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Behind the Story

Behind the Story

By: RTÉ News
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About this listen

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest some of the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests and maybe even some laughs along the way.

Email: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.


Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why are farmers fighting with Bord Bia? And danger here: US visa rules ahead of World Cup
    Jan 30 2026

    A bitter row has broken out over the last week between farmer organisations and the Chair of Bord Bia, but what's it all about? Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent Aengus Cox joins Fran to explain what's going on and why he believes both sides have become entrenched in their positions.

    Later, Editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan Corry discusses the proposed changes to the ESTA visa waiver scheme which could affect tourists and World Cup fans travelling to the US this summer.


    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins
  • Can nature help stop flooding and are you tipping too much?
    Jan 28 2026

    The Slaney and Dodder rivers burst their banks and flooded surrounding areas following subtantial rainfall over the past few days. And while the clean up has begun, more rain in expected over the next 24 hours. Could the flooding have been predicted? and are there nature based solutions that could help prevent floods.

    Professor of Geography at TCD, Mary Bourke joins Fran and Karen to explain how nature could help prevent some of the worst flooding, she rules out the use of beavers, the aquatic animals being used in other countries!

    Later, Fran and Karen discuss the CCPC's new guidelines around tipping and technology!


    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    35 mins
  • Minneapolis: Is the US facing into the abyss? And the EU focus returns to Grok
    Jan 26 2026

    Officials in US President Donald Trump's administration continue to defend the fatal shooting on Saturday of a man by immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as video evidence contradicts their version of events.

    Alex Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse, is the second US citizen to be fatally shot by ICE this month in Minneapolis.

    Officials have claimed that Mr Pretti assaulted officers, compelling them to fire in self-defence, an account at odds with video footage recorded by members of the public.

    Niall Stanage, White House columnist with The Hill, joins Fran and Karen from Washington DC to discuss the official response to the shooting and the uncertainty, fear and stress the actions of ICE are having on communities across the US.

    Later, Business and Technology correspondent Brian O’Donovan popped in to discuss the latest EU investigation into Grok.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    26 mins
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