

Next Round
55 posts

@nextround_pod
Next Round Podcast with @dalemcdermott and @higginsdavidw covers current issues in the economy, politics and society.



The United States under Donald Trump is committed to a sovereign Ukraine. That is what Pete Hegseth has explicitly confirmed at NATO in the last few days. A sovereign country cannot be constrained in choosing which organisations it wishes to join. Ukraine is entirely sensible in wanting to join NATO. That process is a matter for Ukraine and NATO. It is absolutely nothing to do with Putin or Russia. I am afraid that attempts to negotiate on this point with Vladimir Putin are completely wrong in principle. They are also doomed. Putin’s demands will prove impossible to satisfy. Washington wants a sovereign Ukraine. Putin wants a vassal state. This is binary. It is time for the world to recognise the reality - that Ukraine has chosen to be a free country independent of Moscow. It is time for the Europeans - with Britain in the lead - to get serious, listen to what Trump is saying, and step up our military support for Ukraine.











Episode 35 of @nextround_pod | New Year, Same Bubble, The Rise of Zero-Alcohol and an Unclear Opposition As we kick off the new year, we dive into the Australian property market, exploring the potential for a bubble as prices slow after years of growth. With many young Irish choosing to move Down Under for a better life, we discuss @higginsdavidw's recent article in @IrishTimes, which warns that Australia’s economic prosperity, largely driven by mining, may be unsustainable due to falling commodity prices and China's shifting economic model. With Dry January upon us, new research from Heineken and the University of Oxford reveals that while most consumers find it acceptable to choose no- or low-alcohol drinks when out, social pressure still leads many to opt for alcohol. We explore the rise of the zero-alcohol sector—could Gen Z be driving this trend with the help of "splitting the G"? Finally, we focus on the start of a new parliamentary term in Ireland, where the opposition’s priorities, particularly around housing and social issues, are becoming clearer on the left wing. At the same time, the right wing’s stance remains less defined amid ongoing coalition negotiations. Links to watch & listen are below👇🏻
























Episode 31 of @nextround_pod | The Real Murph @MurphyEoghan was Ireland’s housing minister between 2017 and 2020. He faced the most difficult challenge in government at the time, the challenge of rapidly growing homeless numbers, a dormant construction industry, and rising rents. His departure from cabinet was soon followed by his full exit from politics in 2021. He has spent the time since writing his memoirs. Running From Office: Confessions of Ambition and Failure in Politics is his account of that time, and the period after his entry to politics at the 2009 local elections. In this episode, @higginsdavidw and I get to know the real “Murph” (the nickname bestowed on him on Callan's Kicks, the RTÉ satirical radio show). His time in politics was woven among many personal challenges, including his relationships with others and his mental health. Links to watch and listen are below 👇🏻