The Mick Clifford Podcast: A week and a half — Budget blues and Gavin gone

Paul Hosford joins Mick to unpack Jim Gavin’s sudden exit from the presidential race and the fallout from Budget 2026

Paul Hosford is the guest on this week's podcast. 

Irish Examiner political editor Paul Hosford joined Mick to discuss the shock departure of Jim Gavin from the presidential campaign and what comes next in the race for the Áras.

On Tuesday, the Government unveiled its first budget to groans from the public and alarm from economists.

By any measure, it’s been an extraordinary week in Irish politics.