Path to Power

Matt Cooper
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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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10 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 52min

Spoilt For No Choice

The impact of high spoiled votes on future elections and migration policy is a key topic of discussion. The hosts debate whether the left can unite for future elections and analyze the implications of the presidential results, especially for Micheál Martin's leadership in Fianna Fáil. They explore potential successors and the challenges within the party, while also examining how migration themes play into housing and public services. The nuances of the Spoil the Vote movement and its connection to disenchanted voters take center stage, adding depth to the political landscape.
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Oct 25, 2025 • 53min

Presidential Fallout

Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so many people didn't vote, and why Micheál Martin's Jim Gavin disaster may prove fatal for his leadership. Also, Matt's idea for a new way to appoint the president, which Ivan derides.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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10 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 55min

Presidential Coronation

The discussion dives into the pivotal role of Catherine Connolly in the presidential race and the challenges faced by Heather Humphreys following Jim Gavin's exit. The hosts analyze the implications for Fine Gael and the potential fissures in societal divisions exposed by the election. Legal battles involving Paul Murphy add another layer of complexity, while social media's influence on the campaign narrative is dissected. They also ponder potential reforms to the presidential nomination process after recent controversies.
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Oct 11, 2025 • 53min

Gavin Dropped & Budget Woes

The fallout from Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race ignites a heated discussion about Fianna Fáil's leadership. The hosts explore whether unpaid rent was the campaign's true undoing and debate the implications for Micheál Martin's authority. Shifting gears, they analyze the recent budget, highlighting a pro-business focus while questioning the lack of tax relief for workers. The rise in government spending since 2019 raises concerns about sustainability, culminating in a reflection on the shifting landscape of political and media careers.
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Oct 4, 2025 • 51min

Budget Expectations & Gavin's Gaffes

Our duo deliver a detailed pre-budget examination of what's likely to happen next Tuesday, from income tax measures to VAT on hospitality and apartments to the overall state of the government finances, changes to the tax treatment of ETFs and R&D for corporates, and the likely increases in social welfare. Also, the presidential race: who really won the first TV debate, Jim Gavin's social media gaffes, Catherine Connolly's convicted friend, and the presidential week analysed.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 2min

The Big Interview: Leo Varadkar

Matt and Ivan meet former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a wide-ranging discussion based on the publication of his book 'Speaking My Mind'.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468ahttps://www.instagram.com/pathtopower.podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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