The Indo Daily

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode, can anyone fill Paschal Donohoe's shoes, Ivan Yates pleads his case and what do emotional-support peacocks have to do with it all? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enoch Burke and his family have been a recurring fixture in Irish media for the past three years. What began as a workplace dispute over his objection to transgenderism, has spiralled into a protracted and costly legal saga, one that has already seen him spend more than 500 days in jail for contempt of court. Now, he is set to return to Mountjoy once again - his fourth stint behind bars. It's starting to feel like a never-ending story. So, how might this saga ultimately conclude? And who is financing the Burkes' evangelical campaign? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Shane Phelan and Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republic of Ireland football team have surpassed all expectations and made it to the World Cup play-offs, but what are our chances of beating Czechia and getting to the World Cup finals? And how can you get a ticket to next March's game? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Will Slattery See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vote has taken place and the Epstein files will now be made public. After months of delay, political pressure and partisan division, Congress has backed the release of thousands of pages of material gathered during federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. What exactly will be unsealed in the coming weeks? How extensive is the material gathered by federal investigators and crucially, could the publication of these files create political difficulties for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Terry Sheridan and Gina London ­ This episode of The Indo Daily contains references to sexual assault, so please take care while listening. ­ ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paschal Donohoe is gone and Fine Gael now faces its most precarious reshuffle in years. With a by-election looming and Sinn Féin circling, we ask: who takes control and who loses everything? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did one of Ireland's most recognisable Olympians end up feeling shut out of the system he helped elevate? In part two of Troubled Waters - an Indo Daily special, we follow Gary O'Donovan's effort to return to the High Performance programme, and the confusion, clashes and emotional strain that marked his final years in Irish rowing. Sunday Independent Journalist Paul Kimmage unpacks the emails, communications and competing accounts that raise difficult questions about how elite athletes are supported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of our special investigation, we examine the concerns raised about the culture inside Irish rowing's High Performance Unit. Sunday Independent Journalist Paul Kimmage explains how early warnings and internal tensions first came to light. Irish rowing has delivered some of the country's greatest sporting moments. But behind the medals and headlines, troubling questions have emerged about the environment within the High Performance Unit. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Paul KimmageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode, a government housing policy with no annual targets, Fianna Fáil's presidential “perma-crisis”, the Taoiseach's rebels and their “clusterbleep”, what to expect from President Catherine Connolly and finally, CMAT. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One billion dollars. It's not a line from Dr Evil in an Austin Powers movie, but the jaw-dropping sum US president Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for in an unprecedented lawsuit. In a week from hell for the BBC, director general Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness have resigned, leaving the corporation reeling and rudderless. How exactly did it get to this? And could RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst be parachuted in to take control? We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Walton describes himself as a ‘con-hunter' but that's not what he set out to be. The tv producer turned vigilante after he was scammed by con artist Marianne Smyth, the so-called ‘Queen of Con'.  But Walton was not her first victim. His lengthy investigations revealed she had scammed scores of people since childhood.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chilling Irish true-crime story that spans 10 years of deception, violence and pursuit. How did two men vanish and how was Ruth Lawrence finally brought to justice? ­ Read more about why you can trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tessa Fleming Guests: Eamon Dillon and Jamie PyattSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the IRA member he unknowingly trained, to the gangland figure he later exposed as a prolific sexual predator, Paul Williams has spent decades events that make headlines, and others that never see the light of day. On todays Indo Daily, the veteran crime correspondent brings us inside two of the most captivating and lesser known stories of his career, as told in his new book Crooks 2. The following podcast contains discussion on child sexual assault, so please take care while listening. If you have been effected by anything in today's podcast, you can find a list of resources by searching independent.ie/helplines See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's conquered cars, space and social media but Elon Musk's next move could reshape everything. We go inside the mega billionaire's mind, his new project “Grokipedia”, and what it means for the rest of us. ­ ­ ­ Read more about why you can trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Sönke Iwersen and Adrian WecklerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Fidel Castro's funeral to fiery speeches on inequality, we chart the standout moments from President Michael D Higgins's time in the Áras. And what happens now as Catherine Connolly prepares to take residency? ­ Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Kevin Doyle and Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind closed doors, Ireland's swingers' scene is bigger, and bolder than you might think. Jennifer Zamparelli meets Graham, a proud member of the community, who lifts the lid on what really happens at a swingers' party, how jealousy can turn into joy, and why “ethical non-monogamy” isn't just about sex. Today's Indo Daily comes from the new Irish Independent podcast ‘Just Between Us'. Hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli it looks at sex, life and relationships - with new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts from. Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn The Volume Up. The defiant battle cry of Zohran Mamdani; mayor-elect of New York City and self-described “worst nightmare” of Donald Trump. His victory was decisive, and his subsequent proclamations as radical as the platform he ran on. So, how will Donald Trump respond to his fiery new challenger? And does his rise signal a cutting-edge shift on how politicians play the PR game?    Host: Tabitha Monaghan Guest: Terry Sheridan & Lorcan Nyhan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Yates, once the golden boy of Fine Gael, now finds himself in the eye of a media storm. Has his failure to declare political work put him, and the Coalition, in an awkward position? ­ Read more about why you can Trust the Irish Independent at Independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Carey said he was fighting for his life, but the truth was far more shocking. We ask how one of hurling's greatest heroes went from legend to scandal, and what the courts would say as the law eventually caught up with him. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle ­ Guests: Noel Tynan, Amy Molloy, Niamh Horan and Colm KeysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When DJ Carey told people he had cancer, few questioned him — after all, he was a national treasure. But was DJ really sick, or spinning a story for sympathy and money? One man tells of his story of how he was duped by DJ Carey. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Noel Tynan and Amy MolloySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He conquered the hurling field, but off it DJ Carey was playing a far darker game. This is the story of a national icon who fooled everyone — until the truth caught up with him. In this special series from the Indo Daily, we trace the rise of a sporting icon whose lies, deception and downfall proved even heroes can crumble. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Colm Keys, Amy Molloy and Niamh HoranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Found guilty this year of the murder of his wife, Richard Satchwell remains a subject of major interest, not least because he is currently appealing against his conviction. Now, a new book details the campaign of coercive control waged against the late Tina Satchwell, and the deep extent of his manipulation.    Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Ralph Riegel and Paul Byrne See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could dodgy box users finally face fines? And why is Ireland looking to copy Italy as it tries to tackle illegal streaming activity? Today's Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show with Adrian Weckler. ­ Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, who's really making all the money at RTÉ? Traditionally, it's been the on-air talent leading the earnings table. This year, however, there's been a shake-up: the executives/suits are now outpacing the stars on the payscale. But with Newstalk snapping up big-name presenters, could RTÉ's pay cuts signal the start of a slide? And as fresh revelations emerge about unorthodox payments, is another storm brewing over the national broadcaster's headquarters? ­ This podcast has been amended on 31 October 2025 to remove the incorrect statement that the 725m three-year Government funding plan for RTE is in addition to TV license fee revenueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, but have we had enough of the carefully curated photos, endless arguments and targeted advertising? The latest studies suggest as much. So how did social media go from everyday essential to existential exodus? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Meagher and Chloe McPolin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a bruising presidential campaign, Micheál Martin is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of his political life, after 14 years at the top is he finally running out of road? And how will we remember the 2025 Aras race? Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MTV burst onto our screens in the 1980s as a vivid blast of loud, animated excess – all music, all the time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fast forward to 2025 and it is a shadow of its former self, with more channels under the MTV umbrella set to shut down at the end of the year. Is MTV dead? And just how much of a mark on pop culture did it make in its heyday? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guest: Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation around a united Ireland is an increasingly noisy one, with passionate arguments found on both sides of the debate. Now, two journalists – Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph and Fintan O'Toole of the Irish Times – have come together for a new book entitled For and Against a United Ireland. On this episode of The Indo Daily brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, both men engage in a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of unification. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guests: Sam McBride and Fintan O'Toole See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official - Catherine Connolly is Ireland's next President. The signs were there for weeks, but nobody thought the Fine Gael collapse would be this brutal. Is it a protest vote? A power shift? Or the first cracks in Ireland's old political order? Host: Fionnan Sheahan, Guests: Tabitha Monahan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Catherine Connolly going to score a landslide victory? As ballot boxes open across the country, all eyes turn to Dublin Castle to see who will become Ireland's next  president. We break down the early tallies, the spoiled votes and the political fallout behind the race for the Áras. Host: Kevin Doyle           Guests: Mary Regan, Maeve Sheehan, Ralph Riegel and Conor FeehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is 40 years since one parish priest in the west of Ireland saw his dreams come true. It wasn't a visit of the Pope, which had already happened years before, but the construction of an airport - Knock Airport. So, how did it all take flight? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Terry Reilly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the presidential election that feels more like a coronation. Catherine Connolly looks set to sweep to victory, but how did a campaign with so many debates end up feeling so flat? Tabitha Monahan and Mary Regan look back a contest defined by deflection, missteps, and one 'attack ad' that might've backfired. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The release of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir Nobody's Girl has reignited scrutiny of Prince Andrew's alleged role in her abuse. Despite his repeated denials, new details and police inquiries continue to deepen the scandal, now pulling his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, into the spotlight over her own financial ties to Epstein. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Jennie Bond & Sinéad Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When violence erupted at the Citywest Hotel that is being used to house asylum-seekers on Tuesday night, gardaí were met with fireworks, flames and fury. It was an alarming assault on both officers and Ireland's asylum infrastructure. But what turned a planned peaceful protest into an all-out attack? And what does the incident tell us about Ireland's deepening tensions over immigration and law enforcement? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How would you feel if you were impersonated as part of a business relationship that ultimately went sour? That's the situation one man found himself in, when a South Dublin house owner was left bewildered when he discovered an Englishman named “Steve” had posed as the owner of his property, without his knowledge. The incident was later traced back to a well-known estate agency which said it had been part of a “mystery shopping” exercise designed to assess competitors' valuations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Catherine Connoly hold her lead or will Heather Humphreys make a late burst for home? Some election predictions as we enter the final stage of the race to the Áras. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Tabitha Monahan and John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Northern Ireland's most powerful drug barons - ‘The Chocolate' - can finally be unmasked. 48-year-old Newry man John McGivern has been forced to confess to a raft of drug charges, including dealing cocaine. How was he brought down? And who fills the vacuum? Host: Niamh Campbell Guests: Ciaran Barnes and Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. On this episode; Catherine Connolly surges ahead in the polls – can Heather Humphreys recover? And what does the future hold for the united left? ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys shocked many with her decision to retire from political life. Now she is looking to become Ireland's next president. Today we tackled some of her controversial decisions as a minister in government. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Heather Humphreys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It began as a charity event that brought together some well-known faces, including a government minister. That same fundraiser is now part of a garda inquiry into how it was organised and where the money raised went. Heather Humphreys has revealed she was the minister in question. Although the Fine Gael presidential candidate is not accused of wrongdoing, the controversy risks casting a shadow over her campaign for the Áras. Host: Tessa Fleming    Guest: Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Shane Ryan turned his back on Olympic ideals to join the Enhanced Games, it sent shockwaves through Irish sport. Now we ask who and what are really driving the world's most controversial new competition. Host: Kevin Doyle                          Guests: Jacob Whitehead and Ciarán LennonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was once a Sinn Féin councillor and Hutch gang associate, now Jonathan Dowdall is about to vanish. As his release from prison approaches, he and his family are set to enter Ireland's version of the witness protection programme. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Ali Bracken and Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ten days to go until Ireland votes for its next president, the race for the Áras is wide open. Catherine Connolly is ahead in the polls, but can Heather Humphreys close the gap in time? Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by former government press secretary Mandy Johnston and communications strategist Lorcan Nyhan to weigh up the spin, strategy, and last-minute scrambles for momentum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're one of Ireland's most powerful dynasties; brewers, aristocrats and philanthropists. But behind the black stuff lies a darker legacy. From mysterious deaths and tragic accidents to a fascination that endures centuries on, the Guinness family has long been said to be cursed. Today on The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Sunday Independent journalist and author Emily Hourican to separate fact from folklore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to your weekly dish of Indo Politics from The Indo Daily. In this episode: a Taoiseach's apology, a leadership debate, a presidential road race and one of the biggest budgets in Irish history – but are people happy? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a dramatic few days in Ireland's biggest radio stations, RTÉ and Newstalk. On Thursday afternoon, it was announced Ray D'Arcy was gone from RTÉ Radio 1 after 11 years, without saying goodbye to his listeners. In a statement he said he was “hugely disappointed” in how management handled his departure. Just hours later, across the city, Newstalk staff were told host of the Hard Shoulder Kieran Cuddihy was leaving the station for RTE. And now we know after months of speculation that he will pick up the live line mantle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in two years, there's a glimmer of hope of peace in Gaza. After relentless fighting, ceasefire collapses and failed talks, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic 'phase 1' of a peace plan. The breakthrough comes just a day after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the devastating assault on Gaza. But what has changed to make peace possible now? How long before politics, or violence, tests the deal? And like him or loathe him, has Donald Trump pulled of a historic diplomatic victory? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Gregg Carlstrom and Bel TrewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do a TD, a former GAA manager and a TV personality have in common? They're all profiting from the Government's scramble to house asylum-seekers. How has a national emergency become a local goldmine for some? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Maeve SheehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Crime World. It's the biggest story of the presidential election as former football manager Jim Gavin stands down and the fate of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin hangs in the balance. While political fallouts are not our normal beat on Crime World, today co-host Niall Donald tells Nicola Tallant how he ended up in the eye of the storm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversy and the race for the Áras, have long gone hand in hand. We've had sackings and ‘smear campaigns', live TV moments and very costly tweets, and even one controversy that played out in the Indo Daily's own studio, as Peter Casey joined our own Kevin Doyle for a dramatic podcast interview. In short, very few Irish presidential races have escaped a scandal or two, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of year again – the Budget has landed. What does it mean for you and your bank balance? With last year's ‘giveaway' Budget firmly consigned to the history books, it's time to tighten our belts. On this Extra episode brought to you by our sister podcast Money Talks, the Irish Independent business team break down the winners, the losers, and the main headlines from this year's balance sheet. ­ Host: Katie Byrne Guests: Charlie Weston and Sinéad RyanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Fianna Fáil in turmoil” – what exactly happened over the last 48 hours that saw Jim Gavin quit the Irish presidential race? And more importantly, who is to blame for this within Fianna Fáil? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: John Downing and Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.