Starmer, Burnham, the Hapless Horserace and the Need for a New Recipe

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack 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 […]

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Immigration and the far right – Don’t Believe the Online Hype

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hope, Courage and Community This Reboot Republic episode explores public attitudes towards migration, the rise of hate and far-right mobilisation in Ireland, and how communities are responding. Experts from the Hope and Courage Collective, Niamh McDonald and Edel McGinley join Rory to discuss the findings of their new report ‘Ireland in Focus 2025, Mind the […]

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Time to Cut Taxes?

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack 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 […]

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You Were Elected, Now Do Your Job

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack 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 […]

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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 […]

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One Million Homes

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack 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 locking […]

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Charting a Path Through the Energy Crisis

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory talks with economist and Director of NERI, Tom McDonnell about the current energy crisis, its global implications, and practical solutions for Ireland. The conversation covers energy security, renewable infrastructure, housing, and the need for a state construction company to address Ireland’s housing crisis. It’s all about inflation. We also discuss […]

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Journalism, Boxing, Daniel Kinahan and Why Everything is Upside Down

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack 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 […]

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