Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

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.

Pat Leahy, a seasoned Irish Times journalist, joins the discussion to shed light on the current political landscape. They dive into the Labour Party's bold manifesto launch, contrasting it with Fine Gael's approach to housing. The conversation unpacks the implications of John McGahan’s controversial past on Fine Gael's reputation. Amidst talk of ambitious housing goals, they address the party dynamics and mounting skepticism toward policy proposals, offering a deep dive into the challenges facing Ireland's political future.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a keen observer of the election campaign, joins political analyst Cormac McQuinn for a deep dive into the unfolding electoral drama. They discuss Fine Gael's focus on law-and-order and its potential to resonate with voters. The conversation shifts to the cost-of-living crisis and whether politicians are adequately addressing it amid proposals like phasing out third-level fees. Lastly, Mick Wallace's unexpected candidacy in Wexford adds an intriguing twist to the election landscape.

Politician journalist Pat Leahy dives into the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, revealing a notable increase in support for independent candidates. He discusses how these independents are focusing on local issues and could shape the next government. The conversation highlights shifting voter loyalties, especially as upcoming elections draw near, and the contrasting support patterns in urban and rural areas. Excitement builds for the electoral campaign as major parties brace for competition from these emerging voices.

Jennifer Bray, a political correspondent for the Irish Times, and Pat Leahy, its political editor, join Hugh to discuss the latest in Irish politics. They dive into Simon Harris's proposal to remove the means test for the carer's allowance and the associated costs. The duo analyzes Sinn Féin's revamped immigration policy, emphasizing collaboration over rivalry between major parties. Their discussion highlights urgent themes like housing and reflects on the evolving dynamic between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, blending insights with engaging commentary.

Jack Horgan-Jones, an Irish Times journalist and nominee for Political Correspondent of the Year, and Jennifer Bray, a political analyst for the same publication, dive into the housing crisis dominating the election. They dissect Eoghan Murphy's candid acknowledgment that his party overlooked housing, sparking fierce debates between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Additionally, they evaluate Sinn Féin's defense against past criticisms and how rising rents are shaping the landscape for younger voters, all amidst a backdrop of intensifying political rivalries.

In this engaging discussion, Liz Carolan, Executive Director of Digital Action, dives into the shifting landscape of digital campaigning leading up to the 2024 elections. She highlights the rise of 'cheapfakes' and the humorous ways they influence voter perceptions, like a digital Taylor Swift endorsement. The conversation shifts to the effectiveness of platforms like TikTok in shaping political strategies and the alarming rise of misinformation online. Liz emphasizes the changing dynamics of party politics in Ireland and how digital trends challenge traditional voter engagement.

Harry McGee and Sarah Burns, who have accompanied politicians from several parties as they have canvassed for votes in the past week, join Hugh to talk about the issues that are coming up on doorsteps. In Dublin South Central and Dublin West, Sarah has noticed a less negative sentiment towards Sinn Féin. That's good news for the party as it seeks to add second seats in constituencies where it dominated in 2020 but lost support in local elections and opinion polls.Sinn Féin will also be happy to hear that housing is the issue coming up most often, with immigration a less prominent concern than during the summer. In Dun Laoghaire, Harry was on the canvas with Green Party TD Ossian Smyth, who faces a challenge to hold onto his seat in a constituency that could tell us a lot about which way the 2024 general election is going for the coalition parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Linehan is joined by Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn to discuss today’s events in the 2024 general election campaign:Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers at a Fine Gael TD’s campaign launch event have got the party off to a bad start.Fine Gael’s proposal to change a VAT rate in order to help the hospitality industry has some downsides, not least for the other industries who will actually come out of the change taxed more heavily. Another Fine Gael proposal, to use some of the Apple tax bonaza to boost Help to Buy, a scheme aimed at first-time buyers, also has its critics. And the confirmation that Gerry Hutch will be a candidate means Dublin Central looks set to be 2024′s most colourful constituency. But does he have a chance? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dáil has been dissolved and the 2024 general election is officially underway. Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy join Hugh to discuss day one of the campaign:How Taoiseach Simon Harris addressed the countryPoster wars had begun prematurely on lampposts all across Ireland Mary Lou McDonald spoke about Sinn Féin's strategy for this campaign, to a soundtrack of Damien DempseyPlus: Tickets are now available for Inside Politics live in Dublin on Wednesday, November 20th at 6.30pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.