Could a left alliance transform Irish politics?

Could a left alliance transform Irish politics?

Author: The Irish Times November 26, 2025 Duration: 53:24

When Catherine Connolly was elected president with the support of every left-wing party, it sparked new hope on the left that greater cooperation between Sinn Fein, Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit could reap further electoral dividends. How realistic is that hope? And how would a left alliance actually work? Hugh talks to academic Aidan Regan and political correspondent Cormac McQuinn.


Aidan Regan is a professor of political economy at the school of politics and international relations at University College Dublin

Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each week, Irish Times Inside Politics cuts through the noise to bring clarity to the forces shaping Ireland. Guided by host Hugh Linehan, the conversations here go beyond the headlines, offering a deeper, more considered understanding of the political landscape. You’ll hear from the newspaper’s own journalists, who provide grounded insight from the front lines, alongside a range of independent political thinkers and analysts. Occasionally, politicians themselves join the discussion, offering their perspective directly. The result is a nuanced and thoughtful examination of power, policy, and public life that values context over quick reactions. This isn't about partisan soundbites; it's about unpacking the how and why behind the day's debates and long-term shifts. For anyone looking to move past surface-level reporting and grasp the real stories unfolding in Leinster House and beyond, this podcast serves as an essential weekly briefing. The Irish Times brings its tradition of thorough journalism to the audio format, creating a space for analysis that is both accessible and substantive. Tune in for a consistently informed and engaging take on the issues that define the nation's future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Irish Times Inside Politics
Podcast Episodes
Election Daily: Has Fine Gael's 'new low' attack video backfired? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh to talk about the all the latest from the presidential election campaign. There is one topic dominating the campaign today, or two related topics: Catherine Connolly's record as a barr…
POLL: Catherine Connolly opens huge lead in presidential race [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
Catherine Connolly holds a commanding lead in the presidential election with just over a week to go before votes are cast, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll.The poll finds that Connolly, on 38 pe…
Election Daily: Is Humphreys playing it too safe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
As independent candidate Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys enter the final nine days of the campaign, Jack Horgan Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to launch our daily podcast coverage.A…
Is this the end of the gay rights revolution? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:51
Hugh talks to Ronan McCrea, professor of constitutional and European law at University College London, about his new book, The End of the Gay Rights Revolution. McCrea believes that the achievements of the most successfu…
Head-to-head: Presidential election gets confrontational [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:02
Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · With Jim Gavin gone, the presidential election is now a two-horse race between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, and a more co…
'Cooking the books': Is Budget 2026 a 'cynical wheeze'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:02
Yesterday’s budget spelled out the Government’s tax and spending plans for next year. But what happens after that?Barra Roantee of Trinity College Dublin’s Department of Economics says it is “shocking” that there is no p…