Brexit Republic

Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin is joined by London Correspondent Sean Whelan on the Brexit vibes in elections in Scotland and England and by Europe Editor Tony Connelly on the latest round of naval gazing off the Jersey coast and his first impressions of Michel Barnier's impressions of the DUP as revealed in his new book.

Host: Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin Northern Editor Vincent Kearney Brexit's role in DUP leader Arlene Foster's political demise, Europe Editor Tony Connelly on her role in Theresa May's demise and London Correspondent Sean Whelan on the road in Wales and Scotland looking at the Brexit impact on regional elections.

Former senior Irish diplomat Rory Montgomery goes in-depth with Europe Editor Tony Connelly on the awkward lunches, difficult backstops, problematic protocols and how some of the difficulties could have been avoided. Also the European Movement's Noelle O'Connell looks at the findings of the EM's latest Red C poll.

Could meetings this week in London & Brussels help calm the tensions in Belfast or is that too much to expect? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Sean Whelan & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin discuss the detail. Guest Interviews: Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic

On top of Brexit, EU-UK relations are still beset by the Oxford/AstraZeneca debacle, but is there hope that a reset could result from talks to end the current row? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan look at this vial spat and catch up on other Brexit news.

Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan  and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the continuing Brexit fallout in tensions over vaccines, legal proceedings, protocol protestations and trading troughs. Guest: Marina Donohoe, Enterprise Ireland

In the mix this week for Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin: Ongoing protocol tensions trigger legal action, the pint that might have changed Brexit, the wearing of the green in the US, vaccines and student exchanges.

What triggered the UK's unilateral move to extend grace periods - was it concern for the Union, post-Brexit hardball or both? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the slump in EU-UK relations. Also: Carol Lynch, BDO Customs and Trade Expert on upcoming import-export friction.

Will Brexit ever be a done deal or are the EU and UK destined to be locked into years of detailed wrangling over the terms of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement? Join Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin for what prove to be a perpetual podcast.

David Frost takes the lead for the UK in its relations with the EU. Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin and London Correspondent Seán Whelan look at what this might mean for future talks, based on his record to date.  Also: Alan Powell of the British Distillers Alliance on how Brexit has affected export red tape.

The Northern Ireland Protocol, financial services, freight & EU-UK diplomatic relations are all under the scope this week as Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the the tangible effects of Brexit. Also: Die Welt's Stefanie Bolzen on her trip this week to Northern Ireland.

This week - like the European vaccine rollout - we play catch-up. Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look back at a hectic two weeks of blunders, blindsides and border bitterness. Also: Queen's University Belfast Professor Katy Hayward gives her view on the debacle.

Brexit Republic is taking a week off this week. Here's a sample of RTÉ News podcast 'Pandemic': Israel is rolling out vaccinations apace. Haaretz journalist Amos Harel discusses the politics, pressures and successes of the programme with RTÉ Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin.

Guest: Former EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly talks to former EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier and discusses diplomatic spats and The Who with Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin.

As Brexit's effects continue to surface, Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin talk fish, freight, steel, groupage and the Apocalypse.

In the first episode of 2021, Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at how the deal was done, some of its hidden surprises and why Percy Pig, Irish fishermen and Ian Paisely Jr might all be unhappy with it.

Anglo-Irish complexities affect Ireland's relations with Europe, it's a busy year at the UN, there are racial tensions in the US & cross border trade is foremost in Irish minds. It's all very 2020, but the period is 1962-65. Dr Michael Kennedy & Dr John Gibney from the RIA's Documents On Irish Foreign Policy look at the themes that keep on giving.

Anglo-Irish complexities affect Ireland's relations with Europe, it's a busy year at the UN, there are racial tensions in the US & cross border trade is foremost in Irish minds. It's all very 2020, but the period is 1962-65. Dr Michael Kennedy & Dr John Gibney from the RIA's Documents On Irish Foreign Policy look at the themes that keep on giving.

The EU's Michel Barnier says there are "hours" left to achieve a deal, UK PM Boris Johnson says the talks are "difficult" - another weekend, more talks, but will there finally be a trade agreement? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin rev up for another weekend on the brink.

Are four years going to end in tears for all sides as the prospect of a no deal looms? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin have a lively, frank discussion and hope you come away with a clear understanding of the issues.

UK & EU negotiators agree. Not on a final deal, but that divergence in 3 areas still remain: fish, fairness & fight resolution. Will a call between UK PM Boris Johnson and EC President Ursula von der Leyen clinch a deal? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Sean Whelan & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the state of play.

This week Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the fight over fish, spats over sausages, traffic jams and more. Guests: Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue & Maree Gallagher, EU Lawyer with Covington & Burling.

95% agreement but the remaining 5% is what has been causing all the problems: Level Playing Field, fisheries & governance. With days left to get agreement is another, provisional solution on the cards? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London

95% agreement but the remaining 5% is what has been causing all the problems: Level Playing Field, fisheries & governance. With days left to get agreement is another, provisional solution on the cards? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London

What will the arrival of Joe Biden as US President-elect and the departure of the Vote Leave veterans in Downing Street do for the Brexit Dynamics? Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at this week's comings and goings.

Progress is still stuck on the main issues - level playing field, fisheries and governance. Will a weekend phone call from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson give the stalled process a much-needed push? Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the state of play.

A sting in the tail of the Northern Irish protocol: What happens on January 1 2021 when Northern Ireland falls out of some 60 EU free trade agreements? Whither whiskey? Danger for dairy? Europe Editor Tony Connelly explains all to Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin.

After an abrupt (sort of) end to talks last week, speeches, statements and phone calls followed and it's all back on again. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at what was said, how it was said and what's left to talk about.

An EU summit that looked for more compromise from the UK. Then the UK's chief negotiator David Frost metaphorically told his EU counterpart to pack his bags, by literally telling him not to pack his bags. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin trawl through the dark depths of the week.

After a week of high level contacts between senior EU leaders and the UK Prime Minister, is a deal any closer? Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin set the scene a week out from the key October summit, from whispers of state aid progress to the fate of fat mackerel.

The EU initiates legal proceedings against the UK over its international law-breaking Internal Markets Bill, the Taoiseach takes the floor and EC President Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson hit the phones. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin summit up for another episode

Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the signs for optimism, Kent's splendid isolation and a sticky few weeks ahead at the negotiating table.

Mr Raab goes to Washington and Mr Miliband goes to town on Mr Johnson in another busy, busy Brexit week. Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the continuing external waves being made by the Internal Market Bill and go-slow negotiations.

RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin analyse the week in which the UK unveiled a law to break international law and the ructions that ensued.

RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin reconvene to examine the Brexit deadlock as the clock runs down and look at the impact of Phil Hogan's resignation as EU Trade Commissioner.

Brexit Republic is back soon. RTÉ News US Election podcast States Of Mind heads to Delaware. Howard Dean, ex Chair of the Democratic National Committee, on healthy infighting and the party's virtual convention. Former Washington Correspondent, Robert Shortt also lays bare what conventions are really all about

Brexit Republic with Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin & Europe Editor Tony Connelly The minds of EU leaders are on big money matters at the first face-to-face summit since February, so can the bones of an EU-UK Trade deal be agreed before the end of the month?

Hosts: Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin & Europe Editor Tony Connelly.  Despite downbeat warnings of divergent positions, the EU and UK will intensify efforts to make progress in talks in the week commencing July 20, 2020. Also, Paschal Donohoe takes the top Eurogroup job.

No progress in the first face-to-face EU-UK talks since the Covid crisis. Ireland is concerned about the landbridge for Irish freight through the UK. RTÉ Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and London Correspondent Seán Whelan take an in-depth look at the Brexit-related issues in Ireland, the EU and the UK

Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin try to cut through the noise on the Brexit talks stand-off (but some 'working from home ambience' makes itself felt). The team looks ahead to what's on the table for face-to-face EU-UK talks next week.

A metaphor a minute on the latest episode: Tigers in tanks, corners on cliff edges and more. London Correspondent Seán Whelan, Europe Editor Tony Connelly & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin round up the week that began with Boris Johnson meeting the heads of the EU institutions.

Hosts: Europe Editor Tony Connelly & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin Back after a three-month hiatus, Brexit Republic looks at where things have moved since March (spoiler alert - not far) and what the main points of clash are as the EU and UK try to reach agreement on their future relations.

Colm Ó Mongáin talks North-South approachers to the virus in Ireland with RTÉ Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers, and North-South tensions in the Eurozone with Editor Tony Connelly. Also - we hear from EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson on migrant camps, corona bonds and cybercrime.

RTÉ's London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at two Brexit (relative) silver linings this week: Brexit contingency planning's usefulness for the COVID-19 pandemic. Also former European Commission Secretary General Catherine Day on the boost UK departure gives EU social policy.

EU-UK talks were preceded by tetchy exchanges and a 'patriotic breakfast'. So why did everything go so quiet? RTÉ's London Correspondent Seán Whelan relocated to Brussels and took the temperature, while Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin caught up with former EU Ambassador to the US David O'Sullivan for his thoughts on the talks.

How does the UK see its commitments to the Irish Protocol and the Political Declaration and what impact will deviation have on its credibility in other trade talks? RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Wheland and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin on the pre-negotiation noises.

UK Brexit negotiator talks Edmund Burke in Brussels, the European heads of government talk turkey on the multiannual budget, but is Greece really talking about losing its marbles? RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Wheland and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin.

RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin on a week when Ireland reshuffled its poltical landscape, the UK Prime Minister reshuffled his cabinet and RTÉ was dealt the details of a document on the Joint Committee.

RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at Seán's Brexit night encounter, Australia v Canada and the continuing Level Playing Field sparring.

On the day that the UK leaves the EU, RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the parting of the ways and the difficult road ahead. Also: Tony talks to Lib Dem MEP Anthony Hook.

In the last week of the withdrawal process, RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at UK-US tensions, the upcoming trade talks and just what is EU++?

Junior B football, the Level Playing field, Charles II pledge to the Flemish fishermen and the Big Ben Brexit bong gone wrong. RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin talk Brexit in another eclectic episode.

Last week Claire Fox – MEP for North West England with the Brexit Party delivered an address at the Institute for IIEA in Dublin. RTÉ Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin sat down with her & got her views on what motivated leave vote, amongst other things. Have a listen.

"Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)?" In the first podcast of the year RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the week where European Commission President (and Buzzcock's fan) Ursula von der Leyen went to London.

In our final episode of 2019, Brexit Republic is podcasting a lecture by former UK Ambassador to the EU (2013-17) Ivan Rogers at Policy Scotland, Glasgow University. The original lecture video, which looks ahead to a difficult year of EU-UK trade talks is at https://policyscotland.gla.ac.uk/ghost-of-christmas-yet-to-come-brexit-lecture-full-text/

It's all over. Brexit proved decisive in what became a personality contest-type election. RTÉ's London Correspondent Seán Whelan, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at what happens next in the UK, Ireland and Brussels.

What does a new HM Treasury document marked 'Sensitive' say about the impact of the Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland? Why is Boris Johnson avoiding Andrew Neil? And what's that new tune? Count Binface hits the synth. RTÉ London Correspondent and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin on backing vocals.

UK parties launch their manifestos - but how do they fare under scrutiny? Incoming EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shares her views of "tough, but fair" Phil Hogan’s new role.

RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly gets reaction at the European People's Party Congress in Zagreb to the ongoing UK General Election and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin takes an in-depth look at the election in Northern Ireland with polling expert Bill White of LucidTalk (c.32:00)

RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the week when Boris Johnson's 2020 trade deal deadline got an unexpected boost & Stephen Barclay got a kicking over football. Interviewee: EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan

The election campaign begins with spending promises, drop outs, gaffes and controversy. RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin on week 1 proper of the UK election campaign and the preparations in Brussels for stage 2 of Brexit.

Another Brexit deadline passes, another Brexit election begins. Who is in for the trick and who is in for the treat as the UK's political parties go door to door. RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin see what's in the bag.

Will Boris Johnson's gamble to cut off the DUP prove to be the undoing of his promise to 'Get Brexit Done' by October 31st?  Also: more on what went on in Wirral. RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin take the Brexit pulse.

The backstop is dead, long live a new solution for the island of Ireland. Tony Connelly, Sean Whelan and Colm Ó Mongáin will bring you through how the deal was done, and depending on when you’re listening to this, what are the chances of, to quote Boris Johnson, Getting Brexit Done and getting it through the House of Commons.

Behind the closed doors in Liverpool the Taoiseach and the UK PM brought Brexit talks from 'Help!' to 'Imagine', with observers wondering who the Revolver is. Let RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor take you down, because they're going to...

UK PM Boris Johnson went to Manchester to address his party conference for the first time as leader proposing a new UK alternative to the backstop - the Northern Ireland/Ireland protocol. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Seán Whelan and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at the protocol's prognosis.

Boris Johnson's trip to the UN General Assembly is rudely interrupted by an historic Supreme Court ruling. But his blistering Commons' performance betrayed neither shame nor remorse. In the eye of the storm, and making sense of the upheaval, are RTÉ's Tony Connelly in Brussels, and Sean Whelan in Westminster.

RTÉ's Tony Connelly is in Strasbourg, Sean Whelan, RTE's London Correspondent in Westminster are joined by Sam McBride of the Belfast Newsletter on the DUP’s position and if they are prepared on the backstop

Another tumultuous week, which superlatives fail to adequately describe. Assessing all the latest Brexit developments, from Brussels, London and Belfast, are RTÉ's Tony Connelly and Sean Whelan, and David Phinnemore, Professor of European Politics at Queen's University Belfast.

Brexit Republic is back, to delve into the unprecedented convulsions wracking the British political system. In his first tangle with parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suffered a sequence of embarrassing defeats. Casting a cold eye over developments are RTÉ's Tony Connelly, Sean Whelan, and Micheál Lehane.

The Tory race for the top job rumbles on as Europe attempts to fill its own big positions and President Michael D Higgins hears strong words of support on Brexit in Germany. We also get a business view of the 'no deal' sentiment and get the reflections of a former European Parliament Brexit steering group member as she wraps up her term.

Red wine on the couch, Alternative Arrangements on the Border, Tory leadership hopefuls on the campaign trail and the EU on 'no deal' high alert. RTÉ's London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin put their glass to the wall of Brexit's front room.

As the Conservative Party in the UK enters the final phase of its leadership race, the contenders were encouraged by European leaders to be realistic about what they could expect to achieve on Brexit when they enter No. 10 Downing Street.

Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson leads the Tory pack by a distance - all done then? RTÉ London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor look at what the race means for Brexit. Also - Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok on the border in Ireland if there's no deal.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down as Tory leader. The Brexit Party came up short in the Peterborough by-election. US President Donald Trump visited three countries. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at a busy (but surprisingly calm) week.

RTÉ's London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Economics Correspondent Sean Whelan look at reaction in London, Brussels and Dublin.

The UK Prime Minister announced that she is to step down on June 7. How did the long goodbye unfold? Who will come next? And what will it mean for Brexit? RTÉ's London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell, Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at reaction in London, Brussels and Dublin.

Latest Brexit developments from Brussels, Dublin and London

RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly joins the gang from Romania where EU leaders are discussing the post-Brexit future. London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell & Economics Correspondent Sean Whelan discuss the Tory leadership race and the cross-party talks aimed at finding a deal that can get through Westminster

No reasons to be cheerful in either Labour or Tory ranks, a comeback of sorts for the Lib Dems and a surge for Independents. Was it a Brexit election? What does it mean for the Brexit process? RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Tony Connelly puzzle over these questions and more.

RTÉ Political Correspondent Paul Cunningham in Brussels, London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin in Dublin look at (yet) another Brexit deadline extension from Brussels, more cross-party discussions in London and relief in Dublin.

More votes, more resignations and reaching out across the Commons divide. RTÉ's London Correspondent and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at (another) hectic Brexit week.

The Withdrawal Agreement gets rejected again, this time only in double figures. So what now? RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly, London Correspondent Fiona Mitchell & Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin discuss the prelude and the fallout.

The sinking of MV2, the vote against no-deal, a UK Government whipping against its own motion and a senior EU negotiator who did not take kindly to being 'My Dear'-ed.

A codpiece unveiled, an usine à gaz explained and dinner on the thirteenth floor digested: RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin discuss the latest Brexit talks and tensions.

What form of words (if any) would provide basis for the UK Attorney General to convince the DUP and the Tory Party to support the Withdrawal Agreement? RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Colm Ó Mongáin look at what (if anything) might be on offer.

How has Brussels viewed the formation of the Independent Group in Westminster? Can Middle Eastern leaders help their European counterparts achieve (Brexit) peace when they all meet in Sharm El Sheikh? RTÉ's Europe Editor Tony Connelly and Deputy Foreign Editor Tony Connelly discuss the latest.

Brexit gets biblical: Tusk's special place in hell for Brexiteers who had no plan, Theresa May on pilgrimages to Belfast, Brussels and then Dublin. What can she get - if anything -as the clock ticks down? Also FoodDrink Europe's DG Mella Frewen on the impact of 'no deal' on the food and drink sector.

After defending the Withdrawal Agreement as the only deal on the table, UK Prime Minister Theresa May turned against it, directing MP's to vote for it to be amended. There is no room to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement, no appetite to pile pressure on Ireland and no viable alternative coming from the UK, says the EU.