Path to Power

As Fine Gael considers a conference motion that it is “too progressive” and needs to reject woke, its former TD John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt to debate this. With Fine Gael at 15% in the polls, does the party need a fundamental reset in deciding what it is? They assess whether the Budget was a failure in appealing to what the Fine Gael voters really want, and suggest the special savings account has landed to a ‘meh’. They detail Simon Harris’ interactions with Patrick O'Donovan and how the family row is likely to have gone down with the public. They contrast this to the strong positions Jim O'Callaghan is taking against the solicitors and on immigration, and how popular this is making the Minister for Justice. They ponder Micheál Martin's new united Ireland initiative and how much the public in the 26 counties wants to engage. They debate Sinn Féin's Irish language position as part of the immigration debate, a little on Michael D. Higgins and the Triple Lock, and John's US midterm election predictions.

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Shane Coleman and Lise Hand discuss Ireland’s failure to tackle climate change, growing opposition to data centres, and our economic dependence on big tech. They examine the global cybersecurity scare that left millions of websites potentially vulnerable to hackers. The heated Dáil row over the Triple Lock and its implications for Irish neutrality. Also, violent protests across Europe and the dangers of political polarisation. And Lise recalls working with Terry Keane and the revelation of her affair with Charlie Haughey, ahead of Matt’s interview with Vincent Browne about his new Haughey biography in this week’s bonus episode.

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and entrepreneur Áine Kerr join Matt to discuss the reasons for, and the impact of, the public sector pay disputes and how inevitably they will get solved, but when and at what price? After Ireland hosts a major conference on AI, Áine and Leo, who both participated, report on what took place and look to Ireland and the EU’s future with AI. In particular, they focus on environmental issues – dirty big data centres – and the impact on jobs. They debate the underfunding of third-level education but differ on who should provide the money to fund the gap. Drumcree/Garvaghy Road “settlement” and the long-term impacts assessed. As the ESRI reports that most immigrants move to affluent areas, Leo offers his assessment of that finding.

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Daniel McConnell and John Lee join Matt on yet another remarkable week for RTÉ, as Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan withholds €20 million of promised funding from the state broadcaster. What can Kevin Bakhurst do at RTÉ about it? Why the rest of the Cabinet can’t believe that O'Donovan has dropped them in this one and overshadowed the Budget. Daniel, John, and Matt also give their assessment of the Budget and the political benefits for Jack Chambers and Simon Harris.

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and entrepreneur Áine Kerr join Matt to reflect on a tumultuous week for Irish football, whether the Israel games should have been cancelled, what practical support we can give to Palestine, whether Ireland is antisemitic, and how all of this is viewed in the USA. They turn to the rights and wrongs of the Drumcree/Garvaghy Road parade and what the consequences are for moving towards a united Ireland. Also, where Ireland and Europe stand on the issues of AI investment and regulation, Ireland’s role in EU defence, and the politics of sports funding.

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John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt to discuss whether prosperous Ireland is a country for young people. They compare emigration now with the nineties and debate whether young people really have reasons to complain. They broaden the discussion to the general levels of unhappiness expressed by the wider population and ask how prevalent this really is. They look at the budgetary implications of dealing with home heating oil prices, energy credits for electricity and gas, and excise on petrol and diesel. They discuss the Public Services Card as a national ID, and John has ideas for Ring doorbells as a national anti-crime resource. Does a rise in public transport fares make any sense? And there is disagreement over whether the Ireland-Israel football internationals should go ahead.

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Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss the fallout of Donald Trump's visit to Ireland and how he unexpectedly emerged as a United Irelander. They discuss his responsibility for the fuel prices and whether the protesters should blame him rather than our government. They discuss Sinn Féin’s tactics in achieving a United Ireland and why Micheál Martin thinks it’s all ráiméis. In light of Gary Murphy's new biography of Brian Cowen, the trio add their own recollections and assessments. The alleged assault of Michael Healy-Rae and the growing dangers to our politicians. The politics of the Ireland-Israel football game, and whether the government should have stopped it from going ahead (with a nod to Ed Sheeran). And do we just need to get on with the MetroLink no matter what the cost?

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Daniel McConnell and John Lee join Matt to look ahead to the budget and discuss the options and how they will be influenced by the economic upheaval caused by Trump's Iran war. They talk about carbon tax, excise duties on fuel, stamp duty for first-time house buyers, and Harris’ special investment accounts. The politics of the GAA integration row: what was Iar-Uachtarán Mary McAleese playing at, and what role can or should Patrick O'Donovan, the sports minister, take? The extraordinary security operation for Donald Trump's visit, and how President Catherine Connolly is going to have to grin and bear it. 

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Matt is joined by former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr to discuss carbon taxes, whether they should go up in the budget and whether they should be there at all. They assess the public transport fare hikes and ask will the new buses ever leave the garage? They turn to pay for public-sector workers and wonder how we have reached a situation where there might be strikes. They examine the bad blood between Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and hospital consultants over weekend working. They debate the merits of the Simon Harris Savings and Investment Accounts. They assess President Catherine Connolly’s dilemma when her American counterpart, Donald Trump, comes to visit next weekend. And they ask if the latest grift scandal involving Nigel Farage will really have any impact at all. 

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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham rules out a United Ireland referendum; John Deasy and Lise Hand join Matt to discuss the Sinn Féin reaction, how happy Taoiseach Micheál Martin is likely to be at the development - given that he recently described the idea of a border poll as driving him bananas - and how much interest there genuinely is amongst Southern Irish voters in the prospects of a referendum. Also, they discuss the Dáil's recall to deal with the issue of excise on fuels and ask whether the deferral will be extended in November. They look at the political implications and reasons for doing this, as well as the budgetary implications. 

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Daniel McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss the political response to the outrageous and horrific crash on the M9. They focus on Jim O'Callaghan’s pronouncements and the likely implementation of new laws and Garda measures. The Healy-Rae documentary and what it revealed about the extent of the split in the Kerry dynasty. Autumn's political dilemma: how does the government deal with reducing fuel excise duties? And the Fianna Fáil TD objecting to a major new housing development in his constituency.

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John Deasy joins Matt to offer a person-by-person assessment of the performance of each member of the Cabinet. Who’s good and who’s not so good, even bad?

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin’s Senator Conor Murphy, a former NI economy minister, join Matt for a full discussion about the possibilities of a united Ireland. Is it the inevitability that some people are starting to suggest, who actually wants it, and would a citizens’ assembly be helpful for preparations in the Republic? The potential economic benefits and challenges assessed. Do the polls give us an accurate representation of public sentiment? How we can learn from German reunification. The British perspective if Reform come to power. And how do we manage to persuade the more extreme elements of loyalism?

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In hiding a cost-benefit analysis for the Ryder Cup in Limerick next year, is the Government in danger of drawing more attention to the costs of subsidising the event? Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss this and recall other occasions when ministers spent public money on major sporting events. Matt reveals that planning for Donald Trump’s September visit has accelerated, making it almost certain that he is coming. Lise, Shane and Matt also recall other times when major security operations were put in place for the arrival of foreign dignitaries. They discuss the Stop the Game campaign and whether Ireland should play football against Israel. The hypocrisy of the Aughinish Alumina report gives us another example of the Streisand effect, and they ask whether we take climate issues seriously enough.

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Simon Harris' income tax promises: John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt to debate the political benefits to the Fine Gael leader of making promises he may find hard to deliver. They also address the controversial issue of inheritance tax. The politics of Jim O'Callaghan's row with the legal profession are judged. The new plans for e-scooters and whether they should be extended to cyclists. And the real local politics of the Aughinish Alumina plant in Limerick. 

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Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin's true feelings for each other after the Sinn Féin leader calls her Fianna Fáil counterpart and Taoiseach a 'tosser'. Lynn Boylan's European Parliament embarrassment on the Irish language. Sinn Féin's position on an engineering plant in Derry that might be supplying the Israeli Air Force. The politics of Intel's increased Irish investment. Why the government must be glad it no longer has to deal with Aer Lingus' decisions. The length of the Dáil summer break, and John teases his cabinet scorecards.

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr join Matt to address the challenge to Nigel Farage being posed by a comedy candidate in the Clacton by-election. They give suggestions on how to revitalise O'Connell Street and the GPO. They offer a cost-benefit analysis on the MetroLink and wonder why it has taken so long. All three are outraged by the decision of the US Ambassador to Ireland to visit Conor McGregor's pub.

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Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee, who distinguish between Jeffrey Donaldson's illegal acts and his inappropriate ones, but ask how often inappropriate acts by Irish politicians get overlooked by the media. They examine some of the most high-profile events of the 21st century that did get media attention and why others didn't. Micheál Martin's erosion of authority, security issues with Trump's likely September visit, the strange results of the Red C poll on immigration, and the discrepancies on the Mayor of Galway's website.

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr join Matt to discuss Jeffrey Donaldson's appalling crimes and what he put his victims through by denying his guilt. They look at his political career and how he was a malign influence for more than forty years. They discuss Nigel Farage and whether his acceptance of a £5 million gift has scuttled his chance of becoming a prime minister. They discuss the departure of Keir Starmer, assess the likelihood of Andy Burnham doing a good job, and the timing of the general election he will call. They debate whether the decriminalisation of the possession of drugs would be a good idea or not, and weigh in on the importance or not of Ireland hosting the EU Presidency.

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Lise Hand joins Matt to remember their great friend who was murdered 30 years ago in June 1996. They recall their friendships with Veronica, how they got to know her, and her early years in journalism. They swap stories about what a great character she was, but also how she was a trailblazing journalist. They turn to the circumstances of the horror of her death and assess the reaction of the politicians of the time and what they did in response to what was a national outrage. They address her legacy and wonder what Veronica would be doing now if she were still with us.

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Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss the race riots in Belfast and how racism is also a major issue throughout the island, how fire bombings have not been restricted to Belfast, and how a blind eye is turned to the island's native criminals. The political posturing over the EU Migration Pact and its implementation. The politics of the Ireland-Israel soccer international. Further developments on the Triple Lock for peacekeeping. And how Jennifer Carroll MacNeill faced down the Rotunda Hospital.

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Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss the controversy about hospital consultants employed by the State doing private work in public hospitals. Two bulls in a Kerry Field: division between the Healy-Raes, what's really going on? The new EU scrappage scheme: more than a PR stunt? The politics of the declining birth rate. Bungalow blitz or bliss? John and Brenda have very different views. Supplying the Russian war machine from Shannon. And the latest on Ireland-Israel relations.

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Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss the concession that our 2030 climate targets will be missed, and ask if we need to apply the Tony Blair analysis for Britain that net zero is inappropriate. They offer their by-election analysis of the real significance of the outcomes of two by-elections for the national picture. They discuss the changing conversation on immigration and Jim O’Callaghan’s position on deporting criminals. They return to the thorny problem of financing RTÉ, and debate whether the Government is as much to blame as management for the current crisis.

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The death of Yves Sakila on a Dublin street - is this the Irish version of George Floyd, but do enough people care? Brendan Ogle joins Matt, and they have a wider conversation on the impact of migration on Ireland, Brendan's personal experiences of listening to racist comment, and they discuss work visas for non-EU citizens. What are the real issues in the latest RTÉ hoo-ha? Reaction to Israel's illegal kidnapping of flotilla members and why a football international with Israel cannot take place in Dublin. As a former train driver, Brendan reacts to Irish Rail's failed €50 million IT investment, and Matt asks if the DAA should be allowed to spend €5 billion on extending Dublin Airport.

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Matt is joined by Lise Hand and Shane Coleman to discuss the controversy involving former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his views on immigration, as expressed to a voter who recorded and disclosed them. They offer a detailed assessment of the way in which Bertie Ahern operates and why he is an analogue 20th century politician in a digital world. Discussions on; the appropriate use of our national flag - the tricolour, how immigration will be a factor in next week's by-elections and whether constituency polls are accurate predictors of what will happen. They also discuss Jack Chambers attempts to impose fiscal discipline on his ministerial colleagues, Simon Harris’ obsession with savings plans for the well-off and Revenue’s approach to taxing sheds for beds.

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John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt for a spirited exchange about Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show comments and how they have sparked wider allegations that Ireland is antisemitic. Before that, they discuss why Ireland won’t ever go nuclear and why the country’s abortion laws are likely to remain unchanged. The impact of Gerry Hutch in the Dublin Central by-election and how Sinn Féin addresses his immigrant and race-baiting. How is the unity of the Left in the by-elections? Our pullback on Ukrainian support, character references from TDs for the convicted, and are student fee reductions the next Fianna Fáil/ Fine Gael split?

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Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee to discuss the changing government generosity towards Ukrainians and how this may have been influenced by the by-election in Galway West and Dublin Central. On the latter, they explore why a Sinn Féin win in Mary Lou's home constituency is not the slam dunk it should be, due to the presence of Gerry Hutch and possible voter confusion about what Sinn Féin stands for. They discuss the potential for Dara Calleary to become the leader of Fianna Fáil. Matt condemns the failure to get electric buses on the road and expresses bafflement at dust in the ducts at the National Children's Hospital, and they finish with praise for the financial generosity of former President Michael D. Higgins.

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Long-time protest activist Brendan Ogle takes issue with the conduct of the diesel protests and the government’s capitulation to unlicensed protesters. He details his own experiences with the Locomotive Drivers' Association, the Right2Water campaign, and the Apollo House protest against homelessness.

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Shane Coleman and Lise Hand join Matt, and they start with the suggested split in the Healy-Rae dynasty. They discuss all the issues related to the rural-urban divide, with particular emphasis on deprivation in urban areas. What would the public reaction be if people living in the inner cities did what the farmers did? Could the protesters bring us towards having an Irish Trump? Is the government, awash with cash, going to be a soft touch to further protests? A debate on the merits of bringing back social partnership, are we on the road to anarchy, and have we forgotten the crash? They discuss the controversy caused by Leo Varadkar’s comments about the rural-urban divide and who really pays the bills. The highly paid Robert Watt, cause he’s worth it? And how clever has Catherine Connolly’s immigration legislation position been?

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As Trump continues his suspension of the assault on Iran, Matt and Marion divert to the case of Kash Patel's sobriety, Pete Hegseth's use of a Pulp Fiction script as scripture, and RFK Jr.'s interest in the penises of raccoons. They discuss the sincerity of Tucker Carlson recanting his support for Trump, and how Marjorie Taylor Greene brings it all back to the Epstein files. Why MAGA is losing faith in the story it believed about the Trump assassination attempt. Trump's Fed nominee, Kevin Warsh and accusations that he's a 'sock puppet'. The many problems besetting the FIFA World Cup. And Joe Rogan persuades Trump to be interested in psychedelic drugs.

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Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former political correspondent Áine Kerr join Matt to analyse the politics of the past fortnight, dominated by the diesel protests. They look at Jim O’Callaghan’s use of the army, Patrick O’Donovan’s aborted assault on the media, and what the protests tell us about the rural-urban divide. The resignation of Junior Minister Michael Healy-Rae. How the opposition parties behaved during the protests. The Fianna Fáil youthful backbencher revolt. Dáil member behaviour towards and overall decorum. And Trump and the Pope.

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Driving the protesters off the blocked roads: Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss how the government has to confront threatened anarchy. Carbon tax increases debated, and is the future Nuclear? Why objections to IPAS Centres won't be bypassed. Why the Department of Education can't get its budget sums right, the problem with voluntary contributions, and paying teachers appropriately. Also, Mary Lou McDonald's belief that a united Ireland is the pressing political issue, will she campaign on that basis in the by-elections?

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Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss if the MetroLink project may be derailed by the untimely departure of its boss, Seán Sweeney, and if the government finances become shredded, will MetroLink become a victim again? How the attack on Iran continues to affect the Irish economy and the impact on the government's decision-making. Super saver Simon Harris: What does he want you to do with your money (if you have any)? Is Trump responsible for the increased sales of EV cars? Where would Ireland put a nuclear power plant? And tributes to the late Dr Rory O'Hanlon.

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Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt and open with a discussion on the proposal to limit the number of TDs. They discuss the 18th delay to the handing over of a National Children's Hospital by BAM. Do we need more Robert Watts running our Civil Service? The politics of excise cuts and fiscal discipline. How can overruns at the Department of Education happen annually? Have they learnt nothing? The impact of Jim O'Callaghan in Justice and who is responsible for increased Garda visibility.

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Matt is joined by Brendan Ogle and Larry Donnelly to look at Irish reactions to Trump's Iranian assault. They rate and review Micheál Martin's Oval Office visit as much for what it signified as what he said. They discuss whether it is safe for Irish people to go to America, especially for the World Cup. Brendan, a regular visitor to Cuba, explains why we should continue to monitor the situation there while all the tension and focus are on the Middle East. They return home to discuss the many price increases that are likely to result from the Gulf crisis and what the government could and should do in response. They debate the number of data centres and the price they should pay for electricity. And they finish on the Oireachtas hearing on the extension of passenger numbers at Dublin Airport.

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Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the perilous nature of Micheál Martin's visit to the Oval Office: what sort of Trump will he find, can he safeguard Irish interests, and is it right to be dealing with the increasingly erratic president at all at a time of war? Was Catherine Connolly out of line to make statements about violations of international law, and in doing so, was she putting it up to the government? Lise and Shane disagree vehemently. Matt defends the Moriarty Tribunal from the criticisms of Michael Lowry and Denis O'Brien. And also, a short clip from Leo Varadkar - our new PTP cast member.

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Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss America's assault on Iran and what Ireland's position on it should be. They assess what Micheál Martin should do in Washington the week after next, and how a prolonged war would prompt a cost-of-living crisis. They debate whether the government should be paying for people to return from the Gulf states. They also discuss the Fáilte Ireland attempt to get us all to take more short holiday breaks in Ireland. And they focus on Phil Hogan's bid for a new big UN gig.

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Matt is joined by John Lee and Danny McConnell to discuss Sinn Féin's prospects in the Dublin Central by-election, its position on Ukraine, Mary Lou McDonald's memories of Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane, and how cost-of-living issues may give SF its strongest opportunity to make a mark on the government politically. Also, rent reforms and house building, Ireland's defence readiness for the EU presidency, and reaction to the Greens victory in the British by-election.

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Matt is joined by Áine Kerr and Shane Coleman to discuss the importance of SNAs in our schools and our government's mishandling of potential changes. Why is the government finding it so hard to come up with ways of protecting our children from harmful social media? Outrage at the planning refusal for a new building for the Rotunda Hospital on Parnell Square, is there anything to be said in favour of the planning board's decision? Was Sinn Féin invited to the White House or not before it said it wasn't going?

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Former Fine Gael TD John Deasy and Irish Daily Mail Columnist Brenda Power join Matt to discuss the wider implications for Irish emigrants to the US of the Seamus Culleton case. Why is Ireland soft on the murderous Iranian Regime? Sinn Féin's positions on Iran and Ukraine assessed. The rise of the Social Democrats: Is it sustainable and at whose expense? Michael Healy Rae and his Airbnb victory. Is the IFA biting off more than it can chew with its Bord Bia campaign? The latest Garda Scandal: Is there adequate justice for Margaret Loftus? Kier Starmer's survival. And where Ireland will play football against Israel.

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Danny McConnell and John Lee examine the consequences of Ireland’s repeated failure to deliver flood defences and critical infrastructure. They ask whether the Social Democrats under Holly Cairns are emerging as a credible alternative to Sinn Féin on the left, assess the runners and riders in the upcoming Dublin by-election, the continued fallout from the government’s ‘incoherent’ stance on Mercosur, and the performance of social media executives at the Oireachtas.

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As Storm Chandra wreaked havoc on the country, Shane Coleman and Lise Hand discuss who is really responsible for making sure appropriate weather warnings are given. Fianna Fáil's slump in the polls and the threat to Micheál Martin's leadership. Ivana Bacik's calls for the Taoiseach not to visit the White House on St. Patrick's Day. The soapbox politics of the Bord Bia and Brazilian beef situation. A salute to Mary Robinson and other leading Irish women for St. Brigid's Day. And the resurgence of protest songs in response to troubling world events.

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As Donald Trump pushes his Board of Peace idea, would it be wise for Ireland to join and if we say no, could the squeeze be put on us? John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt, and John outlines his personal dealings with the US President during his time as an Irish government envoy. Is Ireland ready for a 'MIGA' movement, and why would the US Ambassador to Ireland go to a fringe conference? Is the Mercosur European Parliament vote something that Trump would have wanted? The Board of Peace: Is it a Trump commercial venture for Gaza? Also, Gráinne Seoige's experience of fake photos on the internet, can her terrible experience lead to real action, or are we too scared of losing the Meta tax revenues? And finally, why is the M4 bus corridor not open?

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Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee to unpack the continuing Mercosur fallout inside the government and with the EU. The foreign challenges for Micheál Martin in 2026. All talk but what action about Grok AI? The politics and economics of the data centres. Paschal Donohoe, the World Bank, and the question of an additional €10 million. The merits of politicians reading books. Jim O'Callaghan's immigration crackdown. And the protection of sources by journalists from the courts.

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Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt for a wide-ranging discussion starting with the Irish government's position on the Mercosur deal. What Micheál Martin was up to in China, and how the Chinese relationship will impact our existing relationships with the US and the EU. Why we need to worry about more people than Trump. What is our government going to do about Elon Musk's Grok and the 'nudification' of photos? Jim O'Callaghan's sneaky and dangerous attack on journalism. Political action on road safety. And finally, Mary Lou McDonald's interview about the place of trans people in Ireland, debated.

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Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the many newspaper interviews given by Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris over the Christmas period. They discuss the threats to his family's safety, his likely tax and spend position as finance minister, the controversies caused by his comments on homelessness and migration, and his plans for a possible crackdown on social media anonymity. They look at MAGA monster Steve Bannon's threats to establish a political movement in Ireland, and they discuss foreign trips to China and other countries by Taoisigh and presidents.

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Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin coalesce to save fox hunting. Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss left unity and who Sinn Féin will really end up in government with. Also, what Simon Harris's replacement of Paschal Donohoe in Finance really means. The impact of tariffs and the IDA's success in still attracting investment to Ireland. Will the UK ever rejoin the European Union in a reverse Brexit? And John tells tales of a private dinner in Doonbeg with Donald Trump.

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Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss not the gang who couldn't shoot straight, but the gang who couldn't even get a shot off, and yet Micheál Martin is injured, but is it all self-inflicted because of his Jim Gavin gaffe?

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Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt to discuss the outrage caused by the videos of adults returning to live in their parents' homes, the politics of making people pay for their blister packs of medicines, entering the US if you have a social media history, Ireland and Jim O'Callaghan's position on changes at the European Convention on Human Rights, the long awaited Fianna Fáil presidential debacle report - has Micheál Martin timed it's release perfectly? And the continuing stand-off between Kenny Jacobs and the DAA.

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A rowdy gathering for our 100th episode as Matt, Lise Hand, and Shane Coleman dissect: RTÉ's Eurovision departure and Ireland's defence against anti-semitism. Defending Ireland while remaining neutral. The TDs who need to get a grip of themselves. How our tax revenues should be spent, and our vulnerability to losing the money. The Government's Accelerating Infrastructure plan. And the traffic nightmare and the M50 logjam.

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Should Micheál Martin rein in the foreign travel? The Government's change of stance on immigration, why IPAS centres and work permits need to be treated separately. MetroLink: Do the objectors deserve any sympathy? The contentious suggestion to rename Dublin Airport, Verona Murphy's unwise photo op with Sinn Féin, and Gerry Hutch's developing political campaign.

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Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right thing in taking on Paschal's old job? Will Gerry Hutch run in the by-election, and what are his chances of winning? Ireland-U.S. relations: What should our government's approach be in the face of Trump's aggression?

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Matt is joined by Newstalk Breakfast host and former political editor Shane Coleman, and by journalist and former Dáil correspondent Lise Hand to discuss the government's new housing initiative. They also reflect on President Connolly's inauguration, talk about Billy Kelleher's carefully worded internal dissent in Fianna Fáil, and the status of the inquiry into the Jim Gavin presidential debacle.

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Micheál Martin teetering on the edge as his leadership of Fianna Fáil comes up for debate, for how much longer can he hang on? Guests Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt for a spirited debate about the Taoiseach's future and just who will move against him? And what are Jim O'Callaghan's credentials to replace him? Also, why the 'Future Forty' doesn't inspire confidence.

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The impact of the high number of spoiled votes in the election for future politics assessed, and how it will impact on migration policy. Is the left primed for power? Micheál Martin's tenuous grip on Fianna Fáil appraised, and our first musings on Jim O'Callaghan's (and others') suitability to replace him.

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Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so many people didn't vote, and why Micheál Martin's Jim Gavin disaster may prove fatal for his leadership. Also, Matt's idea for a new way to appoint the president, which Ivan derides.

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Ivan as a footnote to presidential history, why Catherine Connolly is about to win and how heavily Heather Humphreys might lose. The likely fallout in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and whether Sinn Féin has missed a trick. Paul Murphy's legal action assessed. And how the result of the election may reflect societal division and provoke real change.

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The circumstances of Jim Gavin's presidential exit examined, and the consequences for Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil. When will Jim O'Callaghan seize the crown? The Budget: Why nothing for workers, and the overall expansion of government spending debated.

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Our duo deliver a detailed pre-budget examination of what's likely to happen next Tuesday, from income tax measures to VAT on hospitality and apartments to the overall state of the government finances, changes to the tax treatment of ETFs and R&D for corporates, and the likely increases in social welfare. Also, the presidential race: who really won the first TV debate, Jim Gavin's social media gaffes, Catherine Connolly's convicted friend, and the presidential week analysed.

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Matt and Ivan meet former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a wide-ranging discussion based on the publication of his book 'Speaking My Mind'.

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How Ivan bought into the Jarlath Burns for president rumour, what Heather Humphreys must surrender in her bid for the Áras, Jim Gavin and the farm gate, the failure of the independents to get on the ballot, the bizarre DAA situation with Kenny Jacobs, and Ivan's post Ploughing Championships briefing.

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As Matt and Ivan deplore political violence in the United States, they assess the seriousness of the threats to Simon Harris and others. The presidential updates - How Jim Gavin won the Fianna Fáil nod and finds that he's senior hurling now, plus news on the other candidates. Ivan bemoans our forestry failures. How Jeffrey Epstein has ended Peter Mandelson's career finally. And Ivan looks forward to pending changes in our planning laws to stop vexatious individuals.

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Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can't escape his past and crashes out of the presidential race. Jim Gavin's advantage over Billy Kelleher for the Fianna Fáil nomination assessed. Does Heather Humphrey have a disability issue to overcome? Inside the Bob Geldof interest, and Ivan's surprise at weatherwoman Joanna Donnelly's presidential ambitions, more on Catherine Connolly and Alan Kelly, and the need for Sinn Féin to make a decision quickly. Also, the objections to Dublin's essential wastewater treatment plant, and Matt advocates for school secretaries and caretakers.

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Former army man and GAA legend Jim Gavin shoots for the presidency with Fianna Fáil, AK-47 Alan Kelly takes aim at Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin appears to lack the ammunition if Mary Lou won't run, and some independents risk their feet. Also, a tribute to Pat Kenny's radio tenure.

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As the slow bicycle race gathers momentum, could the presidential election turn into a referendum on the performance of Simon Harris? Heather Humphreys' chances assessed, Mairead McGuinness' departure explained, and the prospects of all the other non-Fine Gael contenders are examined.

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The job facing the new Garda Commissioner assessed, with retirements threatening to outnumber new recruits. The financial perils of running for president versus the rewards. How dependent are we on FDI? How we can make a mess of it and how we can do more to help our own businesses. Ivan laments the closure of Thurles racecourse and reports back on his visit to England and Wales.

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Trump's 15% tariffs and the extra dangers to our pharma and semiconductor exports, how the national finances and the forthcoming budget will be affected. And Dermot Desmond's views on abandoning the Metro are assessed. 

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An assessment of the individual performances of The Taoiseach, The Tánaiste, and each Government Minister. Ivan picks out the best of the Juniors, and Matt & Ivan also take a look at the performance of the opposition parties.

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Dancer Michael Flatley, medic Tony Holohan, and academic Deirdre Heenan and their presidential prospects assessed. The Summer Economic Statement dissected: Should the hospitality sector get a VAT break? The National Development Plan broken down: Is it enough despite the hundreds of billions involved and will it actually get delivered? An example of why we are not really serious about solving our housing crisis, Michael O'Leary's Metro dismissal, and Ivan supports AIB's return to the office demand.

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Ivan reads the economic tea leaves and blames government pessimism for falling consumer confidence in spending, the disaster of the falling number of new home building starts, why a principled position on Palestine may become an economic problem for us, and more on Mary Lou for president and the chances of Catherine Connolly.

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Matt and Ivan have a spirited debate about the chances of Mary Lou McDonald appealing to enough voters to win the Presidency, they assess what the other parties can do in response. But before that, Jim O'Callaghan's legal damages welcome climedown, smaller apartment sizes and the Hines development at Clonliffe, and Trump's pharma tariffs.

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A lengthy debate on who should pay for third-level education and who gets the benefit. Ivan takes issue with Matt for enjoying the hospitality of the US Embassy, why insurance awards may be going up and who's to blame for higher insurance prices, the tears of Rachel Reeves and what caused them, and a tribute to Brother Kevin Crowley.

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Ivan praises the political impact of Trump's Iran moves: Matt disagrees. Also, Dublin Airport update, the do-nothing government, the expansion of the Civil service, union boss Owen Reidy gets in touch, alcohol labelling is delayed, Ireland's position on Israel and Gaza, and Ivan's assessment of where Sinn Féin are at and its presidential position.

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In a Path to Power special, Matt is joined by veteran US-based Irish journalist Marion McKeone to discuss Donald Trump's gamble with his MAGA base by attacking Iran, why MAGA doesn't want American wars, and the influence of the Jewish lobby on political and military support for Israel. And, they go beyond politics to analyse the Jeff Bezos wedding in Venice, and talk about the Kennedy's because of the Ryan Murphy TV show about the death of JFK Jr, his wife Carolyn and her sister Lauren.

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Israel and Iran: Where Ireland and the EU stand, and where Trump stands with his MAGA base. How real is the National Economic Dialogue? Is Paul Murphy the Irish Greta Thunberg? Scandals and further investigations into nursing homes: the public vs. private battle. From health to planning: Paul Reid's new gig, and tributes to Journalist Phillip Molloy and Lord Henry Mount Charles.

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After a detour to the Ballymena riots, Ivan and Matt return to the ongoing housing crisis and the government's Rent Pressure Zones initiative. The death of Evan Fitzgerald and the controversy over the 'controlled delivery' by the Gardaí of guns to him, reference to the Tina Satchwell and Michael Gaine murder investigations, and shoplifters get shirty.

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A discussion on whether the bail laws need to be changed, the further revelation undermining Children's Health Ireland, top civil servants with different interpretations of what can be done, more criticism of the planning process, and a debate on the ethics of fox hunting.

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Ivan and Matt report on their travels and what they have learnt about AI and its impact on society, the Irish-American view of the world, the latest on Trump's tariffs, and why Irish Water is more important than RTÉ.

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Where we are going with Rent Pressure Zones, the Mayo-led boycott of second-home owners, what really happened in 2024's election voting, room to improve for TD's offices (and who wants a 'La-Z-Boy' chair), and the cover-up of Joe Biden's illness.

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An assessment of 20 years of the HSE, the planned departure of the chief executive and what needs to be done. The failure to build hospitals and the incredible cost of the one that is being built. Judges and the planning process and the failure to build houses. Marital disharmony between Micheál and Simon, and more inside presidential gossip.

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Analysis of what the new Pope's election means, given that he's American and has criticised JD Vance and Donald Trump. What does the US/UK trade deal mean for Ireland? The Irish Government calls out Israel for war crimes, but what are the implications for us? Ruth Coppinger's Trump impression, Joe Duffy's retirement, his importance to public debate, and whether he could be a presidential candidate? RTÉ's latest financial troubles, and Ivan addresses the skorts.

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The debacle of the failed Brendan McDonagh appointment to a new Housing Activation Office prompts Ivan and Matt to cut loose on the government's performance in its first 100 days. They also discuss the anti-immigration protests, empty prison cells at a time of overcrowding, and another RTÉ financial shocker.

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The pope's legacy, the politics of the papacy, conservatism versus liberalism and did Francis fall in the middle? How the Irish State's relationship with Catholicism has changed in the last half-century, and Ivan's bet on who will be the next pope. Teacher burnout: how the nature of the job has changed and what needs to be done to have more teachers. And Matt defends himself on the downsizing of homes as people age and the size of family units begins to fall.

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Where Ireland stands with pharma and tech in the tariffs era, how will it impact the public finances, and could austerity return? The government doubles down on supporting business over workers, the price of beef and where our farmers face more potential competition, the politics and economics of free HRT, and the possibilities of a Fine Gael leadership heave.

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Matt and Ivan assess the implications of a traumatic week in financial markets and global politics. They then return to home to evaluate the implications for Ireland, the Government's response and the EU's too. Also, Ireland and the Chinese relationship, Ivan fulminates on sick leave, and an update on our housing targets.

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The American economic idiot goes to work - how will Ireland and the EU respond? Food and alcohol hit, but what next for pharma, tech, and financial services? Could Greenland make it worse? The Government's plans for Local Property Tax - does it take the loss of windfall corporate tax into account? And no housing supply solution until 2029?

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Michael Lowry as a lightning rod, Verona Murphy's future and Dáil decorum. Liberation day; how to deal with Trump's tariffs. Is Ireland joining a NATO 2.0, if there's going to be one? And RTÉ finally begins its financial restructuring.

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From the Octagon to The Oval Office, Conor McGregor's potential disruption of the 2025 Áras race. A debate as to whether Simon Harris is right to suggest a Trump address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the economic dangers of the Trump tariffs outlined, the latest on the speaking rights row in the Dáil, and Ivan's Leaving Certificate reform.

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How Taoiseach Micheál Martin emulated his late father by ducking and diving and throwing few punches when Donald Trump used him as a foil in the latest edition of the US President's daily political reality TV show. Also discussed - the senior Sinn Féin TD facing possible criminal charges, whether MetroLink should be built, Michael McDowell's presidential ambitions, and whether you should pay for your excess water?

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A preview of Micheál Martin's trip to The White House based on President Zelensky's visit. How will the Ukrainian war end? What should the Taoiseach do and say? Our economic dependence as trade imbalances dominate, Simon Harris' encounter with Marco Rubio, the politics of the 'triple-lock', and presidential candidate rumours and confirmations as the field narrows.

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Micheál Martin is going to the Oval Office, but what will happen? Matt and Ivan disagree on Trump’s effectiveness, whether it’s all bluster or seriously dangerous. The real importance of the Dáil speaking rights row and pending paralysis, Ivan’s green deal revelation and Matt on paying for and delivering new drugs, worse to come on the cost of the National Children’s Hospital, and the new cop in town.

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Sinn Féin prioritises Gaza over Ukraine, are we in a naive bubble about our defence and our national interests? Trump's assault on Europe and partiality to Putin, why we need to watch the German election, the log cabin solution to the housing crisis and the need to attract private investment, and a robust discussion on knife crime.

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Matt and Ivan argue for a whole of government approach to solving the housing crisis, the Peter McVerry Trust debacle, how the geopolitics of Ukrainian developments will impact on Ireland, and insight into what went on with the Arts Council IT system waste.

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The government's poor start, the Occupied Territories Bill: Ireland's values versus Ireland's interests. Trump's insane week (again), Ireland's relationship with the EU on tariffs and security, Senators to watch, and burying electricity cables or cutting trees?

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Matt and Ivan discuss the government’s response to storm Éowyn, how to solve the Dáil speaking rights impasse, Moriarty revisited, the Sinn Féin legal challenge to super junior ministers, Ivan’s ‘uncomfortable truths’ on female representation in public office, Is Darragh O’Brien the heir apparent in Fianna Fáil? Gossip, and more.

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The regional Independents, government or opposition? The rights and wrongs of the Dáil shenanigans, geography and gender in the cabinet selections, who's really going to drive the housing agenda with a new minister? And of course, Trump.

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Matt & Ivan look at the Programme for Government and its lack of firm commitments, the politics of the coalition deal and the jobs for Independents. And Ivan delivers a major revelation as to the Left's candidacy for the presidential election.

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The roles for Healy-Rae and Lowry in government formation, Ivan's weather rant, the TD who may become Attorney General, why there wont be a gender quota in the cabinet, Ivan's Christmas political reading, and why the Government needs to build, build, build.

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Matt and Ivan disclose the politics of Verona Murphy's elevation to Ceann Comhairle, the noses put out of joint, the jockeying for ministerial preferment, and Ireland's principled position on Israel in the face of anti-Semitic slurs.

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https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/

Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468a/

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