The Hard Shoulder

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the measures announced under the Budget 2024 package today…

Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have announced a budget package for the coming year worth €14 billion.Kevin Devenney, Tax Director at Grant Thornton joined Kieran to discuss personal finance measures announced today, with thanks to Grant Thornton...

Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have announced a budget package for the coming year worth €14 billion. This is split between expenditure measures of €5.3 billion, €1.1 billion worth of tax measures and a €6.4 billion core package. A reduction in childcare fees, an increase in carbon tax and an increase to the rent tax credit are among the biggest measures. Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by a panel of guests to discuss the measures announced today. Guests include: John Lee, Executive Editor Daily Mail Group Ireland, Emmet Oliver, Lecturer and The Hard Shoulder’s Business Correspondent, Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance, Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Association, Donall O'Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association and Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald....

Tomorrow, Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe will unveil Budget 2024.  Kieran spoke to some of the interest groups ahead of the Budget including Elaine Dunne, Federation of Early Childhood Providers, Neil McDonnell CEO of ISME  and Mike McMahon, who co-owns the award-winning Mother Mac’s pub on High Street in Limerick City. 

The last 3 days have seen an escalation of violence between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas.  Earlier today Israel has ordered a 'complete siege' of Gaza, saying authorities will cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel.Kieran was joined by Dana Erlich, Israel's Ambassador to Ireland.

In response to the attacks by Hamas militants, Israel has ordered a 'complete siege' of the Gaza Strip and the cutting off of food, fuel, electricity and water supplies to the area. Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid spoke with Kieran.

Ireland's next Rugby World Cup match will see them take on the All Blacks. Rugby Commentator, Ryle Nugent, spoke to Kieran ahead of the match.

Newstalk reporter spoke to Israelis and Palestinians who have made Ireland their home, and an Irishman, John Costello, living in Tel Aviv.Image: Irish Citizen Kim Dante missing after festival massacre.

According to the Association of Catholic priests it will become more likely to see lay members rather than priests officiating funeral masses due to lack of vocational numbers in the priesthood. Fr. Tim Hazelwood, Parish priest at Killeagh, Cork and Ruth Scott, Radio Presenter and Humanist celebrant spoke to Kieran.

Ahead of budget 2024 founder and head of ESRI's behavioural research unit, Pete Lunn spoke to Kieran about managing personal finances.

The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support for Israel online saying that Israel has the right to defend itself, and that the EU stands with them. Ruth Eglash, Freelance reporter in Jerusalem and Clare Daly, Independent MEP for Dublin.

Plans have been announced by the Labour party in the UK that if they got into government that they would make kids brush their teeth in school.  Under this plan, kids would be supervised when brushing their teeth to help prevent tooth decay which is apparently a leading cause of hospitalization of childrenIs this a solid plan and should we look to do something similar here in Ireland?  Joining Anton Savage to discuss was Dr. Caroline Robbins,  Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association, and a Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow.

Ahead of Ireland's 4th game in the Rugby World Cup tomorrow and off the back of a heroic win against the Springboks.Anton Savage was joined by Andy Nicol, Former Scottish international, and Mike Prendergast, Munster Rugby coach to preview the game in Paris.

Now we are kicking off this week's Final Furlong, where we look back at some of the stories that have caught our eye over the past week!   Joining Anton Savage for this edition of The Furlong was:   Presenter on 98FM Suzanne Kane, Comedian Jim Elliot and commercial director with Journal Media Niamh Maher  

After 5 years off our screens Big Brother is returning. The first episode airing on Sunday the 8th of October on ITV.But what was it like to be on the show? What impact did it have on the lives of contestants? And how has society changed since the show's heyday?Anton Savage was joined by Craig Phillips, Big Brother Winner Season One , Hughie Maughan , Big Brother runner up Season Seventeen 

Former Labour Leader and TD Brendan Howlin has announced his retirement from politics and will not contest the next general election.He was first elected to the Dáil for Wexford in 1987 a seat he held for three and a half decades. Brendan took the time to chat with Anton Savage on why now, his and labours time and legacy in government and what he will miss most about political life.

Comedian Legend JimEoin is touring the country playing in Vicar Street Dublin on October 12th and 15th and Galway for the Galway Comedy festival on October 24thJim took the time to sit down with Anton Savage on the show ahead of his tour where they chatted about his jobs over the years, emigrating to Australia, and the odd way his comedy career started.

1 in every 30 adults has a gambling problem. That is the rather stark finding in a new ESRI report which has been released today. Oisin McConville Counsellor and Former Armagh Footballer joined Anton Savage to discuss his own experience with gambling addiction... 

Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense, Uachtaráin Fhianna Fáil and TD for Cork South Central joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his recent visit to Ukraine, attitudes towards asylum seekers and security of politicians in Ireland…

If all the world’s dogs went vegan it would save more greenhouse gas emissions than those produced by the UK.  That is according to research advocating the environmental benefits of plant-based pets. So is this true, and is it healthy for your pet to go vegan? Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete The Vet joined Anton to discuss...

European Union countries reached a breakthrough this week in years-long negotiations over reforming migration rules. The agreement, when finalised, would allow countries more flexibility in migration and asylum rules when the number of people arriving is exceptionally high. Former Integration Manager with the Immigrant Council of Ireland Teresa Buczkowska told Newstalk Breakfast this morning why more needs to be done...  Trade unionist Brendan Ogle joined Anton Savage to discuss...

The question around the safety of our politicians was called into question after the appalling scenes from the protest outside Leinster House a fortnight ago.  Reviews are now underway with a taskforce on politician's safety meeting this morning with submissions being placed forward to about how to best tackle further issues with suggestions of excursion zones for the public around the building or the possible use of the defence force... Anton Savage was joined by Lisa Chambers Fianna Fail Senator and leader of the Seanad to discuss...

Did you know that Stephen’s Green public toilet is costing over 390,000 to run per year. Is this too much and do you think we should have more toilets?  One proposal which was rejected by Dublin City rates was to instead use that money to offer restaurant's rates to open their loos to the public, so we asked restaurants owners to chime in on this idea.Anthony Grey, Owner of Eala Bhan and Hooked Restaurants in Sligo and Gina Murphy Owner of Hugo's restaurant Dublin joined Anton Savage to discuss...

Every week for Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give him tips for a trip to The Maldives....

The UK and Ireland are set to be named as hosts of Euro 2028 by UEFA next Tuesday. It’s after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process, after their bid with Italy to host the 2032 tournament was successful. The UK and Ireland bid for 2028 is now unopposed. Kieran was joined by Stephen Hunt, former Irish International and Brian Gartland, Former Dundalk Captain to discuss...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week Simon and Kieran take a look a some of the options for cheddar cheese on the shelves...

With just 6 days to go until Pashcal Donohoe and Michael McGrath reveal the 2024 Budget. Today, Sinn Féin have launched their alternative budget. The party has proposed a package of €6.8 billion with €1.35 billion set aside for cost-of-living measures. Kieran was joined by Pearse Doherty Sinn Féin’s Finance Spokesperson...

Omid Djalili is an Iranian-British actor and comedian you would remember him from his fantastic appearances in The Mummy and Gladiator. He’s about to kick off his tour in Ireland this November and joined Kieran to discuss...

The UK and Ireland are set to be named as hosts of Euro 2028 by UEFA next Tuesday. It’s after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process, after their bid with Italy to host the 2032 tournament was successful. The UK and Ireland bid for 2028 is now unopposed. Kieran was joined by Lisa Fallon, who is a UEFA Pro Licence football coach, who is currently working with FIFA in their High-Performance Department and Off The Ball’s Stephen Doyle to discuss...

There are thousands of more cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in Ireland compared to the same time last year. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre's latest report shows cases of Chlamydia have increased by over 40 per cent year-on-year. Kieran was joined by Dr Aisling Loy, Consultant in Genito-Urinary Medicine St James’s Hospital and Himerus Health (www.himerushealth.ie) to discuss...

The Road Safety Authority's annual conference took place today. One of the areas focused on was the use of e-scooters.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with road users, including e-scooter users, to hear their thoughts on the legislation.

John Ryan is one of 13 players to have played for Munster over 200 times but what many won’t know is that he has played his entire career with inflammatory bowel disease. Munster and Ireland rugby star John Ryan has now teamed up with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland to raise awareness on the issue...

Off The Balls Ger Gilroy Joined Kieran to preview this weekends Sport and everything else sport. The two had a chat on the League of Ireland concluding, The Premier League and crisis yet again at Manchester United and finally Ireland's 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign is already in preparation.

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. Continuing the series, ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The series continued with a debate on 'Is Ireland’s childcare model broken beyond repair?'

Medicines such as the contraceptive pill could be made available over the counter without the need for a GP prescription. That’s according to new draft legislation proposed by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.  Madeleine Ni Dhalaigh Vice Chair of the GP Committee of the IMO and GP in Castlerea, Roscommon joined Kieran to discuss...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by actor, comedian and writer Jack Whitehall, ahead of his tour coming to Ireland later this week....

RTÉ's teletext service Aertel will be shut down from next Thursday.Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology correspondent joined Kieran to discuss some other forgotten bits of tech...

The Cabinet has approved a Bill which would see a restructuring of An Bord Pleanala as part of a major overhaul of Ireland’s planning system. Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien joined Kieran to discuss...

Many strands of the cost-of-living crisis are being put under the microscope ahead of the Budget next week.Questions have been asked if the attention around bills and fuel prices may be exaggerating the impact in some quarters.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, spoke with people who are feeling the rising costs.

Earlier today, Kieran Cuddihy spoke to boxer Carl Frampton. During the interview he was asked if he had any regrets working with MTK, the sports management company founded by Daniel Kinahan of the Kinahan cartel. But how powerful was the MTK management in the boxing world and how involved the Kinahan’s were in the company?  Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sportswriter Daily Star joined Kieran to discuss... 

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD has today welcomed the granting of Irish citizenship to 3,000 new Irish citizens in three separate ceremonies at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Henry McKean was one of them being granted Irish Citizenship and he joined Kieran to discuss...

An Irish amatuer flyweight champion, W&A World flyweight champion, IBF and W&A World Super-Bantaweight champion is just some of the crowns belonging to Carl Frampton A champion boxer from Belfast, he conquered the boxing world in his career from 2009 to 2021. Carl was also massive symbol of peace in his time and he has written a book on his life and joined Kieran to discuss...

Reports from the Irish Times today that up to 30,000 people on their third or subsequent provisional licence have never sat a driving test. In some cases, learners have been driving on them for over 30 years without ever holding a full licence. Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring joined Kieran to discuss...

Kieran was joined in studio by Oisin Davis, director of Great Irish Beverages and to discuss his latest book 'Irish Kitchen Cocktails'...

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is set to recommend liberalisation of the laws around possession of common illegal drugs, according to its chairman Paul Reid.  The assembly is coming to an end this month and has been deliberating on all aspects of illegal drugs from services, funding and policy. Kieran was joined by Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Labour TD for Dublin Bay North TD and spokesperson on Education & Justice to discuss...

U2 have opened their residency at a brand-new auditorium 'Sphere' in Las Vegas. The band is performing 25 shows up to December 16th - with crowds of nearly 20,000 people due each night.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly was there and joined Kieran to discuss...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through the most delicious ways to introduce halloumi into your meals...

With the rise of phone and online Scams, a phenomena has emerged known as of Scam Baiting. Where a small group of individuals take the fight back to the Scammers. Kieran was joined by Stephen Kearney, Scam Baiter and Jim Browning, Youtuber and professional Scam Baiter to discuss... 

Ian Madigan, former Irish Rugby international and Leinster and Ulster player announced his retirement last week and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

The Department of Education is to survey parents as part of efforts to encourage more Catholic schools to divest to multi-denominational patronage. The current Programme for Government commits to have 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030. However there are only 150 as of today out of over 3,000 schools. Kieran was joined by Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together and Alan Hynes, Chief Executive of the Catholic Education Partnership to discuss...