Your Politics
Episodes
Defence, Dáil exchanges and digital wallets
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the political term tapers to a finish, Dáil exchanges get heated, the Government details its defence spending plans and blister packs suddenly bur...
Acceleration or bust...the Gov infrastructure plan, sensible Simon and Volodymyr Z comes to town
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The plan is out and pressure in on but will there be infrastructure delivery? Sensible Simon and the latest super tax take, and the Zelensky visit ami...
Transport projects, asylum changes and nitrates ..all in a week's work in the Oireachtas
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When exactly will transport projects be delivered, will judicial reviews be curbed, new asylum rules and lots more in this weeks Your PoliticsSee omny...
Politicians getting out early, a submarine finance minister, the Ivan debates and more
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another political giant departs Fine Gael... is this becoming a thing? Ivan Yates debates politicians over his influential pronouncements, all is not ...
Will the housing plan fly, will Micheál Martin survive and ..homework cancelled when the President calls
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unpicking the housing plan and all that it promises...the opposition says nothing new, Government backbenchers say it better work. Fianna Fáil stuck ...
Mini detonations in Fianna Fáil, a housing plan soonish... and RBB makes his Dáil return
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An impending heave or not in Fianna Fáil? An update housing plan next week or not? The immigration debate reverberates around the Dáil and Governmen...
Post presidential political rumblings; the byelection, the spoiled votes and FF wranglings
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the dust settles on the presidential campaign, will the left stay united for the Galway byelection, will a Fianna Fáil heave materialise and what ...
It's over to the voters - but how was this presidential campaign?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's over to the voters now but how did the campaigns, the strategies and the debates play out or pay off over recent weeks? The RTÉ politics team di...
Catherine's cats, honeybees and that confidence motion
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Presidential campaign exchanges intensified between the Connolly and Humphreys camps, while in the Dáil the Government short-circuited a no-confidenc...
Presidential race loses pizazz and Budget fizzles…
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happened after Fianna Fáil lost its candidate for President - has Micheál Martin managed to see off his detractors? And Budget 26: dull or dyna...
Digesting Budget 26, Fianna Fáil's presidential postmortem and keepie uppies on the campaign trail
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the political system digests the budget, verdicts differ widely. Meanwhile Fianna Fáil prepares for a presidential postmortem after their candidat...
Full steam ahead in the campaign so how stand the candidates now?
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The race for the Áras is in full flight but all three candidates have had their challenges. Meanwhile parties differ sharply about the budget coming ...
Nominations, recriminations and that handbag!
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Áras race begins as Budget day looms....A three horse race without Sheridan and Steen. How are the candidates faring and will it be an exciting c...
A gamechanger for the Presidential race? Sinn Féin intrigue goes on as the Dáil returns.
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Make up your mind time for Sinn Féin has finally arrived, presidential candidates go ploughing, and budget spats in the DáilSee omnystudio.com/liste...
It's a three candidate presidential race, or is it?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The final line up in the presidential race is taking shape with Jim Gavin joining Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly. However, Sinn Féin's inte...
Things are getting real in the race for the Áras
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Humphreys begins her campaign, the joust for the Fianna Fail nomination continues, Sinn Féin accused of dithering by Labour whose leader is s...
The hunt for presidential nominations intensifys as the campaign for the Áras stutters towards the starting line.
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Disparate political wings of Catherine Connolly's campaign, Sinn Féin's decision process, intrigue over a Fianna Fail candidate and Heather Humphreys...
Oppo hammers Govt for 'epic waste' as Dáil shuts up shop
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the last Leaders' Questions, the Opposition hammered the Govt as "feckless and reckless" for failing on cost-of-living supports. Sinn Féin suffere...
Prez race starts to takes shape, but housing still stuck
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some movement on the race to the Áras, with Catherine Connolly's candidacy anticipated, and a growing sense that Mary Lou McDonald might just join he...
Fees furore, Coalition friction as tariffs deadline looms
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
James Lawless unleashed a furore with his miscalculated comments on fees. Might budgetary vagueness and "options" offer a way back? But just how serio...
Crunch time on housing, cost of living & Dáil shenanigans
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another downward revision on housing, looming concrete shortages and the impact of homelessness on children. Government initiatives are afoot, but pro...
Belated political tempo, health horrors & rental ruckus
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After months of no committees, there were finally fireworks at Health with the scandal-mired CHI getting a grilling. Outraged TDs warn the agency has ...
No housing big bang, war bonds furore & Triple Lock aggro
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We try to unpack the tortured calculus of the Government's rental plan. One thing's clear - if it delivers, it won't be anytime soon. And is there now...
Gaza fury dominates as Indo wobble hints at Gov fragility
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Higgins slams a "slander against Ireland" over its criticism of Israel. Simon Harris slams the Opposition over deploying "brickbats" and "mo...
La-Z-Boys, NCH delays, Cara's protest & Gaza's anguish
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The National Children's Hospital saga rumbles on, with Simon Harris squarely in the Opposition's crosshairs. Have lessons been learned, or will costly...
Bike shed blues, driving test agro & health scandal looms
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The report into the Oireachtas bike shed names no-one and, quelle surprise, vows that lessons will be learned. While the minister in charge has - bold...
TD no-show own goal, 'massive profiteering' & tariff pain
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new PAC chief alleges 'massive profiteering' in housing asylum seekers, and vows action. RTÉ's DG seems calm ahead of a tricky committee appearan...
Grace failed, czar outrage and spare the dandelions
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The housing czar to get €200k more than the Taoiseach - and for a job share (with the minister)? Like the housing market, the debate has got very he...
Tariff pause, surgery scandal and Soc Dems pull a stroke
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump steps back from the brink...for now. The 90-day pause is nowhere near long enough to hammer out trade deals. So, what happens on 9 July? ...
Heavy tariffs, dodgy maths as further escalation looms
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump has unleashed a crisis which may prompt a recession. Irish officials are all on message - negotiations are needed, not tit-for-tat trade ...
Ceann drama: 2 fingers, holy shows & channeling Thatcher
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A remarkable, arguably unprecedented, week in Irish politics. Verona Murphy remains in situ, and Micheál Martin is doubling down. Given the ('Lowry')...
Building slows, show-down looms and Oval gaffe lingers
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The seasons may change, but the speaking rights row rumbles on. Expect high drama next Tuesday as it all comes to a head in the Dáil. "Not a red cent...
Martin's waltz in Donald's den, tariffs and tattoos
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Micheál Martin got out of the Oval Office intact, only for Donald Trump to hit Irish alcohol with a 200% tariff. The 'emperor' and his deputy clearly...
Nuclear umbrellas, gorilla handshakes and a go-slow Dáil
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Germany stuns as it ditches fiscal rectitude for tanks and guns. France thumbs its nose at the US, rallies a coalition of the willing and offers to ex...
Zelensky in Éire, Trump's metals grab and arming Europe
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Ireland as he fights for a just peace with Russia. The EU is on the outer orbit of the talks, but will b...
'Build baby, build', ministers MIA and EU on back foot
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump is causing mayhem in liberal democracies. The speed and focus of his offensive has surprised many, not least Volodymyr Zelen...
Who can't handle the truth? Stoic wisdom, standing orders
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest fracas between Sinn Féin and the Gov has our correspondent reaching for Marcus Aurelius. Micheál Martin's irked remarks got the Ceann Com...
Haunted by electoral promises, Gov hobbled by housing gap
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Demand continues to soar as delivery stumbles, landing the Govt in a serious jam over housing. Planning reforms face legal challenges, so who can deli...
Stuck in the mud: Govt mired in unforced errors
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Government proposal to break the logjam over speaking rights has been met with another barrage of fury from Opposition ranks. It's shaping up to be ...
Political storm, Oppo ambush & barristers named James
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was a good day, ministerially speaking, for male barristers named James. Women fared far worse in Cabinet appointments. There's the freshness of ne...
Regional Indos run with the hare, hunt with the hounds
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are the Regional Indos in or out? A bit of both, maybe. There's not much passionate support for the Prog for Govt, but not much criticism either. FF a...
Tribunal trouble, coalition options and Seanad elections
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's all go, if a bit slow. Will we have a new government by the 22 January deadline, or is after St Brigid's Day more likely? And don't forget the Se...
Dáil elects Verona, a win for Lowry and a seagull!
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After fierce speculation and passionate appeals from the candidates, the Dáil has its first female Ceann Comhairle. Michael Lowry emerges as a key pl...
First female Ceann? Eoin Hayes' woes, and Gov takes shape
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Things are shaping up in the process of government formation. Labour and the Soc Dems are out, and the Regionals might be in. Will Verona be the first...
Who'll rule? Parity of esteem, shadow boxing & new blood
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Micheál Martin has a bounce in his step, like he knows he'll be leading the next administreation, but with whom? The tortuous choreography of the gov...
Volatility, uncertainty & omens as campaign ends
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's a hefty deficit of clarity as the election campaign winds down. Has the die has been cast, or are there still a raft of undecideds? Few pundit...
Sneachta & thermals, squabbles & brickbats, as end nears
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The weather is lousy and everyone's wrecked, so perhaps a bit of agro is to be expected. Sparks are flying on the campaign trail. Claims and countercl...
Lights , camera... but where's the election action?
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're nearing the end of week one, but things have yet to catch fire on the campaign trail. Is the sparring between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil a sham ...
Election sprint, Trump's back and still more Total War
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
And they're (almost) off! A three week sprint and then we'll vote. Micheál Martin's neat footwork kept him centre-stage while Simon Harris made up hi...
Things get a bit spicy as FF/FG get ready for showdown
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A quite day next Thursday has tongues wagging in the corridors of Leinster House. Might it be the day we get our election date? Deputies are ready to ...
Govt clears the decks, Section 31 and Clare Daly's back
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the dog about to get a glimpse of the rabbit? As the election looms the Dáil has signed off on a raft of bills as the Government clears the decks....
PAC drama, Farrell barnstorms & Martin set for Nov poll?
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mairéad Farrell is the woman of the moment, apparently on the cusp on taking the helm of the powerful PAC, following the shock departure of Brian Sta...
UNIFIL hit, Cobalt frenzy and did Harris bottle it in DC?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dáil guillotine comes out for the Planning Bill as parliament grinds on amid growing election speculation. Hollywood eco-star Mark Ruffalo gives ...
Glitter balls and gravy, phone pouches and serial wasters
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Gov splashed the cash, and for all the billions of largesse, it's getting grief over €9m for phone pouches - or 'magnetic holders'. Will the 'wa...
Big spend, big spin? Dáil clashes over Budget billions
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's all over bar the shouting. And there's been plenty of that. With each governing party having something to take to the electorate, the Opposition ...
Harris gets US nod, security hut woes, Michael D's letter
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bike shelter costs in the ha'penny place after reports on the security shelter emerge. The Budget days away, and spending choices to be made. The runa...
Security hikes, budget kites and pre-election buzz
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leinster House lockdown keeps protestors at arm's length as the Dáil resumes, but with pre-election buzz continuing politicians made prompt exits to ...
Electoral battle lines, €14bn on the way & Trump stumped
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Childcare, housing, migration are dominating this pre-election cycle, and with €14bn of Apple's cash on the way, the stakes just climbed even higher...
Housing heats up, abuse revelations and bike shenanigans
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The furore over the inflated cost of an Oireachtas bike shelter gave way to stunned outrage as the scale of abuse at Irish schools was laid bare. Part...
High energy Harris, election prep and coalition jitters
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A busy summer for Taoiseach Simon Harris, meeting, greeting and literally wearing the green jersey at the Paralympics. Meanwhile, as election speculat...
The financial version of, 'Mum, is my skirt too short?'
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warnings to avoid a Budget bonanza are being batted away by the Government. 'Impeccable manners and a steely edge'...Simon Coveney is to depart the po...
D-Day for UK: Labour can taste power
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sir Keir's all set for No. 10. Pundits are speculating on the size of Labour's majority, and who will (be left to) lead the Opposition. Might a change...
New broom in Finance must hit the ground running
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He's into his sport, but - unlike his Budget partner Paschal Donohoe - you won't see him at Taylor Swift. Who is Jack Chambers? Áine and the team con...
Poor election, shock departures: can Greens hit reset?
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Will Eamon Ryan's departure speed the 'green reset' needed to restore the party's fortunes? Áine and the team also consider the prospects of a Cabine...
Last minute voters and how every transfer counts
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This was to have been the aftermath podcast, but counting continues nationwide after voting last Friday. Áine and the team get the latest development...
Why has Sinn Féin tanked?
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the question everyone is asking, but even the top brass in Sinn Féin can't say why support has dropped so significantly. With results flowing in...
FG's Seán Kelly goes topless in final push for votes
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the final days of the campaign for the local and European elections, candidates are trying harder to attract social media attention. Fine Gael has ...
Micheál Martin's diet & why Limerick is our New York
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The National Children's Hospital will miss its completion dates by a "country mile". When will it finally open? The Palestinian flag has been raised o...
Gov's gaff gaffe, Tory shambles & Tony O'Reilly's goodbye
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Housing Cssn report is a "devastating" blow to the Gov's credibility, say Sinn Féin. Tommy Meskill discusses the story he broke. Paul Cunningham ...
Is the year of elections becoming the year of aggression?
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An EU leader is gunned down, and the intimidation of campaigning politicians here worsens, with weeks still to go before ballots are cast. The Governm...
Scoops in the Dáil, EU in defence mode & senior football
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know that Ireland is close to formally recognising Palestine, thanks to Europe Editor Tony Connelly, who broke the story and contributes to this po...
A diplomatic 'two fingers' from the UK
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rishi Sunak, 'gleeful' amid false rumours of gardaí being border-bound, and warnings not to be duped by a certain Fleet Street broadsheet, and its in...
Prudent Paschal tries to hold back the tide
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A momentous week, with the families of the Stardust victims getting an overdue and, most people agreed, heartfelt apology from the Taoiseach. The deli...
Showdown: Simon Harris versus Mary Lou McDonald
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Áine and the team consider the unlawful killing verdict in the long-running inquest into the Stardust fire. On the political front, they look at the ...
Mary Lou and Simon battle in TikTok kung fu
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Harris's first week as Taoiseach saw him in Brussels and Warsaw... but not the chamber of the Dáil, prompting an 'as láthair' attack from Sinn...
Simon Harris's Wee-shuffle
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Áine and the team consider the election of the country's youngest ever Taoiseach, the changes he has made to his executive team, and whether there's ...
Simon Harris and the Peaky Blinders
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Simon Harris readies to address the party faithful at a gathering in Galway, Áine and the team discuss the horse-trading the country's youngest le...
Simon Harris’ plans to 'reset' Fine Gael
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New broom, new rules. Simon Harris readies himself to overhaul his party. Áine and the team assess the scale of the challenge he faces.See omnystudio...
The Simon Harris juggernaut
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leo's Day morphed into Simon's moment. Áine and the team review an unprecedented 24 hours in Irish politics and consider what lies ahead.See omnystud...
Why did Leo Varadkar call it a day?
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After Leo Varadkar dropped his bombshell, David McCullagh asks the team, who saw that coming?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Totally spooked - Gov struggles with volatile electorate
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Limerick readies itself to vote in the country's first ever directly-elected mayor. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faces a crucial test in Washington DC over ...
Referendums: Double No & Double Blow
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has suffered a significant setback with the results of the referendums. But the main opposition parties had backed yes votes too. With ...
The Paddy's Day ministerial migration
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
And they're off! The Cabinet readies itself to disperse across the globe for its annual migration to promote brand Éire. Meanwhile, for PAC, side dea...
Candidates jostle for position ahead of Euro Parl vote
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The local and European elections are closing in - as are the referendums. Meanwhile, groundhog day grinds on, gnawing nerves in Montrose. With its cha...
RTÉ grapples with shackles of confidentiality clauses
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another difficult week for RTÉ, with its DG in the crosshairs for the first time over his actions, rather than those of his predecessor, Dee Forbes. ...
'Audible gasps' - latest in RTÉ saga
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
'A lot of drama' and 'audible gasps' at the Media Committee, with the latest appearance by the brass at RTÉ. Paul Cunningham & Co. consider the week'...
Fanning the flames: latest arson attack sparks concern
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An eventful week, which saw the passing of former taoiseach John Bruton and a moving tribute from his brother, Richard. Another arson attack prompted ...
Govt takes harder line on migrants
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another damning report into mismanagement at RTÉ, and still no clarity over whether the Government can agree on a new funding model. Áine notes "a l...
The RTÉ Late Late Showdown
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a damning Grant Thornton report into 'Toy Show The Musical', Áine and the team ponder the implications for the national broadcaster.See omnystu...
Truffles and throuples
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman may be the first to put "throuple" on the Dáil record. A culinary response took a turn for the surreal, and far...
Govt under pressure to support Israel genocide case
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With South Africa addressing the top UN court to demand that Israel immediately suspend its military operation in Gaza, the Government is coming under...
Looming elections..the packed political agenda for 2024
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Christmas edition, Tommy Meskill speaks to Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Labour's justice spokesperson Aodh...
From the jaws of victory, defeat: Stormont scuppered
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After speculation had hit fever-pitch, the DUP this week torpedoed hopes of a restoration of power-sharing before Christmas. What went wrong? Áine La...
Holly Cairns: why I get nervous in Dáil
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Soc Dem leader Holly Cairns talks to Áíne about facial recognition and a 'worrying' lack of data underpinning cuts to benefits for Ukrainian refugee...
Mattie McGrath on the 'real Ireland'
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
They stand for "common sense" politics which does "what it says on the tin", Mattie McGrath says of the Rural Independent Group. This week that includ...
Mícheál Lehane talks music
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the day the Dáil held a minute's silence for Shane MacGowan, the political system continued to grapple with the fallout from the Dublin riots. Hel...
School stabbing latest, neutrality row & a tax hike
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Ireland reels from is first stabbing outside a Dublin city school, Áine and the team assess latest reaction. They discuss the row over the Governm...
Tánaiste's awkward conversations in Israel
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish people have begun to leave Gaza for safety, while outside Leinster House protestors made clear their anger at the ongoing bombardment. Paul Cun...
Leo in Paris... and who will get plum Euro job?
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
PAC unanimously rejects RTÉ's compromise offer and the stand-off over that legal note rumbles on. What next? Micheál is at the Élysée Palace where...
Fianna Fáil rallies the troops
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Áine Lawlor is joined by Tommy Meskill and Juliette Gash to consider the week's political developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...