Cormac McQuinn

Jack Horgan-Jones, a keen political analyst, joins Cormac McQuinn, who dives deep into party strategies, and Ellen Coyne, a sharp commentator on political leadership. They explore the intricate presidential nomination process and the impact of independent candidates. The discussion heats up over the absence of a dedicated Minister for Defence and its implications on investment. They also ponder whether current party leaders are stifling their parties’ potential and if centrist politics can withstand populist pressures. A festive analysis filled with insights!

Cormac McQuinn, Irish Times political correspondent, gives a clear rundown of the new fuel measures. Fergal O’Brien, Ibec’s director of lobbying and influence, discusses business competitiveness and energy costs. Cliff Taylor, senior business journalist, assesses the measures and economic outlook. They debate targeting, hedging and whether the package hinges on a quick resolution in Iran.

Naomi O’Leary and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:·       After six days of US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the conflict is escalating and has spread to Lebanon which has experienced sustained airstrikes from Israel. Iran has vowed to continue targeting Gulf countries having fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The US has entered into a conflict with no clear focus or potential resolution. Trump’s demands on social media for an ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran seem like wishful thinking at this point.·       Irish consumers are already feeling the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East as the average cost of 500 litres of home heating oil was put at just under €800 on Thursday, an increase of nearly 60 per cent in less than a week. The Government was quick to react, asking the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to launch an immediate investigation of domestic suppliers here.·       And research into last year’s presidential election by the Electoral Commission threw up some interesting results, not least that almost half of those who spoiled their vote, more than 12 per cent of the total ballot, did so because they didn’t like any of the candidates. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:·       Horse manure sparks tension in the Liberties, mobile phones can be ageing over time, and does an arts degree retain any value these days?Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cormac McQuinn, political correspondent known for Dáil reporting, and Ellen Coyne, incisive commentator on Irish politics, unpack a week of high-stakes moments. They discuss state apologies and survivors’ needs. They probe new rent rules, investor incentives and possible rent rises. They examine planning delays, the Rotunda row, and the unfolding Dublin Central and Galway West byelection contests.

Cormac McQuinn, an Irish Times journalist, and political analyst Jack Horgan-Jones delve into the latest twists in Irish elections. They discuss the surprising rise of independent candidates and the electoral fall of a long-serving local TD, examining the implications for Fine Gael's strategy. The duo analyzes contrasting performances from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, alongside the Green Party's struggles in coalition politics. They also explore Sinn Féin's game plan while adding a humorous touch to the ongoing political narrative.