Indo Politics

Epizode

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  Jack Chambers on Budget 2027, leadership Ambitions and a United Ireland 20.07.2026 40min

  Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers joins Mary Regan in the Indo Politics studio to discuss his preparations for Budget 2027, including inheritance tax, childcare costs and the key challenges facing the Government.  He also talks about his relationship with Simon Harris, how his political views have evolved over the years, including on abortion, and why he believes it's time to reform the planning process.  Indo Politics is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  School's out: The Winners, Losers and Gaffes of the Political Year (So Far) 17.07.2026 21min

  From Micheál Martin's resilience to Sinn Féin's missed opportunities and the biggest political blunders of the year, Mary Regan and Maeve McTaggart look back on a dramatic first half of 2026, and ahead to the budget battles and leadership questions still to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  EU Commissioner Michael McGrath on EU social media ban for children 14.07.2026 24min

  EU Commissioner Michael McGrath talks to Mary Regan about potential social media bans for teens in Europe as EU officials grapple with the thorny issue of technology and teens, the growing scrutiny surrounding the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick and the future of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.   We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  RTÉ's funding fight, the hare coursing row and is a border poll in our future? 10.07.2026 27min

  As the Dáil breaks for summer, Kevin Doyle and Maeve McTaggart assess the political winners and losers of the past six months. They examine RTÉ's growing funding gap, the fierce battle over hare coursing, Sinn Féin's push on Irish unity, and ask who's heading into the EU Presidency with momentum. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Zelensky hits Dublin as EU Presidency begins 03.07.2026 21min

  Ireland’s EU presidency officially began this week and welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Dublin. However, things became a little awkward from the outset when President Zelenskyy raised concerns about Ireland’s ties to Russian alumina. Zelenskyy was forced to cut short his visit due to an imminent attack on Kyiv, once again raising questions about European defence and Ireland’s role within it. And with Budget Day fast approaching, will defence spending receive a larger share of the national budget? On the subject of foreign affairs, Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn’s attendance—or lack thereof—at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Committee came under scrutiny this week. And as the Dáil term draws to a close, what legislation is the Government hoping to get finalised before the summer recess? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Triple Lock: Starmer, Burnham and Oireachtas on drugs 26.06.2026 28min

  As the UK's Labour Party reconfigures in the wake of Keir Starmer’s resignation, we hear about potential new leader Andy Burnham's proud Irish roots, what his northern sensibility might mean for UK politics and how he might deal with a push for a United Ireland. We also discuss the growing pressure on Irish neutrality, the recommendations made in a report from the Oireachtas committee on drugs and why the EU presidency hasn't resonated with the public. Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Data centres, energy credits and airport caps: Minister Darragh O’Brien in conversation  17.06.2026 35min

  Indo Politics spoke to Energy and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien this week as Mary Regan and Cónal Thomas asked the Fianna Fail TD questions relating to several key issues in Ireland today. ­ As the US and Iran near a peace deal, can Irish citizens expect some relief on oil prices? ­ Should excise cuts be extended beyond the end-of-July deadline? ­ Can we expect energy credits to return in the next budget? ­ Should the State be helping out with network charges? ­ What about the cost and environmental impact of data centres in Ireland?  ­ And what does Fianna Fáil need to do to regain ground? ­ All this and more is discussed on the latest episode. ­ Indo Politics is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics polices at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Europe in focus: Ireland’s EU presidency, far-right politics rise, Israel relationship  12.06.2026 28min

  French MEP Valérie Hayer, President of the Renew Europe Group, sits down with Mary Regan this week for a wide-ranging interview. On the agenda? Ireland’s imminent EU presidency – what do Europeans expect from us at a pivotal political moment not just for Europe, but the world at large? On that note, how does Ireland’s increasingly difficult relationship with Israel and Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s call for Europe to consider tougher trade sanctions factor in? How should Ireland handle the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine? And what’s the view in Europe on the rise of far-right political movements? All that and more up for discussion on this week’s episode of Indo Politics. Indo Politics is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Kingdom Divided: Inside the Healy-Rae fallout - and Holly Cairns' good news 05.06.2026 25min

  The Healy-Rae political empire has dominated Kerry for decades, but disagreement over support for the government has exposed cracks within the family. This week, we examine the fallout and whether the famous Healy-Rae brand can survive intact. We also discuss Holly Cairns' growing popularity, the good news around her expanding family and what the Social Democrats' momentum could mean for Irish politics. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Sinn Féin’s identity crisis, the Soc Dem surge and the growing battle over OTB 29.05.2026 20min

  The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  By-Elections: Daniel Ennis leads the way in Dublin as Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil falter 23.05.2026 25min

  A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust. ­ A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum. ­ Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday. ­ As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind. ­ So, what does it all mean? ­ Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast. ­ Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch? ­ Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end? And are the Greens back in business? ­ It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Indo Politics: Government despair over 'RTÉ pyschodrama' and by-election preview  22.05.2026 28min

  RTÉ was before the Oireachtas committee this week and gossip on the corridors of Leinster House was 'intense'. Political Editor Mary Regan and reporter Aisling Moloney talk through the latest scandal and the ongoing Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections. Host: Mary Regan Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan on migration and Bertie Ahern's controversial comments 14.05.2026 46min

  In a wide-ranging interview Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan speaks to Political Editor Mary Regan and Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas about migration, Bertie Ahern's controversial comments on migrants and the long wait to become Fianna Fáil leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  ‘Budget fever’ in May, and is Gerry Hutch adopting the Donald Trump playbook?   08.05.2026 33min

  It has been strongly indicated that fuel supports will be a major factor in this year’s Budget, while we’ve recently learnt that Ireland’s electricity costs are way above the European average. Elsewhere, by-election buzz is building as polls mark the way, and Gerry Hutch stands accused of evoking Donald Trump as he finally outlines his policies. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Conál ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Cabinet divisions exposed, Air BnB register rows, and the fallout from the Jim Glennon scandal continues 01.05.2026 27min

  Confusion at cabinet, delays to short-term letting rules, and mounting pressure from fuel protests are exposing cracks in government strategy. With key by-elections looming, are political tensions rising See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is Catherine Connolly trying to have her cake and eat it as presidential constraints tighten?  23.04.2026 31min

  Another not-so-quiet week in politics brought us Leo Varadkar’s apologetic climbdown and rumours of in-fighting among the Healy-Rae family, but Catherine Connolly raised tensions as she put pen to paper on the International Protection Bill. Despite signing the bill into law, the President retains concerns about its nature. Are the constraints of her new office beginning to cause problems? Host: Mary Regan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Beginning of the end for Micheál Martin? Can Taoiseach survive second leadership crisis in six-months 16.04.2026 33min

  It has been a busy first week back in the Dail, as the effects nationwide fuel protests continue to be felt within the coalition government. With Micheál Martin’s leadership of Fianna Fáil facing renewed threats, with a group of TDs approaching senior ministers to discuss a change at the top. While it is understood the disgruntled backbenchers are not close to having the numbers for a successful no-confidence motion. They are trying to build support. And are in search of a leader to lead a heave. ­ Host:  Mary Regan     Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Government condemns fuel protests as tensions escalate 09.04.2026 17min

  hings have escalated dramatically in recent days, with nationwide fuel protests dominating the news agenda and causing chaos on our streets. As protestors continue to dig in, notable alarm has been growing in the government. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the demonstrations, calling the blockage of a key refinery in Cork an act of “national sabotage”. As pressure mounts and talk of Defence Force deployment increases, Indo Politics brings you the very latest from an increasingly tense standoff. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Conál ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A €250m cost of living package under scrutiny and the return of Mairead McGuinness 27.03.2026 26min

  Mairead McGuinness returns with a new EU role as the government rolls out a €250m cost-of-living package. Will it ease the pressure, or just delay tougher budget decisions ahead? Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Cónal Thomas ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Taoiseach meets Trump: How did Micheál Martin fare in Washington? 17.03.2026 21min

  Taoiseach Micheál Martin sat down with US president Donald Trump for the traditional St Patrick’s Day summit, with Mr Trump in typically boisterous form. How did the Taoiseach get on, though, with Iran, Keir Starmer, and a potential Doonbeg visit all on the agenda?   Host: Tabitha Monahan  Guests: Mary Regan and Cónal Thomas  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.