The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
In this Tortoise Shack Podcast, Tony challenges Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, on his Party's new proposals on long-term residency and citizenship.
They discuss the evolving (devolving?) conversation around immigration in Ireland, and the changing public perceptions of our current system.
The conversation delves into the nuances of immigration policy, including the distinction between residency and citizenship, the criteria for good character, and the economic contributions of migrants to Irish society. It also touches on the issue of racism and the recent controversy surrounding Palestinian student visas, advocating for a more humane approach to immigration.
Lula's Historic Comeback:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419
Sigh for Change and our boiled social media brains:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173195588

Dr. Mahmoud Altarabin is an Associate Professor of Translation and Linguistics and Deputy Head of the Department of English at the Islamic University of Gaza. He is an author and scholar known for his textbooks and research on Arabic-English translation, media, legal, and technical translation. He joins us from his displacement tent in Khan Younis to discuss how he has maintained and diversified his teaching over the past three years; the need to support students' education and well-being; and his hope for greater solidarity with international academia.
This is a must-listen podcast.
Lynn Boylan vs The State:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173553999
Lula's historic comeback:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
"Race hate crime is a year-long problem."
In this episode, Tony speaks with journalist Luke Butterly of The Detail about recent developments in Northern Ireland, including the Drumcree court cases, cross-community tensions, and the challenges of addressing racial and political issues. They explore the impact of government policies, community responses, and the ongoing crisis of political inaction. Luke’s reporting has revealed some very uncomfortable facts about the racist pogroms and the weakness and or ineptitude of the Stormont government.
Lula's Historic Comeback podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173459419
The piece: https://thedetail.tv/articles/stormont-emails-warn-of-permacrisis-of-racist-unrest
Permacrisis https://thedetail.tv/articles/stormont-emails-warn-of-permacrisis-of-racist-unrest
Ballymena report https://share.google/wxWzdmP63VNvlKfNA

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
"If we don't acknowledge that change can be an improvement, change will be forced on us."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and thegist.ie writer, solicitor and Mr Data Protection, Simon McGarr, explore
the troubling phenomenon of politicians listening to faceless bots on social media instead of the genuine voices of the electorate. They look at the influence that social media is having on government decision-making, eve as it erodes societal trust. They discuss how fake voices, confirmation bias, and systemic issues shape public perception and policy.
Simon's Gists:https://www.thegist.ie/simon/
No Go Zones in Northern Ireland - https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172889801
The French Riots and the Broken Social Contract across the EU:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-173108103

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
"Removing the triple lock means Ireland is no longer neutral"
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and Senator Tom Clonan delve into Ireland's military neutrality, ongoing government moves to abolish the triple lock, and the implications for Ireland's foreign policy and defense. They explore the systemic issues and risks associated with ending Ireland's historic peacekeeping role, in contrast with a potential future of a non-neutral role of peace enforcement.
We also discuss Tom’s statement in the Seanad regarding St John’s Ambulance and his views on the cost of disability payments outlined in Budget 2027.
No Go Zones in Northern Ireland podcast with Luke Butterly:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172889801
Simon McGarr on the Ignored vs the Adored in Irish politics:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259