A View from the Ditch William D'Alton

James and William discuss the recent by-election for the Seanad Éireann Dublin University constituency; some of the candidates who contested it and the issues raised during the campaign; the elitism of the Seanad in general and the university panels in particular, and the lack of interest in reform; and Tom Clonan’s victory and what it might mean.

James and William discuss Ivana Bacik's uncontested election as leader of the Labour party, the reasons for her predecessor's ousting, and the challenges the party faces.

Dr Conor McCabe joined us to discuss the Government's 'Housing for All' plan.

Dr McCabe is the author of Sins of the Father: Tracing the Decisions That Shaped the Irish Economy (2011) and Money (2018), and is a co-host of The Week at Work podcast.

Stiofán Ó Nualláin of Trademark Belfast speaks to us about the causes of the riots in Northern Ireland in April; the resignation of First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster; the existential crisis, as he sees it, of political unionism; and the ongoing debates, north and south, about the prospect of a border poll.