Paschal Donohoe explains his departure and defends his record in his last political interview

The former Minister for Finance is taking up a job at the World Bank

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Former Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe speaking on the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd
Former Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe speaking on the Irish Times Inside Politics podcast. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd

In his final interview as an Irish politician before leaving for a new role at the World Bank, Paschal Donohoe talks to Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy about his decision to leave politics and his record as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure, both roles he has held since 2016.

The wide-ranging discussion looks at:

  • The circumstances that have led to Donohoe’s departure, including his decision to run again in the 2025 election.
  • The area “we have really not done well enough” in during his tenure.
  • The pressure Donohoe faced from other ministers to increase spending.
  • Fine Gael’s shrinking number of Dáil seats and the future of the party.
  • Why he never wanted to become taoiseach.

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