In this political recap of the week, Hugh Linehan, Pat Leahy, and Harry McGee shed light on the past week’s events in politics. As the local and European election campaigns draw to a close, our panel unpacks the discussions in the Dáil this week and the expedited last phase of the far-reaching Planning Bill which was swiftly pushed to fruition. There’s also a question concerning the seats in the Dáil left vacant by TDs who have transitioned to MEP roles – will these be filled during the tenure of the current Government?
In addition, the panel members highlight their preferred articles and stories from the week: Newton Emerson’s analysis following Sinn Féin’s election; the recent unearthing of Ernest Shackleton’s historical shipwreck draws our attention back to an amazing narrative of the Irish discoverer; and finally, they delve into the risky or foolhardy decision of Emmanuel Macron’s spur-of-the-moment election, as explored by Janan Ganesh.