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Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

By: The Irish Times
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The best analysis of the Irish political scene featuring Irish Times journalists, political thinkers and the occasional politician. Hosted by Hugh Linehan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Do Sinn Féin need to change tack after slump in the polls?
    Jul 18 2025

    Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:

    · The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll shows Sinn Féin on 22 per cent (down four), with Fianna Fáil on 22 per cent (no change) and Fine Gael on 17 per cent (up one). Given just 14% of voters feel Government is successfully tackling the country’s problems, do Sinn Féin need to find a new strategy in order to stimulate support?

    · One of the most notable findings of the poll is the clear growth potential around the Independents (up five) and new conservative parties like Aontú.

    · The poll also shows that support for the Occupied Territories Bill is softening with voters as just one-fifth of voters (20 per cent) say the Bill should be passed quickly, with a further 14 per cent saying its scope should be expanded and it should be passed quickly. The Bill, which would ban trade in goods with the occupied Palestinian territories, is due before the Dáil in the autumn.

    Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:


    · The plans to lower the UK voting age to 16, the Epstein Files present a new crisis for Donald Trump, and can Tipperary triumph in the All-Ireland hurling final against Cork?

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    39 mins
  • Tariffs: Why has Donald Trump threatened the EU again?
    Jul 16 2025

    EU negotiators thought a deal with their US counterparts on trade and tariffs was near. Then US president Donald Trump ended those feelings of optimism by threatening to apply 30% tariffs from August 1st. Is this another negotiating tactic or does he mean it this time? And what is the mood in Dublin and Brussels about Trump's threats? Jack Horgan-Jones and Jack Power join Pat Leahy.


    In part two: Independent TD Catherine Connolly is seeking a nomination to run for president. Will Labour, her erstwhile party, support her bid?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    48 mins
  • Is Mary Lou McDonald about to enter the presidential race?
    Jul 11 2025

    Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:

    · When Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was asked on Monday if she was ruling herself out of this year’s contest to succeed Michael D Higgins, she replied, “we’re not ruling anything in or anything out.” But could a tilt at the presidency be a potential career-ender for Mary Lou?


    · Elsewhere, those ruling themselves firmly in include Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who says she plans to launch her presidential election bid next week. The veteran Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher says he is considering seeking Fianna Fáil nomination to run, but Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly has ruled himself out, with Mairead McGuinness now widely expected to seek Áras election.


    · The Occupied Territories Bill is now undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The big question remains whether the proposed bill will include services along with the prohibition of trade in goods with Israeli companies operating in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories.


    Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:

    · The throwaway lyrics of Oasis, the social cohesion of the July 12th bonfires, and when crying in public is the natural thing to do.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 mins

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