The numbers game: ministers, junior ministers and technical groups as the next government beds in

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s Inside Politics podcast to discuss the week in politics:

· As the process of ratifying the Programme for Government continues, will the wheels of power slow down or will much-needed infrastructure projects get going while climate targets remain a priority?

· With Fianna Fáil set to have 8 Cabinet seats and 7 going to Fine Gael with Micheal Martin becoming next Taoiseach, which TDs are being tipped as the most likely for promotion and will outgoing senior ministers stay in Cabinet?

· Cormac breaks down some minor controversy around the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann, involving Independent TD Michael Lowry and new Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life review: Sparky dialogue and hearty comedy carry this lovely, mischievous film

How to stage an Irish music festival: From All Together Now to Beyond the Pale

Annie McCarrick: False leads and setbacks over three decades in search for American woman

· And journalist Ken Foxe’s Freedom of Information request shows an email containing questions in advance of Taoiseach Simon Harris’s appearance on the 2 Johnnies podcast ahead of the November general election.

Plus, the panel pick their favourite Irish Times articles of the week, including the passing of lauded film-maker David Lynch, Joe Biden’s tarnished presidential legacy, and DEI programmes in universities.

Sign up for Politics push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
Sign up for our Inside Politics newsletter to get the behind-the-scenes take direct to your inbox