Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Latest poll numbers show neither Government nor Opposition all that popular with electorate

Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Show Notes

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:

In the first Irish Times national poll since February, the lack of movement in party support points to an electorate not wholly enamoured by the incumbent Government but not exactly enthused about the alternatives either.

One of the big contradictions arising from the poll is around the question of a united Ireland. A clear majority of 68 per cent feel the Government should begin preparations for possible Irish unity, but only a small minority of voters would consider changes such as a new Irish flag, national anthem or joining the Commonwealth to make a united Ireland more acceptable to northern unionists.

The poll also reveals what voters want in Budget 2027 – with the cost of energy and home heating the top priority ahead of next month’s budget.

And there is nothing like a premature sports capital grant announcement to stir animosity within the Coalition.

Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan

Oct 21, 2026

The scenes at Drumcree in recent weeks revived memories of one of Northern Ireland’s most enduring disputes between unionist and nationalist communities.

Oct 19, 2026

Democracy rests on the promise that political institutions should reflect the people they serve. But in an era of growing social diversity, persistent inequalities and political polarisation, that promise is being contested.

Oct 16, 2026

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:

Oct 14, 2026

Leinster House today was filled with sympathy for Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan who took ill during an EU presidency meeting in Limerick on Tuesday.

Oct 12, 2026

In less than a month US voters will get a chance to express their feelings about the direction of the country in elections for seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate. While president Donald Trump is not on the ballot, his unpopularity is weighing his party down. Polls show a "blue wave" looks likely, with Democrats favoured to win back the House and possibly the Senate. But many races are still very close. Washington correspondent Keith Duggan has been visiting some of the key battlegrounds to find out about the candidates and the issues. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See all episodes →