Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Sarah Burns and Jack Horgan-Jones, both journalists from the Irish Times with sharp insights into Irish politics, dive into the electrifying atmosphere leading up to the general election. They discuss Fine Gael's PR struggles amid media scrutiny and the rising momentum of Sinn Féin's Mark Ward. The potential comeback of former Green TD Paul Gogarty as an independent candidate adds to the drama. Plus, they gear up for a pivotal three-way leaders' debate, highlighting its stakes in shaping voter opinions.

Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn, seasoned political journalists from the Irish Times, dive into the latest electoral developments. They discuss Mary Lou McDonald's excitement over recent polling that places Sinn Féin ahead of Fine Gael. Simon Harris's struggles with leadership and public perception are critically analyzed, highlighting the pressure on politicians. The surprising ranking of the Green Party raises questions about their environmental policies. Finally, the importance of tackling serious social issues amidst sensational media coverage is explored.

Pat Leahy, a seasoned political editor, and Jack Horgan-Jones, an insightful political correspondent, delve into the dramatic shifts in the Irish election landscape. They analyze a recent poll showing Fine Gael's slide to third place, forcing Taoiseach Simon Harris to step up his game in an upcoming debate. The discussion highlights the role of social media in shaping political narratives and the unpredictability of late-declaring voters. Tensions rise as election day approaches, with pivotal moments that could redefine party fortunes.

Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, engages with listeners about pressing political issues. He highlights the economic challenges facing Ireland, including the risks of relying heavily on corporation tax. Martin addresses the difficulties renters face, advocating for improved housing supply while cautiously approaching stronger tenant protections. He navigates the complexities of coalition negotiations and discusses the significance of transparency in politics. Plus, he reassures voters about the ongoing commitment to the Occupied Territories bill amid rising concerns.

Kitty Holland, a social affairs correspondent at the Irish Times, and Jack Horgan-Jones, a political correspondent, dive into Ireland's political landscape. They discuss Gavin Pepper, an independent candidate, who claims to oppose illegal immigration without being far-right. The implications of his slogan 'Ireland is full' are explored. Simon Harris's reluctance to consider coalition suggestions from Labour and the Greens stirs debate. They also examine the rise of independent candidates amidst public dissatisfaction with traditional parties.

In the first of a series with the leaders of the three largest political parties, Taoiseach Simon Harris sat down with Hugh Linehan to answer questions submitted by Inside Politics podcast listeners on issues including taxation, housing, threats to Ireland’s economy, why Ireland does not facilitate overseas voting, and more.He revealed that he is not in favour of forming a coalition with a left-wing alliance of more than one party, a concept proposed by Labour leader Ivana Bacik, and sees a coalition of four parties or more as unstable. He also shared the qualities he admires in political opponents Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin, Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee join Hugh for a look at today's events on the campaign trail:Mary Lou McDonald showed how effective a campaigner and political communicator she can be while meeting students at DCU.Aontú launched its manifesto, but at first there was one thing missing - the manifesto itself.Fianna Fáil launched its plan for Dublin city, a place it has struggled to recover seats in since its 2011 nadir. Can the party make inroads in the capital?Plus Harry reminisces on that fraught 2011 election campaign.Over on irishtimes.com there are excellent resources for following the election:Constituencies - every candidate listed, every constituency analysed with a 'prediction / possible outcome'.Party Promises - compare the manifestos using this handy tool.Who should I vote for? Compare your views with parties and candidates.The Irish Times poll, current and archive.Election Daily podcast - all the episodes.Meet the Voters - our correspondents have been out and about meeting real people and discussing real issues, including taking the temperature with The Irish Times voter panel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Pat Leahy, a seasoned journalist from the Irish Times, sheds light on the evolving political landscape in Ireland. He tackles the implications of Donald Trump's reelection on Ireland's economy and the growing uncertainty surrounding it. A key point of interest is Sinn Féin's call for a peer review of RTÉ's Gaza coverage, raising questions about media bias and political motivations. Leahy also critiques the Labour Party's coalition strategies and the Green Party's positioning, offering insights into the complex dynamics of governance.

Cliff Taylor, an economics columnist for The Irish Times, Shana Cohen, Director at TASC, and John McHale, Professor of Economics at University of Galway, dissect Ireland's precarious economic model. They explore the implications of ambitious party spending promises amid reliance on corporate tax revenues. The discussion highlights the tension between necessary infrastructure investments and the sustainability of these expenditures, especially in light of global economic pressures. Concerns over tax system vulnerabilities and economic inequality add depth to their analysis.

Jennifer Bray, a keen Irish Times journalist, joins the discussion to dissect the tension-packed political landscape. The recent leaders' debate saw Micheal Martin and Simon Harris effectively counter Mary Lou McDonald, showcasing their strategies. Labour's Ivana Bacik aims for collaborative negotiations, but will other leftist parties comply? Sinn Féin's manifesto reveals surprising pledges on taxation and homelessness, adding heat to their rivalry. Meanwhile, the atmosphere reflects growing voter apathy amid these high-stakes dynamics.