

Path to Power
Matt Cooper
In Path to Power, experienced broadcaster Matt Cooper and guests bring their individual points of view to a lively weekly discussion that sets the agenda and examines all the political and current issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 20, 2025 • 52min
Game Changer
How Ivan bought into the Jarlath Burns for president rumour, what Heather Humphreys must surrender in her bid for the Áras, Jim Gavin and the farm gate, the failure of the independents to get on the ballot, the bizarre DAA situation with Kenny Jacobs, and Ivan's post Ploughing Championships briefing.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.

Sep 13, 2025 • 52min
Threats and Assassinations
As Matt and Ivan deplore political violence in the United States, they assess the seriousness of the threats to Simon Harris and others. The presidential updates - How Jim Gavin won the Fianna Fáil nod and finds that he's senior hurling now, plus news on the other candidates. Ivan bemoans our forestry failures. How Jeffrey Epstein has ended Peter Mandelson's career finally. And Ivan looks forward to pending changes in our planning laws to stop vexatious individuals. 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.

Sep 6, 2025 • 53min
Teflon Bertie Finds the Mud Sticks
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can't escape his past and crashes out of the presidential race. Jim Gavin's advantage over Billy Kelleher for the Fianna Fáil nomination assessed. Does Heather Humphrey have a disability issue to overcome? Inside the Bob Geldof interest, and Ivan's surprise at weatherwoman Joanna Donnelly's presidential ambitions, more on Catherine Connolly and Alan Kelly, and the need for Sinn Féin to make a decision quickly. Also, the objections to Dublin's essential wastewater treatment plant, and Matt advocates for school secretaries and caretakers.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.

Aug 30, 2025 • 49min
Shots Fired!
Former army man and GAA legend Jim Gavin shoots for the presidency with Fianna Fáil, AK-47 Alan Kelly takes aim at Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin appears to lack the ammunition if Mary Lou won't run, and some independents risk their feet. Also, a tribute to Pat Kenny's radio tenure.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.

Aug 23, 2025 • 55min
(What's the Story) Presidential Glory?
As the slow bicycle race gathers momentum, could the presidential election turn into a referendum on the performance of Simon Harris? Heather Humphreys' chances assessed, Mairead McGuinness' departure explained, and the prospects of all the other non-Fine Gael contenders are examined.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.

Aug 16, 2025 • 57min
Arrested Development
The job facing the new Garda Commissioner assessed, with retirements threatening to outnumber new recruits. The financial perils of running for president versus the rewards. How dependent are we on FDI? How we can make a mess of it and how we can do more to help our own businesses. Ivan laments the closure of Thurles racecourse and reports back on his visit to England and Wales.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.

Aug 9, 2025 • 55min
Trump Exploits Europe's Weakness
Trump's 15% tariffs and the extra dangers to our pharma and semiconductor exports, how the national finances and the forthcoming budget will be affected. And Dermot Desmond's views on abandoning the Metro are assessed. 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.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 2, 2025 • 58min
Scores on the Doors
The podcast evaluates the performances of key political figures, including the Taoiseach and junior ministers. It dissects the political landscape post-election, focusing on critical issues like housing and government credibility. The discussion also highlights political aspirations and the challenges of communication. In addition, it critiques the effectiveness of various ministers, particularly in education and healthcare, while exploring public perceptions. Finally, it addresses stagnation in government and upcoming content that promises deeper insights.

Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
Flatley Toots his Flute
Dancer Michael Flatley, medic Tony Holohan, and academic Deirdre Heenan and their presidential prospects assessed. The Summer Economic Statement dissected: Should the hospitality sector get a VAT break? The National Development Plan broken down: Is it enough despite the hundreds of billions involved and will it actually get delivered? An example of why we are not really serious about solving our housing crisis, Michael O'Leary's Metro dismissal, and Ivan supports AIB's return to the office demand.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.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 19, 2025 • 59min
Recession Incoming
Ivan reads the economic tea leaves and blames government pessimism for falling consumer confidence in spending, the disaster of the falling number of new home building starts, why a principled position on Palestine may become an economic problem for us, and more on Mary Lou for president and the chances of Catherine Connolly.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.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


