Behind the Story

On Monday, US rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's support acts following comments he made in early September in support of Palestine. Irish artists, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit the tour in support of Macklemore on Tuesday. Arts and Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Paul to explain how this is the biggest controversy facing singer-songwriter ED Sheeran. 

Later, Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg analyses EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech 

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Golf diplomacy came to the fore this weekend, when President Trump announced he would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey as he presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry. The dropping of the tariff came as a welcome surprise to the sector. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the tariff and what's expected dominate the agenda at the Ploughing Championships. 

Later Euronews reporter Shona Murray explains why Canadian Prime Minister is visiting Europe this week in the hope of deepening the relationship with the EU. 

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'A damp white loaf' that's how Colum McCann describes US President Donald Trump who arrives in Ireland this weekend. Colum joins Fran to discuss the anniversay of 9/11 and how America has changed since 2001. Colum, who lives in New York with his family shares his thoughts on Mayor Zohran Mamdani, JD Vance and why he remains positive when he thinks about the future of American politics. 

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The plan to integrate camogie and ladies football into the GAA appears to have derailed with the resignation of former President Dr Mary McAleese from the Steering Committee. Dr McAleese didn't hold back in her criticism of the leadership of the association. Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA rejected accusations of misogyny and said the organisation was committed to integration. 

Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of The Journal joins Paul to explain what is going on and why this row is a major setback for women and girls playing on teams. 

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Take-away chips, cans of tomatoes, petrol and Netflix - just some of the products that have increased in price and have hit people's pockets. Consumer journalist Caitríona Redmond joins Paul to explain why everything seems to be increasing in price in the supermarket and beyond. 

Later, Economics and Public Affairs editor David Murphy discusses how the budget might bring some relief for people and the choices that will face Simon Harris as he unveils his first budget as Minister for Finance in a few weeks time. 

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A new drama series, The Murder of Mr Moonlight will be coming to screens next year. Commissioned by RTÉ, the cast includes Brendan Coyle as Bobby Ryan, aka Mr Moonlight who was murdered by Patrick Quirke in 2011. Arrested in 2013 and found guilty by a jury in 2019, the Quirke trial was one of Ireland's longest running court cases. The case prompted huge public interest and is now being made into a drama for national and international audiences. 

Barry Cummins, Author and co-host of the podcast 'Unsolved', joins Fran and Evelyn to reflect on the case and reveal some of Quirke's behaviour in and out of the court. 

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Tough talk from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hung over the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Wicklow. On Tuesday, Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in August. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said it was clear Russia was trying to divide the EU while EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas labelled the Russia attack as 'state-sponsored terrorism'. 

Paul and Laura are joined by Eddy Wax of Euractiv and by Keir Giles, Russia expert to discuss the developments. 

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Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris gave some details today on the new state-backed personal investment account which aims to make investing more accessible to the wider public. Financial planner and podcaster Eoin McGee joins Laura Fletcher to discuss what's known about the scheme and why it differs from previous schemes like SSIAs. And while some details are known, Eoin reveals what he will be looking for on budget day when the finer detail will be announced. 

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At the stroke of a pen, Lake Ontario became Lake 'America' according to US President Donald Trump. This move was in retaliation for Canada announcing it would impose tariffs on the United States following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Justin Ling, columnist with the Toronto Sar joins Eamon Horan to talk lakes, trade and the ever-changing relationship between the US and Canada. 

Meanwhile in Laois, Electric Picnic kicks off with Irish acts dominating the lineup and fans looking forward to a weekend of music and entertainment. RTÉ's Evelyn O’Rourke chats Fontaines DC, CMAT and 'the Green and Red of Mayo'

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Fran is joined by Grammy award winning musician Rhiannon Giddens and by Tennessee native and Communications specialist Amy Seigenthaler to reflect on the extraordinary career of music legend Dolly Parton who passed away on Tuesday night. 

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