Anonymous briefings, accusations of betrayal and a mystery phone call have exposed deep tensions within Fine Gael.

Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan has hit back after questions were raised about his health, describing the episode as the "ultimate betrayal".

The controversy intensified after it emerged that Tánaiste Simon Harris had called O'Donovan shortly before he was hospitalised while hosting a major EU presidency event in Limerick.

Why did it take weeks to confirm the Tánaiste was the caller, and what does the saga reveal about the state of Fine Gael behind closed doors?

Today on The Indo Daily, Katie Byrne is joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland editor at the Irish Independent, to examine the rumours of internal divisions and the growing questions surrounding leadership, loyalty and political strategy within Fine Gael.

The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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Anonymous briefings, accusations of betrayal and a mystery phone call have exposed deep tensions within Fine Gael.
Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan has hit back after questions were raised about his health, describing the episode as the "ultimate betrayal".
The controversy intensified after it emerged that Tánaiste Simon Harris had called O'Donovan shortly before he was hospitalised while hosting a major EU presidency event in Limerick.
Why did it take weeks to confirm the Tánaiste was the caller, and what does the saga reveal about the state of Fine Gael behind closed doors?
Today on The Indo Daily, Katie Byrne is joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland editor at the Irish Independent, to examine the rumours of internal divisions and the growing questions surrounding leadership, loyalty and political strategy within Fine Gael.
The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>
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'The ultimate betrayal': Inside Fine Gael's bitter infighting

A rising voice in the legal world. The country's foremost human rights lawyer. A "man for all seasons, needed for all sorts of reasons".

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These are just a taste of the growing list of superlatives used to describe Belfast-based solicitor Darragh Mackin.

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The lofty praise for the 35-year-old founding partner of Phoenix Law is matched by an extensive, attention-grabbing client list.

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From controversial rappers Kneecap to the Stardust families and the residents of the Garvaghy Road, Mackin has become the go-to legal eagle at the centre of some of Ireland's most high-profile court cases.

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Now, alleged crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan has become his latest client, ahead of a case that Mackin says has "fundamental holes" in it.

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On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Sunday Independent senior investigative journalist Catherine Sanz to profile Darragh Mackin as he prepares to represent Ireland's most notorious alleged criminal.

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The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism 

A rising voice in the legal world. The country's foremost human rights lawyer. A "man for all seasons, needed for all sorts of reasons".
­
These are just a taste of the growing list of superlatives used to describe Belfast-based solicitor Darragh Mackin.
­
The lofty praise for the 35-year-old founding partner of Phoenix Law is matched by an extensive, attention-grabbing client list.
­
From controversial rappers Kneecap to the Stardust families and the residents of the Garvaghy Road, Mackin has become the go-to legal eagle at the centre of some of Ireland's most high-profile court cases.
­
Now, alleged crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan has become his latest client, ahead of a case that Mackin says has "fundamental holes" in it.
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On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Sunday Independent senior investigative journalist Catherine Sanz to profile Darragh Mackin as he prepares to represent Ireland's most notorious alleged criminal.
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The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html">independent.ie/ourjournalism&nbsp;</a>

'Fundamental holes in the case': Meet the lawyer defending Daniel Kinahan

Israel’s election has produced no clear winner, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival battling to build a coalition. With Arab-led parties potentially holding the balance of power, could this be the end of Netanyahu’s long grip on power?

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Bel Trew

Israel’s election has produced no clear winner, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival battling to build a coalition. With Arab-led parties potentially holding the balance of power, could this be the end of Netanyahu’s long grip on power?
Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Bel Trew

Extra: Netanyahu's 'fight for survival' - Israel’s election deadlock explained

Jeffrey Donaldson was doing paid work for the ministry of defence in Africa even as acute political turmoil was engulfing his party at home in Northern Ireland.

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Why was the then DUP leader undertaking sensitive work in dictator-led Cameroon just a week after he himself collapsed Stormont in 2022? Why was he helping sell arms in Egypt alongside a British general?

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Why did a special forces officer say he’d worked with Donaldson before?

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Profound political questions remain over who all the now convicted paedophile was working for – alongside concerns about whether he had access to children in developing countries.

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Host: Ciaran Dunbar

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Guest: Sam McBride

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This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel.

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The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

Jeffrey Donaldson was doing paid work for the ministry of defence in Africa even as acute political turmoil was engulfing his party at home in Northern Ireland.
­
Why was the then DUP leader undertaking sensitive work in dictator-led Cameroon just a week after he himself collapsed Stormont in 2022? Why was he helping sell arms in Egypt alongside a British general?
­
Why did a special forces officer say he’d worked with Donaldson before?
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Profound political questions remain over who all the now convicted paedophile was working for – alongside concerns about whether he had access to children in developing countries.
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Host: Ciaran Dunbar
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Guest: Sam McBride
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This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel.
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The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>

What was Jeffrey Donaldson doing in Africa? Examining his international double life

Incidents of violent drug-debt intimidation are rising in Ireland – and the methods are becoming more concerning and elaborate.

Brutal enforcers are now using 'disappearing' video technology on social media platforms to capture and distribute graphic footage of torture.

The targeted aggression goes beyond those allegedly in arrears, with innocent friends and family members increasingly caught up in the cruel crossfire.

What are the gardaí doing about it?

Is there a class issue at play?

And what about the incidents we're not hearing about?

On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel to examine a terrifying new trend in Ireland's underworld.

The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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Incidents of violent drug-debt intimidation are rising in Ireland – and the methods are becoming more concerning and elaborate.
Brutal enforcers are now using 'disappearing' video technology on social media platforms to capture and distribute graphic footage of torture.
The targeted aggression goes beyond those allegedly in arrears, with innocent friends and family members increasingly caught up in the cruel crossfire.
What are the gardaí doing about it?
Is there a class issue at play?
And what about the incidents we're not hearing about?
On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel to examine a terrifying new trend in Ireland's underworld.
The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
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How torture videos are escalating drug debt intimidation in Ireland   

The grand vision was to create a modern metropolis to rival London, Paris or Madrid.   

  

But as the Celtic Tiger roared, Dublin's Docklands became emblematic of property speculation, unchecked largesse and broken promises.   

  

The transformation is celebrated as a triumph of regeneration.  

  

But it also sparked battles over planning, politics and public money.   

  

On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent news correspondent Conor Feehan to explore how a neglected stretch of Dublin's waterfront became a model of urban renewal and a symbol of what happens when fortune-building is prioritised over building a community.    

  

The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism 

 

The grand vision was to create a modern metropolis to rival London, Paris or Madrid. &nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
But as the Celtic Tiger roared, Dublin's Docklands became emblematic of property speculation, unchecked largesse and broken promises. &nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
The transformation is celebrated as a triumph of regeneration. &nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
But it also sparked battles over planning, politics and public money. &nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent news correspondent Conor Feehan to explore how a neglected stretch of Dublin's waterfront became a model of urban renewal and a symbol of what happens when fortune-building is prioritised over building a community. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism&nbsp;
&nbsp;


Booming riches and broken promises: The dramatic evolution of Dublin's docklands  

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is at the centre of a new Metropolitan Police investigation into an alleged rape said to have taken place in his Westminster office.

The development comes just days after Donaldson was sentenced to prison for child sex offences, including the rape of a child.

What do we know about this latest allegation, how did the investigation come about and what happens next?

Today's Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast, The BelTel. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris to examine the facts of the case and the wider political fallout. This episode was originally produced by The BelTel

The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is at the centre of a new Metropolitan Police investigation into an alleged rape said to have taken place in his Westminster office.
The development comes just days after Donaldson was sentenced to prison for child sex offences, including the rape of a child.
What do we know about this latest allegation, how did the investigation come about and what happens next?
Today's Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast, The BelTel. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris to examine the facts of the case and the wider political fallout. This episode was originally produced by The BelTel
The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>

 Jeffrey Donaldson Investigated Over New Westminster Rape Allegation 

Rolex watches, luxury BMWs and designer handbags worth almost €300,000 have been seized in Garda raids targeting a prominent Irish charity.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has carried out searches linked to Liberty Recycling, a charity chaired by Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

Sinn Féin have confirmed that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and none of the items seized are connected to him.

The investigation centres on suspected money laundering.

As the probe continues, Liberty Recycling remains operational and is still accepting donations through its website.

On this Extra episode of the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller to address the latest developments, the garda operation and Sinn Féin's response to the investigation.

The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

Rolex watches, luxury BMWs and designer handbags worth almost €300,000 have been seized in Garda raids targeting a prominent Irish charity.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has carried out searches linked to Liberty Recycling, a charity chaired by Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
Sinn Féin have confirmed that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and none of the items seized are connected to him.
The investigation centres on suspected money laundering.
As the probe continues, Liberty Recycling remains operational and is still accepting donations through its website.
On this Extra episode of the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller to address the latest developments, the garda operation and Sinn Féin's response to the investigation.
The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>

Extra: Garda raid, Rolexes and a Sinn Féin TD: The charity under investigation

A strike by criminal defence lawyers is causing disruption across Ireland's courts, but the bigger question may be what happens next.

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With barristers and solicitors warning their action could escalate, pressure is mounting on Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to find a solution.

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Is this a routine industrial dispute, or the first big political test of his tenure?

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On today's Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan examines what's at stake for the justice system, the Government and for O'Callaghan himself. He is joined by Irish Independent’s legal affairs editor Shane Phelan and political editor Mary Regan to explain the row, the politics and the potential fallout.

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And with neither side showing signs of backing down, they ask: who will blink first?

A strike by criminal defence lawyers is causing disruption across Ireland's courts, but the bigger question may be what happens next.
­
With barristers and solicitors warning their action could escalate, pressure is mounting on Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to find a solution.
­
Is this a routine industrial dispute, or the first big political test of his tenure?
­
On today's Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan examines what's at stake for the justice system, the Government and for O'Callaghan himself. He is joined by Irish Independent’s legal affairs editor Shane Phelan and political editor Mary Regan to explain the row, the politics and the potential fallout.
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And with neither side showing signs of backing down, they ask: who will blink first?

Lawyers on strike, courts under pressure: Has Jim O'Callaghan picked the wrong fight?

James McClean’s view that therapy is a “weakness” has been widely criticised. But where does that belief come from?

Dan McDonnell, ghostwriter of McClean's new book The Walls,  joins Kevin Doyle to discuss McClean’s difficult upbringing, the man behind the controversial opinions and the things he has spent much of his life refusing to talk about.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.

James McClean’s view that therapy is a “weakness” has been widely criticised. But where does that belief come from?
Dan McDonnell, ghostwriter of McClean's new book The Walls, &nbsp;joins Kevin Doyle to discuss McClean’s difficult upbringing, the man behind the controversial opinions and the things he has spent much of his life refusing to talk about.
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="https://www.independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism.</a>

'Therapy is a weakness': Understanding James McClean and a career full of controversies

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