The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

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"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

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"Build accessibility into everything from the ground up."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by activist, campaigner and Co-Founder of Equality Not Care, Ann Marie Flanagan and Senior Accessibility Lead and Daddy, Brian Dalton, to explore the recent budget's impact on disabled people, the true costs of disability, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure equality and accessibility for all.
We talk about the urgent need for the Government to create parity by giving working disabled people a €500 tax credit, and the way we've built a country that fails to see our disabled community as equal.
"To hear that they were calling what is now a top-up to disability pay, a disability allowance, was hugely upsetting... Disabled people are treated as passive recipients waiting for the crumbs of government. This is just not good enough."
The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259
Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

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Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada is a physician working in paediatrics in Gaza. Alongside his medical work, he writes on Instagram about life in Gaza, displacement, grief, memory, and the small moments of tenderness that endure. His writing offers a personal view of a place and a people too often described only through headlines.
He joins us to talk about his patients, his experiences and his hopes for the future.
The Ignored vs the adored with Simon McGarr:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/political-echo-172741259
Peace Keeping vs Peace Enforcement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172888082

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
"Andy Burnham is a neoliberal to his very core. Let's be blunt about this."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, listener favourite, Prof Richard Murphy, returns to talk about how he's packing it all in because Andy Burnham has fixed everything without even putting together a budget.
But while he's here, we might as well discuss the failures of neoliberalism, the urgent need for big, bold shifts, and the power of protest (see France and Spain) to shape a better future. They explore the current political landscape, economic control, and potential pathways for transformative change.
Richard then gives us a "if I had 48hrs in charge, I'd do..." masterclass to describe what a better song might sound like. Don't miss it.
The Public Sector Strikes vs Government Spin:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073
A Call for Fairness - Budget 2027 and the Real Cost of Disability:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172433910

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Will Pedro Sanchez win, but still lose?

"Vox hates brown people"
This Tortoise Shack episode jumps into a tumultuous few weeks in Spanish politics. It explores the complex political landscape, focusing on the runners, riders and far right nutters, who are all headed towards an election in less than two months. Is it a housing referendum? Is it an immigration election?
Madrid-based guests, journalist Eoghan Gilmartin and Professor Joe Haslam, discuss the implications for Spain's future and the broader European context. Is a miracle comeback on the cards?
Prof Richard Murphy on Burnham and Polanski:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171801910
Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171782366
The Public Sector Strikes Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-172328073