This is the podcast to go with my 9th annual political reading list (See list online) As the name suggests, the books on the list have a political theme or connection, be it Irish, European or global.

This podcast differs slightly from the original online list as I omitted Prof Donnacha Ó Beacháin's "Unfinished Empire" the story of how Putin clings to Russia’s imperial legacy, particularly in Ukraine.

The other books remain the same.

Feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback below.

In this episode I look again at the prospects for the presidential election and conclude that both the contest poses equal problems for the two biggest parties: Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil.

I also dispel the notion that Taoiseach Micheál Martin is considering a run... he means what he says when he says he does not want to run... as Sigmund Freud never said... sometimes a cigar is just a cigar!!

I also look briefly at what the college fees row tells us about government incoherence... and the capacity of Tánaiste Simon Harris to bring this government to an untimely end.

In this episode I consider how Northern Ireland and the changes to the triple lock may become issues at the upcoming Irish presidential election.

I examine the evolving shifts in Micheál Martin's thinking on Irish unity and his preference for engagement with lapsed nationalists, over unionists and northern nationalists.

I set out my problems with the government's proposed reforms of the Triple Lock on Irish Defence deployment... and with the opposition's response.

I also explore how the presidential race could influence broader government stability.

In this short episode I use an excellent Twitter thread from U.S. Democrat Senator, Chris Murphy of Connecticut to thrash President Trump's tariff tactic. As Senator Murphy correctly highlights: They aren’t designed as economic policy. The tariffs are simply a new, super dangerous political tool. Once seen through this lense, the approach makes some sense... but remains every bit as dangerous and damaging.

Note that I use an AI text to voice model for Sen Murphy's tweets.

In this episode I manage to link quotes from my late mentor Ben Briscoe and the great Lenny Bruce to lead me to a point where the Dáil speaking time and Garron Noone debacles meet... and leave me less than impressed.

In this podcast episode I discuss Taoiseach Micheál Martin's upcoming White House visit, addressing potential challenges such as US demands for Apple's tax money and pressure to buy American military equipment.

I don't offer advice, as it is not needed. An Taoiseach, and his diplomatic team, know how to deploy diplomatic caution and avoid public confrontations with the Trump administration. They just need to watch out for VP Vance.

In this episode I critique both the government and opposition tactics in the Dáil speaking row, with each arguing that they should be able to play all across the pitch with the other side confined to their own half.

Meanwhile Fine Gael's leadership issues is impacting government stability and messaging. So if FG TDs plan to dump Harris (and I think they do) then better to do it now.

In this "Mooney on Politics" podcast, I reflect on Ireland's planned defence investments, saying "I told you so!"

I again critique past neglect while acknowledging the signs of progress... but above all I stress the need to boost defence capacity, irrespective of neutrality debates.