As the UK's Labour Party reconfigures in the wake of Keir Starmer’s resignation, we hear about potential new leader Andy Burnham's proud Irish roots, what his northern sensibility might mean for UK politics and how he might deal with a push for a United Ireland. We also discuss the growing pressure on Irish neutrality, the recommendations made in a report from the Oireachtas committee on drugs and why the EU presidency hasn't resonated with the public.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guest: Aisling Moloney

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Indo Politics spoke to Energy and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien this week as Mary Regan and Cónal Thomas asked the Fianna Fail TD questions relating to several key issues in Ireland today.

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As the US and Iran near a peace deal, can Irish citizens expect some relief on oil prices?

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Should excise cuts be extended beyond the end-of-July deadline?

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Can we expect energy credits to return in the next budget?

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Should the State be helping out with network charges?

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What about the cost and environmental impact of data centres in Ireland?

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And what does Fianna Fáil need to do to regain ground?

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All this and more is discussed on the latest episode.

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Indo Politics is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics polices at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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French MEP Valérie Hayer, President of the Renew Europe Group, sits down with Mary Regan this week for a wide-ranging interview.

On the agenda? Ireland’s imminent EU presidency – what do Europeans expect from us at a pivotal political moment not just for Europe, but the world at large?

On that note, how does Ireland’s increasingly difficult relationship with Israel and Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s call for Europe to consider tougher trade sanctions factor in?

How should Ireland handle the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine?

And what’s the view in Europe on the rise of far-right political movements?

All that and more up for discussion on this week’s episode of Indo Politics.

Indo Politics is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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The Healy-Rae political empire has dominated Kerry for decades, but disagreement over support for the government has exposed cracks within the family. This week, we examine the fallout and whether the famous Healy-Rae brand can survive intact. We also discuss Holly Cairns' growing popularity, the good news around her expanding family and what the Social Democrats' momentum could mean for Irish politics.

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.

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A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.

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Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.

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As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.

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So, what does it all mean?

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Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.

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Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?

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Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?

And are the Greens back in business?

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It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.