Inside Politics / Inside Story

Enda Kenny has rediscovered his Mojo, and along with it his desire to stay on as Taoiseach for the foreseeable future. But not everyone in Fine Gael is happy about that, including TD for Carlow-Kilkenny John Paul Phelan, who joins Fiach Kelly, Sarah Bardon and Hugh Linehan to discuss Fine Gael's leadership on today's Inside Politics Podcast. The panel also discuss the NAMA controversy, rebel Minister of State John Halligan's future in Government and the prospect of a boring Budget. The Inside Politics podcast is published every Wednesday on irishtimes.com. To subscribe on iTunes click here. To subscribe on Stitcher (for Android) click here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inside Politics takes a welcome break from discussing the goings-on inside Leinster House and instead takes a peek inside The Four Courts, courtesy of Ruadhan Mac Cormaic, whose new book "The Supreme Court" is out now. Pat Leahy and barrister Tony McGillycuddy are also in studio to talk about the fascinating history of our highest court. But first Pat gives us an update on the latest political news: Junior Minister John Halligan's apparent threat to resign from Government over services in Waterford Hospital. Whether Halligan leaves or is placated and stays, the consequences for Government may be grave. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the dust settles on the EU's historic tax decision, it's becoming clear that the move threatens our economic model, our international reputation and the stability of our current Government. It's not just a thorny technical and political issue to be thrashed out, says Fintan O'Toole - it's an important moment in modern Irish history.Political Correspondent Harry McGee says the Dáil should be recalled to debate the issue before Cabinet makes a decision on whether to appeal - but doesn't think it likely. Defending any decision to appeal, Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless calls the ruling an "EU power grab" that must be resisted, especially now that the U.K., traditionally our friend in such matters, has left the building. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we broaden our podcast's horizons with a discussion of the challenges facing traditional 'conservative' politics around the world. Jay Cost, a Washington-based pundit with Republican-leaning (but Trump-fearing)magazine The Weekly Standard, explains the fissures within the party that have allowed Trump's rise. We also have Dr Jane Suiter of DCU's school of politics and Eamon Delaney of The Hibernia Forum in studio to talk about the ebbs and flows of conservative thought and practice in Ireland and Europe and whether the centre can hold for the right as high levels of immigration and widespread economic stagnation persist. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.