Path to Power
In Path to Power, experienced broadcaster Matt Cooper and guests bring their individual points of view to a lively weekly discussion that sets the agenda and examines all the political and current issues.
Episodes
From Count Binface to Conor McGregor
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr join Matt to address the challenge to Nigel Farage being posed by a comedy candidate in the Clacton by-election. They give suggestions on how to revitalise O'Connell Street and the GPO. They offer a cost-benefit analysis on the MetroLink and wonder why it has taken so long. All three are outraged by the decision of the US Ambassador to Ireland to visit C
Sex, Alcohol, and Irish Politics
Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee, who distinguish between Jeffrey Donaldson's illegal acts and his inappropriate ones, but ask how often inappropriate acts by Irish politicians get overlooked by the media. They examine some of the most high-profile events of the 21st century that did get media attention and why others didn't. Micheál Martin's erosion of authority, security issues wit
Donaldson's Depravity and His Toxic Politics
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr join Matt to discuss Jeffrey Donaldson's appalling crimes and what he put his victims through by denying his guilt. They look at his political career and how he was a malign influence for more than forty years. They discuss Nigel Farage and whether his acceptance of a £5 million gift has scuttled his chance of becoming a prime minister. They discuss the
Remembering Veronica Guerin
Lise Hand joins Matt to remember their great friend who was murdered 30 years ago in June 1996. They recall their friendships with Veronica, how they got to know her, and her early years in journalism. They swap stories about what a great character she was, but also how she was a trailblazing journalist. They turn to the circumstances of the horror of her death and assess the reaction of the polit
The Racists Among Us
Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss the race riots in Belfast and how racism is also a major issue throughout the island, how fire bombings have not been restricted to Belfast, and how a blind eye is turned to the island's native criminals. The political posturing over the EU Migration Pact and its implementation. The politics of the Ireland-Israel soccer international. Further develo
From Here to Maternity
Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss the controversy about hospital consultants employed by the State doing private work in public hospitals. Two bulls in a Kerry Field: division between the Healy-Raes, what's really going on? The new EU scrappage scheme: more than a PR stunt? The politics of the declining birth rate. Bungalow blitz or bliss? John and Brenda have very different views.
Climate Targets and Immigration Politics
Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss the concession that our 2030 climate targets will be missed, and ask if we need to apply the Tony Blair analysis for Britain that net zero is inappropriate. They offer their by-election analysis of the real significance of the outcomes of two by-elections for the national picture. They discuss the changing conversation on immigration and Jim O’Call
Ireland's Racism Issues
The death of Yves Sakila on a Dublin street - is this the Irish version of George Floyd, but do enough people care? Brendan Ogle joins Matt, and they have a wider conversation on the impact of migration on Ireland, Brendan's personal experiences of listening to racist comment, and they discuss work visas for non-EU citizens. What are the real issues in the latest RTÉ hoo-ha? Reaction to Israel's
Analogue Bertie Hobbled by a Digital World
Matt is joined by Lise Hand and Shane Coleman to discuss the controversy involving former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his views on immigration, as expressed to a voter who recorded and disclosed them. They offer a detailed assessment of the way in which Bertie Ahern operates and why he is an analogue 20th century politician in a digital world. Discussions on; the appropriate use of our national fla
Ireland’s Antisemitism Debate
John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt for a spirited exchange about Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show comments and how they have sparked wider allegations that Ireland is antisemitic. Before that, they discuss why Ireland won’t ever go nuclear and why the country’s abortion laws are likely to remain unchanged. The impact of Gerry Hutch in the Dublin Central by-election and how Sinn Féin address
Why Not a Mini Budget?
Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee to discuss the changing government generosity towards Ukrainians and how this may have been influenced by the by-election in Galway West and Dublin Central. On the latter, they explore why a Sinn Féin win in Mary Lou's home constituency is not the slam dunk it should be, due to the presence of Gerry Hutch and possible voter confusion about what Sinn F
How Protest Should Be Done - The Expert’s View
Long-time protest activist Brendan Ogle takes issue with the conduct of the diesel protests and the government’s capitulation to unlicensed protesters. He details his own experiences with the Locomotive Drivers' Association, the Right2Water campaign, and the Apollo House protest against homelessness.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodca
Leo's Rural-Urban Divide
Shane Coleman and Lise Hand join Matt, and they start with the suggested split in the Healy-Rae dynasty. They discuss all the issues related to the rural-urban divide, with particular emphasis on deprivation in urban areas. What would the public reaction be if people living in the inner cities did what the farmers did? Could the protesters bring us towards having an Irish Trump? Is the government,
PTP America: J. Edgar Boozer, Pulp Fiction, and a Raccoon's Penis
As Trump continues his suspension of the assault on Iran, Matt and Marion divert to the case of Kash Patel's sobriety, Pete Hegseth's use of a Pulp Fiction script as scripture, and RFK Jr.'s interest in the penises of raccoons. They discuss the sincerity of Tucker Carlson recanting his support for Trump, and how Marjorie Taylor Greene brings it all back to the Epstein files. Why MAGA is losing fai
Powder keg Politics and Protests
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former political correspondent Áine Kerr join Matt to analyse the politics of the past fortnight, dominated by the diesel protests. They look at Jim O’Callaghan’s use of the army, Patrick O’Donovan’s aborted assault on the media, and what the protests tell us about the rural-urban divide. The resignation of Junior Minister Michael Healy-Rae. How the opposition par
Fuelling the (Ire)land
Driving the protesters off the blocked roads: Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss how the government has to confront threatened anarchy. Carbon tax increases debated, and is the future Nuclear? Why objections to IPAS Centres won't be bypassed. Why the Department of Education can't get its budget sums right, the problem with voluntary contributions, and paying teachers appropriately. A
Everything Goes Off the Rails
Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss if the MetroLink project may be derailed by the untimely departure of its boss, Seán Sweeney, and if the government finances become shredded, will MetroLink become a victim again? How the attack on Iran continues to affect the Irish economy and the impact on the government's decision-making. Super saver Simon Harris: What does he want you to do with your
How Many TDs to Change a Lightbulb?
Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt and open with a discussion on the proposal to limit the number of TDs. They discuss the 18th delay to the handing over of a National Children's Hospital by BAM. Do we need more Robert Watts running our Civil Service? The politics of excise cuts and fiscal discipline. How can overruns at the Department of Education happen annually? Have they learnt nothing? Th
The Price Donald Trump Makes Us Pay
Matt is joined by Brendan Ogle and Larry Donnelly to look at Irish reactions to Trump's Iranian assault. They rate and review Micheál Martin's Oval Office visit as much for what it signified as what he said. They discuss whether it is safe for Irish people to go to America, especially for the World Cup. Brendan, a regular visitor to Cuba, explains why we should continue to monitor the situation th
Micheál Martin's Mission: Impossible
Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the perilous nature of Micheál Martin's visit to the Oval Office: what sort of Trump will he find, can he safeguard Irish interests, and is it right to be dealing with the increasingly erratic president at all at a time of war? Was Catherine Connolly out of line to make statements about violations of international law, and in doing so, was she puttin
How the Iranian War Impacts Ireland
Brenda Power and John Deasy join Matt to discuss America's assault on Iran and what Ireland's position on it should be. They assess what Micheál Martin should do in Washington the week after next, and how a prolonged war would prompt a cost-of-living crisis. They debate whether the government should be paying for people to return from the Gulf states. They also discuss the Fáilte Ireland attempt t
Sinn Féin Under the Microscope
Matt is joined by John Lee and Danny McConnell to discuss Sinn Féin's prospects in the Dublin Central by-election, its position on Ukraine, Mary Lou McDonald's memories of Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane, and how cost-of-living issues may give SF its strongest opportunity to make a mark on the government politically. Also, rent reforms and house building, Ireland's defence readiness for the EU presidency,
Children and Babies and Providing for Them
Matt is joined by Áine Kerr and Shane Coleman to discuss the importance of SNAs in our schools and our government's mishandling of potential changes. Why is the government finding it so hard to come up with ways of protecting our children from harmful social media? Outrage at the planning refusal for a new building for the Rotunda Hospital on Parnell Square, is there anything to be said in favour
Banged Up Abroad
Former Fine Gael TD John Deasy and Irish Daily Mail Columnist Brenda Power join Matt to discuss the wider implications for Irish emigrants to the US of the Seamus Culleton case. Why is Ireland soft on the murderous Iranian Regime? Sinn Féin's positions on Iran and Ukraine assessed. The rise of the Social Democrats: Is it sustainable and at whose expense? Michael Healy Rae and his Airbnb victory. I
The Rain Blame Game
Danny McConnell and John Lee examine the consequences of Ireland’s repeated failure to deliver flood defences and critical infrastructure. They ask whether the Social Democrats under Holly Cairns are emerging as a credible alternative to Sinn Féin on the left, assess the runners and riders in the upcoming Dublin by-election, the continued fallout from the government’s ‘incoherent’ stance on Mercos
Get the Fliuch Out of Here
As Storm Chandra wreaked havoc on the country, Shane Coleman and Lise Hand discuss who is really responsible for making sure appropriate weather warnings are given. Fianna Fáil's slump in the polls and the threat to Micheál Martin's leadership. Ivana Bacik's calls for the Taoiseach not to visit the White House on St. Patrick's Day. The soapbox politics of the Bord Bia and Brazilian beef situation.
A Bowl of Shamrock and a Billion Dollars for Trump
As Donald Trump pushes his Board of Peace idea, would it be wise for Ireland to join and if we say no, could the squeeze be put on us? John Deasy and Brenda Power join Matt, and John outlines his personal dealings with the US President during his time as an Irish government envoy. Is Ireland ready for a 'MIGA' movement, and why would the US Ambassador to Ireland go to a fringe conference? Is the M
Naughty Micheál, Nudie Grok, & Paschal's Silence
Matt is joined by Danny McConnell and John Lee to unpack the continuing Mercosur fallout inside the government and with the EU. The foreign challenges for Micheál Martin in 2026. All talk but what action about Grok AI? The politics and economics of the data centres. Paschal Donohoe, the World Bank, and the question of an additional €10 million. The merits of politicians reading books. Jim O'Callag
The Guns of January
Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt for a wide-ranging discussion starting with the Irish government's position on the Mercosur deal. What Micheál Martin was up to in China, and how the Chinese relationship will impact our existing relationships with the US and the EU. Why we need to worry about more people than Trump. What is our government going to do about Elon Musk's Grok and the 'nudifi
Simon Harris & His Many Opinions
Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to assess the many newspaper interviews given by Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris over the Christmas period. They discuss the threats to his family's safety, his likely tax and spend position as finance minister, the controversies caused by his comments on homelessness and migration, and his plans for a possible crackdown on social media anonymity. T
Tally-Ho to 2025 & Tales of Trump
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin coalesce to save fox hunting. Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss left unity and who Sinn Féin will really end up in government with. Also, what Simon Harris's replacement of Paschal Donohoe in Finance really means. The impact of tariffs and the IDA's success in still attracting investment to Ireland. Will the UK ever rejoin the European Union in
Teflon Taoiseach 2.0
Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt to discuss not the gang who couldn't shoot straight, but the gang who couldn't even get a shot off, and yet Micheál Martin is injured, but is it all self-inflicted because of his Jim Gavin gaffe?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopower
Blister Packs & Home Videos
Brenda Power and Larry Donnelly join Matt to discuss the outrage caused by the videos of adults returning to live in their parents' homes, the politics of making people pay for their blister packs of medicines, entering the US if you have a social media history, Ireland and Jim O'Callaghan's position on changes at the European Convention on Human Rights, the long awaited Fianna Fáil presidential d
Ireland is Angerland
A rowdy gathering for our 100th episode as Matt, Lise Hand, and Shane Coleman dissect: RTÉ's Eurovision departure and Ireland's defence against anti-semitism. Defending Ireland while remaining neutral. The TDs who need to get a grip of themselves. How our tax revenues should be spent, and our vulnerability to losing the money. The Government's Accelerating Infrastructure plan. And the traffic nigh
Stay-At-Home Taoiseach
Should Micheál Martin rein in the foreign travel? The Government's change of stance on immigration, why IPAS centres and work permits need to be treated separately. MetroLink: Do the objectors deserve any sympathy? The contentious suggestion to rename Dublin Airport, Verona Murphy's unwise photo op with Sinn Féin, and Gerry Hutch's developing political campaign.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+T
SpongeBob heads to Washington
Paschal Donohoe's departure from government and his performance in office assessed, how badly will Fine Gael miss him? Has Simon Harris done the right thing in taking on Paschal's old job? Will Gerry Hutch run in the by-election, and what are his chances of winning? Ireland-U.S. relations: What should our government's approach be in the face of Trump's aggression?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP
Bricks and Mortified
Matt is joined by Newstalk Breakfast host and former political editor Shane Coleman, and by journalist and former Dáil correspondent Lise Hand to discuss the government's new housing initiative. They also reflect on President Connolly's inauguration, talk about Billy Kelleher's carefully worded internal dissent in Fianna Fáil, and the status of the inquiry into the Jim Gavin presidential debacle.B
Micheál Walks the Plank
Micheál Martin teetering on the edge as his leadership of Fianna Fáil comes up for debate, for how much longer can he hang on? Guests Danny McConnell and John Lee join Matt for a spirited debate about the Taoiseach's future and just who will move against him? And what are Jim O'Callaghan's credentials to replace him? Also, why the 'Future Forty' doesn't inspire confidence.Brought to you by Greenma
Spoilt For No Choice
The impact of the high number of spoiled votes in the election for future politics assessed, and how it will impact on migration policy. Is the left primed for power? Micheál Martin's tenuous grip on Fianna Fáil appraised, and our first musings on Jim O'Callaghan's (and others') suitability to replace him.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonu
Presidential Fallout
Assessment of Catherine Connolly's (assumed) victory and how she did it, how Fine Gael fell down, why Heather Humphreys was a poor candidate, why so many people didn't vote, and why Micheál Martin's Jim Gavin disaster may prove fatal for his leadership. Also, Matt's idea for a new way to appoint the president, which Ivan derides.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free lis
Presidential Coronation
Ivan as a footnote to presidential history, why Catherine Connolly is about to win and how heavily Heather Humphreys might lose. The likely fallout in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and whether Sinn Féin has missed a trick. Paul Murphy's legal action assessed. And how the result of the election may reflect societal division and provoke real change.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early acce
Gavin Dropped & Budget Woes
The circumstances of Jim Gavin's presidential exit examined, and the consequences for Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil. When will Jim O'Callaghan seize the crown? The Budget: Why nothing for workers, and the overall expansion of government spending debated.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast
Budget Expectations & Gavin's Gaffes
Our duo deliver a detailed pre-budget examination of what's likely to happen next Tuesday, from income tax measures to VAT on hospitality and apartments to the overall state of the government finances, changes to the tax treatment of ETFs and R&D for corporates, and the likely increases in social welfare. Also, the presidential race: who really won the first TV debate, Jim Gavin's social media
The Big Interview: Leo Varadkar
Matt and Ivan meet former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a wide-ranging discussion based on the publication of his book 'Speaking My Mind'.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-coo
Game Changer
How Ivan bought into the Jarlath Burns for president rumour, what Heather Humphreys must surrender in her bid for the Áras, Jim Gavin and the farm gate, the failure of the independents to get on the ballot, the bizarre DAA situation with Kenny Jacobs, and Ivan's post Ploughing Championships briefing.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus epis
Threats and Assassinations
As Matt and Ivan deplore political violence in the United States, they assess the seriousness of the threats to Simon Harris and others. The presidential updates - How Jim Gavin won the Fianna Fáil nod and finds that he's senior hurling now, plus news on the other candidates. Ivan bemoans our forestry failures. How Jeffrey Epstein has ended Peter Mandelson's career finally. And Ivan looks forward
Teflon Bertie Finds the Mud Sticks
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can't escape his past and crashes out of the presidential race. Jim Gavin's advantage over Billy Kelleher for the Fianna Fáil nomination assessed. Does Heather Humphrey have a disability issue to overcome? Inside the Bob Geldof interest, and Ivan's surprise at weatherwoman Joanna Donnelly's presidential ambitions, more on Catherine Connolly and Alan Kelly, and the nee
Shots Fired!
Former army man and GAA legend Jim Gavin shoots for the presidency with Fianna Fáil, AK-47 Alan Kelly takes aim at Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin appears to lack the ammunition if Mary Lou won't run, and some independents risk their feet. Also, a tribute to Pat Kenny's radio tenure.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pat
(What's the Story) Presidential Glory?
As the slow bicycle race gathers momentum, could the presidential election turn into a referendum on the performance of Simon Harris? Heather Humphreys' chances assessed, Mairead McGuinness' departure explained, and the prospects of all the other non-Fine Gael contenders are examined.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at
Arrested Development
The job facing the new Garda Commissioner assessed, with retirements threatening to outnumber new recruits. The financial perils of running for president versus the rewards. How dependent are we on FDI? How we can make a mess of it and how we can do more to help our own businesses. Ivan laments the closure of Thurles racecourse and reports back on his visit to England and Wales.Brought to you by G
Trump Exploits Europe's Weakness
Trump's 15% tariffs and the extra dangers to our pharma and semiconductor exports, how the national finances and the forthcoming budget will be affected. And Dermot Desmond's views on abandoning the Metro are assessed. Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.c
Scores on the Doors
An assessment of the individual performances of The Taoiseach, The Tánaiste, and each Government Minister. Ivan picks out the best of the Juniors, and Matt & Ivan also take a look at the performance of the opposition parties.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodc
Flatley Toots his Flute
Dancer Michael Flatley, medic Tony Holohan, and academic Deirdre Heenan and their presidential prospects assessed. The Summer Economic Statement dissected: Should the hospitality sector get a VAT break? The National Development Plan broken down: Is it enough despite the hundreds of billions involved and will it actually get delivered? An example of why we are not really serious about solving our h
Recession Incoming
Ivan reads the economic tea leaves and blames government pessimism for falling consumer confidence in spending, the disaster of the falling number of new home building starts, why a principled position on Palestine may become an economic problem for us, and more on Mary Lou for president and the chances of Catherine Connolly.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listeni
Mary Lou Can (win the Presidency)
Matt and Ivan have a spirited debate about the chances of Mary Lou McDonald appealing to enough voters to win the Presidency, they assess what the other parties can do in response. But before that, Jim O'Callaghan's legal damages welcome climedown, smaller apartment sizes and the Hines development at Clonliffe, and Trump's pharma tariffs. Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, a
No Such Thing As A Free College Education
A lengthy debate on who should pay for third-level education and who gets the benefit. Ivan takes issue with Matt for enjoying the hospitality of the US Embassy, why insurance awards may be going up and who's to blame for higher insurance prices, the tears of Rachel Reeves and what caused them, and a tribute to Brother Kevin Crowley.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free
Trump Blows Up his Critics
Ivan praises the political impact of Trump's Iran moves: Matt disagrees. Also, Dublin Airport update, the do-nothing government, the expansion of the Civil service, union boss Owen Reidy gets in touch, alcohol labelling is delayed, Ireland's position on Israel and Gaza, and Ivan's assessment of where Sinn Féin are at and its presidential position.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early a
PTP America | Bonus special - Trump's War and Peace
In a Path to Power special, Matt is joined by veteran US-based Irish journalist Marion McKeone to discuss Donald Trump's gamble with his MAGA base by attacking Iran, why MAGA doesn't want American wars, and the influence of the Jewish lobby on political and military support for Israel. And, they go beyond politics to analyse the Jeff Bezos wedding in Venice, and talk about the Kennedy's because of
Will Trump Pull the Trigger?
Israel and Iran: Where Ireland and the EU stand, and where Trump stands with his MAGA base. How real is the National Economic Dialogue? Is Paul Murphy the Irish Greta Thunberg? Scandals and further investigations into nursing homes: the public vs. private battle. From health to planning: Paul Reid's new gig, and tributes to Journalist Phillip Molloy and Lord Henry Mount Charles.Brought to you by G
Rent Pressure Moans
After a detour to the Ballymena riots, Ivan and Matt return to the ongoing housing crisis and the government's Rent Pressure Zones initiative. The death of Evan Fitzgerald and the controversy over the 'controlled delivery' by the Gardaí of guns to him, reference to the Tina Satchwell and Michael Gaine murder investigations, and shoplifters get shirty.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy ear
What does this Government actually control?
A discussion on whether the bail laws need to be changed, the further revelation undermining Children's Health Ireland, top civil servants with different interpretations of what can be done, more criticism of the planning process, and a debate on the ethics of fox hunting.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerp
The AI Tsunami
Ivan and Matt report on their travels and what they have learnt about AI and its impact on society, the Irish-American view of the world, the latest on Trump's tariffs, and why Irish Water is more important than RTÉ.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow
Renting and Raving
Where we are going with Rent Pressure Zones, the Mayo-led boycott of second-home owners, what really happened in 2024's election voting, room to improve for TD's offices (and who wants a 'La-Z-Boy' chair), and the cover-up of Joe Biden's illness.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mai
In Sickness and in Health
An assessment of 20 years of the HSE, the planned departure of the chief executive and what needs to be done. The failure to build hospitals and the incredible cost of the one that is being built. Judges and the planning process and the failure to build houses. Marital disharmony between Micheál and Simon, and more inside presidential gossip.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access
Who's The Most Powerful American Now?
Analysis of what the new Pope's election means, given that he's American and has criticised JD Vance and Donald Trump. What does the US/UK trade deal mean for Ireland? The Irish Government calls out Israel for war crimes, but what are the implications for us? Ruth Coppinger's Trump impression, Joe Duffy's retirement, his importance to public debate, and whether he could be a presidential candidate
100 Days of Underperformance
The debacle of the failed Brendan McDonagh appointment to a new Housing Activation Office prompts Ivan and Matt to cut loose on the government's performance in its first 100 days. They also discuss the anti-immigration protests, empty prison cells at a time of overcrowding, and another RTÉ financial shocker.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bo
The Woke Pope
The pope's legacy, the politics of the papacy, conservatism versus liberalism and did Francis fall in the middle? How the Irish State's relationship with Catholicism has changed in the last half-century, and Ivan's bet on who will be the next pope. Teacher burnout: how the nature of the job has changed and what needs to be done to have more teachers. And Matt defends himself on the downsizing of h
Drugs, Beef, and HRT
Where Ireland stands with pharma and tech in the tariffs era, how will it impact the public finances, and could austerity return? The government doubles down on supporting business over workers, the price of beef and where our farmers face more potential competition, the politics and economics of free HRT, and the possibilities of a Fine Gael leadership heave.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To
Trump's Whiplash Week
Matt and Ivan assess the implications of a traumatic week in financial markets and global politics. They then return to home to evaluate the implications for Ireland, the Government's response and the EU's too. Also, Ireland and the Chinese relationship, Ivan fulminates on sick leave, and an update on our housing targets.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening a
Trump's Tariff Derangement Syndrome
The American economic idiot goes to work - how will Ireland and the EU respond? Food and alcohol hit, but what next for pharma, tech, and financial services? Could Greenland make it worse? The Government's plans for Local Property Tax - does it take the loss of windfall corporate tax into account? And no housing supply solution until 2029?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, a
Two Fingers
Michael Lowry as a lightning rod, Verona Murphy's future and Dáil decorum. Liberation day; how to deal with Trump's tariffs. Is Ireland joining a NATO 2.0, if there's going to be one? And RTÉ finally begins its financial restructuring.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopow
McGregor Menace and Trump's Tariff Turmoil
From the Octagon to The Oval Office, Conor McGregor's potential disruption of the 2025 Áras race. A debate as to whether Simon Harris is right to suggest a Trump address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the economic dangers of the Trump tariffs outlined, the latest on the speaking rights row in the Dáil, and Ivan's Leaving Certificate reform.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access
Boxing Clever
How Taoiseach Micheál Martin emulated his late father by ducking and diving and throwing few punches when Donald Trump used him as a foil in the latest edition of the US President's daily political reality TV show. Also discussed - the senior Sinn Féin TD facing possible criminal charges, whether MetroLink should be built, Michael McDowell's presidential ambitions, and whether you should pay for y
Will The Oval Office Go Pear-Shaped?
A preview of Micheál Martin's trip to The White House based on President Zelensky's visit. How will the Ukrainian war end? What should the Taoiseach do and say? Our economic dependence as trade imbalances dominate, Simon Harris' encounter with Marco Rubio, the politics of the 'triple-lock', and presidential candidate rumours and confirmations as the field narrows.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP
Trump Issues his Invitation
Micheál Martin is going to the Oval Office, but what will happen? Matt and Ivan disagree on Trump’s effectiveness, whether it’s all bluster or seriously dangerous. The real importance of the Dáil speaking rights row and pending paralysis, Ivan’s green deal revelation and Matt on paying for and delivering new drugs, worse to come on the cost of the National Children’s Hospital, and the new cop in t
Sinn Féin Boycotts Trump - So What?
Sinn Féin prioritises Gaza over Ukraine, are we in a naive bubble about our defence and our national interests? Trump's assault on Europe and partiality to Putin, why we need to watch the German election, the log cabin solution to the housing crisis and the need to attract private investment, and a robust discussion on knife crime.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free l
A Radical Reset on Housing
Matt and Ivan argue for a whole of government approach to solving the housing crisis, the Peter McVerry Trust debacle, how the geopolitics of Ukrainian developments will impact on Ireland, and insight into what went on with the Arts Council IT system waste.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in
Dáil Damage and Donald's Derangements
The government's poor start, the Occupied Territories Bill: Ireland's values versus Ireland's interests. Trump's insane week (again), Ireland's relationship with the EU on tariffs and security, Senators to watch, and burying electricity cables or cutting trees?Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGe
Storms Continue
Matt and Ivan discuss the government’s response to storm Éowyn, how to solve the Dáil speaking rights impasse, Moriarty revisited, the Sinn Féin legal challenge to super junior ministers, Ivan’s ‘uncomfortable truths’ on female representation in public office, Is Darragh O’Brien the heir apparent in Fianna Fáil? Gossip, and more.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episo
Who are ya loyal to?
The regional Independents, government or opposition? The rights and wrongs of the Dáil shenanigans, geography and gender in the cabinet selections, who's really going to drive the housing agenda with a new minister? And of course, Trump.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts
