Budget 2027 – Fix Housing, Fix Inequality

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this pre-budget tortoise shack episode, we explore Ireland's complex issues around poverty measurement, the links between the housing crisis and inequality, and all the budget goodies promised so far. We also ask why there's such reluctance to implement a living wage in the country with the worst market income inequality in the EU. Economist at NERI, Ciarán Nugent and Tony discuss the flaws in current metrics, the impact of housing costs, and potential policy solutions to foster a more equitable society. Stop The Rent Hikes with Cllr Jess Spear:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171197381 Rosa Luxemburg vs Hayek's Bastards with Prof Constantin Gurdgiev:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Listeners will be aware of the story of the late Harvey Sherratt, who passed away at only nine and a half years old. Many of you would also know of the dedicated activism and campaigning done by his parents, Gillian and Stephen; two remarkable people, doing incredible advocacy under the most heart-breaking of circumstances. They both joined me in the Tortoise Shack for an evening where we discussed activism, their campaign, State failures, Simon Harris's broken promise, the importance of great neighbours, their personal grief journeys, and how their determination to let the world know that Harvey mattered keeps them going. Please listen. Rosa Luxemburg vs Hayek's Bastards podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508 Two Doctors in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170897014

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "You spent the last four years telling these people you don’t want them. And then you wonder why they don’t vote for you." — Philip O'Connor Lock-in, this is a long one. The recent Swedish elections have left many asking who won? Philip O'Connor returns to the Echo Chamber Podcast to discuss the results and the implications of a government that appears to be neither here. Turns out you can be just a little too racist. Then we dive into the Trump nonsense, the antisemitism in public issue, A.I. seeking regulation-ish, what the NAZA documentary says about western media, and more Philip's piece:https://philipoconnor.com/welcome-to-sweden-and-the-election-nobody-won/ The Justice For Harvey podcast with his parents, Gillian and Stephen:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171094500 Why The The AI Boom is starting to look a lot like the Dot Com Bubble with Constantin Gurdgiev:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-171014508

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hala Hanina is an academic, a writer, a student of colonialism and host of the podcast, Falasteeniya. She left Gaza to complete her PhD a few days before October 7th. Now in London, she lives a life in many realms, pursuing academia, constantly checking in on her family in Gaza, and helping to platform the voices that might otherwise go unheard. She shares the story of her own wedding day and talks about how the Gaza of then, and many of the people who attended, no longer exist. We also share our mutual experiences of using our platforms to raise voices and capture stories. More:https://www.youtube.com/c/PalestineDeepDive Latest from Gaza with two Doctors in Nasser Hospital:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170897014 The AI and Democracy for Sale Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170798413

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack "Society saw this coming a long way, and we let them walk right into that crack." In this episode, listener favourite, writer, community activist, and commentator, Elaine Crory rejoins (the James Corden of podcasting) Tony to discuss pressing social issues in Northern Ireland, including youth services, inequality, political tensions, and the ongoing impact of Brexit. They explore how resource allocation, austerity, underfunding, Punch and Judy nonsense, and political decisions shape the North’s future. They also discuss https://securebritishfuture.com/ This is not as bleak as it sounds. Honestly! Budget 2027 Preview Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170546260

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Hassan Herzallah is an English Literature Graduate, a writer and translator from Rafah, Gaza, Palestine. He joins us to talk about his experiences of the ongoing genocide, the near-fatal trips to get aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) death-traps, losing his home and sense of self, and why he committed himself to speaking up, writing the reality on the ground and completing his university degree. Elaine Crory on Stormont Pay Rise vs Public Cuts:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170375043 The Saudi influence at the IPCC Investigation:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170256675

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic episode, Rory and Tony are rejoined by Senior Lecturer of Applied Psychology at University College Cork and President-elect of the Psychology Society of Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert, who explores and outlines the stark realities of child poverty, social inequality, and policy choices in Ireland. They discuss how societal and political decisions impact mental health, social cohesion, class solidarity and long-term well-being, emphasizing the importance of empathy and equitable participation. They also get into the new health referral system around drugs and Sharon explains how it may and may not work. Political Violence vs Systemic Violence podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170055503 Climate Action and the Saudi influence at the IPCC:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170256675

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack episode, Philip O'Connor talks about the tragic school attack in Fagersta, Sweden, a place close to him and his family. He explains the influence of social media and online "true crime" communities on violence, and the urgent need for regulation and action to protect young people. We also discuss the role played by the companies based in Dublin, who have less than zero interest in tackling the toxic content spread on their networks. Philip's piece:https://philipoconnor.com/irelands-failure-to-regulate-social-media-is-killing-our-children/ Political Violence vs Systemic Violence podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170055503 Saudi influence at the IPCC podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-170256675

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this tortoise shack episode, writer, political commentator and campaigner, Emma DeSouza and Tony explore (post-Trump-Burnham statements) the evolving landscape of Irish unification, the current political dynamics, and the varying community and media engagement across the island of Ireland, and in the UK. They discuss the recent political statements from all sides, delve into the importance of inclusive dialogue, and why there should be a focus on the opportunities for shaping a new Ireland. Ed Sheeran, Macklemore vs the news that matters in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169808205 The Govt-Media Roundabout of Shite:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 Hassan Herzallah in Gaza:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169604628

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Nour Alali is a trainee lawyer who has graduated with her law degree, but has been unable to start her career because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She joins us from her home, which she has returned to after being displaced for over two years. She shares her story of living through bombardments, attacks, hunger and cruel weather. She also shares her belief that justice and law can be upheld if people find the courage to fight for it. Latest from Gaza with Hassan Herzallah:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169604628 The Govt-Media Roundabout of Shite:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169410750 Trump, Burnham and the United Ireland Movement:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-169515803