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Path to Power

Author: Matt Cooper

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In Path to Power, experienced broadcaster Matt Cooper and guests bring their individual points of view to a lively weekly discussion that sets the agenda and examines all the political and current issues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

102 Episodes
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Stay-At-Home Taoiseach

Stay-At-Home Taoiseach

2025-11-2957:42

Should Micheál Martin rein in the foreign travel? The Government's change of stance on immigration, why IPAS centres and work permits need to be treated separately. MetroLink: Do the objectors deserve any sympathy? The contentious suggestion to rename Dublin Airport, Verona Murphy's unwise photo op with Sinn Féin, and Gerry Hutch's developing political campaign.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right thing in taking on Paschal's old job? Will Gerry Hutch run in the by-election, and what are his chances of winning? Ireland-U.S. relations: What should our government's approach be in the face of Trump's aggression?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bricks and Mortified

Bricks and Mortified

2025-11-1501:03:002

Matt is joined by Newstalk Breakfast host and former political editor Shane Coleman, and by journalist and former Dáil correspondent Lise Hand to discuss the government's new housing initiative. They also reflect on President Connolly's inauguration, talk about Billy Kelleher's carefully worded internal dissent in Fianna Fáil, and the status of the inquiry into the Jim Gavin presidential debacle.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Micheál Martin teetering on the edge as his leadership of Fianna Fáil comes up for debate, for how much longer can he hang on? Guests Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt for a spirited debate about the Taoiseach's future and just who will move against him? And what are Jim O'Callaghan's credentials to replace him? Also, why the 'Future Forty' doesn't inspire confidence.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Spoilt For No Choice

Spoilt For No Choice

2025-11-0154:521

The impact of the high number of spoiled votes in the election for future politics assessed, and how it will impact on migration policy. Is the left primed for power? Micheál Martin's tenuous grip on Fianna Fáil appraised, and our first musings on Jim O'Callaghan's (and others') suitability to replace him.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Presidential Fallout

Presidential Fallout

2025-10-2556:121

Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so many people didn't vote, and why Micheál Martin's Jim Gavin disaster may prove fatal for his leadership. Also, Matt's idea for a new way to appoint the president, which Ivan derides.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ivan as a footnote to presidential history, why Catherine Connolly is about to win and how heavily Heather Humphreys might lose. The likely fallout in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and whether Sinn Féin has missed a trick. Paul Murphy's legal action assessed. And how the result of the election may reflect societal division and provoke real change.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The circumstances of Jim Gavin's presidential exit examined, and the consequences for Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil. When will Jim O'Callaghan seize the crown? The Budget: Why nothing for workers, and the overall expansion of government spending debated.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our duo deliver a detailed pre-budget examination of what's likely to happen next Tuesday, from income tax measures to VAT on hospitality and apartments to the overall state of the government finances, changes to the tax treatment of ETFs and R&D for corporates, and the likely increases in social welfare. Also, the presidential race: who really won the first TV debate, Jim Gavin's social media gaffes, Catherine Connolly's convicted friend, and the presidential week analysed.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt and Ivan meet former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a wide-ranging discussion based on the publication of his book 'Speaking My Mind'.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Game Changer

Game Changer

2025-09-2054:03

How Ivan bought into the Jarlath Burns for president rumour, what Heather Humphreys must surrender in her bid for the Áras, Jim Gavin and the farm gate, the failure of the independents to get on the ballot, the bizarre DAA situation with Kenny Jacobs, and Ivan's post Ploughing Championships briefing.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Matt and Ivan deplore political violence in the United States, they assess the seriousness of the threats to Simon Harris and others. The presidential updates - How Jim Gavin won the Fianna Fáil nod and finds that he's senior hurling now, plus news on the other candidates. Ivan bemoans our forestry failures. How Jeffrey Epstein has ended Peter Mandelson's career finally. And Ivan looks forward to pending changes in our planning laws to stop vexatious individuals. Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can't escape his past and crashes out of the presidential race. Jim Gavin's advantage over Billy Kelleher for the Fianna Fáil nomination assessed. Does Heather Humphrey have a disability issue to overcome? Inside the Bob Geldof interest, and Ivan's surprise at weatherwoman Joanna Donnelly's presidential ambitions, more on Catherine Connolly and Alan Kelly, and the need for Sinn Féin to make a decision quickly. Also, the objections to Dublin's essential wastewater treatment plant, and Matt advocates for school secretaries and caretakers.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shots Fired!

Shots Fired!

2025-08-3050:53

Former army man and GAA legend Jim Gavin shoots for the presidency with Fianna Fáil, AK-47 Alan Kelly takes aim at Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin appears to lack the ammunition if Mary Lou won't run, and some independents risk their feet. Also, a tribute to Pat Kenny's radio tenure.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the slow bicycle race gathers momentum, could the presidential election turn into a referendum on the performance of Simon Harris? Heather Humphreys' chances assessed, Mairead McGuinness' departure explained, and the prospects of all the other non-Fine Gael contenders are examined.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arrested Development

Arrested Development

2025-08-1657:57

The job facing the new Garda Commissioner assessed, with retirements threatening to outnumber new recruits. The financial perils of running for president versus the rewards. How dependent are we on FDI? How we can make a mess of it and how we can do more to help our own businesses. Ivan laments the closure of Thurles racecourse and reports back on his visit to England and Wales.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trump's 15% tariffs and the extra dangers to our pharma and semiconductor exports, how the national finances and the forthcoming budget will be affected. And Dermot Desmond's views on abandoning the Metro are assessed. Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scores on the Doors

Scores on the Doors

2025-08-0201:00:271

An assessment of the individual performances of The Taoiseach, The Tánaiste, and each Government Minister. Ivan picks out the best of the Juniors, and Matt & Ivan also take a look at the performance of the opposition parties.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Flatley Toots his Flute

Flatley Toots his Flute

2025-07-2601:04:21

Dancer Michael Flatley, medic Tony Holohan, and academic Deirdre Heenan and their presidential prospects assessed. The Summer Economic Statement dissected: Should the hospitality sector get a VAT break? The National Development Plan broken down: Is it enough despite the hundreds of billions involved and will it actually get delivered? An example of why we are not really serious about solving our housing crisis, Michael O'Leary's Metro dismissal, and Ivan supports AIB's return to the office demand.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recession Incoming

Recession Incoming

2025-07-1901:00:06

Ivan reads the economic tea leaves and blames government pessimism for falling consumer confidence in spending, the disaster of the falling number of new home building starts, why a principled position on Palestine may become an economic problem for us, and more on Mary Lou for president and the chances of Catherine Connolly.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Comments (7)

Brendan burke

is Iven coming back?

Nov 2nd
Reply

Jonathan 67 🍀

yates is vermin ... he backed Jim Gavin running around telling everyone 😱 no wonder his betting business collapsed... "ah sure smear the bejayus out of her " create fear , in a world where women and politicians are targeted some paying with their lives ... what a scumbag Yates is

Oct 11th
Reply

Shane Gaughan

÷]]】】

Mar 23rd
Reply

Jonathan 67 🍀

Cooper must check under his bed for shinners before he goes to sleep.. 😂😂😂He is the biggest recruiter for the shinners since big ian paisley 😂

May 24th
Reply

Jonathan 67 🍀

More bile from these 2 shitehawks... cooper in particular in a nauseating little west brit of the most odious kind...

Apr 17th
Reply

Jonathan 67 🍀

Absolutely hilarious listening to a lickspittle like cooper sneer and turn his significant nose at a elected MP George Galloway, if cooper had half the journalistic integrity that george had maybe we wouldnt have as many scandals in irish life, as for girly giggling yates ill take him serious when he repays the debts he ran to wales to avoid paying... This is pure and 5star shite

Mar 2nd
Reply

Jonathan 67 🍀

Whatever you do... Dont mention Maggie thatcher to a Gareth fitzgerald groupie 🙈 talk about a scalded cat 🙀

Jan 12th
Reply