of the week. 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.

In a new book coauthored with fellow political scientists, UCD’s Aidan Regan argues that the three goals of democracy, economic growth and effective climate action are at odds with one another, and that the resulting “trilemma” requires novel political solutions to solve. On today's podcast Aidan talks to Hugh about why it is so difficult to balance these goals and potential solutions. They also discuss why effective climate action should be linked to improved standards of living, not increased costs; whether regulations are really to blame for our failure to deliver infrastructure and housing; how China manages to achieve economic growth while leading in the transition to green technology; and whether “degrowth” is a realistic path to sustainability or a political impossibility. The New Trilemma of Advanced Capitalism: Democracy, Growth and Effective Climate Action by Aidan Regan, Hanna Schwander, Cyril Benoît and Tim Vlandas is available now. Aidan Regan is a professor of political economy at the school of…

For a special crossover episode of Inside Politics Hugh Linehan welcomes US podcaster Galen Druke, the host of GD Politics and formerly of the FiveThirtyEight politics podcast, for a discussion of the Irish and US political scenes. They cover topics including: Why there is no strong populist right party in Ireland Ireland’s economic success, dependence on US multinationals and military neutrality Gerrymandering in America Race, the Voting Rights Act and representation The two-party system They also talk about the fate of FiveThirtyEight, a popular website and podcast that was eventually shuttered after being acquired by ABC News. 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.