Host Hugh Linehan is joined by Harry McGee and Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics:
· The budget was somewhat overshadowed this week by stories with far less cost involved, but no shortage of outrage – not least the final cost of Government Buildings security hut hitting €1.4 million and the row over the announcement of new sports capital grant funding for local clubs.
· Sinn Féin’s alternative budget has many worthy pledges but is ultimately futile without the party’s hands actually being on the levers of power.
· And the controversy around a letter of congratulations President Michael D Higgins sent in July to Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian was reignited at a United Nations event in New York last Sunday.
Andy Moran praises fearlessness of youth as Mayo’s forwards give Louth torrid time
Michael O’Leary’s mega pay-day may hinge on proving Ryanair can thrive without him
Life in France in 40 degree heat: Parisian heat traps are only part of the equation
‘There would be no life on Earth without plants ... We need to keep reminding ourselves of that’
Plus, the panellists pick their favourite IT reads of the week:
· Michael McDowell on the Government’s advanced administrative sclerosis.
· Mark Hennesy wrote of former taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s contention that immigration numbers have risen too quickly here.
· And Mary Carolan’s piece on the use of ‘inappropriate’ slang and cultural references in a judgment concerning a Co Clare wind farm.
Produced by John Casey.
- Sign up for Politics push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
























