Path to Power Naughty Micheál, Nudie Grok, & Paschal's Silence
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Jan 17, 2026 Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, and John Lee, Executive Editor of the Irish Mail on Sunday, delve into the political fallout from Mercosur and its impact on ministers. They discuss the balancing act Ireland faces with US tech and EU demands, alongside the Grok AI controversy. The duo debates the implications of Paschal Donohoe's increased World Bank contribution and the challenges of immigration reforms. With a focus on source protection in journalism, they emphasize its critical role in safeguarding democracy.
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Mercosur Revealed Government Faultlines
- The Mercosur row exposed deep factional tensions inside government and between parties over rural lobbying.
- Danny McConnell says the decision was an overt political move to avoid angering rural constituencies.
Taoiseach Faces A Fraught EU Year
- Ireland's EU presidency will place the Taoiseach in acute diplomatic pressure across defence and US relations.
- John Lee warns Micheál Martin faces a year of travel and tricky transatlantic and European balancing acts.
Grok Shows Regulatory Slowness
- Grok's AI nudification tool created a public safety crisis that regulators are only belatedly addressing.
- John Lee argues the government can block platforms but fears revenue loss influence enforcement.
