Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Join political correspondent Harry McGee, journalist Ellen Coyne, and London correspondent Mark Paul as they delve into the explosive Grok app controversy. They discuss the legal loopholes surrounding non-consensual intimate images and the urgent need for updated regulations. The conversation also touches on the staggering energy consumption of a Dublin data center and the political fallout from Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK, analyzing its implications for the Conservative Party and the broader climate of UK politics.

Pat Leahy, political editor at the Irish Times, and Jack Horgan-Jones, its political correspondent, explore pressing challenges in Irish politics ahead of 2026. They discuss how global turmoil may not overshadow domestic issues, especially in housing and health. The duo emphasizes the need for clearer communication from the government and the political risks surrounding key ministers. They also delve into the repercussions of US economic policies on Ireland and the complexities of managing housing supply amid international investment pressures.

Derek Scally, an Irish Times reporter who immersed himself in the life of Nuuk, Greenland, shares fascinating insights about local reactions to Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland. Instead of fear, Greenlanders express annoyance, valuing their independence over U.S. annexation. Scally delves into the complexities of post-colonial tensions, Greenland's ties to Denmark, and the practicalities of a potential U.S. takeover. He highlights how locals aim to leverage this geopolitical interest for better investments and security talks.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a political correspondent for The Irish Times specializing in EU matters, joins Ellen Coyne, a political reporter focused on domestic policy. They dive into the controversial EU-Mercosur trade deal, highlighting Ireland's opposition due to the farming lobby's influence. The conversation shifts to Taoiseach Micheál Martin's trade-focused trip to China, juxtaposed with human rights concerns. Ellen discusses innovative student housing reforms, advocating for co-living models. Tune in for insights on politics, trade, and accommodation!

Denis Staunton, a China correspondent and author of the Global Briefing newsletter for the Irish Times, explores the geopolitical fallout from the recent U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela. He discusses how these events have emboldened Trump, particularly his aggressive rhetoric regarding Greenland. They delve into the implications for U.S. foreign policy, comparing historical interventions and evaluating the risk of U.S. becoming a rogue actor. Staunton also highlights China's role in Latin America and the delicate balance of international relations amid these tensions.

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.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ 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.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ 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. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ 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. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.