The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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In this Tortoise Shack Podcast, Tony challenges Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, on his Party's new proposals on long-term residency and citizenship.

They discuss the evolving (devolving?) conversation around immigration in Ireland, and the changing public perceptions of our current system.

The conversation delves into the nuances of immigration policy, including the distinction between residency and citizenship, the criteria for good character, and the economic contributions of migrants to Irish society. It also touches on the issue of racism and the recent controversy surrounding Palestinian student visas, advocating for a more humane approach to immigration.

Lula's Historic Comeback:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419

Sigh for Change and our boiled social media brains:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173195588

Dr. Mahmoud Altarabin is an Associate Professor of Translation and Linguistics and Deputy Head of the Department of English at the Islamic University of Gaza. He is an author and scholar known for his textbooks and research on Arabic-English translation, media, legal, and technical translation. He joins us from his displacement tent in Khan Younis to discuss how he has maintained and diversified his teaching over the past three years; the need to support students' education and well-being; and his hope for greater solidarity with international academia.

This is a must-listen podcast.

Lynn Boylan vs The State:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173553999

Lula's historic comeback:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

"Race hate crime is a year-long problem."

In this episode, Tony speaks with journalist Luke Butterly of The Detail about recent developments in Northern Ireland, including the Drumcree court cases, cross-community tensions, and the challenges of addressing racial and political issues. They explore the impact of government policies, community responses, and the ongoing crisis of political inaction. Luke’s reporting has revealed some very uncomfortable facts about the racist pogroms and the weakness and or ineptitude of the Stormont government.

Lula's Historic Comeback podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419

The piece: https://thedetail.tv/articles/stormont-emails-warn-of-permacrisis-of-racist-unrest

Permacrisis https://thedetail.tv/articles/stormont-emails-warn-of-permacrisis-of-racist-unrest

Ballymena report https://share.google/wxWzdmP63VNvlKfNA

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

"If we don't acknowledge that change can be an improvement, change will be forced on us."

In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and thegist.ie writer, solicitor and Mr Data Protection, Simon McGarr, explore

the troubling phenomenon of politicians listening to faceless bots on social media instead of the genuine voices of the electorate. They look at the influence that social media is having on government decision-making, eve as it erodes societal trust. They discuss how fake voices, confirmation bias, and systemic issues shape public perception and policy.

Simon's Gists:https://www.thegist.ie/simon/

No Go Zones in Northern Ireland - https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172889801

The French Riots and the Broken Social Contract across the EU:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173108103

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

"Removing the triple lock means Ireland is no longer neutral"

In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and Senator Tom Clonan delve into Ireland's military neutrality, ongoing government moves to abolish the triple lock, and the implications for Ireland's foreign policy and defense. They explore the systemic issues and risks associated with ending Ireland's historic peacekeeping role, in contrast with a potential future of a non-neutral role of peace enforcement.

We also discuss Tom’s statement in the Seanad regarding St John’s Ambulance and his views on the cost of disability payments outlined in Budget 2027.

No Go Zones in Northern Ireland podcast with Luke Butterly:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172889801

Simon McGarr on the Ignored vs the Adored in Irish politics:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259

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"Build accessibility into everything from the ground up."

In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by activist, campaigner and Co-Founder of Equality Not Care, Ann Marie Flanagan and Senior Accessibility Lead and Daddy, Brian Dalton, to explore the recent budget's impact on disabled people, the true costs of disability, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure equality and accessibility for all.

We talk about the urgent need for the Government to create parity by giving working disabled people a €500 tax credit, and the way we've built a country that fails to see our disabled community as equal.

"To hear that they were calling what is now a top-up to disability pay, a disability allowance, was hugely upsetting... Disabled people are treated as passive recipients waiting for the crumbs of government. This is just not good enough."

The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259

Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada is a physician working in paediatrics in Gaza. Alongside his medical work, he writes on Instagram about life in Gaza, displacement, grief, memory, and the small moments of tenderness that endure. His writing offers a personal view of a place and a people too often described only through headlines.

He joins us to talk about his patients, his experiences and his hopes for the future.

The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259

Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

"Andy Burnham is a neoliberal to his very core. Let's be blunt about this."

In this Tortoise Shack episode, listener favourite, Prof Richard Murphy, returns to talk about how he's packing it all in because Andy Burnham has fixed everything without even putting together a budget.

But while he's here, we might as well discuss the failures of neoliberalism, the urgent need for big, bold shifts, and the power of protest (see France and Spain) to shape a better future. They explore the current political landscape, economic control, and potential pathways for transformative change.

Richard then gives us a "if I had 48hrs in charge, I'd do..." masterclass to describe what a better song might sound like. Don't miss it.

The Public Sector Strikes vs Government Spin:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073

A Call for Fairness - Budget 2027 and the Real Cost of Disability:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172433910

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Will Pedro Sanchez win, but still lose?

"Vox hates brown people"

This Tortoise Shack episode jumps into a tumultuous few weeks in Spanish politics. It explores the complex political landscape, focusing on the runners, riders and far right nutters, who are all headed towards an election in less than two months. Is it a housing referendum? Is it an immigration election?

Madrid-based guests, journalist Eoghan Gilmartin and Professor Joe Haslam, discuss the implications for Spain's future and the broader European context. Is a miracle comeback on the cards?

Prof Richard Murphy on Burnham and Polanski:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801910

Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171782366

The Public Sector Strikes Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

Malak Abu Krayem is a Palestinian Computer Scientist, App Developer, and children's book writer. She joins us from Gaza to talk about how she lost the career that was planned out after October 7th. She explains how she is carving a new path through the genocide and, working within Gaza and remotely with people abroad, is creating Apps and Art that open doors for herself and her friends struggling in Gaza.

Colour Palestine: https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/gp/product/B0HL7D45NJ?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1790680560&sr=8-1

Snaptek:https://snaptek.app/

Burnham, Polanski and Another Song with Prof Richard Murphy:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801910

The Worker's Budget Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801404