Podcast Episodes

LA protests: how far will Trump go to extend his power?

US president Donald Trump's response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles - to send in troops - is in keeping with a broader theme of his second presidency so far - extending executiv…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

Why Europe needs to realise the truth about America - with Helen Thompson

Where does Europe fit into the 21st century? Political scientist Professor Helen Thompson returns to the podcast to talk about the big picture for the global economy and international relations in th…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

CHI controversy: a hard decision faces the Government

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond:

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Can South Korea's new president unify an unhappy country?

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many cha…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Why Poland's dramatic election result is a setback for Europe

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, won Sunday’s presidential by less than two percentage points. The result a…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Committees of the Oireachtas are back, but why can’t Irish politicians ask a good question?

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:

·       Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the question…

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Why 'left' and 'woke' are not the same thing - with Susan Neiman

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism".

She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and w…

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Gavan Reilly: The Secret Life of Leinster House

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book abo…

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Sinn Féin versus William the Conqueror

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:

·       Ireland’s decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has …

Published on 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Refugees in Ireland: is the Government getting the balance right?

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. T…

Published on 7 months ago