Behind the Story

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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'. 

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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! 

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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! 

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As CAO offers reach students today, David, Katie and Fran reflect on demographic pressure and grade deflation which has had an impact on this year's Leaving Cert students. While 51% received an offer of their top choice, that's down from last year's 56%. Points for several courses increased substantially. 

Later, the trio speak to Dr Irwin Gill of CHI at Temple Street Children's Hospital who is warning parents about the dangers of E-scooters. Children as young as nine are presenting with traumatic brain injury following accidents. Dr Gill says many parents are not aware that e-scooters are illegal for children under 16. 

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The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill called for the removal of the Triple Lock at the Béal na Bláth commemoration evoking memories of Michael Collins and Irish soverneignty. 

David, Katie and Fran discuss the impact of the Triple Lock and whether it will survive in the changing global environment. The trio also discuss defence budgets and political pressure coming on Tánaiste Simon Harris in relation to scoliosis. 

Later, they take a look at the story of so called 'Agent Cobalt' and how the government plans to introduce a new National Security Authority. 

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