Behind the Story

A war of words has broken out between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, with Trump threatening to withdraw US troops from some European countries. Shona Murray of Euronews joins Fran to explain the background to the row and why it's not likely troops would withdraw any time soon. 

Later, Professor of Ecclesiology, Massimo Faggioli of TCD discusses the different strands of Christianity influencing the White House and how the intervention of Pope Leo recently was a defining moment for the Papacy.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government gave more detail on the latest fuel supports for farmers and agricultural contractors but will it be enough to help the sector? And is there a 'green' divide opening up between urban and rural Ireland? a recent report shows that urban dwellers are benefitting more from sustainability grants. 

TCD Professor of Transportation Brian Caulfield joins Fran and Paul to discuss if EV car grants should favour those living in rural areas and how did over 100 new electric buses end up lying idle? [clue: there's no charger]! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Character references in court have come back under the spotlight after former TD Jim Glennon issued a character reference for Daniel Ramamoorthy.

Ramamoorthy was a former government adviser who was convicted of the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old boy in 2017.

RTÉ Legal Affairs Correspondent Órla O’Donnell discusses the details of the case, and why details of who gives character references are often not made public.

Senior Counsel Lorcan Staines also talks about how character references can carry different weight depending on the case, and why he believes consistency should be brought in across different courts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did RTÉ Radio 1 change the familiar tunes attached to its programmes? Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Fran and Eamon to discuss the controversy that erupted over the decision to switch the music and she reveals how many complaints the broadcaster received. 

Later, Fran and Eamon look at the suggestion by a Trump 'Special Envoy' that Italy should replace Iran in the World Cup in June. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government revealed in the spring economic statement that it is expecting a surplus of €9bn, up from €5bn, however despite the extra money, it's unlikely the purse strings will be opened. Business reporter Adam Maguire joins Fran and Paul to explain how we are awash with money, but can't spend it! 

Later, Retired Vice Admiral of the Irish Navy, Mark Mellet discusses the security threats that Ireland might face ahead of the EU Presidency in July. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke in the House of Commons today to explain how he wasn't told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting for the position of UK Ambassador to the United States. Starmer blamed officials at the Foreign Office for not telling him. 

Reporter Kate Varley joins Fran to discuss the background the controversy, while, Jon Tonge, Professor of Politics assesses if Starmer has done enough to save his leadership. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran and Evelyn are joined by presenter Kathryn Thomas to discuss the booming anti-ageing and longetivity industry. More and more people are turning to new scientifc advances to try and extend their lives, however, many of the supplements and procedures are unregulated and untested in humans. Kathryn's two part documentary 'Young Forever' also explores the last advances in aesthetics and asks if we will be able to live longer and healthier lives. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran and Paul discuss Minister Patrick O'Donovan's change of heart in relation to a request for Coimisiún na Meán to review coverage of the fuel protests. 

And, Ireland will take over the EU Presidency on July 1st for six months. 278 meetings will be held in the country which will present a significant security and logistics challenge. So what's involved? Europe Editor, Tony Connelly explains the ins and outs of the events, how government is preparing and the challenges of a possible visit from President Trump in September. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government announced an additional package of support to help with the impact of higher fuel prices. While the blockades have stopped, Minister Patrick O'Donovan has said he is not happy with the media coverage of last week's protests. Political correspondant, Mícheál Lehane joins Fran to discuss the package and the political fallout. 

Later, Professor Scott Lucas outlines the row between President Trump and Pope Leo and how the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz might work. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No deal unless the protests are called off, so says the government in response to the escalating crisis surrounding the fuel protests. Laura Fletcher and Eamon Horan discuss who the protestors are, an informal meeting in Burger King and how the government is handling the situation. 

Later, markets reporter with the Business Post, Kathleen Gallagher explains what predictions markets are and how people are placing bets on sport, war and the weather. And as the Masters continues in Augusta, Eamon reveals his connection to a famous golfer! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.