The Irish Question

We talk about the questions and topics that everyone is thinking about but most are afraid to say out loud. We don't hold back. We are not told what we can and can't say. You won't agree with everything we say, but we guarantee you the truth, honesty and a very unique podcast. SIgn up to all our social media platforms so we can build a group of like minded people

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Wednesday · 37 min
What is a Woman? Challanging the Trans Debate
Elaine Mullally sits down to have a conversation with Sall Grover, founder of the app Giggle, as she shares her journey navigating the contentious landscape of gender identity and women's rights. In a recent conversation, she reflects on her legal battles and the implications for women-only spaces.Birth of Giggle Sall Grover's journey began with the creation of Giggle, a social networking app designed exclusively for women. Grover describes it as a space where women could connect on various topics, from motherhood to politics. "It was a really lovely space... I was honored to run it," she shares. However, this endeavor led to unexpected legal challenges when a man attempted to access the app, prompting a significant legal battle that would test the limits of gender identity laws.Pivotal Legal BattleThe case, known as Tickle versus Giggle, became a landmark for gender identity discrimination. Grover faced accusations after removing a user who claimed to be a woman from the app. Despite her efforts, the Australian High Court recently declined to hear the case, leaving Grover to grapple with the financial and emotional fallout. "One of the positives that has come out of this case is that while we may have lost in the court of law, we have won... in the court of public opinion," she reflects.The Challenge of Advocacy In her discussion, Grover highlights the difficulty of maintaining hope in the face of systemic challenges. "Nothing prepares you for how much energy it takes to not become a really cynical person," she notes. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future of women's rights and the importance of public discourse. "We just need to make sure... that women were still included in the one piece of legislation in the country that was created for us."Address MisconceptionsGrover also addresses common misconceptions surrounding gender identity, particularly the narrative that sex is not binary. "Intersex is actually an incredibly outdated term... it doesn’t make you a third sex," she asserts. This underscores her belief in the importance of biological definitions in discussions about gender and rights.Call for ClarityThe conversation delves into the implications of current gender ideologies on societal norms, especially regarding children and education. Grover argues against the notion of fluid gender identity being taught in schools, emphasizing the need for clarity and protection of vulnerable groups. "There’s a fear among parents... that there is a serious push within our school system," she cautions.In the end, Grover’s journey is not just about one app or one legal case; it is about the broader struggle for women's rights in an evolving societal landscape. As she continues to advocate for clarity and women's spaces, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conversation surrounding gender and identity. For a deeper dive into Sal Grover's insights and experiences, listen to the full episode. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Sal Grover and her background 02:13The creation of Giggle for Girls and its purpose 04:00The incident with the man claiming to be a woman on the app 06:06The legal case: Tickle versus Giggle and its significance 07:59The Australian High Court's decision and its implications 10:54The societal and legal challenges of gender identity laws 13:08The debate over intersex and sex binary concepts 16:08The influence of gender ideology on language and law1 9:04The importance of free speech and public opinion in societal change 21:58The role of activism and speaking out against gender laws 24:53The future of women's rights and societal debates 29:53Sal Grover's ongoing fight and call for support
Monday · 1 hr 2 min
Is Ireland Next?
Is Ireland learning the right lessons from France? Are trade unions demanding policies their own members will have to pay for? And why is supporting young families so far down the political agenda? Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty return for a packed episode of The Irish Question, covering immigration, Ireland’s demographic future, public-sector strikes, gender legislation, climate politics and more. The discussion opens with the tragic church accident in Ecuador before turning to footage of unrest in France. The panel debates integration, political leadership and social cohesion, asking what Ireland should learn from the experiences of other European countries. Nick then discusses the Irish Government’s long-term demographic projections: falling fertility, an ageing population and the role of migration in sustaining the workforce. The conversation turns to housing costs, the pressures facing young couples and whether government should do more to make starting a family affordable. Paul proposes redirecting resources towards parents, while Elaine argues that decades of housing and economic policy have undermined family life. A lively disagreement follows over public-sector strikes and the role of trade unions. Elaine makes the case for supporting nurses, teachers, prison officers and other workers seeking better pay. Nick challenges the unions’ wider spending and taxation agenda, discussing school meals, schoolbooks, childcare, welfare, carbon taxes and proposals affecting self-employed PRSI. Paul asks whether the self-employed should organise their own response, before the panel considers the relationship between public-sector pay and productivity. On immigration and accommodation, Elaine discusses a renewed planning application in Durrow, County Laois, and calls for ministers to engage directly with local residents. Nick questions whether changes to IPAS spending represent an overall reduction in costs or a shift towards larger centres and other accommodation budgets. The discussion also covers sentencing, freedom of expression, reporting restrictions and the panel’s concerns about equal treatment before the law. The hosts examine Ruth Coppinger’s proposed gender-recognition changes, including the proposed use of an “X” marker on official documents and birth certificates. They debate parental decision-making, children’s interests, the Government’s likely response and the wider influence of campaigning organisations and academia on policy. Internationally, the panel discusses British military-readiness warnings, the war in Ukraine and the possibility of negotiations involving Trump, Putin and Xi. They then turn to Mary Robinson’s comments on gender and climate leadership, Greta Thunberg’s activism, Irish climate targets and Nick’s argument that affordable energy deserves greater political priority. 00:00 Welcome & the tragic church accident in Ecuador 02:02 Unrest in France: what should Ireland learn? 11:27 Falling birth rates, immigration & Ireland’s future 16:32 Welfare, solar grants & public-sector strikes 20:08 Trade unions: spending demands & who pays 24:54 Should higher public-sector pay mean more productivity? 25:52 IPAS in Durrow: planning & community concerns 30:36 IPAS spending, larger centres & homeless accommodation 32:28 Sentencing, free speech & equal treatment 37:37 Ruth Coppinger’s bill: “X” markers & birth certificates 43:33 Gender recognition & the wider legal debate 45:52 Academia, NGOs & family policy 48:15 Britain’s war warnings, Ukraine & diplomacy 52:31 Mary Robinson, Greta Thunberg & climate politics 55:16 Nick’s case for cheaper energy 57:05 Leo Varadkar: solutions from the sidelines? 59:00 NBC’s Today show comes to Kenmare 1:00:41 Final thoughts & goodbye #TheIrishQuestion #IrishPolitics #Ireland
October 13 · 1 hr 5 min
Why is Ireland on Strike?
Why is Ireland on strike — and is the taxpayer getting value for money? This week on The Irish Question, Nick Delehanty, Elaine Mullally and Paul Treyvaud debate public-sector pay, trade unions, council performance and whether better pay should come with greater accountability. We also discuss the confrontation with Ray D’Arcy, politicians’ salaries, court backlogs, RTÉ funding, social housing and the pressures on Ireland’s welfare state. Brendan Courtney’s comments spark a debate about double standards, while Brian Dowling and Arthur’s documentary raises questions about public scrutiny. Plus: Elaine’s new eyebrows, the hosts’ Instagram follower stats — and Paul’s popularity with older women! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Irish Question 00:56 Public-sector strikes: pay demands and council performance 05:13 Trade unions, spending priorities and the taxpayer 08:49 The pay dispute: inflation and frontline workers 14:43 Government waste, benchmarking and spending transparency 17:25 The future of unions and working from home during strikes 19:58 Ray D’Arcy: questioning public figures or harassment? 25:51 Should politicians be paid more? 29:49 Elaine’s new eyebrows! 31:05 Instagram follower stats: who’s watching each host? 31:53 Court delays, overcrowded prisons and struggling services 36:21 Patrick O’Donovan, the culture card and RTÉ funding 37:52 The children’s hospital and political accountability 39:08 Ben Scallan, Gript and independent journalism 41:36 Social housing: who should qualify? 44:27 Welfare benefits and the incentive to work 47:56 Britain, France and Ireland’s reliance on corporation tax 51:09 Brendan Courtney’s comments and the double-standards debate 53:08 What is misandry? The Trinity College discussion 55:27 Brian Dowling and Arthur: parenting, surrogacy and public scrutiny 1:00:44 Global instability and emergency preparedness 1:03:38 Final thoughts and thanks to our listeners Subscribe, share the episode and tell us what you think: should public-sector pay increases be linked to performance? #TheIrishQuestion #IrishPolitics #PublicSector #Ireland
October 6 · 1 hr 2 min
Who is getting Irish Passports??
Are Ireland’s workers and small businesses paying more—and getting less? Eddie Punch returns to The Irish Question with Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty for a lively debate about citizenship, the cost of living and Ireland’s political direction. Recorded ahead of the Budget 2027 announcement, the panel discusses minimum wage increases, employer PRSI, rising business costs and whether government spending is delivering value. Eddie makes the case for lower taxes, a longer-term economic plan and stronger leadership on EU fuel taxes. Also up for discussion: multilingual housing and election guides, proposed citizenship changes, Garvaghy Road tensions, gender recognition proposals, developments in France and Spain, and Russian plague claims circulating online. Is Ireland rewarding hard work? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to The Irish Question, share the episode and join the debate. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome back, Eddie Punch 01:02 Housing, welfare and multilingual election guides 05:41 Citizenship: should the waiting period increase? 13:32 Garvaghy Road and the United Ireland debate 17:10 Budget 2027: will workers actually be better off? 21:33 Minimum wage, employer PRSI and rising prices 24:55 Eddie Punch: tax, spending and Ireland’s missing strategy 34:26 Why do voters keep backing the same parties? 37:30 Small businesses under pressure—and why Nick closed his 39:17 Gender recognition and political priorities 45:18 France, Spain and Europe’s political divisions 51:55 EU rules, carbon taxes and the cost of energy 58:28 Russian plague claims: concern or hype? 1:01:26 Paul’s closing conspiracy theory and sign-off #TheIrishQuestion #EddiePunch #Budget2027 #IrishPolitics
October 2 · 29 min
Who's Getting our Social Housing
The Irish Question Mini Podcast Series — No. 2Who is being allocated social and affordable housing in Louth?In this episode, Elaine is joined by Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane McGuinness to discuss his request for a breakdown, by nationality, of people allocated social and affordable housing by Louth County Council.We discuss why this information matters, the need for transparency, and how elected councillors can hold the council accountable on behalf of the communities they represent.We also examine the powers of local councillors. Have they lost influence over the decisions affecting their constituents? Where does decision making power now sit and can councillors get the information they need to do their jobs?Shane outlines his efforts to get answers for the people he represents. Whatever our political differences, asking questions and seeking clear, reliable figures is an essential part of public accountability.Watch the conversation and share your thoughts below. Should every council publish a breakdown of housing allocations based on nationality ?Subscribe to The Irish Question for more conversations about the issues affecting Ireland and our communities.#TheIrishQuestion #ElaineMullally #ShaneMcGuinness #SocialHousing #AffordableHousing #Louth #Transparency #LocalGovernment 00:00 Meet Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane03:38 Who Really Controls Planning and Housing?09:45 Who’s Getting Social Housing? The Data Debate14:58 Immigration, Citizenship and Housing Priority20:53 Speaking Out: Would Shane Leave Fianna Fáil?25:38 The Presidential Election and Maria Steen
September 29 · 1 hr 2 min
Mind Your OWN Business. Guest Host Declan Ganley
Is Ireland making it impossible to run a small business—and giving its young people every reason to leave? Declan Ganley joins Nick Delehanty, Paul Treyvaud and Elaine Mullally for a fiery discussion about the pressure on Irish businesses, the cost of living and the future facing the next generation. Nick speaks candidly about closing his dog daycare business and responds to The Irish Times’ coverage. The panel debates minimum wage increases, VAT, employer costs and Ireland’s dependence on multinational tax revenues. Declan makes the case for rewarding hard work, entrepreneurship and risk-taking. Also on the agenda: the Ireland–Israel football controversy, pressure on players, the Garvaghy Road dispute and prospects for a united Ireland. The episode closes with a discussion of the developing RAF Fairford story and the questions surrounding it. CHAPTERS 00:00 Opening highlights 00:22 Welcome back, Declan Ganley 00:53 Ireland v Israel: should politics dictate sport? 04:02 Declan on political pressure and virtue signalling 10:21 Netanyahu, the UN and separating sport from government 12:58 Garvaghy Road: tensions and a united Ireland 19:45 Declan on reconciliation and common ground 25:50 Viewer support and the cost-of-living debate 27:13 Heating bills, budget promises and rising business costs 31:47 Why small businesses are running out of room 33:40 Nick on closing his business and The Irish Times’ coverage 38:34 Declan: “We need heroic risk taking” 43:27 Media coverage, housing statistics and business pressures 47:00 A message to business owners who are struggling 47:39 Young people, housing and emigration 53:40 Nick: where is Ireland’s vision for the future? 56:42 Rewarding work and giving young people reasons to stay 58:33 Home ownership and the broken social contract 59:22 Final topic: introducing the RAF Fairford story 1:00:05 RAF Fairford: reports, unanswered questions and speculation 1:01:52 Final thoughts and goodbye What would you change first to make Ireland a better place to build a business, own a home and raise a family? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to The Irish Question, share the episode and hit Hype on YouTube to help more people find the conversation. #TheIrishQuestion #DeclanGanley #IrishPolitics #SmallBusiness #CostOfLiving
September 24 · 1 hr 6 min
Is Irish Media Biased? Guest Host: Eoin O'Malley
Political scientist and author Eoin O’Malley joins Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty for a lively debate about Ireland’s media, political leadership and the issues dividing the country.The panel tackles the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore controversy, the backlash against Robbie Keane, coverage of Dublin’s housing statistics, rising fuel prices and whether carbon taxes are achieving anything.Eoin also discusses Ireland’s leadership problem, the Garda whistleblower controversy involving Helen McEntee, and whether Aontú and Independent Ireland could offer a credible alternative. Plus, a discussion on detransition, political consensus and what young people really think.
September 22 · 1 hr 6 min
Is Irish Media Biased - with Eoin O'Malley
“I don’t want to agree with you… but I’m finding myself agreeing with you more than I should.”Political scientist and author Eoin O’Malley joins Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty for a lively debate about Ireland’s media, political leadership and the issues dividing the country.The panel tackles the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore controversy, the backlash against Robbie Keane, coverage of Dublin’s housing statistics, rising fuel prices and whether carbon taxes are achieving anything.Eoin also discusses Ireland’s leadership problem, the Garda whistleblower controversy involving Helen McEntee, and whether Aontú and Independent Ireland could offer a credible alternative. Plus, a discussion on detransition, political consensus and what young people really think.CHAPTERS00:00 “I don’t want to agree with you…”00:26 Welcome to The Irish Question01:22 Introducing Eoin O’Malley and Charlie versus Garret02:14 Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and the media backlash04:26 Robbie Keane and the politics of boycotts06:10 Free speech — but only for views we agree with?09:59 Is the celebrity controversy a distraction?12:27 Irish media bias and Dublin housing statistics15:30 Eoin pushes back: coordination or shared consensus?22:04 Media funding and the future of podcast regulation22:44 French fuel protests and the diesel crisis25:26 Do carbon taxes actually change behaviour?27:57 Should carbon taxes be scrapped?29:09 Green policies, fuel taxes and pressure on businesses33:37 More protests — and what should people do with their anger?35:33 Where have Ireland’s strong political leaders gone?37:04 Eoin on leadership, red tape and getting things done40:42 Why are politicians afraid to speak their minds?43:02 Garda whistleblowers and Helen McEntee48:34 Accountability and Ireland’s political talent pool50:38 Aontú, Independent Ireland and political alternatives53:24 Detransition: the Leinster House discussion56:09 Eoin on gender, consensus and political change1:02:46 What do young people really think?1:04:45 A hopeful finish: Ireland’s next generationSubscribe to The Irish Question, share the episode and tell us what you think in the comments.#TheIrishQuestion #EoinOMalley #IrishPolitics #EdSheeran #MediaBias
September 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Sweden or Somalia? Social Housing & Trump.
Who is getting Dublin’s social housing—and what can Ireland learn from Sweden’s election? This week on The Irish Question, Nick Delehanty, Elaine Mullally and Paul Treyvaud welcome special guest Donal Byrne, entrepreneur, founder of The Big Red Barn, beef farmer and publican. We examine the Dublin City Council housing figures released by Councillor Gavin Pepper, question the media response, and debate immigration, citizenship and voting patterns in Sweden. Donal explains the pressures facing Irish businesses, his ideas for tackling the housing shortage, and why he believes Ireland faces a “cost of survival” crisis. He also shares his account of the fuel protests and his arrest after introducing antigen testing at his pub during COVID restrictions. Plus: Donald Trump’s Irish visit, whiskey tariffs, tourism, a united Ireland—and the reaction from politicians and protesters. Subscribe, share and tell us what you think in the comments. 00:00 Welcome to The Irish Question 00:45 Meet special guest Donal Byrne 02:33 Dublin’s social housing figures: who gets housed? 05:01 The panel questions the media response 08:24 Factory-built homes, planning and the housing shortage 10:46 Does the system punish people for working more? 14:58 Apprenticeships and bringing back trade schools 17:45 Sweden’s election: immigration and voting patterns 24:32 Ireland, Sweden and the citizenship debate 31:54 The “cost of survival” for Irish businesses 36:39 Minimum wage, employer PRSI and rising employment costs 39:46 Political change, multinationals and funding barriers 42:53 Inside the fuel protests: Donal’s account 47:00 Diesel prices, the Budget and carbon tax 50:52 Donal’s COVID pub arrest and court case 54:44 Trump in Ireland: whiskey, tourism and political reaction 1:02:15 The Ploughing Championships and a message to listeners
September 8 · 1 hr 6 min
The Right is Rising
This week on The Irish Question, Nick Delehanty, Elaine Mullally and Paul Treyvaud are joined by special guest David Quinn—one of Ireland’s best-known commentators on politics, religion, family and cultural change. The panel celebrates Katie Taylor’s remarkable Croke Park homecoming and discusses the importance of faith throughout her career. They also examine the rise of AfD in Germany, Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland, proposed changes to Irish citizenship, concerns surrounding the new Leaving Cert maths curriculum, child poverty and the real cost of carbon taxes. If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, share and hit the Hype button to help us reach a wider audience. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and special guest David Quinn 00:39 Muhammad Ali’s historic visit to Croke Park 02:12 Katie Taylor’s remarkable homecoming 05:00 Katie Taylor, faith and Ireland’s sporting heroes 09:42 Why is AfD surging in Germany? 13:10 Immigration and the failure of establishment parties 17:06 David Quinn on Merkel’s legacy and the rise of AfD 22:36 What would AfD actually do in government? 26:50 Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland 29:35 Ireland’s economic relationship with America 32:19 How will President Catherine Connolly handle Trump? 34:37 Resignations over the new Leaving Cert maths curriculum 39:21 Meritocracy, education and falling standards 43:33 Is ideology reshaping the wider school curriculum? 46:08 Proposed changes to Irish citizenship rules 49:46 Should citizenship require eight or ten years? 51:09 Integration, language and the media’s blind spot 55:29 Two hundred thousand Irish children living in poverty 57:38 Rising living costs and carbon taxes 1:00:05 Where does Ireland’s carbon-tax revenue go? 1:02:39 Climate change, green policies and working families 1:04:01 Closing thoughts and film recommendations 1:05:32 Outro #TheIrishQuestion #DavidQuinn #KatieTaylor #IrishPolitics #AfD #DonaldTrump
September 1 · 1 hr 8 min
Republic of Woke
The Irish Question is back. In our first episode after the summer break, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty discuss the controversy surrounding Dr Ebun Joseph, critical race theory, migration across Europe, Ireland’s IPAS system and the influence of State-funded NGOs. The conversation also covers the proposed male-lactation conference, climate policy, flooding and infrastructure, the debate over “tradwives” and the manosphere, tax individualisation, rising energy and fuel costs, and the latest movements in Irish politics. Subscribe, share the episode and hit the Hype button if you want to help The Irish Question reach a wider audience. CHAPTERS 0:00 – The Irish Question returns 1:17 – Dr Ebun Joseph controversy and the race debate 4:56 – Critical race theory and State-funded ideology 9:31 – UK migrant guidance and Channel crossings 12:51 – The growing scale of small-boat migration 14:28 – IPAS, crime and Ireland’s prison capacity 17:34 – Planning exemptions for IPAS centres 18:08 – Durrow residents secure a planning victory 20:50 – Ceuta, Spain and migration across Europe 26:10 – Controversy over the male-lactation conference 29:30 – Have Irish politicians challenged it? 30:27 – NGOs, universities and gender ideology 33:02 – Help support the podcast with YouTube Hype 34:33 – Climate change claims concerning children 37:58 – Killarney flooding, blocked drains and infrastructure 40:21 – Carbon taxes, retrofits and climate adaptation 42:56 – What is a “tradwife”? 45:23 – Elaine defends motherhood and traditional family life 48:36 – Tax individualisation and the growth of childcare 50:14 – The manosphere and “toxic masculinity” research 53:43 – The influence of Ireland’s NGO sector 55:03 – Fuel prices, carbon taxes and possible protests 58:49 – Business energy costs and conflicting government priorities 1:00:28 – Solar power, levies and electricity bills 1:01:53 – The hosts’ summer catch-up 1:03:55 – Political realignment and new alternatives 1:06:35 – Pressure building within Fianna Fáil 1:07:19 – Final thoughts and what’s coming next
August 14 · 1 hr 8 min
Doctors Challenge The Irish Medical Council
In a recent discussion, with Elaine Mullally, Dr. Marcus De Brun and Dr. Billy Ralph shared their experiences with the Irish Medical Council hearings that have garnered significant attention. Their stories reveal not just the personal toll of these hearings but also the broader implications for medical professionals and public health policies.The Context of the HearingsDr. Marcus De Brun began by detailing the background of his case. He faced complaints after publicly protesting against mask mandates and voicing concerns over COVID-19 policies in nursing homes. He humorously remarked on the frivolous nature of the complaints against him, which included allegations about not using hand sanitizer while shaking hands with protestors. "The purpose of it really was to send a message to the rest of the doctors... that any sort of complaining about vaccines, particularly COVID vaccines, wasn't going to be tolerated," he explained.Finding and RepercussionsThe hearings were lengthy and intense, lasting several days. Dr. De Brun was ultimately found guilty of undermining public health guidelines, a verdict he anticipated and even accepted. "I was entirely guilty of undermining public health guidelines and would do so again," he stated, reflecting on the gravity of the situation. Elaine Mullally, the host, pointed out a disturbing reality: the focus of the hearings was less about the correctness of the guidelines and more about the messaging surrounding them. Dr. De Brun concurred, emphasizing how the medical council was unwilling to question the validity of the guidelines themselves, regardless of their impact on public health.Right to Question GuidelinesBoth doctors lamented the apparent loss of the medical profession's ability to question guidelines. Dr. De Brun stated, "Doctors should be able to criticize guidelines and not administer drugs if they believe they are dangerous." This sentiment resonated with Dr. Ralph, who added that the current system often discourages doctors from stepping outside established guidelines, creating a culture of compliance over critical thinking.Role of Government in Health DecisionsThe conversation also touched on the concerning interference of government in doctor-patient relationships. Mullally expressed her fear at witnessing this shift, describing it as a terrifying breach of the sacred trust between doctor and patient. Dr. Ralph echoed this concern, stating that modern medical guidelines often come with vested interests, which can compromise patient care. "The question we should always ask is, 'Who benefits?" he urged. Call for Critical ThinkingThe dialogue concluded with a call for continued vigilance and critical thinking within the medical community. Both doctors underscored the importance of questioning established norms and remaining advocates for patient welfare, regardless of external pressures. Their experiences serve as a crucial reminder of the need for open discourse and the protection of medical professionals' rights to speak out against potentially harmful policies. As we reflect on these insights, it's vital to consider the implications of such hearings not just for individual doctors, but for the healthcare system as a whole.
July 29 · 1 hr 6 min
Mayo Almighty, Dee Forbes, Elon Musk & More
Senator Sharon Keogan joins Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty for the final episode of The Irish Question before the summer break.The panel discusses Mayo’s historic All-Ireland victory, the renewed controversy surrounding former RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes, Elon Musk’s clash with The Economist, Ireland’s attitude towards wealth and success, and the Government’s Summer Economic Statement.They also examine Ireland’s dependence on multinational tax revenue, the risks posed by Big Tech’s enormous AI gamble, government waste, universal basic income and the decline of small businesses.Finally, Senator Keogan explains why she still has hope for Ireland—and calls on ordinary people, councillors and aspiring politicians to step forward, abandon failing party structures and build a genuine independent alternative.Like, subscribe and share if you want to help grow The Irish Question.CHAPTERS00:00 – Senator Sharon Keogan joins the show01:04 – Mayo finally wins the All-Ireland06:41 – Dee Forbes, RTÉ and the accountability crisis11:48 – Can RTÉ be saved—or should it be privatised?17:59 – Elon Musk’s explosive Economist interview25:27 – Why Ireland resents wealth and success29:32 – The Summer Economic Statement explained35:48 – Tax cuts, investing and government waste42:36 – Can Ireland’s political system ever change?43:57 – Ireland’s tax base is leveraged on Big Tech’s AI gamble48:16 – Universal basic income and the destruction of small business
July 22 · 1 hr 3 min
Has Ireland Lost Control? (Cllr Linda De Courcy)
Is Ireland becoming less safe—and has the political system lost control of crime, borders and public trust? This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Nick Delehanty are joined by Councillor Linda de Courcy for a blunt discussion about public safety, policing shortages, bail, crime statistics and Ireland’s approach to citizenship. The panel examines the violence witnessed in Skerries, asks whether crime data should include nationality, and debates whether Ireland’s combination of loose border controls and a weak criminal-justice system is creating a dangerous situation. They also ask why so many young Irish people are leaving, why returning home is so difficult, and whether Simon Harris’s promised tax-cutting budgets will make ordinary people any better off. The proposed introduction of digital ID—and what it could mean for personal freedom—is also put under the microscope. Linda explains how she went from deciding to run for office to being elected in just six weeks, her ambitions for Dáil Éireann, and a recent local incident that prompted her to issue an important child-safety warning to parents. Do you believe Ireland has become less safe? Is Irish citizenship granted too easily? What would persuade our young emigrants to come home? Let us know below—and please like, subscribe and share to help more people discover The Irish Question.
July 14 · 58 min
Make RTE Great Again
This week’s episode focuses on RTÉ, examining the broadcaster’s financial difficulties, leadership, editorial direction, and declining quality of programming. The hosts question RTÉ’s independence and impartiality, raising concerns about perceived political favouritism, censorship, and bias in its coverage of immigration, crime, and other contentious issues.The discussion also explores the decline of Irish-produced entertainment, the loss of cultural identity in public broadcasting, and whether RTÉ still reflects the views and experiences of its audience. Alongside this, the hosts consider Ireland’s political landscape, asylum policy, EU influence, big tech, free speech, and the challenges facing local businesses.
July 8 · 59 min
Dog Cooked, Helen Ogbu, Crimewave
Ireland is asking hard questions.In this episode, Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally discuss the alleged dog cruelty controversy, immigration and welfare concerns, political transparency, rising crime, pressure on small businesses, and the growing debate around Irish identity, culture, and national values.We also cover the Irish-filmed Hollywood project Young Washington and end with a lighter look at George Lee, vampires, and the heatwave.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Alleged dog cruelty controversy in Ireland03:20 - Cultural differences around animal consumption04:45 - Trump, cats and dogs: misunderstanding or reality?06:00 - Public reaction to animal cruelty allegations07:00 - Is this an isolated incident or a sign of decline?08:00 - Helen Ogbu candidacy and transparency issues09:30 - Media bias and suppressed stories11:00 - Political accountability12:00 - Immigration fraud, welfare and policy loopholes14:00 - Rise in anti-immigration sentiment15:00 - Crime, violence and public safety concerns17:00 - Loss of respect, dignity and social cohesion19:00 - Irish film success: Young Washington20:30 - Small business struggles and rising costs23:00 - VAT cuts and government intervention25:00 - Employment taxes and pressure on entrepreneurs27:00 - Civic courage and standing up to systemic issues30:00 - Ireland’s monopsony-style government problem33:00 - Data transparency on crime and immigration36:00 - Immigration fraud and tougher regulations40:00 - Border controls and systemic reform45:00 - Urban crime, violence and gang activity52:00 - Irish identity, cultural values and spiritual crisis54:00 - Young Washington and future film opportunities55:00 - Ireland’s murder rates and public safety58:00 - George Lee, vampires and the heatwaveFeaturing Paul Treyvaud, Nick Delehanty, Declan Ganley, and Elaine Mullally
June 30 · 1 hr 7 min
Immigration in Europe
In this episode, Irish MEP Michael McNamara shares candid views on Europe’s migration policies, Ireland’s political system, and the economic pressures facing the continent. He discusses the EU returns directive, return hubs, immigration challenges, energy policy, industrial competitiveness, and Ireland’s role within the EU.KEY TOPICS The EU returns directive and Ireland’s opt-in/opt-out position Return hubs, deportation policy, and safeguards for minors Ireland’s immigration system, accommodation pressures, and population growth The role of migrant labour in Ireland’s economy Europe’s demographic decline and labour shortages Energy costs, regulation, and Europe’s industrial competitiveness Criticism of Ireland’s political structures, civil service influence, and local governance Ireland’s EU membership, sovereignty, neutrality, and the triple lock Reflections on Irish political leadership and the future of Fianna Fáil 01:15 – EU returns directive and Ireland’s position03:14 – Return hubs and deportation policy06:56 – Children, minors, and moral concerns13:21 – Ireland’s immigration and accommodation crisis15:08 – Migrant labour, housing, and workforce pressures20:00 – India trade deal and migration implications22:22 – Healthcare, emigration, and border control25:25 – Europe’s demographic decline27:21 – Energy policy and industrial competitiveness36:15 – Automotive industry challenges38:01 – Independent voices in Irish politics40:02 – Civil service influence and governance issues44:05 – Electoral reform and accountability48:39 – Political recruitment and public disengagement51:02 – Ireland’s role in EU lawmaking54:17 – European army debate, neutrality, and the triple lock58:39 – Media, political infighting, and EU presidency61:36 – Irish leadership and Fianna Fáil’s future
June 24 · 1 hr 6 min
Who Controls Irish Media
This week on The Irish Question, Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally, Nick Delehanty, and special guest Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly dig into another packed week of politics, media, social change, and life in modern Ireland.From the campaign to abolish the USC, to Nick’s visit to Leinster House, the growing power of social media voices, government funding of mainstream media, immigration concerns, NGOs, energy costs, phones for kids, and the future of Irish sport — nothing is off the table.Stephen Kelly joins the panel for a wide-ranging and honest conversation on lockdown, speaking out, comedy, family, Ireland’s future, and why more people are finding their voice online.👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.Do you agree, disagree, or think we missed something?
June 9 · 1 hr 1 min
Belfast Be-heading... Beyond Belief
Nick, Paul, and Elaine examine the aftermath of the recent horror attack in Belfast and discuss its potential implications for security, community relations, and political cooperation across both the United Kingdom and Ireland. They explore how leaders on both sides of the Irish Sea may respond and what the incident could mean for public confidence and future policy.The conversation also turns to the controversy surrounding comments and claims made in debates about children's books and education involving Norma Foley. The panel reviews the competing accounts, the political fallout, and the broader questions about transparency, curriculum oversight, and public trust.Finally, they analyze the EU Migration Pact, looking at its objectives, the concerns raised by supporters and critics, and the possible consequences for Ireland, the UK, and the wider European Union. Throughout the discussion, the speakers consider how security, education, and migration have become increasingly interconnected issues in contemporary politics.
June 2 · 1 hr 7 min
Re-Turn to Sender
Paul, Elaine and Mark are joined by Dr. Marcus de Brun for a wide-ranging conversation on his personal journey, his public fight, and the issues shaping Ireland, the UK and the wider world. In this episode, the panel discusses Dr. de Brun’s story and experiences, the controversy around Ireland’s Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme, the recent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and Ireland, and the accelerating dawn of artificial intelligence. From political accountability to social change, technology and trust, this is a conversation about where we are now — and where we may be heading next. Topics covered: Dr. Marcus de Brun’s journey and fight Ireland’s Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme Recent murders and public safety concerns in the UK and Ireland The rapid rise of AI and what it means for society Media, politics, trust and accountability Guest: Dr. Marcus de Brun Hosts: Paul Treyvaud, Elaine Mullally and Mark

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