Education is top of the agenda this week, as talks continue regarding the reopening of schools and the scheduling of state exams. In today’s episode, Hugh is joined by The Irish Times education editor Carl O’Brien, health editor Paul Cullen, and by political correspondent Jennifer Bray. The team also take a look at the national vaccine rollout and a gloomy report by the ECDC.

Covid-19: How is Ireland performing?

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

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.

Grading Harris, migration pact flashpoint, the lure of Taylor Swift

With its fast-growing economy and increasing significance as a player in European security, Poland’s political direction will have a major bearing on the future of Europe. But the centrist coalition led by Donald Tusk is grappling with how to unwind some of the oppressive legacy of its predecessors, the right nationalist Law and Justice party. 
Meanwhile, Poland’s neighbour to the West faces a different set of problems. An unpopular government, an economic recession and growing divisions over wars in Ukraine and Israel mean Germany is experiencing a crisis of confidence. 
Hugh Linehan explores these political and social pressures in Poland and Germany with Irish Times Berlin Correspondent Derek Scally.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The uncertain futures of Poland and Germany - with Derek Scally

Alex Kane, Lisa Whitten, Freya McClements and Pat Leahy joined Hugh Linehan in Northern Ireland for a live show at the MAC in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. The panel discussed the shocking departure of Jeffrey Donaldson from the pinnacle of NI politics, how the political system has responded since, and what it all means for the future of unionism and the power-sharing institutions. They also discuss the importance of the "neither" voters, the price of reunification and the economic benefits of Northern Ireland's post-Brexit position. 

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

Northern Ireland has weathered Jeffery Donaldson's shock departure - for now

Jennifer Bray and Pat Leahy join Hugh to talk about Simon Harris's appointment as Taoiseach and the details of his minimal Cabinet reshuffle. Did he go far enough to satisfy Fine Gaelers, or voters looking for change? 
They also talk about the new Taoiseach's speech delivery and Mary Lou McDonald's forceful criticism of his track record. 
But first they discuss the news that the reconstituted Government's first act will be to recognise the statehood of Palestine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

McDonald hits a nerve as Harris takes the reins

Ahead of Simon Harris’s first Fine Gael Ard Fheis as party leader, Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to discuss the potential quick wins and policy departures Harris can look to implement when his expected tenure as taoiseach begins next Tuesday. 
And while we were denied the excitement of hustings and voting, there is still much speculation as to the potential make-up of Simon Harris’s Cabinet. How does he find the balance between merit and geography? And will some Fine Gael party departees have their arms twisted to stay?
Also on the podcast: the other recent earthquake in Irish politics was the unexpected resignation of DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, following his charging for historical sexual offences. Just a few short weeks after the Assembly was reconstituted, the revelation has been received with a certain level of calm by the political establishment, with interim DUP leader Gavin Robinson coming from the more moderate tradition within the party. 
But could the deal struck for power-sharing be tested in the months ahead? And will the looming Westminster election give rise to turmoil within a deeply divided DUP party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Covid-19: How is Ireland performing?

Download our free app to listen on your phone