Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

For part two of our festive ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode Hugh Linehan is joined on today’s Inside Politics podcast by Jack Horgan Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Ellen Coyne. In this round they tackle listener questions on a border poll, citizen’s assemblies and why we keep on calling our country ‘the State’.Thanks to everyone who listened to the podcast in 2025. From all of us on the Inside Politics team we wish you a very happy new year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first published in July 2025. You can tell an awful lot about a society by who it labels a genius. You can also learn from who it excludes from that category, who it enables and what it is prepared to tolerate from them. The tortured poet, the rebellious scientist, the monstrous artist, or indeed the tech disruptor.All of these archetypes feature in The Genius Myth, the new book by the journalist, author and podcaster Helen Lewis. She joins Hugh to talk about so-called geniuses, from Elon Musk to The Beatles, the modern influence of concepts like IQ, and what it takes to be a political genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a keen political analyst, joins Cormac McQuinn, who dives deep into party strategies, and Ellen Coyne, a sharp commentator on political leadership. They explore the intricate presidential nomination process and the impact of independent candidates. The discussion heats up over the absence of a dedicated Minister for Defence and its implications on investment. They also ponder whether current party leaders are stifling their parties’ potential and if centrist politics can withstand populist pressures. A festive analysis filled with insights!

Dr Kevin Cunningham of TUD is one of Ireland’s most insightful political scientists and pollsters. At the Inside Politics live show in early December he joined Hugh, Pat, Cormac and Ellen on stage at the IFI to talk about Irish voters. What are the issues that really motivate them? Are they driven more by pragmatism or ideology? Today's episode is an excerpt of that conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a difficult week for Micheal Martin and FIanna Fáil with the delivery of the report on the party's failed presidential campaign. Martin's position as leader is safe for now, but questions and doubts remain. In part one of today's podcast Pat delivers his assessment of the state of play within Fianna Fáil. In part two Jack Power reports from Brussels on the ongoing EU summit, where European leaders have agreed on a package of financial support for Ukraine. But the deal came after difficult negotiations and only after Plan A - using frozen Russian assets to pay Ukraine - was ditched. Instead, the EU will fund the package itself. Jack explains how the deal went down and why it was a significant moment within European geopolitics. And finally Pat, Jack and Hugh pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including a warning on antisemitism, a profile of Tommy Robinson and a look at the new season of Emily in Paris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this month Hugh, Ellen, Cormac and Pat got on stage at the IFI in Dublin for our annual end of year live show. Today we’re bringing you an excerpt from the show as the panel discuss their choice for the standout moments from the political year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim O'Callaghan, Ireland's Minister for Justice and Migration, dives into pressing topics like rising antisemitism and the Occupied Territories Bill, defending its legality while aiming to protect the Jewish community. He addresses Ireland's security needs amid drone threats and emphasizes the government’s strategy to manage migration, citing concerns over population growth. O'Callaghan reflects on party leadership choices and his future ambitions, revealing his hope to one day lead Fianna Fáil.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a political correspondent for the Irish Times, and Ellen Coyne, a political journalist, delve into the political landscape of Ireland. They discuss the delayed review of Jim Gavin's presidential campaign and its implications for Micheál Martin. The duo also examines government concerns over the symbolic nature of voting against the EU's Mercosur trade deal. Ellen highlights the troubling wait times for children's educational assessments and the controversial reforms being proposed. They reflect on the balance between political ideals and practical solutions in the current climate.

Eoin Lenihan, author of 'Vandalising Ireland' and a researcher on online political extremism, shares his provocative insights on Ireland's political landscape. He challenges government policies that he believes have led to cultural erosion and discusses his upbringing in County Clare. Lenihan raises concerns about media bias and the risks of parallel societies stemming from current migration practices. He also reflects on his research into Antifa and critiques the political narrative, arguing for a revival of Irish identity amidst globalist influences.

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.