Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan That interview, Fianna Fáil's review and thorny issues for the Government
Dec 12, 2025
Jack Horgan-Jones, a political correspondent for the Irish Times, and Ellen Coyne, a political journalist, delve into the political landscape of Ireland. They discuss the delayed review of Jim Gavin's presidential campaign and its implications for Micheál Martin. The duo also examines government concerns over the symbolic nature of voting against the EU's Mercosur trade deal. Ellen highlights the troubling wait times for children's educational assessments and the controversial reforms being proposed. They reflect on the balance between political ideals and practical solutions in the current climate.
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Report Won't Fix Leadership Doubts
- The Fianna Fáil review into the presidential campaign may avoid immediate damage but won't fully restore faith in Micheál Martin's judgment.
- Jack Horgan-Jones warns the report shifts the debate to who takes blame and shapes leadership questions over 12–18 months.
Irish 'No' Could Be Merely Symbolic
- Blocking the EU-Mercosur deal needs four large countries, so an Irish 'no' could be purely symbolic if partners waver.
- Jack Horgan-Jones says symbolic votes risk domestic backlash from farmers and rural independents if promises seem broken.
Assessments Backlog Is Systemic
- Assessments of need backlog is crippling access to special education and therapies for children.
- Ellen Coyne stresses the state tacitly accepts the system is failing as waiting lists near 22,000 and services remain scarce.
