Path to Power

Matt Cooper
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Jan 10, 2026 • 1h 5min

The Guns of January

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.
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4 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 1h 2min

Simon Harris & His Many Opinions

Shane Coleman and Lise Hand join to unpack Simon Harris's candid holiday interviews. They address the threats to his family's safety that almost pushed him out of politics and discuss his ambitious plans as finance minister, particularly around spending and tax. The panel also delves into Harris's controversial comments on homelessness and migration, emphasizing the need for clarity in the debate. Additionally, they explore the potential influence of Steve Bannon on Ireland and the implications of Harris's social media strategy.
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Dec 27, 2025 • 1h 1min

Tally-Ho to 2025 & Tales of Trump

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin coalesce to save fox hunting. Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss left unity and who Sinn Féin will really end up in government with. Also, what Simon Harris's replacement of Paschal Donohoe in Finance really means. The impact of tariffs and the IDA's success in still attracting investment to Ireland. Will the UK ever rejoin the European Union in a reverse Brexit? And John tells tales of a private dinner in Doonbeg with Donald Trump.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 20, 2025 • 46min

Teflon Taoiseach 2.0

Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss not the gang who couldn't shoot straight, but the gang who couldn't even get a shot off, and yet Micheál Martin is injured, but is it all self-inflicted because of his Jim Gavin gaffe?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 13, 2025 • 47min

Blister Packs & Home Videos

Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt to discuss the outrage caused by the videos of adults returning to live in their parents' homes, the politics of making people pay for their blister packs of medicines, entering the US if you have a social media history, Ireland and Jim O'Callaghan's position on changes at the European Convention on Human Rights, the long awaited Fianna Fáil presidential debacle report - has Micheál Martin timed it's release perfectly? And the continuing stand-off between Kenny Jacobs and the DAA.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 6, 2025 • 55min

Ireland is Angerland

A rowdy gathering for our 100th episode as Matt, Lise Hand, and Shane Coleman dissect: RTÉ's Eurovision departure and Ireland's defence against anti-semitism. Defending Ireland while remaining neutral. The TDs who need to get a grip of themselves. How our tax revenues should be spent, and our vulnerability to losing the money. The Government's Accelerating Infrastructure plan. And the traffic nightmare and the M50 logjam.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 29, 2025 • 55min

Stay-At-Home Taoiseach

Join political editor John Lee and Business Post editor Danny McConnell as they dissect Irish political dynamics. They explore whether Micheál Martin's foreign travel is jeopardizing his domestic standing. The discussion highlights the complexities of immigration policy, separating asylum and economic migration issues. Critiques arise over efforts to rename Dublin Airport, and they analyze Verona Murphy’s controversial photo opportunity with Sinn Féin. Finally, they delve into the potential impact of Gerry Hutch on the Dublin Central by-election amid rising local disaffection.
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Nov 22, 2025 • 54min

SpongeBob heads to Washington

Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right thing in taking on Paschal's old job? Will Gerry Hutch run in the by-election, and what are his chances of winning? Ireland-U.S. relations: What should our government's approach be in the face of Trump's aggression?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 1min

Bricks and Mortified

Join political insiders Shane Coleman, a seasoned journalist at Newstalk Breakfast, and Lise Hand, a former Dáil correspondent, as they dive into the intricacies of the government's new housing initiative. They tackle the dire need for accountability in implementation. The conversation shifts to the impact of infrastructure delays and the necessity to utilize derelict properties. Plus, they discuss President Connolly's inaugural symbolism and implications for leadership in Fianna Fáil. This lively discourse touches on housing's effect on the youth and the party's future!
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11 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 52min

Micheál Walks the Plank

Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, and John Lee, Executive Editor at the Irish Daily Mail, dive into the uncertainty surrounding Micheál Martin's leadership in Fianna Fáil. They discuss the internal party dynamics and the credentials of potential successor Jim O'Callaghan. The conversation also touches on the 'Future 40' report, highlighting failures in infrastructure delivery and a risk-averse attitude post-crash. With tensions rising, the future of the party hangs in the balance as they weigh the implications of leadership change.

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