The Programme for Government talks are officially underway, and all eyes are on the horse-trading, backroom deals, and political machinations that come with it. This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to two seasoned insiders: former Labour Party Leader Pat Rabbitte and journalist and author Stephen Collins.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Saudi Arabia has officially been announced as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Mandy is joined by Martin Lipton, one of football’s most insightful commentators, to delve into the implications of this historic decision.

And finally, as Justin Trudeau steps down as Canada’s Prime Minister, we’ll take a closer look at his legacy with Marieke Walsh of the Globe and Mail.

This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver is in for Mandy and he talks to Economist Dan O’Brien about why there are reasons to be ‘hopeful’ about the economy in 2025. Mark Corcoran of Taxback talks to Emmet about changes to your pay packet in the year ahead. Plus, Emmet talks to Dr Alexandra Diening about her book ‘The Strategy for Human-AI Symbiosis’ which talks about how we can use AI for good by taking a human-centric approach.

This week on a special Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to some of her favourite contributors to the show about a book they read this year that they are recommending as a stock-filler!

In this month’s Tech Scape slot with thanks to PWC, Mandy asks could TikTok be banned in the US when she talks to Chris Stokel-Walker

This week on Taking Stock, Mandy Johnston talks to Tom Standage the Deputy Editor of The Economist about what shocks and positives may lie in store for the Global economy next year.

Ever wonder about the most expensive homes changing hands in Ireland? From a sprawling Cork estate to the childhood home of Garret FitzGerald, 2024 has seen over 1,200 sales topping €1 million. Alanna Gallagher from The Irish Times gives Mandy a tour of these prestigious properties.

In this month’s Tech Scape slot, Mandy asks could TikTok be banned in the US when she talks to Chris Stokel-Walker.

This week on Taking Stock:

Just how should the EU deal with a possible round of trade wars and tariffs? With the return of President Trump just weeks away, it is a topic exercising the minds of the new EU Commission, particularly its vice-president, Stéphane Séjourné. Alice Hancock, EU Correspondent with Financial Times joins Mandy to discuss.

French politicians have ousted their government with a no-confidence motion, plunging the eurozone's second-largest economy into political turmoil. Mandy explores the potential consequences with Sarah Collins, Brussels Correspondent with the Business Post.

Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, chats to Mandy about some of the most memorable coalitions of years gone by.

In our monthly Techscape slot, with thanks to PWC, Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, analyses political party manifestos to uncover how they’re tackling AI.

This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to Bruno Giussani, who was the global curator of TED from 2005. He orchestrated talks from the likes of Pope Francis, Bill Gates, and countless others. We hear the fascinating story of the birth and growth of TED.

Jamie Smyth, Energy Correspondent for the Financial Times, explains how the U.S. is gearing up to test the waters for a nuclear fuel revival—an issue with implications for energy markets worldwide.

In our monthly Techscape slot, with thanks to PWC, Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, analyses political party manifestos to uncover how they’re tackling AI.