The Indo Daily

When veteran Irish criminal John Gilligan rang in the new year from a Spanish jail, the charges were a far cry from his heyday on Dublin's gangland scene. ?So how does a once-powerful gangster end up implicated in "street level" dealing, why hasn't he been able to pay his bail and, after a life of crime, what's the retirement plan? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Nicola TallantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

X boss and Donald Trump confidante Elon Musk has started the new year in venomous fashion, accusing UK prime minister Keir Starmer of being complicit in “the rape of Britain”, while turning his back on Nigel Farage. Why is he setting his sights on the UK? And will he attempt to further influence Irish politics while he’s at it? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Doyle of the Irish Independent spent the days before Christmas in Temple Street hospital, looking after his five-month-old daughter Carla. His experience – and those of the other struggling parents and children present – has led him to question the protocols in place and declare the still-unopened National Children’s Hospital “too big to fail”. Host: Tabitha Monahan | Guest: Kevin DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Post Office on O’Connell Street is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most significant buildings; as the headquarters of the 1916 rising, the bustling epicenter of 20th century communication and even the point by which the distance to towns and cities across the country were measured. This year, the Dublin landmark faces a milestone of its own - with a new purpose for the building set to be revealed. So could a reimagined GPO help breathe life into the city centre and how do we preserve our history while developing a living, breathing city? Host: Dave Hanratty | Guest: Donal Fallon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s housing crisis continues apace, and while many people are struggling to put a roof over their heads, there are those who have exploited the situation for hefty profits. In the case of rogue landlord Christian Carter, an Irish Independent investigation into his operation exposed some shocking stories. This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Amy MolloySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This second episode looks at the personal stories of these women. This episode was first published in July 2024. Presenter: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. A number of women have spoken to a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates to outline a series of harrowing allegations. This episode was first published in July 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Mark Tighe and Marie Crowe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Limerick (UL) is engulfed in a scandal arising from a €5m overspend on student housing 3km from the college campus. UL wrote to gardaí last month to notify authorities of a possible fraud. The matter is currently the subject of ongoing assessment by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau to see if a criminal investigation is warranted. This episode was first published in May 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Wayne O’ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Ian Bailey leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years. This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s the king of renovation-themed television, but Dermot Bannon is under fire as the RTÉ star opted to build first and ask later in the latest episode of Room to Improve. Is the system to blame? And where does Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien fit into this puzzle? This episode was first published in January 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan & Amy Molloy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s the new queen of London’s right-wing social scene, counting Nigel Farage and Donald Trump among her friends. Having traded Neighbours and Ramsay Street for a brief crack at Hollywood and pop stardom, Holly Valance has found a new calling – cheering for the radical right. But does she have political ambitions of her own? This episode was first published in June 2024. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Enda Brady and Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1988 an unknown German duo called Milli Vanilli released their first song Girl You Know It’s True. Two years later they had sold over 40 million records, had millions of fans and even won a Grammy. However, they were hiding behind one of the biggest lies in the history of pop music. This episode was first published in October 2024. Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One-time prince of pop Justin Timberlake appeared at a Long Island court on Tuesday after being arrested for driving while intoxicated. Now he’s bringing scandal back, with police describing him as having "bloodshot and glassy" eyes as well as smelling of alcohol. Journalist Louise Bruton discusses the controversial personal life of the Cry Me A River and SexyBack singer. This episode was first published in June 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within 48 hours of inserting Songs of Innocence into the folders of half-a-billion Apple users, the tech giant’s deal to give away U2's new album came under attack from music fans and iPhone owners across the globe. Described on some corners of the internet as “the U2 virus”, the album deal became one of the band’s and Apple’s biggest ever PR gaffs. Ten years on from the incident, was it all just a bit of an overreaction? This episode was first published in October 2024. Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest; Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the height of his fame, Pete Doherty personified rock'n'roll excess. Though he wished to be taken seriously as an artist, it was the many personal controversies of the Libertines frontman that provoked public scrutiny. From his relationship with Kate Moss, to his descent into drug addiction, to his link to a tragic death that still poses unanswered questions, we look at the many headlines of Pete Doherty. This episode was first published in March 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Craig Fitzpatrick See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conspiracy theories are nothing new. The latest one doing the rounds is that pop princess Taylor Swift - who just won 'Album of the Year' at the Grammy's - is a Pentagon “psyop plant” who will rig both the upcoming Super Bowl and US presidential election. This has led to clashes between “Swifties” and the far right. The Indo Daily explains all. This episode was originally published in February 2024. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elf, Love Actually and Die Hard – some of the movies we discuss as we look for the best and worst Christmas movies of all time? What are yours? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee MolumbySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2024 draws to an end, the Irish Independent’s political team looks back at some of the more extraordinary moments of the year inside Leinster House and out and about on the election trail. From pricey bike sheds to campaign catastrophes, this year was another headline-grabbing one for politicians and wannabe TDs across the country. Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined in studio by the Irish Independent's political team, Gabija Gataveckaite, Tabitha Monahan and Philip Ryan, to give out the awards for best TD, most shocking scandal, biggest gaffe and the all-important “brat” of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gisèle Pelicot’s story of being drugged and raped by 50 men for over a decade has shocked the world. The defendants were branded ‘Mr Everyman’ by the French press and they even included her ex-husband. Today they were sentenced collectively to 428 years in prison. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Catherine FieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is almost in the history books and it was yet another eyebrow-raising 12 months on both the Irish and international stage. From the violent chaos of the US presidential election and the much more subdued voting here at home, to the many scandals and individuals that made headlines, the Indo Daily team looks back on the year that was. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guests: Fionnán Sheahan and Tabitha Monahan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 18 June 1994, UVF members burst into a local pub in Loughinisland Co. Down and fired on the customers, killing six and wounding five others. The investigation failed to catch the killers. Journalist Trevor Birney helped make the documentary ‘No Stone Unturned’ about the murders but was arrested in 2018 for breaching the Official Secrets Act. After six years of hell, this week Birney and fellow producer Barry McCaffery have now won a major tribunal against the authorities, which stated the PSNI did in fact act unlawfully in their attempt to unmask their sources for the documentary. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; Trevor Birney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jealousy, coercive control, abusive texts, withholding money: Claire Lott tells of the behaviour that might set alarm bells ringing, as she recounts the heartbreaking story of her daughter Nadine, who was murdered by ex-partner Daniel Murtagh in front of her six-year-old daughter Kya. Host; Ellen Coyne, Guests; Claire Lott and Niamh HoranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin has taken many people by surprise. It has left people asking why Ireland has been singled out and if the accusation of “antisemitic actions and rhetoric” will damage Ireland's reputation on the world stage. Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Gabija GataveckaiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the BBC aired journalist Michael Buerk's harrowing reports of Ethiopian famine in 1984, few could have imagined the enduring legacy they would inspire. Among those watching was Irish musician Bob Geldof, who became determined to help in the only way he knew how. So, how did Band Aid's iconic Christmas single come about and why is it still causing controversy today? Host: Ellen Coyne | Guest: John MeagherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incredible story of how former male model Patrick Crinnion rose through the ranks of garda intelligence, only to join a network of MI6 spies designed to infiltrate the Irish State. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: David BurkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next government has yet to be officially formed, but we have our first major political scandal of the new season. Step forward Eoin Hayes, newly-elected Social Democrats TD for Dublin Bay South, who became the center of attention of a chaotic press conference this week when the subject of his personal business dealings came up. So ensued a nightmare 24 hours for the fresh-faced politician who later that evening confirmed that he sold shares from his former employer, which supplies technology to the Israeli military, a month after he was elected to Dublin City Council for a pre-tax figure of €199,000. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite and Philip Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Celtic Tiger era were to be given a face, it would surely be Katy French. The model and socialite embodied the glamour and excesses of Ireland’s boom period before her tragic death in December 2007. This is the story of Ireland’s original IT Girl. Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Melanie Finn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Assad family reigned Syria for more than half a century and did so with an iron fist. They crushed dissent from outspoken voices, turning chemical weapons upon their own citizens. It was the definition of a violent authoritarian state. In the space of only a few days, Syrian Rebel forces ousted Bashar Al Assad, signaling the end of a brutal 13-year civil war. Russia played a major role in supporting Assad's government and helping it fight the rebels. The Syrian leader fled Damascus for Moscow on Sunday, ending more than 50 years of brutal rule by his family. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione has been charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. Why has this case grabbed the world's media attention and what does it say about public opinion towards the corporate world? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Terry Sheridan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Operation Destabilise" has exposed the dark money web relied on by criminals and spies alike. The international sting, led by the UK's National Crime Agency, uncovered a multi-billion dollar crypto laundering network which included the Kinahan cartel, Russian spies, online scammers and even a Moscow socialite. So how did it work, how was it uncovered and where might the money go next? Host: Ellen Coyne | Guests: Robin Schiller (Irish Independent) and Miles Johnson (Financial Times and author of Chasing Shadows)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are bringing Indo Daily listeners an episode from The Sunday World's excellent new food and lifestyle podcast Under the Grill this weekend. In each episode Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young sit around the kitchen table with some of Ireland’s best loved personalities in Under the Grill. In this episode Aslan legend Billy McGuinness joins Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young in the kitchen to chat about his granny’s Shephard’s Pie, the moment the Dublin band joined Coldplay on stage, and the Christmas dinner he will never forget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the allegations being made against Gregg Wallace that have led to him stepping down as host of the BBC’s flagship show MasterChef and doe sit mean for the BBC and the MeToo movement? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady & Niamh HoranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is facing a legal bill of around €1m after a judge ruled he must pay Nikita Hand’s legal costs following her successful civil rape claim against him. Mr Justice Alexander Owens also indicated he was considering bringing contempt proceedings against Mr McGregor over a social media post in which he described the court as “a kangaroo court”. The Irish Independent’s Legal Affairs Editor Shane Phelan discusses today's High Court ruling with The Indo Daily’s Dave Hanratty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All 174 Dail seats have been filled, and the new TDs are wandering around Leinster House looking for their new digs and the subsidized soup. What's next? Just the small order of forming a government until 2029. Thankfully our man on the ground Finian McGrath, has the inside scoop on what conversations have already taken place on Kildare St. And what about Mary Lou for President? Well Kevin Doyle makes a left of field prediction that’s so crazy... it just might work. Presenter: Kevin Doyle with guests Gabija Gataveckaite and Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a journalist and mum of three, Melanie Finn was too busy to take much notice of the headaches and falls she’d been having. Then, in the summer of 2023, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and doctors discovered a cyst on her brain. She speaks with Ellen Coyne on emergency surgery, the long road to recovery and how, ultimately, she feels changed for the better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remains exhumed from a grave in County Monaghan are being DNA tested to determine whether they include those of Joe Lynskey. One of the ‘disappeared’, the former monk turned IRA man was abducted, murdered and secretly buried in 1972. Lynskey is understood to have tricked a fellow IRA man into shooting a love rival – also a member of the IRA. The IRA ‘court martial’ sentenced him to death. Today on The Indo Daily Allison Morris, Security Correspondent with The BelTel joins Ciarán Dunbar to tell Joe Lynskey’s story. This podcast was produced by our sister podcast The BelTel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse-trading begins for a place at the table with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, but you can expect Simon Harris to be Taoiseach for Christmas before handing the office back to Micheál Martin in the new year. But what about long-term? How many seats do Fianna Fáil need to earn to sideline Simon Harris into a full-time Tánaiste roll?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Votes have been counted and attention is now turning to who will form the next government. Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae believe they should be strongly considered for inclusion in a new coalition. For a time, it looked like Gerry Hutch might just become a TD. However, the man known as ‘The Monk’ ultimately fell short in Dublin Central. Hutch has spoken about his unsuccessful Dáil bid, while we also hear from the woman who ended his election dream. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Fionnán Sheahan, Philip Ryan, Ivana Bacik, Michael Healy-Rae, Gerry Hutch and Marie Sherlock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s neck and neck in Dublin Central, where Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch and Labour’s Marie Sherlock go for the final seat. Outside of the countries box office constituency, what will happen if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael get 85 seats? Do the big two need a final partner in this coalition. And where do Sinn Féin go from here after a lackluster performance compared to their 2020 performance. Host: Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Ellen Coyne and Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have the left only themselves to blame if they face another government term with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in Power? Garry Gannon discusses his red line issues and why he's keen for a seat at the table regardless of who is sitting beside him. Also, while speaking to awaiting media, Mary Lou McDonald talked about ‘breaking the two-party system’, but are there many positives for Sinn Fein to take away so far? And what about celebrity candidates? Well things have not been going well for Gráinne Seoige in the West of the country, as she looks unlikely to claim a seat. Host: Ellen Coyne, Guests; Philip Ryan and Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Counting has begun in Election 2024. Early tallies point to a possible Sinn Féin surge and a shy Fianna Fáil voter base. Early indicators show Gerry ‘The Monk’ in strong contention for a seat while some current ministers look in danger of losing theirs. We break down the early tallies. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Philip Ryan, Gabija Gataveckaite, John Downing and Kevin HumpheysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One week on from the verdict in Nikita Hand’s civil rape case against Conor McGregor, the MMA fighter’s career is in freefall. Since last Friday, products associated with McGregor, including Proper No. Twelve whiskey, have been removed from shelves, murals have been whitewashed over and marches have taken place in solidarity with victim Ms Hand. What next for the MMA star who once had it all?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ireland goes to the polls, who will be the biggest winners and losers in Election 2024? Could this be the election that sees the Social Democrats become a coalition partner? Where did it go wrong for Fine Gael? And former minister Finian McGrath sings! Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Mandy Johnson & Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past number of weeks, the war in Ukraine has entered a troubling new phase. Reports suggest increasing North Korean involvement, raising the stakes on an already volatile battlefield. Is Pyongyang looking to roll back the clock to “the good old days” of the Cold War, standing arm-in-arm with Moscow? And what about US president-elect Donald Trump’s assertion that he can end the war in one day? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Donnacha Ó BeacháinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With days to go before the general election, why are social media posts surrounding ballot box interference, election rigging and foreign interference on the rise in Ireland? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Aoife Gallagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to listen to our interview with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald click on the below link: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/the-indo-daily-mary-lou-mcdonald-talks-the-monk-brian-stanley-why-gerry-adams-wont-be-president-and-her-pathway-to-power/a1181218181.html And if you’re still unclear as to who to vote for on Friday, then you need the Irish Independent’s VoteSmart survey to find out which parties and politicians align with your personal views. Try the VoteSmart survey here: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/votesmartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With only a couple of days before the General Election, Mary Lou McDonald tells The Indo Daily how she won't be working with Gerry Hutch, how former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has ‘made his bed’ and why Gerry Adams will not become president of Ireland, despite speculation of a future bid. Host: Ellen Coyne and Phillip Ryan, Guest; Mary Lou McDonald See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Enda Kenny first assumed office in 2011, Fine Gael have gone through 2 elections, weathered a global pandemic, fought with the Tories over Brexit, cosied up with their bitter rivals in a coalition, and gone through quite a few scandals of their own in intervening years. As the public heads to polls this Friday to elect the 34th Dail, what can the past 13 years tell us about what the future might look like, if Simon Harris is elected Taoiseach in the coming weeks? Host; Ellen Coyne, Guests; Phillip Ryan and John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming US Vice President JD Vance is a self-professed ‘Scots-Irish Hillbilly’. He first made waves in US politics with his bestselling memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ on his poor upbringing, which was later adapted into a film. How did JD Vance get from the Appalachians to the White house, what does he have to do with Ulster Scots, and how important is the Ulster Scots community in the US? Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Professor Liam Kennedy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Phelan and Catherine Fegan look at the possible reasons why Nikita Hand won her civil rape case against Conor McGregor. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan & Catherine FeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.