Many people enjoy trekking hills and mountains on bank holiday weekends but the majority of the country's uplands are in very poor state. A recent report revealed that 90% of our protected habitats are in an 'unfavourable' condition.

Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty joins Fran for a conversation about what can be done to improve nature on the country's hillsides and he shares his favourite spots in the country for a hike.

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A war of words has broken out between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, with Trump threatening to withdraw US troops from some European countries. Shona Murray of Euronews joins Fran to explain the background to the row and why it's not likely troops would withdraw any time soon.

Later, Professor of Ecclesiology, Massimo Faggioli of TCD discusses the different strands of Christianity influencing the White House and how the intervention of Pope Leo recently was a defining moment for the Papacy.

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The government gave more detail on the latest fuel supports for farmers and agricultural contractors but will it be enough to help the sector? And is there a 'green' divide opening up between urban and rural Ireland? a recent report shows that urban dwellers are benefitting more from sustainability grants.

TCD Professor of Transportation Brian Caulfield joins Fran and Paul to discuss if EV car grants should favour those living in rural areas and how did over 100 new electric buses end up lying idle? [clue: there's no charger]!

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Character references in court have come back under the spotlight after former TD Jim Glennon issued a character reference for Daniel Ramamoorthy.

Ramamoorthy was a former government adviser who was convicted of the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old boy in 2017.

RTÉ Legal Affairs Correspondent Órla O’Donnell discusses the details of the case, and why details of who gives character references are often not made public.

Senior Counsel Lorcan Staines also talks about how character references can carry different weight depending on the case, and why he believes consistency should be brought in across different courts.

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Why did RTÉ Radio 1 change the familiar tunes attached to its programmes? Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Fran and Eamon to discuss the controversy that erupted over the decision to switch the music and she reveals how many complaints the broadcaster received.

Later, Fran and Eamon look at the suggestion by a Trump 'Special Envoy' that Italy should replace Iran in the World Cup in June.

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The government revealed in the spring economic statement that it is expecting a surplus of €9bn, up from €5bn, however despite the extra money, it's unlikely the purse strings will be opened. Business reporter Adam Maguire joins Fran and Paul to explain how we are awash with money, but can't spend it!

Later, Retired Vice Admiral of the Irish Navy, Mark Mellet discusses the security threats that Ireland might face ahead of the EU Presidency in July.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke in the House of Commons today to explain how he wasn't told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting for the position of UK Ambassador to the United States. Starmer blamed officials at the Foreign Office for not telling him.

Reporter Kate Varley joins Fran to discuss the background the controversy, while, Jon Tonge, Professor of Politics assesses if Starmer has done enough to save his leadership.

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Fran and Evelyn are joined by presenter Kathryn Thomas to discuss the booming anti-ageing and longetivity industry. More and more people are turning to new scientifc advances to try and extend their lives, however, many of the supplements and procedures are unregulated and untested in humans. Kathryn's two part documentary 'Young Forever' also explores the last advances in aesthetics and asks if we will be able to live longer and healthier lives.

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