Why did Leo Varadkar call it a day?
After Leo Varadkar dropped his bombshell, David McCullagh asks the team, who saw that coming?
Mar 20, 2024•26 min
Your Politics
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.
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Episodes
Totally spooked - Gov struggles with volatile electorate
Limerick readies itself to vote in the country's first ever directly-elected mayor. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faces a crucial test in Washington DC over Gaza. And the Coalition grapples with a gaping disconnect from the electorate: Clearer messaging will be needed in the local and European elections.
Mar 14, 2024•28 min
Referendums: Double No & Double Blow
The Government has suffered a significant setback with the results of the referendums. But the main opposition parties had backed yes votes too. With the latest analysis, Áine Lawlor is joined by Mary Regan from Dublin Castle, Brian O'Donovan in the RDS, with Paul Cunningham and Juliette Gash in studio.
Mar 09, 2024•26 min
The Paddy's Day ministerial migration
And they're off! The Cabinet readies itself to disperse across the globe for its annual migration to promote brand Éire. Meanwhile, for PAC, side deals on the QT at RTÉ mean it's time for the C&AG: alphabet soup is on the menu at Montrose.
Mar 07, 2024•22 min
Candidates jostle for position ahead of Euro Parl vote
The local and European elections are closing in - as are the referendums. Meanwhile, groundhog day grinds on, gnawing nerves in Montrose. With its chair departed and DG in the crosshairs for the first time in this sorry saga, it's been a rough week.
Feb 29, 2024•27 min
RTÉ grapples with shackles of confidentiality clauses
Another difficult week for RTÉ, with its DG in the crosshairs for the first time over his actions, rather than those of his predecessor, Dee Forbes. But will the "most robust and the clearest advice" he has ever seen put this matter to rest?
Feb 22, 2024•26 min
'Audible gasps' - latest in RTÉ saga
'A lot of drama' and 'audible gasps' at the Media Committee, with the latest appearance by the brass at RTÉ. Paul Cunningham & Co. consider the week's developments. Along with a lyric or two from Bono.
Feb 15, 2024•27 min
Fanning the flames: latest arson attack sparks concern
An eventful week, which saw the passing of former taoiseach John Bruton and a moving tribute from his brother, Richard. Another arson attack prompted charges of Govt inaction, and there's a slip in support for Sinn Féin (which retains a commanding lead). Áine Lawlor is joined by Paul Cunningham, Sandra Hurley and Tommy Meskill.
Feb 08, 2024•28 min
Govt takes harder line on migrants
Another damning report into mismanagement at RTÉ, and still no clarity over whether the Government can agree on a new funding model. Áine notes "a lot of fudge built into" the deal to get the Northern Ireland Executive back up and running. Along with someone wearing a wire to the crucial DUP gathering.
Feb 01, 2024•21 min
The RTÉ Late Late Showdown
After a damning Grant Thornton report into 'Toy Show The Musical', Áine and the team ponder the implications for the national broadcaster.
Jan 25, 2024•26 min
Truffles and throuples
Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman may be the first to put "throuple" on the Dáil record. A culinary response took a turn for the surreal, and far from the wording of the family referendum which was being debated. Áine and the team also consider recent arson attacks, Davos and international opportunities for some of our politicians.
Jan 18, 2024•23 min
Govt under pressure to support Israel genocide case
With South Africa addressing the top UN court to demand that Israel immediately suspend its military operation in Gaza, the Government is coming under increased pressure for its refusal to support the bid. Amid apparent differences within the Coalition, the unity across the Opposition benches is adding to the administration's discomfort.
Jan 11, 2024•22 min
Looming elections..the packed political agenda for 2024
In this special Christmas edition, Tommy Meskill speaks to Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Labour's justice spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Ciara Phelan of the Irish Examiner... as they look ahead to 2024 and the big political events on the horizon.
Dec 21, 2023•33 min
From the jaws of victory, defeat: Stormont scuppered
After speculation had hit fever-pitch, the DUP this week torpedoed hopes of a restoration of power-sharing before Christmas. What went wrong? Áine Lawlor is joined by Northern Editor Vincent Kearney, who gives the inside track on the last-minute derailment.
Dec 21, 2023•20 min
Holly Cairns: why I get nervous in Dáil
Soc Dem leader Holly Cairns talks to Áíne about facial recognition and a 'worrying' lack of data underpinning cuts to benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Also, Robert Troy's Christmas woes, a good week for Eamon Ryan and 'green-lash' in the Dutch elections.
Dec 14, 2023•33 min
Mattie McGrath on the 'real Ireland'
They stand for "common sense" politics which does "what it says on the tin", Mattie McGrath says of the Rural Independent Group. This week that included a heated debate on immigration. He tells Áine that he doesn't take offence at people misunderstanding him. "But who are you loyal to, Mattie?" asks Micheál. Senator David Norris also features.
Dec 07, 2023•29 min
Mícheál Lehane talks music
On the day the Dáil held a minute's silence for Shane MacGowan, the political system continued to grapple with the fallout from the Dublin riots. Helen McEntee may face a no confidence motion, while Drew Harris still refuses to accept that gardaí lost control of the capital's streets. Áine and the team consider the week's political developments.
Nov 30, 2023•25 min
School stabbing latest, neutrality row & a tax hike
As Ireland reels from is first stabbing outside a Dublin city school, Áine and the team assess latest reaction. They discuss the row over the Government's decision to abandon the triple lock governing peace-keeping missions abroad, and explain why workers, employers and the self employed will have to pay more PRSI in the years ahead.
Nov 23, 2023•24 min
Tánaiste's awkward conversations in Israel
Irish people have begun to leave Gaza for safety, while outside Leinster House protestors made clear their anger at the ongoing bombardment. Paul Cunningham in Israel recounts how an air raid alert forced Micheál Martin's convoy off the road. The Tánaiste also faced some tough questions from Israelis concerned that Ireland is not in their corner.
Nov 16, 2023•26 min
Leo in Paris... and who will get plum Euro job?
PAC unanimously rejects RTÉ's compromise offer and the stand-off over that legal note rumbles on. What next? Micheál is at the Élysée Palace where EU leaders grapple with the bloodshed in Gaza, Back home, rumours abound of a general election before May.
Nov 09, 2023•20 min
Fianna Fáil rallies the troops
Áine Lawlor is joined by Tommy Meskill and Juliette Gash to consider the week's political developments.
Nov 02, 2023•18 min
'You are not with us', Israelis tell Ireland
When Paul Cunningham told an an Israeli that he is Irish, the man simply stated: "You are not with us". Áine gets an update, then the team considers whether we are witnessing a much exaggerated spat, or disarray in the top echelons of the Coalition.
Oct 26, 2023•26 min
Disinformation & division amid mass death - Gaza latest
Heated emotion in the Dáil as deputies fail to reach unanimous agreement on a Gaza motion. Sandra Hurley is in Rome with President Higgins who pushed the envelope with his strong remarks on the conflict. Áine & the team also reflect on Cork flooding.
Oct 19, 2023•28 min
Stephen Donnelly's Budget blues
Was Stephen Donnelly hung out to dry? How targeted is the mortgage relief, and might we see that change? The team examines the fallout from Budget 2024, which some claim saw more tinkering than fixing.
Oct 12, 2023•28 min
Winners and losers of Budget '24
Now that it's been announced, Áine Lawlor and the team consider the verdict on Budget 2024.
Oct 10, 2023•29 min
The final countdown to Budget 2024 - what do we know?
It's Fianna Fail's first Budget in well over a decade. Massive expectations have been tempered somewhat as corporation tax receipts continue to soften. Still, Leo Varadkar promises relief before Christmas. What can we expect?
Oct 05, 2023•27 min
Surgery controversy gets political
Heated exchanges at the health committee revealed there's an invoice for unapproved spinal implants, but paradoxically no evidence of procurement. What else did we learn today? Charlie Flanagan is the latest to join the FG exodus. How many more will go?
Sep 28, 2023•25 min
The atmosphere becomes toxic on Kildare Street
Amid warnings that if violence is left unchecked, Irish democracy could be faced with its own Capitol Hill riots, the team considers the troubling events outside the Dáil, noting similarities with Westminster unrest around Brexit.
Sep 21, 2023•25 min
Mary Lou's return, FF think-in and Leo's North woes
As Mary Lou McDonald returns to the political fray, the Tánaiste warns that we don't do coronations in this country. Sinn Féin will be keen to avoid the appearance of taking any votes for granted. But they've a potential partner in Fianna Fáil, with Micheál Martin not ruling out a coalition. It's a new term; Áine and the team look ahead.
Sep 14, 2023•26 min
The Cabinet finale ends hectic season
This term's final cabinet meeting had over 60 items on the agenda. Right at the top was crime, after Justice Minister Helen McEntee's ham-fisted photo op. The ongoing Roads V. Rail stand-off between FG & the Greens saw Eamon Ryan in full conciliation mode, insisting that it's not a binary choice. Other issues include IVF and energy supports.
Jul 27, 2023•26 min
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