Sarkozy & the Colonel's Cash / Return of the Backstop

The Irish Times World View Podcast

"I've covered a lot of financial scandals in French politics.... they usually get off". Lara Marlowe talks to Chris about the latest financial scandal to cross her desk: the arrest of former president Nicolas Sarkozy on suspicion of taking illegal cash donations from the late Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi. And it's been yet another significant week on the road to Brexit. The 'backstop' - a UK government promise to maintain the status quo at the Irish Border if no better solution is found - is back, after doubt was cast on the pledge by Prime Minister Theresa May last month. Europe Editor Patrick Smyth explains why the concession is a minor win for Ireland.