*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

SNNAirport_Airfield_2025(1)
Major aircraft maintenance facility proposed for Shannon Airport
Ariel Kilrush town || Inset: Cllr Dinny Gould (IND)
'The speed of cars is frightful' – Footpath campaign faces major obstacles in West Clare
PHOTO-2026-08-11-11-10-56
Community support helps Hazel turn salon dream into reality
kilkee public toilet 1
Ennistymon public toilets could reopen after vandalism forced closure
Latest News
st josephs miltown vs cratloe 15-08-26 coilin hayes 1
Cratloe left in a Hayes after goalkeeper inspires Miltown
st josephs doora:barefield vs kildysart 15-08-26 conor cusack cillian kelly darragh murtagh 1
Doora/Barefield & Kildysart ends in a draw for second year in a row
Ariel Kilrush town || Inset: Cllr Dinny Gould (IND)
'The speed of cars is frightful' – Footpath campaign faces major obstacles in West Clare
PHOTO-2026-08-11-11-10-56
Community support helps Hazel turn salon dream into reality
kilkee public toilet 1
Ennistymon public toilets could reopen after vandalism forced closure
Premium
LADIES FOOTBALL: Favourites Kilmihil, Kilmurry Ibrickane & Banner begin with wins & Liscannor shock Burren Gaels
Knockout stages await Kilmurry Ibrickane after breezing past Lissycasey
Miltown look to continue moving in right direction & towards knockout stages
Cratloe in must-win territory but McInerney return not expected until 'latter stages'
Doonbeg to tighten up on concession of 'detrimental' two-pointers

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.