Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics:·      The panel started by teasing out the convoluted and somewhat undemocratic Seanad election process. Is it better to be on the inside or the outside panel? And how important is it for nominees to possess sufficient qualifications?·      Does Sinn Féin need to change its message and personnel after so long in opposition? Could it be time for a reshuffle despite the party’s strength in areas like housing and finance?·      The decision on who will be the third leg of the next government edges ever closer, with Independent Ireland, the Regional Independent Group and the Healy-Rae brothers all still in contention. But what kind of ministries are in the offing?·      And speaking at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, President Michael D Higgins described Nato’s call for increased military spending as ‘appalling’. Will his frequent comments on international affairs set a precedent for his successor? Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, on Elon Musk and the AfD, Justin Trudeau’s legacy, and planning refusal for 900 apartments in Dundrum.

Government formation talks have ramped up since Christmas. What are the key points being discussed between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail? And what demands are Independent TDs making for their cooperation? Jack Horgan-Jones and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan on today's Inside Politics podcast to talk through everything that has happened so far in the process that will determine much of the politics of the next five years. In part two the panellists forecast some of the issues that will impact politics in 2025, from law and order to the presidency of Donald Trump.

In case you missed it: in 2023 Hugh spoke to American historian Gary Gerstle about his book The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order. Neoliberalism means different things to different people. As a set of economic policies it is mainly associated with reducing state intervention in commerce and society. In the course of its late 20th century heyday, neoliberalism transformed the world - for better or worse. But now its dominance is challenged by different models, such as the authoritarian capitalism of China. In his book Gary looks at how neoliberalism took hold, how it shaped society in the United States and beyond, and what its decline means. Gary Gerstle is Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus and Paul Mellon Director of Research at the University of Cambridge.

In case you missed it: back in March 2021 Hugh talked to Irish Times Berlin correspondent Derek Scally about his book The Best Catholics in the World. In the book Derek embarks on a quest to unravel the tight hold the Catholic Church has had on Ireland. In this conversation, Hugh and Derek discussed the origins of the book, the intersection of church, state and people and the strands of religion still intertwined in Irish society.This is the second of three back catalogue episodes this week. Inside Politics will return to its regular episodes from January 6th.

In case you missed it: back in August 2023 Hugh talked to New Yorker magazine writer Clare Malone about the US presidential election, still then in its early stages. They also discussed the role of legacy media and new media in American politics.This is the first of three back catalogue episodes to come. Inside Politics will return to its regular episodes from January 6th.

In December the Inside Politics team discussed the year in politics and the aftermath of the general election in front of an audience at the Laughter Lounge in Dublin city centre. Joining Hugh, Pat, Jen and Harry for part of the show was Irish Times soccer columnist and Second Captains podcaster Ken Early, who gave his take on the election, what motivates people to vote the way they do, why Sinn Féin's support declined relative to 2020 and what he learned when a pollster called to his door.

Jack Horgan-Jones, Jennifer Bray, Harry McGee and Pat Leahy join Hugh for part two of our annual "ask me anything" to consider many excellent questions submitted by listeners. Thanks to everyone who sent in their questions. Thanks also to all who listened to the podcast this year. From everyone on the Inside Politics team, we wish you a happy 2025.

Jack Horgan-Jones, Jennifer Bray, Harry McGee and Pat Leahy join Hugh for part one of our annual "ask me anything" session. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. Thanks also to all who listened to the podcast in 2024. Happy Christmas from everyone on the Inside Politics team.

It's our final Friday wrap of the year and Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Hugh to discuss the week in politics:The large influx of fresh TDs has brought a welcome joy and lack of cynicism to Leinster House. But the main event of the week was the election of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle after some old-fashioned back-room dealing. Just how and why did it come about?The Regional Group of Independents, that clan of geographically diverse TDs that includes the new Ceann Comhairle, are now set to support Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil as a partner in the next government. With Murphy out of the picture, the remaining members have begun jockeying for ministerial posts.This incoming coalition faces big challenges in the years ahead, from fiscal threats to climate action and handling the Occupied Territories Bill. How will the new government function and can it hold together?Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, on TikTok, the €20 billion iceberg right ahead, and the sad decline of kissing under the mistletoe.