Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Hugh talks to Berlin correspondent Derek Scally to find out about the weekend's Bundestag elections, described as the most significant in decades. The centre-right CDU will lead a new coalition, with far-right AfD becoming the main opposition party. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and incoming chancellor, faces huge challenges, not least addressing Germany's deepening economic and security concerns. AfD leader Alice Weidel insists the new coalition that is likely to emerge will not last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been lots of noise, threats and bluster. But what has Donald Trump really achieved in his first five weeks in office? And could the non-stop drama of his leadership already be wearing thin among voters who welcomed his return? Meanwhile, the pace and aggression of Trump’s leadership means his Democratic Party opponents have plenty of material to work with - but the party still lacks coherent leadership to deliver its message. Washington correspondent Keith Duggan joins Hugh to discuss the impact of Trump’s executive orders, atmospheric shifts in Washington and the faltering response of the Democrats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Hugh to look back on the week in politics: Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times stories of the week. And finally, an announcement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent election and appointments to cabinet were a step backwards for gender representation in Irish politics. On today's podcast Hugh and Jennifer are joined by Aldagh McDonogh, chairperson of Women for Election, to talk about why Ireland has among the lowest proportion of female elected politicians in Europe. The conversation covers the history of female representation in Ireland, the impact of gender quotas, and the systemic and cultural barriers preventing more women from entering politics. They also look at the significance of incumbency, the need for support at local levels, and the potential future landscape of Irish politics with more balanced gender representation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Micheál Martin's recent signalling of a possible policy shift regarding Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) has put housing policy back in the spotlight. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the evolving housing policy landscape with Michael Byrne, a housing researcher at UCD. Michael explains the limitations and impacts of RPZs on affordability and supply, and alternative systems of rent control that might replace it. They also discuss the growing role of institutional landlords and the complex tradeoffs involved in addressing supply, affordability, and rates of homeownership. Michael Byrne is a lecturer in political economy at UCD's School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice and the author of The Week in Housing blog on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray join Hugh for our weekly Irish politics wrap: Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, on P.G. Wodehouse, the art of mingling and what happens when power goes to a leader's head. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh is joined by political editor Pat Leahy and Brendan O’Leary from the University of Pennsylvania to discuss the latest findings from the North and South project, a study that explores attitudes to a possible future united Ireland. They discuss recent trends in public opinion regarding Irish reunification, the demographic shifts influencing the movement, and the prospects for planning and compromise in the face of potential unity. The conversation also covers the varying attitudes between Northern and Southern Ireland on significant issues like NATO and Commonwealth membership, and examines the long-term implications of these societal and political changes. The North and South series is a collaboration between The Irish Times and ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South), a joint research project of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Keough-Naughton Centre for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is just three weeks since Donald Trump was inaugurated but his impact has been huge. A flurry of executive orders and aggressive actions is already reshaping American life. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the Trump presidency with conservative commentator Michael Brendan Dougherty. The conversation covers Dougherty's evolving views on Trump, the impact of Trump's executive orders, and the ideological shifts within American conservatism. They explore Trump's unpredictable political strategies, the tension within the Republican Party and the challenges facing the Democratic Party in regaining lost constituencies. Michael Brendan Dougherty is a writer for National Review and the author of My Father Left Me Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: · Letters from Independent TDs to to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy stating they will support the Government on a “case-by-case” basis has brough the true size of the coalition’s majority into question. · The speculation around picks for the last 11 Seanad seats suggests Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris will opt for greater gender balance. · Incoming Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, like the raft of other new senior ministers, will look to hit the ground running in his new role. Addressing dwindling Garda numbers and restoring a sense of safety to Dublin’s city streets will be high on his priority list. · Although the contest to succeed President Michael D Higgins is not happening until late autumn, there are already some eye-catching, if unlikely, potential candidates, not least the Irish Times’ own Fintan O’Toole. Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the defunding of USAID and peace process absurdities, radical right momentum in Europe, and a Chitty-averse arts minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Linehan and guests discuss domestic political issues and European defence challenges. In part one, Pat Leahy talks about the resolution of the Dáil speaking rights row and the damage it has done to the Government. In part two, Jack Power joins from Brussels to discuss the EU's defence strategy in light of recent geopolitical shifts. They discuss Ireland's military neutrality, potential defence spending, and the EU's broader strategy against emerging threats. The conversation also touches on challenges facing the EU with the Trump administration's threat of tariffs and the upcoming German elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh speaks with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally about major political shifts happening in Germany ahead of the federal election later this month. Germany’s history has meant any cooperation between mainstream parties and the far-right has been an unbreakable taboo. Could that finally change? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: · As the count continues to fill seats in the Upper House, and high-profile candidates lose out, the panel looks at whether the Seanad is a ‘creche for future TDs and a retirement home for others’. · Ireland’s 23 new junior Ministers have been decided, but how many of them are real jobs, and who is likely to use their new position as a springboard to a senior ministry in the future? · And the proposal to give the Regional Independent Group 10 minutes of speaking on Opposition time that caused uproar in the Dáil last week looks far from over with no resolution forthcoming. Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including Bertie for president? The place of small farms in modern Ireland, Latin America reacts to Trump’s aggression, and restriction on immigration in Germany. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are super-junior ministers allowed under the terms of the constitution? Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly this week launched a legal challenge against their use, just days after former taoiseach Leo Varadkar wrote a frank newspaper column about the necessity for these appointments. The panel also examines Sinn Féin's recent minor cabinet reshuffle and the party's strategic shift towards a more aggressive form of opposition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China correspondent Denis Staunton sits down with Hugh Linehan to talk about the impact of Donald Trump's reelection on the geopolitical landscape. Then he gives an overview of China's internal dynamics and its role on the international stage, at a moment in time when both are in flux. Topics include the rise and influence of tech billionaires in Trump's administration, contrasts between his first and second terms, and the preparedness of global powers for Trump's aggressive policies. Denis also talks about China’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the country's economic challenges, the evolution of societal and familial norms due to the one-child policy, and the Chinese government's efforts to combat corruption. The discussion transitions to China's international strategy, particularly its investment in African relationships and its positioning in global diplomacy amidst changing Western attitudes. Finally, the potential for conflict over Taiwan is analysed, with Denis suggesting that despite tensions, China's current economic prioritisation makes armed conflict unlikely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the end of liberalism in the US, Miriam Lord on Wednesday’s fireworks in the Dáil, and how does the show go on for Hollywood? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead of the expected election of a taoiseach and appointment of ministers, today Leinster House was the scene of chaos and an unprecedented disruption of Dáil tradition. Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy were there. They explain what happened and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Later today the Dáil will return to elect Michéal Martin as taoiseach, after which new government ministers will be appointed. But who are the TDs in the running for each ministerial post, and how will they day unfold? Pat and Hugh discuss what we know and what we think we know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the day Donald Trump returns to office as president of the United States, Hugh and Pat are joined by journalists Paul Colgan and Liz Carolan and Pat Leahy to look at what his administration might mean for Ireland's politics and economy. How should the incoming government handle Trump 2.0? Paul Colgan is a journalist and broadcaster. Liz Carolan works on democracy and technology issues, and writes at TheBriefing.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: · As the process of ratifying the Programme for Government continues, will the wheels of power slow down or will much-needed infrastructure projects get going while climate targets remain a priority? · With Fianna Fáil set to have 8 Cabinet seats and 7 going to Fine Gael with Micheal Martin becoming next Taoiseach, which TDs are being tipped as the most likely for promotion and will outgoing senior ministers stay in Cabinet? · Cormac breaks down some minor controversy around the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann, involving Independent TD Michael Lowry and new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy. · And journalist Ken Foxe’s Freedom of Information request shows an email containing questions in advance of Taoiseach Simon Harris’s appearance on the 2 Johnnies podcast ahead of the November general election. Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the passing of lauded film-maker David Lynch, Joe Biden’s tarnished presidential legacy, and DEI programmes in universities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Hugh to talk about the composition of the new Government and what we now know about the policies that will form the Programme for Government. They also discuss the decision by the Healy-Raes to demand a junior ministry. Will it dilute the essence of what the dynasty offers to the people of Kerry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.