Fintan O’Toole

Fintan O’Toole, a prominent public intellectual and author of 'We Don’t Know Ourselves,' joins the discussion to reflect on Ireland's remarkable evolution. He dives into the grim realities of Magdalene laundries and the Catholic Church's oppressive legacy. The conversation also explores the cultural shift from conservative values to modern liberal perspectives, including women’s rights and attitudes toward sexuality. O’Toole highlights how Ireland transformed into a tech and pharma powerhouse, questioning how its colonial past shapes the country's future.

Fintan O’Toole, an acclaimed Irish writer and historian, delves into the fallout from the Easter Rising of 1916. He discusses the ambitious goals of the uprising's leaders and the British missteps in their clandestine court-martials. O’Toole examines how these trials shaped perceptions of martyrdom, transforming fourteen executed leaders into potent symbols of Irish nationalism. He also explores Roger Casement's trial and George Bernard Shaw's unique ideas on defense, raising provocative questions about justice and traitorship amidst a chaotic political landscape.

Fintan O’Toole, an accomplished Irish journalist and author, shares his insights on the striking parallels between the transformations in Ireland and the United States. He examines how nostalgia fuels political movements amid economic struggles. O’Toole discusses the culture of fear spurred by influential political figures and the growing need for unity within progressive movements. He critiques the changing nature of political discourse, focusing on the normalization of crudeness and its impact on public perception. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of identity and narrative in navigating complex political landscapes.