Why 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in Irish politics

Looking back on the biggest political stories of 2025

Listen | 33:43
Michael Lowry gestures in the Dail amid chaotic scenes during a vote on speaking rights. Still taken from a video uploaded to social media by Paul Murphy TD
Michael Lowry gestures in the Dail amid chaotic scenes during a vote on speaking rights. Still taken from a video uploaded to social media by Paul Murphy TD

What were the most consequential political stories of 2025? Were there issues we were obsessed with at the time and now can’t quite remember why? And were there any laughs to be had around Leinster House?

For a look back on the year in Irish politics, Irish Times political correspondents Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones came into the studio with their standout stories – from the fretting about the threat of US tariffs to the highs and lows of the presidential election; and from Paschal Donohoe’s exit for a more glamorous job to the Government’s new housing manifesto.

Then there was Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry’s unparliamentary sign language.

And what exactly are “rural pursuits” and why did they emerge as a talking point during the presidential election.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan with Andrew McNair on sound.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast

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