The Irish Times World View Podcast

First: Cliff Taylor on measures announced today by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Then: Denis Staunton on the UK's confused and confusing response to the outbreak.

Podcast producer Suzanne Brennan talks to psychologist Mark Smyth about how to handle the anxiety many are experiencing as the Coronavirus outbreak continues and intensifies.

A new daily podcast about the Coronavirus outbreak in Ireland, hosted by Irish Times deputy editor Deirdre Veldon. It seems certain that the Coronavirus outbreak is going to worsen int he days ahead, and tougher restrictions may be applied to us all as we try to slow down the spread of the virus. But what might that look like, and how should we prepare? Conor Pope explains the facts and debunks some myths. And health editor Paul Cullen explains testing and contact tracing. We're taking a short break from producing World View. Apologies to our listeners, it'll be back soon.

A new podcast from The Irish Times covering the Coronavirus outbreak. On this episode, health editor Paul Cullen talks about how we should maintain distance between children who are now off school and their friends and also elderly relatives. And we find out about a case from the US that tells us a lot about how the virus spreads. This podcast will soon be available via its own podcast feed. Until then, check back here for episodes every weekday.

Italy is in lockdown, but in The Netherlands there is a strangely calm response to growing rates of coronavirus infection. Naomi O'Leary on Europe's mixed response to the outbreak. It is nine years since the Fukushima nuclear disaster. This summer, part of Japan's motive for hosting the Olympic Games is to demonstrate how it has got to grips with the catastrophe, even reopening restricted areas so the Olympic Torch can pass through. But is such a display what the people of those devastated areas want? And what effect could coronavirus have on the "Recovery Games"?

Not long ago he was written off but, following Super Tuesday primaries in fourteen states that handed him key victories and renewed momentum, Joe Biden is back and once again the front-runner to take on Donald Trump later this year. How did it come about, and where do the other candidates now stand? Suzanne Lynch is on the line from Washington.

As the Covid-19 coronavirus spreads in Italy, Iran and elsewhere, we talk to health editor Paul Cullen about what we have learned about the disease so far. And we return to Peter Goff in China, to find out how life there has been affected by the implementation of strict measures designed to counter the spread of the disease. Plus: Over the last couple of months, Australia has been ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades. The fire season has finally eased, but the recovery is ongoing. One fifth of the country’s forests have been destroyed and over one billion animals have lost their lives. Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven just off the coast of South Australia, lost over half of it’s 50,000 population of Koalas, with many more endangered species now at risk. Following the devastation, animal protection agency Humane Society International deployed a disaster response team to Kangaroo Island. Their Australian CEO Erica Martin, reflects on her time during the search and rescue mission.

Lara Marlowe on a complex and bizarre sex scandal that has robbed French President Emmanuel Macron of a potential ally and raised questions over the possibility of foreign interference in the democratic process.

Derek Scally on the shock resignation of Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (or AKK), Angela Merkel's anointed successor, as leader of joint-ruling party CDU. AKK's authority had been undermined by the striking of a deal, against her wishes, between the CDU and the far-right Alternative for Germany party at the regional government level. What does the affair tell us about modern German politics? Derek Scally is on the line. And Suzanne Lynch reports from Manchester, New Hampshire where votes will be counted tomorrow in the state Democratic primary, a key contest for some of the leading presidential hopefuls. But why is it being ignored by others?

Washington correspondent Suzanne Lynch reports from Des Moines on the recent chaos at the Iowa caucus. And as trade negotiations begin between Britain and the EU, Patrick Smyth in Brussels reveals who has the strongest hand.

An outbreak of disease caused by a new virus is spreading throughout China and beyond its borders. The death toll has risen to 106 and the number of infected is over 4,500. Our correspondent in China Peter Goff describes cities in lockdown, mass screening for fever and some panic buying as the state struggles to control the situation.

Washington correspondent Suzanne Lynch on what to watch out for as the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins. And Dan McLaughlin is back in Kiev to find out how the involvement of Ukraine in the scandals surrounding Trump is affecting the troubled nation's relationship with the US, Russia and Europe.

In this episode, Chris Dooley is joined by Irish Times journalist Sally Hayden, who spent the Christmas break on board The Alan Kurdi, a migrant rescue ship which patrols an area close to the Libyan coast. It’s a 70 year old former fishing vessel run by the German charity Sea-Eye, which now tackles daring rescue missions along the world’s deadliest migration route. This year alone, at least 1,256 people have died in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to cross to Europe. Sally spoke to Chris about her experience with the crew and how just two days out at sea, she witnessed her first rescue, which pulled 32 Libyans, including 10 children to safety.

This week we're focussing on the fallout from the assassination by a US drone strike of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani. Thomas Wright, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank, calls the killing a strategic mistake by the US in the Middle East despite the legitimacy of Suleimani as a target. And our correspondent Suzanne Lynch reports on the political fallout in Washington and the implications for the Iran nuclear deal signed by President Obama in 2015.

To mark the end of the year, we ask four of our regular correspondents to reflect on a moment or event that defined 2019 for them. Suzanne Lynch, Denis Staunton, Paddy Smyth and Lara Marlowe.

London editor Denis Staunton on UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's declaration that he will pass a law requiring Brexit to be complete by the end of 2020 - no extension of the transition period, then. What are the implications? And New Delhi-based journalist Rahul Bedi on the passing of controversial new citizenship laws that India's Muslim population see as an attack on their status in the majority-Hindu nation.

As the UK Election campaign enters it's final phase, London Editor Denis Staunton joins Chris Dooley to discuss what turned out to be a 'disastrous' day for Boris Johnson this week. With just two days to go until the vote, how will Labour use this to their advantage? Also, during a tense meeting in Paris this week, the leaders of Russia, France, Germany and the Ukraine came together in a bid to end the struggle in Ukraine's eastern Dombas region. Daniel McLaughlin speaks to Chris about the progress of The Normandy Talks and what agreements have been made between the world leaders.

Donald Trump touched down in London earlier today to attend the Nato summit, alongside 28 other world leaders. However, on the 70th anniversary of the military alliance, it’s future looks less certain than ever. Washington Correspondent Suzanne Lynch joins Chris Dooley to discuss the fraught build up to the gathering and what outcome we can expect. Also, London Editor Denis Staunton explains what effect the recent terror attack is having on the election debate.

The China Cables are leaked documents which detail the inner workings of the controversial detention centres in the Xinjiang region of China. An estimated one million ethnic minority Muslims are believed to be held within these camps under harsh and cruel conditions. Irish Times journalist Colm Keena is a member of The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the organisation which obtained these classified documents, and he joins Chris in studio to discuss what was uncovered by the leak. Beijing correspondent Peter Goff visited these detention camps earlier this year and he speaks to Chris about how the Chinese government are reacting to the global spotlight. Also: With only sixteen days until the UK General Election, our London Editor Denis Staunton is on the line to discuss whether tactical voting will be enough to stop Boris Johnson, why Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson is struggling and how Jeremy Corbyn needs to survive a televised grilling following more focus on anti-Semitism in Labour under his leadership

Denis Staunton on the risks facing Boris Johnson as he gears up to debate Jeremy Corbyn in a televised head-to-head debate. And from Washington, Suzanne Lynch on the key moments in the impeachments process so far.

The Vox party in Spain has become the thirst largest political party in the country, but with their controversial views on feminism, separatism and migration, how has this come about? Guy Hedgecoe joins us from Barcelona to discuss the meteoric rise of the far right in Spain. Later: With Nigel Farage declaring the Brexit Party will not contest 317 seats won by the Tories at the last election, can Boris Johnson now secure his longed-for majority? London editor Denis Staunton joins us from Hartlepool.

As a six-week election campaign in the UK begins officially today, London editor Denis Staunton talks to foreign editor Chris Dooley about the various parties contesting the race, what their goals are, what challenges they face and, of course, how the Brexit factor plays into it all.

Paris correspondent Lara Marlowe talks to foreign editor Chris Dooley about the presidency of Emmanuel Macron, his successes and failures, and the major challenges he faces as he reaches the mid-point of his five-year term. How has France changed since he came into office, and how has the experience of leadership changed his politics?

London Editor Denis Staunton explains the forked paths and numerous pitfalls facing Boris Johnson as he tries to get his Withdrawal Agreement Bill through the House of Commons. Recorded at 2.30 pm on Tuesday, October 22nd.

On Monday, lengthy prison sentences were handed down by Spain’s supreme court to Catalan politicians involved in the organisation of an independence referendum two years ago. The 13-year sentences sparked protests across the region, reigniting the territorial crisis that has dominated Spanish politics in recent years. Guy Hedgecoe has the latest from Barcelona. Later: US president Donald Trump has moved to punish Turkey for its military offensive against its Kurdish neighbours across its southern border in Syria, threatening to destroy the Turkish economy and urging his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to call a ceasefire. Is it just an attempt to camouflage his role in creating this mess? Suzanne Lynch reports from Washington.

From Brussels, Patrick Smyth on how the EU views Boris Johnson's Brexit proposals, where the problems lie, and what EU insiders think is going to happen next. From Washington, Suzanne Lynch with the latest on the accelerating scandal concerning President Donald Trump's efforts to uncover evidence of Joe Biden's corruption, a mess from which neither man is likely to emerge unscathed.

As the US House of Representatives moves ahead with its impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, we ask just how much trouble the US president might be in. Trump has, up to now, appeared to revel in the myriad controversies his term in office has been mired in, but has a tipping point now been reached? Suzanne Lynch has the latest from Washington. Daniel McLaughlin meanwhile reports from Ukraine on the fallout from that phone call in July between Donald Trump and the then-newly elected president Volodymyr Zelensky, which is at the centre of the impeachment inquiry. Did Ukraine's inexperienced new president go too far in his attempts to please his US counterpart?

The UK’s supreme court has ruled that Boris Johnson acted unlawfully in suspending parliament for five weeks. “Parliament has not been prorogued. This is the unanimous judgment of all 11 justices,” the court said. The ruling, all the more powerful for its unanimity, is an enormous blow to the prime minister’s personal authority and has led to calls from all opposition leaders for his immediate resignation. As parliament prepares to resume at 11:30am on Wednesday, London editor Denis Staunton is on the line to explain what happens next. Plus: Binyamin Netanyahu’s political career hangs in the balance after his Likud party suffered a serious setback in the recent Israeli elections, which saw Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party edge into the lead. Mark Weiss has the latest from Jerusalem.

It's less than three years since a historic peace deal ended a 52-year war between the Colombian state and Farc guerrillas. Over 200,000 people were killed in that war and 7 million more were displaced. Today, the peace process is still taking root. But two weeks ago on August 29th, Colombians were shocked to see a video message from the jungle appearing on YouTube, featuring several former Farc commanders dressed in camouflage and brandishing assault rifles. In the video, the former FARC commanders Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich accuse the government of not living up to its commitments under the peace deal and declare their return to arms. To talk about the threat posed by dissidents to the peace process, the peace deal’s difficult implementation, deputy foreign editor David McKechnie interviewed Emilio Archila, Presidential Counsellor for Stabilisation in Colombia, and one of the key people in charge of implementing the peace deal.

Washington Correspondent Suzanne Lynch on the events of the summer that has seen the lengthy list of Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election race reduced significantly. Gone are no-hopers such as Swalwell, Moulton and Hickenlooper. Only ten will take to the stage for this Thursday night's televised debate, the third so far. Who are the remaining candidates and how are they faring?

The House of Commons is set for a showdown as rebel Tory MPs seek to introduce legislation today, blocking a no-deal exit from EU. Prime minister Boris Johnson held a last-ditch meeting with potential rebels within his party this morning, including former cabinet ministers, but is reported to have failed in his bid to win them over. Denis Staunton is on the line from London to explain how things might play out this evening and whether a general election is likely to be called. Johnson, meanwhile, has yet to provide the EU with alternatives to the Irish backstop as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement. Europe editor Paddy Smyth reports on how the goings on at Westminster are being viewed in Brussels. Is there any truth to Johnson's claim that negotiations are bearing fruit?

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro found himself under the spotlight at last weekend’s G7 summit, amid international alarm at a spike in fires in the Amazon, linked to his administration’s disdain for environmental controls. Eight months after he was elected by a comfortable margin, Brazil's economy is still staggering along and Bolsonaro has so far failed to deliver on reforms he promised during his election campaign. Yet, many Brazilians still support him and believe he is doing a good job. In this week's podcast, Irish Times South America correspondent Tom Hennigan talks to Chris about why that is and how long Brazilians are likely to put up with Bolsonaro's autocratic leadership style.

The Chinese say their vocational training centres are voluntary and aimed at eradicating extremism and terrorism. Others say they are extra-judicial detention centres and part of an elaborate system to assimilate Muslims into Han China. Irish Times correspondent in China Peter Goff visited some of these centres in the country's barren northwest Xinjiang province, where an estimated 1.5 million Uighurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other Muslim minorities have been placed over the past few years. He speaks to Chris Dooley about what he saw. He also talks about the Hong Kong protests, how the authorities have reacted there and what could happen next.

The death in prison of financier Jeffrey Epstein has thrown up many questions, not least among them, how did US authorities allow this to happen? But who was Jeffrey Epstein and why was he such a notorious figure even before his arrest? Suzanne Lynch has the latest on this story from Washington. Plus: Large parts of Kashmir remain under a communications and security lockdown, more than a week after the Indian government stripped the troubled Himalayan region of its special rights. Rahul Bedi reports from New Delhi on the continuing fallout from the Indian government's decision.

This week's podcast is a discussion with foreign policy expert Thomas Wright on: - The emergence of global "Great-power competition" - How Trump views the EU, and why the EU's 'wait-and-see' approach to Trump's presidency makes sense - The logic behind Trump's North Korea policy - The role of foreign policy in the Democratic Party's challenge to Trump in 2020 Thomas Wright is a Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, a Washington-based foreign policy think tank, where he is also the director of the Center on the United States and Europe.

Donald Trump launched fresh attacks on black political opponents this week, labeling civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton “a con man” who “Hates Whites & Cops”. It follows comments he made on Sunday about Congressman Elijah Cummings, an African-American Democrat who represents Baltimore, describing the city as a “rodent-infested” place where “no human being would want to live”. Washington correspondent Suzanne Lynch reports on the controversy, which comes after the president told four non-white female members of congress to “go back” to the countries they came from earlier this month. Is it all part of a plan, and if so, is it working? Plus: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has spoken to British prime minister Boris Johnson for the first time since his appointment, in a phone call described as “warm” by both Dublin and London. Denis Staunton is on the line to assess Johnson’s first week in the job.

Boris Johnson is poised to become the next British prime minister after a resounding victory in the Tory leadership contest, beating his rival Jeremy Hunt by 92,153 votes to 46,656. Johnson began his career as a journalist and is the author of a number of books. London editor Denis Staunton has explored his back catalogue and in today’s podcast he speaks about what he has learned about prime minister designate from his writing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party is on course to secure a historic win in the country’s parliamentary election, with Servant of the People expected to claim around 253 of 424 available seats. The vote is an endorsement of the reform agenda of its new president, a former comedic actor, who came to power three months ago. Daniel McLaughlin reports.

President Trump's tweets calling for four Democratic congresswomen to 'go back to where they came from' have elicited a strong international backlash - but not much condemnation from other Republicans. Will it matter in 2020? Meanwhile, for the Democrats the controversy may have helped heal some internal division. Washington Correspondent Suzanne Lynch talks to Foreign Editor Chris Dooley about the story.

Reporter Sally Hayden talks to Foreign Editor Chris Dooley about the plight of migrants from countries across Africa and the Middle East who, while trying to make their way to Europe, have instead been detained in Libya. Some of them have talked to Sally about the conditions there, including indefinite imprisonment, forced labour and a shortage of food. Last week an air strike on one detainment centre killed dozens of them, an act the UN is describing as a potential war crime. Why have they been attacked, and what is Europe's role in their predicament? Also on the podcast, Peter Goff reports from Hong Kong where protestors remain sceptical and defiant despite city's leader Carrie Lam describing the proposed law at the heart of the trouble "dead".

Washington Correspondent Suzanne Lynch is live in studio to talk with Foreign Editor Chris Dooley about the Democratic Party primary debates, President Trump's own 2020 campaign launch, and the escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Boris Johnson remains the front runner in the Tory leadership race. However, as his campaign appears to be faltering, Jeremy Hunt seems to be a more formidable candidate than first thought. Boris is under pressure. Can he handle it? Denis Staunton is on the line from London. Plus: Questions are being raised about the integrity of Brazil’s historic Car Wash investigation which saw former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva jailed for nine years, in a scandal centered on the state-owned oil giant Petrobras. Lula’s defence team are arguing for his release, claiming the judge who convicted him in 2017 was biased against him. Tom Hennigan reports from Sao Paulo.

The US is to send 1,000 extra troops to the Middle East, following a move last month to send 1,500 troops to the region. It comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, amid fears that a misstep by either side could trigger a military conflict that nobody wants. Suzanne Lynch is on the line from Washington with the latest. Plus: EU leaders hoping for a break from Brexit at this week’s summit in Brussels will be sorely disappointed. As the Tory leadership competition continues, and with claims from some contenders that they could get a new deal from Brussels, Brexit has been forced onto the summit agenda. No official statement is expected out of the meeting, but Brexit is likely to get a mention during the end-of-summit press conference. Europe editor Patrick Smyth reports on what else will be up for discussion.

Protesters gathered in Hong Kong last Sunday demanding a looming extradition Bill be quashed, in one of the largest rallies since the region was returned to China more than 20 years ago. The bill, if enacted, would allow for crime suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trial. In this week's podcast China-based reporter Peter Goff has the background to the story. Later: Ten Conservative candidates are competing for the Tory leadership and the chance to become prime minister. With campaign launches, public endorsements and stories of candidates’ cocaine use, London editor Denis Staunton has the latest on the contenders for the UK’s top job.

On the second day of his official State visit to the UK, US president Donald Trump on Tuesday promised Britain a “phenomenal” post-Brexit trade deal, suggesting Britain’s public health service should be on the table, and congratulated outgoing prime minister Theresa May. London editor Denis Staunton is on the line with the highlights from the visit. Plus: As the dust settles on the European elections, discussion in Brussels and Strasbourg has turned to who will lead the European institutions. Manfred Weber is the European People’s Party ‘spitzenkandidat’ to succeed Jean Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission, but it seems he will not be a shoo-in for it. Patrick Smyth reports on who is in the running for Europe’s top jobs.

This week's podcast features analysis of the European election results in the UK and across Europe, from Denis Staunton and Patrick Smyth. Plus, the slow race to succeed Theresa May as Tory leader and UK Prime Minister.

Less than two years after it came to power on an anti-corruption platform, the Austrian far-right Freedom Party is reeling from the resignation of its leader after an apparent sting in which he promised government contracts for campaign money. Heinz-Christian Strache stepped down as vice-chancellor last weekend after German media published footage secretly recorded in Ibiza in 2007 purporting to show him promising government contracts in exchange for political donations. The FPO leader says no crime took place, but the conservative chancellor Sebastian Kurz has triggered a snap election in response to the scandal. Berlin correspondent Derek Scally reports. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up for a return to federal power for the next five years, with the results of the country’s general elections due to be announced on Thursday. Modi has failed to deliver on any of his previous election promises during his time in office, the Indian economy is in dire straits and unemployment is at its highest rate in 45 years. So, how has the prime minister managed to pull off this coup and what does it mean for the future of India? Rahul Bedi is on the line from New Delhi.

First: Theresa May’s cabinet has set the Westminster summer recess as the deadline to pass the EU withdrawal agreement bill and agreed to continue their discussions with the Labour party in a bid to reach cross party support. With pressure growing on both the prime minister and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn from within their own ranks, Denis Staunton has the latest from London. Later: Australians go to the polls in federal elections this weekend, with the result too close to call as the opposition Labour party cling to a narrow lead over the ruling National-Liberal coalition in opinion polls. Voting is compulsory and around two million people have already cast their ballots in early voting, in what has been a fractious election campaign. Pádraig Collins reports from Sydney.

Europe Editor Patrick Smyth looks ahead to the EU summit in Sibiru, Romania. It was billed as a Brexit-Free opportunity to plan for Europe's future, but the failure of the UK to leave on time means the meeting still takes place in Brexit's shadow. Also looming is the probability of a realignment of power in the European parliament. Plus, David McNeill in Tokyo on the significance of the ascension of a new Emperor to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne.

It has been a good election for Spain's centre left Socialist Party. But incumbent Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will still have difficulty forming a government in a political landscape overshadowed by the Catalan issue. Guy Hedgecoe reports. Joe Biden launched his campaign to become the next US president at a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a state he says he must win to defeat Donald Trump in 2020. Suzanne Lynch was there. World View is hosted by Foreign Editor Chris Dooley.

Brexit talks between the British government and the Labour party resume today as MPs return to Westminster following the Easter break. Prime Minister Theresa May is on borrowed time and no closer to a deal with Jeremy Corbyn, after the EU extended the UK’s withdrawal period until October 31st. Meanwhile, the anti-Brexit party Change UK - The Independent Group has announced its candidates for next month’s European elections. London editor Denis Staunton outlines what the coming weeks may bring. Later: Comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy has promised not to let Ukrainians down and held up his country as a democratic example to all post-Soviet states, after claiming a crushing presidential election victory over incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Zelenskiy made a name for himself on TV playing a teacher who becomes president by a twist of fate. What will his real-life presidency mean for Ukraine’s key relationships with Russia and the EU? Daniel McLaughlin reports from Kiev.