{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/68cd57f188c516d26e1c9409?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Can Sheridan or Steen get a presidential nomination over the line?","description":"<p>Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>The nomination process for presidential candidates rumbles on. At the time of recording independent Gareth Sheridan has the best chance, needing two more local councils to back him. A report today looking at Sheridan’s business partner’s links with Russia may not be welcomed by his campaign as councillors around the country weigh up their decision.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Meanwhile social conservative Maria Steen is gathering nominations in the Oireachtas. Can she get over the line before next Wednesday’s deadline?</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Mary Lou McDonald continues to be coy about who will get Sinn Féin’s backing, perhaps enjoying an opportunity to toy with the media. But who will it be - Catherine Connolly, or one of their own?</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Budget 2026 is drawing near. So far the focus of political debate has been on the withdrawal of one-off payments. It is an issue that cuts through, as Opposition parties well know.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Plus the panelists pick their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week, including columns on a rescinded award and Ireland’s rudeness problem and a look at sport’s greatest quirkiest cheating scandals.&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"The Irish Times"}