hings have escalated dramatically in recent days, with nationwide fuel protests dominating the news agenda and causing chaos on our streets. 
As protestors continue to dig in, notable alarm has been growing in the government. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the demonstrations, calling the blockage of a key refinery in Cork an act of “national sabotage”. 
As pressure mounts and talk of Defence Force deployment increases, Indo Politics brings you the very latest from an increasingly tense standoff. 
Host: Fionnán Sheahan
Guest: Conál Thomas

Every week the Irish Independent's political team will bring you the biggest stories, the latest analysis and the gossip from the corridors of Leinster House. New episodes every Friday. 

Indo Politics

Government condemns fuel protests as tensions escalate

The Healy-Rae political empire has dominated Kerry for decades, but disagreement over support for the government has exposed cracks within the family. This week, we examine the fallout and whether the famous Healy-Rae brand can survive intact. We also discuss Holly Cairns' growing popularity, the good news around her expanding family and what the Social Democrats' momentum could mean for Irish politics.

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

The Healy-Rae political empire has dominated Kerry for decades, but disagreement over support for the government has exposed cracks within the family. This week, we examine the fallout and whether the famous Healy-Rae brand can survive intact. We also discuss Holly Cairns' growing popularity, the good news around her expanding family and what the Social Democrats' momentum could mean for Irish politics.
­
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>

The Kingdom Divided: Inside the Healy-Rae fallout - and Holly Cairns' good news

The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. 
Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart 
We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism 

Sinn Féin’s identity crisis, the Soc Dem surge and the growing battle over OTB 

A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.

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A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.

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Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.

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As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.

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So, what does it all mean?

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Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.

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Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?

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Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?




And are the Greens back in business?

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It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.

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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.
­
A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.
­
Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.
­
As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.
­
So, what does it all mean?
­
Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.
­
Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?
­
Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?
 
And are the Greens back in business?
­
It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.
­
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="http://independent.ie/ourjournalism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="http://independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>

Government condemns fuel protests as tensions escalate

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