Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Helen Lewis, a journalist and author of The Genius Myth, delves into the cultural constructs surrounding genius. She discusses how society's definitions of genius shape perception, citing figures like Elon Musk and The Beatles. The conversation critiques the legacy of IQ testing, emphasizing individual worth beyond labels. Lewis also explores the complexities of creative collaboration versus the myth of the solitary genius. Additionally, she highlights historical barriers that marginalized groups face, advocating for a broader recognition of diverse talents.

Pat Leahy, a seasoned political commentator from the Irish Times, and Ellen Coyne, a political staff member, dive into pressing issues dominating Ireland’s political landscape. They dissect the haphazard rollout of rent reform plans and the political perils of adjusting residential property tax. The conversation transitions to the alarming rise of anti-immigrant sentiments in Northern Ireland, driven by political interventions. Finally, they touch on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly Israeli actions against Iran, and share their favorite Irish Times articles.

US president Donald Trump's response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles - to send in troops - is in keeping with a broader theme of his second presidency so far - extending executive power and challenging institutional norms. But how far is Trump willing to go? TCD's Daniel Geary joins Hugh to talk about the events in LA and the pressure Trump 2.0 is putting on the American system. Daniel Geary is Mark Pigott Professor of U.S. History at Trinity College Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Helen Thompson, a distinguished Political Economy expert from the University of Cambridge, dives deep into Europe's place in today's global landscape. She highlights the implications of America's mounting debt and how it affects global security. The conversation shifts to NATO's future and the intensifying competition with China, especially in technology and energy. Thompson emphasizes the need for Europe to shed Cold War perceptions, urging a clearer understanding of America's unique role on the world stage.

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond:The crisis at Children's Hospital Ireland deepens Growing international disquiet over Israel's conduct in GazaPlanning exemptions for "granny flats" - can such tinkering make a real difference to the housing crisis? The spectacular breakup of Donald Trump and Elon MuskPlus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles on the week, including the impact of Airbnb in rural towns, the dreaded one-star review and a disappearing rainbow crossing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many challenges, including a political system in disarray, the threat of tariffs and a looming demographic disaster. Denis Staunton reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, won Sunday’s presidential by less than two percentage points. The result also has major implications for European politics. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the outcome with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:·       Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the questions posed by politicians during RTÉ’s appearance in front of the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday.·       Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, who support the Government, put a dent in the Coalition’s majority by voting in favour of a Sinn Féin Bill in support of Palestine.·       Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was awarded €100,000 after a jury found he was defamed by a 2016 BBC TV programme and related article that falsely accused him of sanctioning the murder of a British agent.·       And is it time to disband Children’s Health Ireland? Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill is considering subsuming the statutory body into the HSE following several controversies during its six years in existence.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:·       The tight Polish presidential race, looming climate fines, the rise of the campervan, and the wonderful Cáit O’Riordan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism". She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and why its appeal to traditional left-wing tendencies, like solidarity and supporting the underdog, helps disguise its more reactionary elements. They also talk about Germany's relationship with Israel and how its own history influences German views on what is happening in Gaza. Susan Neiman is an American moral philosopher, commentator and author known for her work on ethics, the Enlightenment and contemporary politics. She is the director of The Einstein Forum, a think-tank based in Potsdam, Germany,  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.