The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode we dive into the "Cut Taxes" narrative that is dominating our economic and political media at the moment with NERI Economist, Ciaran Nugent. We dig into Ireland's topsy-turvy fiscal policies, the reality of our personal tax system, Ireland's tax (avoidance) system, the housing crisis, our weak energy transition, and the impact of international policies on Ireland's future. We also look at the current prominent economic debates, tired old government strategies, and the importance of resilient planning for sustainable growth. There's also some patreon-only predictions at the end... James Leonard on Building Community interview:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146 Mohammed Isdodi in Gaza report:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157949546

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Writer, columnist and political commentator Elaine Crory rejoined me on the tortoise shack to talk Stormont and the mood music of a managed decline. She breaks down why the politicians MUST stay the course and not betray their constituents and the reasons for the latest opinion poll data that shows a 60%+ lead for the Irish unity with EU membership question. This is a belter of a chat with a great voice we need to hear from. The Hope, Courage and Community podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157607730 James Leonard in the Shack podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-158043146

Malak Hijazi is an English Literature graduate, writer, historian of displacement and journalist from Gaza. She joins us from Gaza City to share her story, describe life under the ongoing genocide and explain why she is compelled to record what is happening to her people despite the danger to herself. A remarkable young woman. Don’t miss it. Stormont on the Brink pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157551108 The Hope, Courage and Community podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157607730

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special episode, Tony speaks with community development expert and big ideas guy, Rob Cass, about Ireland's housing crisis, the data-driven solutions, and the importance of measuring and implementing effective and proven policies to build a sustainable future for young people and communities. It's not Urban vs Rural - it's old locking out the young. For more see:https://onemillionhomes.ie/ Stormont on the Brink pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157551108 Journalist Malak Hijazi on the ground in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-157428448

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It’s 2026, Gerry Hutch has left his second home of Lanzarote to run as a candidate in the upcoming Dublin Central byelection and Daniel Kinahan is in a Dubai prison cell fighting not to be sent back to Ireland to face justice. Irish sports legend Katie Taylor is looking to book her swansong fight in Croke Park. all the while the Regency shooting hangs like a cloud over everything. It’s all a bit surreal. Joining me on the shack to discuss it all is sports journalist Kieran Cunningham. There’s no doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for the work of Kieran, Daniel Kinahan’s rise and rise in the sport of boxing would have continued and things would be very different. May you live in interesting times. The Tax Cuts podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/tax-cuts-157332004 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Infectious disease expert, UCC's Prof Adjunct and Hospital Consultant, Niall Conroy, recently returned from his second home of Sierra Leone, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of the cuts by the likes of Trump, Musk and others are having on some of the most vulnerable people in the world. This is both a necessary eye-opening conversation about epidemics, pandemic prevention and why we might be sleepwalking into more problems. Niall's children malnutrition ward fundraiser is here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/childrens-malnutrition-ward-bo-govt-hospital-sierra-leone Kieran Cunningham on Daniel Kinahan's arrest podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156664295 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode, Tony and Mr Judge Street Journal, Timmy Facciola, explore the first 100 days of Zoran Mamdani's NYC mayoralty, political strategies, and the evolving landscape of New York City politics. Timmy also breaks down his phone call with President Trump. They also touch on international issues, sports (NBA briefly), and personal passions (Timmy's fishing), providing current affairs and personal stories that get a little loose. We'll have to redial the President on the shack soon ;) The One Million Homes Project: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156658656 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Independent (Govt) TD Barry Heneghan came over to the tortoise shack to discuss his decision to vote confidence in the government, his reasons and redlines for what he deems government stability and why he believes that his voters will understand his position even as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen. Editors Note: Recorded for members 17th April The case for Community Wealth Building Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156362917 NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Sonia Borwick has worked caring for people in their homes for over two decades. Now, like many of her Section 39 colleagues, she is paid less than she was almost 20 years ago. Worse still, she’s been suspended from her workplace because, in my opinion, she has continued to raise the issue. She joined me in the tortoise shack to talk about her experience and need for workers to stand together. NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 Barry Heneghan Debate pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Khaled Al-Qershali with the latest from Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156249499 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this in-depth conversation, Tony talks with listener favourite, Professor Richard Murphy, about the stark reality of the global energy crisis and the lack of political courage in the era of Trump madness. They explore the current global economic crisis, energy shortages, food security, and the failures of governments to build resilience. They also analyse the impact of geopolitical tensions, market failures, and the urgent need for systemic change to build a sustainable future. Barry Heneghan Debate pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Poet Mikey Cullen on the Gaza Flotilla:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155844130 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Despite knowing everything about everything, I decided to ask for another opinion on the fuel protests. So here's an in-depth interview with the wonderful Saoirse McHugh, who discusses the recent protests, the systemic issues in agriculture, energy, and social policy, and explores potential solutions for a sustainable future. The conversation highlights the influence of powerful (shady) interest groups, EU policies, and the urgent need for systemic change. Barry Heneghan on that Government confidence vote:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155860288 Mikey Cullen on the Gaza Flotilla:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155844130 Run for Teddy: https://www.patreon.com/posts/short-message-155503232 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/ Conor McCabe's piece:https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41826395.html Simon's Gist:The Gist:https://www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-denial-of-service-attack/

For More Please visit AFSC.org The Occupation Killed My Grandchildren and Dispersed My Family is written by Yusra Salem Abu Awad and narrated by Bernadette Devlin McAliskey "Where is the United Nations? Where are the world’s nations? Where are those who stand with us? I raise my voice with all Palestinians. My scattered children, I hope to meet them safely soon." Bernadette Devlin is a lifelong civil rights activist and leader. We are very grateful for her contribution to this audiobook. To purchase Displaced in Gaza click:https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2620-displaced-in-gaza All proceeds go to We Are Not Numbers in Gaza. Production by Tony Groves @ the tortoise shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Dr. Belal Alakhras is a lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) who was born and raised in Gaza. His research focuses on settler colonial studies, conflict resolution, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East and Southeast Asia and the escalating war on Iran. In this episode, he talks about his experience watching the genocide unfold in Gaza from afar and how it feels heavier than he'd imagined. He also offers his expert perspective on geopolitics in the Middle East and the impact of the ongoing war and the centrality of Gaza in this equation. Tune in for more details. Rory Hearne on joining the dots from the Fuel Protests to the Cost of Living Crisis:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155282335 Run for Teddy:https://www.patreon.com/posts/short-message-155503232 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Timmy Facciola is a freelance journalist who worked previously with the New York Times and Politico. He now covers the new Mayor Zohran Mamdani from his excellent substack https://judgestreetjournal.substack.com/ He made his first ever podcast appearance on the shack earlier and we discussed his work, the mad king Trump, the Jewish communities feelings towards Mayor Mamdani and why local journalism is so important in this global news obsessed era. Rory Hearne on joining the dots from the Fuel Protests to the Cost of Living Crisis:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155282335 Run for Teddy:https://www.patreon.com/posts/short-message-155503232 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Solicitor and Digital Rights expert, Simon McGarr re-joins me to discuss the recent legal woes for Big Tech, the novel legal argument that challenges their business model, the Government's attempts to improve online safety and why what Ireland is planning to do with its EU Presidency is at odds with tackling online disinformation and misinformation. Spoiler: It's deeply ironic that we're arguing for less Big Tech regulation, while complaining that the streets are blocked up by people who were "radicalised online." Rory Hearne on joining the dots from the Fuel Protests to the Cost of Living Crisis:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155282335 New York journalist Timmy Facciola on Mamadani and Trump is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155024173 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors Note: Contains strong language from a part of the protest The fuel protests have caused havoc to people's travel plans and made many turn on the protests. But Dublin City Councillor, Conor Reddy went along twice and despite what you see in the video at the start, he was able to find common ground with many there and engage in civil debate and conversations even with those of whom he disagreed. We have many crises facing this country and if we don't show up to support and offer solutions, another side will and they'll be peddling division and misinformation. It is not Left vs Right; it's Have's vs Have Not's. I'm glad Conor and Paul showed up. New York journalist Timmy Facciola on Mamadani and Trump is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-155024173 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please visit AFSC.org "We cried with my mother every time. She cried from pain and agony, and we cried from our helplessness and inability to provide assistance, medication, or relieve her pain. My mother suffered all the time, and our hearts were crushed with pain. This is our mother whom we love dearly, whom we do not want to lose, and who loves life and wants to continue it with us in good health." My Mother Returned Home to Die: The Injustices against Elderly Patients in the Gaza Strip is written by Ali Al Owisi and narrated by Irish Parliamentarian and lifelong Palestinian Rights Activist, Richard Boyd Barrett. To purchase Displaced in Gaza click:https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2620-displaced-in-gaza All proceeds go to We Are Not Numbers in Gaza. Production by Tony Groves @ the tortoise shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Rejoining me on the shack to delve into Iran, the US, Big Tech, the interlinked global financial system and the economic troubles ahead is author of Tax Haven Ireland and editor of the Irish Marxist Review, Dr Brian O'Boyle. This is a deep dive into the economics of this idiotic war, shadow banking, tax avoidance and the long-term geopolitical game behind the game. Simon McGarr on Meta and Google's legal losses:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154840735 The ShedSit Pod with Sustainable Urbanism expert Phil Lawton:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154676562 The YouTube stuff:https://www.youtube.com/@tortoiseshack9314

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack CEO of Emergency Logistics Team, Will Holden has spent years in some of the most dangerous places in the world. From Yemen to Syria and the then ISIS run Iraq, he’s seen a lot. He joined me from Erbil, Kurdistan to talk about the current situation, the supply chain issues created by the war and why this situation has him more concerned than anything he’s encountered previously. Iran, Shadow Banking, Shadow Fleets and the two week war podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154596249 Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329 SpiceBag Hind Jajab Centre Jersey:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The Government has sought to limit Access to Justice via their public consultation on the regulation of costs payable in matters prescribed on foot of section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Scale of Fees). But it turns out that the public are overwhelmingly (98%) opposed. So what now for the planning eejitry? Solicitor Fred Logue joins me to talk about the report that has given the government the results it did not want and what the implications might and might not be for planning, climate action, bohs jerseys and access to justice. I made up the bohs jersey bit, but would support a bill to ban them. The Report is here:https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/c168d034/Report_Summary_-_Scale_of_Fees_Submissions.pdf Will Holden joins us from Ebril, Kurdistan, Iraq:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154305070 Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329 SpiceBag Hind Jajab Centre Jersey:https://spicebagmerch.com/

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode journalist with El Pais in Latin America, Nicholas Dale Leal talks Cuba and the impossible choice facing its citizens, the Trump regime’s mafia style bullying of its neighbours and the lack of support for Cuba from her traditional allies. We also discuss the US-Ecuador attacks on “narco-terrorists” that killed innocent dairy farmers and what is happening in the Colombian presidential election. Will Holden joins us from Ebril, Kurdistan, Iraq:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-154305070 Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Former US Green Beret and Gaza Humanitarian Foundation whistleblower and now US Senate candidate, Anthony Aguilar rejoined me to discuss the current situation in Cuba, Iran and the US. He outlines the military situation and, not to be all doomer, gives a stark assessment of where things are heading. A must listen/watch Vijay Prashad podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/jwe-iran-crisis-153857539 Lynn Boylan MEP Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153100794

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack This Reboot Republic again delves into Ireland's housing crisis, government policies, and the influence of international investment on the economy. Rory and Tony analyse the systemic issues, the role of private sector interests, the government fund festival vs the mass evictions that are occuring and the potential solutions for sustainable, green and public owned development. Cuba podcast with El Pais journalist in Latin America, Nicholas Leal here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153943715 Former US Green Beret, Anthony Aguilar podcast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153986148 Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Martin Leahy is a real one. The dedicated housing protester, activist and musician shares his journey from housing struggles to completing a one-man a 200-week housing crisis protest. We talk about the power of activism, protest songs, community building, and the ongoing fight to make housing a human right. Hope to see lots of you outside the Dáil on Thursday at 1pm!

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Prof of Economics, Constantin Gurdgiev, rejoins us from an unseasonably warm Colorado to talk US politics, global economics and polarising geopolitics. We delve deeper into the cracks in the social contract and ask what it means for a world that is more war focused than solution oriented. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The campaign to kick Israel out of football got A LOT spicier this week when FIFA President Gianni Infantino disagreed with international law over the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestinian lands. Re-joining me to talk about this, the awkward Slovenian dinner table discussions and what is going to happen next is cofounder of #GameOverIsrael Ashish Prashar. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Emma Ward is a disability rights activist, a freelance journalist, an Irish Traveller and a person with a disability. She is also unapologetically outspoken, mischievous, ambitious and just great to talk to. She speaks about her struggles honestly and her passion to leave the world a better place than she found it. Her love of family, friends and community is obvious. As is her ability to get things done. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Author of Tax Haven Ireland, editor of the Irish Marxist Review and listener favourite, Dr Brian O'Boyle has written an excellent piece of analysis on the US-Israel war on Iran. He joins us to talk through the many narratives, underlying motivations and the overarching hegemonic battle central to these awful events. MEP Lynn Boylan on Gaza, Iran and the EU: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153100794 Read the piece here:https://rebelnews.ie/2026/03/14/trumps-attack-on-iran-four-lessons-on-us-imperialism/ Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack We have one very big podcast about two very important stories both covered superbly by freelance journalist and soon-to-be author, Tommy Greene. Both are a testament to good old fashioned journalism. Tommy explains how it’s taken almost 8yrs to get some traction with the case of NHS Whistleblower, Dr Chris Day and then we get into the latest for-profit suggestions regarding Lough Neagh, Stormont's inaction and the PR interview given by the Lord of Shaftesbury. Note: C4 updated their piece to credit the work of Tommy NHS Story:https://www.livpost.co.uk/a-doctor-takes-on-the-nhs-and-its-liverpool-law-firm/ Lough Neagh latest: https://thedetail.tv/articles/lough-neagh-future-plans-wind-farms-carbon-credits The Immigration Reality Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152732273 Latest PalCast with Heba Zeineddin in Gaza is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-152695708 Donate to the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/152402329

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Davy Adams has lived many lives, from becoming a loyalist paramilitary, to go on to contribute to the initial ceasefire agreement and subsequent Good Friday Agreement and then to carry out another lifetime of humanitarian work in places like Syria, Sudan and Sierra Leone. He joined me to talk about his bottom-up view on conflict, his take on the US-Israel war on Iran and why despite all the horrors he's seen, he remains hopeful. An unremarkable looking remarkable man is Wee Davy. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack It’s all a bit mad at the moment, so it was a salve for the soul to sit down and chat with Palestinian photo-journalist from Gaza, Eman Mohamed. She describes growing up in a matriarchal household, going to a convent school and falling in love with photography. We discuss her life outside of Gaza, in the US and now in Ireland. I loved this conversation and I hope you will too. See emanmohammed.com for more The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

For more please visit AFSC.org Ahmed Alnaouq grew up in Gaza and is the cofounder of We Are Not Numbers. 21 members of his family were killed in one Israeli airstrike during the ongoing genocide. 'During the ethnic cleansing of the Nakba 76 years ago, Palestinians took it upon themselves to immortalize their stories, documenting these massacres in writing. But, the old did not die, and the young did not forget, as Zionist leaders wrongly assumed they would. Palestinians, within the confines of their prison in Gaza, are once again writing their stories and recording history.' To purchase Displaced in Gaza click:https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2620-displaced-in-gaza All proceeds got to We Are Not Numbers in Gaza. Production by Tony Groves @ the tortoise shack

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Editors Note: This podcast was recorded shortly before the Green Party won the UK by-election Prof Richard Murphy is one of the best commentators and analysts of the UK’s politics, economy and societal challenges. His own blog and output reaches millions of people every month. Which makes the fact that he is a tortoise shack regular all the more remarkable. We love having him and this is him at his frank speaking (Starmer, Polanski, SNP etc) best. Note: Richard also discusses his diagnosis with Autism as an older person and how that affects (even more) his views on the UK government’s “changes” on special needs education. Palestinian phot journalist, Eman Mohammed joined us on the latest podcast out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151378526 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Tucker Carlson’s interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made headlines across the world for many reasons. Not least of which was the Ambassador’s personal attack on Gaza Humanitarian Foundation whistleblower, US veteran and former Green Beret, Anthony Aguilar. Anthony joined me to talk about his experiences in Gaza, what it is like to be in the centre of a propaganda war, his own political ambitions and how ICE have rapidly become the Trump Regimes own personal army. Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Of the 4,521 new homes built in Dublin in 2025 only 208 went For Sale in an estate agents window. Something is deeply broken and given Ireland's retirement system is based on a homeownership model, it'll only get worse if action isn't taken soon. Joining me to discuss this and a whole lot more is Housing Expert and Lecturer at TUD, Lorcan Sirr. Enjoy. Or become worried. Or do both. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this podcast I'm rejoined on the tortoise shack for the first time in over a year by the best voice on the biggest (and arguably least reported) public inquiry in UK history, Mr Tom Fowler. We talk how the decades long political policing of the left has contributed to the rise of the far right, how failing Prime Minister Keir Starmer keeps showing up in the SpyCops story and how an undercover British policeman led a sabotage mission on Irish farmland. Sounds mad? That's the mild stuff. The Epstein Class podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-151070182 The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Depending on the reporting Cuba has 2-4 weeks of oil left and despite Trump saying that he's not involved, my guest journalist with el Pais, Nicholas Dale Leal, thinks the US has its knee on the throat of the small nation. We get into Cuba, the US, Mexico and Venezulea post Maduro. The ICE and Forever War podcast with Greg Stoker is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150904626 Support the Ionad Hind Rajab here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ionad-hind-rajab-150782129

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Last November, Ireland joined with other countries by publicly calling on UEFA to suspend Israel from international football. So inevitably Ireland has been drawn against Israel in the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Sadly the FAI and Taoiseach Micheal Martin have already said that the games will take place. Joining me to discuss this is one of the founders (alongside Richard Falk and Craig Mokhiber) of Game Over. Israel, Ashish Prashar, and he has a lot to say. Time to stand up to the bullies! For more visit gameoverisrael.com The Cuba Podcast with el Pais Latin American journalist Nicholas Dale Leal is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150664699

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory chats to producer Tony about the biggest changes to Ireland’s rental market in a generation, the Government’s response (or lack of) to the recent floods and the need for the opposition to make the public believe that it doesn’t have to be this way when it comes to the current politics of mediocrity. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Poet Paula Meehan pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150317193 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack A lot of people are drawing comparisons between events in Minneapolis and the worst days of the Troubles. So I asked Shrapnel cohost and a loyalist voice of great sense, Sam Mcilwaine to come on and have a chat about how sometimes history doesn't rhyme, but it might echo. Editors Note: This was released for members on Jan 29th and we're lifting the paywall as supporters asked us to. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Poet Paula Meehan pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150317193 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Associate Professor and contributing member of the Neutrality Roadshow, Patrick Bresnihan rejoins us on the Shack to talk about the impending erasure of the Triple Lock, the ongoing erasure of our neutrality, the fallacies at the heart of the militarisation agenda and why there is so much hope in Irish peoples pride in our peacekeeping neutrality. The Epstein Files and the dearth of good reporting:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-150004285 Shrapnel's Sam Mcilwaine on deepening political polarisation:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149409039 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack Podcast, Tony is rejoined by Mr irishelectionprojections.com Harry McEvansoneya, to discuss the latest opinion polls, the Soc Dem rise, the upcoming by-elections and why we have a government who will do absolutely anything to avoid having to do something. The Triple Lock Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149848572 The Rental Reforms Podcast with Rory Hearne is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149857391

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory talks with activist, campaigner and commentator Jenny Maguire about her recent column that laid out the need for the broad left to focus on building a coalition that is based on a more hopeful vision and less prone to infighting around identity politics. This is a great conversation with a great voice and The Flash even makes a guest appearance. The Irish Spy Deel (sic) podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149241136?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Bernard Mulvany is a Disability Rights Activist, founder of Access for All Ireland and a carer to his daughter, Sophia. He rejoins me just a few minutes after his latest meeting with the Government representatives where he outlined (again) the stark reality facing both Carers and People with Disabilities. So we got him at a good time. We are (on paper) a rich country. This doesn't need to be happening! Access for All https://www.instagram.com/access_for_all_ireland/?hl=en Ireland dropping the Triple Lock reaction podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149334686 A Palestinian refugee in Trump's America podcast:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149237003

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Theses first few weeks of 2026 have been a hell of a decade. But we did not have technocrat Mark Carney joining the revolution on our bingo cards. To discuss this, the inequality at the heart of the polarisation, wealth taxes on the 1%, Ireland's role in Global Tax Abuse and more is economist with NERI, Ciarán Nugent. The wealth inequality report is here:https://www.oxfamireland.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/wealth-inequality-report-final-version.pdf The Irish Spy Deel (sic) podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-149241136?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, Tony is joined by independent journalist and author of the brilliant book Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley. Via the prism of the latest Trump madness, they dig deep into the themes of the book including class, oligarchy, the politics of tech, political corruption, illicit finance, the nihilism of forever wars and the depredations of an all too often clueless media and weak political opposition. Buy the Book:https://bookstation.ie/products/gilded-rage-elon-musk-and-the-radicalization-of-silicon-valley?srsltid=AfmBOopVhT4bd54ygp_HyAZnaE5Od4lRmby1o3FVQ0YpNv6ViSg-wByI Comrade Mark Carney, Davos and Inequality podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148762978 Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, Tony sits down with immigration lawyer and (sadly) Corkman, Cathal Malone, to talk about Ireland's immigration system, the hardening political rhetoric, the lived reality and lots more. This is a must-listen for anyone who is concerned by statements from our elected officials and even more so for those who think our Government are just talking "common sense." Elon Musk podcast with author Jacob Silverman is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148385638 Support ‘Ocras’ here: https://chuffed.org/project/165535-ocras-hunger-striker-support-fund Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory is joined by producer Tony Groves to talk the reality of our homelessness crisis, the horror of AI/X Grok's CSAM, Simon Harris joining Jim O'Callaghan on the anti-immigrant bus, Climate Action getting binned by government and why the Left needs to focus on kitchen table issues in 2026. Editors Note: Rory subsequently abandoned his twitter/x account. Ireland’s GDP is a mirage podcast with Prof Aidan Regan is out now here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148284291 The Immigration "Debate" Podcast with Lawyer Cathal Malone is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148191117 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack special, lecturer at ATU Sligo, Editor of the Irish Marxist Review and author of Tax Haven Ireland, Dr Brian O'Boyle, breaks down the so-called Donroe Doctrine and how it differs from the old American imperial expansionist regime. He talks about Venezuela from the Chavez-Bolivarian Revolution to the Maduro Kleptocracy and he gives a great analogy about bullying that you don't want to miss. "You hit my brother!" The Doc mentioned is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH5nzZU0qCc Editors note: Tony got the Italy -Mercosur vote the wrong way around. But the implication made is still valid. Latest PalCast here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-148118568 Donate to Dignity for Palestine:Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack special, Manager of Environmental Law Ireland, and human dynamo, Attracta Ui Bhroin, joins me to discuss the proposed changes to access to justice that will tilt the scales of justice away from ordinary members of the public. Attracta breaks down what is at stake, the lack of accountability and oversight, how we got here and how you, YES YOU, can help us avoid this potential omnishambles. Call to Action It is essential to encourage submissions before the deadline this Thu 15th Jan at 5:30 to [email protected] on the "Consultation on the regulation of costs payable in matters prescribed on foot of section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Scale of Fees)" If there is only one line you have time can get in - it should be something to highlight any concerns you have on the chilling effect of these proposals, and the lack of clarity you have on their implications for cost exposure on your own costs in JR, if you have such concerns. If there is only time for a second line - it should be on your concerns about how poor the consultation has been, if you have such concerns. To get in touch with Attracta email:[email protected] The Donroe-Dumbroe Doctrine Podcast is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-147717138 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542