Votes for sale! Votes for sale! Get 'em while they're cheap! The promises of better everything and tax cuts for all abound. We discuss what is and isn't radical, the latest CSO report that shows what you want it to show, depending on your politics and then Martin discusses whether Tony will be kept on after the revolution.

Then we are joined by Sinn Féin MEP, Matt Carthy, to ask why he's running in #GE2020 and what he believes what Brexit actually now happening means.

Oh, The Left Block is Coming...

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As the campaign reaches 'make your mind up time' we are seeing some elements of the media who, in our opinion, have questions to answer. We elaborate on this and discuss the Taoiseach's links to INM and what and what that means for a free press. We also talk about the Sinn Féin and Labour manifestos, as well as the encouraging soundings about that post-election Left Unity we've been hoping for.

Then we are joined by Green Party candidate for Dublin South Central, Patrick Costello and Soc Dem candidate for Dublin West, Aengus Ó Maoláin. Well worth the listen.

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If this is indeed what the "serious" pundits call "moving week", then Fine Gael are moving down at a rate of knots. We talk about the interesting outcomes of last nights debate, the need for the Left to capitalise on this opportunity with a more positive message and the totally inappropriate comments by Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone.

Then People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central, Brid Smith, comes in to tell us about her long history of activism and why she is excited and energised by the last few weeks.

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Day 736 of the 3 week General Election campaign and it's getting testy. We discuss the total lack of plans to help the one million renters in the published manifestos, the pensions debacle and how to fix it and then "Count Centre Martin" gives us his how to vote tactically guide.

We are then joined on the line by Peter Kavanagh of the Green Party to discuss his never ending campaign in Dublin Mid West.

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"Nobody reads manifestos", well here in the #Tortoiseshack we do to save you the bother. The Fine Gael and Fianna Fail manifestos dropped on the campaign trail today with all the bounce of a dead cat.

'BAU' Business as Usual is the mantra from both parties, neo-liberal 'solutions' which increase the cost of housing and tweeking tax bands are the only tricks these two jaded old dogs can muster. We also have interviews with first time candidate, Ciarán Ahern of the Labour Party and Independent Dublin City Cllr, John Lyons.

Enjoy.

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The "debate" passed off in an uninspiring 0 - 0 draw and the only talking points were the Taoiseach's discomfort around his drug taking past and his comfort with his FG/FF coalition future. We fact check some of the claims and ask why easily disproved points went unchallenged. We also discuss the new #HomeForGood campaign and how to make the Right to Housing an issue for your local candidates (see Reboot Republic podcast for more) and the pensions time-bomb, that is simply the State's refusal to collect taxes owed to us.

Then we have 2 interviews with candidates for Meath East in Fianna Fáil TD, Thomas Byrne and Sinn Féin candidate, Darren O'Rourke. It is an interesting insight into two representatives from the same constituency.

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It's always hard to imagine something that hasn't been done before. So while it's understandable that people are defending Virgin Media TV's (and RTE's) decision to hold a "leaders" debate, it is, in our opinion wrong. We discuss why this is not representative of the majority of the electorate and needlessly gives the historical parties of government an unfair advantage. We also talk about FG's need to bench the Taoiseach and push Simon Coveney forward, the daft shots at Saoirse McHugh for believing in a 'power for the people' politics and what we believe the Left should do post-election. We're then joined by Independent TD and candidate for Dublin South Central, Joan Collins and Soc Dems candidate for Cork North West, Ciaran McCarhty.

Enjoy.

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The latest opinion poll shows less than the margin of error separating Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. While it's only a poll, the trend for FG is down and in a three week campaign that won't be easy to reverse. We discuss the FG "Left Wing" media bias claims, Labour's willingness to talk to other parties of the Left and the opportunity this election is quickly becoming.

Then we are joined by RISE TD and Candidate for Dublin South West, Paul Murphy and PBP Candidate for Waterford, Una Dunphy.

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Our #GE2020 Live Pod is on next Sunday, Jan 26th. Tickets HERE.

The Sunday Times poll was a bombshell. It rattled Fine Gael, RTE and anyone else who wants this campaign to be a strict FF/FG battle. We discuss the latest, the growing trend of negative campaigning and the opportunity that the next 2 weeks represents.

Then, in a slight break from GE coverage exclusively, we are joined in the shack by Soc Dem's Niall Ó Tuathaill, who apart from being their candidate in Galway West, has worked as a Health Reform Advisor in the NHS. We discuss the actual state of the Slaintecare plan and if it is ever going to be more than a plan.

Our #GE2020 Live Pod is on next Sunday, Jan 26th. Tickets HERE

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While the campaign has failed to spark in terms of any noticeable political vision, external events are dominating the political news. With two shootings in as many days and a brutality never seen before in Ireland has people questioning if Fine Gael can claim their self-appointed title of the Party of Law & Order.

We discuss this, the failure of the opposition to make any inroads and the Sinn Féin handling if the Paddy Holohan affair.

Then we are joined by Green Party candidate for Mayo, Saoirse McHugh and later Solidarity candidate for Dublin South West, Sandra Fay.

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