The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack
Ireland's original independent left-leaning news, politics, and culture podcast, hosted by Martin McMahon and Tony Groves. It unpicks the day's news, challenges spin, and encourages listeners to become activists. The show is non-corporate, ad-free, and doesn't take itself too seriously, often leading to shenanigans.
Episodes
We Don’t Want to Send Our Young People off to fight in foreign Wars
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"Removing the triple lock means Ireland is no longer neutral"
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony and Senator Tom Clonan delve into Ireland's military neutrality, ongoing government moves to abolish the triple lock, and the implications for Ireland's foreign policy and defense. They explore the systemic issues and risks associated with ending Ireland's
The Real Cost of Disability – Budget 2027 and a Call for Fairness
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"Build accessibility into everything from the ground up."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by activist, campaigner and Co-Founder of Equality Not Care, Ann Marie Flanagan and Senior Accessibility Lead and Daddy, Brian Dalton, to explore the recent budget's impact on disabled people, the true costs of disability, and the urgent need for syst
I Hate To See Anyone Suffer – A Paediatrician in Gaza
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Dr. Belal Adnan Abuiyada is a physician working in paediatrics in Gaza. Alongside his medical work, he writes on Instagram about life in Gaza, displacement, grief, memory, and the small moments of tenderness that endure. His writing offers a personal view of a place and a people too often described only through headlines.
He joins us to talk about his pa
Burnham, Polanski, the Collapse of Neoliberalism and How a New Song Might Sound
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"Andy Burnham is a neoliberal to his very core. Let's be blunt about this."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, listener favourite, Prof Richard Murphy, returns to talk about how he's packing it all in because Andy Burnham has fixed everything without even putting together a budget.
But while he's here, we might as well discuss the failures of neoliberalism,
The Spanish Elections – A Housing or Immigration Referendum?
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Will Pedro Sanchez win, but still lose?
"Vox hates brown people"
This Tortoise Shack episode jumps into a tumultuous few weeks in Spanish politics. It explores the complex political landscape, focusing on the runners, riders and far right nutters, who are all headed towards an election in less than two months. Is it a housing referendum? Is it an immigr
Finding a new path through the genocide
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Malak Abu Krayem is a Palestinian Computer Scientist, App Developer, and children's book writer. She joins us from Gaza to talk about how she lost the career that was planned out after October 7th. She explains how she is carving a new path through the genocide and, working within Gaza and remotely with people abroad, is creating Apps and Art that open d
The Spanish Housing Revolution and the Implications for Ireland
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"Unwinding neoliberalism is the key challenge in housing politics"
In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony sits down with Mick Byrne, an Associate Professor of Social Policy at UCD, to discuss his excellent piece on the historic Spanish housing proposals and what it means for a housing system trying to unravel decades of neoliberal policies.
Spain has ignit
Rosa Luxemburg vs Hayek’s Bastards
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'The AI Boom is starting to look a lot like the Dot Com Bubble.'
In this Tortoise Shack podcast, U.S.-based Professor of Economics, Constantine Gurdgiev and Tony explore the intersections of economics, AI, equity and bond markets, and how Ireland's future is tethered to the growing/peaking bubble.
We discuss how current trends threaten global stability and di
Climate Action Delayism: An Investigation into Saudi Aramco’s Influence in the IPCC
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Madrid-based Journalist, and host of the excellent Sobremsa podcast, Eoghan Gilmartin, rejoins us to discuss his fantastic investigative journalism piece that reveals the influence of conflicts of interest in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the role of Saudi Arabia in climate diplomacy, and the politi
Rent Hikes vs Democracy
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"They’ve included the working family payment as part of your income that’s assessed. These are primarily lone parents, primarily single mothers, and this is where the increase is now up to 53%."
In this Tortoise Shack episode, PBP Councillor with SDCC, Jess Spear, discusses the ongoing fight against rent hikes in local authority housing in South Dublin,
We Will Not Abandon Our Patients – Two Doctors in Gaza
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Dr. Ahmed Alqady and Dr. Abdullah Almobayed are Palestinian physicians from Gaza. They established a small medical point/clinic inside a simple tent following the destruction of most medical facilities in the area.
They joined us from Gaza to talk about how difficult it is to administer medical services in an area that has at least 100,000 displaced peop
Budget 2027 – Fix Housing, Fix Inequality
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In this pre-budget tortoise shack episode, we explore Ireland's complex issues around poverty measurement, the links between the housing crisis and inequality, and all the budget goodies promised so far. We also ask why there's such reluctance to implement a living wage in the country with the worst market income inequality in the EU. Economist at NERI,
Justice For Harvey – Gillian and Stephen in the Tortoise Shack
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Listeners will be aware of the story of the late Harvey Sherratt, who passed away at only nine and a half years old. Many of you would also know of the dedicated activism and campaigning done by his parents, Gillian and Stephen; two remarkable people, doing incredible advocacy under the most heart-breaking of circumstances.
They both joined me in the Tor
The Election Nobody Won, Racism Going Too Far, Trump’s nonsense, AI non-regulatory regulation and creeping Antisemitism
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"You spent the last four years telling these people you don’t want them. And then you wonder why they don’t vote for you."
— Philip O'Connor
Lock-in, this is a long one.
The recent Swedish elections have left many asking who won? Philip O'Connor returns to the Echo Chamber Podcast to discuss the results and the implications of a government that appears t
Telling these Stories is a Privilege
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Hala Hanina is an academic, a writer, a student of colonialism and host of the podcast, Falasteeniya. She left Gaza to complete her PhD a few days before October 7th. Now in London, she lives a life in many realms, pursuing academia, constantly checking in on her family in Gaza, and helping to platform the voices that might otherwise go unheard.
She shar
‘Weird’ Policing, Stormont Pay Rises, Public Austerity and Securing Britain’s Future
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"Society saw this coming a long way, and we let them walk right into that crack."
In this episode, listener favourite, writer, community activist, and commentator, Elaine Crory rejoins (the James Corden of podcasting) Tony to discuss pressing social issues in Northern Ireland, including youth services, inequality, political tensions, and the ongoing i
Rafah is a 15min drive, but my home is a lifetime away – Hassan Herzallah
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Hassan Herzallah is an English Literature Graduate, a writer and translator from Rafah, Gaza, Palestine. He joins us to talk about his experiences of the ongoing genocide, the near-fatal trips to get aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) death-traps, losing his home and sense of self, and why he committed himself to speaking up, writing the rea
Empathy, Inequality and Social Cohesion
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In this Reboot Republic episode, Rory and Tony are rejoined by Senior Lecturer of Applied Psychology at University College Cork and President-elect of the Psychology Society of Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert, who explores and outlines the stark realities of child poverty, social inequality, and policy choices in Ireland.
They discuss how societal and politic
Ireland’s failure to regulate social media is killing our children – The Fagersta School Attack
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In this tortoise shack episode, Philip O'Connor talks about the tragic school attack in Fagersta, Sweden, a place close to him and his family.
He explains the influence of social media and online "true crime" communities on violence, and the urgent need for regulation and action to protect young people. We also discuss the role played by the companies ba
Trump, Burnham and the reality of the United Ireland movement
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In this tortoise shack episode, writer, political commentator and campaigner, Emma DeSouza and Tony explore (post-Trump-Burnham statements) the evolving landscape of Irish unification, the current political dynamics, and the varying community and media engagement across the island of Ireland, and in the UK. They discuss the recent political statements fr
A Trainee Lawyer in Gaza – I Want To Fight For Justice
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Nour Alali is a trainee lawyer who has graduated with her law degree, but has been unable to start her career because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She joins us from her home, which she has returned to after being displaced for over two years. She shares her story of living through bombardments, attacks, hunger and cruel weather. She also shares her
The Impact of Immigration Rules on Ireland’s Health System
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony dives deep into the evolving/devolving immigration landscape and its implications for the Irish health system. The discussion centres around the right wing political shift and how they threaten to reshape the fabric of our health service.
He’s joined by four Medical Professionals who are at various stages of their car
‘I Did Not See The Sun. I Did Not See The Sky’ – A Palestinian Child Prisoner speaks
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CW: This episode contains subjects that listeners/viewers might find disturbing.
Abdulkhaliq Burnat is a Palestinian law student from the village of Billin in the West Bank. He was jailed for a total of 5 years in Israeli jails, four of them were under administrative detention, without charge or trial. He joins us to share his prison experience and descr
The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy
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(Note: Recorded for members Aug 28th)
In this Tortoise Shack episode, NUI Lecturer in Criminal Law, Policing and Criminology, Cian ó Concubhai, rejoins us to discuss his report, The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy. We explore recent (and not so recent) cases, the relationships between crime correspondents and Policing Authorities
Let Them Study – Roaa’s story: A Medical Student in Gaza
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Roa'a Abuaser is a 19-year-old medical student from Gaza. Alongside her studies, she is a poet, creative writer, and musician, she speaks 4 languages. Driven by a passion for cultural exchange, she founded PolyVera, the first language and cultural community in Gaza. She had the temerity to tell Yousef and Tony that there's nothing interesting about her.
Sharing Art, Culture and Languages during the Genocide -Roa’a Abuaser
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Roa'a Abuaser is a 19-year-old medical student from Gaza. Alongside her studies, she is a poet, creative writer, and musician, she speaks 4 languages. Driven by a passion for cultural exchange, she founded PolyVera, the first language and cultural community in Gaza. She had the temerity to tell Yousef and Tony that there's nothing interesting about her.
You’re Not Angry Enough with Pearse Stokes
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The best way to improve our biodiversity is to support, protect and when necessary, rescue the wildlife we already live among. Joining us for the first time is Animal Rescue Coordinator with Kildare Wildlife Rescue, Pearse Stokes.
We talk about his journey into this work, his sense of duty to the environment and why he believes finding purpose is a power
Ulster Says Maybe – A Border Poll is Not Off the Table
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Self-described former Unionist, TIK Tok, Irish-Northern Irish-British identity content creator, Claire JC, joins Tony in the Tortoise Shack to talk about her journey, identity-wise, politically and even geographically. We discuss the United Ireland movement, the Happy Lundy community and why she is building Ulster Says Maybe. A cracker of a chat, and no
Gaza and the Israeli Elections – It’s Not Just Netanyahu
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In this PalCast, Yousef Aljamal talks to cohost Tony Groves about the latest news on Gaza, the current worseninig reality on the ground and the truth behind the ceasefire and the Hamas position on surrendering their weapons. Then they look at the upcoming Israeli election and the polling that shows that the problems with the actions towards Palestinians
The Dan’s vs The Geography Teacher
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony is joined by author, lecturer and neutrality campaigner, Dr Patrick Bresnihan, to discuss Ireland's neutrality, climate change, military spending, and the influence powerful (and often vested) interests have on Irish policy. They explore the political landscape, societal debates, and the importance of informed discour
The Trick is to not take the Serious Stuff Seriously – Zain’s Story
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In this very special PalCast, Yousef and Tony are joined from Gaza by Zain Abu Tawela, a brilliant 10yr old who enjoys crafting, designing clothes, and creating art with playdough. She tells us about her dream of owning a bookshop and becoming a pottery artist.
She also recounts her experience of displacement, food insecurity, school and how her sense of
Freidreich’s Ataxia and SkyClarys – Emily and Niamh
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This Tortoise Shack episode is a heartfelt and open discussion on Friedreich's Ataxia, its impact on young people, and the urgent need for accessible treatments. Journalist Niamh Ní Hoireabhaid and Legal Student, Emily Felix share their personal journeys, advocacy efforts, frustrations, struggles and hopes for the future.
The conversation ends with a foc
Trump’s America: Hope Springs Eternal, Then it Kills You…
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, American-based Professor of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev, joins Tony to analyse the latest US economic data, the job losses, NILF's and the newly emerging political landscape.
Exploring the impact of populism, the economy's disconnection from society, geopolitics and global financial strategies. We delve into the implica
I Don’t Want to Leave Gaza – Wining The Reverse Lottery
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Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh Khalil chose to leave Egypt to pursue his studies in IT. Less than a month later October 7th occurred and he’s spent the last almost 3yrs going through experiences he very much didn’t sign up for. He joins us from Gaza to tell his story. Don’t miss it.
Note: This episode is clunky because of the nature of stable WiFi and electricity
The Ceuta Crisis: Spain, FIFA, Ryanair, The Odyssey, Meloni, Trump and the Abraham Accords.
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In this tortoise shack episode, Tony is rejoined by Madrid-based journalist Eoghan Gilmartin to explore the complex geopolitical and humanitarian issues surrounding the Western Sahara conflict, migration crises at Ceuta, and Europe's strategic vulnerabilities. Eoghan and Tony discuss the influence of US and Israeli policies, the role of Spain, and the br
And The Jellyfish Shall Inherit the Earth
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The Cooled versus The Cooked
In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and climate advocate, activist and TUD lecturer, Dr Ciarán O'Carroll, discuss the catastrophic impacts of climate change on marine life, weather events, and global food security, emphasising the need for collective action and policy change.
Ciarán outlines a way out of this mess, so it's n
The Gaza Grift and the Geopolitical Reality
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In this PalCast, Yousef is rejoined by long-time PalCast collaborator, Just World Educational's Helena Cobban and political analyst, commentator and Palestinian from Gaza, Muhammad Shehada, to talk about the truth about the situation in Gaza, the Trump regime's grift, the global response to the Board of Peace and much more.
Wildfires and Ocean Heatwaves
The Race to the Bottom – Ireland’s Lack of Progress in Housing
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In this episode, UCD's School of Architecture Asst Prof Orla Hegarty, is back to talk housing. We dive into the current state of housing, planning regulations, and urban development in Ireland. Orla explores the race to the bottom in housing standards, deregulation impacts, and the importance and undermining of the democratic planning processes.
The Saor
International Law didn’t fail, World Leaders failed International Law
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Dana Besaiso is a Gaza-born Palestinian LLM candidate, specialising in Public International Law. She is also a writer with We Are Not Numbers, and having "survived" the Gaza genocide, is now completing her studies in London.
She joins us to share her story of hunger, displacement, loss and her hope to complete her studies and then play a role in holding
Prof Richard Murphy on Andy Burnham, Gary Stevenson, Wealth Taxes and More
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Prof Richard Murphy joins Tony to discuss the flaws in the UK's tax system, the myths around wealth taxes, and practical solutions for tax reform to address inequality and fund public services. They talk about Piers Morgan quoting Richard to take down Gary Stevenson, and what, if anything, is changing for the UK under the
Luke Ming Flanagan: The Next EU Budget, Farming, Fisheries, Praise for Maria Walsh and More
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In this tortoise shack podcast, Tony is joined by MEP Luke Ming Flanagan to discuss the dangers posed to farmers and fishers by the upcoming EU budget, the work (regressive and progressive) of the last parliament, and even his admiration for Maria Walsh on one day of infamy in the European Parliament.
Prof Richard Murphy on wealth taxes, Gary Stevenson
Ethnic Erasure – The Reality in Occupied Palestine
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Leila Warah is a Palestinian American multimedia journalist currently based in Palestine. Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, she holds a degree in Journalism and Media and has significant experience in reporting across digital platforms. Through her social media (@leila.shw on Instagram), Leila creates videos that stay true to the Palestinian q
The EU, Ryanair, Hare Coursing, Data Centres and More with MEP Lynn Boylan
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In this Tortoise Shack episode Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan joins us to talk about the EU Parliament, the rolling back of workers rights and environmental protections in the name of competitiveness and simplification and why Ryanair are flying to occupied territory.
And yes, we also discuss her party’s position on hare coursing.
The Right To Tell, whistlebl
Justice For The Children – No Building Over Bessborough
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In this Tortoise Shack episode, Tony speaks with activist, artist and Cllr Noelle Brown, who is herself a survivor of the Mother and Baby Homes, about the ongoing issues surrounding mother and baby homes in Ireland, focusing on the recent planning permission granted for a development over the Bessborough site, where many children are buried and where at
Public Health in Gaza and Bearing Witness
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Asmaa Dwimah is a Palestinian writer, poet, artist and dentist from Gaza. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Health in London. In this PalCast she shares her experience of life in two worlds, her writings and exploring loss, resilience, identity and bearing witness.
MEP Lynn Boylan podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/p
Venezuelan Earthquake, Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Right Wing Political Pivot
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and Mexico-based Colombian journalist with El Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, discuss the recent natural disasters in Venezuela, the political landscape in Colombia, and the economic reforms in Cuba. They explore the impact of these events on local populations and the broader implications for Latin America. They also discus
Breaking the Silence: Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Violence and Society in Ireland
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by Writer, Commentator and Community Advocate, Elaine Crory to discuss the Jeffrey Donaldson case, sexual violence, challenges within the justice system, and societal issues across the island of Ireland. They explore the impact of political power, rape myths, and systemic failures on justice and social pro
If You Cannot Say Genocide
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Yahia Lababidi is an Arab American poet of Palestinian descent and essayist, and the author of sixteen books. His work appears in Liberties, Salmagundi, The Threepenny Review, The New Statesman, The New Arab, and DAWN, among others. His recent books include Palestine Wail (Daraja Press, 2024), written in the first months of Israel’s assault on Gaza, and
Jim O’Callaghan’s Criminally Ignorant ‘Cost Saver’
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, solicitor Cathal Malone discusses the impact of proposed (resulting in dozens of solicitors walking out) changes to Ireland's criminal legal aid fee structure, the long-time underfunding of the justice system, and the broader implications for access to justice. The conversation highlights the disconnect between policy inte
Drug Use – Harm Reduction vs State Snobbery
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Senator Lynn Ruane returns to talk about the cross-party Oireachtas Committee Report on Drug Use. She discusses the report's recommendations, harm reduction, decriminalisation, and trauma-informed care, emphasising the need for evidence-based policies and community-led initiatives to reduce drug-related harm.
We also get i
The Housing Crisis and a Broad Left Government with Eoin Ó Broin
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Eoin Ó Broin is back to discuss Ireland's housing crisis, recent legislative changes, and strategic solutions to address homelessness and housing affordability.
We also get involved in cross-party efforts (or lack thereof), policy reforms, quick wins, and urgent actions needed to improve housing conditions.
There’s also chat about his role on the Sinn Fé
I Want to be in Government – Paul Murphy
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In this episode, Tony is joined by PBP TD Paul Murphy to dig into the lay of the land in Irish politics, the current left-wing strategies for change, future coalition possibilities, and the influence of global corporations on our current political realm. Paul explores and gives his take on the challenges and opportunities for building a progressive gover
I Don’t Want To Write Tragedies
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Sondos Sabra is a Palestinian writer from Gaza and co-author of Voices of Resistance, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Creative Writing in the UK. She joins us to discuss her experience of the genocide, the harsh reality of the famine she endured, the loss of several of her family and the heartache of planning for a future when everything is stuck
Jim O’Callaghan’s Humpty Dumpty Biometric Bamboozlement
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"This week Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, stood up and explained why his plan to give the Garda Síochána powers to use AI to surveil the public didn't need the safeguards set down in EU law."
Tony and solicitor Simon McGarr jump into the recent legislative proposals and developments surrounding biometric data and AI law in Ireland. Simon exam
Mexico’s World Cup and Colombia’s Day of Reckoning
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony and Nicolas Dale Leal, a Mexico-based journalist with El País, discuss the intersection of politics, football, and current events in Latin America and beyond. They examine the impact of protests during the World Cup in Mexico, the political landscapes in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, and the influence of global figures
Protect Our Neutrality – The People’s Forum
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“The People's Forum on Peace and Neutrality has been organised in a context where the EU policy of rearmament, with an increased reliance on weapons production, calls in to question its origins as a peace project and its commitment to UN authority, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.”
Joining me this evening from the Neutrality Roadshow is Rory R
The Gaza in my mind is not the Gaza I live in now
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Mohammed R. Isdodi is an English language student from Al-Azhar University whose studies were interrupted by the war. He rejoins us from a "hub" in Gaza City to update us on the latest situation on the ground, the struggle for basics like clean water and his work with others of telling their stories of the last almost three years. He offers a poignant in
We Have an Extremely High Tolerance for Intolerance – Emma DeSouza on the Belfast Riots
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In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by writer, commentator and activist, Emma DeSouza to analyse the recent riots, racially motivated violence and social unrest in Northern Ireland. Emma explores the underlying causes, societal impacts, and the role of social media, political rhetoric and some mainstream media players. They try to emphasise
The Belfast Pogroms – ‘There’s Always Embers. Leave Them Alone and They’ll Go Out. Add Fuel and They’ll Go Up’
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In this Tortoise Shack special, Tony speaks with writer, columnist, community advocate and Belfast woman, Elaine Crory about the recent riots in the city, community resilience in the face of political failure, and the complex issues surrounding violence and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
She explains how community members stepped up, showing solida
We Don’t Need a Rainy Day Fund When it’s Already Pouring Down
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Time and time again, the disabled and carer community are left behind. When the Government found over 700m for the fuel protests, while saying they couldn't pay out an emergency 145m cost of disability payment the message was loud and clear; you don't matter enough in our economic model.
Joining us on the podcast to discuss the inherent unfairness of our
The Societal Cost of Ireland’s Data Centre Boom
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This Reboot Republic Podcast, is a deep dive into the environmental and societal impacts of data centres and AI development in Ireland. Rory and Dr Ciaran O'Carroll analyse the rapid expansion of data centre infrastructure, its economic benefits (if any?), and the urgent need for sustainable and equitable strategies.
This podcast outlines the finance cha
‘We Just Ran’ – Mohammad’s Story
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Mohammad AlTurk is a young English Translator in Gaza. He joins us from Gaza City to discuss the current situation on the ground and to tell his story of the past two and a half years. He also shares his hope for the future.
Mikey Cullen from the Gaza Flotilla podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-160504651
Support the Hind Rajab Centre:
‘Sinn Féin’s Left Wing Politics Are Not Up For Debate’
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It's been a testing time for the broad left and the vote-left-transfer-left movement, and with the speculation swirling around about internal disputes within Sinn Féin, it was the perfect time to be joined by their party spokesperson for health, David Cullinane.
We discuss the state of left unity, leadership speculation, and the tell-all book about the p
So Jeremy Corbyn, Mary Lou McDonald and Roddy Doyle walk into a festival
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Longtime listeners would be well aware of the annual left-a-palooza that is the Robert Tressell Festival. This year, it’s going bigger by moving to the RDS.
Joining me to talk all about the events and why this political and cultural space matters are two of the organisers, Trade Unionist, Claire O’Connor and Filmmaker Graham Seely.
Tickets and details:ht
The Trump Regime, Cuba’s Collapse, World Cup of Uncertainty and Colombia’s New Hope
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The Cuba humanitarian crisis shames the world. Yet not even their allies or nearest neighbours are helping in any meaningful way. Joining me to discuss this is Nicholas Dale Leal, a Mexico-based Colombian journalist with El País.
We also have some potentially good news in Colombia, some eye-raising news about the CIA operating in Mexico in the lead up to
King Charles, Peter Mandelson and a Tyrone Goldmine
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Longtime listeners will be well aware of the environmental disaster that is Lough Neagh and the work of journalist and returning guest Tommy Greene in exposing it.
Tommy talks us through the latest Lough updates and then tells us about a story that links a US mining company, King Charles, Peter Mandelson and a goldmine in the foothills of the Sperrin Mou
Gaza: My Students Keep Me Going – A Teacher Speaks
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Palestinian teacher, academic and plain-talker, Arwa Alzraiy was a PhD Student in Durham before October 7th. She had returned to Gaza to collect data as part of her studies just before the genocide began. She joins us now from Gaza to talk truthfully about the reality of the current situation, the plight of the students she teaches and how even the subje
Adam SpiceBag Doyle – You Can’t Let Apathy Win
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Activist, artist and creator, Adam SpiceBag Doyle, has made waves in Irish media and politics. But his biggest challenge is building and sustaining a centre for displaced children in Gaza, Ionad Hind Rajab.
He joined me to discuss the latest Sumud Flotilla, his journey from fundraising to becoming the Director of a school in Gaza and more.
The latest on
The bye-bye, By-Elections Special-ish
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Tá an ghrian ag scoilteadh na gcloch, so of course we're inside looking at what just happened in Dublin Central and Galway West.
And to do so, I am delighted to be joined by Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya and Data and Digital Rights expert, solicitor, Simon McGarr, to dig into the results, the data, the party positions and what can (a
On Violence and Justice for Yves Sakila
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Journalist in Stockholm, Philip O'Connor, is a long-time Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner. So when he wrote his piece below, On Violence, and outlined the hard reality of what took place on Henry Street, we decided we'd have a wider conversation about it all.
Philip ties together all of the strands from policing, to security, to media framing and to syste
James Leonard – Building Community from the Bottom Up and Getting a Seat at the Table
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James Leonard is no stranger to the tortoise shack. Yet this is his first-ever appearance in the shack, and it is, like the man himself, really great.
We talk about his post 2 Norries work, including collaborating internationally to raise awareness about the carceral experience, his work in Cork in building life-long learning initiatives and his work in
Being a Father is My Most Important Role
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Hussam Tannera is a teacher, father and a survivor of the Gaza genocide. He shares his experience taking care of his two children while trying to live as best a life is possible in Gaza today. He tells us an uplifting and ingenious story about starting a coffee brand despite the lack of coffee beans. Many of us take eating meat for granted, but Hussam te
The Byelection Special-ish
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As promised, Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya is back to make sense of the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections. Sense (from Groves) is maybe a bit of a stretch.
Will Fine Gael's Ray McAdam get Soc Dem's Dan Ennis elected or will Gerry Hutch's transfers turn everything upside down? Will Labour pull of a shock in Galway?
Enjoy or
Starmer, Burnham, the Hapless Horserace and the Need for a New Recipe
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It's been another clown-show in UK politics over the last couple of weeks. Re-joining me to wade through the mud is Prof Richard Murphy. He analyses the recent Local Elections and the state of the Labour Party. We discuss the attacks on the Green's Zack Polanski and explore the need for a vision beyond the politics of mediocrity. This is a great example
Time to Cut Taxes?
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In this episode we dive into the "Cut Taxes" narrative that is dominating our economic and political media at the moment with NERI Economist, Ciaran Nugent. We dig into Ireland's topsy-turvy fiscal policies, the reality of our personal tax system, Ireland's tax (avoidance) system, the housing crisis, our weak energy transition, and the impact of internat
You Were Elected, Now Do Your Job
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Writer, columnist and political commentator Elaine Crory rejoined me on the tortoise shack to talk Stormont and the mood music of a managed decline. She breaks down why the politicians MUST stay the course and not betray their constituents and the reasons for the latest opinion poll data that shows a 60%+ lead for the Irish unity with EU membership quest
The First Draft of History
Malak Hijazi is an English Literature graduate, writer, historian of displacement and journalist from Gaza. She joins us from Gaza City to share her story, describe life under the ongoing genocide and explain why she is compelled to record what is happening to her people despite the danger to herself.
A remarkable young woman. Don’t miss it.
Stormont on the Brink pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/
One Million Homes
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In this tortoise shack special episode, Tony speaks with community development expert and big ideas guy, Rob Cass, about Ireland's housing crisis, the data-driven solutions, and the importance of measuring and implementing effective and proven policies to build a sustainable future for young people and communities. It's not Urban vs Rural - it's old lock
Journalism, Boxing, Daniel Kinahan and Why Everything is Upside Down
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It’s 2026, Gerry Hutch has left his second home of Lanzarote to run as a candidate in the upcoming Dublin Central byelection and Daniel Kinahan is in a Dubai prison cell fighting not to be sent back to Ireland to face justice. Irish sports legend Katie Taylor is looking to book her swansong fight in Croke Park. all the while the Regency shooting hangs li
What Sierra Leone tells us about DOGE, Trump and Overseas Aid
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Infectious disease expert, UCC's Prof Adjunct and Hospital Consultant, Niall Conroy, recently returned from his second home of Sierra Leone, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of the cuts by the likes of Trump, Musk and others are having on some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
This is both a necessary eye-opening conversation about epid
