Behind the Story

As wildfires rage in Spain, several countries have issued heatwave warnings for the next few days. New research from Oxford University indicates that it may be time for governments to adopt specific measures to help people cope in extreme heat. Shiv Yucel joins Fran to discuss how heat is impacting people's daily lives.  Later, RTÉ's Conor McCauley outlines the background to the Moygashel bon...

It's just over a week since solicitors walked out and refused to handle legal aid cases in a row over a new payment scheme. Reporter Dyane Connor joins Paul from the district court in Dublin and shares stories from today's sittings where in some cases, people are representing themselves or being sent back to jail as they have no legal representation.   Later, reporter Tania Reut discusse...

Twenty three year old Kelly Marie Lynch was found dead near Horseshow Bridge in Monaghan on St Patrick's Day 2024. While an initial post mortem report concluded that Kelly had died by drowning, subsequent reviews by other pathologists disagreed with this conclusion. The Lynch family are seeking answers regarding what really happened their daughter that weekend.  Documentary maker, Alan Bradle...

The 250th anniversary of American Independence is celebrated this weekend and millions of people are taking part in events around the country. But first, global superstar Taylor Swift is marrying NFL Star Travis Kelce in a 'intimate' ceremony in Madison Square Garden!  US Correspondent Jackie Fox joins host Eamon Horan to discuss the celebrations. Later, broadcaster Cormac Ó hEadhra chats abo...

As Ireland's takes over the Presidency of the EU, Paul Cunningham and Juilette Gash go inside Dublin Castle to see what's happening at the opening ceremony. RTÉ's Europe Editor, Tony Connelly and Irish Times Europe correspondent Jack Power discuss the speeches and what hosting the Presidency means.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cuts in excise on diesel and petrol are due to expire at the end of July, however the Government will decide over the next twenty hours what the timeline will be to gradually phase out the reductions. Political Correspondant Michéal Lehane joins host Adam Maguire to discuss the decision facing Ministers.  Later, Deirdre Malone, Employment Law Head at EY Law Ireland explains the changes to the...

It was this day 30 years ago that saw one of the most shocking killings in the history of the Irish state - the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin. Fran is joined by the Irish Independent's Paul Williams to mark the anniversary. Paul discusses the day itself, its aftermath and the legacy that lives through to today in how the state tackles gangland crime. He also discusses his own experien...

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use has recommended the decriminalisation of possession of all drugs for personal use - Fran and Paul discuss exactly what is in the report and whether it will even come to pass. Later, Lisbon-based journalist Alison Roberts joins the pod to outline the experience from Portugal - which became the first country to adopt the measure in 2001. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

As Keir Starmer announces his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham looks set to be the man to take over for him but what will his premiership look like? Fran is joined by one man who co-wrote a book with Burnham - the Liverpool Echo's Political Editor Liam Thorp. Later, Aengus Cox explains how new customs charges could make online shopping a lot more expensive. See omnystudio.com/listene...

Prime Time's Jack McCarron joins Fran and Eamon to discuss whether a Peter Thiel backed conference could land in Ireland. Fran and Eamon also discuss why Andy Burnham's emphatic win in Makerfield could crown him Prime Minister. Plus there's the biggest storylines from week one of the World Cup and a chat on the strangest places the lads have broadcast from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

An election on Thursday in the UK could ultimately determine who leads the country. Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield bye-election with his eyes set on a subsequent British Labour Party leadership battle. James Lyons, former director of strategic communications at 10 Downing Street under Keir Starmer, tells Fran and Paul why the stakes could not be higher. They also discuss if they would m...

Children under age 16 will soon be banned from social media in the UK under proposals announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer today. It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland should follow suit with the UK – but added that he hopes “this is an issue that Europe can arrive at a consensus on”. Work and Technology Correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Fran to discuss why there are so many...

The Republic of Ireland's upcoming match against Israel will no longer be played in Dublin, a decision that has sparked debate far beyond football. Fran McNulty and Evelyn O'Rourke are joined by Irish Times Sports Correspondent Gavin Cooney to discuss one of the most talked-about stories in Irish sport. They also take in the opening days of the World Cup, the spectacle of UFC heading to the White...

On today's Behind the Story, Paul and Fran examine the racist violence that erupted in Northern Ireland following a stabbing incident, exploring the scapegoating of migrants and economic insecurity in fuelling unrest, and how social media can amplify tensions and spread misinformation. They also investigate why nearly one-in-ten Dublin City Council wheel clamps are being illegally removed or destr...

Sean McGovern, one of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group to be convicted in the Irish courts, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for directing the gang's activities in relation to the murder of Noel Kirwan and the attempted murder of James Gately. The sentencing hearing provided a rare insight into how the Kinahan organisation operated at the height of the Hutch-Kin...

A row has broken out between the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the Rotunda Hospital over the issue of public only consultants doing private work in the hospital. But what exactly is going on? Priscilla Lynch of the Medical Independent joins Fran and Eamon to explain the disagreement and why the Minister is threatening to withhold funding to the hospital.  Later, Eamon and...

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien is set to introduce a new €10million pilot scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars. Paul and Fran discussed the proposed scheme and how it is designed to favour people living in rural Ireland.  Later, the duo are joined by journalist Vincent McAviney who explains the background to the riots in Southampton on Tuesday night. Bodyc...

With just 10 days to go to the World Cup, Fran is joined by Sky Sports correspondent Rob Harris for a chat about the tournament. The duo discuss tickets, travel costs and with Iran switching it's training base to Mexico, it is possible to host the games without politics getting in the way?!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction is underway for the staging of a UFC fight on the front lawn of the White House to mark President Trump's 80th birthday in June. Numerous other events and projects are also in the pipeline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July.  Niall Stanage, Associate Editor with The Hill joins Fran and Sharon to discuss the plans and where the money is coming from...

Peter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon pled guilty this week to embezzlling £400k from the Scottish National Party. Over a 12 years period, Mr Murrell spent money from the party on luxury items. Ms Sturgeon, has denied all knowledge of his behaviour. Veteran reporter Brian Taylor joins Fiona and Paul to discuss the case and the fallout to it.  La...

A woman has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin. Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds joins Fran with the latest.  Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Dr Eoghan Cunningham of UCD discuss new research into chatbots in the recent Dublin Central and Galway West by elections and examine how political messaging on social media is changing...

Fourteen Irish citizens are en route back to Ireland following their deportation by Israel.  They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other activists. The government and EU leaders have expressed dismay at the actions of the Israeli authorites. So, has the political mood changed as a result?  Later, Fran and Eamon are joined by former Olympic swimmer Nick O'Hare...

The scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work.  Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee. ...

Supermarkets are increasingly using information about customer shopping habits to develop new pricing structures and influence how you shop. Consumer journalist Caitriona Redmond joins Fran for a chat about dynamic pricing, robots and AI shopping trolleys.  Later, Environment correspondent, George Lee speak to Fran about a new flood prediction app that uses publicly available information to p...

RTÉ published a revised list of the top 10 highest earners for 2024 which included Derek Mooney after it said it had 'reconsidered what constitutes a presenter'. Mr Mooney was previously not included as he was treated as a producer in the accounts. The media Minister is not happy and will meet RTÉ management next week.  Fran and Adam discuss who knew, what and when and what this means for the...