Behind the Story

As Keir Starmer announces his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham looks set to be the man to take over for him but what will his premiership look like?Fran is joined by one man who co-wrote a book with Burnham - the Liverpool Echo's Political Editor Liam Thorp.Later, Aengus Cox explains how new customs charges could make online shopping a lot more expensive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An election on Thursday in the UK could ultimately determine who leads the country. Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield bye-election with his eyes set on a subsequent British Labour Party leadership battle. James Lyons, former director of strategic communications at 10 Downing Street under Keir Starmer, tells Fran and Paul why the stakes could not be higher.They also discuss if they would move to Lovely Leitrim, and how MEPs voted on so-called 'return hubs' for illegal migrants in the EU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work. Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ published a revised list of the top 10 highest earners for 2024 which included Derek Mooney after it said it had 'reconsidered what constitutes a presenter'. Mr Mooney was previously not included as he was treated as a producer in the accounts. The media Minister is not happy and will meet RTÉ management next week. Fran and Adam discuss who knew, what and when and what this means for the broadcaster. Later Adam talks through the billionaires businessmen that accompanied Trump to China. And it's Eurovision weekend, Evelyn joins the pod from Vienna to talk voting, favourites and what happens if Australia wins! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a huge fire broke out in the Tycor area of Waterford. Dozens of businesses have been destroyed and government is promising an emergency aid package for those affected. Damien Tiernan joins Fran and Sharon, he describes the importance of the premises and why it will take months to rebuild/relocate companies. Later, Associate Professor of Politics at Keele University, Dr Kathryn Simpson discusses UK PM Keir Starmer's speech and whether he has done enough to halt the calls for him to resign following Labour's local election loses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.