Behind the Story

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.

Latest opinion polls indicate that there is a significant chance that Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary could lose power after  in Sunday's election. Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg joins Fran and Paul to discuss the challenge to Orbán and if the visit of the US Vice President, JD Vance helps or hinders his chances. Later, as both sides claim victory, Fiona Mitchell dissects the ceasefire deal agreed by the US and Iran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increasingly, companies are insisting remote workers return to the office full time. This is causing tension between employees and management. However, there is evidence that forcing people to return is counterproductive and could result in a business losing it's best talent. Professor Kevin Murphy, of University of Limerick joins Fran to discuss the pros and cons of WFH. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The airline industry is sounding the alarm over jet fuel shortages. The cost of aviation fuel has doubled since the Iran war broke out and some airlines are cancelling flights. Travel expert Eoghan Corry and Aviation expert Marina Efthymiou join Fran for a deep dive on the concern within the industry and what's expected to happen, if they conflict continues. Eoghan has advice for those planning overseas holidays this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contradictory statements continue to flow from President Trump and his administration on the Iran war. Trump expects the conflict to end in a few weeks, meanwhile the US military presence continues to expand in the Gulf. Dr Patrick Bury, security and defence lecturer at the University of Bath joins Fran to explain how a military attack on Kharg Island might take place and what would be involved in trying to provide safe passage to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation figures released today show prices rose by 1.8% since last month. RTÉ's David Murphy joins Fran to explain the latest figures and the measures government has taken so far to try and alleviate the rising energy costs. Later, David Lubin - Global Economics expert from think tank Chatham House explains how China could be the winner in the short term as the price of oil continues to rise.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drug initimidation gangs are threatening families in rural areas. At a recent community meeting in Co Galway, a young women told people how an armed and masked gang turned up to her parents house demanding money. Reporter Jacqueline Hogge joined Fran and co host, Eamon Horan to chat about drug use in rural areas. Later, Fran and Eamon discuss Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen's outburst at a press conference in Japan on Thursday night. Verstappen took issue with a reporter and demanded he 'get out'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You Tuber Stephen McCullagh was found guilty of the murder of his pregnant girlfriend Natalie McNally on Monday in a Belfast court. Northern Correspondant Conor Macauley was in court and shares details from the case with Paul and co-host, Dyane Connor. Conor says he had never seen anything like the reaction after the jury delivered the guilty verdict. Natalie McNally was killed in December 2022, her boyfriend had created an elaborated alibi that fell apart once the police investigated his computer, phone and movements on the night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's widely anticipated the Government will announce fuel supports in an attempt to soften the blow of increasing petrol and diesel prices. Paul Deane, Senior lecturer in Clean Energy Futures joins Evelyn O'Rourke to discuss market reaction to President Trump claim that he is close to a deal with Iran and that the price of oil will 'drop like a rock'. Later, reporter Jenn Gannon explains why 'Love Story' on Disney has become such a hit with Gen Z. She also outlines why the real people featured in the drama are upset at how they are protrayed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, a leading figure in the Kinahan crime gang, Sean McGovern pled guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal gang in relation to the murder of one man and the surveillance of another. McGovern is the first person to be extradited from the UAE to face trial. Author and crime reporter Barry Cummins joins Fran to discuss the case and examine why the Kinahan crime group are ‘comfortably trapped’ in Dubai as the Iran war continues in the region.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's leading tech billionaires, Peter Thiel is in Rome this week, giving a series of 'behind closed doors' lectures on the Antichrist. The Vatican is not impressed. Reporter Amy Kazmin of the Financial Times joins Fran and Paul to discuss the reaction to Thiel's talks. Later, Professor of Ecclesiology, Massimo Faggioli explains the tension between advances in AI, Pope Leo and Catholic America's involvement with investments in the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessie Buckley made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Success too for Dubliner Richie Baneham who won his third Oscar for his work on Avatar. Evelyn O'Rourke tells Fran all about the night, the reaction to the wins but also how the night unravelled for Timothée Chalamet. Later, Fran is joined by Washington Correspondent, Jackie Fox, as she looks ahead to Taoiseach's visit to the White House for St Patrick's Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, a documentary by Louis Theroux landed on Netflix. Fran is joined by Professor Debbie Ging of DCU to discuss the growth of the manosphere and how misogynist behaviour and beliefs are spreading. Debbie also talks about what's happening in this country and points to some positive male influencers who are challenging the manosphere. Later, Fran is joined by Evelyn O'Rourke, arts and media correspondant, who is in LA for the Oscars. Evelyn shares stories from the city of Angels! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures released today show that used EVs are priced 11% below comparable diesel vehicles. After a fall in the value of electric cars, the market appears to have stabilised, which is attracting buyers back to considering an EV purchase. Fran and Paul are joined by Geraldine Herbert to discuss what's happened and how higher range vehicles are becoming more affordable. Fran and Paul also discuss the concern around the increasing use of private, unregulated accommodation for some of the state's most vulnerable children. Over a thousand children were placed in hotels and B&Bs last year due to a shortage of state accommodation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices surged today to their highest levels since 2022. Stocks fell as the fallout from the Iran conflict continues to hit the economy and your pocket! Economics Editor David Murphy joins Fran to explain what's happening on the markets and why the price of petrol and home heating oil is rising so fast. Later Fran talks to Middle East expert Christian Henderson about food supplies in the Gulf. UAE imports 90% of it's food so it is only a matter of time before prices will go up as it gets more difficult to bring food into the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leitrim man Liam Farrell's death in 2020 was in suspicious circumstances. His family received news on Thursday that the Minister for Justice has authorised the exhumation of the body.  The Garda Serious Crime Review Team are continuing to investigate the case. Liam's son, Brendan Farrell joins Fran to discuss how the family hope they will get answers to what happened to their Dad. Later, Fran is joined by journalist Barry O'Rourke to take a look at the world's No. 1 You Tuber and discuss the news that Mr Beast has acquired a financial services app and looks set to offer financial products to under 18s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The family circus has to end' says Justice Brian Cregan who, today, ordered that Enoch Burke's mother and sister be sent to jail for two weeks for contempt of court. Legal Affairs correspondant Orla O'Donnell joins Paul and Fran to discuss the latest twist in the Burke family's ongoing disruption of court proceedings. Later, Security and Warfare expert, Patrick Bury of University of Bath shares some interesting 'missile maths', the cost of an interceptor missile to take down one drone. He explains how drones have changed the nature of conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2013, the Gardaí, with permission from the courts, released a picture of an unidentified girl to try and find out who she was. Within hours, they had a name: Samantha Azzopardi, an Australian serial fraudster. Azzopardi was deported and subsequently jailed but it now appears she's back to her old habits!! You can listen to the Finding Samantha podcast here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/38519-finding-samantha/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US-Iran conflict escalates, oil prices have begun to rise, so what impact could the crisis have on prices here? Adam Maguire of the RTÉ Business desk joins Fran and Maggie to explain why the Straits of Hormuz is so important and how shipping is already re-routing away from the region. Later, Professor John O'Brennan of Maynooth University discusses the EU response, the potential to get dragged into the conflict and the possible impact on Ireland's hosting of the EU Presidency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Israel have commenced 'major combat operations' against Iran. Iran has responded by hitting sites in several Gulf States including Israel. Fran and Paul are joined by Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Editor with the Economist and by Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director with the International Crisis Group to discuss the situation and to explore the possible outcome of US action and the increased threat to the global economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Goodman is one of Ireland's richest men, with a business empire that stretches from beef to healthcare and property. A new two part TV documentary 'Goodman - Too Big to Fail' looks at how his business collapsed two governments and brought in the era of tribunals. Ella McSweeney and Ciarán Cassidy share insights from the documentary. Later, Arts and Media correspondant, Evelyn O'Rourke joins Fran and Maggie to discuss the decline in interest in arts degrees and asks if we need 'STEAM' as well as 'STEM'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.