Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

The general election is over and talk has turned to the aftermath. For that some means government formation, for others it means new roles in opposition or the painful process of party rebuilding. We'll be covering all that on our regular episodes of Inside Politics but, for now, it's goodbye from Election Daily. Thanks to all our listeners over the past four weeks.On this final episode, Pat Leahy joins Hugh to answer some of your questions, submitted by email. Are we stuck in a permanent cycle of winter elections? Did increased gender quotas have any bearing on the composition of the new Dáil Éireann? Is there now any imaginable alternative to FF-FG in government? And were Bertie Ahern’s "stupid aul pencils" a factor in Gerry "The Monk" Hutch’s failure to get elected? 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 Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk about what has been happening in count centres around the country as the final seats are filled.Plus, Jack brings to life in audio what he is calling the greatest every count centre video, featuring Fianna Fáil's Andrias Moynihan and Michael Moynihan being hoisted aloft upon winning seats in Cork North West. You can watch that video here.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.

INSIDE POLITICS LIVE SHOW WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH - DUBLIN. TICKETS HEREHarry McGee, Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy join Hugh to talk about a dramatic day in count centres across the country:Gangland figure Gerard Hutch began the day looking like he would take a seat in Dublin Central - but was overtaken in dramatic fashion by Labour’s Marie Sherlock. The Greens have lost all their seats but one: that of party leader Roderic O’Gorman. But it has also not been a great election for Sinn Féin, if the party’s 2020 vote share is the benchmark. Where does the party go from here? Fianna Fáil will be the biggest party in the next Dáil. Part of the party’s success is an unlikely resurgence in Dublin. The Social Democrats and Labour have also done well - but now both parties will be under scrutiny when attention turns to the question of government formation. How will Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik weigh up the pros and cons of supporting Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. 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 joins Hugh Linehan to analyse the latest news from count centres across the country.First count results are starting to trickle in with Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill the first TD to be elected after meeting the quota in Dún Laoghaire.Tallies indicate that Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty will romp home in Donegal.Controversial Senator John McGahon unlikely to win a seat in LouthWith 8,820 first preference votes, first time candidate Brian Brennan, a hotelier, has topped the poll as Fine Gael’s sole candidate in this new, three-seat constituency.A year ago, it looked like immigration was going to be a defining issue for this election – but it’s not looking hopeful for a slew of candidates who ran primarily on that issue, including Philip Dwyer who has bombed in Wicklow, securing less than 1 per cent of the vote.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 Jennifer Bray join Hugh to look at the early indications from count centres and think about what sort of coalitions might emerge. 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.

INSIDE POLITICS LIVE SHOW WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH - DUBLIN. TICKETS HEREPat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.The three largest parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in general election 2024, according to the results of an exit poll tonight.The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: Sinn Féin 21.1 per cent, Fianna Fáil 19.5 per cent, Fine Gael 21 per cent, the Green Party 4 per cent, Labour 5 per cent, the Social Democrats 5.8 per cent, Solidarity-People Before Profit 3.1 per cent, Aontú 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6 per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.If the findings of the exit poll are borne out when the votes are counted tomorrow, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely.If the results of the counts taking place around the country tomorrow bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Fein has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.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.

INSIDE POLITICS LIVE SHOW WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH - DUBLIN. TICKETS HERE!Pat Leahy, Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh to discuss today on trail of the 2024 general election:It's the last day of campaigning and the leaders of the three largest parties have been communicating their final messages to the electorate:Mary Lou McDonald seemed at ease as she asked voters to give their second preferences to parties like the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Labour.Together with his frequent wingman Paschal Donohoe, Simon Harris sounded the alarm for Ireland's economic and political stability and borrowed Sinn Féin's language of asking voters to 'lend' Fine Gael their support.Micheal Martin was asked again and insisted again that Fianna Fáil would not go into government with Sinn Féin.Pat, Jen, Cormac and Hugh discuss all that, and then pick their favourite, most pivotal and most consequential moments of the campaign. Finally Hugh answers some listener questions.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.

INSIDE POLITICS LIVE SHOW WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH - DUBLIN. TICKETS HEREHarry McGee and Jennifer Bray join Hugh for a look at today's events on the campaign trail.Sinn Féin's leasehold policy has been criticised by other parties, at times with little concrete justification. But has the party itself done enough to clarify how workable the scheme is?In the closing stages of this campaign, plenty of focus remains on the question of what parties say they would do in the event of an economic downturn.Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty asked voters to consider lending his party their vote, arguing that Sinn Féin TDs stood a better chance of changing the country than independents.Roderic O'Gorman engaged in his own version of Project Fear by invoking the spectre of Minister for the Environment Mattie McGrath. Could these anti-independent messages make an impact before Friday?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.

INSIDE POLITICS LIVE SHOW WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH - DUBLIN. TICKETS HEREHousing will be one of the issues foremost in voters' minds when they go to the polls on Friday. But after an election campaign low on genuine debate, they'll be forgiven for some confusion over the detail of which party has promised what to whom.So what exactly are the different parties promising to do on housing? When it comes to specifics like how how much financial support to give buyers, how much social housing to build, and how much to intervene in rent control or tenants' rights, there are some key points of difference.Michael Byrne is a housing researcher and a lecturer in political economy at University College Dublin's School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice. He produces The Week in Housing newsletter.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.

What were the most important moments in tonight's debate between Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris - and who came out on top? Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones were watching. 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.

Bringing you all today's news from the campaign trail, Sarah Burns and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to discuss:A story about a Fine Gael staffer trying to influence how RTÉ reported on Simon Harris's disastrous interaction with disability care worker Charlotte Fallon is dragging the story through another news cycle. With just days until voting day, it is not what the party needs right now.Candidates like Sinn Féin's Mark Ward, who is seeking reelection In Dublin West, are insisting the momentum is now very much in their favour. Dublin West is a constituency worth watching - especially for the potential return of former Green TD and now independent candidate Paul Gogarty.All eyes will now turn to tonight's three-way leader's debate. How consequential will it be?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.

Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to discuss today's news from the campaign trail:Reaction from Mary Lou McDonald (delight) and Simon Harris (dismay) to this morning's Ipsos B&A poll from The Irish Times that put Fine Gael in third place behind Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil.Also today, Simon Harris offered very limited support to the embattled candidacy of Senator John McGahon.Meanwhile in the battle of the small parties, Friends of the Earth ranked all parties according to the environmental friendliness of their policies. And the Greens did not come first, or even second. Will it matter?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.

The final Irish Times Ipsos B&A poll of the campaign reveals a stark reversal of fortunes for Fine Gael and Taoiseach Simon Harris, with the party dropping by six points back to third place, just behind Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. The results put even more pressure on Harris to perform well and win over voters in Tuesday night's televised debate with Micheal Martin and Mary Lou McDonald. 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 the second in our AMA series with leaders of the three largest parties, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin answers listener questions on a range of issues including looming threats to Ireland's economic model and what he would prioritise in the event of a downturn, why Fianna Fáil won't go as far as some other parties say they will to strengthen tenant's rights, red lines in coalition negotiations, why voters concerned about Gaza should trust him to follow through on the Occupied Territories bill, and more.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.

Social affairs correspondent Kitty Holland and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh for our latest election podcast:Kitty interviewed independent candidate for Dublin North West and city councillor Gavin Pepper, who insists he's neither far right nor anti-immigrant. Rather, he is against "illegal immigration". But the slogan "Ireland is full" is open to interpretation. What do Pepper's supporters really want from him or other candidates with his views - and does Pepper have a chance of winning a seat?Taoiseach Simon Harris told this podcast that he wasn't open to the idea of a coalition involving an multi-party alliance, a possibility suggested by Labour and the Greens. Today Labour and also the Social Democrats hit out at Harris over the remarks.Independent candidates as a group have been the most clear winners in recent polls. Jack went canvassing with one of them.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 the first of a series with the leaders of the three largest political parties, Taoiseach Simon Harris sat down with Hugh Linehan to answer questions submitted by Inside Politics podcast listeners on issues including taxation, housing, threats to Ireland’s economy, why Ireland does not facilitate overseas voting, and more.He revealed that he is not in favour of forming a coalition with a left-wing alliance of more than one party, a concept proposed by Labour leader Ivana Bacik, and sees a coalition of four parties or more as unstable. He also shared the qualities he admires in political opponents Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin, Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik.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.

Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee join Hugh for a look at today's events on the campaign trail:Mary Lou McDonald showed how effective a campaigner and political communicator she can be while meeting students at DCU.Aontú launched its manifesto, but at first there was one thing missing - the manifesto itself.Fianna Fáil launched its plan for Dublin city, a place it has struggled to recover seats in since its 2011 nadir. Can the party make inroads in the capital?Plus Harry reminisces on that fraught 2011 election campaign.Over on irishtimes.com there are excellent resources for following the election:Constituencies - every candidate listed, every constituency analysed with a 'prediction / possible outcome'.Party Promises - compare the manifestos using this handy tool.Who should I vote for? Compare your views with parties and candidates.The Irish Times poll, current and archive.Election Daily podcast - all the episodes.Meet the Voters - our correspondents have been out and about meeting real people and discussing real issues, including taking the temperature with The Irish Times voter panel.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 Cormac McQuinn join Hugh to discuss the day's political action from the campaign:As discussed in this morning's regular podcast, there is growing uncertainty over Ireland's economic model thanks to the reelection of Donald Trump. At a Cabinet meeting this morning, there were warnings over what the future could hold. Sinn Féin's manifesto included the suggestion that RTÉ's coverage of Gaza and other international conflicts should be subjected to a "peer review" of its editorial standards. But where is the idea coming from? Yesterday's podcast featured discussion of Labour leader Ivana Bacik's plan to negotiate with the big parties on government formation only in conjunction with other small parties of the left. Labour got in touch with the podcast about the item to take issue with something Hugh said...Green leader Roderic O'Gorman provided a cutting response when asked why voters should pick his party over Labour. 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.

Thanks largely to corporation tax receipts from multinationals, the Irish state has plenty of money. And so far this election campaign has been largely about how to spend it - on capital investment, on tax cuts and on new spending on all sorts of programmes and projects.But with the threats to Ireland's economic model growing, will such spending be sustainable? Hugh is joined by Professor John McHale, Shana Cohen and Cliff Taylor to discuss Ireland's economic position and whether election spending promises could lead to yet more boom and bust.Shana Cohen is Director at Tasc, a progressive think-tank. John McHale is Professor of Economics at University of Galway's J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and a former chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. Cliff Taylor is an economics columnist with The Irish Times.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 Jennifer Bray join Hugh to talk about all today’s news on the election campaign trail:Standing side by side during last night’s leaders debate on RTÉ, Micheal Martin and Simon Harris countered Mary Lou McDonald’s criticisms, sometimes aggressively. The optics favoured the Sinn Féin leader.On the subject of government formation, Labour leader Ivana Bacik spoke of her intention to only negotiate with the big parties in conjunction with other parties on the left, including the Greens and Social Democrats. But will the other parties play ball?Sinn Féin has released its manifesto and, while most of the content had been trailed, there were some surprises.And Harry McGee reveals his major role in the history of this election’s most notorious candidate.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.

Sarah Burns and Pat Leahy join Hugh to discuss the day’s politics on the campaign trail:Today saw party leaders give their views on the behaviour of Fine Gael candidate for Louth John McGahon, who was acquitted of assault in 2022. Is he now a problem candidate for the party?Labour’s weekend manifesto launch revealed a big commitment to expanded state intervention in housing construction.The Social Democrats likewise have ambitious plans for housing, also announced at the weekend. Are differing approaches to housing becoming the major policy fault line in this campaign?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 Cormac McQuinn join Hugh for our daily discussion of the election campaign:·      With the first week of the general election campaign coming to a close, Fine Gael are making a strong pitch for the law-and-order vote with their campaign promises. Policing and justice seem to be a key area for both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, but will it mobilise voters?·      Is the cost-of-living crisis being underpriced in this general election campaign? There are plans like phasing out third level fees and the double child benefit payment, but high prices are bad news for politicians, so is enough noise being made about addressing it in the next government?·      Mick Wallace has confirmed that he will run for a seat in a Wexford constituency that will be hard to predict.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.

Political stability is indicated by the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil looking set to lead the next government, possibly in alliance with a smaller party or a group of Independents. Indeed, the rise in support for independent candidates is one of the most striking aspects of the poll, and some may well play a role in the formation of the next government.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.

Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy join Hugh for our daily discussion of the election campaign:Simon Harris says Fine Gael would remove the means test for recipients of the carer's allowance. It is a move already supported by many opposition parties. But it would be expensive - potentially much more so than the €600 million per year figure mentioned by the Taoiseach. Sinn Fein launched their immigration policy. It's much like the one published by the party in the summer - with some interesting additions. Calls for an end to the sniping between Fine Gael and Fianna FáilWould 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.

Today's panelists are Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray, who join Hugh Linehan to discuss:Housing is the issue of the campaign so far - we recap how the debate has evolvedMary Lou McDonald spoke about how Sinn Féin is unfairly questioned about the past. Does she have a point? Former Fine Gael Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy's frank account of how his party 'didn't make housing a priority' could be one of the talking points of this campaign. The gloves are off between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Could their increasingly bad-tempered debates turn off voters? 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.

Fears that the use of AI deepfakes would disrupt the flow of accurate information in a general election campaign have not come true. Instead we have been treated to a digital manifestation of someone who barely resembles Taylor Swift endorsing the Healy-Raes: welcome to the cheapfake era.On today's Inside Politics podcast Hugh Linehan is joined by Liz Carolan to discuss the influence of digital media in the 2024 general election, current trends in digital campaigning and the changing role of platforms like X and TikTok.Hugh and Liz compare the different strategies of political parties, the significance of viral moments and the real challenges posed misinformation and AI.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 Sarah Burns, who have accompanied politicians from several parties as they have canvassed for votes in the past week, join Hugh to talk about the issues that are coming up on doorsteps. In Dublin South Central and Dublin West, Sarah has noticed a less negative sentiment towards Sinn Féin. That's good news for the party as it seeks to add second seats in constituencies where it dominated in 2020 but lost support in local elections and opinion polls.Sinn Féin will also be happy to hear that housing is the issue coming up most often, with immigration a less prominent concern than during the summer. In Dun Laoghaire, Harry was on the canvas with Green Party TD Ossian Smyth, who faces a challenge to hold onto his seat in a constituency that could tell us a lot about which way the 2024 general election is going for the coalition parties.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.

Hugh Linehan is joined by Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn to discuss today’s events in the 2024 general election campaign:Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers at a Fine Gael TD’s campaign launch event have got the party off to a bad start.Fine Gael’s proposal to change a VAT rate in order to help the hospitality industry has some downsides, not least for the other industries who will actually come out of the change taxed more heavily. Another Fine Gael proposal, to use some of the Apple tax bonaza to boost Help to Buy, a scheme aimed at first-time buyers, also has its critics. And the confirmation that Gerry Hutch will be a candidate means Dublin Central looks set to be 2024′s most colourful constituency. But does he have a chance? 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.

The Dáil has been dissolved and the 2024 general election is officially underway. Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy join Hugh to discuss day one of the campaign:How Taoiseach Simon Harris addressed the countryPoster wars had begun prematurely on lampposts all across Ireland Mary Lou McDonald spoke about Sinn Féin's strategy for this campaign, to a soundtrack of Damien DempseyPlus: Tickets are now available for Inside Politics live in Dublin on Wednesday, November 20th at 6.30pm. 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.

November 29th is now confirmed as the date of General Election 2024. Election Daily from The Irish Times Inside Politics podcast will update you on the campaign every weekday between now and then.Hugh Linehan and Jack Horgan-Jones are here to briefly update listeners on what to expect from the show, when to listen out for episodes and what the opening stages of the campaign will look like.Plus: Tickets are now available for Inside Politics live in Dublin on Wednesday, November 20th at 6.30pm. 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.

Live from Palm Beach Florida, where Donald Trump is celebrating his historic victory in the 2024 US presidential race, Steven Carroll joins Hugh, Fintan O'Toole and Jennifer Bray to discuss what went wrong for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, why so many categories of American supported Trump and what his win means for politics and the wider 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.

When will Simon Harris dissolve the Dáil and go to the Áras? Could he pull a surprise, or are there any final banana skins that could disrupt his plans?Jennifer Bray joins Hugh to talk about the choreography of the week. Plus they look at some pre-campaign skirmishes between Micheal Martin and his Fine Gael colleagues and Sinn Féin's bullish candidate selection decisions. 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.

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.

Economist, podcaster and Irish Times columnist David McWilliams joins Hugh to talk about his new book Money: A Story of Humanity. They talk about the meaning of money and how it should be used to improve lives and societies. 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.

Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee join Hugh to discuss the week in politics:The Government is completing what it can of its unfinished legislative programme before the general election, and that means the 'guillotine' - a procedure that shortens the time needed to debate bills as they pass through the Oireachtas - is getting heavy use this week. Which bills are getting chopped - and which are getting dropped?Clare Daly's decision to run in Dublin Central adds another colourful and effective political character to the mix in that constituency. But with so many independents in contention around the country, the 34th Dáil is likely to be diverse.Jennifer calls out Hugh's obsession with Seanad reform. Is there some Seanad-related trauma deep in Hugh's past?Plus they pick their Irish Times articles of the week:On-the-ground coverage from the US by Keith Duggan and Steven Carroll who are meeting voters and surveying swing states as the historically close US election draws nearPatrick Freyne's review of a steamy Jilly Cooper TV adaptationJustine McCarthy warns the coalition parties not to gloat over Sinn Féin's failures - their own records are far from perfectWould 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.

Now that it is confirmed there will be a general election this year, the Irish Times politics team can finally unleash their predictions - or should that be possible future outcomes - of which candidates and parties will emerge victorious from some of the most competitive constituencies in the State. Jennifer Bray, Harry McGee and Pat Leahy tackle Dublin Central, Dublin Bay South, Carlow-Kilkenny, Mayo, Cavan-Monaghan and both Tipperarys. 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.

Trump or Harris? We'll know America's answer in just two weeks, but until then the race is too close to call. With the margins so tight, Democrats and Republicans are desperately seeking advantage in the key swing states, spending millions of dollars on TV ads. But it is the Republicans feeling happiest, with polls tightening in Donald Trump's favour in places like Wisconsin. That's where Washington correspondent Keith Duggan talks to Hugh from today. They discuss the last-minute attacks each candidate is directing at their opponent, Donald Trump's declining rhetoric and the shifting landscape of class- and race-based political loyalties that makes American politics so unpredictable. 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.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn to look back on the week in politics:·     With a general election now likely a matter of weeks away, it is the main opposition party, and not government parties, who continue to dominate the headlines. And they are unwanted headlines relating to former TD Brian Stanley, former senator Niall Ó Donnghaile and former press officer Michael McMonagle. ·     And with all those controversies piling up for Sinn Féin, are the Government in danger of overreach should they seek to force a vote on Brian Stanley’s replacement as PAC chair? ·     And could former Fine Gael TDs Alan Shatter and Kate O’Connell’s decisions to run as independents give their old party cause for concern in Dublin-Rathdown and Dublin Bay South respectively come election time? Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·     Newton Emerson on Britain’s anti-obesity jab plan.·     Kathy Sheridan urges us not to write off celebrity candidates.·     Keith Duggan writes about why a small Democratic stronghold in Detroit is deserting Kamala Harris for Donald Trump. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.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.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin sits down with Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy to talk about the timing of the next general election. For the first time he states clearly that he is open to the vote taking place before Christmas - but with some caveats. Martin also talks about his attitude to Sinn Féin as a potential future partner in government and whether Ireland could take unilateral action 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.

The resignation from Sinn Féin of Laois TD Brian Stanley on Saturday, and the party's referral to the Gardaí of information it gathered during an internal inquiry into an unspecified allegation made against Stanley, has triggered a fresh crisis for Mary Lou McDonald.The Sinn Féin leader is now struggling on multiple fronts as the party faces demands for an explanation as to why the Gardaí were not involved at an earlier stage.McDonald must also be worried that this latest bad news story will combine with other crises of recent weeks to set in voters's minds an image of a party in disarray. With a general election looming, this latest distraction from Sinn Féin's favoured issues of housing and health has come at the worst possible time. Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh to set out what we know about this fast-developing story and what it means for Sinn Féin.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.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn to look back on the week in politics:·      With the giveaway budget done, will this government conclude in time for an early general election? Timing is vital, but can the Coalition arrive at a consensus given their advanced preparation for an election campaign?·      Sinn Féin’s difficulties are the Government’s opportunities with the Michael McMonagle scandal rumbling on, and now TD Patricia Ryan’s resignation from the party after hitting out at its leadership for “not listening” to members and TDs.·      US actor and activist Mark Ruffalo was heavily critical of the Green Party in a social media post pointing to the Government’s planning legislation allowing for use of ‘strategic’ liquefied natural gas reserves.Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·      Miriam Lord’s report from Mary O’Rourke’s funeral on Monday.·      Trinity’s Berkeley Library is now the Eavan Boland library.·      A twist in the Tory leadership race suits PM Keir Starmer.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.

As the US presidential election nears, Hugh talks to American journalist Ben Smith about the intertwining of media and politics in the United States:how political campaigns operate like media companiesthe decline in trust toward mainstream mediathe impact of digital platforms on political discourseThey assess Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's use of the media as a campaign tool in this election cycle and look at how the media landscape is changing, with references to Ben's experiences at Politico, BuzzFeed News, and his current role at Semafor. Ben also reflects on the consequences of publishing the notorious Steele dossier on Donald Trump's alleged links to Russia during his time at BuzzFeed 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.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee to look back on the week in politics: ·      The panel paid tribute to former Fianna Fáil minister Mary O’Rourke after her death this week at the age of 87. She was involved in Irish politics for almost a half-century. ·      The expectation is that Sinn Féin will run with 65-70 candidates in the forthcoming general election – are they being overly cautious? And there was surprise too at the news that party leader Mary Lou McDonald will run alongside Cllr Janice Boylan in Dublin Central, with Boylan having expressed her dissatisfaction with Sinn Féin in 2022, writing in a letter to party members that she didn’t feel “supported, valued or even really respected”. ·      Also, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe had misgivings around some measures contained in Budget 2025. Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·      Ella McSweeney’s piece on the dire condition of nearly half of our rivers, lakes and estuaries.·      Kevin Courtney on 10 of the best new shows to watch in October – Jen attests to the genius of The Diplomat.·      Keith Duggan wrote of Republican JD Vance getting the better of Democrat Tim Walz in Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.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.

Budget 2025, reminiscent of the bonanza Celtic Tiger years, was leaked almost entirely before Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe took to the floor of the Dáil yesterday to deliver it. Political editor, Pat Leahy, believes that's down to the reality of coalition parties needing to publicise their particular wins ahead of an impending election. The 2.2 billion euro spending package is widely viewed as an attempt to curry favour with voters instead of addressing more long-term systemic changes that fall outside the electoral cycle. And he warns that a 'giveaway' budget does not automatically guarantee electoral success. Former senior government advisor, Gerard Howlin, says it will be extremely painful to rein in spending now that the precedent has been set. Political correspondent Jennifer Bray, analyses how the opposition is framing the budget to successfully land political blows to the government's fiscal credibility.Presented by Hugh Linehan. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.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.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics:·      The budget was somewhat overshadowed this week by stories with far less cost involved, but no shortage of outrage – not least the final cost of Government Buildings security hut hitting €1.4 million and the row over the announcement of new sports capital grant funding for local clubs. ·      Sinn Féin’s alternative budget has many worthy pledges but is ultimately futile without the party’s hands actually being on the levers of power.·      And the controversy around a letter of congratulations President Michael D Higgins sent in July to Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian was reignited at a United Nations event in New York last Sunday.Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·      Michael McDowell on the Government’s advanced administrative sclerosis.·      Mark Hennesy wrote of former taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s contention that immigration numbers have risen too quickly here.·      And Mary Carolan’s piece on the use of ‘inappropriate’ slang and cultural references in a judgment concerning a Co Clare wind farm.Produced by John Casey.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.

It's not that long ago that a Sinn Féin-led government after the next election was seen as something of a sure bet. Now, with polls showing the party losing almost half its support in the past year, the party's future seems much more uncertain. So what happened to Sinn Féin's support, can it regain ground and where should it target its resources in the forthcoming campaign? Political scientists Theresa Reidy and Aidan Regan join Hugh to discuss. Aidan Regan is an associate professor of political economy at the school of politics and international relations at University College Dublin. Dr Theresa Reidy is a senior lecturer in the department of government and politics at University College Cork.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.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn to look back on the week in politics:·      Political parties are eagerly pitching eye-catching measures ahead of Budget 2025 with 50 per cent of respondents in the latest Irish Times / Ipsos poll saying they want the Government to prioritise ‘immediate help’ with the cost of living. ·      Has Simon Harris reached peak popularity? The Taoiseach’s surging personal approval ratings mirrors that of his predecessor Leo Varadkar who enjoyed similar peaks, but endured troughs not long after - could Harris be in for similar? ·      The Dáil resumed this week with Sinn Féin going on the attack during leader’s questions, highlighting children with scoliosis and spina bifida awaiting surgery, and the “gold-plated” pension pots of the well-heeled that are set to get a boost. Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·      Miriam Lord on the extremely expensive bijou bike shed on Leinster lawn.·      Carl O’Brien wrote about new research from Maynooth University that showed the benefits of much shorter homework tasks.·      And Emer McLysaght swapped tales of air fryers and steam mops on a group holiday to Spain.Produced by John Casey.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.

Support for Fine Gael has increased, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll, with approval ratings for Taoiseach Simon Harris surging since the last poll in early summer.Support for Sinn Fein has fallen since the last poll, while the personal rating for party leader Mary Lou McDonald also declining sharply.Pat and Hugh analyse all the findings of the poll.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 Power and Derek Scally join Hugh Linehan to discuss developments in European politics:Michael McGrath was handed the EU Commission's justice portfolio when commission president Ursula von der Leyen assigned roles this week. How did Ireland end up with this particular job?Von der Leyen's consolidation of power at the centre of the commission may be good for reaching consensus. But as Europe faces an uncertain future in a range of areas from the economy to technology and security, does this approach help?Another feature of the new commission is the presence of a far right politician for the first time, Italy's Raffaele Fitto. Meanwhile in Austria an imminent general election looks likely to return a far right-led government. As Europe's politics evolves, is the EU capable of evolving with it?Jack Power is Europe Correspondent. Derek Scally is an Irish Times journalist based in Berlin.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.

This week’s host Pat Leahy is joined by Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics:·      The fallout from Apple’s tax case continues with what to with decision on what to do with the €13bn plus interest expected within three weeks. The windfall won’t be available to the State until next March, but some sources in Government are saying there is already a consensus among Coalition parties that pressing infrastructure requirements and housing are at the top of the shopping list. ·      Speaking at Fine Gael’s think-in in Tullamore Taoiseach Simon Harris backed a public childcare model, moving away from a reliance on private sector care. But would this potential restructuring result in a raft of new State employees? Sinn Féin stopped short of a public childcare model, instead pledging to reduce the financial burden on parents with the introduction of €10-a-day childcare from 2025 if it is in power after general election.·      And Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald reflected this week on a trauma-filled year for her and her family, a year in which she and her husband Martin Lanigan dealt with serious issues.Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:·      Corinna Hardgrave pulled no punches with her one-star review of a new eatery in Donnybrook.·      Ken Early on the gulf in class as Ireland were dismissed by England in a one-sided game at the Aviva stadium last Saturday.·      Harry McGee picked his own article looking at the farcical infighting at the National Party.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.