Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Theresa Reidy, a political scientist at University College Cork, and Jack Horgan-Jones, an Irish Times political correspondent, examine Fine Gael’s struggle to define itself after 15 years in power. They discuss escalating public-sector pay talks, a setback for Jim O’Callaghan in the legal-aid dispute, and whether Democrats’ midterm victories signal trouble for Trumpism. Plus, hacked fridges, RTÉ wardrobe controversy and Bob Dylan’s Vatican style.

Keith Duggan, an Irish Times journalist and author covering American politics, reports from Texas after a stunning Democratic sweep. They explore how deep-red states rejected Trump, Texas emerged as a potential presidential battleground, and shifting demographics reshaped electoral coalitions. The conversation also examines Democratic rebuilding, Trump oversight, the 2028 field, Republican succession, and America’s endless campaign cycle.

Naomi O’Leary, The Irish Times’ Europe correspondent, and Pat Leahy, its political editor, discuss plans to research Ireland’s constitutional futures and the politics of a united Ireland. They examine the Harris-O’Donovan controversy, youth-led change in Serbia, Lula’s Brazilian comeback and Netanyahu’s election gains. France’s political turmoil and Marine Le Pen’s presidential prospects also come under scrutiny.

Mark Weiss, an Irish Times journalist and Jerusalem-based Israel correspondent, examines Israel’s unsettled election picture. He discusses Netanyahu’s narrow advantage, the impact of Arab turnout, coalition arithmetic and the prospect of another election. The conversation also explores military service divisions, security fears, settler influence, international isolation and Israel’s shifting political demographics.

Galen Druke, an American journalist and political podcaster known for election analysis, joins a lively look at the US midterms. They explore Democrats’ chances in the House and Senate, polling uncertainty, and the fiercely contested races in Maine, Michigan and Ohio. They also unpack a notorious attack ad, progressive electoral strategy, and what midterm results might mean for the 2028 presidential race.

Sarah Burns, an Irish Times journalist covering politics and justice, and Pat Leahy, its political editor, join a lively discussion on ending the Triple Lock and what it means for neutrality. They examine backlash to a consent ad featuring hugging grandparents, Jim O’Callaghan’s response, and the escalating legal-aid fees dispute. Plus: Catholic funerals, noisy commuters and the line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

Jamie Bryson, a Northern Irish loyalist activist and legal adviser, discusses the Drumcree parade dispute and his campaign to challenge its longstanding ban. He argues unionism should “go on the offensive” in a wider culture war over flags, language and identity. The conversation explores Alliance, the Belfast Agreement, direct rule, Stormont’s future and divisions within unionism.

Tània Verge Mestre, Catalonia’s former Equality Minister, and Pauline Cullen, a Maynooth University sociologist, explore whether politics can reflect increasingly diverse societies. They discuss Spain’s gender quotas, Traveller and migrant women’s leadership, Ireland’s party and electoral barriers, intersectional policymaking, reserved seats, and the backlash against feminist and anti-racist politics.

Brussels correspondent Jack Power, political correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones and commentator Pat Leahy examine Ireland’s role in the €1.6tn EU budget battle, from defence priorities and farm funding to possible new EU taxes. They assess Ireland’s fragile dependence on corporation tax, a looming public-sector strike and the Seanad byelection contest between Ray McAdam and Maeve O’Rourke.

Jack Horgan-Jones, The Irish Times’ Irish political correspondent, and Pat Leahy, its political editor, examine the fallout from Patrick O’Donovan’s hospitalisation and the political scrutiny surrounding his role. They discuss the first public-sector strike, escalating union-government tensions, the prospect of further walkouts, and whether negotiations can avert a wider confrontation.