Behind the Story

'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. 

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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 

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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"

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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 

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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! 

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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. 

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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! 

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