Newstalk Daily
Newstalk Daily is a daily news podcast from Ireland's national independent talk station, Newstalk. Hosted by Ciara Doherty, it covers the top story of the day every Monday to Friday, aiming to start your day with a conversation that counts. The show is part of Newstalk's lineup of news, sport, analysis, and entertainment.
Episodes
Will Switzerland Vote To Cap Its Population at 10 Million?
Switzerland is about to vote on whether to cap its population at ten million people. The proposal comes from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. They are saying that immigration is putting too much pressure on housing, schools, healthcare and transport. But opponents say it could damage Switzerland’s relationship with the EU — and maybe create its own version of Brexit.
Is This World Cup More About Business Than Football?
The World Cup finally begins this week, after years of build up, much of which was in the form of criticism. For the first time, it will be played across three countries — the US, Canada and Mexico. 48 teams, 104 matches, and record revenues for FIFA. But with ticket prices rising, hotel bookings well below forecast, and questions over the sheer size of t
Trump's Tantrum & The 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
Donald Trump has walked out of another major TV interview. This time, it was with NBC’s Kristen Welker, after he was challenged on his claims about the 2020 election and a proposed fund for people prosecuted under Joe Biden. The row has opened up questions about January 6th and about Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.Ciara is joined by Law Lecturer at the University of Gal
Should The Taxpayer Continue To Support Greyhound Racing?
Nearly 6,000 former racing greyhounds born in Ireland over just two years are now dead. These animals were only between 4 and 5 years old are presumed to be destroyed after their “careers” ended. This is also an industry that the Irish Government gives over 19 million euro annually, despite declining attendances. So should the tax payer continue to support greyhoun
Racism & Policing in the UK: The Henry Nowak Murder
A murder case in Southampton has now become a major row about policing, racism, and the far right. Henry Nowak was stabbed last December but while he lay dying, police handcuffed him and forcefully arrested him. Now there’s been violent protests across Southampton, championed by Tommy Robinson and the fallout in the UK could prove disastrous. Ciara is joined by London Co
Will Ireland V Israel Actually Go Ahead?
Ireland is due to play Israel in October, with those calls for a boycott being raised since the game was announced back in February. The Government says it is a decision for the FAI. Opposition parties say that’s nothing but a cop-out. So, who should really be making the call and paying the price if the boycott goes ahead? Ciara is joined by OTB's Cameron Hill and G
Is a Bigger EU a Better EU?
The European Union is once again talking seriously about getting bigger. Countries like Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and even Iceland are all on the path toward membership. But expansion brings complications — from decision-making to political trust — and now, even ideas like limiting veto powers for new members are being floated.Ciara is joined by John O’Brennan, Jean
Do We Need A Secular Alternative To Communion and Confirmation?
For generations in Ireland, communion and confirmation have marked an important moment in a child's life. For some families, they remain deeply religious occasions, and for others, they're just as much about tradition and family and celebrating a milestone. But as Ireland changes, more people are beginning to ask whether these ceremonies and the way they're organized through schools still reflect
Strange Bedfellows: What’s Behind UFC Freedom 250?
Donald Trump’s 80th birthday is being marked in a way few US presidents ever have... A full UFC event planned on the White House grounds.From an octagon on the Ellipse to weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial, “UFC Freedom 250” is shaping up to be one of the most unusual political-sport crossovers in modern history.So how did this alliance begin? And is this about a celebration or something more calcu
What Happened With Saudi's Spending Spree?
Saudi Arabia has spent the last decade trying to reinvent itself — pouring hundreds of billions into futuristic cities, global sports, and infrastructure mega projects. At the centre of it all is Mohammed bin Salman — MBS — the young, ambitious leader who promised to transform the Kingdom through something called Vision 2030. But now, some of those biggest, boldest ideas are
What Do Sinn Féin Stand For Now?
Sinn Féin has spent the last number of years positioning itself as the natural leader of Ireland’s left. But now, that position is being questioned after bruising by-election results and growing tensions with parties like the Social Democrats and Labour, There are now real questions about where Sinn Féin is going and whether it still owns that space at all. So, do
The Pope Vs AI
Pope Leo The Fourteenth has called for artificial intelligence to be designed to achieve the common good and welfare of mankind.His Holiness has finally weighed in on the AI debate, but there’s a lot more to this than meets the eye. He’s comparing it to nuclear power… warning it could be used for domination, exclusion — even harm — if left unchecked. So, who is the Pope really calling ou
The Long History of Multiculturalism In Ireland
Ireland today feels like it’s in the middle of a conversation about immigration & identity. We often think ourselves part of the great diaspora making communities amongst ourselves in other nations. And we think immigration to our island is something relatively new. But in reality, Ireland’s history with migration is a lot more than the famine and economic cris
What Did NAMA Achieve Anyway?
Seventeen years after the financial crash, one of the most powerful institutions created in its aftermath is coming to an end. NAMA — set up to take toxic property loans off the banks and stabilise the economy — says it returned billions to the State and helped rebuild parts of Dublin. But critics argue assets were sold too cheaply, developers were shut out, and international funds walke
Is Watching Porn Cheating?
Gen Z is having less sex than the generations before them... They’re approaching dating in a completely different way. And increasingly, they’re learning about intimacy not from real-life relationships — but from what they see online. Arguments, disagreements and fundamental beliefs are being discussed online daily. The latest debate is about whether watching porn in a relationship is a
Sexual Violence In Reality TV
Married At First Sight on Channel 4 has been pulled from streaming after allegations of rape and non-consensual sexual activity during filming. Police are now urging anyone who may have been affected to come forward, as investigations continue. Some of the claims are understood to have been raised while filming was ongoing and yet the programme still aired. So, at
Door-to-Door Scams: Bogus Traders in Ireland
Gardaí are warning of a rise in door-to-door scams across Ireland, with bogus traders targeting homes offering cheap repairs and taking payment for unfinished work.At the same time, online fraud is escalating, with over 200 scam websites identified last year impersonating trusted services like An Post and Revenue Commissioners.So, how do we spot these bogus traders and what can we do to protect ou
The By-Elections: Polls, Parties and the Polymarket Betting Controversy
Voters in Dublin Central and Galway West head to the polls this week. By-elections have a long history of delivering tough verdicts on governments — and the signs suggest these contest could follow that trend.In Dublin Central, Sinn Féin is leading and the Social Democrats are gaining ground, while Fianna Fáil faces a challenging fight. Add in high-profile independent candidates like Gerry “The Mo
Is VAR Ruining Football?
More controversy in football — and VAR is once again at the heart of it. A last-minute Premier League goal ruled out after a lengthy video review, a decision that could prove decisive in a title race. Days later in Scotland, another major VAR intervention — a penalty call that swung the balance of the Scottish title. As debates rage over consistency, transparency, and the authority of m
Murdaugh Murders: The Empire Fights Back
The Murdaugh family once ruled South Carolina’s Lowcountry like a legal dynasty — generations of power, political influence, money, and fear. Then came the murders. Alex Murdaugh, the high-profile lawyer convicted of killing his wife Maggie and son Paul at the family’s sprawling hunting estate, is now heading for a possible retrial after his murder convictions were sensationally overturned.&n
Are Trump and Xi REALLY Besties?
Donald Trump is in Beijing for a summit dripping in spectacle, symbolism and global stakes. As China rolls out the military salutes and billboard diplomacy, is Xi Jinping flattering Trump — or strategically manipulating him? From Taiwan and trade wars to Iran and a shifting world order, we ask whether this meeting marks the beginning of a deeper global realignment. Ciara Dohert
Why Aren't We Allowed To Drink In Public In Ireland?
Maybe it’s something we only notice when the sun comes out, but it's always a hot button issue when we do see it. Why can’t you have a drink in a park or on the street in Ireland? And it feeds into a bigger question, not just about alcohol, but about space, and who gets to use it.Ciara is joined by Una Mullally, columnist with the Irish Times and Sunday Independent columnist, town
Eurovision: A Competition In Crisis
It's meant to be a celebration of music spectacle and European unity but as the Eurovision Song Contest marks its 70th anniversary this year, the atmosphere surrounding the competition is more complicated than ever.What does the future hold for the Eurovision?Ciara is joined by Johnny Fallon, Director at Carr communications and Eurovision analyst, and Mara Hvistendahl, author of a recently p
100 Years of Fianna Fáil: What Is The Future For The Party?
This week marks 100 years since Fianna Fáil was founded by Éamon de Valera in May 1926.It's a century in which the party helped to shape modern Ireland and dominated Irish politics. But at 100 years old, is Fianna Fáil now a remarkable survivor story, or a warning about how Irish politics struggles to change?Ciara is joined by Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford and Fianna Fáil
Far Right Foreigners on Irish Social Media - The Canary in The Coalmine
Fuel prices… cost of living pressure… and protests that, at first glance, looked like they were coming straight from the ground up. But online, there was a different conversation being had... Some were amplified… shaped… and pushed by voices far outside Ireland. So, how much of what we saw was actually homegrown and who is attempting to control to narrative? C
Why is the Irish Peacekeeping Mission In Lebanon Ending?
For nearly 50 years, Irish troops have been deployed to southern Lebanon as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. Now, that half a century mission is coming to an end. But, is now the right time, or could the UNIFIL Mission be needed now more than ever? Ciara is joined by security analyst Declan Power and Senator Tom Clonan, both of whom served in Lebanon.
A Murder Investigation Beset By "Institutional Misogyny" - The Katie Simpson Case
In August, 2020, 21 year old Katie Simpson was rushed to hospital in Derry with severe injuries. The explanation given at the time was that she had tried to take her own life, but almost immediately, there were questions. Quiet ones at first from those who knew her, from people who felt that something about the story didn't sit right.What followed was a case that would unravel layer by layer,
TikTok Superstar on Trial: The D4vd Murder Case
A multi-platinum superstar — a TikTok icon — on trial for murder. David Anthony Burke, the 21 year old singer from Los Angeles known as D4vd, is now on trial for the murder of a 14-year-old girl. Details of this case have been heard over the last few weeks, and some are truly disturbing.Ciara is joined by journalist Dani Anguiano.
Why Are The 90s So Back?
They’re everywhere again… baggy jeans, low-rise fits, VHS filters… even Italia ’90 references creeping back into everyday life.From TikTok trends to pop music and fashion, the 1990s revival is in full swing.It's a longing for a simpler time… When we weren’t so chronically online.Our nostalgia paints the time as carefree and cool…The reality was more complicated — from extreme body standards to a c
Ozempic Breasts, Skinny Culture & The Dark Side of GLP-1s
They’ve been hailed as miracle drugs… reshaping bodies... changing lives... and fuelling a global weight-loss boom. But now, there’s a new phrase creeping into the conversation — “Ozempic breasts.” It might sound flippant... Maybe even a bit ridiculous. But doctors have finally confirmed that the changes behind it… are anything but. Ciara is joined by Rosalind Skillen from Irish Country Living
Guns in the Hands of Children: Gang Feuds in Dublin
A drug feud.A chase.A discarded gun found and subsequently fired by an 11 year old.What is going on, on the streets of Dublin?Ciara is joined by Stephen Breen, the Irish Sun’s Crime Editor
The Monk Strikes Back
Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch is back, confirming he’ll run in the Dublin Central by-election after narrowly missing out on a Dáil seat in 2024. His candidacy blurs the line between notoriety and politics, raising fresh questions about protest votes, public frustration, and what kind of TD voters are willing to elect. With nominations closing this Friday and the race tightening, how seriou
Speaking To A Killer: The Murder of Tina Satchwell
Tina Satchwell went missing from her home in March 2017. In the months that followed, there were appeals, media interviews, and repeated searches of the house that she shared with her husband Richard in Youghal. He spoke publicly... Spoke to journalists... He even invited them into the home. And for a long time, the case remained officially one of a missing person.
Extra: The Aftermath of a Third Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump
Almost 48 hours on from what appears to be a third attempt to assassinate Donald Trump, we’re left with more questions than answers. Has political violence become the norm in US politics? Does the President have adequate security in place? And what will it all mean for the coming mid terms? Ciara is joined by Sky News’s US Correspondent, David Blevins who was
UFOs and Missing Scientists: Mystery or Distraction in Trump's America?
At least 10 scientists... dead or missing... with access to sensitive US nuclear and aerospace research. And a conspiracy theory that they’re all connected that’s gone all the way to the White House. Is this just another day in the Trump presidency, or might there be something deeper happening in the United States? Is the truth really out there?
Saving America By Putting Women Back in the Home: The Heritage Foundation's Plan for the Next 250 Years
Growing influence from conservatives, religious groups, and parts of the tech industry seem intent on eroding the rights of women in the United States. And it’s happening right before our eyes in the courts and senate across the Atlantic. But could that ever really happen here? Ciara is joined by Margaret E. Ward, leadership consultant and a contributor to The Irish
Is Harm Reduction The Right Approach To Ireland's Drug Problems?
Ireland’s approach to drugs has shifted — toward harm reduction, treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. But as drug-related violence and intimidation come more into focus, there are questions about whether that balance is right. And whether compassion for addiction is coming at a cost to wider public safety.Ciara is joined by Dr Chris Luke, a
The Risks of Tracing Your Heritage Through Your DNA
In a week when a lot of people are considering tracing their heritage through the newly released 1926 census, we look at the implications of those who take the step of using their DNA in that search. On the face of it, it seems quite benign. You put a swab in your mouth, place it in a plastic tube and send it off to a company who then tell you about your genetic ancestry a few weeks later.But
What Happens To The Kinahan Cartel Now?
The Kinahan cartel is facing its most serious pressure in years After the arrest of Daniel Kinahan, questions are growing about where the organisation goes next And whether its leadership can even continue to operate from Dubai.Ciara is joined by Connor Plunkett from Bellingcat
Money Mayweather No More: What Happens To Sports Stars?
He was once the wealthiest athlete in history and built an entire persona around wealth, excess, and being the best boxer in the world And now — at 49 — you might be surprised to learn that Floyd Money Mayweather may be about to lose a majority of that wealth.Ciara is joined by Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill
Stolen From Ireland: The Irish Artefacts in British Museums
There are thousands of Irish artefacts sitting inside the British Museum. Some are on display… But many more are locked away in archives — rarely, if ever, seen. From ancient art… and religious relics… to objects tied to deeply local Irish stories. They’ve been in London for decades — in some cases, centuries. But now, the question is getting louder agai
Am I Neurodivergent? What's Behind The Rise in Diagnoses?
More adults are going for ADHD assessments than perhaps ever before Maybe, trying to get a handle on things that maybe haven’t quite made sense for a while. For some, that process is pretty straightforward — for others, it opens up something bigger than they were expecting. Ciara is joined by photographer Ruth Medjber and Dr. Brendan Kelly, Professor in Psychiatry in Tri
Is The US/Israeli Alliance Unravelling?
For decades, support for Israel in the US felt locked in. But after the latest escalation involving Iran… and now the war in Lebanon… that certainty might be starting to slip So, is the great friendship between these two nations built to last, or will this current conflict prove its demise? Ciara is joined by Freddie Hayward, US Correspondent for the New Statesman and by
The Controversial Plan to Build Housing on Site of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home
Another 36 infant remains have been recovered at Tuam — bringing the total found there to 69 since excavations began last year. At the same time, a separate site is coming under renewed scrutiny. Planning permission has been granted for housing on lands linked to the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork — where women and hundreds of children are still unaccou
The Enduring Mystery of the Killing of Emer O'Loughlin
A young woman… a burnt-out mobile home… and a disappearance that still doesn’t add up, more than two decades on This week, Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information into the killing of Emer O’Loughlin... A case that continues to haunt the family in the small Clare community of Ennistymon.Ciara is joined by Páraic McMahon, Head of News and Sport with The Clare Echo
Can Orbán Stay in Power in Hungary?
He built a system that keeps him winning... became a poster boy for MAGA Republicans...and forged close ties with Vladimir Putin. But with voters heading to the polls this weekend, Viktor Orbán’s grip on Hungary is under real pressure. And critics say what’s at stake isn’t just an election… but democracy itself.Ciara is joined by Ábel Bede, a freelance journalist based in Hungary
Extra: What Happens When The Army is Deployed to Deal with Fuel Protesters?
Fuel protests have brought parts of Ireland to a standstill, with tractors and heavy vehicles blocking major roads across the country.Now, in a significant escalation, Jim O’Callaghan has said the Defence Forces will be deployed to help remove vehicles obstructing critical infrastructure.With disruption affecting emergency services, transport, and access to essential goods, the Government says the
Should Ireland Go Nuclear?
From war in the Middle East to rising fuel prices at home, Ireland’s energy security is back in sharp focus. And now, a question that’s been off the table for decades is quietly creeping back in — should Ireland go nuclear? Ciara is joined by Dr Paul Deane, Senior Lecturer in Clean Energy Futures at University College Cork and Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Dai
Ye Not Welcome: Why Britain Banned Kanye West
Kanye West — now known as Ye — looked to be staging a major comeback, with a new album climbing the charts and a headline slot at London’s Wireless Festival. But within days, the narrative flipped. Mounting backlash over his history of alleged antisemitic comments turned a high-profile booking into a political problem. Sponsors pulled back. Community leaders spoke out. And the controversy qu
Glow-Up or Gamble? The Dangerous Rise of DIY Peptide Injections
From “glow-up" injections to anti-ageing shortcuts, peptides are suddenly everywhere. They’re pushed by influencers, sold through murky online stores, and even creep into mainstream wellness culture. But while some peptides are well established in medicine — from insulin to drugs like Ozempic — a growing number of injectable products being promoted online are completely unregulated and n
Michael Flatley’s Multi-Million Euro Legal Battles
From global stages to bitter legal fights, dance legend Michael Flatley is now as familiar with courtrooms as he is with standing ovations. The Lord of the Dance creator has been entangled in a series of high-stakes disputes — from a dramatic battle over control of his iconic show, to multimillion-euro rows over his Cork mansion, Castlehyde, and ongoing clashes with former advisers, insurers, and
The Deepfake Porn Scandal That Rocked a Celebrity Marriage
A TV star’s allegations that she was targeted with AI-generated pornographic images have triggered a national reckoning in Germany. Collien Fernandes claims her ex-husband, Christian Ulmen, created and shared explicit deepfake content in her name over a number of years — allegations he strongly denies. The case has sparked protests, reignited debate about online abuse, and put pressure on the Germ
Simon Harris Wants YOU to Take Risks With Your Savings — Will You?
Irish households have more than €170 billion sitting in savings accounts, much of it losing value day by day. Finance Minister Simon Harris is pushing a new plan to make investing simpler and more accessible. But the question is whether Irish savers are ready to change, or still wary of taking risks with their hard-earned cash. On today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty explores why we’re so reluctant
The Apple Story: How One Company Changed Everything
As Apple marks its 50th anniversary, Ciara Doherty takes a step back from the products and the hype to look at the bigger picture. How did a company that started in a California garage become one of the most powerful and influential businesses on the planet? Joined by tech expert and former Apple employee Andy O'Donoghue, the podcast traces the key moments that defined Apple’s journey — from
Who Counts as Female in Sport Now?
A major decision from the International Olympic Committee has ignited one of the most contentious debates in sport. From the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics onwards, transgender women — and some athletes with differences in sex development — will no longer be eligible to compete in the female category. The IOC says the move is grounded in science, fairness, and safety. Critics say the evidence isn’t set
When Roles Reverse: Parenting Our Parents
We’re living longer, and that’s reshaping family life. More people are finding themselves stepping into a role they never expected: caring for their own parents. It often happens gradually until, one day, the balance has shifted. On today’s Newstalk Daily, Shane Beatty explores the reality of “parenting your parents.” Shane and clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy explore this role reversal,
Who’s REALLY getting rich from OnlyFans?
Ciara Doherty sits down with journalist Kate Henshaw to explore how OnlyFans grew from a niche London startup into a global powerhouse that has paid out more than $25 billion to creators. They trace the platform’s rapid rise, through the pivot into adult content that supercharged its growth during the Covid 19 pandemic, and dig into the business model that allows it to generate
Enda McNulty: The Psychology of a Big Game
It’s down to this. A win-or-lose night in Prague, with Ireland facing a higher-ranked Czech side in what's shaping up to be the defining game of their World Cup campaign. But long before a ball is kicked, the real battle is already underway — inside the players’ heads. On today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty looks at what happens in those final hours before kick-off. The noise, the nerves, the pres
Do We Really Want To Go To Trump's World Cup?
It’s the biggest game in Irish Football for a decade and if we win it it will be followed quickly by an even bigger game.The prize is a place at World Cup 2026.But with Trump and Infantino and the war in Iran overshadowing the whole event do we even really want to be there?Ciara is joined by Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill and Eve Conway
The Wind-Down Begins: Where Do Ukrainians Go Now?
Ireland is winding down one of the largest emergency responses in its history — housing more than 125,000 people fleeing war in Ukraine. Thousands have been living in hotels, guesthouses, and private homes under State-supported schemes. Now, the Government wants to scale it back. Contracts with accommodation providers are ending, and payments to households are being reduced. But billions of
Evictions Are Rising to Historic Levels — Here’s Why It Matters
More than 5,000 eviction notices in just three months. A 41% jump in a year. And a rental system that, for many, feels increasingly unstable. On today’s Newstalk Daily, Ciara Doherty examines the sharp rise in evictions — to their highest level since the Famine era — and what’s driving it. The latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board show more than 20,000 notices were issued in 202
The Irishman Who Hunted the Mob
When Goodfellas hit cinemas, most people saw a gripping mob story. Neil Moran saw something else entirely — a car he and his team had bugged, sitting quietly in the background behind Robert De Niro. Because for Moran, this wasn’t just a film. It was his case. A retired FBI agent with nearly 30 years on the job, Moran worked on some of the most high-profile organised crime investigations in Ne
Inside the €1 Million Illegal Meath House Saga
Meath County Council has taken possession of a sprawling €1 million home built without planning permission, closing the chapter on one of the longest-running planning disputes in Ireland. But this isn’t just a story about a house. It’s a 20-year saga involving defiance, court battles, rejected appeals, and a family who openly admitted their decision to build was a “life-changing mistake,” yet
Proving U.S. Responsibility for a Mass Killing of Iranian Schoolgirls
In war, first reports are often confused and contradictory. On February 28th, early in the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran, an elementary school in the town of Minab was hit by a devastating strike. At least 175 people were killed — many of them children — making it the deadliest single incident of the conflict so far.At first, no one claimed responsibility. The White House said it was in
Banksy Unmasked
For decades, the identity of Banksy has been one of the art world’s great unsolved riddles. His stencilled images — a girl reaching for a red balloon, chimps in the House of Commons, riot police with smiley faces — have appeared overnight on walls from Bristol to Bethlehem. They’ve mocked politicians, skewered the art market and, occasionally, sold for tens of millions. But the man behind the mask
Will Trump Go Full Zelenskyy on Micheál Martin?
Every St Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s Taoiseach travels to Washington to present a bowl of shamrocks to the US president, a diplomatic tradition that dates back to the 1950s. For decades it was a gentle ritual of Irish-American friendship. But in the era of Donald Trump, Oval Office meetings with foreign leaders have become far less predictable. Last year, Micheál Martin avoided the kind of publi
Was Gerry Adams in the IRA?
For decades, one question has hovered over the history of the Troubles: what role - if any - did Gerry Adams play inside the IRA? Now that question is before an English court. A civil case in London’s High Court has been brought by three victims of IRA bombings in Britain. The plaintiffs argue that Gerry Adams, as a senior figure within the republican movement, bore responsibility for decisio
Are Elite Insiders Betting on Wars… Before They Start?
This week much of Ireland is glued to the racing. But while punters here are betting on horses, across the Atlantic people are wagering on something far darker. Welcome to the strange world of prediction markets - online platforms where users gamble on real-world events like elections, wars, and even assassinations.Critics warn these markets could create perverse incentives, where insiders with pr
The One-Way Street of Irish Prices
Fuel prices are climbing again, with motorists once more staring down the barrel of €2 per litre at Irish pumps. Heating oil has jumped even more dramatically, surgingby around 60 per cent in just a week, as markets react to escalating conflict involving Iran and fears about global oil supplies. For many households, it feels like a familiar story. A war breaks out, markets panic, and prices h
The Cheltenham Effect: Why Ireland Goes Racing Mad Every March
For four days every March, the quiet English town of Cheltenham transforms into something that feels strangely familiar to Irish racing fans. The Cheltenham Festival has become one of the biggest moments in the Irish sporting calendar — drawing thousands of fans across the Irish Sea and millions more to televisions and betting apps. Irish horses and trainers have dominated the meeting in
Justice for Ireland’s Criminalised Gay Men?
It’s more than 30 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland, yet almost 1,000 men still carry convictions for simply loving who they loved. On today's podcast, Ciara Doherty speaks to Kieran Rose, co-founder of the LGBT Restorative Justice Campaign, about the decades of surveillance, public shaming, and imprisonment men faced under “gross indecency” laws. They explore the human
How Tony Blair's Legacy Affects Keir Starmer's Foreign Policy
As Britain watches a deeply volatile conflict between Israel, the United States, Iran and other parts of the Middle East, Keir Starmer finds himself in a major foreign policy test, and his instincts are as closely scrutinized as his domestic polling.Starmer has taken a quite cautious legal approach, refusing to commit the UK to offensive strikes on Iran and insisting that British military action m
Bikegate: Paul Williams on How a Lockdown Favour Triggered a €275,000 Payout
A Midlands garda detective’s simple act of kindness during the first Covid lockdown spiralled into a national story. He loaned a dusty, unclaimed bike to a local farmer with a knee injury, and ended up suspended for more than several years, investigated by the NBCI, and facing a disciplinary board.The farmer told of feeling “like a criminal” as officers searched his home and retrieved the €50 bicy
The Clintons and Epstein: The Deposition Tapes
It was meant to be private. Instead, it’s all over YouTube. Newly released recordings of depositions given by Bill and Hillary Clinton to the House Oversight Committee have thrown fresh political fuel onto the long-burning fire of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. What was supposed to be a closed-door hearing quickly turned combative. A photo from inside the room was leaked online. Lawmakers veere
Is It Time to Crack Down on Free Legal Aid?
A row is erupting over the cost of criminal legal aid — and it’s about far more than legal fees. The State spent more than €115 million on criminal legal aid last year, a jump of over a third, even though case numbers fell. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan wants to scrap the current payment system in the District Court and replace it with a flat fee per client. He says it will simplify things and
EXTRA: Why the War on Iran Risks Global Terrorism, Energy Crises, and Recession
The war on Iran continued today, following the killing of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has entered the war. Oil tankers are stalling in the Strait of Hormuz as global markets brace for impact. In this bonus edition of Newstalk Daily UCD’s Dr Edward Burke tells Ciara Doherty we are facing the most dangerous regional moment in dec
What’s Going Wrong With Ireland’s College Experience?
For generations, going to university in Ireland was a defining rite of passage. A few intense years of independence, late nights, lifelong friendships, and a campus culture that felt alive. But for many students today, that picture looks vastly different. On today’s Newstalk Daily, Ciara Doherty asks whether the traditional Irish college experience has been quietly reshaped — or hol
Ryan Tubridy: Why We’re Still Obsessed with the Kennedys
They’ve been mythologised, dramatised, and targeted by assassins for more than six decades. Still, the Kennedy name refuses to fade. On today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty is joined by broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, author of JFK in Ireland: Four Days That Changed a President, to explore why America’s most famous political family continues to grip audiences in 2026. The conversation begi
What is Looksmaxxing?
This week, France banned online influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery and extreme makeover hacks. Looksmaxxing started on obscure message boards. Now it’s in memes, targeted ads, and TikTok feeds. It promotes the idea that male success is determined by physical appearance — sometimes through extreme grooming, supplements, cosmetic procedures, and risky “optimisation” techniques. With in
Inside the Search for Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob
Gardaí have completed this phase of their search of a disused quarry in Co Wicklow, a search that reopened two of Ireland’s most haunting unsolved cases. More than 30 years after they disappeared, the names Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob remain etched into the story of the so-called “Vanishing Triangle” — a cluster of missing women cases across Leinster in the 1990s. A new line of inquiry led inv
