The Mick Clifford Podcast

The Occupied Territories Bill and the triple lock are going to be landing hot and heavy in the public square in the coming months. Both issues elicit deeply felt emotions and questions over what is this state’s role in the wider world, and what should be done about it. Irish Examiner columnist Colin Sheridan regularly touches on these matters and he is this week’s guest on the podcast.

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Michael Healy Rae’s revelation that he believes his brother Danny cost him and Kerry a ministry has rocked the most fabled political dynasty in Irish politics. Is this the end or just a new beginning. Mick Clifford, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy and Louise Burne discuss and dissect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent by-elections in Dublin
and Galway took the temperature in politics right now and delivered victories to the Social Democrats and Fine Gael. But what did the elections say about the political pecking order right now and will there by any implications for Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, who both performed badly? Also where now for the Occupied Territories Bill. This week’s guest on the podcast is Irish Examiner political editor Elaine Loughlin.
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The Belfast rap trio Kneecap bring second record Fenian and their incendiary mix of Irish-language hip-hop and politics to Cork with two 'intimate' album launch shows at the Savoy Theatre ahead of a show Live at the Marquee on July 6. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the group’s journey - from their early days in Belfast to becoming one of the most talked-about acts in Irish music. Along the way, we explore how Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí have used the Irish language as both a creative tool and a cultural statement, while also courting controversy through their lyrics, performances, and legal battles. On this episode, Irish Examiner assistant news editor Eoghan O'Sullivan is joined by music journalist Dean Van Nguyen, who reviewed Fenian for Pitchfork. He is also the author of Words for My Comrades: A Political History of Tupac Shakur (Penguin Random House, 2025). Together, we look at the band’s rise, their impact, the tension between art and provocation - and what Cork audiences can expect from their live shows this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two constituencies go to the polls next Friday in byelections created by the resignations from the Dail of Pascal Donohue and Catherine Connolly, who both went on to greater things. Dublin Central and Galway West will vote for their replacements in the first by-elections since the current government assumed office after the 2024 general election.
So who’s up and who’s down, what matters what won’t. How will the results impact on party leaders? Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne takes the temperature for this electoral event.
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