SubscribeInside Politics PodcastListen onApple(Opens in new window)Spotify(Opens in new window)Listen to our weekly digest of all things political Listen | 61:05Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference at Dublin Castle as Ireland takes up the presidency of the EU Council for six months. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire Fri Jul 03 2026 - 15:38Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union got off to a slightly awkward start at the opening ceremony at Dublin Castle on Wednesday when guest Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned against “material emanating from a plant in Ireland” being used in Russia’s war effort. The Ukrainian president didn’t name Aughinish Alumina, but his feelings were clear.Dozens of solicitors walked out of District Court rooms on Wednesday in protest against a new pay system for legal aid. This marked an escalation in tensions with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan who has pushed the reform through.The Government are not going to act on Oireachtas committee recommendations on the decriminalisation of the possession of drugs for personal use.And as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, how has the country lived up to the principals and aspirations of its founding fathers? Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:The dad fashion of Andy Burnham, France’s World Cup stars set to sweep aside all competition, and the inside story ofthe Riad Bouchaker trial.Aughinish AluminaMicheál MartinVolodymyr ZelenskiyUkraine crisisJim O'CallaghanDistrict CourtUnited StatesDonald TrumpAndy BurnhamWorld CupKylian MbappéLATEST STORIESIrish doctor who faked burglary faces possible sanction after fitness-to-practise findingAughinish Alumina is proving to be a real diplomatic headacheListen | 61:05Three men found not guilty of murder of Lyra McKee EU trade with US hits record high despite tariff tensions, study shows Post-Leaving Cert students in Albufeira: ‘It probably will be the last time we’re all together’Inside PoliticsOur politics team’s behind-the-scenes take on events of the dayOUR PODCASTSIn the News PodcastWhy our love of big cars is killing usListen | 24:29Inside Politics PodcastAughinish Alumina is proving to be a real diplomatic headacheListen | 61:05The Women's PodcastKatriona O’Sullivan: ‘Healing is not about being smaller, it’s not about Ozempic, it’s not about gastric sleeves’Listen | 73:32Inside Business PodcastThe 9% VAT rate has been welcomed by restaurants but does the hospitality sector actually need it?Listen | 39:12Ross O'Carroll-Kelly‘Wait a minute, are you telling me there’s a World Cup in soccer?’Listen | 05:40The Counter Ruck PodcastCan Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies upset Ireland?Listen | 24:19IN THIS SECTIONAughinish Alumina is proving to be a real diplomatic headacheListen | 61:05How the duplicitous double life of Jeffrey Donaldson threatens the future of unionism Listen | 38:39Pat Rabbitte: ‘you’re not going to get a broad left alliance’Listen | 05:37How triple lock reform became the latest bone of contention for Fianna Fáil’s awkward squadListen | 41:13Ireland gears up for EU presidency and Andy Burnham sweeps Makerfield byelectionListen | 46:21MOST READMichael O’Leary: ‘In 10 years’ time, Ryanair fares will be €45-€50 and I’ll be in a home for the bewildered’Ukraine refuses Irish offer of armoured combat vehiclesMountjoy Square rejuvenation plans collapse after Dublin City Council errorTop Government adviser calls for roll-back on ‘gold-plated’ environmental lawWicklow hotel cancels ‘secretive’ Peter Thiel group conferenceLATEST STORIESLate-night World Cup watching makes us both losers and winners. But mainly losersIrish doctor who faked burglary faces possible sanction after fitness-to-practise findingThree men found not guilty of murder of Lyra McKee EU trade with US hits record high despite tariff tensions, study shows Post-Leaving Cert students in Albufeira: ‘It probably will be the last time we’re all together’Minister pledges law change after review of nursing home regulationFrench look to Paul Seixas for thrills as Tadej Pogacar eyes fifth Tour de France triumph German police brace for unrest as far-right AfD edges closer to power