This week's podcast covers all the fallout to the great spoiled vote of 2025: Simon Harris's migration u-turn, Micheál Martin's jeopardy, the Galway West by-election, and the state of Ireland's right wing politics.Click here to watch a video of this episode.
https://youtu.be/BIFEpzGDBiE00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections02:00 Post-Election Fallout in Ireland07:01 The Impact of Spoiled Votes15:50 Leadership Challenges in Fianna Fáil19:23 Government Performance and Legislative Initiatives28:20 Emerging Voices in Fianna Fáil30:39 Immigration Discourse and Political Responsibility36:39 Media Dynamics and Political Debate42:06 The Challenge of Left-Wing Politics46:33 Reflections on Political Engagement and Voter Sentiment
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58:17
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58:17
Missi-CityWest Burning
John and Sarah break down the two biggest stories of the week, discussing all aspects of the Citywest sexual assault and subsequent riots, and then examining the myriad ways that Fine Gael managed to blow the Presidential Election.00:00 Introduction to Current Events in Ireland03:25 The Disturbing Incident in Citywest12:08 Failures of TUSLA and Child Protection18:02 Cultural Context of Immigration and Crime26:16 Political Reactions and Media Coverage35:38 The Presidential Election Dynamics58:21 Predictions and Final Thoughts on the Election
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1:04:31
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1:04:31
Martin Nolan Country
John and Sarah ask: Is Judge Martin Nolan unfairly maligned or justly criticised? Also, Independent Ireland backs Simon Harris; The Deposit Return Scheme humiliates voters; and Fine Gael flounders towards humiliation.00:00 Overview of Current Events in Politics02:42 The Motion of Confidence in Simon Harris11:15 The Deposit Return Scheme Controversy20:14 Discussion on the Gender Recognition Act29:22 Donald Trump's Recent Peace Deal30:52 Judicial Sentencing and Child Abuse Cases41:35 Presidential Election Predictions
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59:52
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59:52
Wally Brolly; Budget Folly
John and Sarah discuss Joe Brolly's latest descent into awfulness, debate Catherine Connolly's eventful week, and discuss a budget that was described as "prudent" yet ended up as anything but.
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56:04
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56:04
EMERGENCY EPISODE: Jimless wonders
John and Sarah react to the Jim Gavin news: His scandal, Fianna Fáil's incompetence, what it does to Micheál Martin, and why the civil service will be laughing.00:00 The Fallout of Jim Gavin's Withdrawal02:54 Political Implications for Fianna Fáil05:32 The State of the Presidential Race08:28 Voter Sentiment and Political Cynicism10:57 The Role of Media and Public Perception13:58 Consequences for Micheál Martin16:36 Financial Mismanagement and Political Accountability19:22 The Future of Irish Politics22:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections
The Week That Really Was" offers a different and distinctive take on the events of the week of a kind that you won't find anywhere else in Ireland. It is presented by Gript Media Editor John McGuirk, and Barrister at Law and Media Personality, Sarah Ryan.
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