The Irish Question

In a recent discussion, with Elaine Mullally, Dr. Marcus De Brun and Dr. Billy Ralph shared their experiences with the Irish Medical Council hearings that have garnered significant attention. Their stories reveal not just the personal toll of these hearings but also the broader implications for medical professionals and public health policies.The Context of the HearingsDr. Marcus De Brun began by detailing the background of his case. He faced complaints after publicly protesting against mask mandates and voicing concerns over COVID-19 policies in nursing homes. He humorously remarked on the frivolous nature of the complaints against him, which included allegations about not using hand sanitizer while shaking hands with protestors. "The purpose of it really was to send a message to the rest of the doctors... that any sort of complaining about vaccines, particularly COVID vaccines, wasn't going to be tolerated," he explained.Finding and RepercussionsThe hearings were lengthy and intense, lasting several days. Dr. De Brun was ultimately found guilty of undermining public health guidelines, a verdict he anticipated and even accepted. "I was entirely guilty of undermining public health guidelines and would do so again," he stated, reflecting on the gravity of the situation. Elaine Mullally, the host, pointed out a disturbing reality: the focus of the hearings was less about the correctness of the guidelines and more about the messaging surrounding them. Dr. De Brun concurred, emphasizing how the medical council was unwilling to question the validity of the guidelines themselves, regardless of their impact on public health.Right to Question GuidelinesBoth doctors lamented the apparent loss of the medical profession's ability to question guidelines. Dr. De Brun stated, "Doctors should be able to criticize guidelines and not administer drugs if they believe they are dangerous." This sentiment resonated with Dr. Ralph, who added that the current system often discourages doctors from stepping outside established guidelines, creating a culture of compliance over critical thinking.Role of Government in Health DecisionsThe conversation also touched on the concerning interference of government in doctor-patient relationships. Mullally expressed her fear at witnessing this shift, describing it as a terrifying breach of the sacred trust between doctor and patient. Dr. Ralph echoed this concern, stating that modern medical guidelines often come with vested interests, which can compromise patient care. "The question we should always ask is, 'Who benefits?" he urged. Call for Critical ThinkingThe dialogue concluded with a call for continued vigilance and critical thinking within the medical community. Both doctors underscored the importance of questioning established norms and remaining advocates for patient welfare, regardless of external pressures. Their experiences serve as a crucial reminder of the need for open discourse and the protection of medical professionals' rights to speak out against potentially harmful policies. As we reflect on these insights, it's vital to consider the implications of such hearings not just for individual doctors, but for the healthcare system as a whole.

Is Ireland becoming less safe—and has the political system lost control of crime, borders and public trust?This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty are joined by Councillor Linda de Courcy for a blunt discussion about public safety, policing shortages, bail, crime statistics and Ireland’s approach to citizenship.The panel examines the violence witnessed in Skerries, asks whether crime data should include nationality, and debates whether Ireland’s combination of loose border controls and a weak criminal-justice system is creating a dangerous situation.They also ask why so many young Irish people are leaving, why returning home is so difficult, and whether Simon Harris’s promised tax-cutting budgets will make ordinary people any better off. The proposed introduction of digital ID—and what it could mean for personal freedom—is also put under the microscope.Linda explains how she went from deciding to run for office to being elected in just six weeks, her ambitions for Dáil Éireann, and a recent local incident that prompted her to issue an important child-safety warning to parents.Do you believe Ireland has become less safe? Is Irish citizenship granted too easily? What would persuade our young emigrants to come home?Let us know below—and please like, subscribe and share to help more people discover The Irish Question.

Ireland is asking hard questions.In this episode, Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally discuss the alleged dog cruelty controversy, immigration and welfare concerns, political transparency, rising crime, pressure on small businesses, and the growing debate around Irish identity, culture, and national values.We also cover the Irish-filmed Hollywood project Young Washington and end with a lighter look at George Lee, vampires, and the heatwave.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Alleged dog cruelty controversy in Ireland03:20 - Cultural differences around animal consumption04:45 - Trump, cats and dogs: misunderstanding or reality?06:00 - Public reaction to animal cruelty allegations07:00 - Is this an isolated incident or a sign of decline?08:00 - Helen Ogbu candidacy and transparency issues09:30 - Media bias and suppressed stories11:00 - Political accountability12:00 - Immigration fraud, welfare and policy loopholes14:00 - Rise in anti-immigration sentiment15:00 - Crime, violence and public safety concerns17:00 - Loss of respect, dignity and social cohesion19:00 - Irish film success: Young Washington20:30 - Small business struggles and rising costs23:00 - VAT cuts and government intervention25:00 - Employment taxes and pressure on entrepreneurs27:00 - Civic courage and standing up to systemic issues30:00 - Ireland’s monopsony-style government problem33:00 - Data transparency on crime and immigration36:00 - Immigration fraud and tougher regulations40:00 - Border controls and systemic reform45:00 - Urban crime, violence and gang activity52:00 - Irish identity, cultural values and spiritual crisis54:00 - Young Washington and future film opportunities55:00 - Ireland’s murder rates and public safety58:00 - George Lee, vampires and the heatwaveFeaturing Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally

This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally, Nick Delehanty, and special guest Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly dig into another packed week of politics, media, social change, and life in modern Ireland.From the campaign to abolish the USC, to Nick’s visit to Leinster House, the growing power of social media voices, government funding of mainstream media, immigration concerns, NGOs, energy costs, phones for kids, and the future of Irish sport — nothing is off the table.Stephen Kelly joins the panel for a wide-ranging and honest conversation on lockdown, speaking out, comedy, family, Ireland’s future, and why more people are finding their voice online.👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.Do you agree, disagree, or think we missed something?

Paul, Elaine and Mark are joined by Dr. Marcus de Brun for a wide-ranging conversation on his personal journey, his public fight, and the issues shaping Ireland, the UK and the wider world.In this episode, the panel discusses Dr. de Brun’s story and experiences, the controversy around Ireland’s Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme, the recent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and Ireland, and the accelerating dawn of artificial intelligence.From political accountability to social change, technology and trust, this is a conversation about where we are now — and where we may be heading next.Topics covered:Dr. Marcus de Brun’s journey and fightIreland’s Re-turn Deposit Return SchemeRecent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and IrelandThe rapid rise of AI and what it means for societyMedia, politics, trust and accountabilityGuest: Dr. Marcus de BrunHosts: Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Mark

This week, Declan, Elaine and Paul dive into some of the biggest stories making headlines and sparking debate across Ireland and the UK. They discuss reports around Ukrainians being offered financial incentives to return home, the growing political pressure on Keir Starmer and whether he can hold his position, and the shocking wave of staff resignations in protest at the ongoing issues surrounding the National Children’s Hospital project.Expect sharp opinions, honest conversation, and plenty of debate as the trio break down the politics, public reaction, and what these stories could mean going forward.🎙️ Topics covered:* Ukrainians being paid to return home* Keir Starmer under pressure* Staff quitting in protest at the Children’s Hospital* Irish and UK political fallout* Public trust and government accountabilitySubscribe for weekly discussions on politics, current affairs, and the stories everyone’s talking about.

In this explosive episode, Declan, Elaine, Nick and Paul dive headfirst into one of the most controversial debates in Ireland right now — Micheál Martin’s latest comments on children and transgender identity.But the conversation doesn’t stop there.The group also tackles the rise in lone wolf attacks across Europe, escalating anti-social behaviour in Dún Laoghaire, concerns about public safety, and the political and media fallout from the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.Expect passionate opinions, sharp disagreements, dark humour, and plenty of moments that will leave listeners thinking long after the episode ends.This is an unfiltered conversation covering the stories everyone is talking about — and some the media won’t touch.Links mentioned in this episode: List of Political Parties in Ireland: https://theirishquestion.ie/downloads/ US study on transgender suicide risk: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/transpop-suicide-press-release/ Article on chaplain who was stabbed in terrorist probe in Galway, August 2024: https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/renmore-barracks-galway-stabbing-live-33476858 Clip of Micheál Martin interview about security checks and no vetting: https://x.com/mullallyelaine/status/1948130762571878788 Man linked to €800k fraud probe flew to Dublin weekly to collect dole: https://www.thejournal.ie/man-linked-to-fraud-flew-to-dublin-to-collect-dole-olatunde-salawe-7023676-Apr2026/?utm_source=twitter_short Other related piece — proposed laws in Denmark to deport migrants who have been sentenced to more than 12 months in prison: https://x.com/raphlesioniste2/status/2048632006188134461 Follow The Irish Question on TikTok, YouTube, X, Instagram, and Spotify to stay in the loop.Catch up with the team on X: Declan, Elaine, Nick and Paul — along with Aidan Joyce, the guy behind the scenes — are all active there, as well as the main Irish Question account. @irish_question_ — The Irish Question @declanganley — Declan @mullallyelaine — Elaine @Nick_Delehanty — Nick @PaulTreyvaud — Paul @aidanjoyce — Aidan Joyce, the guy behind the scenesWebsite coming soon:theirishquestion.ieSign up to get notified when it goes live.

In this episode, Elaine, Nick, Declan, and Sarah sit down to unpack some of the biggest stories shaping Ireland and Europe right now. From the growing fuel protests and what they mean for everyday people, to a deep dive into the upcoming EU elections and the stakes involved, nothing is off the table.The panel also breaks down the latest developments in Irish politics, including the tensions surrounding a potential vote of no confidence in the government. Expect sharp analysis, different perspectives, and a few heated debates along the way.If you’re trying to make sense of the headlines—or just want to hear real conversations about what’s going on—this is one you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly discussions.Link to The Oil Report by Tim Dugganhttps://theoilreport.substack.com

Nick, Declan, Elaine and Paul return for a wide-ranging and lively discussion as tensions rise across the country.With fuel protests escalating and demonstrators blocking roads in response to soaring prices, the panel dives into whether this is the beginning of a broader national disruption—and whether the government’s response has been decisive enough. Protesters are demanding price caps and urgent relief as energy costs spiral, leaving many feeling they simply “can’t afford to go home.”The conversation then widens to the war in Iran, a conflict that has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. With vital supply routes disrupted and prices surging, the panel explores how this geopolitical crisis is feeding directly into the cost-of-living squeeze and what it means for the UK and Europe going forward.As the discussion unfolds, the group tackles the looming energy crisis, questioning whether governments are prepared for what could be one of the most severe fuel shocks in decades, with rising bills, inflation, and economic uncertainty affecting households and businesses alike.And just when things couldn’t get more unpredictable… the conversation takes a turn into the world of moon landing conspiracies, sparking debate, laughter, and a few raised eyebrows.💬 Expect: sharp analysis, differing perspectives, and plenty of personality as the panel connects the dots between global events and everyday impact.

In this weeks episode, Declan, Paul, Elaine and Nick examine the rising costs at home to conflict abroad.Garda Vetting & Ambulance StandardsAre current vetting procedures robust enough for paramedics and emergency services? The panel discusses concerns around standards, public safety, and whether reforms are needed.Fuel & Energy Cost CrisisWith energy and fuel prices continuing to rise, who is really bearing the cost? The conversation explores the causes, policy decisions, and what may lie ahead.Ryan Casey Verbal Abuse ControversyThe group addresses the recent incident involving Ryan Casey, looking at what happened and the wider implications for public debate and accountability.War in Iran & Global ImpactAs tensions escalate in the Middle East, the panel considers the potential global consequences, including impacts on energy markets and geopolitical stability.And moreFrom frontline services to international affairs, this is an unfiltered conversation covering the stories that matter.

This week join Paul, Elaine, Nick & Declan to unpack the growing tensions around Iran, what it could mean for Ireland, and whether Irish neutrality can survive in a changing geopolitical landscape.We also discuss the impact of sky-high fuel prices, how global conflict affects everyday Irish life, and the cultural stories dominating headlines – including the bizarre world of Barbie Kardashian culture and modern celebrity influence.Expect strong opinions, sharp debate and plenty of laughs along the way.

Elaine, Declan & Nick discuss the topics of the week from student accommodation and education supports to work-from-home culture, media power, human rights, and the rights of asylum seekers. Honest conversations, big topics, and real perspectives without the spi