Best Irish Politics Podcasts (2025)

1
Andy McDonald, Lord Andrew Robathan, Baroness Jenny Jones & Lucy Harris 53:49

2h ago53:49

53:49

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Andy McDonald, the Conservative peer and former Defence Minister Lord Andrew Robathan, Green Party peer Baroness Jenny Jones and former Brexit Party & Tory MEP Lucy Harris.By LBC

1
1464. RTE’s Deliberate Dishonesty 26:16

2h ago26:16

26:16

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this episode Martin is joined by RTE worker Maebh Keary and his workers rights comrade, Matt McGranaghan to discuss RTE's latest day in the Oireachtas. Whilst there seems to be media consensus that they emerged unscathed, Maebh, Matt and Martin pick out some of the most interesting moments and go a litt…

1
Why Europe needs to realise the truth about America - with Helen Thompson 42:33

24m ago42:33

42:33

Where does Europe fit into the 21st century? Political scientist Professor Helen Thompson returns to the podcast to talk about the big picture for the global economy and international relations in the age of Trump's second term, China's rise and Europe's relative decline. She talks to Hugh about the real significance of America's debt pile, Silicon…

1
Is there any sign of presidential candidates being named? 5:44

1h ago5:44

5:44

Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications & Sprot; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West; Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats candidate for Dublin RathdownBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Should rent pressure zones be retained? 13:45

1h ago13:45

13:45

Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications & Sprot; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West; Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats candidate for Dublin RathdownBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
An asylum seeker's account of being the subject of a deportation order 29:28

1h ago29:28

29:28

Mahmoud, South African man facing deportation; Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications & Sprot; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West; Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats candidate for Dublin RathdownBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
1467. Colonial Outcasts with Greg Stoker and Liam Cunningham 51:13

3h ago51:13

51:13

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackOn this episode we are joined in the tortoise shack by activist, podcaster and former US army veteran, Greg Stoker and actor and activist Liam Cunningham to talk Gaza, the military industrial complex, the freedom flotilla and the intersectionality between all struggles for human rights and freedom. We also…

1
Musk and Trump's Big, Beautiful Breakup 42:00

12m ago42:00

42:00

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond: The crisis at Children's Hospital Ireland deepens Growing international disquiet over Israel's conduct in Gaza Planning exemptions for "granny flats" - can suc…

1
Can South Korea's new president unify an unhappy country? 24:23

15m ago24:23

24:23

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many challenges, including a political system in disarray, the threat of tariffs and a looming demographic disaster. Denis Staunton reports. Hosted on Acast. S…

1
1461. Not Everything is the Spanish Civil War, Eoghan 34:09

14h ago34:09

34:09

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this echo chamber pod Martin and Tony are joined by Madrid-based journalist Eoghan Gilmartin to discuss the huge power blackout in Spain, how it’s been weaponised by the far right, what impact it and similar events are having on politics and ask if the last lefty leader standing, Pedro Sanchez, can navi…

1
Baroness Amanda Spielman, Tan Dheshi, Lisa Smart & Natasha Clark 50:55

16m ago50:55

50:55

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are the Conservative peer and former Ofsted chief inspector Baroness Amanda Spielman, Labour MP and Defence Select Committee chair Tan Dheshi, the Liberal Democrats' Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart and LBC's own Political Editor Natasha Clark.By LBC

1
Why Poland's dramatic election result is a setback for Europe 29:55

19m ago29:55

29:55

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, won Sunday’s presidential by less than two percentage points. The result also has major implications for European politics. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the outcome with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally. Hosted on Acast…

1
Tom Hayes, Melissa Benn, Sir Alec Shelbrooke & Poppy Coburn 54:40

2h ago54:40

54:40

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Tom Hayes, writer and campaigner Melissa Benn, Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke and Poppy Coburn from The Telegraph.By LBC

1
65. Israel’s Deadly Humanitarian Aid Plan

5h ago

—

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this PalCast hosts Yousef and Helena are joined by producer Tony to talk about the cruel and disastrous "aid plan", the ongoing genocide, the change in rhetoric from some western leaders and why even in a week of unbearably devastating news there are some reasons to feel hope.Music at the end is a new s…

1
Jim Murphy, Harriet Cross, Baroness Natalie Bennett, Ella Whelan 55:00

18h ago55:00

55:00

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are former Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, Conservative MP Harriet Cross, Green peer and former leader Natalie Bennett and commentator Ella Whelan.By LBC

1
Conquest - The Curse of Cromwell 1:14:48

3d ago1:14:48

1:14:48

In the grand finale of our Conquest series, Naomi and Tim dig into one of the most notorious episodes of Irish history, starring none other than Oliver Cromwell. We explore his rise to power as a major player in the puritan faction of England's civil war, and how he came to view the task of "pacifying" Ireland both as a way to solidify his support,…

1
Liam Cunningham on the flotilla of aid due to depart for Gaza 6:45

3d ago6:45

6:45

Liam Cunningham, speaks to Colm from Sicily, as final preparations are being made for a flotilla of aid to depart for Gaza.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
The through-put of tradespeople is in serious trouble - Union 13:29

3d ago13:29

13:29

Brian Nolan, Assistant General Secretary of the Connect Trade Union; Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; George Lawlor, Labour TD for WexfordBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
The action - and inaction - of government when it comes to Gaza 29:50

4d ago29:50

29:50

Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; George Lawlor, Labour TD for WexfordBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Committees of the Oireachtas are back, but why can’t Irish politicians ask a good question? 40:01

5d ago40:01

40:01

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the questions posed by politicians during RTÉ’s appearance in front of the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday. · Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, …

1
1463. We Need to Fight Anti-Trans Lawfare 51:04

4d ago51:04

51:04

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackAlexa Moore is the Policy Campaigns and Communications Manager at the Rainbow Project in Northern Ireland. She's also an LGBTQ activist and a formidable Trans woman. She joins us to talk about Trans Rights on the island of Ireland, the UK Supreme Court decision, the turbulent politics of this time and why …

1
Gaza fury dominates as Indo wobble hints at Gov fragility 27:29

5d ago27:29

27:29

President Higgins slams a "slander against Ireland" over its criticism of Israel. Simon Harris slams the Opposition over deploying "brickbats" and "moral superiority". The Coalition majority looks less robust as pro-Govt TDs support Sinn Féin. Housing delivery remains dire, and may worsen further. And the fox's fate hangs on a bill at second stage.…

1
Chris Curtis, Alex Wilson, Naomi Smith & Angela Epstein 52:28

6d ago52:28

52:28

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Chris Curtis, Reform UK London Assembly member Alex Wilson, Naomi Smith from the campaign group Best for Britain and commentator Angela Epstein.By LBC

1
Why 'left' and 'woke' are not the same thing - with Susan Neiman 53:30

6d ago53:30

53:30

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism". She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and why its appeal to traditional left-wing tendencies, like solidarity and supporting the underdog, helps disguise its more reactionary elements. They also…

1
64. ‘I Saved Him Only For My Taxes To Pay For The Bomb That Then Killed Him’ 46:53

6d ago46:53

46:53

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackUS-based Dr. Feroze Sidhwa has travelled to Gaza over the course of the ongoing Genoide to heal the wounds of many, many Palestinians. As a trauma surgeon, he has witnessed many multi-fatality events, including the bombing of the surgery department of the Nasser Hospital and an airstrike that killed a pati…

1
David Aaronovitch, Lucy Frazer, Oli Dugmore & Emma Sinclair 54:22

9d ago54:22

54:22

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are broadcaster David Aaronovitch, former Conservative culture secretary Lucy Frazer, journalist Oli Dugmore and entrepreneur Emma Sinclair.By LBC

1
Gavan Reilly: The Secret Life of Leinster House 47:59

8d ago47:59

47:59

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
1459. Gaza, Hollywood and Cork with Lexi Alexander 42:15

8d ago42:15

42:15

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackLexi Alexander is the daughter of a Palestinian father and German mother; she is also a former World Kickboxing Champion and close-quarter-combat instructor, who worked her way up from stunt woman to Oscar-nominated director. In fact you've probably watched a few episodes of that kickass show that she dire…

1
Concern for hundreds of families on the hip dysplasia audit 6:15

10d ago6:15

6:15

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture; Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
No boycott of holiday homes but progress to let Gaelgóirí live in the Gaeltacht 15:42

10d ago15:42

15:42

Róisín Ó Chinnéide, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge; Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture; Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Irish Farmers’ Association on The Trump Tariffs 19:27

10d ago19:27

19:27

Tadhg Buckley, Director of Policy with the Irish Farmers’ Association; Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture; Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Minister for Justice to deliver apology to family of Shane O'Farrell 7:30

10d ago7:30

7:30

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture; Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Sinn Féin versus William the Conqueror 39:30

11d ago39:30

39:30

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Ireland’s decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called ’2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe’, and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since …

1
La-Z-Boys, NCH delays, Cara's protest & Gaza's anguish 21:48

12d ago21:48

21:48

The National Children's Hospital saga rumbles on, with Simon Harris squarely in the Opposition's crosshairs. Have lessons been learned, or will costly errors be repeated with the new National Maternity Hospital? Cara Darmody's Dáil protest puts assessment of need at the top of the agenda. Tánaiste says Occupied Territories Bill is moving forward.…

1
389. Finding Hope and Community when Everything Is Broken – Abubaker Abed

12d ago

—

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this Reboot Republic Rory & Tony talk to the incredible young Gazan journalist Abubaker Abed about his journey from Gaza to Ireland, the importance of solidarity and speaking up, the daily reality of surviving a genocide, and what Ireland can do to show a common humanity when the world turns its backs o…

1
Here’s How 180 – Medieval Attitudes 1:06:42

13d ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Dr Kirill Bumin is Associate Dean of Metropolitan College of Boston University and Dr Mordechai Inbari is Professor of Religion at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. ***** That’s the diminutive Justin Barrett, formerly of Youth Defence and a string of other far-right organisations, Litler himself, talking to a commentator with the Canadi…

1
Dorothy Byrne, Saqib Bhatti, Steve Race & Jamila Robertson 53:29

13d ago53:29

53:29

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are former Channel 4 News boss Dorothy Byrne, shadow culture minister and Conservative MP Saqib Bhatti, Labour MP Steve Race and City AM columnist Jamila Robertson.By LBC

1
1458. Electric Picnic for Trade Union nerds!

13d ago

—

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackYou asked us to look closer at the Trade Union movement in Ireland, so consider this an opening conversation with two Union stalwarts, Scott Miller and Paddy Cole, who are also two of the main organisers of the Tressell Festival. Some mild disagreements. Talk soon again, lads. Limited tickets:https://www.e…

1
Refugees in Ireland: is the Government getting the balance right? 44:38

13d ago44:38

44:38

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. The new Government has signalled a tougher approach to the issue, and has claimed some success. Are their reforms working, and is the tougher messaging …

1
Stephen Flynn, Dr Luke Evans, Rachel Cunliffe & Charlie Downes 53:50

14d ago53:50

53:50

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, shadow health minister and Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans, Rachel Cunliffe from the New Statesman and political commentator Charlie Downes.By LBC

1
63. Banyas the Storyteller. 37:29

14d ago37:29

37:29

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this podcast we are joined from Gaza by teacher, storyteller and mother, Banyas Abu Harab, who focuses on educating, comforting and inspiring young learners in Gaza, even as the bomb blasts are audible above her voice. This is a very different insight into the reality of the ongoing Genocide in Gaza. Th…

1
Mark Ferguson, Richard Holden, Victoria Collins & Matthew Syed 54:11

15d ago54:11

54:11

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Mark Ferguson, Conservative MP and shadow paymaster general Richard Holden, Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins and Times columnist Matthew Syed.By LBC

1
'The people who voted no are expected to go under a rock and disappear' - Ronán Mullen on losing the marriage referendum 35:17

15d ago35:17

35:17

The tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum has prompted some reminiscing about how the vote was the first of two pinnacles for progressivism in Ireland, the other being the abortion referendum three years later. For women and members of the LGBT community, the successful campaigns were pivotal moments for an Ireland escaping its oppr…

1
1460. “Keir Starmer came out as a full-on racist” 34:51

15d ago34:51

34:51

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshackIn this extraordinary podcast, Prof Richard Murphy pulls no punches in addressing Keir Starmer's recent speech on migration and the so-called "island of strangers."He outlines how these new policy positions are also contrary to the Labour promise that Growth will underpin all of their actions in government…

1
Why do so few local authorities build houses anymore? 26:25

17d ago26:25

26:25

Professor Michelle Norris, Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy, UCD; Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath; Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal West; Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
Sinn Féin banned from this year’s Trans Pride march in Dublin 0:43

17d ago0:43

0:43

Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal West discussesBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
SIPO to investigate comments by Ken O'Flynn 2:56

17d ago2:56

2:56

Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-Central, discusses.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
The legal requirement to provide an Assessment of Needs 17:49

17d ago17:49

17:49

Damien Lowry, President of the Psychological Society of Ireland; Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath; Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal West; Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-CentralBy RTÉ Radio 1

1
1457. Ireland’s One Trillion Euro Tax Mirage 33:35

17d ago33:35

33:35

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack"Ireland, once a proud republic of ideas and insurgents, now resembles a serfdom for supranational capital. It is time – long past time – for a reckoning. The question is not whether this gilded scaffolding will crumble. It is whether we will have the courage to build something real in its place." Business…

1
The Public Accounts Committee returns, and is already making headlines 38:08

18d ago38:08

38:08

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children’s Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman’s salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager t…

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