Senator Sharon Keogan joins Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty for the final episode of The Irish Question before the summer break.The panel discusses Mayo’s historic All-Ireland victory, the renewed controversy surrounding former RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes, Elon Musk’s clash with The Economist, Ireland’s attitude towards wealth and success, and the Government’s Summer Economic Statement.They also examine Ireland’s dependence on multinational tax revenue, the risks posed by Big Tech’s enormous AI gamble, government waste, universal basic income and the decline of small businesses.Finally, Senator Keogan explains why she still has hope for Ireland—and calls on ordinary people, councillors and aspiring politicians to step forward, abandon failing party structures and build a genuine independent alternative.Like, subscribe and share if you want to help grow The Irish Question.CHAPTERS00:00 – Senator Sharon Keogan joins the show01:04 – Mayo finally wins the All-Ireland06:41 – Dee Forbes, RTÉ and the accountability crisis11:48 – Can RTÉ be saved—or should it be privatised?17:59 – Elon Musk’s explosive Economist interview25:27 – Why Ireland resents wealth and success29:32 – The Summer Economic Statement explained35:48 – Tax cuts, investing and government waste42:36 – Can Ireland’s political system ever change?43:57 – Ireland’s tax base is leveraged on Big Tech’s AI gamble48:16 – Universal basic income and the destruction of small business

Is Ireland becoming less safe—and has the political system lost control of crime, borders and public trust?

This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty are joined by Councillor Linda de Courcy for a blunt discussion about public safety, policing shortages, bail, crime statistics and Ireland’s approach to citizenship.

The panel examines the violence witnessed in Skerries, asks whether crime data should include nationality, and debates whether Ireland’s combination of loose border controls and a weak criminal-justice system is creating a dangerous situation.

They also ask why so many young Irish people are leaving, why returning home is so difficult, and whether Simon Harris’s promised tax-cutting budgets will make ordinary people any better off. The proposed introduction of digital ID—and what it could mean for personal freedom—is also put under the microscope.

Linda explains how she went from deciding to run for office to being elected in just six weeks, her ambitions for Dáil Éireann, and a recent local incident that prompted her to issue an important child-safety warning to parents.

Do you believe Ireland has become less safe? Is Irish citizenship granted too easily? What would persuade our young emigrants to come home?

Let us know below—and please like, subscribe and share to help more people discover The Irish Question.

This week’s episode focuses on RTÉ, examining the broadcaster’s financial difficulties, leadership, editorial direction, and declining quality of programming. The hosts question RTÉ’s independence and impartiality, raising concerns about perceived political favouritism, censorship, and bias in its coverage of immigration, crime, and other contentious issues.The discussion also explores the decline of Irish-produced entertainment, the loss of cultural identity in public broadcasting, and whether RTÉ still reflects the views and experiences of its audience. Alongside this, the hosts consider Ireland’s political landscape, asylum policy, EU influence, big tech, free speech, and the challenges facing local businesses.

Ireland is asking hard questions.In this episode, Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally discuss the alleged dog cruelty controversy, immigration and welfare concerns, political transparency, rising crime, pressure on small businesses, and the growing debate around Irish identity, culture, and national values.We also cover the Irish-filmed Hollywood project Young Washington and end with a lighter look at George Lee, vampires, and the heatwave.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Alleged dog cruelty controversy in Ireland03:20 - Cultural differences around animal consumption04:45 - Trump, cats and dogs: misunderstanding or reality?06:00 - Public reaction to animal cruelty allegations07:00 - Is this an isolated incident or a sign of decline?08:00 - Helen Ogbu candidacy and transparency issues09:30 - Media bias and suppressed stories11:00 - Political accountability12:00 - Immigration fraud, welfare and policy loopholes14:00 - Rise in anti-immigration sentiment15:00 - Crime, violence and public safety concerns17:00 - Loss of respect, dignity and social cohesion19:00 - Irish film success: Young Washington20:30 - Small business struggles and rising costs23:00 - VAT cuts and government intervention25:00 - Employment taxes and pressure on entrepreneurs27:00 - Civic courage and standing up to systemic issues30:00 - Ireland’s monopsony-style government problem33:00 - Data transparency on crime and immigration36:00 - Immigration fraud and tougher regulations40:00 - Border controls and systemic reform45:00 - Urban crime, violence and gang activity52:00 - Irish identity, cultural values and spiritual crisis54:00 - Young Washington and future film opportunities55:00 - Ireland’s murder rates and public safety58:00 - George Lee, vampires and the heatwaveFeaturing Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally

In this episode, Irish MEP Michael McNamara shares candid views on Europe’s migration policies, Ireland’s political system, and the economic pressures facing the continent. He discusses the EU returns directive, return hubs, immigration challenges, energy policy, industrial competitiveness, and Ireland’s role within the EU.KEY TOPICS

• The EU returns directive and Ireland’s opt-in/opt-out position
• Return hubs, deportation policy, and safeguards for minors
• Ireland’s immigration system, accommodation pressures, and population growth
• The role of migrant labour in Ireland’s economy
• Europe’s demographic decline and labour shortages
• Energy costs, regulation, and Europe’s industrial competitiveness
• Criticism of Ireland’s political structures, civil service influence, and local governance
• Ireland’s EU membership, sovereignty, neutrality, and the triple lock
• Reflections on Irish political leadership and the future of Fianna Fáil

01:15 – EU returns directive and Ireland’s position03:14 – Return hubs and deportation policy06:56 – Children, minors, and moral concerns13:21 – Ireland’s immigration and accommodation crisis15:08 – Migrant labour, housing, and workforce pressures20:00 – India trade deal and migration implications22:22 – Healthcare, emigration, and border control25:25 – Europe’s demographic decline27:21 – Energy policy and industrial competitiveness36:15 – Automotive industry challenges38:01 – Independent voices in Irish politics40:02 – Civil service influence and governance issues44:05 – Electoral reform and accountability48:39 – Political recruitment and public disengagement51:02 – Ireland’s role in EU lawmaking54:17 – European army debate, neutrality, and the triple lock58:39 – Media, political infighting, and EU presidency61:36 – Irish leadership and Fianna Fáil’s future

This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally, Nick Delehanty, and special guest Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly dig into another packed week of politics, media, social change, and life in modern Ireland.From the campaign to abolish the USC, to Nick’s visit to Leinster House, the growing power of social media voices, government funding of mainstream media, immigration concerns, NGOs, energy costs, phones for kids, and the future of Irish sport — nothing is off the table.Stephen Kelly joins the panel for a wide-ranging and honest conversation on lockdown, speaking out, comedy, family, Ireland’s future, and why more people are finding their voice online.👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.Do you agree, disagree, or think we missed something?

Nick, Paul, and Elaine examine the aftermath of the recent horror attack in Belfast and discuss its potential implications for security, community relations, and political cooperation across both the United Kingdom and Ireland. They explore how leaders on both sides of the Irish Sea may respond and what the incident could mean for public confidence and future policy.The conversation also turns to the controversy surrounding comments and claims made in debates about children's books and education involving Norma Foley. The panel reviews the competing accounts, the political fallout, and the broader questions about transparency, curriculum oversight, and public trust.Finally, they analyze the EU Migration Pact, looking at its objectives, the concerns raised by supporters and critics, and the possible consequences for Ireland, the UK, and the wider European Union. Throughout the discussion, the speakers consider how security, education, and migration have become increasingly interconnected issues in contemporary politics.

Paul, Elaine and Mark are joined by Dr. Marcus de Brun for a wide-ranging conversation on his personal journey, his public fight, and the issues shaping Ireland, the UK and the wider world.

In this episode, the panel discusses Dr. de Brun’s story and experiences, the controversy around Ireland’s Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme, the recent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and Ireland, and the accelerating dawn of artificial intelligence.

From political accountability to social change, technology and trust, this is a conversation about where we are now — and where we may be heading next.

Topics covered:

• Dr. Marcus de Brun’s journey and fight
• Ireland’s Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme
• Recent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and Ireland
• The rapid rise of AI and what it means for society
• Media, politics, trust and accountability

Guest: Dr. Marcus de Brun
Hosts: Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Mark

Join Nick, Paul, Elaine, and guest host Eddie Punch for the latest episode of Irish Question, as they unpack the recent by-elections and the political fallout that followed.The panel also looks at the very different media treatment of two killings in Dublin, asking what those contrasts reveal about politics, policing, and public debate in Ireland. Plus, there is plenty more discussion on the stories shaping the week.Follow Irish Question on all socials for clips, updates, and new episodes.

This week, Declan, Elaine and Paul dive into some of the biggest stories making headlines and sparking debate across Ireland and the UK. They discuss reports around Ukrainians being offered financial incentives to return home, the growing political pressure on Keir Starmer and whether he can hold his position, and the shocking wave of staff resignations in protest at the ongoing issues surrounding the National Children’s Hospital project.

Expect sharp opinions, honest conversation, and plenty of debate as the trio break down the politics, public reaction, and what these stories could mean going forward.

🎙️ Topics covered:

* Ukrainians being paid to return home

* Keir Starmer under pressure

* Staff quitting in protest at the Children’s Hospital

* Irish and UK political fallout

* Public trust and government accountability

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