*Paul Bugler, Tony Killeen, Darragh McAllister and Páraic McMahon. 

WHAT a week to start a political podcast!

The Electoral Chair is the new weekly podcast exclusive for subscribers of The Clare Echo in advance of the local and European elections which are scheduled to take place on June 7th.

Leo Varadkar’s (FG) resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael has been described as a “political earthquake” and with the steady ground of The Temple Gate Hotel we begin to analyse what impact this will have in Clare.

Joining Páraic McMahon on the first episode of The Electoral Chair are former Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen (FF) who served as a Clare TD from 1992 to 2011, Paul Bugler (FG) a county councillor in Clare from 1997 to 2004 and the host of Scariff Bay’s El Politico podcast and ex President of Ennis Chamber, Darragh McAllister (IND) who contested the Ennis Town Council election in 2004.

On this week’s political agenda:

  • Will Simon Harris get the backing of the Dáil to become the next Taoiseach.
  • Should Clare candidates be thankful or annoyed with Leo Varadkar for stepping down.
  • Who has set the way as the most impressive councillors in Clare since 2019.
  • Praise for persons stepping above the political parapet.
  • Mark Nestor’s loss to politics.
  • Bounce for a first-time candidate.
  • Are co-opted councillors making up the lost ground.
  • Departing councillors in Clare and their loss.

Related News

michael lorigan 1
Michael Lorigan 'endured an undeserved, senseless and tragic death' as widow recalls how couple's 39th wedding anniversary day turned to tragedy
saoirse lillis mcmahon 2
Drunk mother had two young children in car and open bottle of wine on passenger seat when striking and killing 'gifted' teacher and cyclist, Michael Lorigan
clarecastle post office
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
Photograph by Eamon Ward
New Fossil Sharks Discovered in the Burren
Latest News
clare gaa masters 1
Clare Masters begin new campaign
clare vs waterford u20 25-03-26 joe casey 1
Casey & Moylan chief injury concerns for Clare U20s ahead of Munster final
clare vs cork u20 06-05-26 robert loftus 1
'We've shown character now we want silverware' - Clare U20s out for glory
saoirse lillis mcmahon 2
Drunk mother had two young children in car and open bottle of wine on passenger seat when striking and killing 'gifted' teacher and cyclist, Michael Lorigan
clarecastle post office
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
Premium
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
'It's knockout now' - Madden disappointed as Clare fall flat in Tailteann opener
Three-way tie at top of Cusack Cup amid big confusion over Kilmurry Ibrickane & Éire Óg result
Mills only unbeaten side in Clare Cup & Éire Óg pick up first win of 2026
Kerry knock out Clare of minor football championship

Annual Subscription!

The Clare Echo annual subscription for just €69.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.