Sinn Féin and Government on completely different timetables for Irish unity

Sinn Féin and Government on completely different timetables for Irish unity

Author: The Irish Times July 10, 2026 Duration: 54:50

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:


·       Sinn Féin’s Planning for Constitutional Change Bill, which obliges the Government to draft and publish a Green Paper on unification within 18 months, failed to win support from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, or independents.  


·       All Government TDs also voted against a PBP Bill to ban hare coursing. The Bill presented an issue where the party whip could have been spared in favour of a free vote, given the public’s clear support to outlaw the practice. The Bill was overwhelmingly defeated by 125 votes to 24.

 

·       And this week saw Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and far-right French leader Marine Le Pen take the biggest political gambles of their respective careers.


Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:


·       Graham Platner crashes and burns, dwindling swag bags for visiting journalists, and the derelict ‘Carlton’ site on O’Connell Street is snapped up by MetroLink.

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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: 50

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