As US President Donald Trump issued tariff threats on 8 European countries, Fran [yes, he's back] and Karen speak to Chief Economist with the Institute of European Affairs, Dan O'Brien. The tariff threats are retaliation for the countries disagreeing with Trump's demand to own Greenland. 

Dan explains the impact of the previous round of tariffs and says that there's comes a time when economics needs to take a backseat when the territorial integrity of a member state is at risk. 

As US President Donald Trump issued tariff threats on 8 European countries, Fran [yes, he's back] and Karen speak to Chief Economist with the Institute of European Affairs, Dan O'Brien. The tariff threats are retaliation for the countries disagreeing with Trump's demand to own Greenland.&nbsp;Dan explains the impact of the previous round of tariffs and says that there's comes a time when economics needs to take a backseat when the territorial integrity of a member state is at risk.&nbsp;

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.

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: <a class="relay-http-link" href="mailto:behindthestory@rte.ie">behindthestory@rte.ie</a>New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Behind the Story

Trump's tariff threats and what could it mean for Ireland? 

Earlier this week, it was reported that China's trade surplus has reached $1.9 trillion last year, a 20% increase on 2024. As China exports continue to grow, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss his recent trip to China and what it was like to be stopped by police in Shanghai. 

Later, reporter Julieanne Corr of the Sunday Times discusses the increasing use of ketamine in Ireland and the side effects of the drug. 

Earlier this week, it was reported that China's trade surplus has reached $1.9 trillion last year, a 20% increase on 2024. As China exports continue to grow, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss his recent trip to China and what it was like to be stopped by police in Shanghai.&nbsp;Later, reporter Julieanne Corr of the Sunday Times discusses the increasing use of ketamine in Ireland and the side effects of the drug.&nbsp;

China-Ireland relations and what is a k-hole? 

Senior Gardaí appeared at the Oireachtas media committee today where they revealed they are investigated two hundred complaints about Grok AI and child abuse imagery. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss the committee hearing, which politicians are leaving X and if the authorities are playing catch up with AI developments. 

Later, retired architect, David O'Connor explains the history of the construction of Dublin City Council buildings and why he believes more needs to be done to examine staying on the site rather than vacating it for new offices. 

Senior Gardaí appeared at the Oireachtas media committee today where they revealed they are investigated two hundred complaints about Grok AI and child abuse imagery. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss the committee hearing, which politicians are leaving X and if the authorities are playing catch up with AI developments.&nbsp;Later, retired architect, David O'Connor explains the history of the construction of Dublin City Council buildings and why he believes more needs to be done to examine staying on the site rather than vacating it for new offices.&nbsp;

Leaving X, Grok AI and is Dublin City Council on the move?  

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her performance in 'Hamnet', an adaptation of the best selling book of the same name by Coleraine born author Maggie O'Farrell. 

Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle discuss the win, what it means for Irish acting talent and if this could be the start of even more awards for the actress from Killarney. 

Later, the duo are joined by Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics to discuss Iran and the ongoing protests in the country. 

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her performance in 'Hamnet', an adaptation of the best selling book of the same name by Coleraine born author Maggie O'Farrell.&nbsp;Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle discuss the win, what it means for Irish acting talent and if this could be the start of even more awards for the actress from Killarney.&nbsp;Later, the duo are joined by Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics to discuss Iran and the ongoing protests in the country.&nbsp;

Trump's tariff threats and what could it mean for Ireland?

Behind the Story

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips