The State of Us

• Britain’s ‘golden egg’ spy in the IRA

  He was Stakeknife, Britain's top spy in the IRA. And he was also Freddie Scappaticci, a west Belfast man who rose through the ranks of the IRA, before fleeing Northern Ireland decades ago when claims about his double life became public.He died in 2023, but the details and circumstances of his life – and what he did while acting for the Army while in the IRA – has become the subject of books, podcasts and TV shows.Now, this week, a 160-page report into his recruitment and actions while active as a British agent was published following a nine-year, £45m investigation called Operation Kenova.It unveiled key details about Stakeknife that have not been heard before – while also being unable to officially name him as Freddie Scappaticci, a decision described as a “farce” by Northern Ireland’s chief constable.BBC News NI’s crime and justice correspondent Julian O’Neill joined Tara and Declan to step through the controversial life of one of the Army’s most prized assets during the Troubles – and how there are still questions to answer for those connected to recruiting and handling him. Get in touch: [email protected]

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• The cocaine in Northern Ireland’s water

  Blue-green algae, pollutants – and cocaine?The health of Northern Ireland’s lakes and rivers has been in the spotlight for some time and now scientists have found the widespread presence of drugs – including cocaine, painkillers and anti-depressants – in some of our major waterways.And, while the water sampled is not the same stuff as comes out of our taps, it does point towards another pressure point for Northern Ireland’s marine environment.Journalist Kathryn Torney and the study’s lead author Dr Billy Hunter joined Tara and Declan on the pink sofa to discuss some of the surprising findings and answer key questions – what does the level of cocaine tell us about drug abuse? What does increased levels of caffeine do to fish and other animals? And could more antibiotics in the water lead to more antibiotic resistance?Get in touch: [email protected]

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• The latest Irish church abuse crisis

  The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is the biggest Protestant denomination in Northern Ireland, with more than 200,000 members across the island.And it has never had its moderator, or head of the church, resign in its 185-year history – until three weeks ago.The announcement that Rev Trevor Gribben was stepping down due to serious safeguarding failings over a 13-year period, and that the police were starting a criminal investigation, has rocked the Church. Further revelations in the days and weeks since have led to major questions – could there be a public inquiry? Can the Church’s leaders restore confidence? And will people come forward with allegations of abuse that lay bare those safeguarding failings?According to BBC Talkback presenter William Crawley, they already are coming forward and this story could be just beginning. He joined Declan in the studio to outline everything you need to know about the Presbyterian Church crisis so far and what could happen next. If you have been affected by any of these issues, there is support and information available at the BBC Action Line: https://bbc.in/4rB5Zw6Get in touch: [email protected]

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• Olympic boxer Aidan Walsh: Why I’m delighted to quit the ring

  When Aidan Walsh announced his retirement from boxing last month, and said he was doing so with relief, it was clear his relationship with the sport is complicated.There were great days, not least winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and representing Ireland at the highest stage with sister, and fellow boxer, Michaela. But there were dark days too, when he struggled under the pressure of performing and suffered under the emotional jabs of some of the coaches he encountered.He joined Tara and Declan on the pink sofa to talk about why he's delighted to quit, how the smell of boxing gloves makes him stressed and why he doesn't know exactly where his Olympic medal is. Michaela Walsh also called into the studio to talk about her relationship with brother Aidan and how her boxing journey continues, possibly to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, you can find information and support on the BBC Action Line. Get in touch: [email protected]

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• Familiar faces return to count The State of the Budget

  Taxes, child benefits, electric cars and milkshakes - yes, we’re talking the Budget and how it could affect you.To help us along we invited some past guests of the programme back on to better understand what it all means. These guests all come from different circumstances – factory worker and new homeowner Jamie Jennings; single mum Louise McCullough; full-time worker Marc McKee who has a side-business as a content creator; plus libel lawyer Paul Tweed. And while everyone’s financial picture is different, a lot of their concerns – from home ownership to childcare and tax hikes – will feel familiar. So they kindly called in, while Ulster University professor Jodie Carson joined Tara and Declan on the pink sofa to help make sense of how people could see the benefits, and drawbacks, of this Budget. Boil the kettle or grab a milkshake if you like…How is the Budget affecting you? Get in touch: [email protected]

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