In this episode I critique both the government and opposition tactics in the Dáil speaking row, with each arguing that they should be able to play all across the pitch with the other side confined to their own half.

Meanwhile Fine Gael's leadership issues is impacting government stability and messaging. So if FG TDs plan to dump Harris (and I think they do) then better to do it now.

In this "Mooney on Politics" podcast, I reflect on Ireland's planned defence investments, saying "I told you so!"

I again critique past neglect while acknowledging the signs of progress... but above all I stress the need to boost defence capacity, irrespective of neutrality debates.

In this episode I chat with Colum Eastwood MP, about the work his New Ireland Commission is doing to drive planning for a new and united Ireland. We delve into the Commission's strategies for engaging with diverse communities, its approach to creating a more prosperous society for all.

Colum mentions (in passing) he is currently writing a book... one to look out for later this year.

In this more security policy focused episode I look at some of the potentially positive elements of the probable Programme for Government (PfG), specifically the justice/law and order ones, and the very definitely negative ones on the defence, particularly the absence of any timeline to fix the decade of neglect.

Rather than making predictions about what might happen in 2025, I flag some key issues that will arise in the year ahead. Two of which have a distinctively presidential tinge...

In this penultimate episode of 2024 I look at 3 recent domestic developments: the first day of the new Dáil, Israel closing its Irish embassy and the Soc Dem ex TD saga and suggest that each has an element of the paradoxical about it... and that paradoxes are (to cite Sr Gertrude via Muriel Spark) is something we must live with.

As the two main parties prepare for coalition talks, I offer Fianna Fáil some thoughts on how that government should be structured:

This is not so much a podcast, but just a rebroadcast of my comments on Times Radio (UK) from early this morning. Though based on the Exit poll which may have understated FF and overstated SF, the broad points remain correct.

It has been my view from the start of the campaign that voters did not feel there was a viable alternative on offer... and that's not healthy for our politics in the medium term... but what might that alternative look like?

After two polls showing Fine Gael in a steady decline has the three horse race become a two horse one with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin competing fiercely for first place? I discuss this with former Sinn Féin MLA for Lagan Valley, Paul Butler, and get his perspective on the final few days.

Even before the Kanturk fiasco it looked like Fine Gael's highly personalised campaign, built around its leader was in trouble. Harris has just had his Gordon Brown 2010 moment... only this one is much, much worse. Can FG slide back even further? Is it now at risk of coming 3rd?