Mooney on Irish Politics

In this episode I use the famous Enoch Powell quote about political lives ending in failure "unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture" to ask if any of the three leaders will know when to go? I consider Ireland's three main party leaders through Powell's lens: is Mary Lou McDonald in trouble as leader, is Micheál Martin now delaying the inevitable; and is Simon Harris, racing toward a juncture he may never reach. Does any party have a succession plan... or even see the merit of one?

I have revised the opening 5 minutes of this previously published podcast to include clips from that March 2017 interview - after some extra research I found an audio recording of the full interview. see link below. In this Mooney on Politics podcast episode I consider how Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s stance on Irish unity has shifted since 2017. From promising a detailed white paper and “blueprint” for reunification to today’s emphasis on Shared Island, reconciliation and keeping constitutional questions at arm’s length.Link to that 2017 interview via YouTube: Link to print RTÉ March 2017 news report

In this podcast episode I argue that Fianna Fáil TDs can’t afford to sleepwalk into 2027. Three Taoisigh in one year (2027) would make the party (and government) look ridiculous.There are several simple truths that must be faced: Micheál Martin’s time as leader is naturally running out2026 is the year for renewal, not 2027Fianna Fáil must decide what it stands for, and who best conveys that The alternative, the default position is just to continue with Micheál Martin... and wander meekly into the darkness

In this final podcast of 2025 I look at a most consequential (but messy) year in Irish politics. I assess how the parties of government and opposition performed. I then conclude with a very personal league table of the newly elected TDs politicians who impressed most over the past 12 months.

In this very short episode (based on a recent local radio interview) I wonder if Fianna Fáil is still a serious political party? The leadership's mishandling of the presidential campaign is now compounded by its mishandling of what should have been a simple report into that fiasco. Ironically... when I am asked which new TD has impressed me most... I reply that it is a Fianna Fáil one... Albert Dolan... proving that there is still some future hope for Fianna Fáil

In this episode I do two things... First, I explain why the "unsure" camp in the currently divided Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is in single digits and the pro and anti Martin factions are almost evenly divided.Second, I explain why a departure timeline for Martin that stretches into 2027 or 2028 not only makes no sense, it is potentially damaging to its electoral prospects.

As we look back at the Haughey era... though Maire Geoghegan Quinn never actually used this phrase back in 1991 (one year before Haughey's actual departure) her reference to the haughey era was seen a signal to the great man that his time was up.Are we hearing some subtle hints of the "as we look back at the Martin era" today? I think we are. Link to that EVERHAZE event pn Tuesday. Register now.

With Fianna Fáil picking its Aras candidate in 2 days time, Derek looks at how the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party may be about to re-exert its authority by refusing to declare a winner before its votes in secret. The title for this episode from from an old Michael Heseltine anecdote.... it doesn't matter who you say you're voting for.... just so long as you vote for me.

This is the podcast to go with my 9th annual political reading list (See list online) As the name suggests, the books on the list have a political theme or connection, be it Irish, European or global. This podcast differs slightly from the original online list as I omitted Prof Donnacha Ó Beacháin's "Unfinished Empire" the story of how Putin clings to Russia’s imperial legacy, particularly in Ukraine.The other books remain the same. Feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback below.

In this episode I consider how Northern Ireland and the changes to the triple lock may become issues at the upcoming Irish presidential election.I examine the evolving shifts in Micheál Martin's thinking on Irish unity and his preference for engagement with lapsed nationalists, over unionists and northern nationalists. I set out my problems with the government's proposed reforms of the Triple Lock on Irish Defence deployment... and with the opposition's response. I also explore how the presidential race could influence broader government stability.

In this episode I manage to link quotes from my late mentor Ben Briscoe and the great Lenny Bruce to lead me to a point where the Dáil speaking time and Garron Noone debacles meet... and leave me less than impressed.

In this episode I critique both the government and opposition tactics in the Dáil speaking row, with each arguing that they should be able to play all across the pitch with the other side confined to their own half. Meanwhile Fine Gael's leadership issues is impacting government stability and messaging. So if FG TDs plan to dump Harris (and I think they do) then better to do it now.

In this episode I chat with Colum Eastwood MP, about the work his New Ireland Commission is doing to drive planning for a new and united Ireland. We delve into the Commission's strategies for engaging with diverse communities, its approach to creating a more prosperous society for all. Colum mentions (in passing) he is currently writing a book... one to look out for later this year.