Your Politics

Heated exchanges at the health committee revealed there's an invoice for unapproved spinal implants, but paradoxically no evidence of procurement. What else did we learn today? Charlie Flanagan is the latest to join the FG exodus. How many more will go?

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Amid warnings that if violence is left unchecked, Irish democracy could be faced with its own Capitol Hill riots, the team considers the troubling events outside the Dáil, noting similarities with Westminster unrest around Brexit.

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As Mary Lou McDonald returns to the political fray, the Tánaiste warns that we don't do coronations in this country. Sinn Féin will be keen to avoid the appearance of taking any votes for granted. But they've a potential partner in Fianna Fáil, with Micheál Martin not ruling out a coalition. It's a new term; Áine and the team look ahead.

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This term's final cabinet meeting had over 60 items on the agenda. Right at the top was crime, after Justice Minister Helen McEntee's ham-fisted photo op. The ongoing Roads V. Rail stand-off between FG & the Greens saw Eamon Ryan in full conciliation mode, insisting that it's not a binary choice. Other issues include IVF and energy supports.

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Leo Varadkar's flying visit to Ukraine was kept under wraps until the last minute. But Paul Cunningham tells us that the security operation nearly came unstuck with an unguarded tweet. He gives his last despatch from Poland. Áine and the team also look at the collapse in home ownership for the under 40s, and how many TDs we need.

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"Is this the end of the beginning?" asks Áine Lawlor after another marathon committee session for RTÉ top brass. It was the first Oireachtas outing for Kevin Backhurst since taking the helm at the embattled national broadcaster on Monday, and while he expressed regret at the circumstances, he pledged to work with law-makers to tackle this crisis.

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How can the embattled national broadcaster plot a path to redemption? A third week of committee hearings lies ahead, with Ryan Tubridy facing a grueling seven-hour grilling, along with his agent, Noel Kelly. Marty Morrissey ends the guessing game, puts his hands up and confesses to an "error of judgement".

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Áíne Lawlor is joined by Paul Cunningham and Micheál Lehane to discuss the day's revelations at the Public Accounts Committee.

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With the revelations about Ryan Tubridy's pay deal making headlines nationwide, Aine and the team look at the latest developments, and cast an eye over the week's other big stories.

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With Micheál Martin decrying the abhorrent jack boots of a member of the Opposition - before finally withdrawing the remark - the debate on neutrality is getting ugly. The Govt insists its roadshow offers a balanced slate, but sounded defensive in heated exchanges in the House. Áine and the team get stuck into an eventful week.

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