Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics:
· The panel started by teasing out the convoluted and somewhat undemocratic Seanad election process. Is it better to be on the inside or the outside panel? And how important is it for nominees to possess sufficient qualifications?
· Does Sinn Féin need to change its message and personnel after so long in opposition? Could it be time for a reshuffle despite the party’s strength in areas like housing and finance?
· The decision on who will be the third leg of the next government edges ever closer, with Independent Ireland, the Regional Independent Group and the Healy-Rae brothers all still in contention. But what kind of ministries are in the offing?
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· And speaking at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, President Michael D Higgins described Nato’s call for increased military spending as ‘appalling’. Will his frequent comments on international affairs set a precedent for his successor?
Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, on Elon Musk and the AfD, Justin Trudeau’s legacy, and planning refusal for 900 apartments in Dundrum.
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