We need a dedicated, stand-alone defence minister who can give hands-on supervision, insists Cathal Berry. The Independent TD joins host Áine Lawlor and Micheál Lehane to consider our not-so-neutrality (from WW2 to the War in Ukraine), and suggest that we would should let SIPO do its job rather than wasting time on political point-scoring.

Former ranger & TD says defence spending 'appalling'

The RTÉ team at Leinster House and guests have an informal discussion about what has been happening in the world of Irish politics. New episodes available every Thursday evening.

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Politics

With the revelations about Ryan Tubridy's pay deal making headlines nationwide, Aine and the team look at the latest developments, and cast an eye over the week's other big stories.

The latest on Tubridy pay deal

With Micheál Martin decrying the abhorrent jack boots of a member of the Opposition - before finally withdrawing the remark - the debate on neutrality is getting ugly. The Govt insists its roadshow offers a balanced slate, but sounded defensive in heated exchanges in the House. Áine and the team get stuck into an eventful week.

Govt to start neutrality roadshow

What do the Green's have against gardaí using facial recognition tech? And was that Budget fracca just FG trying to grab credit for tax cuts the Coalition partners are likely to agree upon? The team also ask, with investigations into Siteserv costing an eye-watering €19m, whether it's time for a permanent structure to handle these controversies.

Greens block Robo Cop

Coalition concerns that they'll soon be fishing for the same votes are boiling over, with FF taking umbrage at a very, very early FG kite. High expectations of a giveaway have guaranteed Michael McGrath's maiden budget will be a serious headache. He vows he won't be bullied. And a fifth FG TD won't run again; is all the fun gone out of politics?

Budget kite-flying: Spat - or looming civil war?

Should social media firms take down footage of the Navan attack? As protests intensify, is Roderic O'Gorman being thrown under the bus? Áine and the team reflect on a violent and traumatic week, before considering other matters. Such as, what do you get when you cross a Health Minister trained in Taekwondo, John Travolta and a photo op?

Former ranger & TD says defence spending 'appalling'

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