Iain Dale has written books profiling prime ministers, monarchs and dictators. Next up from the LBC broadcaster and podcaster is a book on the people - 16 men - who have served as taoiseach.

The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership profiles all who have held the office and explores the evolution of the role. But Dale didn’t write it himself this time, instead drafting in a roster of Irish writers to take on a taoiseach each.

On the Inside Politics podcast Dale talks to Hugh Linehan about what examining our leaders has taught him about Irish history and politics. Along the way they they take a diversion into Dale’s real area of expertise: UK politics.