The Indo Daily

In the run up to the St Patrick’s Day meeting between Leo Varadkar and Joe Biden, the Taoiseach has made Ireland’s position on the situation in Gaza abundantly clear. Is Capitol Hill willing to listen to calls for a change in its Israeli foreign policy? Or is Ireland’s voice too small to count? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Philip Ryan Indo Daily: Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com, pop in code INDO and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family photo released for Mother’s Day is at the centre of a royal row. The image was of Kate Middleton and her three children, all huddled up together, in a scene that represented a happy and normal family. It was clear the image was aimed at dispelling any speculation around Kate’s medical issues and disappearance from public life that had plagued the royals for months. The picture, however, was manipulated, pouring petrol on the conspiracies the royal family now finds itself at the centre of. Host; Denise Calnan, Guest; Jennie Bond. ­ Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com, pop in code INDO and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

wo decades after UK backpacker Peter Falconio went missing, some people still have doubts as to what exactly happened that night to him and his girlfriend Joanne Lees, who were attacked in the Australian outback. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Andrew Rule See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland has voted to reject both government proposals to change the Constitution on Family and Care, but it is not the first time governments have found themselves on the losing side of constitutional reform in this country. Fionnán Sheehan and John Downing discuss the fallout from a disastrous campaign from the current Government, and what it says about the country's changing political trajectory. Indo Daily: Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com, pop in code INDO and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof Gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and ’80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: James JacksonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the current clampdown on dodgy boxes curb use? Should the dodgy box owners be worried? And is their use funding criminality? Today’s episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show. Host: Adrian Weckler. Guest: JJ ClarkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Cillian Murphy keeps his fingers crossed for an Oscar win, the Academy Awards looks forward to celebrating its 95th anniversary. However, Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t always without controversy and scandal. From violence to nudity and political protests, we look at the most shocking moments from the Academy Awards history. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Dave HanrattySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean McGovern is one of the Kinahan cartel’s top lieutenants. He has been living a life of luxury in the safe haven of Dubai in the UAE; a place Ireland has no extradition treaty with. But we examine how that is possibly on the brink of changing and could see Daniel Kinahan’s henchman back in Ireland to face a murder charge. Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Niall DonaldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday, International Women’s Day, the country will go to the polls in two referendums. One is being described as the ‘family’ vote and the second as the ‘care vote’. On this special episode of the podcast, Irish Independent columnist Sarah Carey who is voting No/No and by Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council who is voting Yes/Yes both deliver their arguments and critique each other's Infront of Indo Daily host Kevin Doyle who mediates. ­ Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com, pop in code INDO and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher. ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decisions taken by RTÉ demonstrated a "lack of rigorous financial controls", the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has said. Today 21 recommendations from the committee were published relating to a series of controversies that have engulfed the national broadcaster since last year, including saying the “possibility” that figures relating to Ryan Tubridy’s salary being “deliberately misrepresented by RTÉ” cannot be discounted. The Indo Daily takes a deep dive into the findings of the PAC report and asks what next for the troubled national broadcaster.  Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Fionnán Sheahan  Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com, pop in code INDO and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been a turbulent start to the year for the British royal family, with health scares, in-fighting and conspiracy theories all taking centre stage. Speculation continues over the welfare of Kate Middleton, with the Princess of Wales yet to make a public appearance in 2024. Meanwhile, officials at Buckingham Palace have remained tight-lipped on the specifics of King Charles’ health struggles. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Sarah Caden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney-based police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon handed himself in to the authorities two days after the bloodied belongings of Australian TV star Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies were found dumped in a skip. Days later, the officer would lead police to the couple’s bodies, concealed in surfboard bags. As Australia is trying to come to terms with this horrific murders, many ask if the police force missed red flags when they hired Lamarre-Condon? Host: Denise Calnan Guest: Darragh NolanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper, music producer and business mogul, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy, was at the centre of disturbing allegations by his former girlfriend and singer Cassie. In the lawsuit, Cassie accused Diddy of rape, violent behaviour and sex trafficking during their 10-year relationship. Combs denied the allegations and just 24 hours after the initial lawsuit was filed, the pair reached an agreement but the details were not disclosed. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; Dee Molumby See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches this weekend, the dramatic sport was once again brought into disrepute, as Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing chief, and husband of Spice girl Geri Halliwell, was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague. Now cleared of any wrongdoing by his employer, many believe the full facts of what happened behind the scenes should be made public for the sport to move forward. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Kieran JacksonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On March 8, voters will be asked to decide on two amendments to the Constitution. One looks at the definition of the family, while the other proposes removing reference to women in the home and replacing it with broader language acknowledging care provided by family members to one another. What are the ins and outs of both referendums and what is each side saying? Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Kevin Doyle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as the RTÉ crisis seemed to be nearing its conclusion, the situation now seems as stark as ever. The broadcaster’s board has no chairperson, there are revelations about more exit payments being made since a new Director General arrived to clean up the mess and the Media Minister is locked in a fight for her own reputation. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Declan Brady, AKA ‘Mr Nobody’, was one of hundreds in attendance at the 2016 funeral of murdered Kinahan gang criminal David Byrne. As garda intelligence officers scanned the faces of mourners, Brady stood shoulder to shoulder with the gang’s hierarchy, prompting gardaí to take an interest in the unfamiliar face. His sighting would spark a deep investigation into the life and criminal career of the cartel's logistics mastermind, who pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of innocent feud victim, Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan. Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Robin SchillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved for his sharp sense of humour and seemingly endless energy, veteran Irish comedian Sylvester ‘Sil’ Fox has been making crowds laugh for decades. But things took a decidedly more serious turn for the entertainer in December 2018 when he was accused of sexual assault in a Dublin pub. Fox maintained his innocence and was later cleared of all wrongdoing, but the case still haunts him today. As he prepares to turn 91, Fox is still fighting for his name as he races against time in taking on Ireland’s justice system. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Davy Tweed was a popular, successful man in public, but he was also a violent domestic abuser and paedophile who preyed on his relatives. His stepdaughter Amanda Brown, who was abused by Tweed from the ages of eight to 15, has written a book, 'No Peace Until He’s Dead', explaining what the former Irish rugby player did to her and her family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of May 1981, Ireland was sent into shock when an Aer Lingus flight was hijacked on its short trip from Dublin to London. The story made international headlines as a former Australian monk, Lawrence 'Larry' Downey, held the Irish plane hostage for almost eight hours. So, what were his intentions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early hours of Friday morning, shock news broke, that Siún Ní Raghallaigh, chair of the RTÉ board had resigned, having lost confidence from Media Minister Catherine Martin over her involvement in the golden handshake deals that are engulfing the broadcaster in scandal. But Ní Raghallaigh’s resignation statement has brought the controversy directly to the government's doorstep, having claimed that she had in fact given Catherine Martin's office, knowledge of the controversial exit deals. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word ‘shocking’ gets bandied about loosely these days, but videos and photographs that have circulated after an X-rated Valentine's weekend event in Belfast have caused anger, scandal and even fury in some communities across Northern Ireland. Host: Fionnán Sheehan, Guests; Niamh Campbell, Kirsty Blake Knox and John Woodward, manager of the controversial Pleasure Boys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny made headlines across the world, yet his demise was a cruel inevitability given the physical plight he was forced to suffer having already been poisoned. On Friday, February 16, Vladimir Putin’s most prominent political opponent died in mysterious circumstances, inside a Russian penal colony located near the Arctic Circle. With another “enemy of the state” now dead, what is next for Russia and its tyrannic leader? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Jason Corcoran – Russia Analyst See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A €33m crystal meth seizure linked to the Sinaloa cartel has served as a dramatic wake-up call for Ireland. What read like an RTÉ adaptation of ‘Breaking Bad’ had many people wondering why on earth is the infamous Mexican cartel doing business in Ireland? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: Ralph Riegel and Jude Webber. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struck-off ex-solicitor and property developer Michael Lynn has today been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for stealing €18m from six financial institutions. Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. Host; Ellen Coyne, Guests; Shane Phelan and Rory Tevlin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heir to the brewing and banking fortune, Jennifer Guinness lived a quiet life, residing in a luxury Howth mansion. In April 1986, however, a traumatic incident catapulted her into the headlines and resulted in one of the biggest manhunts in the history of the State. Paul Williams speaks to the Indo Daily about the dramatic kidnapping and the snowball effect it would have on the Irish crime scene for decades to come. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearl Gamble was 19 years old when she was murdered in January 1961. She worked as a shop assistant and had been dropped at the top of the lane close to her home, after a dance at an orange hall just outside Newry. She was brutally murdered in a nearby field in the early hours of that morning. On this week’s episode of the Indo Daily, the Belfast Telegraph’s Ciarán Dunbar investigates the crime, the murderer and last hanging in Northern Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like so many people in Gaza right now, Isam Hamad finds himself stuck in a living nightmare. His distressing situation is further complicated by the need to care for those around him, including his son Hamza, an Irish citizen who has cerebral palsy and cannot leave Rafah without the support of his family. Isam tells the heartbreaking story of being trapped in a warzone with nowhere to go. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Isam Hamad, Ellen Coyne and John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was another display of frustration, annoyance, and bewilderment as TDs and Senators gathered yesterday, St Valentine's Day, to hear the latest instalment of the RTE scandal. Kevin Bakhurst revealed that RTÉ chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe was paid €450,000 when she left the organisation. The Indo Daily hears about the latest fallout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin ‘The Viper’ Foley has long been established as one of Ireland's career criminals. The Dubliner has even survived five assassination attempts. Now aged in his 70s, he has been given a highly unusual punishment: a year-long barring order from Wexford town. The Indo Daily finds out more about 'The Viper' self-described "ordinary decent criminal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ chiefs past and present are preparing to grace the halls of Leinster House to appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee as the public broadcaster’s crisis rumbles on. Former RTÉ chair Moya Doherty has said the board did sign off on ‘Toy Show The Musical’, which ended up losing €2.3m, while other board members say the musical was presented as a “fait accompli” and that it was never formally approved. As big questions still loom large over former chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe's redundancy package, will RTÉ ever break free of the scandal that has engulfed the organisation? Host: Tabitha Monihan. Guest: Fionnán Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted UK sex trafficker David Archer arrived in Ireland to start a new life after serving six years of a 13-year prison sentence for operating a multimillion-euro vice ring in the UK in 2017. The Glaswegian, convicted of sexually assaulting women he trafficked as prostitutes has been described as a “serious threat to women.” Archer went underground since summer until resurfacing as a bogus tradesman in Dublin. But where is he now and why are gardaí searching for him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Paul Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I certainly could find nothing that led me to believe in Ian Bailey’s guilt.” That’s according to a retired UK senior forensic officer who has investigated the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Bridget Chappuis was in communication with Bailey right up to the day before he died, not with the aim of proving his innocence, but with the hope of finding the truth about one of Ireland’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. Host: Kevin Doyle , Guest: Bridget ChappuisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

41 years ago this week, Shergar, the world’s most famous horse was stolen and thus began one of the biggest Gardai investigations in Irish history – Who kidnapped Shergar the wonder horse? HOST: Fionnan Sheahan GUEST: Senan Molony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Declan Ganley, an English-born businessman who had moved to Ireland as a teenager, inserted himself directly into the Irish political landscape seemingly out of nowhere. For a brief period, Ganley seemed to hold as much political swing as anyone in the country. But how did he get to that point, and what happened next? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guests: John Downing and John Burns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Kinahan cartel lieutenant Graham ‘The Wig’ Whelan and mob money-launderer Thomas Rooney are the latest organised crime figures to be caught up in a crackdown on rogue companies by Irish authorities Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Niall DonaldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. But how do these acts of solidarity impact the conflict people are outraged by? Host; Tabitha Monahan; Guests; Ellen Coyne & Hugh O'Connell 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. Host: Ellen Coyne. Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He changed the celebrity public relations game, but Max Clifford was ultimately as infamous as his numerous clients were famous. In 2014, Clifford was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault against four victims. He died in prison three years later. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Sarah Caden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West Belfast rap crew Kneecap have been in the headlines from day one, but their Sundance award-winning film has caused angered in some unionist circles because of its £1.6m funding from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI. Today’s episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Kyle Walker. What do they all have in common? Apart from being millionaire footballers who’ve scored big for club and country, they’ve all played away from home in their respective relationships. Walker, the Manchester City defender, has had major success on the pitch for his club but has been a steadier fixture on the gossip pages rather than sporting ones of late. This week he made a tearful public apology after fathering a second child with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman, behind his wife’s back. Today on the Indo Daily Fionnán Sheehan is joined by Gemma Abbott, contributor to the UK Independent, and by Daniel McDonnell, football correspondent for the Irish Independent, to ask why do we treat Kyle Walker and other "bad boy" footballers like gods when, as Gemma says it, they’re just "inadequate men"? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, the name Vince McMahon was synonymous with one thing – wrestling. That changed overnight with allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking from former WWE employee Janel Grant. What next for the entertainment billionaire? Host: Denise Calnan. Guest: Dave Hanratty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Abbey Theatre has been the subject of growing acrimony for years, from an open letter complaining about the direction of the theatre, to bullying and harassment allegations against a co-director that culminated in an investigation with its own controversies. Mark Tighe discusses how these allegations have led to soaring legal costs for Ireland’s national theatre. Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guest; Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlow man Thomas Carroll ran a multimillion-euro prostitution network with his wife and daughter. It involved trafficking Nigerian women into Ireland and subjecting them to abuse, intimidation and even voodoo rituals to trap them into a life of sex slavery. We look at why he wants his crimes to be forgotten. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan & Tabitha Monahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Linehan rose to prominence in the 90’s as one of the brains behind arguably Ireland’s greatest-ever TV export, Father Ted. In recent years though, he has become more notable for his divisive opinions around transgender issues, campaigning publicly online and in the media. Host; Ellen Coyne, Guest; John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 21 1991, Margaret Perry - a 26-year-old civil servant from Portadown - vanished. A year later her body was discovered in a shallow grave in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. What unfolds is a mysterious investigation into informers, British agents, the IRA and the infamous ‘Nutting Squad’. Today’s episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel where Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris security correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph. Host: Cianán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As polarising a figure as Ireland has ever seen, Roy Keane has had somewhat of a rebrand in recent years. The hot head from Cork has traded much of his abrasive side for a more mild-mannered and TV-friendly demeanour. Have decades of feuding ruled him out of the question for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's job? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Daniel McDonnell and Dave Hanratty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Grant Thornton report into mismanagement at RTÉ, has found more money was wasted on their failed Christmas stage show production. The Indo Daily explains the latest revelations. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former superintendent John ‘Spud’ Murphy came from garda royalty. It shocked everyone when he was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail for the possession of €260,000 worth of cannabis at his Dublin home. But why is he back in the news now? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Maeve Sheehan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any politician will tell you that immigration has joined housing as the topic that dominates political discussions on doorsteps, at pub counters and in kitchens. Where does Mary Lou McDonald and her party stand on the issue of the moment, and are they likely to make a move to the right? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & John Downing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.