The Indo Daily

Once a merciless target for the MAGA movement, Hunter Biden has decided to put himself in the spotlight once again. ­ Now aged 56 and celebrating seven years of sobriety, Biden has recently become a social media sensation, taking to X with a renewed sense of purpose. ­ While some are speculating that he's lining up a political run of his own, others are preaching caution that he may look to cynically monetise his newfound audience. The controversial son of former US president Joe Biden has spent most of the last few weeks conversing with those who wish him well and those who continue to hurl abuse his way. He even popped up on conservative commentator Candace Owens' podcast, stunning people on both sides of America's political divide by burying the hatchet. ­ Biden says he simply wants to start a conversation – but to what end? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Matt Viser, staff writer with The Atlantic, to dive into a most unlikely comeback and to ask whether Hunter Biden really is “the MAGA whisperer”. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the afternoon of November 23, 2023, in Dublin's Parnell Square, three children were seriously injured following a stabbing attack in broad daylight. Riad Bouchaker (52) was arrested and charged in connection with the incident, and now, two-and-a-half years on, his trial is under way at the Central Criminal Court. Day one of proceedings saw the prosecution lay out its case against Mr Bouchaker, as well as hearing testimony from the mother of one of the children who was injured. She told the jury that her child is now in a wheelchair, is non-verbal and only able to answer yes or no questions by blinking. ­ On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan, who takes listeners inside the courtroom. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Ireland has seen serious race riots for the third year in a row. Masked men staged violent protests in number of areas, but the trouble was concentrated in the greater Belfast area, with homes set alight off the Crumlin Road and in east Belfast. A Glider bus was set alight on the Newtownards Road and a police car was burned in Portadown. The disorder followed an attempted murder involving a knife in north Belfast on Monday night. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged. Today's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel. Ciaran Dunbar is joined by The Belfast Telegraph's Visuals Editor Kevin Scott who was on the ground and Liam Tunney who was in court. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee McDonnell began what would become a prolific and fearsome career in crime when he was just a teenager. McDonnell's violent and reckless actions characterised him as a different breed of Irish criminal – one that stood sharply apart from his peers. He was fond of boosting his own notoriety and didn't seem to fear any reprisal, going so far as to publicly mock the prison system during his many stints behind bars. He even managed a high-profile escape that resulted in a nationwide manhunt. In total, McDonnell built up over 140 convictions and was suspected of numerous other crimes, including two unsolved murders and a recent high-profile stabbing. Last weekend, his lust for chaos came to an end when he died suddenly at the age of 34 after being found unresponsive in a Garda holding cell. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent news and security correspondent Robin Schiller to profile the life and crimes of the late Lee McDonnell. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious incident in north Belfast on Monday night. Video posted to social media appears to show a man stabbing another man several times in the head with a knife. One man can be heard saying in the video: ‘He's trying to cut his head off.' The Belfast Telegraph understands police recovered a knife at the scene. The PSNI said this afternoon that the suspect's nationality is Sudanese and “not Somalian as initially believed”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the attack “sickening”, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson told the BBC Nolan Show the incident was “barbaric” and “medieval”. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His killing shocked the nation, cast a shadow over the peace process, and left a family searching for justice. On today's Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan and John Downing look back at the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, the political fallout, and why the case remains open three decades later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jeffrey Donaldson trial has now entered its third week. Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with The Belfast Telegraph joins Fionnán Sheahan to discuss the secret recordings, letters of 'repent' and WhatsApp's at centre of the high-profile trial. ­ Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of The DUP, faces historic rape and indecency charges. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to a total of 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims. ­ Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. She is subject to a trial of the facts after being ruled unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was supposed to replace workers at speed. Instead, some of the world's biggest companies are finding costly problems, poor results and frustrated customers. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler and JJ Clarke examine why firms such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Klarna are scaling back AI projects. They also discuss the warning from Pope Leo, who has criticised AI for threatening human dignity, work and genuine human judgement, as companies race to cut costs and automate jobs before the technology is truly ready. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, the Healy-Rae brothers sailed to a sensational electoral victory in Kerry. Between them, Michael and Danny secured a remarkable 38pc of the Kingdom's vote, cementing the Healy-Rae brand as one of the most formidable forces in Irish politics. Their winning formula quickly became the stuff of legend: divide the county, direct voters to back each brother with No 1 and No 2, and waste no Healy-Rae vote. And it was a stunning success. Since then, the pair have been a constant presence in Irish political life. But now, tensions are surfacing and their differences over entering Government have spilled out into the open. So, is this the beginning of the end of the Healy-Rae dynasty? And is their kingdom now divided? On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by John Downing, political correspondent at the Irish Independent, and Jerry O'Sullivan, broadcaster with Radio Kerry, to unpack the fallout from one of Ireland's most headline-grabbing political dynasties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is here, and thus so is Love Island. ­ The sun-kissed and famously amorous reality show has technically been around since 2005, but its revival in the last 11 years has made it a true household name – whether your household actually tunes in or not. ­ This year, Irish tongues are wagging thanks to the inclusion of a strapping young Galway man who has left both his teaching post and his county behind in search of fame, fortune, and, presumably somewhere in there, love. ­ Bleach blond Seán ‘Fitzy' Fitzgerald has caused quite the stir, with some arguing that teachers are supposed to be role models and thus appearing on a raunchy entertainment extravaganza is very much not the message to hand down to young and impressionable souls. ­ For others, it's just a bit of fun and a possible pathway to celebrity and endorsement deals. So, what should we make of Love Island in 2026? And indeed its associated controversies and tragedies to date? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent multimedia reporter Deirdre Barry, and by broadcaster and content creator Fionnuala Jones, to examine if Love Island's newest Irish star can make the grade and to look at the problematic pipeline that may await. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022. The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.” “The killing was cold blooded and calculated.” McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie's ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi. But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year. Kurtis Reid was in court for the tariff hearing. 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.

Pressure is mounting and the volume is only getting louder regarding the upcoming Uefa Nations League fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Israel. With the first of two games against Israel scheduled for late September, the Football Association of Ireland is running out of time to carry out the administrative duties required should they decide to bow out and accept the consequences. Recent days have brought on-field protests from fans and eloquent soundbites from pundits and players – perhaps most notably Seamus Coleman, who spoke of the difficulty that he and his colleagues find themselves in as the questions keep on coming. So, is playing this highly contentious match the only option? If it is, where will it take place and how will it unfold? And what are the repercussions if Ireland does indeed decide to abstain? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent senior sports correspondent Conor McKeon to examine a national discussion that has reached boiling point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an endless number of problems at home and overseas, Donald Trump and his United States of America are in a celebratory mood. ­ The occasion? Trump's imminent 80th birthday, for one. ­ There's also the small matter of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, or “Freedom 250”, if you're so inclined. ­ Though the actual anniversary isn't until July 4, the White House – or more specifically, its south lawn – will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 with a card that isn't quite what Trump promised some time ago. ­ Still, there will be plenty of morbid curiosity, if nothing else. ­ The event is estimated to cost the UFC around $60m (€52m), and it's not expected to turn a profit. No big deal, the organisation and its CEO Dana White already have plenty of riches, and though White swears he isn't political, he enjoys both a long-running friendship and professionally beneficial relationship with the leader of the free world. ­ But why is Trump so enamoured by the UFC, and the significantly more choreographed WWE, for that matter? And has he deliberately moulded himself in the image of an entertainment-focused modern-day gladiator? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by freelance combat sports journalist Philip O'Connor and by the Irish Independent's Dave Hanratty, to look ahead to the big brawl at the White House. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wondered whether your sex life is “normal”, this episode is for you. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. In this special listener Q&A episode, Jen is joined by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O'Shea to answer the questions people are often too embarrassed to ask out loud. From awkward body reactions to feeling undesired in a relationship, no topic is off limits. 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.

Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and 80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? ­ Note: This podcast was originally published in March 2024. This week a German court sentenced Daniela Klette to 13 years in prison for her actions as part of the RAF. The podcast does not contain reference to this new update. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: James Jackson. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been well over a month since April 8, when Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Iran, but now that truce appears to be under real strain. ­ This week, tensions between the US and the Middle Eastern country have escalated, with both sides exchanging strikes just as a possible breakthrough in peace talks seemed imminent. ­ So, how realistic is the prospect of a peace deal at this point? And, as the situation deteriorates, how has one political figure edged ever closer to the centre of power? ­ US secretary of state Marco Rubio has increasingly rowed in behind his president's foreign-policy agenda, but who exactly is the political hawk turned Trump cheerleader? And how did he climb the Mar-a-Lago ladder to join Trump's inner circle? ­ On today's The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD, to discuss the latest on Iran and the rise of Marco Rubio. ­ ­We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every time June 3 comes around, Michelle Ryan marks the anniversary of her father's death in her own private way. She stays away from his grave. For Michelle, her dad simply isn't there. On that summer morning in 2011, 52-year-old Bobby Ryan, a quarry worker and part-time DJ known by the stage name ‘Mr Moonlight', vanished from rural Tipperary without a trace. Almost two years later, his body was discovered in an underground run-off tank near the farmhouse where he was last seen. The trial that followed was one of the longest in the history of the Irish State. By its conclusion, a love rivalry would be publicly exposed, a man would be jailed, and another man long buried. In May 2019, Patrick Quirke (then 50) was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He continues to deny any involvement in Mr Ryan's death. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan to review the case, and by Michelle Ryan, daughter of Bobby Ryan, who speaks about the experience of losing her father and her vow to contest any potential release of his killer. We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

­Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told second complainant wrote letter to two defendants about the secret ‘she had to keep' The prosecution delivered its opening address in the Donaldson trial on Wednesday. The former DUP leader is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences. The 63 year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. ­ This Indo Daily Extra is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel where Allison Morris was in court and speaks to Ciaran Dunbar. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much of his success with his wife Tina by his side. ­ Tommy called Tina the “most decent and loving” person he knew, while Tina said her relationship with him was “special and fulfilling”. But last year, the cracks in their life together started to show. Details of their separation, of Tommy's affairs and drug use, of his “living a lie”, have been aired in a leaked phone call recording and explosive interviews from both Tommy and Tina. Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Darragh Nolan, multimedia reporter with the Irish Independent, to look at the full story of Tommy Fleming. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie Jade Williams. Sadie Harris. Lucy Fitzwilliams. Jade Cookes. Samantha Black. Rebecca Fitzgerald. ­ These are just some of the fabricated identities used by serial con artist Samantha Cookes. ­ In 2024, her Walter Mitty-style life finally collapsed as online communities, journalists and a WhatsApp group of victims cross-referenced the inconsistencies in her story, joining the dots that authorities had missed. ­ In March 2025, Samantha Cookes was jailed for three years for deception and theft. ­ Yet her story keeps getting fresh chapters. ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Bradley, documentary filmmaker and author of new book Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster, to discuss the breadth and the impact of an incredible deception. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman in her 50s, who has been arrested by gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin, was known to the young boy and has had multiple previous interactions with gardaí about his disappearance. Gardaí said in a statement that the woman was arrested on Monday morning and a new search was underway at a house in Drogheda. She is the third suspect to be arrested in the case of the young boy who would have celebrated his 10th birthday earlier this month. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller for the latest. 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.

Irish woman Annalouise Spence stands accused of fraud that resulted in an incredible spending spree to the tune of $1.6m. Ms Spence previously worked as a private secretary for Australian billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson. Spence is currently behind bars, charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, with premium concert tickets, opulent hotel bookings and high-fashion luxury items listed among the court documents. So, how did such an extraordinary deception come to pass? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Kate McClymont, investigative reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald, who first broke this story, to hear the many twists and turns it has taken thus far. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kate McClymont We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/our journalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics. ­ 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 independent.ie/ourjournalism ­ ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland's most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World's Nicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins' disappearance. Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many encores can one scandal have? There were more fireworks as RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and his executives found themselves brought before yet another tense Oireachtas Media Committee. Emotions were high as the payment status of late Arena presenter Seán Rocks and the perilous situation of his family were brought to light and challenged. Elsewhere, similar question marks were applied to Oliver Callan, Tommy Tiernan, Derek Mooney, George Lee and Kevin Bakhurst himself. So, where does this saga go from here? And how is the future of Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show tied in? On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to break down the latest revelations and rancour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May 2018, the body of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly was found by a dog walker in a field in County Louth. Local teenager Aaron Connolly was eventually convicted of murder four years later. This week, his conviction was quashed and a retrial could be granted. On this episode of The Indo Daily, senior journalist with the Irish Independent Conor Feehan joins host Kevin Doyle to review the case and the latest developments. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Conor Feehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Somehow, the Brexit Wars have returned. As a defiant Keir Starmer barely clings on to his throne at 10 Downing Street, former health secretary Wes Streeting has thrown the cat among the pigeons by calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and implying that Britain should indeed rejoin the EU.  The resurrected debate is obviously of interest to us here on this side of the Irish Sea. But, 10 years on, has Brexit been positive or negative for Ireland? And, if a return vote were to pass, should we welcome Britain back into the fold? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Burns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just a heads-up: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation, so please take care when listening. In December of 2019, the body of Moira Killeen was discovered in her apartment in the Belair distract of Luxembourg. Her death quickly became a matter of dispute. On one side, the medical examiner cited Ms Killeen's death as “violent and suspicious”. On the other, the prosecutor ruled that Ms Killeen's died by suicide and declined to carry out a post-mortem examination. Moira Killeen was later cremated. Her family has consistently rejected the conclusion of suicide and continue to fight for answers seven years later. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Robin Schiller and Brian Killeen If you've been affected by any of the issues raised on this episode, there's a list of helplines available – just search ‘someone to talk to' on the Irish Independent. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”. Supporters of the site say it's free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abusive, hateful or harmful content. But critics claim users have published private documents, that the site facilitates vile and cruel trolling – even stalking. Last year, it was revealed County Antrim couple Neil and Donna Sands seemed to have taken the so-called ‘king of the trolls', alleged owner of the site, Sebastian Bond, down. But now court has ruled he didn't even know his crown was being seized – and the couple have to pay back £300,000 in damages. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast the BelTel, as Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a new payments scandal, RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has defended the broadcaster's decision to reclassify presenter Derek Mooney as a producer back in 2020 and said the move was not a side deal. How big of an embarrassment is this development for RTÉ? How resilient will it be moving forward? And is it losing the hotly-contested radio war? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Fionnán Sheahan We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland. ­ In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a wide-ranging interview Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan speaks to Political Editor Mary Regan and Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas about migration, Bertie Ahern's controversial comments on migrants and the long wait to become Fianna Fáil leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2009, mechanic Liam ‘Blackie' Murray was found dead in his bed, having been shot four times. Murray was keenly aware of threats on his life, yet his murder has left Gardaí puzzled for the past 17 years. This week, new searches took place in Dublin as investigators tried to finally crack the case. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Ken Foy ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within publican circles few names carry the same weight or shine as the Chawkes. Led by pub mogul and family patriarch Charlie, the family have amassed a catalogue of some of Ireland's biggest public houses. But now a late-night incident in a hotel bar involving two of his children has put the Chawke name into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: David Raleigh and John Mulligan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Fianna Fáil turns the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing reckons “they're a very pale, poor shadow of what they were”. So, how did Dev shape the party in the first place? How did Seán Lemass modernise Ireland? Why did Charles Haughey command such loyalty? What made Bertie Ahern the “ultimate pragmatist”? And where does Micheál Martin stand among the leaders who have gone before him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rose of Tralee can mean many things to many people – proud symbol of Irish culture, outdated "lovely girls" competition, or a bit of craic to throw on the TV once a year. For others, it can hold incredibly strong sentimental attachment. Such was the case for US businessman Dick Henggeler, who significantly invested in Kerry following the death of his daughter Dorothy, who competed in the 2011 festival. Henggeler would later find himself involved in a bitter legal battle that has now left a sour taste. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Shane Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deepfake pornography is emerging as one of the most urgent challenges in the ever-evolving environment of artificial intelligence. Now, the European Union's landmark AI Act aims to tackle harmful AI-generated content. But, as ever, there are wider tensions around regulating the tech industry. Can this new initiative possibly stem the tide of highly problematic X-rated content? Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Aoife White This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been strongly indicated that fuel supports will be a major factor in this year's Budget, while we've recently learnt that Ireland's electricity costs are way above the European average. Elsewhere, by-election buzz is building as polls mark the way, and Gerry Hutch stands accused of evoking Donald Trump as he finally outlines his policies. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Conál ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Irish history. In May 2018, Ana was lured from her home by a local boy. Three days later, her body was found in a derelict house – naked and violently assaulted. Two boys, just 13 years old at the time of the killing, were the youngest in the State to be tried, and convicted, of murder. Eight years on, Irish Independent court reporter Eimear Cotter reflects on the horrific murder of Ana Kriegel and the public outrage that followed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Katie Simpson died in 2020 at the age of 21, her death was initially treated as suicide. Showjumping trainer Jonathan Creswell was later charged with her murder, though he took his own life in 2024 as his trial got underway. Now, a review into how Ms Simpson's death was handled by the Police Service of Northern Ireland has found numerous investigative faults and has detailed “institutional misogyny” within the PSNI. Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris takes us through “page after page after page of failings”. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris This episode is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 35 days since luxury cruise liner MV Hondius set sail from Argentina, taking passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For those on board, there's no end in sight to quarantine conditions following a hantavirus outbreak. But what is hantavirus, what are the public health concerns, and what happens when a cruise liner has fatalities at sea? Host: Fionnán Sheahan | Guests: Laura Lynott and Dr Brian HigginsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To begin to understand the machinations and methods of the Hennessy organised crime outfit, you turn to a grim and unforgettable image: that of Barry Moore, who was lured to a house, brutally tortured, and branded with the word ‘rat'. That incident was the result of a series of violent events that created an atmosphere of intense paranoia within the Hennessy gang. With key members now in prison, do their surprisingly light sentences mean a temporary solution to an alarming long-term problem? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Nicola Tallant For more on this story, listeners can check out Blood Brothers, a new five-part podcast series hosted by Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald, exclusively for subscribers and available now at CrimeWorld.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proud sons of Tipperary Johnny B and Johnny Smacks are a bona fide comedy phenomenon, boasting 750,000 listeners a week – not to mention numerous other strings to their lucrative bow. Speaking of, the pair are going private, putting their considerable finances behind closed doors. So, how did they climb to the top of the mountain? Host: Katie Byrne Guest: Darragh Nolan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A purposely audacious speed-read, The Shortest History of Ireland attempts to condense the story of this country into just 250 pages. Not only that, author James Hawes has set out to challenge the recorded history of Ireland and debunk some popular myths along the way. Was there more to the murderous Oliver Cromwell than we think? Did Éamon de Valera really sign a book of condolences for Adolf Hitler? And why was Catholic Maynooth loyal to Protestant London? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: James Hawes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tyrone-born woman who reinvented herself with dozens of identities to con victims out of huge sums of money. From small-town beginnings to a life of deception in Texas, her web of scams spanned continents. Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbae explores the mysterious life,and death, of Julia Holmes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion at cabinet, delays to short-term letting rules, and mounting pressure from fuel protests are exposing cracks in government strategy. With key by-elections looming, are political tensions rising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean McGovern, long regarded as Daniel Kinahan's second‑in‑command, faces sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. This week's court proceedings have exposed the brutal reality of life inside the Kinahan organisation since the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting, with encrypted messaging revealing chilling details about the cartel's modus operandi. So, what do we now know about the activities and the downfall of one of the Kinahan gang's most senior lieutenants? And what does his fall mean for others still at the very top of the cartel? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guest: Robin Schiller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a difficult production, the estate-approved Michael Jackson biopic is finally in cinemas and smashing box office records. Some fans are even dancing in the aisles, audience etiquette be damned. Bad reviews and decades of troubling allegations don't seem to have had an impact, but should the life of Michael Jackson be as celebrated and unchallenged as this? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Chris Wasser See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now, most will have seen the extraordinary scenes from Washington D.C., where a suspected gunman sparked chaos at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, in what is now the third attempt on Donald Trump's life in just 2 years. If the heart of Washington can nearly be breached, how prepared is the US to secure the World Cup? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beaming down a Zoom call line from sunny Spain, Gerry Hutch told the Irish Independent that he intends to return to Ireland soon to formally kickstart his by-election campaign. He also had some pointed words for Daniel Kinahan following his dramatic arrest in Dubai. But what does Hutch's upcoming campaign really look like, especially as he refuses to make any promises to the electorate? Does ‘The Monk' have a realistic shot at rubbing shoulders in Dáil Éireann? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Aisling Moloney and John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.