The Indo Daily

Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’, say counter-terrorism police 

The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures. An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women’s issues. Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV. Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe’s death. On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can view our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamey Carney murder: Boyfriend of American mother-of-one detained in Jordan

The boyfriend of murdered American mother-of-one Jamey Carney has been detained in Jordan, the Irish Independent understands. Ahmad al-Saqar is a person of interest to the garda investigation into the murder of Ms Carney. The dramatic development came as gardai have made rapid progress in their murder probe with significant forensic, CCTV and witness evidence obtained. Sources indicated that the 28 year old man has been detained in Jordan over the past 48 hours. Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan and no Irish arrest warrant has been issued in respect of the Killarney murder as yet. The detention was made by Jordan’s Public Security Directorate. The whereabouts of Ahmad Al-Samar, had been unknown. He is “a person of interest” for gardaí as he spent time with Ms Carney between July 4-6. Gardai now believe the Jordanian was with Ms Carney on Monday evening, the night she was fatally assaulted. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is RTÉ a sinking ship? Boycotts, 'bailouts' and bygone eras

RTÉ look to be further floundering in their finances. Director General Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the Public Accounts Committee last week looking for extra funding from Government. The reason? “Volatility” in TV licence-fee revenue. Over one in five households now do not own a TV, which means the broadcaster needs an extra €54.79m this year from the exchequer, up from €41.3m last year. But as the number of households without a television continues to grow, is the licence fee becoming a relic of a bygone era? And in a world of streaming services, social media and endless digital content, can RTÉ survive today's media landscape? On today’s The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent Technology Editor, Adrian Weckler, Entertainment correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. ­The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe it’s time to ban e-scooters in Ireland

Electric scooters were once seen as the future of urban transport, but growing safety concerns are changing the conversation. Todays episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock to discuss whether electric scooters have become too dangerous for Irish roads. They examine rising injury numbers, gaps in enforcement, why existing rules are failing, and whether tighter regulation is enough or if Ireland should consider banning them altogether. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor McGregor: Why does America keep giving the disgraced fighter a platform?

It’s fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging. ‘The Notorious’ finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and while some are questioning his physical prowess, his microphone game remains as brash as ever. Sat in front of the media once more, McGregor espoused his divine beliefs, proclaimed his innocence and once again weighed in on Ireland’s immigration debate. This weekend’s event will have plenty of eyes on it, but should Conor McGregor be allowed fight at all? Or granted a platform of this size to spread his views, for that matter? And why are American fans and fixtures so happy to assist in his rehabilitation tour? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Dave Hanratty is joined by sports and entertainment journalist Andy McCarroll to look at a much-criticised return to the octagon. The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.