It's part two of the traditional Inside Politics end-of-year Ask Us Anything podcast. Hugh Linehan, Pat Leahy, Jennifer Bray, Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn are in celebratory mood as they answer your questions about elections, policies and politicians.
Wishing a Happy New Year to all our listeners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask us anything, 2023 edition - part two

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.

News

Politics

Host Pat Leahy and political correspondents Jack Horgan-Jones and Harry McGee discuss the week in politics:
The critical shortage of accommodation for people arriving in Ireland to apply for International Protection was everywhere in the news this week, as was the row between the UK and Ireland over returning migrants. The Government desperately needs to build a system that can process asylum seekers quickly and efficiently, and provide accommodation in the meantime.
The outcome of local elections in the UK points to a potentially catastrophic general election for the Tories
In Scotland, the SNP's diminished status means independence seems further away than any point since before the 2015 referendum
They also pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week. 
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Migration front and centre as accommodation crisis deepens

Political Editor Pat Leahy sits in Hugh Linehan’s chair as podcast host this week for an Inside Politics election special as our politics team analyses the upcoming local and European elections. Jennifer Bray reminds us of the political landscape influencing the 2019 local elections which led to the ‘Green wave’ and Sinn Féin’s running aground. Jack Horgan-Jones analyses the impact a pandemic, a cost of living crisis and the war in Europe have had on voters and the resulting trends that have become embedded. Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn take a deep dive into the issues, candidates and political groupings in the sprawling European election constituencies. There is also an intriguing electoral race taking part on the 7th of June when voters in Limerick city and county will go to the polls to choose Ireland’s first directly-elected mayor. If the elections haven’t yet been top of mind for you, don’t miss this thorough look at the forthcoming ballots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will far-right politicians make inroads in local and European elections?

Hugh Linehan is joined by Pat Leahy and Harry McGee to look back on the week in politics: 
Taoiseach Simon Harris’s sure-footed performance as he delivered an apology to the Stardust tragedy victims.
Less good was Minister for Justice Helen McEntee’s appearance at an Oireachtas committee, where she struggled to answer a question about the State’s handling of international protection applicants.
Discussions about budget spending are starting early this year, a sign of the auction politics to come in the run-up to the general election.
 Plus the panel pick their Irish Times articles of the week: 
Justine McCarthy on the growing number of journalists becoming Government advisors.
Finn McRedmond in defence of snobbery.
And coverage of the dysfunction in University Hospital Limerick, as revealed by a coroner’s report on the tragic death of teenager Aoife Johnston.
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Harris delivers on Stardust as McEntee fumbles the border question

London Correspondent Mark Paul joins Hugh Linehan to talk about the issues making an impact on British politics right now. The issues include upcoming local elections, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's drive to pass his Rwanda Bill, which will allow Britain to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda while their claims are processed, and the contrasting fortunes of the Conservative and Labour parties. 
In part two they look north to Scotland, where the Scottish National Party is showing signs of fatigue after a prolonged period in power. It is a weariness that shows in party leader Humza Yousaf's struggle to handle a wide range of controversies, from green policies to corruption, rape trial reforms and trans rights. 

 
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From the Rwanda Bill to the Cass Report - the issues driving UK politics

On today’s Inside Politics podcast, Hugh Linehan, Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray look back on the week in politics:
Two weeks in, Simon Harris has already experienced some minor controversies as Taoiseach. But how is he doing overall?
As the Greens head into their National Conference this weekend, will the party be happy with their standing as an election draws near? 
The EU Migration pact has the potential to be a significant political flashpoint and raises the question: Do  European matters receive enough scrutiny in the Oireachtas? 
Plus the panel pick their Irish Times articles of the week: 
Derek Scally on a German Luthern priest’s successful ploy to attract a younger congregation with help from Taylor Swift. 
Patrick Freyne’s unflattering review of a new RTE comedy sketch show.
And Conor Pope’s reporting on the egregiousness of Eir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask us anything, 2023 edition - part two

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