The week that really was

The big debate in America; The big windfall at home; Another clue about the election date; and Ireland's useless opposition misses again - John and Sarah round up the week.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Week
01:22 Analysis of the US Presidential Debate
12:57 Political Landscape in Ireland: Dáil Returns
16:50 Sinn Féin's Challenges and Opportunities
28:04 The Role of Immigration in Irish Politics
40:12 Discussion on the 13 Billion from Apple
51:14 Accountability in Government Spending

John and Sarah discuss the SPHE book that set tongues wagging; the world's most expensive bike shelter; what may be the world's most expensive sex abuse enquiry; and why some stories impact you emotionally more than others.

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Topics
02:18 Controversy Over Depiction of Irish Culture
09:32 Emotional Impact of the Middle East Hostage Situation
19:24 Concerns About the Abuse Scandal in Catholic Schools
29:25 Balancing Believing Victims and Presumption of Innocence
29:53 Presumption of Innocence in Sexual Abuse Cases
40:07 The Controversy Over the Cost of a Bike Shelter
53:24 Government Involvement in Regulating Ticket Prices for Concerts

John and Sarah discuss the latest developments in the Enoch Burke case, the nude cyclists and the Mayor of Cork, Kamala Harris finally agreeing to an interview, and the latest revival of the hate speech bill. 

00:00 Introduction and Back to School Week
01:00 Enoch Burke's Return to School and Stance on Pronouns
09:58 Discussion on the Stabbing Incident in Galway
16:54 Proposed Ban on Smoking in Beer Gardens
24:55 Critique of the Naked Cycling Event in Cork
27:47 Inconsistent Enforcement of Public Indecency Laws
28:41 Cycling in the Nude and Boundaries
31:03 The Pavel Durov Case
35:10 The Proposed Hate Speech Bill in Ireland
45:20 Changes in Childcare Subsidies
47:10 The US Election and Constructive Criticism

John and Sarah discuss beauty contests this week: The upcoming election, during which politicians will flash their ankles. The Democratic Convention, which attempted to entice us to Kamala, and the Rose of Tralee, which has nothing to do with beauty at all:

00:00 Apologies and Introduction
01:22 Minor Public Spat and Election Speculation
04:05 Fine Gael's Advantage and Fianna Fáil's Risk
06:03 Navigating the Election Campaign
11:37 Potential Government Formation Scenarios
13:43 Cynicism and Promises in Politics
17:03 The Need for Substance in the Campaign
21:28 Facing Fines for Climate Targets
22:56 The Challenges of Meeting Climate Change Targets
33:30 Critiquing the Democratic National Convention
42:29 The Rose of Tralee: Defining Irishness

Sarah and John review a week that featured big revelations about government spending, plans to abolish same sex schools, a big love island breakup, and a disagreement over olympic breakdancing.

00:00 Introduction and Weather
00:55 Government Spending and Lack of Discussion
01:48 Media Coverage and Lack of Challenge
03:08 Lack of Hard Conversations in Irish Politics
13:19 Issues with Single-Sex Schools
26:28 Prison Overcrowding and Drug Use
30:04 Overcrowded Prisons
31:42 Government's Focus on NGOs and Charities
33:40 Passport Issues at Dublin Airport
38:03 The Public's Obsession with Celebrity Breakups
52:30 The Emergence of Citizen Journalism

In what should be silly season, John and Sarah discuss a surprisingly busy week: Riots in the UK, an anti-media rebellion for Kellie Harrington, a new VP nominee for Kamala Harris, and Simon Harris goes to war with Elon Musk.

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Recent Events
01:07 Hypocrisy in Media and Politics: The Treatment of Athletes
06:32 Dismissive Attitude Towards the Concerns of the Working Class
14:37 Biased Coverage of Protests and Riots
18:09 The Potential Impact of Social Media Regulation
25:15 Elon Musk's Controversial Tweets
29:22 Kamala Harris' Choice of Running Mate
30:18 The Electoral College System
33:06 Cooperation vs. Co-option in Politics
39:38 Unity Between Orange and Green in Belfast
44:27 The Upcoming General Election in Ireland

John and Sarah discuss the controversy around the Olympic games, the riots in Southport, the death of Edna O'Brien, and ask whether it's time to revisit the way the state engages with Travellers after the Dooley murder in Kerry.

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of the Olympic Opening Ceremony

13:10 Tragedy in Southport and Societal Issues

16:46 Frustration with the Government's Handling of Immigration

24:06 The Need for a Reasonable and Informed Discussion on Immigration

26:21 Misrepresentation of Edna O'Brien's Books

36:40 The Presence of Irish Troops in Lebanon

41:03 The Need for Conversations about Traveler Culture

49:14 The Controversy Surrounding Kamala Harris

John and Sarah discuss Sinn Fein's new immigration policy, the fantasy of "public service broadcasting", Catherine Martin's bad press conference, and the pitfalls of the Trump versus Kamala Harris election.

John and Sarah discuss events in Coolock, which has John "f*cking livid", as well as the attempt on Donald Trump's life, why Sarah adores JD Vance, and why Sinn Fein's apology to its voters likely won't work.

John and Sarah discuss a week of implosions, including the implosion of Independent Ireland, the disintegration of Joe Biden's campaign, and yet more lenient sentences in our mess of a justice system. Unfortunately, technical difficulties mean this week's audio is sub-par: We apologise.