Derek Mooney recent media TV, Radio, Newspaper, appearances
Derek Mooney discusses a limited return of municipal councils – Newstalk, July 21
Derek was asked to comment on reports that a government expert panel is to recommend a return of municipal level councils…. but without municipal / town council councillors. Click here to hear on Newstalk FM website
Derek Mooney discusses Sinn Féin’s draft Unity Bill – BBC Radio Ulster Talkback, July 7th
Derek appeared in a panel discussion on Sinn Féin’s private members bill, entitle the Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026. Also on the panel were Sinn Féin’s Rose Conway-Walsh TD and John Manley, political editor of the Irish News . Link to full show online here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002yl3s
Derek writing about the Irish Defence Triple lock in the Irish Mail on Sunday
You can read the text of this article on this page on this website.
Derek on Saturday View discussing the emerging bye-election results
Derek Mooney discusses Bertie Ahern’s canvas comments on Tonight VMTV May 2026
Derek was on the Tonight Show panel on May 13, 2026 discussing the secret recording of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was on a door-to-door canvas in his own Dublin Central constituency. The video was released on social media and showed the former Taoiseach making controversial and unguarded comments about immigration in Dublin.
These are all of Derek’s comments edited into one clip. The host is Shane Colman. Other panellists include Green party leader, Roderic O’Gorman, TD, Fine Gael TD, Michael Murphy and Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan.
Derek with Pat Kenny, Newstalk FM – May 3rd
Derek was asked to speak about the speeches given King Charles’ during his visit to the United states, particularly his address to a joint sitting of the U.S. Congress. You can also hear this interview via the Newstalk FM website.
Derek on Brendan O’Connor Show – April 19th newspaper review
Derek on RTÉ’s News at One discussing the latest threat to Micheál Martin’s leadership (Thurs April 16, 2026)
Derek was on RTÉ Radio One’s flagship lunchtime news programme discussing the latest leadership upheaval within Fianna Fáil and responding to the earlier interview with Public Expenditure Minister, and party deputy leader, Jack Chambers, T.D. RTE link
Derek on BBC Radio Ulster the day after An Taoiseach’s White House Visit (March 18, 2026)
Derek was interviewed (via phone) about how An Taoiseach had performed the day before during the annual St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House in Washington D.C. Derek praised how Mr Martin handled the potentially difficult meeting and also pointed out that many Irish opposition spokespeople appeared to have written their criticisms days before the actual meeting and therefore missed the wider public belief that An Taoiseach had a diplomatic win… when many, including Derek, though the best he could hope for was a draw.
Derek Mooney discusses Fianna Fáil’s internal Áras 2025 Report – VMTV Tonight Show Dec 2025
Derek appeared on Virgin Media News Tonight Show to discuss the internal Fianna Fáil report into its disastrous presidential election campaign and the implications for the faltering leadership of Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, TD
Derek on RTÉ Radio One Drivetime (Dec 17)
Derek was interviewed in studio about the outcome of the previous night’s 5-hour Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting. The discussion considered what the report into the failed Fianna Fáil presidential campaign contained and its implications for the leadership of Taoiseach Micheál Martin. This interview can also be accessed via the RTÉ radio One website
Derek on Newstalk FM (Dec 16 2025)
Derek was interviewed in studio about the turmoil within Fianna Fáil as TDs and Senators await the publication of the report into its presidential election campaign debacle. (Newstalk FM link)
Derek on BBC Radio Ulster (Dec 2, 2025)
Derek was interviewed about the imminent visit by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to Dublin later that day.
Derek discusses the results of the 2025 Irish presidential election
Derek quoted in the Sunday Times (Oct 12 2025)
Derek on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show discussing fallout of Jim Gavin quitting Aras 2025 race
I was on the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk FM on Oct 6th discussing the political fallout within Fianna Fáil arising from Jim Gavin’s decision to quit as its presidential candidate.
Derek on Morning Ireland after Jim Gavin quits Aras 2025 race
Discussing Fianna Fáil’s selection of Jim Gavin as its presidential candidate
I was on the RTÉ Drivetime show on September 9th discussing the decision of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party’s decision to accept the recommendation of its leader Micheál martin that it nominate Jim Gavin as its presidential election campaign. I was discussing the decision with Fianna Fáil T.D., Paul McAuliffe.
Discussing the college fees controversy on RTÉ’s Drivetime
I was on RTÉ Radio One’s Drivetime show on Tuesday July 8th 2025 discussing the recent student fees controversy with Sinn Féin’s spokesperson, Donna McGettigan, TD
Derek discusses Cabinet formation on RTÉ Drivetime – Jan 2025
As the Taoiseach is finally elected and the Cabinet is about to be appointed, I was invited to reflect on what’s been happening, along with RTÉ’s Barry Lenihan and former Fine Gael Minister Richard Bruton – full segment here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22483021
Derek discusses results of the Nov 2024 Irish general election on BBC1 NI
Derek discussing the general election exit poll figures on RTÉ Radio One
Derek discussing the first week of campaigning in the Nov 2024 Irish general election
Why Dublin directly elected mayor ‘solution’ is an illusion
I was on Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday April 25th 2024 setting out the case why having a Directly Elected Dublin Mayor is the wrong solution to a real problem with the city’s governance. Arguing the case for it was the Green party’s Cllr Hazel Chu There is no doubt that Dublin city does not have the power it needs to solve our many problems, but having a 5 year mayor is not the solution some claim.
On Newstalk Breakfast discussing Directly Elected MayorsIn the Irish News – April 17, 2024
ON BBC Radio Ulster on Simon Harris selection as Taoiseach
On April 9th, 2024 I was on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback to talk about the new Taoiseach Simon Harris, particularly how he would view Northern Ireland and deal with question of unity. I also talked of his first big test: who would be his Justice Minister
On BBC Talkback on April 9th 2024ON BBC Radio Ulster about Leo Varadkar’s resignation
I was on the BBC Talkback show with William Crawley on Wednesday March 20th 2024 as part of a panel discussing the resignation of Leo Varadkar as leader of Fine Gael and as Taoiseach. This clip is approx 25 mins long
Leo Varadkar quits as FG leader and TaoiseachIn the Irish News – Monday March 4, 2024
On RTÉ Radio 1 – Brendan O’Connor show (March 3, 2024)
I was part of the newspaper review panel on the Brendan O’Connor show on Sunday March 3rd Topics covered included the War in Gaza, the upcoming Care and family referendums and the latest political polling. Here are clips of my contributions:
About the two state solution for Israel and PalestineTalking about latest polling figuresDoes party leader popularity mean anything? On BBC Radio Ulster about Number of TDs and MLAs
I was on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback show with Dr David McCann discussing the number of TDs, MLAs. This was in advance of the upcoming Dáil constituency boundary review which is expected to recommend an additional number of seats. I wrote about this matter several weeks ago HERE
Quoted in the Irish News – Aug 7, 2023
On Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder against Dublin having a Directly Elected Mayor
I was on Newstalk FM’s The Hard Shoulder radio show (Podcast) on June 8th once again arguing against the idea of Dublin adopting the directly elected mayor model. This time I was debating with Green Party Dublin City Councillor Michael Pidgeon. This was on the day that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar indicated that Dubliners might get to a vote on the proposal on the same day as the local and European elections in early June 2024.
Derek on BBC Radio Ulster about Arins Project Survey
On January 30th I was part of a 30 minute panel discussion on the BBC Radio Ulster Talkback show with William Crawley. Also on the panel was the Sunday Times Aoife Moore and travel expert Fionn Davenport. We discussed the Irish Times article setting out some of the / Arins Project findings, particularly the report that Northerners are more connected to the South than southerners are to the North… but given the relative sizes, is this really a surprise?
If 100,000 people in Northern Ireland related to 100,000 in the South…. that number expressed as a percentage of the population total is going to suggest the North is more connected… but the numbers remain the same…
Derek on Newstalk FM on latest plans for a Directly elected Mayor of Dublin
The Dublin Citizens’s Assembly has recommended that a powerful new directly elected mayor be created for the city, with ranging powers – similar to other international cities. I joined Newstalk FM’s Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder (following Jim Gavin, chairman of the Dublin Citizens’ Assembly) to explain why I still think this is a bad idea and a recipe for gridlock across the city.
Derek in the Sunday Business Post
I was quoted in a Sunday Business Post article (Jan 14 2023) on the emerging tensions within government between the two main parties.
Derek on RTÉ Radio One’s “This Week” programme discussing the implications for Micheál Martin of the resignation of a Minister of State
On Sunday August 28th, 2022 I was on RTÉ Radio One’s “This Week” news show discussing the implications of the resignation of Robert Troy as a Minister of State for Micheál Martin’s fate as Fianna Fáil leader.
Derek on RTÉ Radio’s Drivetime discussing Micheál Martin’s future as Fianna Fáil leader
On Monday July 18th I was on RTÉ Radio One’s Drivetime programme where Sarah McInerney asked me about the growing dissatisafction within Fianna Fáil’s about Micheál Martin’s future as party leader.
Derek on Newstalk Breakfast Show discussing the merits/de-merits of Directly Elected Mayors
On Thursday June 23 2022 I was on the Newstalk FM breakfast show discussing the merits of the directly elected mayor model… an issues I have discussed several times before. The interviewer is Shane Coleman and the other guest is the former Sec Gen of the Dept of Finance and strong advocate for a directly elected mayor of Limerick, John Moran
Derek on tensions Between Dept of Defence and Irish Defence Forces
During a newspaper review on Broadsheet I expand on the article I had written earlier that day attributing the reported breakdown in relationships between senior management in the Dept of Defence and the Defence Forces to a decade of political indifference.
On Today with Claire Byrne Show discussing potential White House visit during Covid
On Thursday February 11th I was on RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Claire Byrne Show debating proposals to vaccinate cabinet members and whether the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin should go to the White House for St Patrick’s Day, if invited. Also on the show was Bríd Smith T.D. (S-PBP, Dub Sth Central)
Derek on 2020 US Presidential Election Late Debate Special
I was part of RTÉ Radio One’s coverage of the US Presidential election on Nov 3rd appearing on a Late Debate Election Special hosted by Katie Hannon. The show featured former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer, Prof Liam Kennedy of UCD, Irish pollster Dr Kevin Cunningham of TU, Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer NUIG plus a number of US guests, including Chris Burkirk of the pro-Trump American Greatness organisation, with whom I had a small contretemps. You can listen to the full 110 min broadcast HERE or check the edited highlights below:
Derek discusses Junior minister perks on RTÉ Radio 1 – Sept 2020
On Sept 23rd 2020 I was on RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Claire Byrne discussing pay increases for TDs, the appointment of special advisers for 10 junior ministers and how the news of these two developments was playing out on he same day as the rate of PUP was being cut for many of those put out of work by Covid-19. Also on the panel were Sinn Féin’s Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD and former TD and Junior Minister John Halligan.
The Irish Examiner also reported on our discussion: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40053431
On Virgin Media news discussing internal Fianna Fáil vote on 2020 PfG
In June 2020 I appeared on the Virgin Media TV evening news to discuss the upcoming members’ vote, within Fianna Fáil, on the proposed Programme for Government I set out the arguments against the lack of debate within Fianna Fáil.
On RTÉ’s TWiP discussing Confidence and Supply – Feb 2019
On Feb 24th 2019, I was on RTÉ’s Sunday political show The Week in Politics, offering my analysis on the future of the current FG/FF Confidence and Supply arrangement and the likelihood of a general election in Ireland later this year. You can watch the full show here (from the 6 min mark) https://www.rte.ie/news/player/the-week-in-politics/2019/0224/
In December 2018 I was asked to speak at a conference on conflict resolution organised in Istanbu by the Baris Vakfi peace foundation. I was talking about lessons learned from the NI peace process and the work of peace groups such as the Glencree Centre. Here are two local Turk/Kurd reports on my speech:
http://www.haberercis.com/guncel/mooney-barisa-olan-guven-onemli-h302566.html
https://www.evrensel.net/haber/365127/ucuncu-goz-olmadan-baris-surecleri-yurumez
Discussing Brexit on RTÉ Late Debate with Denis MacShane
On Nov 8th I was on the panel of RTE Radio One’s Late Debate discussion programme alongside the former UK Europe Minister, Dr Denis MacShane, Niall Collins TD, Brid Smith TD and Sen Frank Feighan discussing Brexit:
On RTÉ’s morning Ireland discussing Micheal Martin’s 2018 front bench reshuffle.
On March 30th 2018 I was on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland news show discussing the Fianna Fáil oppositon front bench reshuffle which had been announced the evening before. You can listen to the clip here:
Or you can access the Morning Ireland podcast:
Discussing emigrant votes on RTÉ Late Debate March 2017
On the panel of RTÉ Radio One’s Late Debate on March 14th 2017 discussing Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s plan to have a referendum to allow Irish citizens resident outside the State, including those in Northern Ireland, the right to vote in presidential elections. It never happened. The plan was never fully considered, as I set out here with Prof Diarmuid Ferriter, Sen Ronan Mullins, Sen Marie-Louise O’Donnell and Irish Independent economics editor, Brendan Keenan
Derek writes for the Guardian (UK) – February 2016
This is an article I wrote for the UK Guardian on the results of the February 2016 Irish general election.
In October 2017 I was asked to make a presentation at a briefing for senior Turkish political and civic society leaders at the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs on the role of the media in a peace process. Download the report that emerged from this event via this link Dialogue_in_Difficult_Times
I was a guest speaker at a PRII seminar in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin on on the advent of New Politics in May 2016. Other panelists included Darragh O’Brien, TD, Dr Muiris MacCarthaigh, Grace Milton, moderated by Shane Coleman.
Facilitating a workshop between the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a visiting delegation of senior Turkish and Kurdish women politicians in February 2015. In conjunction with DPI
Discussing Irish troop deployment to Golan Heights Sept 2014
I was on RTE Radio One’s Morning Ireland on Tues Sept 2, 2014 to discuss the continuing participation of the Irish Defence Forces in the UNDOF mission on the Golan Heights
The ancient Irish art of tallying (2014 European Elections, scrutinising the adjudication of spoilt ballots) (Pic from http://www.independent.ie)
