Mooney on Irish Politics

In this penultimate episode of 2024 I look at 3 recent domestic developments: the first day of the new Dáil, Israel closing its Irish embassy and the Soc Dem ex TD saga and suggest that each has an element of the paradoxical about it... and that paradoxes are (to cite Sr Gertrude via Muriel Spark) is something we must live with.

As the two main parties prepare for coalition talks, I offer Fianna Fáil some thoughts on how that government should be structured: Rotating Taoiseach 3 years FF + 2 years FG 15 Cabinet places split 8 to 7 FF to retain Finance (merged with D/Per) for 5 years FF takes Justice F/T Defence Minister

This is not so much a podcast, but just a rebroadcast of my comments on Times Radio (UK) from early this morning. Though based on the Exit poll which may have understated FF and overstated SF, the broad points remain correct. It has been my view from the start of the campaign that voters did not feel there was a viable alternative on offer... and that's not healthy for our politics in the medium term... but what might that alternative look like?

After two polls showing Fine Gael in a steady decline has the three horse race become a two horse one with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin competing fiercely for first place? I discuss this with former Sinn Féin MLA for Lagan Valley, Paul Butler, and get his perspective on the final few days.