Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Hugh talks to former Minister for Housing and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South Eoghan Murphy, whose recent memoir Running From Office explores how his once-promising political career went off the rails, how he struggled to get to grips with the housing crisis and what being a member of a cabinet and of Fine Gael looks like from the inside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Jack Horgan-Jones and Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:·      With Labour set to exit coalition talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the likelihood of Independents making up the small number of TDs needed to form the next government increases. Could consensus be harder to find on issues like climate change if the next government leans more to the right? ·      The question of who will be the next ceann comhairle has become harder to answer with some looking for Seán Ó Fearghaíl to continue in the role, Regional Independents putting Verona Murphy forward, and Sinn Féin also expected to put a name forward for the speaker’s position in the 34th Dáil.·      An awful week for the Social Democrats with newly elected TD Eoin Hayes being suspended on Tuesday for divesting shares in a company supplying military tech to Israel in July of this year, after being elected as a member of Dublin City Council in June.Plus, the panel pick their Irish Times stories of the week including:·      Patrick Freyne on the Christmas stuff the MSM don’t want you to know.·      Declan Walsh writes about the gold rush in war-torn Sudan.·      Finn McRedmond cringes at Paul Mescal on SNL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British journalist Lewis Goodall is cohost of the UK's most popular news podcast, The News Agents. Today he talks to Hugh about the year in UK politics: why Keir Starmer has struggled to get a grip on governing, the lingering impact of Brexit and how Labour's numerical victory has hidden the fragmentation of political support across the spectrum. Then Lewis tells Hugh how the Irish general election looks from his point of view and wonders how history will look back on this period in UK and Irish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post-election negotiations - or “government formation speed dating” as such discussions are now also known - have been happening throughout the week, and on today’s Inside Politics podcast Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Pat Leahy to discuss the main moves:On Friday the Social Democrats said they would not form a negotiating pact with Labour, closing the door to an idea floated by Labour leader Ivana Bacik before and during the campaign. Where does that leave Labour as it debates internally over whether to go in or stay out?The most important negotiations - between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil - are yet to begin. But already there are signs of tension, with Fianna Fáil niggling Fine Gael over its superior seat tally and Simon Harris saying on Friday that Fine Gael “should not be taken for granted”.Independent TDs are the other crucial cohort in this post-election dance. What will they want, individually and collectively, in exchange for propping up the next government?Plus the panel pick their Irish Times stories of the week including pieces on female leaders in the next Dáil, Conor McGregor’s career in America and a letter accusing our columnist Fintan O’Toole of “reheating the old Marxist argument of false consciousness”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, guests Theresa Reidy, a political scientist, Gerard Howlin, a seasoned political consultant, and Pat Leahy, the Irish Times political editor, dive into the lack of real choice in recent elections. They explore the implications of the current coalition, public perception of politics, and the challenges alternative parties face. Reidy highlights voter disengagement, while Howlin sheds light on Sinn Féin's internal struggles and shifting demographics. The conversation raises critical questions about Ireland's political future and voter agency.

Pat Leahy, an Irish Times journalist, joins the discussion on the aftermath of the recent Irish general election. He tackles whether Ireland is trapped in a cycle of winter elections and the effects of gender quotas on the Dáil Éireann's makeup. Pat also ponders the future political landscape, questioning possible alternatives to the traditional FF-FG government. Additionally, he humorously reflects on Bertie Ahern’s infamous ‘stupid aul pencils’ and their unexpected connection to Gerry Hutch’s electoral fate.

Cormac McQuinn, an Irish Times journalist, and political analyst Jack Horgan-Jones delve into the latest twists in Irish elections. They discuss the surprising rise of independent candidates and the electoral fall of a long-serving local TD, examining the implications for Fine Gael's strategy. The duo analyzes contrasting performances from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, alongside the Green Party's struggles in coalition politics. They also explore Sinn Féin's game plan while adding a humorous touch to the ongoing political narrative.

Pat Leahy, a seasoned Irish Times journalist, joins colleagues Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee to dissect the gripping events unfolding during election count centers. They analyze competitive dynamics, notably the battle between Labour and Gerry Hutch. The trio highlights the recent gains by the Labour Party and Social Democrats, the resurgence of Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin's decline, discussing strategies for coalition formations and the implications for smaller parties. Their insights blend serious analysis with light-hearted banter, making the political drama even more engaging.

Jack Horgan-Jones, a political analyst covering the Irish general election, joins to dissect the latest election results. Early tallies show Fine Gael's Jennifer Carroll MacNeill as a frontrunner, while Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty is expected to claim victory in Donegal. Surprising lows for anti-immigration candidates highlight shifting voter sentiments, as Philip Dwyer struggles to secure even 1% of the vote. The unexpected strength of the Social Democrats adds a new dynamic to the political landscape.

Pat Leahy, a seasoned political analyst from the Irish Times, and Jennifer Bray, an insightful commentary expert, dive deep into the latest election results. They highlight the Greens' disappointing performance while Sinn Féin's fortunes rise. The unexpected success of Gerry Hutch emerges as a significant anti-establishment signal, prompting thoughts on coalition dynamics. The conversation also touches on the shifting political landscape, new voter concerns, and the prospects for smaller parties like the Social Democrats, adding a layer of intrigue to future government formations.