Today with David McCullagh
David McCullagh brings you closer to the stories defining your day - with live reports, sharp analysis, and engaging conversations across politics, entertainment, sport, and every day life.
Episodes
Trump family link to Albanian resort threatens government there
Flor McCarthy, Journalist and Broadcaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ECB expected to announce interest rate hike today
Charlie Weston, personal finance editor, Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hope for men with prostate cancer
Prof Brian O’Neill, Radiation oncologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Safety alert over sat-navs diverting drivers on to country roads
Paddy Comyn, head of communications for Done Deal Cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU enlargement commissioner speaks about expanding the union
Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU asylum pact- radical reform of migration or loss of control to Brussels
Colm Brophy, Minister of State for Migration and Fine Gael TD for Dublin South west and Matt Carthy Sinn Féin TD for Cavan–Monaghan and chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shay Given chats to us about his world cup predictions
After months of anticipation, the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway today. To discuss everything World Cup, joining me now is former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper and RTÉ football analyst Shay Given.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Second night of disturbances in the North with water cannon deployed in Belfast
Amanda Ferguson, Belfast based journalist and Lilian Seenoi-Barr, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane between 2024-2025, and still serving as an SDLP councillor on Derry City council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The dark story of Katie Simpson's murder and the coercive violence of Jonathan Cresswell
Nicola Tallant, Crime and Investigations editor at the Sunday World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tick bites and Lyme disease
Dr. Maire Finn tells us how best to prevent getting bitten, and what should you do if you get one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is tokenmaxxing and why is it causing a problem for big tech?
Adam Maguire, RTÉ Business Desk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Independence, dignity and belonging: the importance of accessible spaces
David was joined by James Casserly and his Mum, Fine Gael Councillor Vicki Casserly. James is 20 years old, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and juvenile arthritis. Also Tracy Martin, a writer from Monaghan whose recent article in the Irish Examiner about life as a wheelchair user sparked a conversation about accessibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it fair to charge sauna owners an annual fee to operate at beaches?
Some Mobile sauna operators say they are not happy with new regulations being brought into parts of Cork’s coast, which would require them to pay annual fees for a pitch, and possibly take their saunas away at night. Brian O’Connell has been looking at this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How will the State cope with the demand for at-home care?
Professor Rose Anne Kenny, geriatrician and Camille Loftus, Age action head of advocacy and public affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coastal erosion and retreat strategy: Why it’s time to start compensating homeowners who live beside the coast
Dr Eugene Farrell, Associate Professor at University of Galway and lead author of study.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US strikes Iran over downed military helicopter
Gareth Browne, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Almost 1 in 10 Dublin City Council clamps illegally removed: Is it time to reform parking enforcement?
Keith Gavin, Director of The Irish Parking Association and Feljin Jose, Green Party councillor with Dublin City Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland’s vital game against France last night
Karen Duggan, analyst and former Irish International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homes & vehicles set alight in Belfast as anti-immigration violence flares
Amanda Ferguson, Belfast based journalist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don’t waste your waste: Food left in the brown bin too long can’t be composted
Tad Kirakowski, CEO of Irish Environmental Charity, VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Carney to visit Ireland for first time as Canadian PM
Graham Finlay, Lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Time is running out for a young father who can’t access a life-saving drug
Barry Moloney, lives with Von Hippel Lindau syndrome a rare genetic condition, which causes tumours to grow throughout the body. John Hargadon, Barry’s uncle joined him in studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TikTok Tourism: How social media is changing travel—for better and worse
Cathy Adams, Travel news features editor, The Times and Sunday Times and Fionnuala Jones, Presenter and broadcaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU's foreign policy chief to discuss Aughinish Alumina with Taoiseach
Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miles of curiosity: Dr Shane Bergin’s Irish Science Road trip
Dr. Shane Bergin, Physicist, UCD School of Education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rotunda Master explains hospital’s decision to back-down over public only consultants doing private work
Prof Sean Daly, Master of the RotundaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government under pressure from Opposition to cancel Ireland's Nations League fixture against Israel
Gavin Cooney, Sports Correspondent with the Irish TimesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marketing the merch: The big brands behind the World Cup
Dr. Linda King, Senior Lecturer in Design and Visual Culture at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning about products aimed at helping baby to sleep
Professor Afif El-Khuffash, Professor of Paediatrics at The Rotunda Hospital & co-host of the ‘Baby Tribe’ podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UFC on White House Lawn- Preparations for Donald Trump’s 80th birthday- as Israel Iran tension ramps up
Raya Jalabi, Middle East Correspondent for the Financial Times and Sara Firth, Foreign correspondent based in Washington DC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From drones to elite coaching, how did schools rugby get so advanced?
Bernard Jackman, Former Irish Rugby international and RTE pundit, and former schools rugby coach and Rhys Ruddock, Former Irish Rugby International, and assistant coach with Newbridge College.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister Jack Chambers on how to speed up infrastructure delivery
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers, and Fianna Fail TD for Dublin West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet the people trying to preserve our native honey bee
Emma Finn, founder of Bees on the Roof and Education Officer for Fingal North Dublin Beekeepers Association. PJ Murphy, commercial bee farmer from Galway and also a Fine Gael Senator and Anthony Freeman O’Brien, Operations Manager for the Social Enterprise with the Liberties Community Project in Dublin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deadline day arrives for Rotunda standoff with health minister
Marie Sherlock, Labour party health spokesperson and TD for Dublin CentralSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Increase in number of learner drivers on the road
Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Gathering
Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal and party spokesperson on Finance, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent Irish Examiner and Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of The Journal.ie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Songs of the summer
Graham Smyth, Musician & 2FM broadcaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sláintecare row: Holles street master responds
Jennifer Walsh, Master Holles Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Food While You Travel
Ali Dunworth, Food Writer & Cook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning for young people about financial influencers
Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rotunda row: Health Minister doubles down on order to hospital to adhere to new consultant contract
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barking mad: Managing destructive behaviour in your pet
Vet, Sarah Boland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best things on the box: What to watch on the big and small screen in June
Aoife Barry, Freelance Arts Journalist & co-presenter of the ‘Get Around To It' podcast and Brian Reddin, Producer and Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Suing the Kremlin: The astonishing story of what happened to the men Putin dispossessed
Martin Sixsmith, Journalist & author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How a chance cardiac screening saved a young athlete’s life
Every year in Ireland, medics estimate about 200 people under the age of 35 die suddenly. Some of these issues could be picked up if more people were able to avail of screening services. Reporter Brian O’Connell has been speaking to one family in Dublin who are hugely grateful of a chance screening opportunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New childcare fee caps for families signed up to subsidised providers
Elaine Dunne, Federation of Early Childhood Provider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fionnuala Moran’s sustainable pregnancy journey – part 2
Fionnuala Moran, Broadcaster and Sustainability influencer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A ‘cautionary tale’ for the world: Data centre’s heavy demand on the grid highlighted in UN report
Lisa Ryan, Professor in energy economics at UCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the frontlines of the Ebola Crisis
Clarissa Ward CNN Chief International Correspondent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Protesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak murder
Mark Paul, London correspondent, The Irish Times and Shabnam Chaudhri, former Detective Superintendent, Metropolitan Police.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New wave of US tariffs over forced labour dispute
Peter Brown, Managing Director of Baggot Investment Partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All you need to know about the World Cup with our expert panel
Second Captain podcaster and Irish Times journalist Ken Early and Meabh De Burca, Former Republic of Ireland international and RTÉ analyst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From pink powders to ketamine health chief gives festival drug warning
Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Addiction services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where now for the new Hungarian government as they unpick Orban legacy
Graham Finlay, Lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grants of up to €8,500 to scrap petrol and diesel cars to boost EV use
Paddy Comyn, head of communications for Done Deal Cars, Emma Mitchell, SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) Operations Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health insurance watchdog on why premiums go up but level of cover shrinks
Brian Lee, CEO Health insurance authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Minister warns Rotunda to get in line with public-only contract
Padraig Rice, Oireachtas health committee chair and Sara Burke, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Health Policy and Management at Trinity College Dublin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales on trust in an uncertain world
Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and co-author of The Seven Rules of Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Raft of pay transparency measures delayed
Tara Daly, Managing Director of MSS - The HR People and Gareth Murphy, Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns with the Financial Services Union (FSU).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should teenagers have debit cards and how to teach them to be good with money
Teaching children how to manage their finances should start at a young age according to financial planner Eoin McGee. He joined theSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How well are we doing at meeting our emissions targets?
Last week's publication of Ireland's latest set of Climate Change targets led to a ping-pong flurry of claim and counter claim about how we are doing. Philip Boucher-Hayes, presenter of RTE Radio's Hot Mess and Countrywide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World cancer meeting hears of new innovations in curing the disease
Claire Kilty Head of Research, Irish Cancer Society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keeping children entertained when travelling
Ruth Roberts, Co-owner of Cog toys and games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The case of the skull that washed up and disappeared
On the 6th February 2006, a human skull was caught in fishing nets off the coast of Lambay Island. Gardai led a painstaking investigation in a bid to identify Lambay Man as he would become known. True Crime Author and Journalist Barry Cummins tells us about another twist in the grim and tragic story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should EV cyclists have speed limits?
Una Morrison, spokesperson for the Irish Cycling CampaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warnings of the dangers of teen drinking
Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will the Ireland v Israel game go ahead in the Aviva?
John Fallon, Soccer correspondent with the Examiner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning issued about use of powerbanks on Aer Lingus flights
Elaine Burke, journalist and host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Putting your best foot forward: How to prepare for the Women’s Mini Marathon
Mary Jennings, founder and running coach at ForgetTheGym.ie and author of ‘Get Running’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Online shoppers to face extra charges: Revenue warns of new customs duties on goods bought from outside the EU
Ray Ryan, Head of Revenues National Customs Policy & Procedure branch and Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Suffering in silence: Breaking the taboo around incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects a large number of women in Ireland, yet it is rarely discussed openly. Rather than addressing the issue it seems many women are suffering in silence rather than seeking medical help. Dr Orla Conlon, consultant gynaecologist in the Marble Arch Health (with clinics in Galway, Sligo and Enniskillen).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Drone hits Romanian apartments during Russian attack on nearby Ukrainian port
Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Europe Correspondent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How bylaws have changed busking in Cork city
It's two years since bye-laws were introduced in Cork city to try and deal with noise issues and complaints from some traders who believed buskers were spending too long in one area. Brian O’Connell has been speaking to some of the city’s buskers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Calls for 23% VAT on Suncream to be scrapped
Prof Shirley Potter Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, St James's HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why motorists are ditching SUVs for saloons: Could this be the beginning of the end for gas-guzzling 4x4s?
Neil Briscoe, motoring journalist with the Irish Times and completecar.ie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travelling abroad for surgical procedures
Professor Deborah McNamara, RCSI president and Consultant General, Colorectal Surgeon in Beaumont Hospital and Professor Helen Heneghan, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon in St Vincent’s University Hospital and Alan Keogh, patient who had bariatric surgery abroad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scramblers, why are they still causing issues in communities
Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fail TD, John Joe O’Connell GRA and Tony Carey, Moyross.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do parents go along with their child’s First Communion if they don’t believe in it?
Simon Lewis, principal of Carlow Educate Together primary school and Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest Abbeyleix Co Laois.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Study hub: French and Spanish
Continuing our Leaving Cert countdown -reviewing some of the exam subjects for Study Hub 2026. Today we take a closer look at French and Spanish with James Dempsey, French teacher Maryfield College, Dublin and Imelda Colum, Spanish teacher, Finn Valley College, Donegal. For more visit rte.ie/learn/study-hub-2026 or rte.ie/learn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why we need a overhaul of our autopsy services
Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
