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The RTÉ team at Leinster House and guests have an informal discussion about what has been happening in the world of Irish politics. New episodes available every Thursday evening.
114 Episodes
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Heather Humphreys begins her campaign, the joust for the Fianna Fail nomination continues, Sinn Féin accused of dithering by Labour whose leader is standing by Catherine Connolly. All the while independents continue the hunt for a nominationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disparate political wings of Catherine Connolly's campaign, Sinn Féin's decision process, intrigue over a Fianna Fail candidate and Heather Humphreys closes on the FG ticketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the last Leaders' Questions, the Opposition hammered the Govt as "feckless and reckless" for failing on cost-of-living supports. Sinn Féin suffered a supermarket malfunction in a noisy exchange. The Occupied Territories Bill faced intense scrutiny in heated committee hearings. And it's game on for Catherine Connolly in the race for the Áras.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some movement on the race to the Áras, with Catherine Connolly's candidacy anticipated, and a growing sense that Mary Lou McDonald might just join her. Mairead McGuinness is keen. Will Fianna Fáil sit it out yet again? Where's the obligatory celebrity candidate? Govt softens limits on apartment sizes, amid warnings it will backfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James Lawless unleashed a furore with his miscalculated comments on fees. Might budgetary vagueness and "options" offer a way back? But just how serious is the Coalition friction? Trump's tariffs still stalk the economy, threatening State coffers. As this term limps to the finish line, the Govt remains mired in the housing quagmire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another downward revision on housing, looming concrete shortages and the impact of homelessness on children. Government initiatives are afoot, but progress in completions is slow. An end to the long Covid scheme for health workers, and a tactical wee? Sinn Féin spokesperson misses a Dáil vote for the call of nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months of no committees, there were finally fireworks at Health with the scandal-mired CHI getting a grilling. Outraged TDs warn the agency has lost its way as its future is questioned. More bad news on housing with another forecast saying Govt targets for '25 are already a bust. But the Oppo fears apathy is taking the heat out of the crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We try to unpack the tortured calculus of the Government's rental plan. One thing's clear - if it delivers, it won't be anytime soon. And is there now a danger people could simply tune out, as with hospital trollies? The Opposition remains united on Israeli war bonds, again hammering the Coalition. Simon Harris pushes ahead with Triple Lock reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Higgins slams a "slander against Ireland" over its criticism of Israel. Simon Harris slams the Opposition over deploying "brickbats" and "moral superiority". The Coalition majority looks less robust as pro-Govt TDs support Sinn Féin. Housing delivery remains dire, and may worsen further. And the fox's fate hangs on a bill at second stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Children's Hospital saga rumbles on, with Simon Harris squarely in the Opposition's crosshairs. Have lessons been learned, or will costly errors be repeated with the new National Maternity Hospital? Cara Darmody's Dáil protest puts assessment of need at the top of the agenda. Tánaiste says Occupied Territories Bill is moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The report into the Oireachtas bike shed names no-one and, quelle surprise, vows that lessons will be learned. While the minister in charge has - boldly - promised to cut driving test times in 10 weeks, one person felt they had no option but to go to Georgia to get theirs. The hip surgery crisis gathers pace as another health scandal looms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new PAC chief alleges 'massive profiteering' in housing asylum seekers, and vows action. RTÉ's DG seems calm ahead of a tricky committee appearance. Pressure on Gov over Gaza rises, with demands to pass Occupied Territories Bill. And a TD no-show in the hard-won Other Members' Dáil time leaves the Govt red-faced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The housing czar to get €200k more than the Taoiseach - and for a job share (with the minister)? Like the housing market, the debate has got very heated. After massive expenditure, the Farrelly Commission fails to answer crucial questions. Turnout in elections might be higher than we thought. And it turns out dandelions were good guys all along.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump steps back from the brink...for now. The 90-day pause is nowhere near long enough to hammer out trade deals. So, what happens on 9 July? We may get a housing tsar, but will they be hobbled by water supplies and planning blockages? More grim revelations at CHI, and the Soc Dems ditch the high ground to pull an old fashioned stroke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump has unleashed a crisis which may prompt a recession. Irish officials are all on message - negotiations are needed, not tit-for-tat trade warfare. But the usually upbeat Pascal Donohoe warns of 'dark and more damaging' scenarios. Will the EU bring out the big guns? Or the US blink first? The world is being pulled into terra incognita.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A remarkable, arguably unprecedented, week in Irish politics. Verona Murphy remains in situ, and Micheál Martin is doubling down. Given the ('Lowry') Government majority, is it all over bar the shouting? That double digital meme is bad for brand Martin, already damaged by this controversy. But how's it all faring on Paul's bus route?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The seasons may change, but the speaking rights row rumbles on. Expect high drama next Tuesday as it all comes to a head in the Dáil. "Not a red cent" has been paid out of a multi-million "game-changing fund" for children with special needs. Radical steps promised on housing, as figures again plummet. Plenty of talk - where's the action?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micheál Martin got out of the Oval Office intact, only for Donald Trump to hit Irish alcohol with a 200% tariff. The 'emperor' and his deputy clearly have fondness for Éire, but how to leverage it? While the Taoiseach's one blunder was on housing, with many asking how that problem could be good. Market jitters greet Trump's recession remark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany stuns as it ditches fiscal rectitude for tanks and guns. France thumbs its nose at the US, rallies a coalition of the willing and offers to extend its nuclear umbrella. Gorilla handshakes and golf links beckon as Micheál Martin prepares to greet Donald Trump in Washington. Amid the turmoil, the Dáil is knocking off - again - until the 19th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Ireland as he fights for a just peace with Russia. The EU is on the outer orbit of the talks, but will be picking up the tab. Simon Harris struggles to get a clear message on the triple lock. And the speaking rights row has gone toxic, fueling instability when our political system least needs it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sounds like pure tribalism. Just get on with it