The Candidate

Does Simon Harris want to create a nation of investment bros?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:05:01 GMT

Finance Minister Simon Harris has outlined (again) what his much-flagged personal savings and investment scheme is going to going to look like. Well, kind of. We still don't know the exact details but we have the broad strokes: it'll encourage people to put money into a government-run investment account, rather than letting it languish in a savings account. The Social Democrats aren't impressed so far, though. They say the scheme is basically a "tax break for millionaires".

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Rónán Duffy and Jane Matthews look at whether this might finally be the thing that moves Irish people away from savings accounts and buying property to make money.

Also: Do we have enough TDs? Michael McDowell thinks so. The Senator has called for a referendum to cap the number of TDs, saying if the population continues to grow, it'll cost a lot more money to accommodate them all in Leinster House. Should this happen? And more importantly: will it?

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The government treats the Children's Hospital like someone else's problem

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:05:12 GMT

The National Children's Hospital has just missed its 18th deadline, and when an Oireachtas committee asked when it would actually be ready, the answer was: we'll need another 15 days to come up with a new date. Meanwhile, 570 staff still need to be hired in a city where nurses struggle to afford to live.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn and Rónán Duffy ask why the government keeps treating its most expensive project like something that's happening to someone else.

Also: the excise cuts on fuel have landed and barely made a dent, and Michael Healy-Rae got very annoyed about fox hunting on the radio,

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The bar for the White House visit is on the floor

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:15:07 GMT

The reviews are in from the Oval Office, and the verdict is... it wasn't a disaster? Martin met Trump, defended Starmer, stifled a grin during a rant about windmills, and told the US president he's doing his bit for peace in the Middle East (gulp).

The bar for success remains firmly on the floor: don't poke the bear, don't make headlines, get out alive.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy debrief on the visit, with Christina reporting on her experience in Oval Office and Jane from Boston, where Joe Biden made a surprise appearance.

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The government can't keep ignoring fuel prices

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:18:15 GMT

Fuel prices have been climbing higher, and higher... and higher. The government's response? We're monitoring it. Wait and see. Let's not make any knee-jerk decisions. But as one of our team puts it: everyone can see what's happening in Iran, everyone can see what's happening at the pumps, so how much more evidence do you need that this isn't going to blow over?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Christina Finn and Rónán Duffy ask why the same government that cut excise within two weeks of the Ukraine war is dragging its feet now, and whether the real problem with Irish fuel prices started long before the first bomb dropped.

Also: James Browne wants to loosen the rules on one-off rural housing. Is it a genuine fix or populism now the Greens are gone?

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Ireland can't say two words: illegal war

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:35:17 GMT

It's day six of the US-led war on Iran and Ireland's government still can't bring itself to say two crucial words. With the White House visit just weeks away, Micheál Martin is leaning hard on phrases like "rules-based international order" - but what rules do we need to actually pay attention to? The government called out genocide in Gaza, but has suddenly gone quiet.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn and Rónán Duffy ask what's happened to Ireland's moral voice, and whether the St Patrick's Day trip is already dictating the Taoiseach's response.

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Dublin Central didn't want a parachute candidate (even a popular one)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:31:20 GMT

Sinn Féin's Dublin Central selection convention was meant to be a formality. Campaigner Gillian Sherratt was widely tipped to get the nod. Instead, the party's own members backed long-standing local councillor Janice Boylan. Was it a grassroots revolt against a parachute candidate?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Christina Finn and Rónán Duffy dig into why Irish politics keeps rejecting outsiders, what it means for the Dublin Central by-election,

Also: 'Gougers’, ‘hooligans' and a plague on all our rents.

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The SNA own goal everyone saw coming

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:54:49 GMT

The government's plan to review how SNAs are allocated lead to a U-turn that was almost as sharp as the backlash. Letters landing in principals' inboxes triggered a political firestorm, TDs lined up to call it an own goal, and the plan was shelved. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy ask: how did the government walk into this one?

Also: is there a snobbery problem with how we talk about hot school meals?

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The illusion of safety for 'undocumented Irish'

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:58:18 GMT

Another St Patrick's Day trip to the White House, another thorny issue to navigate. This time, it's the detention of an Irish citizen in a US immigration centre. Despite reports of grim conditions and rising concerns for other undocumented Irish people, Micheál Martin seems reluctant to put it front and centre with Donald Trump.

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy and Christina Finn unpack whether the Taoiseach can really afford to sidestep it.

Also: Once again tourists trump renters in the eyes of the government.

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The political culture war over cycling

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:07:29 GMT

The government wants e-bike and e-scooter users to wear helmets and high-vis gear, but critics say that’s missing the point. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy dig into the backlash to this latest safety proposal and why the cycling debate in Ireland seems to hit a nerve every time.

Also: Should politicians be using AI to write speeches?

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Met Éíreann issues Status Yellow politics warning

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:12:56 GMT

The most powerful political force in Ireland? Flooding.

Storm Chandra has kicked off a public row between Housing Minister James Browne and Met Éireann. After Browne suggested Met Éireann 'guarded' information and should change how it issues warnings, question are now being asked: is the warning system fit for purpose, and who is accountable when flooding hits?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy examine what this tells us about Ireland’s preparedness for more extreme weather - and if politicians are able to handle the fallout themselves.

Also: why are defections a running drama in UK politics, but not in Ireland?

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Only an invasion will stop Ireland's day at the White House

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:56:01 GMT

The annual St Patrick’s Day trip to the White House used to be a low-stakes photo op. Now? It's a perennial (somewhat tiresome, perhaps) news story and moral dilemma: will we, or won't we? Should Micheál Martin go, and if he does, what does Ireland actually gain and risk?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy and Christina Finn unpack the political calculations around this, whether there's a 'red line' which we need to accept has been crossed, and how much leverage Ireland really has during Trump's second term

Also: why are most political parties still posting on X? And what could the government’s planned digital wallet could mean for kids’ safety and civil liberties?

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If this doesn't lead to action on Big Tech, nothing will

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:54:17 GMT

It's a new Dáil term and a new season of The Candidate, but issues at home are taking a back seat right now. Non-consensual, AI-generated sexual imagery has become the flashpoint after X’s Grok tool made it easier to create and share this content. With gardaí investigating suspected child sexual abuse material, and ministers floating half-formed calls to ban the AI chatbot completely, the government is under pressure to explain what it can and will actually do.

Sinéad O'Carroll, Rónán Duffy and Jane Matthews unpack the political response, the muddled messaging, and the question Ireland keeps avoiding: how do you regulate powerful tech firms when the State also relies on them?

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Our picks for the political dramas to binge during Twixmas

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy share their favourite political shows - the ones that helped them escape (or make sense of) real-life Leinster House drama. From The West Wing to Veep, The Thick of It to Borgen, they offer recommendations for what to binge over Twixmas.

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The Candies: Our political awards for 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:08:20 GMT

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy hand out their now-traditional end-of-year political awards, from the Michael Myers Award for Hanging On In There to the MGMT Difficult Second Album Award. The team reflect on the wins, flops, scandals, and surprises of 2025.

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What not to say to adults forced to move home

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:55:55 GMT

A video aimed at young people moving back in with their parents, shared by the Department of Housing, was meant to be helpful... but it didn't land like that. At all. No sir.

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy unpick why the backlash was so immediate and the lessons needed for the government on talking about the housing crisis. Do decision makers really understand just how hard things have become for an entire generation of renters?

Also: If you don't understand why Ireland’s nitrates derogation is controversial, you will after this episode.

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A careful visit with an even more careful message

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:50:57 GMT

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first visit to Ireland was smooth, symbolic, and tightly stage-managed. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews unpack the carefully curated optics of the visit, and examine what was said vs what wasn't.

Also: how we are still talking about the Occupied Territories Bill?

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Twenty people stall a €9.5 billion project

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:46:07 GMT

A judicial review filed against the long awaited MetroLink has sparked a backlash from both government and a public fed up with delays. Ministers are treading carefully, defending the right to object while clearly hoping the residents of Dublin's leafiest of leafy suburbs back down. Will this be a short planning skirmish or a defining infrastructure war?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews look at why this case has touched a nerve and what comes next.

Also: a shift in tone and policy on migration raises questions about what’s driving the government’s tougher stance. Public pressure or EU alignment?

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Simon Harris keeps Finance for himself

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:26:06 GMT

In a move that has raised some eyebrows across Leinster House, Simon Harris has made himself the country's new Minister for Finance. This meant skipping over the entire Fine Gael front bench team in his search to fill the gap left by Paschal Donohoe’s high-profile exit to the World Bank.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack why Harris did it, and how this could shape the next two years of government. The team also examines what Donohoe’s departure will actually mean for the Fine Gael party, and whether the upcoming by-election means a certain Monk might make another surprise appearance...

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The presidential inauguration needs an overhaul

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:18:53 GMT

Catherine Connolly’s first speech as president was careful, critical, calm, with just a few pointed lines that hinted at how she’ll approach the role. But for such a major democratic moment, it felt stilted and oddly empty.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy examine why the inauguration itself felt so disconnected from the public, in contrast with Connolly's people-first outlook.

Also: Fianna Fáil eagerly await Micheál Martin's promised review of the election campaign.

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When political training becomes a political problem

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:55:09 GMT

Fianna Fáil’s hiring of Ivan Yates to help prep Jim Gavin for grillings during the presidential election rate has sparked (or perhaps fanned) tensions with Fine Gael. Then there's the broader questions about media transparency and political training (and let's not forget: who Matt Cooper's new podcast co-host will be?). Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack the past few days.

Also: Simon Harris poorly timed, vaguely worded remarks on migration were not what the country needed right now.

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John Collison’s tech-bro idea: be a little more Haughey

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:09:49 GMT

John Collison, billionaire Stripe co-founder, lobbed a political bombshell in the direction of Kildare Street with a 2,500-word Irish Times think piece (manifesto, perhaps). Is it a bold vision or simply Silicon Valley naivety?

Sinead O’Carroll, Christina Finn, and Rónán Duffy break down the response to Collison’s 'Make Politicians Powerful Again' call, from ministers nodding along to critics pointing out all the things he left out. They also ask: why can Irish governments deliver for the Ryder Cup, but not for housing? What does that say about leadership, blame, and priorities?

Also: will we have a new taoiseach this time next week?

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A landslide for Connolly - but the story of this election is protest

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 13:23:39 GMT

Catherine Connolly’s presidential victory was more than decisive (but we're not going to call it stonking because Christine hates that word).

In this post-election episode, the team unpack what went so right for Connolly, and but where to even begin about where it went wrong for Heather Humphreys? Between Fine Gael’s incoherent campaign and the truly remarkable scale of spoiled votes, this race was far more revealing that anyone expected.

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We sit down with Catherine Connolly

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:39:27 GMT

With just days to go before the public go to the polls, we sit down with presidential candidate Catherine Connolly. She joins Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy in studio for a wide-ranging conversation. We delve into her campaign so far - its origins, its controversies, and its future. We look ahead to after the election, and whether the movement she has built up has the strength to continue. The team also unpicks her views on the role of the media, and look back on her time as a barrister.

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Can Heather catch Catherine?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:41:15 GMT

We're turning the corner into the final stretch of the presidential election. Catherine Connolly is pulling ahead in the polls, and it's starting to look a lot like Heather Humphrey's campaign just hasn't landed - and she's running out of time to change that.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy unpack a (somewhat) turbulent week of resignations and pointed remarks, from the Green Party’s internal backlash to Labour’s at times reluctant support. Is this what unity on the Left really looks like?

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Fianna Fáil's biggest WTF moment in years

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:33:48 GMT

Eh... what just happened? Jim Gavin’s shock, abrupt, and unprecedented withdrawal from the presidential race has sent an earthquake through Fianna Fáil and will reshape the campaign. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack the landlord-payment story, Fianna Fáil's vetting processing, the big questions this poses for the party's leadership, and what a narrowed field means for Connolly and Humphreys in the final stretch.

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Presidential debate raised many questions (why doesn't Gavin talk GAA?)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:47:39 GMT

The first presidential debate is unlikely to be one that anyone will ever really remember, but it gave voters their first real close-up look at how the three candidates perform under pressure. Humphreys tried to steer clear of any mistakes, Jim Gavin attempted to appear less “low energy”, while Catherine Connolly appeared to be in the most control.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack who came out strongest (and maybe even who 'won'), if any awkward moments might stick, and whether this campaign will ever move beyond safe talking points.

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What each candidate needs to do to win the presidency

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:43:08 GMT

As the presidential election campaign kicks off in earnest, we're back with a new season of The Candidate. However... we have just three candidates in the race: Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys, and Jim Gavin. It's the smallest field in years.

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy examine why Maria Steen fell at the final hurdle, what it says about Ireland’s political spectrum, and whether it signals the need for change in the current system of nominations.

Also: who can avoid making a major mistake in the weeks ahead?

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Micheál Martin's big presidential gamble

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:20:54 GMT

After a summer of speculation, six-time All-Ireland winning Dublin manager Jim Gavin has emerged victorious in the race to be Fianna Fáil's candidate for the presidency. There was a contest and Billy Kelleher ran him closer than many expected but Taoiseach Micheál Martin got his man in the end. The question now is whether Martin's vision is shared by the public and whether Gavin is the superstar signing the party leader clearly thinks he is.

Sinead O'Carroll, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack what all this means and also discuss the shocking threats made against the family of Tánaiste Simon Harris.

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The presidential race was just blown wide open

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:26:18 GMT

The unexpected withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness has left a massive hole in the presidential race, one that has yet to be filled by any of the three major parties. Where do Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin go from here?

In this unscheduled episode, Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at what this means for the campaign timeline, whether Gareth Sheridan’s bid is being taken seriously, and ask if Catherine Connolly has a brand recognition problem.

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The Candidate Awards: Best row, best clanger and best politician so far this Dáil term

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:05:54 GMT

Ministers held their last Cabinet meeting this week, while TDs and senators have already cleared out of Leinster House for their break. That means it's time for us to hand out the report cards. We asked our listeners and readers to help us dish out some accolades for the performance of TDs in the current Dáil so far: Best Politician; Best Newbie; Comeback Kid; Must-Try-Harder Award; Quote of The Term; Clanger of The Term; Row of The Term; Best Political Moment. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy make the tough decisions on this week's episode.

The Candidate will be taking a break for a few weeks until Irish politics starts ramping up again (but don't worry, we'll have you covered if anything major happens).

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The government is spending billions (on what, exactly, isn't clear)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:39:01 GMT

The government unveiled its updated infrastructure spending plan this week and its plans to splash billions on projects around the country. But on what projects and where? Well, that type of detail was, oddly, not forthcoming...

From MetroLink to housing and health, the National Development Plan was heavy on spin and light on specifics. It was followed by the Summer Economic Statement and a shift in mood: next year’s Budget might not be particularly cheery. Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy unpack the two announcements.

Also: the Social Democrats just turned 10. What explains their 'slow burn' staying power, and are they the exception to the rule about small Irish parties?

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TDs are gaslighting us about their holidays

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:58:26 GMT

The Dáil has wrapped up for the summer... again. But with a housing crisis, major legislation pending, and just 33 sitting weeks a year, should TDs still be clocking off this easily? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews unpack whether Ireland’s political calendar is stuck in the past, and why a rethink of how the Dáil actually works should be on the cards.

Also: the Occupied Territories Bill is drawing increasingly sharp criticism from the US.

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Mary Lou, Mairead and Catherine would be the election we've been waiting for

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:48:27 GMT

Mary Lou McDonald is finally sailing us out of the presidential election doldrums... without saying much at all, really. Her non-denial that she would be throwing her hat in the ring has ramped up speculation around her being Sinn Féin's candidate. But could she actually win? And why are all the other parties playing it so coy?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at this continued quiet, cautious election tip-toeing that is continued.

Also: could Leo's post-taoiseach persona win over former sceptics?

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The government brought this student fees mess on itself

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:47:16 GMT

As Micheál Martin woos Japan with harp performances and pints of Guinness, back home the government is floundering over student fees. Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy dig into the communications mess that’s dominating headlines and angering parents (and is it simply a communications mess, or something more?). Also: what Rachel Reeves’ tears in the UK parliament say about the intensity of media scrutiny brought by the British press.

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How to talk to Trump: call him daddy, apparently

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:57:59 GMT

It was already going to be a tense Nato summit, but when the alliance's secretary general referred to Donald Trump as “daddy”, and the White House embraced it, it shifted the tone from awkward diplomacy to something closer to humiliation... but did the move actually work?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack the daddy text and what it says about Europe’s willingness to placate Trump. They also ask whether the EU’s inability to act on Gaza and its quiet deference to US policy is becoming a liability for the whole project.

Also: The cost of living remains high, and the government says it won’t bring back broad supports. Is “targeted help” going to be enough?

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The housing crisis needs a movement, not a moment

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:48:59 GMT

Is Ireland on the brink of another wave of public protest, or will it fizzle out, as so often before? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy explore why movements like water charges and Repeal caught fire, and why complex crises like housing still struggle to spark mass mobilisation. They also examine the blurred line between protest and personal abuse, and what rising tensions mean for political tone.

Also: Ursula von der Leyen’s latest comments on Israel spark backlash from Irish MEPs and reignite questions about who the EU really speaks for.

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A long-term bet on housing that renters can’t afford

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:40:36 GMT

Anticipation had been growing for months over what the government's new rent plan would deliver. Could it bring about solutions that really help renters and ease the pressure they are under? Could it keep landlords happy at the same time? Housing Minister James Browne rolled out his reform of rent pressure zones yesterday — but what he says it will deliver and what it actually does don't exactly line up.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack what the new “rent pressure zone for the whole country” actually means, whether it will do anything to help renters in the short term, and why this may be less about impact than impression.

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Politicians probably shouldn’t let AI do all the talking

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:31:50 GMT

As one of our reporters read through an open letter on Gaza penned by Ciarán Mullooly, one detail stood out: a bizarre reference to Swedish House Mafia. A spokesperson for the journalist-turned-MEP quickly confirmed that artificial intelligence was used to generate portions of the letter. But surely he's not alone in using ChatGPT et al during his official duties? This is a case where it went badly wrong, but to what standards should we hold politicians when it comes to the use of AI?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, and journalist-turned-AI-sniffer-dog Muiris Ó Cearbhaill have an entirely human conversation about the rise of AI and what it means for political discourse.

Also: the clock is ticking, but will any politician give Jane an actual answer on who might be running for president?

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Inside Leinster House: The unspoken rules of a really odd place to work

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:04:09 GMT

It’s the country’s most high-profile workplace, but is Leinster House actually designed to get anything done? What does a week in Irish politics actually look like? This week, we examine what life in the Dáil is really like, and the heady mix of routine, power, and pantomime that make it a dysfunctional place to work.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews are joined by someone who is a familiar face on television these days, but was also once a familiar byline on The Journal: Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media News. He pays a visit to the people who taught him everything to share insights from his new book, The Secret Life of Leinster House.

Also: why do some politicians not know when to step down?

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James Browne: struggling with housing, excelling at celebrating the Normans

Wed, 21 May 2025 12:20:38 GMT

Minister James Browne has been in the housing hot seat for four months — and with not much to show for it, he's now facing intense criticism. Is it justified, or just a symptom of political impatience with the biggest crisis in government? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy debate his performance so far and whether he’s being given a fair chance.

Also: Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? A new Social Democrats bill proposes just that. Why are some ideas like this popular in theory but dead on arrival in Irish politics?

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The big difference between Keir and Jim on immigration

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:40:45 GMT

This week, we look across the Irish Sea to Keir Starmer's decision to lean Labour into much blunter rhetoric around immigration. Back home, a similar policy shift is happening, but behind a much quieter tone. How are both countries are handling political pressure on migration, and is Ireland is heading in the same direction, just with fewer dog whistles?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Rónán Duffy contrast the differing strategies and look at how language and tone are shaping the conversation.

Also: The cost of living crisis won't go away. Can Ireland fix the underlying systemic issues?

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Ireland has a voice on Gaza, but no real power

Wed, 07 May 2025 12:34:19 GMT

Ireland’s position on Israel and Gaza is clearer than ever, with strong condemnation and urgent calls for action. Although the country remains at the forefront of calls for the destruction to end, the actual impact of all this is harder to spot. How can the government be more effective? Or is it too late, and some of its best chances have already passed by? Sinéad O'Carroll, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at whether Ireland’s soft power is actually making a difference.

The team also assess the government's first 100 days in office, and how in most areas —from childcare to housing — it's making a slow start at home. The new Taoiseach might still be stuck in first gear....

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Kneecap get the scrutiny Netanyahu doesn't

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:53:08 GMT

Kneecap have never been strangers to controversy, but they have now been pushed firmly into the political spotlight. The Belfast rap group's Coachella protest, resurfaced footage of older live performances, and a call to “urgently clarify” from the Taoiseach have triggered a row that now spans Westminster, the Dáil, and is even making a mark on the other side of the Atlantic.

Sinéad O'Carroll, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy unpack the spectacle — and ask why some politicians seem more comfortable focusing on musicians than Gaza.

Also: the government’s housing plan is due any day now (we think), and there’s a €430,000 job on offer to help get it over the line. Is a housing czar the radical fix we’ve been waiting for, or a plan to launch and quietly shelve before the summer break?

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Be careful asking when an Irish infrastructure project might be ready

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:26:16 GMT

Cork is getting a Luas. When? Well... you know how these things go...

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at why big infrastructure projects in Ireland move so slowly and what the Cork project tells us about systemic bottlenecks (and even how to fix them). The big question is of course whether Ireland can unlock the ability to transform its infrastructure to match other European cities.

The team also analyse the long-awaited Grace report and how it’s raised new questions instead of bringing clarity. Is Ireland’s system of public inquiries still fit for purpose?

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Fine Gael wants the one job it’s never had

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:41:09 GMT

We're still months out from the actual vote, but the presidential election machine is slowly spinning up (despite McGregor's efforts to jump-start it proving fruitless so farit so). Some potential candidates are tentatively suggesting that they have their eyes on a nomination, though none have declared yet.

At the forefront is Fine Gael, with Mairead McGuinness emerging as a possible contender. But will Sinn Féin swoop in with someone more viable? Is Ming the type of person who would be more faithful to the role of president? Or will it be... I don't know... Tommy Tiernan?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy take stock of the burgeoning race so far.

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Wait, is this going to be like 2008 all over again?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:08:04 GMT

In a long, rambling press conference in the White House's Rose Garden on Wednesday evening, Donald Trump launched a historic global trade war - and Ireland is in the crosshairs.

There's a real sense of shellshock since the announcement of the new tariffs: it's going to take weeks, if not months, for the impact to be felt, but there are some pretty clear signs already about what might happen to Ireland - and the EU's - economy.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy discuss what this all means for Ireland - and just how worried the government is about it (and how worried we should all be).

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Two days (and two fingers) that shocked the Dáil

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:19:39 GMT

The speaking rights row has yet to be quelled. A truce or a compromise is nowhere in sight. It's only getting messier, causing deeper divisions between the opposition and government parties.

And then, through a simple gesture given by Michael Lowry to Paul Murphy, the entire situation was elevated to new heights.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Rónán Duffy discuss the continued chaos in the Dáil and try to identify the main issues which still need to be resolved.

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McGregor couldn't be more at home in Trump's White House

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:56:06 GMT

And just when we thought the dust had settled after Micheál Martin's visit to the Oval Office.

Conor McGregor's appearance in the White House was somewhat foreshadowed by Trump, who had referred to him as his favourite Irish person, but it caught many off guard. At the same time, McGregor being in the White House for 17 March shouldn't really come as any surprise – if anything, he's right at home. Could this be the start of Trump taking the former UFC fighter under his wing?

Also this week, Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy assess the latest chatter around housing targets, and highlight how there is still so little business being done in the Dáil (but also, who can we point the finger of blame at?).

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The Oval Office meeting veered between success and humiliation

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:25:06 GMT

Ireland watched the Taoiseach's Oval Office visit with bated breath. Would it be a disaster, an incredible success, or something in between?

One of the biggest events in the Irish political calendar is over, and Micheál Martin has survived his 50-minute encounter with Donald Trump. Not without slipping on a couple of banana skins, of course.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Rónán Duffy, and — up bright and early in Washington DC — Jane Matthews look at how the meeting panned out. Did it offer the warmness towards Ireland some might have hoped to see? Or was it simply a bout of official paddywhackery? And to what extent will Martin's comments on housing come back to haunt him?

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Micheál Martin better be practicing his plámás right now

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:05:17 GMT

First, it was Covid restrictions that called off Micheál Martin's visit to the White House for St Patrick's Day in 2021. Then, during his second chance, he ended up actually catching Covid on the trip. Will it be third time lucky, or, after last week's Oval Office scenes, will this be one of the biggest tests of his political career? Will Trump unleash some pent-up anger directed at Ireland, or will Martin have perfected his plámás in order to keep him on side?

Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews (who is off to Washington next week), and Rónán Duffy also dissect the latest climate warning for government (will they listen to this one, now that there's euro signs involved?) and how it's clear from the repeated pleas from parents that disability services is an area where there is the opportunity to affect real change.

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Ireland gets DOGE-curious after x-ray scanner 'fury'

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:29:29 GMT

News about the National Gallery's never-used x-ray scanner worth €125,000 sparked 'fury' across the country... apparently. Did it really? If it did, how can that fury be used constructively? If it didn't, have we become numb to this type of wasted cash — or was this simply not that big of a deal?

On this week's episode, Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy, and Sinéad O'Carroll examine the latest spending controversy. Have Elon Musk's ham-fisted DOGE efforts in the United States put the critique of how budgets are spent in vogue?

The team also look at the latest in the speaking rights row, which will not go away and has set the Dáil up for a potentially turbulent few days (again).

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Ireland's big defence question and back garden cabin fever

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:20:28 GMT

Europe is in disarray, to say the least, over Trump's rumblings about distancing the United States from all us on this side of the Atlantic, and his new spat with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It will leave a massive hole in European defence if that happens, and that means Ireland is facing renewed attention over its military spend (or lack thereof).

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy sit down to look at the political reaction at home to this, and what it could mean for the future of the Defence Forces. The team also look at calls for the use of counselling notes and character references to be banned in gender-based violence trials.

And what podcast about Irish politics this week would be complete without a look at the plans — for better or for worse — to allow more back garden cabins to be built?

Read more of Jane's reporting on the counselling notes here.
Read more about the back garden cabin fever here.

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The government has put the fear of God into renters

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:13:02 GMT

Housing remains the single biggest issue for the Irish public. People want to see the crisis brought to an end or, at the very least, real action being taken. Any missteps are amplified. We saw that this week with talk of scrapping Rent Pressure Zones and the controversy around housing figures provided during the general election.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at the new Dáil's handling of the housing crisis so far, and what tone has been set. The team also examine the significance of the Arts Council overspend on an IT project, and what the future holds for Martin Conway and Eoin Hayes.

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The most politically loaded bowl of shamrock to date

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:08:28 GMT

It's almost March, and you know what that means: all political attention turns to one particular bowl of shamrock. Trump's second-term actions so far leave Ireland faced with a renewed dilemma: go ahead with the traditional St Patrick's Day trip to Washington in the name of using it to make our case on the world stage, or face the new realities of politics in 2025 and call off the Trump meeting.

That is, of course, if he will even have us.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy sit down to look at the careful political chess that will need to be played out. The team also have a (surprisingly energetic, it must be said) chat about the Seanad elections, and look at who was the real winner in the Dáil speaking row.

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Leo's gift to the new Dáil is a possible constitutional mess

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:30:03 GMT

With the help of a column in the Sunday Times, Leo Varadkar has casually lobbed a grenade at the new Dáil: are the positions of some new junior minsters constitutionally sound? It now looks like likely that their status could be tested in the courts, and for the first time. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews have a look at this, as well as who exactly has been appointed to head up the various side portfolios.

Also: Many parts of the country are still picking up the pieces after the disruption caused by Storm Éowyn, and the government is feeling the brunt of this anger. Insert your own pathetic fallacy of choice here. There are now huge questions to answer about how to avoid a repeat of such widespread damage to energy and communications infrastructure.

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The government's next big test: survive five years

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:21:43 GMT

What a week. An unprecedented start to the Dáil term. A temporary and perhaps uneasy truce over speaking rights that allowed the government to get off the ground. The Opposition putting forward a rare, united front. Again, this is week one; there are five years left to go.

Fully remote this week due to Storm Éowyn, with the occasional atmospheric wind gust in the background, the team look back on the week and try to answer the biggest question: will this government survive for a full term?

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and – making his grand return — Rónán Duffy also look at the new Cabinet team and assess how they might perform. Who has been given the poisoned chalice?

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Dáil chaos: We can’t stress enough how unprecedented today was

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:07:11 GMT

The process of voting in a new taoiseach is usually a fairly routine affair. The opposition parties have their say, the government parties and their supporters have theirs, the vote is ultimately passed by the party with the most seats, and then it's time for a day out in the Áras. All very tidy.

Instead, Leinster House has been plunged into unprecedented chaos and remains suspended into tomorrow after a row over Regional Independents potentially getting opposition speaking rights. Christina Finn and Jane Matthews found a few minutes in 'a day that felt like a week' to bring us up to speed on what exactly is going on.

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A dash of Healy Rae won't liven up the government's five-year plan

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:58:19 GMT

Something we're enthusiastic about: we're back for a new season! Something we're not enthusiastic about: the new Programme for Government.

Our team — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews — examine the 162-page document which outlines the government's plan for the next five years. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents Group list their priorities across all areas of the society, but the final result? Maybe a little dry. Maybe a little uninspired.

And that's saying something, given the unexpected involvement of a Healy Rae in a junior ministerial position.

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And our award for Politician of the Year goes to...

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:00:20 GMT

... well, we're afraid you'll have to wait until our producer/barman counts the votes in accordance with PR-STV and reveals the winner at the end of the episode.

The team — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Sinéad O'Carroll — break out the non-alcoholic mulled wine and alcoholic mystery red cocktails and decide on the winners of The Candidate's 2024 Politics Awards.

From Whoopsie of The Year to The Late Debate Debater Award, we look back on the year that was and look at the moments and people that really mattered.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to The Candidate over the past year. We'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions you have on the podcast — just drop a message to nicky@thejournal.ie.

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Well, that escalated quickly: the Eoin Hayes drama

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:10:48 GMT

We're now stuck in government formation purgatory amd struggling to keep track of which group-of-the-day is vying for a seat at the Cabinet table. There's also murmurings of who the next Ceann Comhairle could be (spoiler, it could be the same person as the previous two Dáil terms).

But, on top of all of this, we have the Social Democrats facing their first real post-election headache. A link between Eoin Hayes, one of the party's recently elected TDs, and a company whose AI systems are by used by the Israel Defence Forces, emerged. But how damaging will it be to the party, or are people finding it hard to wrap their head around?

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How Stephen Donnelly went from firebrand independent to unseated minister

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:57:20 GMT

The general election is... over? And it's clear that the team have gone a little stir-crazy after a few too many hours in count centres.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Sinéad O'Carroll sit down to look at the case of Stephen Donnelly, and how the Cabinet minister ended up losing his seat — there were some early warning signs that Fianna Fáil feared he was in trouble, and possibly because of a weak campaign on the ground.

The team also chat about what exactly happened with the exit poll, and which Independents are waiting in the wings to prop up the next government?

Also: Would you rather a duck with small feet to come at you or... sorry, we can't remember how this meme is meant to go. It's been a long week.

Produced by Nicky Ryan.

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Hutch's failed election bid raises so many questions about Irish politics

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 19:09:01 GMT

The media scrums in the RDS were growing bigger and bigger as the count went on... and then Gerald Hutch arrived.

The gangland figure's failed election bid drew huge attention from national and international press, but has he achieved his ultimate aim? Could his unexpectedly strong performance shine a light on Dublin's north inner city and the reasons why people voted for him?

With Christine Bohan and Sinéad O'Carroll in studio, and Christina Finn and Jane Matthews in the RDS, we look at the big headline talking points that are now coming out of the election results.

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Sinn Féin: great at elections, not so good at actually getting into government

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 13:50:30 GMT

It's all systems go: the votes have been cast, the exit polls revealed, the ballots separated, and the counting is now underway.

A picture of general election 2024 is starting to come together piece-by-piece. Christine Bohan and Christina Finn (the latter joining us from a car park outside the Wicklow count centre) chat about the big talking points so far, and ask: is it really viable anymore for any party to rule out coalition with Sinn Féin?

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Micheál Martin really doesn’t like being asked about Sinn Féin

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:44:24 GMT

Just days to go now, and we've had our first real talking point of the campaign — but also another lacklustre debate.

Sinéad O'Carroll, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews chat on today's episode about the final stretch and what could really make a difference in the minds of undecided voters. Or maybe, instead of undecided voters, do we need to focus on the undecided coalition partners?

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This election was supposed to be a disaster for Sinn Féin

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:24:35 GMT

Heading into this election, it was disaster after disaster for Sinn Féin. The timing couldn't been worse. It wasn't going to be theirs for the taking, but literally anyone else.

But is the party now having a normal election campaign? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and (another new character unlocked) Muiris O'Cearbhaill examine how the coming days might pan out for Sinn Féin, and whether they or another party will be able to conjure up some real momentum.

We also look at Aontú and the alleged media bubble the party is trying to pop, and ask whether we are forever caught in the orbit of rotating taoisigh.

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That was a weird leaders' debate

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:40:04 GMT

A low-key, cranky election campaign manifested as a low-key, cranky election debate last night.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy sit down to unpack last night's 10-way special on RTÉ's Upfront. Did anyone really come out on top in the end, or did the main party leaders let themselves down in the end?

We also examine Fine Gael's John McGahon problem, and look at the feeling on the ground in some battleground constituencies (yes, that includes Dublin Central).

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The two big parties turn into squabbling siblings

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:01:31 GMT

We're now almost a week into the election campaign, and the children are fighting. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have traded a series of jabs that might across as surprising to hear from two parties who are currently in government together and may likely have to work together again in future. Is it all a show? Is it believable?

Also, how important will appearances on podcasts be for candidates?

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Michael O'Leary and jiving, two unexpected political battlegrounds

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:06:29 GMT

Show us someone who had 'jiving' on their 2024 general election bingo card, and we'll show you a liar.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy look at how the campaign trail is progressing so far, and the need for politicians to pivot into the world of content creation (to very mixed results).

We also hear about what Micheál Martin had to say about housing when Christina sat down with him last week, and a new podcast character is unlocked.

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Simon (and Micheál) set the date (finally)

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:57:25 GMT

Finally. Finally!

Candidates are already out on the doorsteps and some politicians packing up their office in Leinster House. Now, the government has announced — in unexpectedly messy fashion — the date of the next general election. The Dáil will be dissolved on Friday, and the public will go to the polls on 29 November.

Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy look at how the next few weeks are going to pan out. Will the public react with bewilderment at the array of unfamiliar candidates vying for their vote? Will it be the 'big change' election that people previously expected? Or will the return of Trump mean that voters will play it safe?

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Bonus episode: He's back

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 07:47:11 GMT

The US presidential election is all but lost for Kamala Harris. Donald Trump is preparing his return to power.

The results are still coming in, but we're bringing you a quick bonus episode with two sleep-deprived reporters to examine how the night unfolded and what comes next. Christine Bohan and Rónán Duffy begin the postmortem on the Democrat's failed campaign, and look at what Trump's victory means for US politics.

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Parents show great restraint not rioting over childcare

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:40:28 GMT

It's one of the biggest issues facing families across Ireland, and yet it never ranks highly in the list of people's political priorities. Could childcare still be the issue that wins or loses this election?

On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy, and Sinéad O'Carroll examine the attempts at a political level to make access to childcare easier and to take that burden off parents. What are people experiencing right now, and are the solutions nothing more than throwing money at a growing problem?

The team also discuss the decision by the Washington Post to not endorse any candidate (and why that isn't something an Irish audience might balk at) and the new (surprisingly naive or astutely reflective?) book from a certain former housing minister.

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Fine Gael is continuing to haemorrhage TDs

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:23:32 GMT

We're all caught up in the pre-election doldrums, but is one party's ship in particular trouble?

On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy examine how Fine Gael is continuing to lose TD after TD. As many as 18, but that depends on who you ask. How worried should their party headquarters be?

The team also look at the fabled left-wing voting pact (and how the differences between the different groups remain larger than they first appear) and a certain other election across the pond (which no one is willing to make a call on).

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Ireland's chance to go it alone against Israel

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:41:48 GMT

It's a strange, strange week in Irish politics (and still with no election date in sight).

On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Rónán Duffy turn their attention to the Occupied Territories Bill. It has been knocking around the Oireachtas for years now, but only now in the dying days of the government is it getting renewed attention. Is there real appetite to take tangible action on Israel, or is it an election ploy?

We also look at Sinn Féin's week from hell, with the party in the headlines for all the wrong reasons across several fronts.

Also: a conscious uncoupling for the media darling of Dublin Bay South.

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Simon Harris goes to Washington

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:58:06 GMT

Simon Harris is on a flying visit to Washington DC. He isn't under the same pressure that Leo Varadkar faced during a US visit earlier this year but the big question is similar: will he bring up the US's arming of Israel?

In this episode, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy and Christine Bohan are joined by The Journal's political editor Christina Finn in Washington, where we look at how the Taoiseach will walk the tightrope of maintaining the close relationship between the two countries while also speaking truth to power. And do these visits actually matter in the real world?

Also, is Michelle O'Neill actually at risk of losing her job over Sinn Féin's handling of its press officer controversy? (spoiler: no). And why are we still talking about €9 million for phone pouches over one week after the Budget?

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How do you tell Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil apart?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:27:23 GMT

We're back with a new format for The Candidate, with weekly episodes that will take you behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now. This week, Christine Bohan, Rónán Duffy, Christina Finn and Jane Matthews examine how the country's two biggest parties are going to navigate their same-but-different personas on the doorsteps in the run-up to the general election. Also, we read the Budget tea leaves and try to figure out who it was really for (spoiler: not young people).

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The dust has settled - now what next for Ireland and the EU after the European elections?

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:14:40 GMT

Ireland's new MEPs are preparing to take up their seats in the European Parliament, while those who weren't so lucky are recovering from the bruising. The dust has settled after the elections. It's a time when European unity and priorities are in the spotlight, so what can we extrapolate from the results of the election? How will Ireland make its mark? What will the parliament's main aims be? And just how important was this election for the bloc?

Political Editor Christina Finn is joined on this episode of The Candidate podcast by Theresa Reidy, political scientist at University College Cork; Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs; and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal.

This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O'Carroll.

This work is co-funded by Journal Media and a grant programme from the European Parliament. Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s own. The European Parliament has no involvement in nor responsibility for the editorial content published by the project. For more information, see here.

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Live in Dublin? Here's what you need to know about the European elections

Thu, 30 May 2024 15:40:49 GMT

THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS take place next Friday, as candidates across Ireland strive for a seat in the European Parliament.

Dublin is the smallest of the three European constituencies. It has a total of four seats available, with 23 candidates running for election.

It’s the final constituency to be profiled by the new season of The Candidate podcast by The Journal, helping to make sense of the European elections and giving you a comprehensive view of the big issues and the candidates in each area.

Political Editor Christina Finn examines how this election could unfold in the Dublin constituency, with Gary Murphy, professor of politics at Dublin City University, Liz Carolan of TheBriefing.ie, The Journal's Deputy Editor Christine Bohan, and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal.

This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O’Carroll.

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Don't know who to vote for in Midlands North West? This might help

Sat, 25 May 2024 06:00:03 GMT

Midlands-North-West is the largest of Ireland's three European constituencies. 27 candidates are vying for five seats, hoping to win the votes of people across 11 counties.

It's a diverse area where would-be MEPs have to field a wide range of issues on the doorsteps, and is a crucial battleground to win the agricultural vote.

It's the latest constituency to be profiled by the new season of The Candidate podcast, helping to make sense of the European elections and giving you a comprehensive view of the big issues and the candidates in each area. Political Editor Christina Finn examines how this election could unfold in Midlands-North-West with Johnny Fallon, political commentator and strategy director with Carr Communications; Stella Meehan, editor of Agriland.ie; Jane Matthews, Political Reporter with The Journal, and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal.

This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O’Carroll.

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EU 2024, Explained: The big issues and potential winners in Ireland South

Mon, 20 May 2024 12:16:16 GMT

WE'RE NOW LESS than three weeks away from polling day in the crucial European elections, but it can be difficult parse for voters when it's such a crowded field of candidates angling for votes across three constituencies, two of which span the majority of Ireland.

The Journal's politics podcast, The Candidate, returns for a new season as part of the EU 2024 Explained series. The podcast delves into the election and helps you make sense of it. It profiles each constituency and gives you a more comprehensive look at the election itself.

Presented by Political Editor Christina Finn, our first episode heads to Ireland South, and we're joined by an expert panel to look at the main issues in the area and gauge who the serious candidates are: Damien Tiernan, presenter of Déise Today on WLR FM and former RTÉ south-east correspondent; Theresa Reidy, political scientist and lecturer at University College Cork; Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal currently focusing on the EU; Rónán Duffy, Assistant News Editor with The Journal.

This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O'Carroll.

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We catch up with Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:53:14 GMT

Our final episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Ryan's party stands for before we go to the polls tomorrow.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Eamon Ryan and discussed his hopes for a greener government this year.

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We catch up with Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 13:31:35 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what McDonald's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with the Sinn Féin leader and discussed the murder of Paul Quinn, the reference to "shadowy figures" behind her party and what she really thinks about the Special Criminal Court.

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We catch up with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 14:14:17 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael. Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Varadkar's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with the Taoiseach and discussed housing, childcare and his regrets over the cervical check crisis.

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We catch up with Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:40:00 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Catherine Murphy, joint leader of the Social Democrats.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Murphy's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday. For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Assistant News Editor Laura Byrne sat down with Murphy and discussed housing, childcare and how she believes young people will turn out in this election.

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We talk to Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín about Sinn Féin and his party's policies

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:40:00 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, giving you a chance to find out more about what his party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Tóibín and discussed social issues, hospital exclusion zones and Sinn Féin.

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We talk to Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:40:00 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett, giving you a chance to find out more about what his party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday. For this episode of The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Barrett and discussed the housing crisis, land hoarding, banks and his dabbing dance moves in the Dáil.

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We talk to Labour leader Brendan Howlin about housing, Shannon and political accountability

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 07:16:51 GMT

Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Labour leader Brendan Howlin, giving you a chance to find out more about what they stand for before we go to the polls in just under two weeks time. For our second The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin. We got lots of questions about housing, taxation, Labour's role in the austerity years, and whether the party will consider an alliance with Sinn Féin.

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We talk to Micheál Martin about pensions, direct provision and animal welfare

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:05:29 GMT

Election day fast approaches and so the campaign trail is heating up.In this episode, we bring TheJournal.ie readers closer to the party leaders, giving you a chance to find out more about what they stand for before we go to the polls in just over two weeks time. For our first The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.We wanted to make sure that your questions were put to the Fianna Fáil leader, so we asked you to send us on a WhatsApp recording of yourself asking the question. We were inundated with questions about issues that matter to you, from the cost of rent and childcare, no hope of buying a home, animal welfare issues, fixing the health service and the big question the nation wants to know: has he ever tried a spice bag?

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The US midterms explained

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:42:41 GMT

US citizens go to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections. Like with most things US politics, interest levels in the votes has heightened to unprecedented levels across the globe because of the Trump factor. As the system can get a little confusing, we asked NUI Galway law lecturer, political columnist and Bostonian Larry Donnelly into studio to explain why this set of elections has garnered so much attention.Presented by Sinéad O'Carroll and with contributions from reporter Gráinne Ní Aodha, this special episode of The Candidate crunches the numbers, explores the most interesting Senate and gubernatorial races, looks at the possible outcomes of a loss of the House (for Republicans and for the US President himself) and predicts how Irish-Americans will vote on 6 November. Produced by Aoife Barry and Nicky Ryan. Edited by Andrew Roberts and Nicky Ryan. Recorded with the help of Headstuff. Music via Wikimedia Commons.

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TheJournal.ie podcast talks to Joan Freeman

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 11:05:38 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our sixth The Candidate podcast, we bring you our news editor and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Joan Freeman.We talked to the Pieta House founder about the Iona Institute, her loan from Des Walsh, and what she thinks life is like for men in Ireland today.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at the DIT Aungier St studios.

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TheJournal.ie interviews Michael D Higgins

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:39:41 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our fifth The Candidate podcast, we bring you our news editor and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to President Michael D Higgins.We talked to the incumbent about whether he is a millionaire, his thoughts on Peter Casey's comments on his dogs, and what he really makes of the furore over presidential expenses.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at the DIT Aungier St studios.

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TheJournal.ie interviews Sean Gallagher

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:10:40 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our third The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Sean Gallagher.We talked to the businessman about his thoughts on Peter Casey's comments about Travellers, his feelings about the Eighth Amendment, and what he makes of Take Back The City.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of Headstuff.

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TheJournal.ie interviews Peter Casey

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:30:02 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our third The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Peter Casey.We talked to the businessman about why he wants to run for the Áras, his thoughts on modern-day America and racism, and gender quotas.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of DIT Aungier St

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TheJournal.ie interviews Liadh Ní Riada

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 19:18:32 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our second The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Liadh Ní Riada.We talked to the MEP about her thoughts on the HPV vaccine and cancer, the impact of Brexit on Ireland, and the Irish language.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of DIT Aungier Sthttp://jrnl.ie/4292151

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TheJournal.ie interviews Gavin Duffy

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:03:33 GMT

The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our first The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Gavin Duffy.We talked to the Dragon about the pain he feels about causing serious injuries to a woman in a car crash when he was a young man, his criticisms of the media and how he is sorry that there are three television stars in the race to the Áras.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at DIT Aungier St studios.http://jrnl.ie/4289080

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TheJournal.ie's Presidential Podcast

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:17:59 GMT

TheJournal.ie launches its new podcast: The CandidateThe Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential candidates, thanks to six in-depth interviews. Read more here: http://jrnl.ie/4289080

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