Ivan Yates Exits Politics Podcast After Controversial Coaching Role

Former Irish politician and podcast host Ivan Yates has departed from the Path to Power podcast amid a controversy regarding his involvement in political coaching. The decision was confirmed on October 17, 2023, after reports emerged that Yates had assisted Jim Gavin, a candidate from Fianna Fáil, in preparing for a presidential campaign.

His co-host, journalist Matt Cooper, announced the termination of their partnership following revelations published by The Irish Independent. Cooper stated in a public statement that he was unaware of Yates’ role in Gavin’s coaching and expressed his belief that this information should have been disclosed to him prior to the podcast’s recording. This marks the end of a collaboration that began in 2017, during which the duo presented late-night political commentary before launching the podcast in 2021.

During their time together, Yates and Cooper successfully brought the Path to Power on the road, hosting live events at venues such as the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin. The recent fallout raises questions about the podcast’s future, as Cooper has indicated he intends to seek a new host to continue the program.

The controversy sparked a mixed response from listeners, prompting a poll asking if they would continue to follow the podcast. Results indicated that 16 participants indicated they would not listen anymore, while only 2 stated they would continue. The remaining responses reflected a lack of interest or uncertainty regarding future engagement.

As the dust settles on this political row, the implications for both Yates and the podcast remain to be seen. The incident underscores the complexities of political affiliations and the transparency expected in media collaborations.