In The News

This episode was originally published in January 2021. More than two dozen “lunatic asylums” were built throughout Ireland in the 1800s. Today some are hospitals, while others are derelict.Through interviews and archive research, Rosita Boland pieces together what life was like inside the walls of these state-run institutions.She discovers that for many of the thousands of Irish citizens who passed through them, mental illness was not the only reason, or even a reason at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative leadership contest has been underway for two weeks and the eight candidates have been whittled down to two.Now things get serious. London editor Denis Staunton explains the strengths, weaknesses and campaign strategies of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war in Ukraine approaches its sixth month, many of the five million refugees who fled the country are returning. In total, more than two million Ukrainians have gone back so far. But what awaits them when they get there? Sorcha Pollak talks to Irish Times central and eastern Europe correspondent Daniel McLaughlin about life inside the country as those returning and those who stayed, try to rebuild their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, British athlete Mo Farah revealed he was illegally trafficked into the UK at the age of nine. Flown over from Djibouti, he was given the name Mohamed Farah and forced to work as a domestic servant. Sharing his story in a BBC documentary this week, the olympic champion has put the spotlight firmly on the global issue of human trafficking. What impact will his revelations have on helping other victims come forward and how difficult is it to secure prosecutions against traffickers? Sorcha Pollak speaks to Sally Hayden, who reports from Africa for The Irish Times and Senior Counsel Fiona Murphy to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Eleventh Night bonfires and 12th of July parades, the experience hits very differently depending on your background. Northern correspondent Seanín Graham reports on events she witnessed and people she spoke to, and how the burning of effigies of female politicians has overshadowed the events and drawn criticism from all sides of the political spectrum.Plus: Much of the fight to define the meaning of Loyalist events now takes place online, in shared videos, memes and posts, explains Paul Reilly, a researcher at the University of Glasgow who has looked at the role of social media in sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019, at fourteen weeks pregnant, Emma Connors was told that her unborn baby had a fatal foetal abnormality. Just a few weeks later, she and her husband were on a plane to England to terminate the pregnancy. Despite abortion legislation being introduced in Ireland in 2019, Emma is one of the hundreds of women still forced to travel to the UK to access termination services every year. Today she shares her story. Conor Pope also speaks to Social Affairs correspondent Kitty Holland to find out about the latest HSE report which says the legislation “falls short” of women’s needs and has a “chilling” effect on clinicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prices of cryptocurrencies have plummeted this year. Bitcoin, the most popular one, has lost over 70 per cent of its value in the last six months and crypto companies are letting staff go, with Coinbase firing nearly a fifth of its employees in June alone. Crypto is no stranger to boom and bust cycles, but investors are now turning their backs on the notoriously volatile assets in their droves, amid market jitters over the cost of living crisis, interest rate hikes and the war in Ukraine. So, is the tide going out on crypto forever? Conor Pope talks to Professor of Finance at Trinity College Dublin Brian Lucey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the moment on Tuesday morning when a retired British civil servant went public about how Boris Johnson was covering up his involvement in yet another scandal, the prime minister's fate was sealed. But why was it this of all scandals that finally took him down? What comes next for UK politics - and how will it affect Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All of Europe is in the grip of inflation, and Ireland is no different. But here we already had some of the highest prices in Europe across a range of products and services including energy, food, broadband and mortgages. What's behind our high prices - and could our own consumer culture have anything to do with it? Conor Pope talks to Dargh Cassidy of bonkers.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight years after Scotland said no to independence in its 2014 referendum, Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon now wants to put the issue back at the top of the agenda. In a speech to the Scottish parliament last week, the first minister set out the route map for holding a vote on the issue on October 19 next year. The question put to Scots would be the same as in the 2014 referendum – Should Scotland be an independent country? But holding a second referendum is shrouded in legal problems and there’s no certainty it will even happen, as London Editor Denis Staunton explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the US, in places where women get abortions, but also in courtrooms and within political campaign headquarters, the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn the Roe v Wade right to abortion has transformed American life and set many fresh battles over reproductive rights in train. One week on from the ruling, we talk to US journalist Kara Voght about what impact it is already having. Kara Voght is politics reporter with Rolling Stone magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The current energy crisis shows little sign of easing, and the worst may be to come. Some have warned that, with Russian gas supplies in doubt, Europe could face energy rationing this coming winter. Jack Horgan-Jones looked into the issue and he tells Conor Pope how likely it is to happen here in Ireland and what plans there are to deal with it if it does. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just three months on from the last pandemic wave which swept across the country, Ireland is once again experiencing a surge in Covid cases. But was it expected this time round and how long will it last? Conor Pope speaks to virologist Dr Gerald Barry to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly 300 years ago an earthquake off the coast of Portugal caused a tsunami which hit Ireland’s coast. Records show that the Lisbon tsunami, as it was known, damaged Galway’s Spanish Arch, caused a large body of water to pour into Kinsale harbour and made an island out of Aughinish in northern Clare.Last Saturday, locals in West Cork momentarily feared that history could be repeating itself, when unusual tidal activity saw water levels in some harbours drop dramatically. So, what happened on Ireland’s southwest coast last weekend? We hear from eyewitness, charter boat operator David Edwards.Sorcha Pollak also talks to oceanographer at Maynooth University, Dr Gerard McCarthy, about what caused the freak tides at Courtmacsherry and Union Hall last weekend, the likelihood of a big tsunami hitting Ireland and how prepared we would be for one. Links: Deep Maps Cork article on the Lisbon Tsunami: http://www.deepmapscork.ie/past-to-present/climate/1755-lisbon-earthquake-tsunami-west-cork-coast/Dr McCarthy's Twitter thread explaining the unusual tidal activity in Cork: https://twitter.com/ger_the_sea/status/1538660304699150337Watch David Edwards' footage from Courtmacsherry: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/06/20/freak-west-cork-tides-not-caused-by-marine-earthquake-experts-say/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many hospitals around the country could soon be functioning without hundreds of junior doctors. Earlier this month, they voted in favour of strike action, in a ballot called by the Irish Medical Organisation. They’re fighting for better working conditions, improved pay and an end to unsafe and illegal hours. Sorcha Pollak speaks to Dr Jamie McGettigan from Limerick Hospital Group and Health Editor Paul Cullen to find out more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With many Irish people now feeling the bite from the soaring cost of living, a new report has found a record number of households are experiencing energy poverty. The study by the ESRI makes for stark reading. It found 29 per cent of households are spending more than a tenth of their income to power their home, with people in rural areas, those on lower incomes and older people disproportionately affected. So why is this happening now and what needs to be done to address it? Sorcha Pollak talks to ESRI economist Barra Roantree and Tricia Keilthy, Head of Social Justice and Policy at the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this week, George Gonzaga Bento walked out of Dublin’s Central Criminal Court, a free man. The 36-year-old from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, had spent the last 16 months in custody, accused of murdering teenager Josh Dunne in January 2021. 16-year-old Josh died from stab wounds inflicted by Bento, during a fight over a stolen bike in Dublin’s East Wall. After a six-week trial, the jury found Bento not guilty on all counts, accepting his plea of self-defence. Court reporters Alison O’Riordan and Eoin Reynolds reflect on the events of January 2021, the six-week trial that followed and how George Bento convinced the jury to let him walk free.Hosted by Sorcha Pollak and produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 11 months, nearly 100 subpoenas and more than a thousand interviews, the congressional committee investigating the January 6th attack on the US Capitol has begun holding a series of public hearings to present its findings. The key question for the committee is whether the violence seen on the day was just a spontaneous outpouring of anger and frustration by supporters of a defeated candidate, or whether there was an orchestrated attempt to frustrate the transfer of power following a legitimate election.In other words, was there an attempted coup?The Irish Times Washington Correspondent Martin Wall reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time since retiring, former chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel spoke out last week about how her government treated an increasingly aggressive Russia - treatment that is now under the spotlight. Derek Scally was there when Merkel spoke and tells Conor Pope about how she justified those decisions and whether her excuses stand up to scrutiny. In part two: what is the new chancellor Olaf Scholz saying and doing about Russia and the war in Ukraine? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2018, Andrew Barnes decided to trial a four-day working week at his New Zealand-based business Perpetual Guardian. His employees work 80% of the time, while still receiving 100% of their salary. The trial was such a success, it’s still in place four years on, with positive outcomes for both employees and productivity. Here he tells Conor Pope how it works and why more companies should adopt this approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks ago, a jury in Virginia delivered the verdict that everyone had been waiting for: Johnny Depp had won his multimillion-dollar defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard.The trial lasted six weeks and was streamed live on Youtube for the entire world to see. Neither Depp nor Heard's reputations have emerged from the trial unscathed, but it is only Heard who has been vilified by an online mob.Irish Times features writer Jennifer O'Connell talks to Sorcha Pollak about how that narrative emerged and what it says about the MeToo movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again. The Leaving Certificate has been in existence since 1925, so it may come as no surprise to learn that students, academics and politicians are calling for a complete overhaul of the final year exam system. Education Editor Carl O’Brien and Professor Ann Looney from Dublin City University explain what changes are on the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gardaí will soon be using facial recognition technology to crack cases and help win convictions. But the technology is already widely available. For a small fee, online services can find images of you that you may not have known were out there. Crime correspondent Conor Gallagher has tested out one such online service, Pimeyes. He talks with Sorcha Pollak about how it can be used and abused. Conor also looks at the Gardaí's plan to use the technology. Does it work, and is it safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Elizabeth was 21 when she told her subjects that she would dedicate her whole life, whether it be long or short, to their service and the service of the imperial family.Now, aged 96, she is reported to be in good health but frail and what her courtiers call “episodic mobility issues” have left her unable to perform most public duties.As she celebrates 70 years on the throne, Irish Times London Editor Denis Staunton says she should perform one last act of service by announcing her retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The killing of 19 children and two teachers in a Texas elementary school has put the spotlight back on gun control - for now. But Robin Kowalski, a US-based professor of psychology who has studied school shooters, tells In the News that other factors are being overlooked, like rejection, bullying and mental health issues.There are ways to tackle these problems. But when mental health is discussed in the context of mass shootings, it's more likely as a deflection from gun control proposals than with any genuine intention to tackle the problem. Plus: Washington Correspondent Martin Wall on the investigation into police mishandling of the Robb Elementary shootings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After everything that’s happened over the past few years, many of us are dying for a nice holiday.And we’re willing to pay for it, with many people prioritising holiday spending this year despite pressure on budgets. But it’s not cheap: hotels, airbnb and car hire prices are all up. On top of that, if you’re unlucky enough to need a new passport, there are major delays.And now there is renewed chaos at Dublin Airport, with lengthy queues resulting in many missing flights. Guests: Olivia Kelly and Fionn Davenport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Editor Denis Staunton explains what a newly-published report into illegal gatherings in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's home and office means for him and his Conservative government. Can Johnson finally outmanoeuvre this long-running scandal? What will it take for his MPs to turn on him? Has the affair damaged British politics and its ability to deal with a dire cost of living crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is a war that Putin and western analysts predicted would be over within days, but three months down the line, fighting still rages on in Ukraine. So what has gone wrong with the Russian approach and what will it take for Ukraine to win the war? Jennifer Ryan speaks to Phillips O’Brien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is part three of a three part series. If you haven't listened to part one or two yet, we recommend you go back and do so - they're the previous episodes in the feed. Former RTE journalist Tommie Gorman, who interviewed Roy Keane after he returned from Saipan, joins the lineup for the final episode of a series looking back at the sporting scandal that rocked Ireland 20 years ago this week. Plus: Ken Early, Mary Hannigan, Emmet Malone and Eamon Dunphy on the national Mick v Roy debate and how far Ireland could have gone in the World Cup with Keane in the team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is part two of a three part series. If you haven't listened to part one yet, we recommend you go back and do so - it's the previous episode in the feed. Warning: contains explicit language Former football writer for The Irish Times Emmet Malone, who travelled to Saipan with the Ireland team back in 2002, joins the podcast to tell the story of how things went so badly wrong between captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 years ago this week, Irish football fans were in a state of giddy excitement about the World Cup, which was about to begin in South Korea and Japan. But then something went terribly wrong. In the first of three episodes looking back at the controversial events of 2002, Conor Pope talks to Mary Hannigan, Ken Early, and Eamon Dunphy about the events that preceded Ireland's departure for its infamous training camp on the island of Saipan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish property prices are climbing at their highest rate for over seven years. In the last year alone, the average cost of a home jumped by just over 15 per cent. Most estate agents are forecasting continued price growth for the remainder of the year, and beyond. But can they really be so sure? Irish Times economics correspondent Eoin Burke-Kennedy explains why he believes a drop in prices is on the horizon, as interest rates rise and housebuilding finally takes off.Host: Conor PopeProduced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, the United States announced it would sanction members of the Kinahan family and offer a $5 million reward for evidence leading to their prosecution. One month on, what impact have they had on the cartel's wealth and business? Crime editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted by Conor Pope. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October 2001, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs debuted the original iPod, the first MP3 player that could hold 1,000 songs and had a 10-hour battery life. This week the company announced it was discontinuing the iconic device, saying other gadgets have made the iPod redundant. Patrick Freyne talks to Conor Pope about how the iPod transformed the way we consume music and the impact it has had on the relationship between music, culture and identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds of Ukrainian doctors are arriving into Ireland, eager to take up work in the health service. However, they are facing barriers when it comes to registering with the Irish Medical Council. Sorcha Pollak speaks to Dr Nicholas Stefanovic to find out why. We also hear from Victoria Sinelnik, a newly qualified Ukrainian doctor who arrived in Ireland last March and is hoping to start her medical career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following her victory against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden last week, Katie Taylor remains boxing’s golden girl and the undisputed lightweight world champion. Sorcha Pollak speaks to Irish Times sports writer Johnny Watterson, who was at the fight in New York, about Taylor's path to the top and whether an Irish rematch could be on the cards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cabinet has held off on approving the planned relocation of the National Maternity Hospital from Holles Street in Dublin 2 to a site on the St Vincent’s hospital campus in Dublin 4, to give the plan further consideration amid continuing concerns about the future ethos and governance of the maternity hospital.Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray talks to Sorcha Pollak about why the project has been debated and delayed for nearly a decade.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now in its 70th day Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine was supposed to dismantle the country. But across Ukraine, the invasion has only strengthened ties: between the citizens of Odesa, between east and west and between Russian and Ukrainian speakers. That's what reporter Dan McLaughlin has found on his return to the country. As the Russian military holiday of May 9th draw near, Russian losses are staggering and successes are few. Will Putin escalate? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Johnny Depp this week concluded his testimony in the defamation case he has filed against his ex-wife Amber Heard, over an article she wrote for the Washington Post newspaper in 2018.Journalist Nick Wallis has been attending the trial each day since proceedings began on 11th April.He talks to Conor Pope about why Depp has taken this defamation case, what has been said in court so far and what's at stake for both parties.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne BrennanFollow Nick Wallis's daily updates on his website and on Twitter.If you are affected by the issues raised in this report, helplines are available at:Women’s Aid – 1800 341 900Safe Ireland – 1800 341 900Men’s Aid – 01 554 3811 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the UK government announced a scheme to send asylum seekers arriving on its shores to the central African nation of Rwanda, 10,000 kilometers away. The plan has plenty of opposition in the UK, but even if it never happens, it serves a political purpose,says London editor Denis Staunon. Plus: is Rwanda ready to be a safe haven for the UK's asylum seekers? On several trips there, Sally Hayden learned about how similar schemes operated by the EU and Israel operated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surging gun crime in the United States has put the issue of gun control back on the agenda. But why is it happening - and can anything be done? Washington correspondent Martin Wall reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk says he wants to buy Twitter, but the board of the company doesn’t seem too hot on the idea. Musk has, nevertheless, filed papers to the Securities and Exchange Commission outlining a $46bn financing package to fund his takeover bid. If it succeeds, it will be just the latest in a long list of controversies surrounding the company.  Irish Times media columnist Laura Slattery talks to Conor Pope about the three eras of Twitter and what, if anything, might change with the world's richest man at the helm. Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Declan Conlon. www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Kinahan family's rise to the top of the Irish drug trade was helped by the low profile and overseas life of Christy Kinhan snr. But a violent feud brought growing attention, as did his son Daniel's ambition to be a player in the world of boxing. Then this week, the United States announced it would sanction the family and offer a $5 million reward for evidence leading to their prosecution. Will this unprecedented move bring down the Kinahans? Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European countries are welcoming Ukrainian refugees with open arms. But migrants from other parts of the world get much different treatment, as reporter Sally Hayden reveals in her new book. 'My Fourth Time, we Drowned" tells the story of how EU policy has helped create an inhumane system that ends in imprisonment in Libyan detention centres for thousands of migrants. Sally talked to Sorcha Pollak about how she communicated with migrants trapped in Libya and the unseen consequences of Europe's determination to keep migration numbers down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moldova is a small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. It was once part of the Soviet Union. It's not an EU member or a member of the Nato alliance. And it is home to a small breakaway region where Russian is spoken. For all those reasons, many Moldovans are worried that Moscow has its eye on them, and will see the invasion of Ukraine as the best opportunity it will ever get to bring Moldova too back under its control. Simon Carswell visited the capital Chisinau to learn how realistic an invasion is and whether Moldova, like Ukraine, could fight back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more than three decades in the limelight, action star Bruce Willis has retired from acting. Taking to social media, his family revealed the actor has recently been diagnosed with Aphasia, a cognitive disorder which affects a person's ability to communicate. Chief film correspondent Donald Clarke speaks to Sorcha Pollak about Willis’ path to fame, from his days on 80s comedy drama Moonlighting, to becoming one of the world’s biggest film stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alleged war crimes in Ukraine have shocked Europe and the world. But as war drags on, can the EU react strongly and maintain a united response to Russia's invasion?Meanwhile in Budapest the EU leader closest to Putin, prime minister Viktor Orban, has won reelection. But Hungary's isolation within the EU is growing.Naomi O'Leary is Europe correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian diplomats have been expelled from Ireland in the past, but the move to send four of them back to Moscow last week as a signal to the Kremlin of Ireland’s condemnation of the war in Ukraine, marks a low-point in relations between the two countries. The controversial Russian embassy on Dublin’s Orwell Road has come under a renewed spotlight since the war began, but it has been suspected of being a front for intelligence gathering since the Cold War. The Irish Times crime correspondent Conor Gallagher talks to Conor Pope about the origins of that suspicion and the likelihood that the Kremlin could run a spy network out of Ireland.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Aideen Finneganwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more than two years advising the Government on the coronavirus pandemic, the National Public Health Emergency Team for Covid-19 (Nphet) finally disbanded in February of this year. But as Ireland grapples another wave of the Omicron variant, was it the right time to go? Irish Times political reporter and co-author of Pandemonium, an upcoming book on the Irish pandemic Jack Horgan Jones speaks to Conor Pope about the legacy of Nphet and what will eventually replace it.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.