The horrific events this week in Israel and the Gaza Strip are the subject of part one of today's podcast. Harry McGee has been watching the conflict, and Ireland's political response to it, unfold.

In part two Jack Horgan-Jones talks about ongoing reaction to this week's Budget. With Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael working together in harmony as they control the State's finances, how can the parties differentiate themselves at the next election?

Plus the panel pick their favourite articles of the week from irishtimes.com:

• Gordon Manning on the unlikely childhood GAA experience of a family of All Black rugby stars

• Mark Paul on signs that next year's UK election could be nasty

• Remembering a legendary Irish philanthropist

Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/

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