Irish Times Inside Politics
News & Politics
About
The best analysis of the Irish political scene featuring Irish Times journalists, political thinkers and the occasional politician. Hosted by Hugh Linehan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Two-way race for Sinn Féin and Soc Dems in Dublin Central byelection
A poll by Ipsos B&A for The Irish Times and TG4 indicates a close race in the Dublin Central byelection, with Sinn Féin
- Who will win Dublin Central?
Host Hugh Linehan discusses the Dublin Central by-election with Political Correspondents Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn. They analyze the race, candidate transfers, and the issues that will determine the outcome.
- How Fianna Fáil was formed - with Ronan McGreevy
Reporter and historian Ronan McGreevy joins Hugh and Pat to discuss the 1926 formation of Fianna Fáil by Éamon de Valera and allies amid frustration with Sinn Féin. The discussion covers the party's rise to power, its pragmatic approach, r…
- Polls suggest three-way shootout in Galway West byelection
This episode discusses the latest Irish Times/TG4 opinion poll for the Galway West byelection, comments made by Dublin Central candidate Gerry Hutch, and significant departmental deficits in Ireland. The panel also reviews selected article…
- Inside Politics Live in Galway: Who can win the Galway West byelection?
Hugh Linehan hosts a live Inside Politics show in Galway with Pat Leahy, Ellen Coyne, and Harry McGee to discuss the upcoming Galway West byelection. They profile the constituency, analyze key candidates and dynamics that might shape the r…
- Byelection candidates are confirmed as campaigns ramp up
This episode of Inside Politics covers the confirmed byelection candidates in Dublin Central and Galway West, analyzing potential outcomes and campaign dynamics. The discussion also includes the government's plan to withdraw accommodation…
- Fintan O'Toole: 100 years on, Fianna Fáil is flailing
Fintan O'Toole and Hugh Linehan discuss the history of Fianna Fáil, examining its role in creating an Irish middle class and recent political decisions. They also cover the party's approach to home ownership and the recent fuel protests.
- Another violent attack on Trump brings a short-lived truce in his battle with the media
This episode of Irish Times Inside Politics discusses the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Donald Trump's relationship with the media, and Tucker Carlson's recent break with Trump over the Iran conflict. Hugh and Irish Times…
- Is there real pressure on Sinn Féin to win at least one seat in upcoming byelections?
Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones discuss the upcoming byelections for Sinn Féin, Leo Varadkar’s recent book and media comments, and President Catherine Connolly’s trip to Spain. The panel also reviews selected Irish Times articles and inc…
- What the fuel protests meant
Hugh Linehan discusses the significance of recent fuel protests in Ireland with Michael Byrne and Ellen Coyne. The conversation explores the urban-rural political divide and the implications for Irish society and democracy.
- Another Fianna Fáil heave that wasn’t
Cormac McQuinn and Pat Leahy join host Hugh Linehan to discuss the recent political week in Ireland, including speculation regarding Micheál Martin's Fianna Fáil leadership and the government's response to fuel protests. The panel also cov…
- Healy-Raes' departure caps a terrible week for the Government
This episode discusses a difficult week for the Irish Government, focusing on the loss of two Dáil supporters, the impact of fuel protests, and rising concerns over fiscal policy and the cost of living. Columnist Gerard Howlin joins the ho…
- The end of the Orbán model
Journalists Daniel Nolan and Ivan Nagy join Hugh Linehan to discuss the significance of Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat. They analyze the decline of his populist approach, the impact of JD Vance’s visit, and the economic challenges facing…
- How the Government bungled its response to fuel protests
This episode of Irish Times Inside Politics examines the government's response to fuel price protests and recent international events, including the Iran war ceasefire. The panel also highlights select readings from the week.
- Could Labour have done anything to avoid electoral wipeout in 2016? Collapse, part three
In the final part of a series on the Labour Party's 2011–2016 government term, Pat and Hugh examine the causes of the party's 2016 electoral collapse. They discuss the impact of austerity, the 2014 leadership transition, and public opposit…
- Pressure builds on Labour as austerity bites: Collapse, part two
In this second part of a three-part series, Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan discuss the Irish Labour Party's experience in government between 2011 and 2016. The episode examines how the party managed its identity and political challenges during…
- Collapse: How Labour went from boom to bust
This episode of the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast examines the decline of the Labour Party following the 2011 general election. Hosts Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan discuss the party's coalition with Fine Gael, its electoral choices, and…
- Is Ireland taking anti-Semitism seriously enough?
Oliver Sears of Holocaust Awareness Ireland discusses his concerns regarding the rise of anti-Semitism in Ireland and the political response to events since October 7th, 2023. The conversation explores defining anti-Semitism, distinguishin…
- Government can't help helping as fuel costs soar; and how many TDs are too many?
This episode of Irish Times Inside Politics discusses the Government's €250 million fuel cost support package, rising inflation, and potential budget challenges in the Department of Education. The panel also examines the constitutional man…
- Was Seán Lemass really Ireland's greatest taoiseach?
Ronan McGreevy joins the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast to discuss the legacy of Seán Lemass. The episode explores Lemass's political impact and new insights from twenty-two hours of recently collated private interviews.
- 'In the pocket of US multinationals': How is Ireland seen by Europe?
Eoin Drea joins Hugh Linehan to discuss his perspective on Ireland's declining influence within the EU, the perception of Ireland as being overly aligned with US multinationals, and the potential implications of a two-speed European develo…
- In the shadow of the war in Iran, inflation and energy costs look set to climb ever higher
Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones discuss politics with Hugh Linehan, covering the impact of the war on Iran on energy costs, Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with Donald Trump, the demolition of a Co Meath home, and changes to payments…
- The Taoiseach in the court of the mad king
Pat Leahy reports on Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with US President Donald Trump during St Patrick’s Day engagements in Washington. The discussion covers Martin's efforts to address Irish policy positions amid Trump's critical commen…
- Taoiseach awaits his next dentist’s appointment at The White House
Ellen Coyne, Harry McGee, and host Hugh Linehan discuss Micheál Martin's upcoming White House visit, his meeting with Keir Starmer at Fota House, and the DPP's decision regarding the Moriarty tribunal. The panel also reviews their favourit…
- How the Iran war is impacting the world's economies
Irish Times Beijing correspondent Denis Staunton and Political Editor Pat Leahy discuss the global economic implications of the conflict in the Middle East, focusing on energy market volatility and diplomatic responses. They examine how Ch…
- The modern face of Irish America
Professor Liam Kennedy joins Hugh Linehan to discuss the evolution of Irish-American identity, its role in modern U.S. politics, and the future of the diplomatic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
- How could Donald Trump have thought war with Iran was a good idea?
Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Naomi O'Leary and Cormac McQuinn to discuss the escalating Middle East conflict, the impact on Irish heating oil prices, and the Electoral Commission's findings on the last presidential election. The panel al…
- Why is the US blocking oil imports to Cuba?
This episode of Inside Politics explores why the US is blocking oil imports to Cuba and examines the impact of these economic measures on the Cuban population. Journalist Hannah McCarthy reports on how these sanctions and fuel shortages ar…
- Is regime change in Iran a realistic possibility?
Denis Staunton joins Hugh to discuss the escalating Middle East conflict, focusing on Iran's regional status, US military strategy, and potential scenarios for post-war Iran. They also address economic implications and the European respons…
- 'Sorry' doesn’t seem to be the hardest word for Government
Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join host Hugh Linehan to discuss the State apology to survivors of industrial school abuse, recent political debates over rent legislation, plans to accelerate infrastructure projects, and upcoming byelectio…
- Maria Steen: 'If you are in the centre and everybody else moves left, all of a sudden you look right wing'
Campaigner Maria Steen discusses her unsuccessful 2023 presidential nomination bid, shares her views on political labels, and reflects on her experience with Catholicism in public life. The conversation also covers Catherine Connolly's fir…
- How climate slid down this Government’s agenda
Hugh Linehan speaks with Caroline O'Doherty about the challenges the Irish Government faces in meeting its 2030 climate targets. They discuss the impact of data centres, agricultural emissions, and political obstacles on climate policy imp…
- School SNA row teaches Government a valuable lesson
Jack Horgan-Jones, Pat Leahy, and Hugh Linehan discuss the government's pause on the special needs assistants review, the regulation of social media for under-16s, and challenges faced by Limerick Mayor John Moran. The panel also covers th…
- Fintan O'Toole: What would fascism look like in the 2020s?
Fintan O'Toole joins host Hugh Linehan on the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast to analyze whether the ideology and rhetoric of Donald Trump's second term warrant comparisons to 20th-century fascism.
- Are politics students getting too narrow an education?
Joe Humphreys joins the podcast to discuss the review of the Leaving Cert Politics and Society subject, focusing on concerns regarding curriculum content, freedom of speech, and the teaching of political theory in schools.
- Have Sinn Féin adopted a populist stance on Ukraine?
This episode reviews Sinn Féin's opposition to EU funding for Ukraine, the government’s policy shift on short-term rental regulations, the Social Democrats' recent national conference, and the FAI's decision to proceed with Nations League…
- Irish politics shifted left. Why?
In this episode, editors Gail McElroy and Theresa Reidy discuss their analysis of the 2024 general election featured in the publication 'How Ireland Voted'. They explore a identified leftward shift in Irish politics, party manifesto trends…
- John Mearsheimer: Why Europe still needs the USA
Political scientist John Mearsheimer discusses his views on 2026 geopolitics, focusing on US foreign policy, European security architecture, and the long-term impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He also addresses the effects of D…
- Are we now seeing a grumpy electorate demanding action?
Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to discuss the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll results, Micheál Martin's approval ratings, and the controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The panel also hi…
- Should Ireland keep the Triple Lock?
Independent Senator Tom Clonan joins host Hugh Linehan to discuss the Government's proposal to remove the "Triple Lock" mechanism for Irish troop deployments overseas. The change would eliminate the current requirement for UN approval for…
- A wet week in Irish politics
In this episode, Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to discuss recent Irish political issues, including the impact of Storm Chandra, developments in rental reform, and the regulation of scrambler motorbikes. The panel also re…
- Will the Government's rent control legislation help tenants?
Michael Byrne joins the podcast to discuss Irish rent control legislation, its impact on tenants, and the themes of his book, Beyond Generation Rent. The conversation also explores the changing housing market, including institutional landl…
- Has the EU learned that a tougher line might work with Donald Trump?
Ellen Coyne, Pat Leahy, and Jack Horgan-Jones discuss EU-US relations regarding Greenland developments, the controversy surrounding Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin, planned national rent control reforms, and the passing of former MEP Brian…
- Ireland and Europe weigh options as Trump keeps pressure up over Greenland
Jack Power, Jack Horgan-Jones, and Pat Leahy discuss the implications of Donald Trump’s comments regarding Greenland and the potential for future EU-US trade tariffs. The episode examines how European leaders might respond to these ongoing…
- Can the Government hold Elon Musk and Grok to account?
This Irish Times Inside Politics episode examines government scrutiny of X's Grok AI app regarding non-consensual imagery, data centre electricity consumption in Ireland, and recent shifts in the British Conservative Party. The panel also…
- Will global turmoil matter to Irish politics in 2026?
In this episode of Irish Times Inside Politics, Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones discuss the key challenges facing the Irish government in 2026, focusing on domestic issues in housing, transport, and health, and how global instability might…
- How do Greenlanders feel about Trump's 'psychologically needed' takeover?
Derek Scally reports from Nuuk, Greenland, on how residents feel regarding Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the island from Denmark. The discussion explores Greenlandic perspectives on potential independence in response to the US presi…
- Could Coalition politics hurt Ireland’s influence in Brussels?
This episode of Irish Times Inside Politics discusses the EU-Mercosur trade deal, the Taoiseach's visit to China, and government proposals for university accommodation models. The panel also highlights their favorite Irish Times articles o…
- Venezuela has “emboldened” Trump. Here’s what it means for the world
Denis Staunton discusses the international implications of the US arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Donald Trump's subsequent interest in Greenland. The episode explores how these events may impact the global orde…
- What are the chances of a border poll in the next ten years?
In this 'Ask Me Anything' episode of Inside Politics, the team discusses listener questions regarding a potential border poll, citizen's assemblies, and common terminology for the State. This is part two of their festive special.