Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:In the first Irish Times national poll since February, the lack of movement in party support points to an electorate not wholly enamoured by the incumbent Government but not exactly enthused about the alternatives either. One of the big contradictions arising from the poll is around the question of a united Ireland. A clear majority of 68 per cent feel the Government should begin preparations for possible Irish unity, but only a small minority of voters would consider changes such as a new Irish flag, national anthem or joining the Commonwealth to make a united Ireland more acceptable to northern unionists.The poll also reveals what voters want in Budget 2027 – with the cost of energy and home heating the top priority ahead of next month’s budget.And there is nothing like a premature sports capital grant announcement to stir animosity within the Coalition.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping lands in Washington later this evening for a three-day state visit, his first to Washington since 2015. The Trump White House is rolling out the red carpet and laying on the full ceremonial treatment for a leader who currently still faces American tariffs, sanctions and export controls. Irish Times China correspondent Dennis Staunton joins Hugh from Hong Kong to explain what both men want out of the meeting and what it will tell us about the balance of power between the world's two superpowers. They also talk about the race for AI supremacy and China's economic challenges.

Anthony Scaramucci is a successful Wall Street financier, a recovering Republican, a famously short-lived communications director in the first Trump administration and co-presenter with Katty Kay of The Rest is Politics US. His new book All the Wrong Moves chronicles his time within the Maga movement and diagnoses where America took a wrong turn. He talks to Hugh about three “catastrophic” policy errors he believes gave rise to the populist anger that propelled Trump to power.

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:The unprovoked attack on Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae this week highlighted how vulnerable public representatives can be. But when did criticism of Irish politicians turn into abuse and physical violence? Is it the long tail of the financial crash or simply a shift from online discourse to something far more sinister? Donald Trump’s thoughts on a united Ireland grabbed the headlines during his visit last week, but the image of cheering golf fans at the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort as he announced he was lifting tariffs on Irish whiskey, that he himself imposed, feels uncomfortable for a variety of reasons.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen pitched the idea of Canada as an “associate member” of the EU during her annual State of the Union address on Wednesday – an idea roundly embraced by Canada PM Mark Carney who was in attendance.The Sinn Féin Bill to remove the three-day abortion wait looks like it will pass despite dissenting voices in Government.And Aontú and Independent Ireland are open to discussing a vote transfer pact.

Derek Scally talks to Hugh about  the aftermath of two elections that have recently taken place: the Swedish general election and regional elections in the Gerrman region of Saxony-Anhalt. Each offers some fascinating insights into current trends and future directions in Germany and Scandinavia, and perhaps more broadly in Europe.  

Left-leaning think-tank Tasc has published a new report to mark its 25th year. the report (The State We Are In - Inequality in Ireland 2026) suggests that the redistribution of wealth via the tax system is struggling to keep inequality under control and argues for greater provision of services. It also warns that the rapid development of artificial intelligence could deepen inequality in Ireland and around the world. Tasc director Dr Shana Cohen talks to Hugh about her organisation's history, the new report and the peculiarities that give rise to Ireland's high pre-tax inequality and its precarious wealth. They also talk about the impact of AI.

President Trump and his vast, costly entourage have rolled through Dublin on the way to his golf course, meeting with the Taoiseach and President Connolly along the way. As with other recent encounters between representatives of the State and Trump, there were no major diplomatic incidents for Irish officials to worry about. But Trump did ruffle some feathers with his comments on Irish reunification. "The Weave", as Trump calls his signature style of oratory, was on full display, by turns baffling, witty and terrifying. Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones were present at the various set-pieces and they join Hugh to recap on a colourful day.

Inside Politics Live is coming to Cork on September 30th. Get your tickets here.Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:Green leader Roderic O'Gorman has proposed a one-off €2.5bn energy fund, split between targeted energy credits and investment in grants for solar panels and EVs. It is one of few genuinely good ideas that emerged from the political party think-in season. Following Wednesday’s interview with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers on the podcast, Pat assesses Chambers' political positioning in the run-up to Budget day. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's tightening of naturalisation rules imposes a range of new requirements on those seeking citizenship. Are they fair? The UK is now leading the way on sanctions against illegal West Bank settlements. The haste is in contrast with Ireland's slow progress since 2018. Plus, what we now know about the timing and choreography of Donald Trump’s weekend visit. And finally the panel pick their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week. 

Inside Politics Live is coming to Cork on September 30th. Get your tickets here.Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers talks to Jack Horgan-Jones about pre-Budget negotiations, HSE overspending, childcare, infrastructure and more.He reveals that he intends to strip power over day-to-day spending from four HSE regions in response to what he describes as a "really poor performance" when it comes to controlling costs.He also responds to critical comments reportedly made by Cabinet colleagues over his unwillingness to grant their spending wishes.Then Hugh and Jack analyse the Minister's comments.