Path to Power The Guns of January
Jan 10, 2026
Brenda Power, a prominent columnist and commentator, and Larry Donnelly, a lawyer and political analyst, join Matt for an insightful discussion. They tackle Ireland's complex relationship with the Mercosur deal and explore the implications of Micheál Martin's recent trip to China. The trio delves into the risks posed by US actions, including concerns surrounding Trump and emerging political influences like Steve Bannon. They also engage in a heated debate on new regulations for social media platforms and the consequences for journalists, alongside pressing issues of road safety and trans rights.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mercosur Reveals Ireland's Political Tightrope
- The Mercosur vote exposed Ireland's tension between domestic politics and EU strategy.
- Micheál Martin weighed trade gains against rural backlash while trying to preserve EU standing.
China Relationship Demands Ruthless Caution
- Ireland must balance a valuable trade relationship with China against strategic and reputational risks.
- Larry Donnelly warns China plays the long game, requiring cautious, self-interested engagement.
US Ties Limit Ireland's Diplomatic Options
- The US relationship constrains Ireland's public criticism of actions like Venezuela's kidnapping.
- Larry argues economic dependence forces a cautious diplomatic stance despite moral objections.