In The News

Last week, former garda superintendent John Murphy was jailed for six and a half years after he was caught holding cannabis worth nearly €260,000 in his home in Dublin. He is also at the centre of an investigation into allegations that information held by the force was supplied to the Hutch criminal gang. But how does a senior garda become involved in the drugs trade and end up collaborating with criminals? And what kind of message does Murphy’s arrest and corruption within An Garda Síochána send to the general public? Security and Crime Editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Mason, the young man who died in combat in Ukraine this week, was one of thousands of young men from around the world who travelled to join Ukraine's "international legion" and help in the fight against Russia's invasion. But who was Rory Mason, and how important is the international legion to Ukraine's war effort? Ronan McGreevy and Dan McLaughlin report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Convicted criminal Jonathan Dowdall is about to lose his name, his identity and his home. The former Sinn Fein councillor and successful businessman has dramatically turned state witness in the upcoming Regency Hotel murder trial and will enter the Irish Witness Protection Programme. What exactly was Dowdall’s involvement in Regency shooting and how will his relocation be managed? Crime Correspondent Conor Gallagher reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the major pipeline bringing gas from Russia into the EU was sabotaged with explosions recorded at at least four different points along the line deep under the Baltic Sea. Flows of gas seeped into the sea, posing a serious threat to vessels in the area, damaging delicate eco-systems and further ratcheting the tension between Russia and all its neighbours to the west. The perpetrators are unknown, or at least there is no hard evidence to say who did it. Irish Times Europe Correspondent Naomi O’Leary talks to Conor Pope about the sabotage and what might be coming down the tracks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Brazilians will vote in a presidential election that pits former president Lula against incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is behind in the polls and, continuing his record of Trump-inspired politics, has claimed a loss could only mean voter fraud. But could he really hang on to power? From Sao Paolo, Tom Hennigan has the story of an election that could have global consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One off lump sums, a 25% reduction in childcare costs and an increase in welfare payments. Those are some of the notable measures announced in yesterday’s €11bn budget, aimed at helping offset the cost-of-living crisis. That’s a big number, but what exactly does it represent for you and your finances? To understand the picture for households, In The News speaks to:Consumer affairs correspondent, Conor PopePolitical correspondent Jennifer BrayPolitical reporter Jack Horgan-JonesSocial affairs correspondent Kitty Holland andEconomics correspondent Eoin Burke-Kennedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a controversial launch earlier this year, a breakaway professional golf league, backed by Saudi Arabia's investment fund, is still going, having survived criticism from players like Rory McIlroy and being called an exercise in sportswashing to improve Saudi Arabia's brutal image. But is anyone watching? Conor Pope asks Irish Times sports writer Malachy Clerkin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Russian president Vladimir Putin tried to reclaim the initiative in his invasion of Ukraine by announcing a "partial mobilisation" of the population. Will the move dent Ukrainian confidence that the Russians can be repelled?Daniel McLaughlin reports from Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parents in Ireland today are facing some of the highest childcare costs in the world. What relief can be expected for parents in the upcoming budget and what can be done to reform the sector?  Features writer Jennifer O’Connell reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the body of 28-year-old Tony Dempsey was discovered at a flat in Dublin’s north inner city. It’s believed his remains lay there for up to a week before the alarm was raised, with people coming and going from the premises during that time. How did this happen in a busy apartment complex and what were the circumstances that led to this tragedy? Security and Crime editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.