Podcast
Behind the Story
Hosted by RTÉ News · EN
Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest 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.
49episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Will Andy Burnham make it in Makerfield?
4d ago00:31:06Tap to summarizeAn election on Thursday in the UK could ultimately determine who leads the country. Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield bye-election with his eyes set on a subsequent British Labour Party leadership battle. James Lyons, former director of strategic communications at 10 Downing Street under Keir Starmer, tells Fran and Paul why the stakes could not be higher.They also discuss if they would move to Lovely Leitrim, and how MEPs voted on so-called 'return hubs' for illegal migrants in the EU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Social media ban for under 16s in the UK and new search for missing women
6d ago00:24:53Tap to summarizeChildren under age 16 will soon be banned from social media in the UK under proposals announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer today.It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland should follow suit with the UK – but added that he hopes “this is an issue that Europe can arrive at a consensus on”.Work and Technology Correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Fran to discuss why there are so many variations of bans around - and how they're not as airtight as some people would like.Brian also talks about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Ireland and why he missed his country's World Cup game.Later, Crime Editor with the Irish Sun Stephen Breen discusses the latest search for missing women Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard amid hopes for a breakthrough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Ireland Israel match that won't be played in Dublin
1w ago00:31:04Tap to summarizeThe Republic of Ireland's upcoming match against Israel will no longer be played in Dublin, a decision that has sparked debate far beyond football.Fran McNulty and Evelyn O'Rourke are joined by Irish Times Sports Correspondent Gavin Cooney to discuss one of the most talked-about stories in Irish sport.They also take in the opening days of the World Cup, the spectacle of UFC heading to the White House and the huge summer of concerts beginning across Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Violence in the North and Dublin's illegal clamp cutters
2w ago00:29:53Tap to summarizeOn today's Behind the Story, Paul and Fran examine the racist violence that erupted in Northern Ireland following a stabbing incident, exploring the scapegoating of migrants and economic insecurity in fuelling unrest, and how social media can amplify tensions and spread misinformation.They also investigate why nearly one-in-ten Dublin City Council wheel clamps are being illegally removed or destroyed - and whether motorists are taking enforcement into their own hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Kinahan lieutenant who directed murder
2w ago00:30:14Tap to summarizeSean McGovern, one of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group to be convicted in the Irish courts, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for directing the gang's activities in relation to the murder of Noel Kirwan and the attempted murder of James Gately. The sentencing hearing provided a rare insight into how the Kinahan organisation operated at the height of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, revealing the use of tracker devices, encrypted communications and sophisticated surveillance operations to identify and target victims. Fran McNulty is joined by RTÉ Prime Time reporter Paul Murphy to examine the significance of the sentence, McGovern's role within the Kinahan organisation, and what the case reveals about the inner workings of one of Ireland's most powerful criminal networks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Row at the Rotunda and fight at Croke Park!
2w ago00:29:37Tap to summarizeA row has broken out between the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the Rotunda Hospital over the issue of public only consultants doing private work in the hospital. But what exactly is going on? Priscilla Lynch of the Medical Independent joins Fran and Eamon to explain the disagreement and why the Minister is threatening to withhold funding to the hospital. Later, Eamon and Fran discuss the much anticipated Katie Taylor fight at Croke Park in September and if the ambition of selling out the stadium can be realized. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A new scrappage scheme and how the murder of Henry Nowak sparked riots
3w ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeMinister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien is set to introduce a new €10million pilot scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars. Paul and Fran discussed the proposed scheme and how it is designed to favour people living in rural Ireland. Later, the duo are joined by journalist Vincent McAviney who explains the background to the riots in Southampton on Tuesday night. Bodycam footage released by the police showed Henry handcuffed and struggling to breathe after being stabbed. Instead of assisting the dying teenager, police were reading him his rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Looking ahead to the World Cup
3w ago00:21:38Tap to summarizeWith just 10 days to go to the World Cup, Fran is joined by Sky Sports correspondent Rob Harris for a chat about the tournament. The duo discuss tickets, travel costs and with Iran switching it's training base to Mexico, it is possible to host the games without politics getting in the way?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trump's birthday plans and celebrating Freedom 250!
3w ago00:29:18Tap to summarizeConstruction is underway for the staging of a UFC fight on the front lawn of the White House to mark President Trump's 80th birthday in June. Numerous other events and projects are also in the pipeline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July. Niall Stanage, Associate Editor with The Hill joins Fran and Sharon to discuss the plans and where the money is coming from to pay for the celebrations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A campervan, coffee machines and a slouch pouch onesie: Nicola Sturgeon's husband's spending spree!
4w ago00:29:16Tap to summarizePeter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon pled guilty this week to embezzlling £400k from the Scottish National Party. Over a 12 years period, Mr Murrell spent money from the party on luxury items. Ms Sturgeon, has denied all knowledge of his behaviour. Veteran reporter Brian Taylor joins Fiona and Paul to discuss the case and the fallout to it. Later, Fiona and Paul tease out the latest suggestion from President Trump that countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey should sign the Abrahams Accords as part of the US-Iran peace deal. Fiona explains why this is problematic! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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