Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Ask us anything: presidential nominations, a Minister for Defence and the centre holding
Dec 24, 2025
Jack Horgan-Jones, a keen political analyst, joins Cormac McQuinn, who dives deep into party strategies, and Ellen Coyne, a sharp commentator on political leadership. They explore the intricate presidential nomination process and the impact of independent candidates. The discussion heats up over the absence of a dedicated Minister for Defence and its implications on investment. They also ponder whether current party leaders are stifling their parties’ potential and if centrist politics can withstand populist pressures. A festive analysis filled with insights!
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Courting Councillors Wins Council Nominations
- Gareth Sheridan succeeded by courting councillors for months and secured council endorsements.
- Cormac McQuinn observed that sustained local schmoozing made the council route feasible for some candidates.
Councillors' Power Is Constrained By Incentives
- Councillors formally hold nominating power but in practice follow party HQ instructions due to incentive structures.
- Jack Horgan-Jones highlighted parties act rationally to preserve electoral advantage by blocking rivals.
Lower Or Redistribute Endorsement Thresholds
- Reform the nomination route to allow piecemeal individual councillor endorsements or a lower national signature threshold.
- Ellen Coyne suggested enabling alternatives like 80 individual councillor endorsements to facilitate independents.