The Indo Daily Irish Independent

Politics is a business of relationships, but some connections are closer to home than others - quite literally in the case of Ireland's numerous political dynasties. Is their influence finally dwindling as parties opt for celebrity over legacy? And do the "sins of the father" influence modern voters?
Host: Ellen Coyne | Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Far-right parties have made gains across Europe, but Ireland won’t be sending any hardliners to Brussels. But while our Government might be pleased with their day at the polls, in France the president has taken a career-defining gamble. Emmanuel Macron has given voters an ultimatum and is sending them back to the ballot box in three weeks’ time, this time for a new parliament. What do these elections mean for the future of European politics?

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guests; John Downing and Eleanor Beardsley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a group of individually successful international criminals pool their resources in a bid to consolidate power and corner the outlaw market for themselves? You get the Dubai Super Cartel; a thriving network of notorious gangsters including Ireland’s own most-wanted; the Kinahans.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Miles JohnsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The once-revered first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, is known as much for her ostentatious taste, as for the millions her family plundered from the public coffers of the Philippines. In 1986 when Imelda fled the country with her husband, then president Ferdinand Marcos, they carried $8.9m in jewellery, cash and bonds, but the Philippine government claimed they left with much more.

Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Katherine Ellison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sinn Féin shocker in the locals, a strong show of support for the ‘new look’ Fine Gael, and the not-quite rise of the far right. Friday's elections have left many talking points, as the country looks ahead to a possible Autumn general election, despite what Taoiseach Simon Harris has to say.

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & Philip Ryan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Knox returned to Italy last week in an unsuccessful bid to defend herself against a 16 year old slander conviction. The charge, which was upheld by the Italian courts, related to statements she had made while in police custody under conditions which the European Court of Human Rights found to have violated her human rights. As she awaits the opportunity to appeal, we look back on her legal battles and ask will she ever be completely free in the court of public opinion?

Host: Ellen Coyne, Guest: Nick SquiresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.