Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Hugh Linehan and guests discuss domestic political issues and European defence challenges. In part one, Pat Leahy talks about the resolution of the Dáil speaking rights row and the damage it has done to the Government.In part two, Jack Power joins from Brussels to discuss the EU's defence strategy in light of recent geopolitical shifts. They discuss Ireland's military neutrality, potential defence spending, and the EU's broader strategy against emerging threats. The conversation also touches on challenges facing the EU with the Trump administration's threat of tariffs and the upcoming German elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh speaks with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally about major political shifts happening in Germany ahead of the federal election later this month. Germany’s history has meant any cooperation between mainstream parties and the far-right has been an unbreakable taboo. Could that finally change? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics:·      As the count continues to fill seats in the Upper House, and high-profile candidates lose out, the panel looks at whether the Seanad is a ‘creche for future TDs and a retirement home for others’.·      Ireland’s 23 new junior Ministers have been decided, but how many of them are real jobs, and who is likely to use their new position as a springboard to a senior ministry in the future?·      And the proposal to give the Regional Independent Group 10 minutes of speaking on Opposition time that caused uproar in the Dáil last week looks far from over with no resolution forthcoming.Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including Bertie for president? The place of small farms in modern Ireland, Latin America reacts to Trump’s aggression, and restriction on immigration in Germany. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are super-junior ministers allowed under the terms of the constitution? Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly this week launched a legal challenge against their use, just days after former taoiseach Leo Varadkar wrote a frank newspaper column about the necessity for these appointments. The panel also examines Sinn Féin's recent minor cabinet reshuffle and the party's strategic shift towards a more aggressive form of opposition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China correspondent Denis Staunton sits down with Hugh Linehan to talk about the impact of Donald Trump's reelection on the geopolitical landscape. Then he gives an overview of China's internal dynamics and its role on the international stage, at a moment in time when both are in flux.Topics include the rise and influence of tech billionaires in Trump's administration, contrasts between his first and second terms, and the preparedness of global powers for Trump's aggressive policies. Denis also talks about China’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the country's economic challenges, the evolution of societal and familial norms due to the one-child policy, and the Chinese government's efforts to combat corruption. The discussion transitions to China's international strategy, particularly its investment in African relationships and its positioning in global diplomacy amidst changing Western attitudes. Finally, the potential for conflict over Taiwan is analysed, with Denis suggesting that despite tensions, China's current economic prioritisation makes armed conflict unlikely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: It came a day later than expected, and along predictable lines, but we have a new Government. Only Fine Gael’s Peter Burke has retained his ministry, with Fianna Fáil’s James Browne taking on the seemingly impossible job of Minister for Housing. But will voters punish this Government if it fails, like the last one, to adequately address the housing crisis?Cabinet appointments have been criticised with only three women becoming Ministers. Fianna Fáil’s decision to appoint one woman, Norma Foley taking over as Minister for Children and Disability, is particularly noticeable. Did Micheál Martin foresee the criticism and choose to ignore it? And the first two days of the 34th Dáil couldn’t have been more different. Thursday’s sedate and predictable sitting was preceded by chaos on Wednesday as the vote for a new taoiseach was suspended amid loud protests from Opposition parties over the decision to grant Opposition speaking time to four Independent TDs who are supporting the Government. Does this point to closer Opposition cooperation during the lifetime of this government?Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the end of liberalism in the US, Miriam Lord on Wednesday’s fireworks in the Dáil, and how does the show go on for Hollywood? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead of the expected election of a taoiseach and appointment of ministers, today Leinster House was the scene of chaos and an unprecedented disruption of Dáil tradition, with the Opposition saying it will not back down from its demands in a standoff over speaking time.Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy were there. They tell Hugh Linehan what happened and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Later today the Dáil will return to elect Michéal Martin as taoiseach, after which new government ministers will be appointed. But who are the TDs in the running for each ministerial post, and how will they day unfold? Pat and Hugh discuss what we know and what we think we know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the day Donald Trump returns to office as president of the United States, Hugh and Pat are joined by journalists Paul Colgan and Liz Carolan and Pat Leahy to look at what his administration might mean for Ireland's politics and economy. How should the incoming government handle Trump 2.0? Paul Colgan is a journalist and broadcaster. Liz Carolan works on democracy and technology issues, and writes at TheBriefing.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics: ·      As the process of ratifying the Programme for Government continues, will the wheels of power slow down or will much-needed infrastructure projects get going while climate targets remain a priority?  ·      With Fianna Fáil set to have 8 Cabinet seats and 7 going to Fine Gael with Micheal Martin becoming next Taoiseach, which TDs are being tipped as the most likely for promotion and will outgoing senior ministers stay in Cabinet? ·      Cormac breaks down some minor controversy around the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann, involving Independent TD Michael Lowry and new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy. ·      And journalist Ken Foxe’s Freedom of Information request shows an email containing questions in advance of Taoiseach Simon Harris’s appearance on the 2 Johnnies podcast ahead of the November general election.Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the passing of lauded film-maker David Lynch, Joe Biden’s tarnished presidential legacy, and DEI programmes in universities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.