The Indo Daily

Just a heads-up – this episode contains references to alleged sexual assault and may not be suitable for everyone, so please take care when listening. Jared Leto is an Oscar winner, a rock star, a cult leader and now the focus of serious questions. The 54-year-old has been seen onscreen in the likes of Fight Club, American Psycho, and Blade Runner 2049, while also finding the time to tour the world with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars. But a BBC investigation has revealed an array of allegations against the actor, with a new documentary presenting the accounts of 10 different accusers. The allegations against Leto span more than a decade and include claims of sexual assault, grooming and inappropriate behaviour with underage girls. Leto has categorically denied the claims. Is his gilded career in jeopardy or is the Hollywood of 2026 more comfortable overlooking such a scandal? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Alice McShane, director of BBC documentary Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret, to hear how the investigation came together, and by the Irish Independent's Dave Hanratty to look at Jared Leto's career to date. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is fuelling a stock market boom unlike anything seen before, with tech giants spending trillions in a race to dominate AI. But what if the hype doesn't live up to the promise? Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent columnist Richard Curran to ask whether we're watching the next financial bubble inflate, and what an AI crash could mean for Ireland's jobs, economy and future. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim O'Callaghan is a politician with leadership ambitions and a reform agenda. But in his bid to overhaul Ireland's legal system, he has picked a high-stakes fight with a formidable adversary: the lawyers of Ireland. It has been a month since solicitors withdrew their services in a deepening row over criminal legal aid fees, and tensions look to be escalating. At the heart of the controversy is a new flat-fee payment model introduced by the Justice Minister, which he argues is necessary to control the spiralling cost of legal aid. For O'Callaghan, the stakes could hardly be higher. The minister has made the legal reform a cornerstone of his leadership ambitions. A victory could bolster his credentials as a future Fianna Fáil leader, but a stalemate could turn into a political crisis. And while the political battle intensifies, it is those seeking access to justice who may be paying the highest price. On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by two of the Irish Independent's political team, Mary Regan and John Downing, to unpack the growing dispute, the political stakes and what it could mean for the future of the man at its centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Word on the street is that Daniel Kinahan is suddenly being prepped for extradition from Dubai. The 49-year-old could be back in Ireland in a number of weeks, likely prompting one of the biggest security operations in the recent history of the State. So, what awaits Kinahan when he finally arrives home? On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Eimear Rabbitt, news editor with Crime World, who breaks down the latest developments on this fast-moving story. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five activists. One defence company. €1 million in alleged damage. An Irish man now faces up to five years in prison in a German trial that's raising difficult questions about protest, civil disobedience and the limits of the law. Kevin Doyle examines the Ulm Five case with BBC journalist Bethany Bell and Daniel Tatlow-Devally's father, Conor Devally. 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.

Academy Award-winning artist and leader of The Frames, Glen Hansard, has died at the age of 56. The renowned singer-songwriter was killed in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Once the news broke, tributes quickly followed – Hansard was a hugely popular figure, not just in the Irish music scene, but also on the international stage. On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by senior features writer and music critic at the Irish independent John Meagher to look back on the life of Glen Hansard. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “significant” bomb built for “catastrophic” damage, and a suspected plot to bring violence to the streets of Derry. It was the stuff of Ireland's past, but events last week clearly illustrated that it is also Ireland's present. The foiling of an alleged New IRA plot to detonate a bomb was a stark reminder of the dissident republican activity that quietly continues on both sides of the border. At the heart of the case are two suspects: Simon O'Donovan (44), an employee at the National Museum in Collins Barracks, and Isobella Perrie Sullivan (25), a law student. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Ken Foy, crime correspondent at the Irish Independent, to look at how the plot was uncovered – and what comes next. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The famous residents of an exclusive suburb just outside Barcelona have included footballers like Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta, and international pop stars like Shakira. Recent World Cup winner Lamine Yamal is currently enjoying the spoils of a multi-million euro purchase there. But a German businessman's address in the neighbourhood has now scuppered his chance of application to be declared bankrupt in Ireland. Last year, 44-year-old former convict Denis Melcher, who had amassed debts of close to €8m, convinced Ireland's High Court to adjudicate him bankrupt. As part of this process, Melcher submitted a sworn statement in which he declared that he was living in a modest rental home in Carlow. However, at the time, Melcher was secretly spending €8,500 per month to lease a four-storey mansion overlooking Barcelona, with an option to purchase the property for €2.6m. The revelation has raised fears that the Irish bankruptcy regime is now seen as an easy target for foreign nationals looking to shed colossal debts. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent Legal Affairs Editor Shane Phelan to examine the implications of this curious case. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Winehouse's time at the top was brief, but her impact was anything but. With era-defining tracks like Rehab and Back to Black, she laid bare her life through brutally honest songwriting, delivered in a voice that was as soulful as it was unforgettable. But alongside the awards and global success came something darker. Winehouse's rapid ascent was shadowed by addiction, relentless scrutiny, and a tabloid culture that often seemed to feed off her struggles. And the media machine didn't stop after Amy Winehouse tragically passed away aged just 27; if anything, it found new gears to crank up. Her death, though tragic, was not altogether unexpected for those who had watched her very public battle play out in real time. Fifteen years on, is the entertainment industry more protective of its stars? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Phil Udell, music lecturer at Ballyfermot College of Further Education and artist manager with Word Up Collective, and by Ian Winwood, music journalist and author of Bodies: Life and Death in Music, to look at the legacy of Amy Winehouse. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a spring morning in June 2001, an eight-year-old girl gathered moss for her grandmother's hanging baskets in a forest near Ballinamore in Co Leitrim. The child let out a scream: she had discovered a body. The remains belonged to Enniskillen businessman Gerry McGinley, and it was clear that he been murdered. He had been killed by his own wife Julie and her lover. But it wasn't a simple tale of adultery. It involved hotel sex with strangers, lies, blackmail and videotape – and included many prominent people in Fermanagh. ­ Today's Indo Daily was originally released on April 14, 2026, and is brought to you by our sister podcast The Bel Tel, as Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Andrew Madden. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin put boots on the ground in Ukraine this week, travelling to Kyiv for a quick tete-a-tete with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr Martin was there to lend Ireland's support – to the tune of a further €125m, no less - and it really does seem like the Ukrainian president could use a helping hand right about now. As the war with Russia rumbles into a fifth year, Mr Zelensky is facing new battles on the home front, as political rivals and vocal protestors wield their own weapons. His decision to sack popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov led to street demonstrations, while the president also dismissed Ukraine's army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi just days later. Is the leader once hailed as “the spirit of Ukraine” gradually losing his grip on power? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent senior journalist Sean Pollock for a look at the political, military and everyday life in Kyiv. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The days of stars topping the poll of highest earners at RTÉ are gone. Back in 2023, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst pledged to rein in the broadcaster's highest earners, promising the day would come when nobody would earn more than him. In the latest list of RTÉ's top 10 earners, it looks like his plan has finally taken shape. So as the stars slide down the RTÉ rich list, who are the suits now commanding the biggest salaries at RTÉ? What could it mean for the broadcaster's future as commercial rivals continue their hunt for talent? And can a new slate of drama productions win back a waning audience? On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Ireland editor Fionnán Sheahan and entertainment correspondent Melanie Finn to unpack RTÉ's latest salary figures and examine whether its reforms are doing the job. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a five-year wait, Mayo are back in the All-Ireland football final, but whispers of the famous curse, which supposedly condemned the county to endless defeat, can still be heard. Legend has it that the celebrating team of 1951 disrespected a local funeral and became the subject of a damning and highly effective hex that has kept the Sam Maguire Cup from their grasp ever since. So, is the old tale fact or fiction? Or is it just a handy excuse to explain away decades of heartbreak? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Frank Roche, the Irish Independent's Gaelic games correspondent, to debate supernatural sabotage – and to ask if Mayo can finally overcome their demons this Sunday. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of 'The Indo Daily' contains references to rape and sexual assault, and may not be suitable for everyone, so please take care when listening Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, like to talk about male empowerment and freedom, yet both are currently shackled away from the outside world. Arrested last weekend by US authorities, the pair are unlikely to find that the confines of a Miami jail cell measure up to the lavish lifestyle they routinely flaunt online – but that's their home for now. The reason? A volley of 38 new charges, including rape and sex trafficking, courtesy of the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK, with an extradition attempt to follow. The brothers now face a total of 59 charges, all of which they deny. So, where to now for Andrew and Tristan Tate? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Isabella Kwai, reporter with the New York Times, to break down the complexities of the criminal investigation into the Tate brothers – and to question what made them such prominent public figures in the first place. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism You can read Isabella Kwai's reporting on the Tate brothers here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking during his inauguration speech on Monday, new UK prime minister – the seventh in the last 10 years, if you're keeping score – Andy Burnham spoke of his mission to "bring back hope" and to make Britain "believe again". Good luck to him. Burnham knows the job ahead is unlikely to be an easy one, but he's put the work in to get here, from emerging as a fresh-faced MP at the turn of the century to failed attempts to take over the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015, to finally ascending to the lofty halls of No 10 Downing Street. But is Burnham inheriting a poisoned chalice, given the increasingly fractured nature of present-day British politics? How did he go from "King of the North" in Manchester to the top job in London? And can he handle Donald Trump any better than Keir Starmer did? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Daniel Boffey, Chief Reporter with The Guardian, to discuss the new UK PM's rise to power and why he's likely to call a general election sooner rather than later. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 2000s came to a close, gang violence in Ireland was a common problem. In the summer of 2009, Paul ‘Frank' Byrne, who was not considered to be a major criminal but was associated with a serious criminal gang, was seen getting into a wine-coloured Mitsubishi Carisma. It would be the last time the 20-year-old was seen alive. Byrne's remains were discovered a little over a year later in a forest in Co Wicklow, identified only via DNA analysis. Seventeen years later, those responsible for his murder remain at large. The investigation remains open, with gardaí making a fresh push for information. Will those in the know ever come forward? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent crime correspondent Ken Foy to look at the murder of Paul ‘Frank' Byrne and where the authorities hope to finally make a crucial breakthrough. The Indo Daily is part 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 earned massive sums over a successful career. But the Belfast Telegraph understands the now convicted pedophile's fortune is ebbing away – and that he still has a mortgage on his Dromore home. He has to pay a legal bill of half a million pounds – can he afford an appeal? Today's Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BeTel as Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early November 2024, Dublin man Lorcan Tadgh Murphy was in a bar in downtown Budapest, scanning the room. He was alone, supposedly in the city on business, but something of a more personal nature else caught his eye. Among the patrons in the bar that evening was a 31-year-old American nurse by the name of Mackenzie Michalski. She was enjoying her last night out as her trip around Europe came to an end. Across the room, Michalski and Murphy made eye contact and a flirtation began. The pair later moved to a nightclub before heading back together to Murphy's nearby apartment. Hours later, Mackenzie Michalski was dead, and a panicked Murphy was frantically trying to get his story straight. But the life of Lorcan Murphy, now serving a lengthy prison sentence in Hungary, has since been revealed to be far more sinister than anyone first realised, as details emerged of covert recordings and an expressed ambition to sleep with 1,000 women. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Sunday Independent senior correspondent Maeve Sheehan to discuss a shocking murder in the Hungarian capital, and why the killer was named in Ireland despite reporting restrictions abroad. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Bill and Alison Chawke waited outside courtroom number three in Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, their mood appeared upbeat. However, a short time later, as Judge Fiona O'Sullivan started to talk about prison time, the reality of their situation dawned on them, and shock quickly became visible on their faces. The son and daughter of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were in court for a vicious assault they launched on two men at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick, in November 2023. Both victims were left with physical and mental injuries. The Chawkes own some of the country's best-known pubs, with Bill and Alison heavily involved in the family business, and seemingly highly respected in their industry. And yet today, mother-of-three Alison and recent newlywed Bill find themselves behind bars. So, what does it all mean for the Chawke empire? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Catherine Fegan, special correspondent with the Irish Independent, and by senior journalist at the Irish Independent, Sean Pollock to discuss the trial and the fallout that now awaits one of Ireland's most successful families. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures. An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women's issues. Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV. Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe's death. On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians. 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.

The boyfriend of murdered American mother-of-one Jamey Carney has been detained in Jordan, the Irish Independent understands. Ahmad al-Saqar is a person of interest to the garda investigation into the murder of Ms Carney. The dramatic development came as gardai have made rapid progress in their murder probe with significant forensic, CCTV and witness evidence obtained. Sources indicated that the 28 year old man has been detained in Jordan over the past 48 hours. Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan and no Irish arrest warrant has been issued in respect of the Killarney murder as yet. The detention was made by Jordan's Public Security Directorate. The whereabouts of Ahmad Al-Samar, had been unknown. He is “a person of interest” for gardaí as he spent time with Ms Carney between July 4-6. Gardai now believe the Jordanian was with Ms Carney on Monday evening, the night she was fatally assaulted. 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.

RTÉ look to be further floundering in their finances. Director General Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the Public Accounts Committee last week looking for extra funding from Government. The reason? “Volatility” in TV licence-fee revenue. Over one in five households now do not own a TV, which means the broadcaster needs an extra €54.79m this year from the exchequer, up from €41.3m last year. But as the number of households without a television continues to grow, is the licence fee becoming a relic of a bygone era? And in a world of streaming services, social media and endless digital content, can RTÉ survive today's media landscape? On today's The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent Technology Editor, Adrian Weckler, Entertainment correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. ­The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric scooters were once seen as the future of urban transport, but growing safety concerns are changing the conversation. Todays episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock to discuss whether electric scooters have become too dangerous for Irish roads. They examine rising injury numbers, gaps in enforcement, why existing rules are failing, and whether tighter regulation is enough or if Ireland should consider banning them altogether. 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.

It's fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging. ‘The Notorious' finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and while some are questioning his physical prowess, his microphone game remains as brash as ever. Sat in front of the media once more, McGregor espoused his divine beliefs, proclaimed his innocence and once again weighed in on Ireland's immigration debate. This weekend's event will have plenty of eyes on it, but should Conor McGregor be allowed fight at all? Or granted a platform of this size to spread his views, for that matter? And why are American fans and fixtures so happy to assist in his rehabilitation tour? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Dave Hanratty is joined by sports and entertainment journalist Andy McCarroll to look at a much-criticised return to the octagon. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief suspect in the murder of American mother-of-one Jamey Carney (43) flew from Ireland to Turkey within hours of her death. ­ It has now emerged that the 28-year-old man got a bus from Killarney to Dublin within three hours of the death of the New York native. ­ He then booked a last-minute flight from Dublin Airport to Istanbul in Turkey on Tuesday morning - and is now believed to be working with contacts to cross from Turkey to either Syria or Jordan. The man is understood to have extensive contacts in the region. ­ Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent southern correspondent Ralph Riegel, to hear the latest developments. ­ 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.

The Jeffrey Donaldson scandal has taken another turn, with the former DUP leader now set to face a fresh investigation. New allegations have emerged of a sexual assault involving a woman at the party's Westminster offices. More details have also come to light about Donaldson's conduct throughout his years in politics as former colleagues speak out about his inappropriate behaviour. Is it open season on Jeffrey Donaldson where every rumour is fair game? And why has it taken until now for people to break their silence? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Sam McBride, Northern Ireland editor of the Belfast Telegraph, to discuss a seemingly ever-expanding list of accusations. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reeling from an investigation into his finances, Nigel Farage has gone on the offensive. ­ In a public address on Tuesday afternoon, the Reform UK leader announced his intention to resign as an MP in order to trigger a by-election that he intends to contest. ­ “This will be a people versus the establishment by-election,” Farage said. “It's a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to frankly tell them where to go,” he added, noting that he will “fight to win” and “continue the political revolution that Reform has started” in the UK. ­ The move has been heavily criticised by opponents, with outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer labelling it a “desperate stunt” and stating that Farage is “up to his neck in sleaze”. ­ So, can Farage managed to turn the accusations against him into a conspiracy and turn the raging tide to his advantage? ­ And who is ‘Posh George', the man whose association with Farage has caused such media scrutiny and public pressure? ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to ask if Farage is redefining the idea of politics being a risky business. ­ 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.

They flaunted Ferraris, private jets and a billionaire lifestyle. ­ The Cartu brothers are accused of running one of the world's largest alleged investment frauds while projecting a glamorous lifestyle online. ­ But the story doesn't end in the US. ­ Katie Byrne and Eamon Dillon trace the companies, assets and investigations that connect Ireland to the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 30 years, the name George Gibney has haunted Irish swimming. ­ The former national swimming coach left Ireland in the 1990s after a prosecution against him was halted, leaving many of those who said they were abused by him without the day in court they had waited for. Today, after decades of investigations, legal battles, failed hopes and unanswered questions, Gibney has been convicted of sexually abusing young girls more than 50 years ago. ­ This afternoon, a Central Criminal Court jury found the 77-year-old guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. He had already pleaded guilty to five further counts of indecent assault at the outset of the trial. He will be sentenced later this month. ­ Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Chalkie White ­ 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.

Creative and hard-working, Charles Self moved to Ireland in the late 1970s when he was poached from the BBC for an enviable role at RTÉ. As the lead set designer on the then-thriving Late Late Show, Self was able to mould the flagship programme to his creative vision. Popular with his colleagues and in line for a pay rise, Self was flying high, until his life was tragically cut short in 1982 following a violent and frenzied attack that had major implications for Ireland's gay community. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Sunday Independent journalist Liam Collins to look back at the brutal, still unsolved murder of Charles Self. 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.

Who is Mark Zuckerberg really? Is he the awkward, robotic tech billionaire seen in public, or something very different behind closed doors? Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, as Sheera Frenkel, Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times journalist and co-author of the bestselling An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination, joins Adrian to examine the Meta chief's personality, upbringing and leadership style. From his privileged childhood and early coding obsession to Facebook's move fast culture, Zuckerberg's rise is a story of relentless ambition, fierce control and extraordinary resilience. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty last week of 18 child sex offences including rape, the carefully constructed image of a clean-living, evangelical Presbyterian was finally fully shattered after two years of horrifying revelations. As he awaits sentencing, Donaldson's double life has been further exposed, with fresh damaging allegations and testimonies emerging at pace. Meanwhile, serious questions are being asked – what did people know, and why are some only now breaking their silence? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris to discuss Jeffrey Donaldson's life of deception and contradiction. 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.

Why do good people cheat? This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you our sister podcast Just Between us with Jennifer Zamparelli. On this episode Jen sits down with psychotherapist Dr. Richard Hogan to talk about the messy reality of infidelity and why it's rarely as simple as right or wrong. They chat about attachment styles, midlife, rebuilding trust, and whether a relationship can ever come back from betrayal. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riad Bouchaker has been found guilty of all eight counts against him, including the attempted murder of three children on Parnell Square East in 2023. The attacks sparked riots across Dublin city and left one girl with a devastating, life-long brain injury. The jury spent about five hours over two days considering their verdicts, which were unanimous in relation to each count. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, had denied the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, 38-year-old convicted rapist Nicholas Rossi died in a Utah hospital while under police custody. ­ Rossi (born Nicholas Alahverdian) operated under several aliases, including Arthur Knight, purportedly an orphan from Ireland. ­ He was first reported dead six years ago, with a Boston Globe obituary among the write-ups. But he wasn't actually deceased. He was alive and very much aware that he was on the FBI's radar. ­ Having fled to Scotland, Rossi became the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and increased media attention, with interviews and identities colliding as his web of lies was exposed. ­ “Nicholas Rossi was clever, but then he was very stupid in other ways,” says investigative journalist and podcaster Jane MacSorley, who has worked on the story since the beginning of 2022. ­ On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by MacSorley, who details her own encounter with Nicholas Rossi and explores the numerous complications and contradictions of his life. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putin's war. Drones in Irish skies. The threat of cyber-attacks. As Ireland takes the helm of the EU, Micheál Martin faces six months of added pressure. Is this moment a golden opportunity, or a poisoned chalice? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when you gather tech billionaires, political insiders and some of the world's most powerful people behind closed doors? ­ The answer is Dialog, an invitation-only network so secretive that, if you've never heard of it, that's probably by design. Co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, the man behind PayPal and the controversial data company Palantir, Dialog is bringing its annual gathering to a plush Wicklow resort in August. The agenda includes preparing for World War III, building a cult, and a session simply titled, "How's Your Sex Life?" So what exactly is Dialog, who is Peter Thiel, and why has this event caused so much controversy? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Darragh Nolan and Kim Bielenberg 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.

Jeffrey Donaldson has begun his new life in Maghaberry Prison. Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, are set to be stripped of their honours. The former MP and DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sex offences on Monday - including one count of rape. The 63-year-old had pleaded not guilty, but the jury of seven men and five considered its verdicts for ten hours over three days, believing his victims. His wife Eleanor Donaldson was found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar to talk about what she couldn't report while the trial was ongoing. This podcast was originally published on Tuesday July 23rd 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 3 of Veronica, we follow the journalists' final moments, as John Gilligans plan to murder her, swings into action on Dublin's Naas road. Her murder, 30 years ago today, left a nation shocked, and in no doubts just how dangerous Ireland's gangland had now become. Kevin Doyle speaks to Jimmy Guerin, Paul Williams and Mary Wilson, about the trials that took place, and Veronica's lasting legacy. 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 Episode 2 of Veronica, John Gilligan's empire is booming and Ireland's criminal underworld is growing richer by the day. As the State struggles to respond, Veronica Guerin follows the money, exposing the wealth and power behind gangland's biggest figures, and putting herself on a collision course with dangerous enemies. 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.

30 years ago, Veronica Guerin was shot dead on the outskirts of Dublin. Only days later, she was due to speak at a conference entitled Dying to tell a Story: Journalists at Risk. Her murder still remains one of the defining moments in modern Irish history. Over the next 3 days on The Indo Daily, we present: Veronica – Murdered in search of the truth. Host Kevin Doyle speaks to her family and former colleagues to examine the life she lived, the reporting that made her a target, and the criminal world she exposed. In episode 1, as Veronica Guerin makes her name at the Sunday Independent, a new breed of organised crime is taking hold in Ireland. The rise of ‘Factory' John Gilligan sets the stage for a story that will end in tragedy. 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.

Thirty years after the murder of Veronica Guerin, Kevin Doyle retraces her final years, speaking to those who knew her best and examining the criminal underworld that made her a target. Episode 1, out Wednesday June 24th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started with what looked like a routine query from a politician to a council office. In 2019, staff at Wexford County Council believed they were dealing with a standard request made by then councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin on behalf of a constituent, and so they responded as normal. But alarm bells went off four years later when a woman contacted the council asking why her confidential records had been released without her knowledge or consent. The man who received the files is a Sinn Féin activist and the brother of a Provisional IRA bomber. After conducting an investigation, the council admitted there was a breach of personal data and formally apologised to the woman in question. Ó Súilleabháin, now a Sinn Féin TD, is now facing a legal battle following the data breach, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald appearing to stand by him. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan who details his exclusive investigation. The Indo Daily is part 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 has been found guilty of 18 historical sex offences against two women when they were children. ­ A jury at Newry Crown Court convicted him of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency. His wife Eleanor Donaldson has been found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. Jeffrey Donaldson (63) had pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences, which spanned a period between 1985 and 2008. ­ Complainants A and B both gave evidence at the trial, alleging they were abused as children. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, as Ciaran Dunbar is joined by, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another British Prime Minister is heading for the exit. Just days after insisting he would stay and fight, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing a sorry end to a premiership that lasted just two years. With his only serious rival out of the running, Andy Burnham now appears to have a clear path to Downing Street. Enda Brady joins Fionnan Sheahan to discuss how Burnham could approach the Irish relationship, handling Trump and defeating Nigel Farrage's reform? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Norton is best known for conjuring up a warm and convivial vibe as he welcomes a parade of A-list talent to his BBC chat show. ­ Lately, however, the acclaimed entertainer has confessed to feelings of “very significant alarm, distress and anxiety”. ­ The source of his anguish? A social media account seemingly dedicated to spreading false information about him, one that Norton is currently seeking to uncover. Following a recent victory against Meta in a Californian court, Norton can now proceed with his investigation, though it's unlikely to be an easy task. ­ His is not the only well-known face being used as an avatar for disinformation, especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve by the second. ­ Just last week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued a warning to the public about an AI-generated video of him purporting to promote a financial scam. ­ So, can we trust what we see online anymore? Or is the ‘fake news' genie out of the bottle? ­ On this episode, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent technology editor Adrian Weckler, and by Irish Independent senior business journalist John Mulligan, to look at Graham Norton's case and an increasingly deceptive digital landscape. ­ The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week one of the states most notorious sex offenders Bill Kenneally died in prison. Back in March 2024, The Indo Daily published an episode speaking to Colin Power, a survivor of Kenneally's abuse. He described to Fionnán Sheahan how one of Ireland's most infamous paedophiles refused to accept he ruined the lives of his victims. The following podcast does not reference Kenneally's death this week. *A warning, today's episode contains details of child sexual abuse which listeners may find upsetting* 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.

Activist Ali Hewson is among several Killiney residents objecting to plans for a new luxury apartment complex near her home. ­ The wife of U2's Bono says the development “goes against the natural character” of the affluent south Dublin suburb. ­ But Hewson is far from the first high-profile figure to weigh in on what gets built nearby. ­ From celebrities to senior politicians, planning objections can quickly become contentious. ­ So where do we draw the line between legitimate local concerns and the urgent need for housing? ­ On today's The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent multimedia reporter Darragh Nolan to examine the planning battles that made headlines and who gets a say in what is built.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Kinahan cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern was led away from the Special Criminal Court last week to begin a 24-year prison sentence, he took the time to wink in the direction of his watching relatives. An act of defiance in the face of a crushing defeat, or a simple personal gesture? In any event, the drugs empire that McGovern worked for is falling down, one foundation at a time. At the top of this decaying tower sits Daniel Kinahan, currently in police custody in Dubai. The clock has been ticking for quite some time, but finally it seems like a day of reckoning is now dawning. But what of those left behind in the sunshine of Dubai and the shadow of Daniel Kinahan – particularly the wives and girlfriends? And what kind of conditions should Kinahan expect to experience should he wind up serving a lengthy prison sentence in Ireland? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Sunday Independent senior journalist Maeve Sheehan, Financial Times investigative reporter Miles Johnson and former prison officer David McDonald as they look to the future of a notorious outfit that may soon be consigned to the past. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics polices at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Simpson was a talented showjumper whose short adult life centred around the equine industry she'd grown up in. So, when first responders collected her, unconscious and not breathing, from the care of Jonathan Creswell, who would eventually be charged with her murder, police initially believed his claim that he'd found her hanging at home. ­ Creswell died by suicide in the early days of his trial. Since then, Ms Simpson's story has been covered at length in documentaries, podcasts, a Police Ombudsman's report, an independent case review, and a book by Nicola Tallant. ­ Although a tragic death among the showjumping set is far from her regular Crime World beat, Tallant believes Simpson's is a dark story with more yet to be told. ­ This episode contains material that may be distressing. Please take care while listening. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheehan | Guest: Nicola Tallant (author of Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold-blooded Murder, and investigations editor at the Sunday World) The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend was a busy one for the US. On the sporting side alone, you had the kick-off of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, the decades-ending wait for a New York Knicks championship victory, and the small matter of MMA fighters bruising up the White House lawn. On the geopolitical front, there was the much-welcomed agreement of a peace deal between the US and Iran, three-and-a-half months after that conflict began. At the centre of it all, in one way or another, stood president Donald J Trump. Trump had his own personal milestone to celebrate on Sunday as he turned 80 years old. Performing any high-pressure job at the age of 80 is challenging enough, but Trump is the leader of the free world. Recent on-camera sightings might suggest that Trump is visibly withering, despite fiery pushback from his spokespeople and glowing medical reports from his medical team. We're only midway through Trump 2.0, but is he still up to the job? And for those looking to travel to the US for short- or long-term stays, are Irish visitors still as welcome as Trump's travel tsar so enthusiastically insists we are? The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.