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The news keeps coming and it don't stop coming. In this member-only pod Martin explains in proper detail why even the highly paid broadcaster, Sarah McInerney is a victim of RTE’s rogue employment practices and then we look at the Leo Varadkar vs Keir Starmer, Kneecap situation, as well as some thoughts on the troubling US-Israel attacks on Iran and the devastating results of the US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Liam Cunningham on Displaced in Gaza is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131053187
Donate to dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-129326641
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1470. Your Illegal Public Services Card
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“In 2015, while at home looking after our new baby, my wife received a letter from the Department of Social Protection telling her that she needed to attend a social welfare office to be photographed for a Public Services Card or have her child benefit payment cut off.
As she did not want to drag an infant out to a government office she solved this problem the sensible way. She handed me the letter and said "Deal with that."”
These are the opening lines of the latest Gist with friend of the shack, digital rights expert, solicitor Simon McGarr and he joins us now to discuss a good day for our rights.
Simon has threatened to take away my collection of Spicy Sauces unless I add the link to his always must-read Gist:https://www.thegist.ie/simon/
Liam Cunningham on Displaced in Gaza is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131053187
Donate to dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-129326641
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41:30
1471. Race Riots and a Lack of Leadership in Loyalism
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It was a great pleasure to be rejoined in the shack by writer, commentator, activist and mammy, Elaine Crory. It’s just a pity that it was to discuss the (bullsh1t) “protect our women” race-riots that have taken place in Ballymena, Larne and in other parts of the North. Elaine breaks it down in her brilliant way and explains why this is something that goes beyond flags and into deprivation, inequality, poverty and a lack of leadership in the politics of these areas.
Liam Cunningham on Displaced in Gaza is out now:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131053187
Donate to dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-129326641
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47:43
1469. The Global March to Gaza
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On June 12th, 2025, people from around the world will participate in the Global March to Gaza, from Cairo to Rafah crossing marchtogaza.net, in an apolitical, peaceful, coordinated, civilian action, demanding immediate humanitarian intervention in Gaza. Joining us on the podcast are two of the remarkable people who are participating from Ireland, Maureen Almai and Geraldine Murphy. Please listen to hear why they are going, what is planned and how we can all help.
Dr Michael Byrne and Rory Hearne on the new Housing Plan is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131305435
Donate to Dignity for Palestine:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dignity-for-129326641
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1464. RTE’s Deliberate Dishonesty
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In this episode Martin is joined by RTE worker Maebh Keary and his workers rights comrade, Matt McGranaghan to discuss RTE's latest day in the Oireachtas. Whilst there seems to be media consensus that they emerged unscathed, Maebh, Matt and Martin pick out some of the most interesting moments and go a little deeper into what some statements actually mean for workers at RTE, the govts comfort levels with rogue employment practices and for the public purse.
An exclusive interview with Liam Cunningham on Displacement in Gaza is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131053187
The Des Cahill Top Talent podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-131076785
Ireland’s original independent left leaning news, politics, and culture podcast that doesn’t take itself too seriously and still punches well above its weight. Join critically acclaimed & derided hosts, Martin McMahon and Tony Groves as they delve into the news of the day, pull apart the spin and challenge you to be an activist. This is the non-corporate, ad free, non-plastic-podcast reality that the medium is made for. There will be shenanigans!