Shows
The Polling StationThe First Year of the Irish Government: The Good, The Bad and The ScandalsThe First Year of the Irish Government: The Good, The Bad and The Scandals.One year on from the historical government formation of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party, there have been some ups, some downs, and a lot of scandals!From Golfgate to Covid, the White Paper on Direct Provision to the Climate Action Bill. It’s been a jam-packed year for politics. This week we sit down and look at what’s happened over the last year and what the next three years of this...2021-06-2449 min
The Polling StationPolitics and PrideJune marks annual celebration of Pride Month around the world. Each year we celebrate everyone part of the LGBTQIA+ community and how far we have come as a society. Politics and pride have always been connected with the countless activists throughout the decades fighting for equality for al.. This episode we sit down with Manus Gallagher and discuss where the origins of Pride began, Ireland’s history with the LGBTQIA+, some stand activists and much more. Keep up to date on Instagram and Twitter @thepollingpod and tune in every week fo...2021-06-1946 min
The Polling StationJoe Manchin vs the For the People ActJoe Manchin, the Democratic Senator from West Virginia, is no stranger to voting against the Democratic Party line, calling himself a “moderate conservative Democrat”. With a 50/50 split in the US Senate, Joe Manchin has found himself to be one of the most influential people in American politics, with the Democrats needing his support to pass any legislation. Manchin has made waves this week by not supporting the For the Peoples Act, a reformative voting act which the Democrats are trying to pass. But who is Joe Manchin? Why is he against this refo...2021-06-1040 min
The Polling StationWho is Dominic Cummings and why should we care?On May 26th 2021, former political advisor Dominic Cummings went before a joint parliamentary committee to be questioned about his involvement in the Government’s Covid-19 policies. The jaw-dropping revelations from Cummings rocked the boat for Boris Johnson’s Conservative government and sent shock waves through Britain. From Johnson’s policies of herd immunity in March 2020, the references to chicken pox parties as well as the failures with regard to care homes, it left a lot of questions left for the government.But who is Dominic Cummings? How has he become such a conseq...2021-06-0339 min
The Polling StationWhat’s happening with Palestine and Israel?The 10th of May marked the beginning of 11 days of devastating fighting between Isreal and Hamas, a militant group in Gaza, in which 100’s of people, mostly Palestinians, lost their lives.With a ceasefire currently in effect, we sit down to discuss the events that lead to the recent fighting. We give a brief history of Palestine and Israel, explore why this is such a polarising conflict for the international community and discuss why the current ceasefire doesn’t address the underlying tensions or human rights violations. Listen to this week's epis...2021-05-2735 min
The Polling StationWhat is happening with the Housing Crisis?Over the last two weeks the Housing Crisis has dominated Irish politics. The news of Real Estate Investment Funds, also known as REITS, buying large amounts of housing estates, blocking out first time buyers.But what exactly are REITS and how are they impacting the property market? What can be expected from the Government’s Affordable Housing Bill? And what solutions are needed to end this crisis? Listen to this week’s episode of The Polling Station to find.Keep up to date on Twitter and Instagram @thepollingpod.2021-05-1344 min
The Polling StationWhat is the Seanad, and why should we care?What is the Seanad, and why should we care?This week, we sit down to discuss what Amy has called “Irelands most misunderstood institution”- The Seanad. As the Republic of Ireland’s upper house, the Seanad has recently undergone a series of by-elections, placing it in the news and having people ask- what actually does it do? In this episode, we look at how what the Seanad actually does, break down its complicated election process and ask should the Seanad should be reformed—or abolishe...2021-05-0637 min
The Polling StationBiden's 100 DaysAs we reach to President Joe Biden’s first 100 days in the Oval Office what can expect from this presidency? This week, Niamh and Amy sit down to look at why the first 100 days of a US President is crucial and what has Biden done since January 20th? What are the biggest challenges facing the 46th US President and what can we expect to see over the next 4 years?Keep up to date on Instagram and Twitter @thepollingpod and tune in every week for your dose of political chats from your favourite po...2021-04-2949 min
The Polling StationWhat's happened to Poland's Courts, and why does it matter? The Court of Justice of the European Union has recently ruled that Poland's reforms to its judicial system have put it at odds with the European Union, due to government reforms that allow judges to be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and sanctions if their rulings are "Inappropriate".But what does this mean? And has the reform of Poland's judicial system led to the introduction of anti-LGBTQIA+ and reproductive legislation? This week, we sit down to discuss how the ruling Law and Justice party have systemically overhauled the Polish judicial system, leading to...2021-04-2232 min
The Polling StationWhat is happening in Northern Ireland?What is happening in Northern Ireland? Last week saw nights of riots across Northern Ireland that hadn't been seen in a number of years. But what led up to these riots? Why is there such political unrest in Northern Ireland and what can be done to ease tensions? In this episode, we sit down with freelance journalist, writer and broadcaster Amanda Ferguson to give us a insight at what is happening in Belfast at the moment and why it reached this point.Keep up to date on Instagram...2021-04-1549 min
The Polling StationThatcherism: What is it and why does it still matter?Eight years on from her death, Margaret Thatcher remains one of the most well-known and cultural influential politicians, cropping up in political debates and Netflix's shows. But why does her legacy of Thatcherism still have such a hold on us?This week, we take a deep dive into Thatcherism and ask what it is? How did Margaret Thatcher come to have these beliefs? How did they shape the world in the '70s and '80s, and how does her legacy continue to affect us?Keep up...2021-04-0837 min
The Polling StationWhat's happening in Myanmar?On the 1st of February 2021, the Military of Myanmar seized control of the government and celared a year-long state of emergency, ending democratic rule. But what was the lead up to this that caused military rule to be reinstated for the first time since 2011? Who are the key players? What does this mean for the people of Myanmar? And is there a way out of this?This week we sit down and look at Myanmar's complicated history with democracy and ask what's next?Keep up to date on Instagram and...2021-04-0138 min
The Polling StationLeo the LeakLeo Varadkar and his leaking of a confidential GP contract is back in the news this week after Gardaí have taken the investigation of the leak from a preliminary examination to a full-blown investigation.But what exactly is Varadkar being investigated for? What crimes could he be convicted of? And what does this investigation mean for the former Taoiseach, current Tánaiste and future Taoiseach?Niamh and Amy sit down to discuss everything that has caused the #LeotheLeak scandal and ask what will happen to the government if he is found guilty?2021-03-1841 min
The Polling StationSalmond vs SturgeonNicola Sturgeon came under fire when she went before the Holyrood inquiry to give evidence about her former mentor Alex Salmond. But who is Alex Salmond? What happened that lead to this consequential inquiry? What will this mean for the future of Scottish Independence?Niamh and Amy sit down to discuss one of the biggest political controversies in Scotland in recent years and find out why is this causing such a divide in Scottish politics. Keep up to date on Instagram and Twitter @thepollingpod and tune in every week for your dose of...2021-03-1136 min
The Polling StationHere Come the Girls: Why Having Women in Politics MattersIt's International Women's day! And this week, Niamh and Amy sit down to discuss women in politics.The girls will be breaking down what is it like to be a woman in politics, in Ireland and around the world. What structures are in place to help and hinder women? Will gender quotas make things better? And why is having more women from all backgrounds in politics better for everyone?The girls will be shouting out what women in politics they have their eye on and would love to hear what...2021-03-0842 min
The Polling StationWhat is happening with the Mother and Baby Home Commission?This week, Niamh and Amy sit down to discuss the Mother and Baby Home Commission. With the Mother and Baby Commission set to be archived on Sunday February 28th 2021, Niamh and Amy look into why the Commission was set up, what was the reaction to the Report and why is the Commission set to be archived?Keep up to date on Instagram and Twitter @thepollingpod and tune in every week for your dose of political chat from your favorite political gals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2021-02-2435 min
The Polling StationWhat's the craic with CETA?Niamh and Amy sit down for the first episode of The Polling Station, where they get stuck into CETA.What is it? Why is it such a big deal? Why is it causing such a rift in the Green Party? And why this rift might spell trouble for the government relationsKeep up to date with them on Insta and Twitter @thepollingpod, and tune in every week for your dose of political chat from your favourite political gals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2021-02-1840 min