Claim OwnershipBehind the Story
Subscribed: 1,683Played: 17,821
Subscribe
Description
Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as three of RTÉ’s top journalists, David McCullagh, Katie Hannon and Fran McNulty digest some of the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests and maybe even some laughs along the way.
Email: behindthestory@rte.ie
New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
74 Episodes
Reverse
The tenant at the centre of the Jim Gavin debacle unmasked himself on the Sunday World podcast today prompting more developments on the story! David, Fran and Katie digest the latest twists and turns as pressure rises ahead of the Fianna Fáil parlimentary party meeting this eve. Later, the trio speak to Professor Marc Weller of Chatham House who explains what is in the peace plan for Gaza and what the big obstacles are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ministers Donohue and Chambers outlined Budget 26 this afternoon in the Dáil. Katie and Fran are joined by Kate English, Chief Economist with Deloitte to analyse whether or not this means you will have more or less money in your pocket. Gone are the one-off payments and instead the government focused on longer term spending. Katie and Fran also discuss the continuing fallout from the withdrawal of Fianna Fáil's candidate Jim Gavin from the Presidential race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Fiasco' just one of the words used by Fianna Fáil politicians to describe the Presidential campaign for the party now. This follows the sudden withdrawal of FF's candidate, Jim Gavin over a dispute with a tenant dating back to 2009. Fran, Katie and David examine the timeline of the story over this weekend culminating in Gavin's decision to withdraw on Sunday night. Several senior Fianna Fáil politicians are calling for a review of the selection of Jim Gavin and many are questioning what this means for party leader Micheál Martin who chose Gavin as a candidate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the budget approaching, David, Fran and Katie look at how much the government has to spend. They are joined by Albert Dolan, Fianna Fail TD who has just released a public payments tracker that he and a friend created. Albert explains how the tracker works and why it's handy to see who is getting by which department. Later, the trio discuss Taylor Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl" and if happy albums are as good as tortured ones! Link to the public payments tracker: [best on a laptop/PC]https://bit.ly/Publicspendtracker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Katie and Fran discuss how drone footage has flown one presidential candidate into stormy skies. They also ask Brian O'Donovan if the Appeals Centre Europe is doing enough to take on the social media giants? And Adam Maguire talks about his new book and the insights it provides into a generation he calls "The Bailout Babies"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After one of the most gripping final rounds in Ryder Cup history, Katie, Fran and David tee off a discussion with golf commentator Greg Allen about the highs and lows of the tournament - from Offaly man Shane Lowry's joy after his final putt won it for Europe to the shocking verbal abuse from some American supporters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a terror charge against Kneecap's Mo Chara is dropped by a London court, David and Evelyn discuss the case and the decision by Eurovision organisers to hold a vote amongst EBU members on whether Israel should be allowed participate in next year's competition. Later, the duo are joined by Associate Professor of Politics in UCD, Alex Dukalskis who has co-written a book entitled 'Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics'. Alex believes the policies of President Trump are actually helping authoritarian regimes - while the west’s attempt to draw China into the global economic system has had the opposite effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The producers of The Traitors Ireland join David, Katie and Fran for a deep dive behind the scenes of the hit TV show. Last night's finale clocked up over 730,000 viewers, representing 57% of the audience. Darren Smith and Mairead Whelan of Kite Entertainment, reveal how they cast the show and how they don't interfere with the game once it starts. Mairead shares some of her favourite moments and Darren explains how casting has already begun for the next series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MAHA or Make America Healthy Again has grown in influence since Robert Kennedy Jnr became US Health Secretary. But what is the movement? Alex Stockton of the New York Times Opinion has looked the people and organisations who are involved in MAHA, and the wellness industry. He reveals how people can be drawn into conspiracy theories around medicine. David, Fran and Katie talk to Alex about his use of AI to analyse wellness content and discuss the anticipated announcement around autism following comments by President Trump on Sunday. Alex Stockton's video: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/09/opinion/maha-health-wellness-influencers.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the backlash to the suspension of US chat host Jimmy Kimmel grows, Trump's attack on the media is escalating with threats to revoke broadcast licenses. David and Katie discuss 'cancel' culture v 'consequence' culture and what this means for freedom of speech. Later, Prime Time reporter Kate McDonald joined the duo to discuss how phone data is being sold and what the implications might be for security and military personnel. And on a separate note: Katie has a little bit of news about the hit show Traitors! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New figures released today show house prices are still increasing across the country but at a slightly lower rate. While at the same time, the number of houses being built is falling due to several factors. David, Katie and Fran are joined by UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture, Orla Hegarty to discuss housing supply and construction. Orla believes setting targets around the number of people housed rather than 'units' would be a better method to drive ambition in the housing supply. The trio also discuss the call by Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins for a minute's silence in the Dáil for right wing activist Charlie Kirk who was assassinated last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fran, Katie and David hit the road to Tullamore for the first day of the Ploughing.Joining them to discuss all matters farm related are Agriculture Correspondent Aengus Cox and Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Caitriona Morrissey.Wellies, succession and Farm Tok chat with creators, Fin Walsh and Katie Larkin were just some of the topics discussed inside the big tent in Screggan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Saturday, up to 150,000 people took to the streets of London to join a rally organised by far right activist Tommy Robinson. The size of the crowd took the authorities by surprise. David, Kate and Fran are joined by Professor Jon Tonge to discuss the increase in support for anti immigration protests. They also discuss support for Reform on the day a significant Tory MP defected to Nigel Farage's party. The trio analyse the challenging path to secure a nomination for the Irish Presidency. Later, they explore the legacy aspects of the trial of Soldier F for two murders on Bloody Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The murder of political activist, Charlie Kirk shocked America but in the past twenty four hours, there have been some astonishing developments; the suspect was turned into authorities by a family member and the FBI revealed what was inscribed on the bullet casings. David, Katie and Fran discuss the FBI press conference and what is known about the suspect, Tyler Robinson. The trio examine recent figures on the rise of political violence in the US and ask if the divisions are getting wider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Poland and NATO scramble fighter jets to intercept Russian drones in Polish airspace, the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk says his country is the closest to open conflict since World War II. David, Katie and Fran are joined by Associate Professor of Warfare and Counter Terrorism, Patrick Bury to discuss this 'unprecedented' violation of Poland's airspace. Patrick suggests that the purpose of this drone activity was to check for weaknesses in NATO's defences. Later, Fran reveals details of the suspicious death of 87 year old Leitrim man, Liam Farrell who died in 2020 and whose family say there are questions around what really happened to their loved one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the Gardaí continue to investigate bomb threats to Tánaiste Simon Harris' home, David and Katie discuss the increasing number of threats against him and other politicians. Later, Emmanuelle Schon Quinlivan of UCC explains what is happening in France as the country looks set to lose another Prime Minister, this time, in a confidence vote, that the Prime Minister called on himself! Emmanuelle outline the scale of the debt burden and why President Macron is coming under increasing political pressure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the search continues for a young boy, presumed dead, Social Affairs correspondent Ailbhe Conneely joins Katie and David to discuss the disturbing case. Ailbhe shares her insights from covering the story during the week and her previous coverage of the case of Kyran Durnin, another boy, missing presumed dead by the authorities. Ailbhe outlines details from both cases, and while the cases are unrelated, there are similarities that poses wider questions regarding child welfare and child protection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Writer Lisa Tierney-Keogh along with other endometriosis sufferers met the Minister for Health earlier this week to highlight the lack of treatment for women affected with the condition. Lisa, who had to travel to the US for surgery shares her story and the struggle she and others are having trying to get medical care. Lisa tells Katie and Fran that the pain she endured over the years, saying it was like 'early stage labour and being stabbed with a hot poker'. The duo hear about the waiting list for treatment and how teenagers are missing school due to the pain of 'endo'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The national flag is showing up on lamp posts across Dublin and concerns are rising that the tricolour is being hijacked by anti immigrant groups. David and Katie discuss this and take a look at the Traitors TV show that launched on Sunday. Later, the duo are joined by Malachy Clerkin, sports writer with the Irish Times, who reveals what he thinks makes Fianna Fail Presidential candidate hopeful, Jim Gavin tick. Malachy says the greatest trick Jim has pulled off is making everyone think he is boring! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As thousands of music fans descend on Stradbally for Electric Picnic, business reporter Adam Maguire joins Katie and David for a closer look at the live music industry. A recent report showed that Irish adults spent an average €757 on music events last year. And it's not just music, American football games are generating huge sums for the economy. The trio also discuss the new global power couple - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Later, David shares a work secret - why he is taking up a new job! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States