Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Eoin Lenihan joins Hugh to discuss his bestselling book Vandalising Ireland. In the book Lenihan sets out his argument that the choices made by successive governments, on issues from migration to the economy, have destroyed the country.He points to an alliance between the political establishment and the media, academics and NGOs, all intent on stripping Ireland of its original identity and replacing it with a globalised, multi-cultural society. The book calls for national, cultural and social renewal.In the interview they discuss the lost Ireland of Lenihan's childhood in County Clare, the extent to which Ireland's problems are particular to Ireland, whether the Irish media is too compliant and why Lenihan believes our migration policies will lead to 'parallel societies' with negative consequences.In the second half of the interview they discuss Lenihan's background as a researcher into extreme groups, including his work using social media to identify connections between journalists and the leftist movement Antifa. They also discuss his defunct social media persona 'Progdad'.Vandalising Ireland: How the Government, NGOs, Academia and the Media Are Engineering a New Globalist Ireland by Dr Eoin Lenihan is available in bookshops and online now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Naomi O'Leary, Europe correspondent for The Irish Times, explores Ireland's unique approach to neutrality and defence spending. She discusses the historical roots of Irish neutrality and contrasts it with Finland and Sweden's recent NATO shifts. The conversation touches on Ireland's low defence spending, dependency on UK support, and the implications of global security threats like hybrid warfare. O'Leary also examines public opinion on defence budgets and the growing debate on whether increased spending compromises Ireland's peaceful stance.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a political journalist at the Irish Times, and Harry McGee, the outlet's senior political correspondent, dive into the heated discussion around Ireland's boycott of Eurovision due to Israel’s participation amid the Gaza conflict. They also unpack the controversy surrounding the proposed renaming of Herzog Park, emphasizing the erasure of Irish-Jewish history. Additionally, they explore Ireland's national security challenges in light of President Zelensky's visit and the implications of drone incursions as the country prepares for its EU presidency.

Terry Prone, a veteran political communications consultant and author of 'I'm Glad You Asked Me That', explores the art of political communication. She shares insights on media training as a path to authenticity, not deception. Prone reveals why politicians often become wooden on air and critiques the clash between authenticity and media polish. She reflects on her experiences with leaders like Garret Fitzgerald and Charles Haughey, and highlights the unique impact of radio. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for concrete communication over vague rhetoric in politics.

Pat Leahy, political editor at the Irish Times, and Jack Horgan-Jones, political correspondent at the same outlet, dive into Jim O'Callaghan's controversial immigration proposals aimed at curtailing population growth. They analyze complex immigration figures and the potential impact of tightening family reunification rules. The duo also discusses the rising eviction notices in Ireland and the political landscape surrounding these significant changes, shedding light on the human stories behind the policies.

When Catherine Connolly was elected president with the support of every left-wing party, it sparked new hope on the left that greater cooperation between Sinn Fein, Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit could reap further electoral dividends. How realistic is that hope? And how would a left alliance actually work? Hugh talks to academic Aidan Regan and political correspondent Cormac McQuinn.Aidan Regan is a professor of political economy at the school of politics and international relations at University College Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denis Staunton has reported from Washington, London and Berlin. Now, as Irish Times China Correspondent, he is using his new vantage point to make sense of this turbulent era as it looks from outside the Western world. In a new newsletter exclusively for Irish Times subscribers, he writes about what’s happening in geopolitics, why it matters and how it affects you. You can sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing here. On today's podcast Denis talks to Hugh about some of those themes, including the growing tension between China and Japan, China's technological advancements and the economic policies of Xi Jinping and the developing situation in Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:·      As Paschal Donohoe departs for pastures new at the World Bank, will his absence weaken Government? And does Simon Harris possess the right skillset for the role of Minister for Finance? It might not matter if the qualified doctors who have run the Department of Health are anything to go by. ·      Paschal leaving has led to a Cabinet reshuffle with Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee becoming the first woman to serve as the Minister responsible for both foreign affairs and defence. She will inherit many issues in need of urgent attention, not least the progression of the Occupied Territories Bill. ·      And the Oireachtas transport committee was told on Wednesday that Dublin’s planned MetroLink will need about 8,000 workers for its construction. Speaking to RTÉ radio, transportation expert Brian Caulfield suggested that “something like an Olympic village” would be necessary to house workers on the project. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:·       Emerson Newton on how the Left are agitating for a border poll when conditions are far from ideal, and Diarmaid Ferriter on why authenticity matters more than spin in politics.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his final interview as an Irish politician before leaving for a new role at the World Bank, Paschal Donohoe talks to Hugh and Pat about his decision to leave politics and his record as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure, both roles he has held since 2016. The wide-ranging discussion looks at:The circumstances that have led to Donohoe's departure, including his decision to run again in the 2025 electionThe area "we have really not done well enough" in during his tenureThe pressure Donohoe faced from other ministers to increase spendingFine Gael's shrinking number of Dáil seats and the future of the partyWhy he never wanted to become taoiseach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a political reporter with the Irish Times, and Pat Leahy, a senior political correspondent, dive into the implications of Paschal Donohoe's resignation to the World Bank. They explore the timing of his departure, debate his legacy of fiscal prudence against increased public spending, and discuss the potential for leadership within Fine Gael. The podcast also examines Simon Harris's new role in finance and what Donohoe’s exit means for government dynamics and upcoming by-elections.