Path to Power

How Protest Should Be Done - The Expert’s View

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Long-time protest activist Brendan Ogle takes issue with the conduct of the diesel protests and the government’s capitulation to unlicensed proteste...

Leo's Rural-Urban Divide

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Shane Coleman and Lise Hand join Matt, and they start with the suggested split in the Healy-Rae dynasty. They discuss all the issues related to the ru...

PTP America: J. Edgar Boozer, Pulp Fiction, and a Raccoon's Penis

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Trump continues his suspension of the assault on Iran, Matt and Marion divert to the case of Kash Patel's sobriety, Pete Hegseth's use of a Pulp Fi...

Powder keg Politics and Protests

18 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former political correspondent Áine Kerr join Matt to analyse the politics of the past fortnight, dominated by the ...

Fuelling the (Ire)land

11 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Driving the protesters off the blocked roads: Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss how the government has to confront threatened anarchy. ...

Everything Goes Off the Rails

04 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss if the MetroLink project may be derailed by the untimely departure of its boss, Seán Sweeney, and if the ...

How Many TDs to Change a Lightbulb?

28 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt and open with a discussion on the proposal to limit the number of TDs. They discuss the 18th delay to the handi...

The Price Donald Trump Makes Us Pay

21 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is joined by Brendan Ogle and Larry Donnelly to look at Irish reactions to Trump's Iranian assault. They rate and review Micheál Martin's Oval O...

Micheál Martin's Mission: Impossible

14 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the perilous nature of Micheál Martin's visit to the Oval Office: what sort of Trump will he find, ca...

How the Iranian War Impacts Ireland

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss America's assault on Iran and what Ireland's position on it should be. They assess what Micheál Mart...

Sinn Féin Under the Microscope

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is joined by John Lee and Danny McConnell to discuss Sinn Féin's prospects in the Dublin Central by-election, its position on Ukraine, Mary Lou ...

Children and Babies and Providing for Them

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is joined by Áine Kerr and Shane Coleman to discuss the importance of SNAs in our schools and our government's mishandling of potential changes....

Banged Up Abroad

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Fine Gael TD John Deasy and Irish Daily Mail Columnist Brenda Power join Matt to discuss the wider implications for Irish emigrants to the US o...

The Rain Blame Game

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Danny McConnell and John Lee examine the consequences of Ireland’s repeated failure to deliver flood defences and critical infrastructure. They ask ...

Get the Fliuch Out of Here

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Storm Chandra wreaked havoc on the country, Shane Coleman and Lise Hand discuss who is really responsible for making sure appropriate weather warni...

A Bowl of Shamrock and a Billion Dollars for Trump

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Donald Trump pushes his Board of Peace idea, would it be wise for Ireland to join and if we say no, could the squeeze be put on us? John Deasy and ...

Naughty Micheál, Nudie Grok, & Paschal's Silence

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee to unpack the continuing Mercosur fallout inside the government and with the EU. The foreign challenges...

The Guns of January

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt for a wide-ranging discussion starting with the Irish government's position on the Mercosur deal. What Miche...

Simon Harris & His Many Opinions

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the many newspaper interviews given by Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris over the Christmas ...

Tally-Ho to 2025 & Tales of Trump

27 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin coalesce to save fox hunting. Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss left unity and who Sinn Féin ...

Teflon Taoiseach 2.0

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss not the gang who couldn't shoot straight, but the gang who couldn't even get a shot off, and yet Mic...

Blister Packs & Home Videos

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt to discuss the outrage caused by the videos of adults returning to live in their parents' homes, the politic...

Ireland is Angerland

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A rowdy gathering for our 100th episode as Matt, Lise Hand, and Shane Coleman dissect: RTÉ's Eurovision departure and Ireland's defence against anti-...

Stay-At-Home Taoiseach

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should Micheál Martin rein in the foreign travel? The Government's change of stance on immigration, why IPAS centres and work permits need to be trea...

SpongeBob heads to Washington

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right...

Bricks and Mortified

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is joined by Newstalk Breakfast host and former political editor Shane Coleman, and by journalist and former Dáil correspondent Lise Hand to dis...

Micheál Walks the Plank

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Micheál Martin teetering on the edge as his leadership of Fianna Fáil comes up for debate, for how much longer can he hang on? Guests Danny McConnel...

Spoilt For No Choice

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The impact of the high number of spoiled votes in the election for future politics assessed, and how it will impact on migration policy. Is the left p...

Presidential Fallout

25 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so m...

Presidential Coronation

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan as a footnote to presidential history, why Catherine Connolly is about to win and how heavily Heather Humphreys might lose. The likely fallout in...

Gavin Dropped & Budget Woes

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The circumstances of Jim Gavin's presidential exit examined, and the consequences for Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil. When will Jim O'Ca...

Budget Expectations & Gavin's Gaffes

04 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our duo deliver a detailed pre-budget examination of what's likely to happen next Tuesday, from income tax measures to VAT on hospitality and apartmen...

The Big Interview: Leo Varadkar

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan meet former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a wide-ranging discussion based on the publication of his book 'Speaking My Mind'.Brought to you ...

Game Changer

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Ivan bought into the Jarlath Burns for president rumour, what Heather Humphreys must surrender in her bid for the Áras, Jim Gavin and the farm ga...

Threats and Assassinations

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Matt and Ivan deplore political violence in the United States, they assess the seriousness of the threats to Simon Harris and others. The president...

Teflon Bertie Finds the Mud Sticks

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can't escape his past and crashes out of the presidential race. Jim Gavin's advantage over Billy Kelleher for the Fianna...

Shots Fired!

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former army man and GAA legend Jim Gavin shoots for the presidency with Fianna Fáil, AK-47 Alan Kelly takes aim at Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin app...

(What's the Story) Presidential Glory?

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the slow bicycle race gathers momentum, could the presidential election turn into a referendum on the performance of Simon Harris? Heather Humphrey...

Arrested Development

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The job facing the new Garda Commissioner assessed, with retirements threatening to outnumber new recruits. The financial perils of running for presid...

Trump Exploits Europe's Weakness

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump's 15% tariffs and the extra dangers to our pharma and semiconductor exports, how the national finances and the forthcoming budget will be affect...

Scores on the Doors

02 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An assessment of the individual performances of The Taoiseach, The Tánaiste, and each Government Minister. Ivan picks out the best of the Juniors, an...

Flatley Toots his Flute

26 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dancer Michael Flatley, medic Tony Holohan, and academic Deirdre Heenan and their presidential prospects assessed. The Summer Economic Statement disse...

Recession Incoming

19 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan reads the economic tea leaves and blames government pessimism for falling consumer confidence in spending, the disaster of the falling number of ...

Mary Lou Can (win the Presidency)

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan have a spirited debate about the chances of Mary Lou McDonald appealing to enough voters to win the Presidency, they assess what the oth...

No Such Thing As A Free College Education

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A lengthy debate on who should pay for third-level education and who gets the benefit. Ivan takes issue with Matt for enjoying the hospitality of the ...

Trump Blows Up his Critics

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan praises the political impact of Trump's Iran moves: Matt disagrees. Also, Dublin Airport update, the do-nothing government, the expansion of the ...

PTP America | Bonus special - Trump's War and Peace

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a Path to Power special, Matt is joined by veteran US-based Irish journalist Marion McKeone to discuss Donald Trump's gamble with his MAGA base by ...

Will Trump Pull the Trigger?

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel and Iran: Where Ireland and the EU stand, and where Trump stands with his MAGA base. How real is the National Economic Dialogue? Is Paul Murphy...

Rent Pressure Moans

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a detour to the Ballymena riots, Ivan and Matt return to the ongoing housing crisis and the government's Rent Pressure Zones initiative. The dea...

What does this Government actually control?

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion on whether the bail laws need to be changed, the further revelation undermining Children's Health Ireland, top civil servants with differ...

The AI Tsunami

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan and Matt report on their travels and what they have learnt about AI and its impact on society, the Irish-American view of the world, the latest o...

Renting and Raving

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where we are going with Rent Pressure Zones, the Mayo-led boycott of second-home owners, what really happened in 2024's election voting, room to impro...

In Sickness and in Health

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An assessment of 20 years of the HSE, the planned departure of the chief executive and what needs to be done. The failure to build hospitals and the i...

Who's The Most Powerful American Now?

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Analysis of what the new Pope's election means, given that he's American and has criticised JD Vance and Donald Trump. What does the US/UK trade deal ...

100 Days of Underperformance

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The debacle of the failed Brendan McDonagh appointment to a new Housing Activation Office prompts Ivan and Matt to cut loose on the government's perfo...

The Woke Pope

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The pope's legacy, the politics of the papacy, conservatism versus liberalism and did Francis fall in the middle? How the Irish State's relationship w...

Drugs, Beef, and HRT

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where Ireland stands with pharma and tech in the tariffs era, how will it impact the public finances, and could austerity return? The government doubl...

Trump's Whiplash Week

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan assess the implications of a traumatic week in financial markets and global politics. They then return to home to evaluate the implicati...

Trump's Tariff Derangement Syndrome

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The American economic idiot goes to work - how will Ireland and the EU respond? Food and alcohol hit, but what next for pharma, tech, and financial se...

Two Fingers

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Lowry as a lightning rod, Verona Murphy's future and Dáil decorum. Liberation day; how to deal with Trump's tariffs. Is Ireland joining a NAT...

McGregor Menace and Trump's Tariff Turmoil

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From the Octagon to The Oval Office, Conor McGregor's potential disruption of the 2025 Áras race. A debate as to whether Simon Harris is right to sug...

Boxing Clever

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Taoiseach Micheál Martin emulated his late father by ducking and diving and throwing few punches when Donald Trump used him as a foil in the late...

Will The Oval Office Go Pear-Shaped?

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A preview of Micheál Martin's trip to The White House based on President Zelensky's visit. How will the Ukrainian war end? What should the Taoiseach ...

Trump Issues his Invitation

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Micheál Martin is going to the Oval Office, but what will happen? Matt and Ivan disagree on Trump’s effectiveness, whether it’s all bluster or se...

Sinn Féin Boycotts Trump - So What?

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sinn Féin prioritises Gaza over Ukraine, are we in a naive bubble about our defence and our national interests? Trump's assault on Europe and partial...

A Radical Reset on Housing

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan argue for a whole of government approach to solving the housing crisis, the Peter McVerry Trust debacle, how the geopolitics of Ukrainia...

Dáil Damage and Donald's Derangements

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government's poor start, the Occupied Territories Bill: Ireland's values versus Ireland's interests. Trump's insane week (again), Ireland's relati...

Storms Continue

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan discuss the government’s response to storm Éowyn, how to solve the Dáil speaking rights impasse, Moriarty revisited, the Sinn Féin ...

Who are ya loyal to?

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The regional Independents, government or opposition? The rights and wrongs of the Dáil shenanigans, geography and gender in the cabinet selections, w...

Explore, Examine, and Review

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matt & Ivan look at the Programme for Government and its lack of firm commitments, the politics of the coalition deal and the jobs for Independent...

The Two Michaels

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The roles for Healy-Rae and Lowry in government formation, Ivan's weather rant, the TD who may become Attorney General, why there wont be a gender quo...

Verona's Victory

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan disclose the politics of Verona Murphy's elevation to Ceann Comhairle, the noses put out of joint, the jockeying for ministerial preferm...

Hayes Calamity

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Matt and Ivan bring us up to date on government formation they assess the embarrassment to the Social Democrats of the Eoin Hayes revelations, and ...

The Dust Settling

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan assess the government formation posturing and tell you what's really happening. Ivan gives his scorecard for each of the parties and rev...

The Big Day is Here

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan do their roundup of the general election campaign, and Ivan makes his final prediction as to the eventual result.PTP+To enjoy early acce...

Electile Dysfunction

23 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is the election exciting the electorate? We talk debates, constituency news, key performances, and the issues not being discussed as to whether we can...

O'Leary Teaches Politicians on Attention Getting

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Ryanair boss enlivens a rather dull campaign, the Fine Gael / Fianna Fáil rows, the manic spending promises, electricity prices and inflation, an...

Trumped and Triggered

09 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How Matt is surviving the US election result and what it all means for Ireland as the starting gun is fired on our own election.PTP+To enjoy early acc...

Whether They Like It Or Not

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt & Ivan give their final thoughts on the US election, the legacy of David Davin-Power, the Brian Stanley update, Sinn Féin's health plans, Mi...

The Late Late Show Joke

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan ask if Sinn Féin is suffering from media bias, why Heather Humphreys and Jackie Cahill have gone, Clare Daly's arrival in Dublin Centra...

Sinn Féin's Weeks of Woe

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Full analysis of all that's going on in Sinn Féin, the Fine Gael ghosts of Alan Shatter and Kate O'Connell come back to haunt them, and an encounter ...

Mr. Harris goes to Washington

12 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How the TikTok Taoiseach got his picture, Harris/Martin rivalry, Sinn Féin's increasing problems, and our US election latest as Trump edges in front....

Bonus Episode Available Now

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's bonus episode is available now. If you'd like to hear more, go to pathtopowerpodcast.com to become a member.Get in touch: mail@pathtopower...

There Was Something About Mary

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A tribute to the late Mary O'Rourke, in depth analysis of the politics of the Budget, Norma Foley's €9 million for mobile phone pouches, and Sinn Fé...

The Flight of the Golden Geese

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From tourism to data centres, how we could chase away the businesses that deliver the tax revenues. What will be in the bazooka budget, the gold-plate...

School’s Back from Summer

21 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Return of the Dáil, Michael McGrath’s not so big job, is it bye bye to FDI? Micheál Martin’s issue with Simon Harris, and the Independent who co...

A Valentine’s Day Massacre

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan reveals Simon Harris's desired election date, what might be in Leo's memoirs, what to do with all the Apple money, and the Central bank gives up ...

Definitely Maybe

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oasis are back and with them comes a new furore over Ticketmaster's tactics but it doesn't bother Ivan who plans to be lording it up in corporate hosp...

Goodnight Sister

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A tribute to the late Nell McCafferty, will the gambling bill get through? An argument over more money for sport, Irish Water and houses being built, ...

I'm a Celebrity...Get Me In to The Dáil!

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt & Ivan on Gráinne Seoige's emergence and other electoral candidates, including possibly Dáithí Ó' Sé? US election coverage, farmer's zon...

In Our Defence

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan assess the state of the health service, debate Ireland's position on NATO and Defence Forces spending, and discuss the potential of part...

Behind the Harris Facade

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan look in to the real Simon Harris, ask if Michael D. Higgins could be followed as president by a comedian, and look at our pressing infra...

Ivan's Hangover Insights

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan returns from Galway and his mind is still racing, Sinn Féin's housing plan, Michael Ring's announcement, Defamation Bill reform, Electoral Commi...

Sinn Féin and RTÉ Reset

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Kamala Harris replaces Joe Biden, Matt and Ivan look at American politics but return home to Sinn Féin's new position on immigration, and the Gove...

God bless America, and the rest of us

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan debate divine intervention and higher powers in political office, politicians with pints in hand, Coolock riots, Ursula von der Leyen's ...

Up in the Air

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan assess George Clooney's intervention in the Biden crisis, Ivan goes to Mayo for the gossip and has Fine Gael candidate information. Budg...

Labour Landslide and Paisley Pitched Out

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan provide the Irish perspective on the UK general election results, emphasising new Ireland/UK relations. The DUP in crisis and it's impli...

Whiskey and a Revolver

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan assess what needs to happen next in the US election race and divert to Britain and France too. Michael McGrath's EU job, Jack Chambers i...

It's Not Easy Being Green

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ivan and Matt cite Kermit the Frog in assessing Eamon Ryan's tenure as Green Party leader and the challenges facing the candidates to replace him, wha...

Post-mortem

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Ivan give the inside track on the significance of the European and local election results.Get in touch: [email protected] the...