The Clear Lens Episode 7: In Defence of Irish Neutrality

Investigative journalist Frank Connolly joins us on The Clear Lens to talk about his work exposing decades of corruption within Irish power structures. Via his investigations and relationships with key whistleblowers, Frank’s work brought to light profound corruption amongst senior politicians, Irish banks, developers, planning authorities, the Garda and more. We analyse this corruption through a systemic lens and discuss how, in response to the tribunals of inquiry triggered by Frank’s work, the government has moved to weaken – and not strengthen – systems of accountability in Ireland. His newly released book Exposed: Scandals That Rocked The Irish State is a must read for anyone seeking to understand how power operates in Ireland and how the checks on that power have never been as weak as they are today. We see how prominent figures found guilty of corruption continue to thrive today - whether in Irish politics or business. We also take a look at the role of the media in guarding the powerful from greater public scrutiny and what is needed to tackle it. You can purchase Frank's book here: https://www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/exposed/

In this episode, we look back on the stages of Ireland's development leading up to joining the EU in 1973 and the decades after. Why did we join and what have the key benefits been? Have those benefits been distributed fairly across Irish society? In an EU hellbent on militarisation, what is Ireland's role? We're at a historic juncture. Will Ireland be moulded in the interests of bigger EU states, or will we pause and review our core values? What are our values? Are they reconcilibale with an EU that is beating the war drums? We talk about this and more in this episode.

In this episode we're talking about the rapid rise of legislation across the West, giving states new powers for mass surveillance, severe punishment for dissent and the erosion of civil liberties like free speech - all while Rubio announced plans to dismantle the international criminal court. Who are the tech oligarchs behind the oppressive technology capable of population control? Palantir gets our focus here, as well as the Dialog conference planned to go ahead in Ireland before activists squashed it. Why was a left wing Irish senator planning to attend? We cover all these and more.

The antidote to the alienation of late-stage capitalism, with its relentless promotion of hyper individualism, is community. Hugh Doyle and Shane O'Connor joined us on The Clear Lens to talk about the power of communities coming together across Ireland and the world in solidarity with Palestine. On the brightest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, communities across Ireland (moving meitheals) will arise before dawn, climb the mountain closest to their home and fly the Palestinian flag at the summit. Together, people will decide on actions they can take in the year ahead for Palestinian liberation. Hope is active and change happens in community, where people are rooted to the land and connected in purpose. This was a powerful, moving and at times beautifully raw conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it.

Irish poet and activist Mikey Cullen joined us live on The Clear Lens this evening from the flotilla. As well as giving us an update on the flotilla's progress as Israeli media threatens a violent interception, he had a list of key requests. Here they are 👇- Create and share email templates contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and flood their emails.- Demand that the flotilla has safe passage and that crew members' human rights are upheld.- Enact the Occupied Territories Bill.- Get the US military out of Shannon.- Enshrine Neutrality in the constitution.- Hit the streets.- Boycott.