Best Simon Loomes Podcasts (2025)

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Ask us anything: presidential nominations, a Minister for Defence and the centre holding 26:59

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1d ago26:59

26:59

Hugh is joined by Jack Horgan Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Ellen Coyne for part one of our traditional festive AMA. This year listeners asked about the presidential nomination process, the influence of party leaders, the need for a dedicated Minister for Defence and the stability of centrist politics. Wishing all our listeners a very Happy Christmas. …

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What do Irish voters really want? Live at the IFI with Dr Kevin Cunningham 20:38

3d ago20:38

20:38

Dr Kevin Cunningham of TUD is one of Ireland’s most insightful political scientists and pollsters. At the Inside Politics live show in early December he joined Hugh, Pat, Cormac and Ellen on stage at the IFI to talk about Irish voters. What are the issues that really motivate them? Are they driven more by pragmatism or ideology? Today's episode is …

1
Why the EU's climbdown on Ukraine aid matters 40:02

6d ago40:02

40:02

It was a difficult week for Micheal Martin and FIanna Fáil with the delivery of the report on the party's failed presidential campaign. Martin's position as leader is safe for now, but questions and doubts remain. In part one of today's podcast Pat delivers his assessment of the state of play within Fianna Fáil. In part two Jack Power reports from …

1
Was Jim Gavin's campaign implosion the political moment of the year? 30:12

8d ago30:12

30:12

Earlier this month Hugh, Ellen, Cormac and Pat got on stage at the IFI in Dublin for our annual end of year live show. Today we’re bringing you an excerpt from the show as the panel discuss their choice for the standout moments from the political year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Jim O'Callaghan: We made a bad decision on the presidency 48:13

9d ago48:13

48:13

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan talks to Hugh and Pat about antisemitism after the Bondi beach attack, the progress of the Occupied Territories Bill, Ireland's security needs, why and how the Government wants to reduce inward migration, regret over his decision to support Jim Gavin's nomination for the presidency and his own ambition to one da…

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That interview, Fianna Fáil's review and thorny issues for the Government 53:28

13d ago53:28

53:28

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to look back on the week in politics: Next week Fianna Fáil will get the long-awaited review into the circumstances around Jim Gavin's disastrous presidential campaign. Has the wait taken the sting out of the issue for Micheal Martin? The Government is worried about political fallout if it fails to vote a…

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Eoin Lenihan on how Ireland was 'vandalised' 1:03:40

15d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Eoin Lenihan joins Hugh to discuss his bestselling book Vandalising Ireland. In the book Lenihan sets out his argument that the choices made by successive governments, on issues from migration to the economy, have destroyed the country. He points to an alliance between the political establishment and the media, academics and NGOs, all intent on str…

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Does Ireland's neutrality leave room for increased defence spending? 44:04

17d ago44:04

44:04

The appearance of drones of unknown origin in Dublin last week around the time of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit again highlighted the security challenges of the present day and Ireland's lack of capability to act in its own defence. Neutrality remains a popular policy, as again demonstrated recently by the election of Catherine Co…

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Eurovision Israel boycott hits right note, but renaming Herzog Park feels tone deaf 45:50

20d ago45:50

45:50

Jack Horgan-Jones and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Ireland, along with Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands, will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel’s participation. RTÉ said in a statement on Thursday that it would be “unconscionable” for Ireland to partake in the event given th…

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What people don’t understand about the art of political communication - with Terry Prone 57:06

22d ago57:06

57:06

Terry Prone is a legend in Irish political communication. Her memoir, I’m Glad You Asked Me That, looks back at her remarkable career. On today’s Inside Politics podcast, she talks to Hugh Linehan about the early days of political interviewing on TV, her experience of working with both Garret Fitzgerald and Charles Haughey, her ringside seat at som…

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Jim O'Callaghan's explicit message on migration 45:24

27d ago45:24

45:24

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk through the week in politics: Jim O'Callaghan's message on migration The Taoiseach's fondness for overseas trips New data showing a rise in eviction notices Plus the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Could a left alliance transform Irish politics? 53:24

29d ago53:24

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 t…

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'The world looks very different from here' - Denis Staunton's global briefing 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

Denis Staunton has reported from Washington, London and Berlin. Now, as Irish Times China Correspondent, he is using his new vantage point to make sense of this turbulent era as it looks from outside the Western world. In a new newsletter exclusively for Irish Times subscribers, he writes about what’s happening in geopolitics, why it matters and ho…

1
Is Simon Harris fit for the role of Minister for Finance? 48:05

1M ago48:05

48:05

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · As Paschal Donohoe departs for pastures new at the World Bank, will his absence weaken Government? And does Simon Harris possess the right skillset for the role of Minister for Finance? It might not matter if the qualified doctors who have run the Department of Heal…

1
Paschal Donohoe’s last interview 57:34

1M ago57:34

57:34

In his final interview as an Irish politician before leaving for a new role at the World Bank, Paschal Donohoe talks to Hugh and Pat about his decision to leave politics and his record as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure, both roles he has held since 2016. The wide-ranging discussion looks at: The circumstances that have led…

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Donohoe's departure leaves the Government and Fine Gael weakened 34:10

1M ago34:10

34:10

After 14 years in Dáil Éireann and a decade in ministerial office, Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe today announced his resignation. He leaves to take up a senior role at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Why did Paschal Donohoe decide to go now, and where is he going? How important and consequential was Donohoe, as a politician and a minister? And jus…

1
567. Five Great Moments From Behind the Paywall 1:02:30

1M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Join Dr. Peterson for five standout moments from behind the DW+ paywall: Megyn Kelly reflects on motherhood, IVF, and the need for cultural matchmaking beyond Tinder; Michael Saylor makes the case for Bitcoin as decentralized economic sovereignty and outlines its political rise; Dr. Gary Nolan discusses extraterrestrial life, unprocessed UAP data, …

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572. Navigating Education, Ideology, and Children | Answer the Call 59:35

1M ago59:35

59:35

Dr. Peterson discusses education challenges, praising homeschooling over the flawed K-12 system, exploring new learning models, and stressing critical thinking in a world dominated by low-attention span media environments. He also highlights the importance of teacher passion, character development, and guiding young adults toward responsibility and…

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‘A hot mess of uncoordinated gibberish’ 47:03

1M ago47:03

47:03

Harry McGee and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The inauguration of Ireland’s 10th president in in St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle, on Tuesday, saw Catherine Connolly deliver a stirring address, amid a real testament to the health of democracy in this country, with all sides coming together after an at times bru…

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What is wrong with Ireland’s housing and planning system? 54:54

1M ago54:54

54:54

The government has come under increasing intense criticism of its record on housing, and the sluggishness with which its addressed the need to build more affordable homes. Today on Inside Politics, Hugh Linehan discusses the issues with the planning and regulatory system that some argue is slowing down the process of boosting housing supply in Irel…

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How is Catherine Connolly viewed in Europe? 38:05

1M ago38:05

38:05

As Catherine Connolly is inaugurated as Ireland’s 10th President on Tuesday, Inside Politics asks how the country’s European partners will be preparing for her presidency. What issues from the Connolly campaign may have raised eyebrows on the continent, and how might she navigate Ireland’s EU presidency in 2026? Hugh Linehan is joined by The Irish …

1
Is it possible to have a coherent debate on immigration? 48:09

2M ago48:09

48:09

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · With renewed criticism from left-wing Opposition leaders of Tánaiste Simon Harris, over remarks he made about migration numbers in Ireland being too high, has it become almost impossible to have an honest discussion around immigration? · Taoiseach Micheál Marti…

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Iain Dale, chronicler of British leaders, turns his attention to Irish taoisigh 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

Iain Dale has written books profiling prime ministers, monarchs and dictators. Next up from the LBC broadcaster and podcaster is a book on the people - all men - who have served as taoiseach. The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership profiles all who have held the office and explores the evolution of the role. But Dale didn’t write it himsel…

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How does Micheál Martin quieten dissenting voices in Fianna Fáil? 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Ellen Coyne and Naomi O’Leary join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · In the wake of Catherine Connolly’s emphatic presidential election win, could there now be a legitimate prospect of a left-wing government arising from the next general election? · With anger still simmering in Fianna Fáil’s ranks after a disastrous presidential ca…

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What would a united Ireland actually involve? 57:28

2M ago57:28

57:28

This week’s Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan explores what a united Ireland would actually involve, Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole and Belfast Telegraph journalist Sam McBride have written a new book that addresses the case both for and against Irish unity. The structure of the book is unusual. Each journalist writes two long chapter…

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How outspoken will Connolly be as president? 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan for the final episode of Election Daily for this campaign. They look at the impact of Connolly's victory on left-wing politics, wonder if Ireland is about to have a more outspoken president than ever before and consider Simon Harris and Micheál Martin's political futures. Thanks to everyone who listened to Election Dail…

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Catherine Connolly wins the presidency on a disastrous day for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil 42:10

2M ago42:10

42:10

Votes are still being counted but it is already clear that Catherine Connolly has won the presidency by a huge margin. Connolly's victory will be confirmed at Dublin Castle this afternoon. Hugh, Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne are there and sat down to discuss the emerging results and what they mean. How did Catherine Connolly get her campaign so…

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Election Daily: The highs and lows of a strange campaign 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan Jones join Hugh Linehan to talk about the final day of campaigning before voters go to the polls. They look at how the Connolly campaign has managed to create momentum that sustained her push for the Áras since July and why the Humphreys campaign did not live up to expectations. Finally they pick their high and low po…

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Election Daily: Will the 'spoil the vote' campaign be felt on Friday? 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

What does a two-horse race look like in our PR-STV electoral system? What happens when you throw a zombie candidate and a 'spoil your vote' campaign into the mix? And what about turnout? Pat Leahy and Hugh Linehan nerd out with a look at how the count could play out this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Election Daily: Who came out on top in the final debate? 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

The two remaining candidates in the presidential election came into the final televised debate of the campaign needing different things. Well behind in the polls, Heather Humphreys needed to come across convincingly while landing some blows. Catherine Connolly needed not to slip up. So how did they do? On today’s episode of The Irish Times Election…

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Election Daily: Can the 'Vicar Street Alliance' hold after this election? 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk about today's news from the presidential campaign trail: A concert in support of Catherine Connolly's campaign brought top musical artists and thousands of young people together in Dublin's Vicar Street on Monday night. The event also brought together Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, the Social Demo…

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Election Daily: Has Fine Gael's 'new low' attack video backfired? 29:24

2M ago29:24

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 barrister who worked on behalf of financial institutions in the aftermath of the property crash, and Fine Gael's negative campaigning …

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Election Daily: Is it all over bar the shouting for Heather Humphreys? 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

With Catherine Connolly showing an unprecedented lead for a presidential candidate one week out from polling day, could her campaign only be derailed by something extraordinary at this stage? Cormac McQuinn and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to discuss Connolly’s seemingly unassailable lead, the repetitive nature of recent debates, and with posters …

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POLL: Catherine Connolly opens huge lead in presidential race 21:15

2M ago21:15

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 per cent, has almost double the support of her nearest rival, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, on 20 per cent. Support for the Fianna…

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Election Daily: Is Humphreys playing it too safe? 24:37

2M ago24:37

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 motion of no confidence in Simon Harris over controversies in Children’s Health Ireland and waiting times for scoliosis surgery w…

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Is this the end of the gay rights revolution? 49:51

2M ago49:51

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 successful civil rights movement of the last few decades may be more politically fragile than most people assume. He argues that these succ…

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Head-to-head: Presidential election gets confrontational 59:02

3M ago59:02

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 combative one at that as the third live debate on Thursday on RTÉ Radio’s Drivetime will attest. Is Heather Humphreys trying to appe…

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'Cooking the books': Is Budget 2026 a 'cynical wheeze'? 48:02

3M ago48:02

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 plan beyond 2026. “Last year we had five-year-ahead forecasting. The year before was four-year. We’re meant to be submitting a med…

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Calamity for Fianna Fáil as Jim Gavin drops out of the presidential race 48:47

3M ago48:47

48:47

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk about the stunning news of Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race, leaving Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly in a head-to-head battle. The news has infuriated Fianna Fáil backbenchers and leaves party leader Micheál Martin and campaign director Jack Chambers with big questions to…

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Jack Chambers channels 'Margaret Thatcher' as 'big squeeze budget' looms 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to talk about the week in politics: We already know next Tuesday’s budget is going to be a much less generous affair than recent years. Jack and Pat share what they know about the tough stance being taken by Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers in negotiations, including one Government source…

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American carnage: Keith Duggan at the Ryder Cup 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

Fresh from the hostile grass arena of Bethpage, where supporters of the US Ryder Cup team spent the weekend abusing their European opponents, Washington correspondent Keith Duggan returns to the podcast to discuss the latest: Some commentators have tried to link the boorish behaviour of US golf fans to the ascendancy of Trumpism. Is that justified?…

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Presidential debate: who came out on top and who struggled? 17:16

3M ago17:16

17:16

Pat Leahy joins Hugh to talk about the first televised debate of the presidential campaign which took place on Virgin Media Television tonight. Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin debated a range of issues and did their best to come across as plausible candidates. But who dominated, and who stru…

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Lea Ypi investigates a family mystery and hidden history 47:44

3M ago47:44

47:44

Hugh interviews Albanian academic and author Lea Ypi about her new book Indignity: A Life Reimagined. The book is an exploration of political, historical and philosophical themes through the story of Ypi's grandmother, Leman Ypi, who experienced Albania’s tumultuous 20th century, from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, through fascism, Nazism, com…

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And then there were three – the presidential candidates set off on the campaign trail 39:54

3M ago39:54

39:54

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin got their campaigns into full swing this week as they got out and about to meet voters and give their pitch ahead of voting day on October 25th. And while Connolly made headlines this week when she told a fire…

1
Maria Steen falls at the final hurdle 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh to talk about how independent candidate Maria Steen came close but ultimately failed to secure a nomination to run for the presidency. Why did the coalition that supported her take so long to decisively swing behind her? And what does it mean for the race? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati…

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What our 'Charlie versus Garret' series got wrong - with Eoin O'Malley 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

Last year The Irish Times Inside Politics podcast released a three-part series looking back at the political rivalry between Charles Haughey and Garret Fitzgerald. That series helped to inspire DCU’s Eoin O’Malley as he set out to write a book on the same subject. Eoin talks to Hugh and Pat about the two men and what he wanted to add to the story: …

1
Can Sheridan or Steen get a presidential nomination over the line? 54:25

3M ago54:25

54:25

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: The nomination process for presidential candidates rumbles on. At the time of recording independent Gareth Sheridan has the best chance, needing two more local councils to back him. A report today looking at Sheridan’s business partner’s links with Russia may no…

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Charlie Kirk: A conservative's view on the fallout from a momentous crime 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

Hugh talks to Michael Brendan Dougherty, senior writer at National Review, about the murder of right wing activist and Christian nationalist Charlie Kirk and the vociferous reaction that has exposed and deepened America's political divides. Michael talks about Kirk's significant influence on young conservatives, the media's portrayal of Kirk before…

1
Leo Varadkar speaks his mind on reunification, Covid, Eoghan Murphy and Phil Hogan 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Leo Varadkar's new memoir promises readers an insight into what the former taoiseach really thought about the monumental events - Covid, Brexit, the housing crisis - that he was centrally involved in. He talks to Hugh Linehan and Irish Times Britain and Ireland editor Mark Hennessy about the book and his life and times in politics. He explains why …

1
Charlie Kirk shooting another example of escalating political violence in US 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The assassination of the conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk on stage at a college campus in Utah on Wednesday is the latest chapter in America’s increasingly toxic political climate. A Donald Trump loyalist, Kirk was instrumental in mobilising yo…