Things are getting real in the race for the Áras

The final line up in the presidential race is taking shape with Jim Gavin joining Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly. However, Sinn Féin's intentions remain unclear - while independent Maria Steen is half way to an Oireachtas nomination, and others continue to pursue council nominations. Political think-ins are also underway ahead of the Dáil's return next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Humphreys begins her campaign, the joust for the Fianna Fail nomination continues, Sinn Féin accused of dithering by Labour whose leader is standing by Catherine Connolly. All the while independents continue the hunt for a nominationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disparate political wings of Catherine Connolly's campaign, Sinn Féin's decision process, intrigue over a Fianna Fail candidate and Heather Humphreys closes on the FG ticketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last Leaders' Questions, the Opposition hammered the Govt as "feckless and reckless" for failing on cost-of-living supports. Sinn Féin suffered a supermarket malfunction in a noisy exchange. The Occupied Territories Bill faced intense scrutiny in heated committee hearings. And it's game on for Catherine Connolly in the race for the Áras.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some movement on the race to the Áras, with Catherine Connolly's candidacy anticipated, and a growing sense that Mary Lou McDonald might just join her. Mairead McGuinness is keen. Will Fianna Fáil sit it out yet again? Where's the obligatory celebrity candidate? Govt softens limits on apartment sizes, amid warnings it will backfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Lawless unleashed a furore with his miscalculated comments on fees. Might budgetary vagueness and "options" offer a way back? But just how serious is the Coalition friction? Trump's tariffs still stalk the economy, threatening State coffers. As this term limps to the finish line, the Govt remains mired in the housing quagmire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another downward revision on housing, looming concrete shortages and the impact of homelessness on children. Government initiatives are afoot, but progress in completions is slow. An end to the long Covid scheme for health workers, and a tactical wee? Sinn Féin spokesperson misses a Dáil vote for the call of nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of no committees, there were finally fireworks at Health with the scandal-mired CHI getting a grilling. Outraged TDs warn the agency has lost its way as its future is questioned. More bad news on housing with another forecast saying Govt targets for '25 are already a bust. But the Oppo fears apathy is taking the heat out of the crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We try to unpack the tortured calculus of the Government's rental plan. One thing's clear - if it delivers, it won't be anytime soon. And is there now a danger people could simply tune out, as with hospital trollies? The Opposition remains united on Israeli war bonds, again hammering the Coalition. Simon Harris pushes ahead with Triple Lock reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Higgins slams a "slander against Ireland" over its criticism of Israel. Simon Harris slams the Opposition over deploying "brickbats" and "moral superiority". The Coalition majority looks less robust as pro-Govt TDs support Sinn Féin. Housing delivery remains dire, and may worsen further. And the fox's fate hangs on a bill at second stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.