The Candidate
Podcast by The Journal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E15 · Thu, April 17, 2025
Be careful asking when an Irish infrastructure project might be ready
Cork is getting a Luas. When? Well... you know how these things go... Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at why big infrastructure projects in Ireland move so slowly and what the Cork project tells us about systemic bottlenecks (and even how to fix them). The big question is of course whether Ireland can unlock the ability to transform its infrastructure to match other European cities. The team also analyse the long-awaited Grace report and how it’s raised new questions instead of bringing clarity. Is Ireland’s system of public inquiries still fit for purpose? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E14 · Wed, April 09, 2025
Fine Gael wants the one job it’s never had
We're still months out from the actual vote, but the presidential election machine is slowly spinning up (despite McGregor's efforts to jump-start it proving fruitless so farit so). Some potential candidates are tentatively suggesting that they have their eyes on a nomination, though none have declared yet. At the forefront is Fine Gael, with Mairead McGuinness emerging as a possible contender. But will Sinn Féin swoop in with someone more viable? Is Ming the type of person who would be more faithful to the role of president? Or will it be... I don't know... Tommy Tiernan? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy take stock of the burgeoning race so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E13 · Thu, April 03, 2025
Wait, is this going to be like 2008 all over again?
In a long, rambling press conference in the White House's Rose Garden on Wednesday evening, Donald Trump launched a historic global trade war - and Ireland is in the crosshairs. There's a real sense of shellshock since the announcement of the new tariffs: it's going to take weeks, if not months, for the impact to be felt, but there are some pretty clear signs already about what might happen to Ireland - and the EU's - economy. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy discuss what this all means for Ireland - and just how worried the government is about it (and how worried we should all be). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E12 · Thu, March 27, 2025
Two days (and two fingers) that shocked the Dáil
The speaking rights row has yet to be quelled. A truce or a compromise is nowhere in sight. It's only getting messier, causing deeper divisions between the opposition and government parties. And then, through a simple gesture given by Michael Lowry to Paul Murphy, the entire situation was elevated to new heights. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Rónán Duffy discuss the continued chaos in the Dáil and try to identify the main issues which still need to be resolved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E11 · Wed, March 19, 2025
McGregor couldn't be more at home in Trump's White House
And just when we thought the dust had settled after Micheál Martin's visit to the Oval Office. Conor McGregor's appearance in the White House was somewhat foreshadowed by Trump, who had referred to him as his favourite Irish person, but it caught many off guard. At the same time, McGregor being in the White House for 17 March shouldn't really come as any surprise – if anything, he's right at home. Could this be the start of Trump taking the former UFC fighter under his wing? Also this week, Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy assess the latest chatter around housing targets, and highlight how there is still so little business being done in the Dáil (but also, who can we point the finger of blame at?). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E10 · Thu, March 13, 2025
The Oval Office meeting veered between success and humiliation
Ireland watched the Taoiseach's Oval Office visit with bated breath. Would it be a disaster, an incredible success, or something in between? One of the biggest events in the Irish political calendar is over, and Micheál Martin has survived his 50-minute encounter with Donald Trump. Not without slipping on a couple of banana skins, of course. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Rónán Duffy, and — up bright and early in Washington DC — Jane Matthews look at how the meeting panned out. Did it offer the warmness towards Ireland some might have hoped to see? Or was it simply a bout of official paddywhackery? And to what extent will Martin's comments on housing come back to haunt him? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E9 · Wed, March 05, 2025
Micheál Martin better be practicing his plámás right now
First, it was Covid restrictions that called off Micheál Martin's visit to the White House for St Patrick's Day in 2021. Then, during his second chance, he ended up actually catching Covid on the trip. Will it be third time lucky, or, after last week's Oval Office scenes, will this be one of the biggest tests of his political career? Will Trump unleash some pent-up anger directed at Ireland, or will Martin have perfected his plámás in order to keep him on side? Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews (who is off to Washington next week), and Rónán Duffy also dissect the latest climate warning for government (will they listen to this one, now that there's euro signs involved?) and how it's clear from the repeated pleas from parents that disability services is an area where there is the opportunity to affect real change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E8 · Thu, February 27, 2025
Ireland gets DOGE-curious after x-ray scanner 'fury'
News about the National Gallery's never-used x-ray scanner worth €125,000 sparked 'fury' across the country... apparently. Did it really? If it did, how can that fury be used constructively? If it didn't, have we become numb to this type of wasted cash — or was this simply not that big of a deal? On this week's episode, Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy, and Sinéad O'Carroll examine the latest spending controversy. Have Elon Musk's ham-fisted DOGE efforts in the United States put the critique of how budgets are spent in vogue? The team also look at the latest in the speaking rights row, which will not go away and has set the Dáil up for a potentially turbulent few days (again). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E7 · Thu, February 20, 2025
Ireland's big defence question and back garden cabin fever
Europe is in disarray, to say the least, over Trump's rumblings about distancing the United States from all us on this side of the Atlantic, and his new spat with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It will leave a massive hole in European defence if that happens, and that means Ireland is facing renewed attention over its military spend (or lack thereof). Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy sit down to look at the political reaction at home to this, and what it could mean for the future of the Defence Forces. The team also look at calls for the use of counselling notes and character references to be banned in gender-based violence trials. And what podcast about Irish politics this week would be complete without a look at the plans — for better or for worse — to allow more back garden cabins to be built? Read more of Jane's reporting on the counselling notes here . Read more about the back garden cabin fever here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E6 · Thu, February 13, 2025
The government has put the fear of God into renters
Housing remains the single biggest issue for the Irish public. People want to see the crisis brought to an end or, at the very least, real action being taken. Any missteps are amplified. We saw that this week with talk of scrapping Rent Pressure Zones and the controversy around housing figures provided during the general election. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy look at the new Dáil's handling of the housing crisis so far, and what tone has been set. The team also examine the significance of the Arts Council overspend on an IT project, and what the future holds for Martin Conway and Eoin Hayes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E5 · Thu, February 06, 2025
The most politically loaded bowl of shamrock to date
It's almost March, and you know what that means: all political attention turns to one particular bowl of shamrock. Trump's second-term actions so far leave Ireland faced with a renewed dilemma: go ahead with the traditional St Patrick's Day trip to Washington in the name of using it to make our case on the world stage, or face the new realities of politics in 2025 and call off the Trump meeting. That is, of course, if he will even have us. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy sit down to look at the careful political chess that will need to be played out. The team also have a (surprisingly energetic, it must be said) chat about the Seanad elections, and look at who was the real winner in the Dáil speaking row. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E4 · Thu, January 30, 2025
Leo's gift to the new Dáil is a possible constitutional mess
With the help of a column in the Sunday Times, Leo Varadkar has casually lobbed a grenade at the new Dáil: are the positions of some new junior minsters constitutionally sound? It now looks like likely that their status could be tested in the courts, and for the first time. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews have a look at this, as well as who exactly has been appointed to head up the various side portfolios. Also: Many parts of the country are still picking up the pieces after the disruption caused by Storm Éowyn, and the government is feeling the brunt of this anger. Insert your own pathetic fallacy of choice here. There are now huge questions to answer about how to avoid a repeat of such widespread damage to energy and communications infrastructure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E3 · Fri, January 24, 2025
The government's next big test: survive five years
What a week. An unprecedented start to the Dáil term. A temporary and perhaps uneasy truce over speaking rights that allowed the government to get off the ground. The Opposition putting forward a rare, united front. Again, this is week one; there are five years left to go. Fully remote this week due to Storm Éowyn, with the occasional atmospheric wind gust in the background, the team look back on the week and try to answer the biggest question: will this government survive for a full term? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and – making his grand return — Rónán Duffy also look at the new Cabinet team and assess how they might perform. Who has been given the poisoned chalice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E2 · Wed, January 22, 2025
Dáil chaos: We can’t stress enough how unprecedented today was
The process of voting in a new taoiseach is usually a fairly routine affair. The opposition parties have their say, the government parties and their supporters have theirs, the vote is ultimately passed by the party with the most seats, and then it's time for a day out in the Áras. All very tidy. Instead, Leinster House has been plunged into unprecedented chaos and remains suspended into tomorrow after a row over Regional Independents potentially getting opposition speaking rights. Christina Finn and Jane Matthews found a few minutes in 'a day that felt like a week' to bring us up to speed on what exactly is going on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 E1 · Thu, January 16, 2025
A dash of Healy Rae won't liven up the government's five-year plan
Something we're enthusiastic about: we're back for a new season! Something we're not enthusiastic about: the new Programme for Government. Our team — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews — examine the 162-page document which outlines the government's plan for the next five years. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents Group list their priorities across all areas of the society, but the final result? Maybe a little dry. Maybe a little uninspired. And that's saying something, given the unexpected involvement of a Healy Rae in a junior ministerial position. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E16 · Sat, December 21, 2024
And our award for Politician of the Year goes to...
... well, we're afraid you'll have to wait until our producer/barman counts the votes in accordance with PR-STV and reveals the winner at the end of the episode. The team — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Sinéad O'Carroll — break out the non-alcoholic mulled wine and alcoholic mystery red cocktails and decide on the winners of The Candidate's 2024 Politics Awards. From Whoopsie of The Year to The Late Debate Debater Award, we look back on the year that was and look at the moments and people that really mattered. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to The Candidate over the past year. We'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions you have on the podcast — just drop a message to nicky@thejournal.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E15 · Thu, December 12, 2024
Well, that escalated quickly: the Eoin Hayes drama
We're now stuck in government formation purgatory amd struggling to keep track of which group-of-the-day is vying for a seat at the Cabinet table. There's also murmurings of who the next Ceann Comhairle could be (spoiler, it could be the same person as the previous two Dáil terms). But, on top of all of this, we have the Social Democrats facing their first real post-election headache. A link between Eoin Hayes, one of the party's recently elected TDs, and a company whose AI systems are by used by the Israel Defence Forces, emerged. But how damaging will it be to the party, or are people finding it hard to wrap their head around? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E14 · Tue, December 03, 2024
How Stephen Donnelly went from firebrand independent to unseated minister
The general election is... over? And it's clear that the team have gone a little stir-crazy after a few too many hours in count centres. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Sinéad O'Carroll sit down to look at the case of Stephen Donnelly, and how the Cabinet minister ended up losing his seat — there were some early warning signs that Fianna Fáil feared he was in trouble, and possibly because of a weak campaign on the ground. The team also chat about what exactly happened with the exit poll, and which Independents are waiting in the wings to prop up the next government? Also: Would you rather a duck with small feet to come at you or... sorry, we can't remember how this meme is meant to go. It's been a long week. Produced by Nicky Ryan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E13 · Sun, December 01, 2024
Hutch's failed election bid raises so many questions about Irish politics
The media scrums in the RDS were growing bigger and bigger as the count went on... and then Gerald Hutch arrived. The gangland figure's failed election bid drew huge attention from national and international press, but has he achieved his ultimate aim? Could his unexpectedly strong performance shine a light on Dublin's north inner city and the reasons why people voted for him? With Christine Bohan and Sinéad O'Carroll in studio, and Christina Finn and Jane Matthews in the RDS, we look at the big headline talking points that are now coming out of the election results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E12 · Sat, November 30, 2024
Sinn Féin: great at elections, not so good at actually getting into government
It's all systems go: the votes have been cast, the exit polls revealed, the ballots separated, and the counting is now underway. A picture of general election 2024 is starting to come together piece-by-piece. Christine Bohan and Christina Finn (the latter joining us from a car park outside the Wicklow count centre) chat about the big talking points so far, and ask: is it really viable anymore for any party to rule out coalition with Sinn Féin? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E11 · Wed, November 27, 2024
Micheál Martin really doesn’t like being asked about Sinn Féin
Just days to go now, and we've had our first real talking point of the campaign — but also another lacklustre debate. Sinéad O'Carroll, Christina Finn, and Jane Matthews chat on today's episode about the final stretch and what could really make a difference in the minds of undecided voters. Or maybe, instead of undecided voters, do we need to focus on the undecided coalition partners? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E10 · Thu, November 21, 2024
This election was supposed to be a disaster for Sinn Féin
Heading into this election, it was disaster after disaster for Sinn Féin. The timing couldn't been worse. It wasn't going to be theirs for the taking, but literally anyone else. But is the party now having a normal election campaign? Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and (another new character unlocked) Muiris O'Cearbhaill examine how the coming days might pan out for Sinn Féin, and whether they or another party will be able to conjure up some real momentum. We also look at Aontú and the alleged media bubble the party is trying to pop, and ask whether we are forever caught in the orbit of rotating taoisigh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E9 · Tue, November 19, 2024
That was a weird leaders' debate
A low-key, cranky election campaign manifested as a low-key, cranky election debate last night. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy sit down to unpack last night's 10-way special on RTÉ's Upfront. Did anyone really come out on top in the end, or did the main party leaders let themselves down in the end? We also examine Fine Gael's John McGahon problem, and look at the feeling on the ground in some battleground constituencies (yes, that includes Dublin Central). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E8 · Thu, November 14, 2024
The two big parties turn into squabbling siblings
We're now almost a week into the election campaign, and the children are fighting. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have traded a series of jabs that might across as surprising to hear from two parties who are currently in government together and may likely have to work together again in future. Is it all a show? Is it believable? Also, how important will appearances on podcasts be for candidates? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E7 · Tue, November 12, 2024
Michael O'Leary and jiving, two unexpected political battlegrounds
Show us someone who had 'jiving' on their 2024 general election bingo card, and we'll show you a liar. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy look at how the campaign trail is progressing so far, and the need for politicians to pivot into the world of content creation (to very mixed results). We also hear about what Micheál Martin had to say about housing when Christina sat down with him last week, and a new podcast character is unlocked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E6 · Thu, November 07, 2024
Simon (and Micheál) set the date (finally)
Finally. Finally! Candidates are already out on the doorsteps and some politicians packing up their office in Leinster House. Now, the government has announced — in unexpectedly messy fashion — the date of the next general election. The Dáil will be dissolved on Friday, and the public will go to the polls on 29 November. Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews and Rónán Duffy look at how the next few weeks are going to pan out. Will the public react with bewilderment at the array of unfamiliar candidates vying for their vote? Will it be the 'big change' election that people previously expected? Or will the return of Trump mean that voters will play it safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus · Wed, November 06, 2024
Bonus episode: He's back
The US presidential election is all but lost for Kamala Harris. Donald Trump is preparing his return to power. The results are still coming in, but we're bringing you a quick bonus episode with two sleep-deprived reporters to examine how the night unfolded and what comes next. Christine Bohan and Rónán Duffy begin the postmortem on the Democrat's failed campaign, and look at what Trump's victory means for US politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E5 · Wed, October 30, 2024
Parents show great restraint not rioting over childcare
It's one of the biggest issues facing families across Ireland, and yet it never ranks highly in the list of people's political priorities. Could childcare still be the issue that wins or loses this election? On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy, and Sinéad O'Carroll examine the attempts at a political level to make access to childcare easier and to take that burden off parents. What are people experiencing right now, and are the solutions nothing more than throwing money at a growing problem? The team also discuss the decision by the Washington Post to not endorse any candidate (and why that isn't something an Irish audience might balk at) and the new (surprisingly naive or astutely reflective?) book from a certain former housing minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E4 · Wed, October 23, 2024
Fine Gael is continuing to haemorrhage TDs
We're all caught up in the pre-election doldrums, but is one party's ship in particular trouble? On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, Jane Matthews, and Rónán Duffy examine how Fine Gael is continuing to lose TD after TD. As many as 18, but that depends on who you ask. How worried should their party headquarters be? The team also look at the fabled left-wing voting pact (and how the differences between the different groups remain larger than they first appear) and a certain other election across the pond (which no one is willing to make a call on). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E3 · Wed, October 16, 2024
Ireland's chance to go it alone against Israel
It's a strange, strange week in Irish politics (and still with no election date in sight). On the latest episode of The Candidate podcast — which now takes a weekly look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now — Christine Bohan, Christina Finn, and Rónán Duffy turn their attention to the Occupied Territories Bill. It has been knocking around the Oireachtas for years now, but only now in the dying days of the government is it getting renewed attention. Is there real appetite to take tangible action on Israel, or is it an election ploy? We also look at Sinn Féin's week from hell, with the party in the headlines for all the wrong reasons across several fronts. Also: a conscious uncoupling for the media darling of Dublin Bay South. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E2 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Simon Harris goes to Washington
Simon Harris is on a flying visit to Washington DC. He isn't under the same pressure that Leo Varadkar faced during a US visit earlier this year but the big question is similar: will he bring up the US's arming of Israel? In this episode, Jane Matthews, Rónán Duffy and Christine Bohan are joined by The Journal's political editor Christina Finn in Washington, where we look at how the Taoiseach will walk the tightrope of maintaining the close relationship between the two countries while also speaking truth to power. And do these visits actually matter in the real world? Also, is Michelle O'Neill actually at risk of losing her job over Sinn Féin's handling of its press officer controversy? (spoiler: no). And why are we still talking about €9 million for phone pouches over one week after the Budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 E1 · Wed, October 02, 2024
How do you tell Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil apart?
We're back with a new format for The Candidate, with weekly episodes that will take you behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to focus on what’s really happening in Irish politics right now. This week, Christine Bohan, Rónán Duffy, Christina Finn and Jane Matthews examine how the country's two biggest parties are going to navigate their same-but-different personas on the doorsteps in the run-up to the general election. Also, we read the Budget tea leaves and try to figure out who it was really for (spoiler: not young people). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 E4 · Sun, June 23, 2024
The dust has settled - now what next for Ireland and the EU after the European elections?
Ireland's new MEPs are preparing to take up their seats in the European Parliament, while those who weren't so lucky are recovering from the bruising. The dust has settled after the elections. It's a time when European unity and priorities are in the spotlight, so what can we extrapolate from the results of the election? How will Ireland make its mark? What will the parliament's main aims be? And just how important was this election for the bloc? Political Editor Christina Finn is joined on this episode of The Candidate podcast by Theresa Reidy, political scientist at University College Cork; Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs; and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal. This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O'Carroll. This work is co-funded by Journal Media and a grant programme from the European Parliament. Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s own. The European Parliament has no involvement in nor responsibility for the editorial content published by the project. For more information, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 E3 · Thu, May 30, 2024
Live in Dublin? Here's what you need to know about the European elections
THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS take place next Friday, as candidates across Ireland strive for a seat in the European Parliament. Dublin is the smallest of the three European constituencies. It has a total of four seats available, with 23 candidates running for election. It’s the final constituency to be profiled by the new season of The Candidate podcast by The Journal, helping to make sense of the European elections and giving you a comprehensive view of the big issues and the candidates in each area. Political Editor Christina Finn examines how this election could unfold in the Dublin constituency, with Gary Murphy, professor of politics at Dublin City University, Liz Carolan of TheBriefing.ie, The Journal's Deputy Editor Christine Bohan, and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal. This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O’Carroll. This work is co-funded by Journal Media and a grant programme from the European Parliament. Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s own. The European Parliament has no involvement in nor responsibility for the editorial content published by the project. For more information, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 E2 · Sat, May 25, 2024
Don't know who to vote for in Midlands North West? This might help
Midlands-North-West is the largest of Ireland's three European constituencies. 27 candidates are vying for five seats, hoping to win the votes of people across 11 counties. It's a diverse area where would-be MEPs have to field a wide range of issues on the doorsteps, and is a crucial battleground to win the agricultural vote. It's the latest constituency to be profiled by the new season of The Candidate podcast, helping to make sense of the European elections and giving you a comprehensive view of the big issues and the candidates in each area. Political Editor Christina Finn examines how this election could unfold in Midlands-North-West with Johnny Fallon, political commentator and strategy director with Carr Communications; Stella Meehan, editor of Agriland.ie; Jane Matthews, Political Reporter with The Journal, and Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal. This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O’Carroll. This work is co-funded by Journal Media and a grant programme from the European Parliament. Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s own. The European Parliament has no involvement in nor responsibility for the editorial content published by the project. For more information, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 E1 · Mon, May 20, 2024
EU 2024, Explained: The big issues and potential winners in Ireland South
WE'RE NOW LESS than three weeks away from polling day in the crucial European elections, but it can be difficult parse for voters when it's such a crowded field of candidates angling for votes across three constituencies, two of which span the majority of Ireland. The Journal's politics podcast, The Candidate, returns for a new season as part of the EU 2024 Explained series. The podcast delves into the election and helps you make sense of it. It profiles each constituency and gives you a more comprehensive look at the election itself. Presented by Political Editor Christina Finn, our first episode heads to Ireland South, and we're joined by an expert panel to look at the main issues in the area and gauge who the serious candidates are: Damien Tiernan, presenter of Déise Today on WLR FM and former RTÉ south-east correspondent; Theresa Reidy, political scientist and lecturer at University College Cork; Muiris O'Cearbhaill, reporter with The Journal currently focusing on the EU; Rónán Duffy, Assistant News Editor with The Journal. This episode was presented by Christina Finn and produced by Nicky Ryan and Sinéad O'Carroll. This work is co-funded by Journal Media and a grant programme from the European Parliament. Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s own. The European Parliament has no involvement in nor responsibility for the editorial content published by the project. For more information, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E8 · Fri, February 07, 2020
We catch up with Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party
Our final episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Ryan's party stands for before we go to the polls tomorrow.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Eamon Ryan and discussed his hopes for a greener government this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E7 · Thu, February 06, 2020
We catch up with Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what McDonald's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with the Sinn Féin leader and discussed the murder of Paul Quinn, the reference to "shadowy figures" behind her party and what she really thinks about the Special Criminal Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E6 · Wed, February 05, 2020
We catch up with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael. Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Varadkar's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with the Taoiseach and discussed housing, childcare and his regrets over the cervical check crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E4 · Mon, February 03, 2020
We talk to Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín about Sinn Féin and his party's policies
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, giving you a chance to find out more about what his party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday.For this episode of The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Tóibín and discussed social issues, hospital exclusion zones and Sinn Féin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E5 · Mon, February 03, 2020
We talk to Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett, giving you a chance to find out more about what his party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday. For this episode of The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Barrett and discussed the housing crisis, land hoarding, banks and his dabbing dance moves in the Dáil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E3 · Mon, February 03, 2020
We catch up with Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Catherine Murphy, joint leader of the Social Democrats.Here, we give you a chance to find out more about what Murphy's party stands for before we go to the polls on Saturday. For this episode of The Candidate podcast, our Assistant News Editor Laura Byrne sat down with Murphy and discussed housing, childcare and how she believes young people will turn out in this election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E2 · Wed, January 29, 2020
We talk to Labour leader Brendan Howlin about housing, Shannon and political accountability
Our latest episode brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to Labour leader Brendan Howlin, giving you a chance to find out more about what they stand for before we go to the polls in just under two weeks time. For our second The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin. We got lots of questions about housing, taxation, Labour's role in the austerity years, and whether the party will consider an alliance with Sinn Féin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E1 · Fri, January 24, 2020
We talk to Micheál Martin about pensions, direct provision and animal welfare
Election day fast approaches and so the campaign trail is heating up.In this episode, we bring TheJournal.ie readers closer to the party leaders, giving you a chance to find out more about what they stand for before we go to the polls in just over two weeks time. For our first The Candidate podcast, Political Correspondent Christina Finn sat down with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.We wanted to make sure that your questions were put to the Fianna Fáil leader, so we asked you to send us on a WhatsApp recording of yourself asking the question. We were inundated with questions about issues that matter to you, from the cost of rent and childcare, no hope of buying a home, animal welfare issues, fixing the health service and the big question the nation wants to know: has he ever tried a spice bag? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fri, November 02, 2018
The US midterms explained
US citizens go to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections. Like with most things US politics, interest levels in the votes has heightened to unprecedented levels across the globe because of the Trump factor. As the system can get a little confusing, we asked NUI Galway law lecturer, political columnist and Bostonian Larry Donnelly into studio to explain why this set of elections has garnered so much attention.Presented by Sinéad O'Carroll and with contributions from reporter Gráinne Ní Aodha, this special episode of The Candidate crunches the numbers, explores the most interesting Senate and gubernatorial races, looks at the possible outcomes of a loss of the House (for Republicans and for the US President himself) and predicts how Irish-Americans will vote on 6 November. Produced by Aoife Barry and Nicky Ryan. Edited by Andrew Roberts and Nicky Ryan. Recorded with the help of Headstuff. Music via Wikimedia Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E7 · Wed, October 24, 2018
TheJournal.ie podcast talks to Joan Freeman
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our sixth The Candidate podcast, we bring you our news editor and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Joan Freeman.We talked to the Pieta House founder about the Iona Institute, her loan from Des Walsh, and what she thinks life is like for men in Ireland today.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at the DIT Aungier St studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E6 · Mon, October 22, 2018
TheJournal.ie interviews Michael D Higgins
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our fifth The Candidate podcast, we bring you our news editor and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to President Michael D Higgins.We talked to the incumbent about whether he is a millionaire, his thoughts on Peter Casey's comments on his dogs, and what he really makes of the furore over presidential expenses.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at the DIT Aungier St studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E5 · Fri, October 19, 2018
TheJournal.ie interviews Sean Gallagher
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our third The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Sean Gallagher.We talked to the businessman about his thoughts on Peter Casey's comments about Travellers, his feelings about the Eighth Amendment, and what he makes of Take Back The City.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of Headstuff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E4 · Thu, October 18, 2018
TheJournal.ie interviews Peter Casey
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our third The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Peter Casey.We talked to the businessman about why he wants to run for the Áras, his thoughts on modern-day America and racism, and gender quotas.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of DIT Aungier St Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E3 · Wed, October 17, 2018
TheJournal.ie interviews Liadh Ní Riada
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our second The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Liadh Ní Riada.We talked to the MEP about her thoughts on the HPV vaccine and cancer, the impact of Brexit on Ireland, and the Irish language.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded with the help of DIT Aungier Sthttp://jrnl.ie/4292151 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E2 · Tue, October 16, 2018
TheJournal.ie interviews Gavin Duffy
The Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential hopefuls.For our first The Candidate podcast, we bring you our reporter and presenter Sinéad O'Carroll talking to Gavin Duffy.We talked to the Dragon about the pain he feels about causing serious injuries to a woman in a car crash when he was a young man, his criticisms of the media and how he is sorry that there are three television stars in the race to the Áras.Images from RollingNews.ie. Music by Incompetech. Recorded at DIT Aungier St studios.http://jrnl.ie/4289080 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E1 · Tue, October 16, 2018
TheJournal.ie's Presidential Podcast
TheJournal.ie launches its new podcast: The CandidateThe Candidate brings TheJournal.ie readers closer to the presidential candidates, thanks to six in-depth interviews. Read more here: http://jrnl.ie/4289080 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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