The Hard Shoulder
7,516 episodes — Page 127 of 151
'Every word that comes out of his mouth is an untruth' - Bill Browder on Putin
Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine and the West of starting the war almost a year ago, while Moscow simply used "force to stop it". The Russian President made the accusations during his State of the Union address, laying out his plans for the next 12 months. Putin says Ukraine was made "anti-Russian" long ago. Meanwhile the US president Joe Biden has been speaking in the past hour in Poland. He says the democratic world has stood up to Moscow and NATO is more united than ever. Bill Browder, CEO and co-founder of the investment fund Hermitage Capital Management joined Kieran to discuss…
Common Ground: Should we increase the size of the military?
Kieran was joined in studio 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 discussion around 'Should we increase the size of the military?'
Ballyfermot area experiencing 'structural inequality' for years, says community worker
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have condemned an attack on gardaí in Ballyfermot in Dublin. An officer was struck in the face with a bottle after being surrounded by a crowd of young people. Two Garda vehicles were also damaged in the incident. Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter joined Kieran from Ballyfermot where he met with locals to discuss…
Ed Smith's Top Diss Tracks
‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus has taken over the charts all through 2023, so much so that it recently broke the Spotify record for most streams in a single week. It’s also already become one of the most dissected “diss tracks” of all time, given the not-so-subtle shade which is thrown at ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. This world of the diss track is nothing new of course, and to talk through some of the more memorable examples through the years, Kieran was joined in studio by Ed Smith of Today FM Rocks…
Kerrane: Cost-of-living package ‘wholly inadequate’
The government has signed off on a €1.3 billion package of cost of living measures. This includes €200 of bonus welfare payments, a €100 child benefit top-up, more supports for businesses to meet energy costs, and an extension of the lower VAT rate of 9 per cent for the hospitality industry. Kieran was joined by Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Sean Defoe to talk through the key points of the announcement. Claire Kerrane, Sinn Fein TD and party spokesperson on social protection and Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation joined Kieran to analyse the measures.
Energy Prices 'a long way from returning to absolute normal'
The big energy news today has been that Pinergy has been the first in the Irish energy market to reduce its prices since the pandemic. Their prices will be reduced by 7.1% from the end of March. Daragh Cassidy of bonkers.ie joined Kieran in studio to discuss. In other energy and fuel news, AA Ireland are looking for clarity on fuel increases due in March. Paddy Comyn is Head of Communications with AA Ireland and he also joined the discussion…
'I've lost both my parents to strokes' - Actress Pauline McLynn
Actress Pauline McLynn joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss why she is supporting the Irish Heart Foundation FAST campaign, her latest work and Irish BAFTA wins…
Leaving Cert Reform: Conradh na Gaeilge 'very worried about the direction it's taking'
It’s almost one year since Education Minister, Norma Foley floated potential reforms for the Leaving Cert. The first reform would look at moving some of the coursework, including Paper 1 of English and Irish into 5th Year. However, there have been some concerns expressed on that front. Kieran was joined by Carl O’Brien, Education Editor with The Irish Times, Michael Gillespie, General Secretary of the TUI and Julian De Spainn from Conradh Na Gaeilge to discuss…
Gambling advertising should 'be slowly weaned out of the game' - Footballer David Wheeler
The seemingly inextricable link between sports and the gambling industry has been an increasingly prominent issue in recent years - but what about the athletes caught in the middles of these commercial links? David Wheeler, an English professional footballer who currently plays for Wycombe Wanderers, has recently written about his own misgivings around the prominence of gambling advertising in the sporting sphere. He joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…
Speed camera technology should be used to check motor insurance - Fianna Fáil Senator
New research from the Motor Insurers Bureau has shown that the number of uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads grew for the third year in a row. Last year, the total number of private vehicles driving without insurance reached just over 187,000 - an increase of almost 14,000 on 2021. Kieran was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator, Timmy Dooley and Peter Boland from the Alliance for Insurance Reform to discuss...
Rewriting Roald Dahl's books 'a reckless way of intruding on literature'
Critics including the UK Prime minister have condemned the rewriting of Roald Dahl’s books to remove content deemed offensive, such as references to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race. Is it ok to modernise literature ? Or has this woke culture gone wild? Kieran was joined by Stella O’Malley, Psychotherapist and Author and Sheila O'Flangan, Author of ‘What Eden Did Next?’ to discuss…
You Are What You Eat: Pancakes
Ahead of Pancake Tuesday next week, Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Anton Savage today to discuss some of the best ways to serve your pancakes...
Nurses 'afraid and exhausted' - INMO sanctions industrial action over staff shortages
Serious concerns have been raised about the lack of nurses in hospitals, to provide a safe service to patients. It comes as the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has sanctioned a campaign of industrial action over staff shortages. The move follows a month-long period of consultation. Anton Savage was joined by Edward Matthews, Deputy General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation to discuss...
Northern Ireland Protocol: 'Donaldson in a very difficult position'
The DUP says talks on the Northern Ireland protocol have reached a "big moment". British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been holding discussions near Belfast with Stormont parties. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson says progress has been made in resolving the outstanding issues Anton Savage was joined by Ben Lowry, Editor of The News Letter to discuss…
John Creedon: 'The Irish love a get-together'
Broadcaster, John Creedon joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his series 'Fleadh Cheoil', his relationship with singer-songwriter John Prine and working setting up music gear as a young lad...
'He transcended his sport' - Michael Jordan turns 60
It’s over 25 years since his ‘Last Dance’ with the Chicago Bulls, but Michael Jordan remains the highwater mark for success in the sporting sphere and beyond! The basketball legend turns 60 today, and to reflect on his legacy at large, Anton Savage was joined by Kieran Shannon of The Irish Examiner...
'There is never a time that doesn't have a housing crisis' - Conor Skehan
Are we, as a country, in fact getting to grips with the accommodation crisis? Conor Skehan, the former chair of the Housing Agency, and columnist with the Sunday Independent joined Anton Savage to discuss…
Italian cheeses the best in the world?
Italian cheese has topped a poll for the best cheeses in the world. Parmesan came in first, Burrata second and Grana Padano third — beating French cheeses such as Reblochon which came in outside of the top ten at number 13. Anton Savage was joined by Finbar Deery Head of Retail at Sheridan’s Cheese and Manuela Spenelli, Former interpreter for Giovanni Trapattoni who now runs Eurotoques Ireland, a community of chefs…
Hyperemesis: 'No rational whatsoever for needing consultant to prescribe drug'
A drug called Cariban is available to treat the condition hyperemesis which affects women during pregnancy. However concerns were raised today about patients could go about getting the cost of the drug covered. Anton Savage was joined by Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow to discuss…
‘I blamed myself’ - Mother of baby who died was given incorrect drug in labour
Cóilín Ó Scolaí joined us on the programme earlier this week following the settling of a High Court action over the death of his daughter. The O’Scolai family believe they’ve been lied to about what happened ever since. Anton Savage was joined by Roisin Molloy, whose baby son Mark died shortly after birth in 2012 following failings in his care at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise. She’s been campaigning since for more open disclosure in the cases of preventable deaths in hospitals…
Energy credit: 'We are in the economic position to give something'
The Green Party will seek to pause energy credits this summer, when coalition leaders meet to discuss cost of living supports. The final 200 euro energy credit will be issued in April under the current plan announced last Autumn. The Government is under pressure to extend the support, as costs remain high for many, despite a fall in wholesale energy prices. Anton Savage was joined by Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and Muireann Lynch, senior research officer with the ESRI to discuss…
'45 per cent of lone parents are living in deprivation,' group says
Figures released from the CSO have shown the consumer price index remains higher than this time last year, with the main drivers of higher living costs in the year leading up to January being housing, energy and food. Anton Savage was joined by Louise Bayliss, co-founder and spokesperson for S.P.A.R.K to discuss the challenges facing single parents amidst the cost of living crisis…
Harry Potter series 'lives in it's own space' separate from author JK Rowling
The video game Hogwarts Legacy is the newest potential franchise to emerge from the wider wizarding world of Harry Potter. But 26 years on from the first book in the series, why has Harry Potter held such staying power for adolescents and adults alike? Cameron Hill of Off The Ball joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…
'Improved public transport is the solution' to congestion in cities
According to a new study, Dublin is third worst for congestion in the world and the average driver in Dublin spent over 277 hours commuting in the last year. There have been many calls in recent years to reduce the number of cars in Irish cities like Dublin and Cork. Dan Boyle Green Party Councillor in Cork and Keith Gavin, Chair of The Irish Parking Association joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…
Price of a pint almost €10 in some Temple Bar pubs
The day has come when the price of a pint is almost €10. Many didn’t expect it to come this soon but in February 2023 a pint of beer is €9:95 in a pub in Temple Bar. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been out on the town meeting with publicans, customers and tourists.
Behind The Screens: Spin-Offs
Sarina Bellissimo, host of The Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to take a look at some of the best TV spin-offs out there...
New Leadership Podcast with Bobby Kerr
In this new podcast, Life and Leadership, Bobby Kerr explores the lives of some of the most successful Irish business leaders and entrepreneurs of our time, including beauty guru Aimee Connolly and GAA star Bernard Brogan. Listen and follow the podcast now wherever you get your podcasts.
Blindboy: ‘I find the pomposity and ritual of English monarchy utterly fascinating’
King Charles is set to be coronated at the start of May. But is the coronation something we should be looking forward to? Or does people’s interest in it say something about the impact of imperial England? Blindboy Boatclub joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
The Shopping Trolley Hotline: Mayonnaise
Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran again 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 took a look a the different options of mayonnaise on the shelves...
Mother ‘devastated’ after truck driver who killed daughter has license restored
Amy Dutil Wall lost her three-year-old girl, Estlin in a car crash in 2017. The truck driver whose careless driving caused Estiln's death has had his driver's license restored by a judge. Amy joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
Coveney: VAT increase for hospitality sector 'may happen'
Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss job cuts in the tech industry, VAT rates for the hospitality industry and the resignation of Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon...
'Hurling was his first love' - Fundraising match to be played for Dillon Quirke Foundation
The Dillon Quirke Foundation fundraising clash between Tipperary and Kilkenny is taking place this weekend. Derek Lyng and Liam Cahill’s sides will be Semple Stadium Semple Stadium on Sunday for a game where all proceeds will go towards the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), in honour of Dillon Quirke, who died last year. Dillon’s father, Dan Quirke, joined Kieran on the show to discuss… Image: tipperary.gaa.ie
Scottish independence 'has huge levels of support' as Sturgeon resigns
Nicola Sturgeon earlier today announced that she is to resign as the First Minister of Scotland. Not sudden, but a decision she has come to after much thought. LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty and Scottish National Party MP and Shadow Culture Secretary, John Nicolson joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…
Gannon: 'State cannot supplement' salaries of teachers in private schools
Research out from UCD shows private schools don’t add value when it comes to leaving cert grades – but it begs the question, should the state still be funding them? Kieran was joined by Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD and the party’s education spokesperson and Arthur Godsil, former headmaster of St Andrew's College and co-director of Godsil Education to discuss…
"I'm staying free" popularity of men wearing shorts all year round
More and more men are wearing shorts all year round. The fashion trend has been influenced by celebrities but also by men wanting to just embrace a comfortable/casual look. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with those who are fans of strutting their bare legs in the cold.
Digging Deeper: Choosing a Therapist
Dr Tara Logan Buckley, Clinical Psychologist joined Kieran for a new segment where they will dig a little deeper into the mysteries of the mind and mental health. For those periods of life when you might need a little bit more support many might consider getting some kind of therapy. They kicked off the series by taking a look at what kinds of therapies are out there and how to find a style that best suits you…
Tuesday Travel: Orlando
Every week, Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder with thanks to Emirates, will take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations Emirates fly to around the world. This week, Kieran was joined by Fionn Davenport, travel writer and broadcaster to look at Orlando, Florida...
Irish Rail catering services 'will return on a phased basis' in March
Catering services will be returning on a phased basis to Irish Rail from the end of March. Ollie Crowe is Fianna Fáil Senator in Galway East, and also Seanad Spokesperson for Enterprise, Employment and Trade, and he joined Kieran on the show to discuss...
Father of baby who died says hospital ‘fabricated lies and mistruths’
The parents of a baby, who died after her heart was accidentally pierced during a procedure at The Coombe Hospital, has settled a High Court action over her death. The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin admitted liability in the case. Baby Laoise Kavanagh Ni Scolai, a twin was only 42 hours and 27 minutes old when she died in 2015. Her father Cóilín Ó Scolaí joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss..
Common Ground: Should smoking be banned?
Kieran was joined in studio 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 discussion around 'Should smoking be banned?'
The Best Modern Celebrity Love Stories
As today marks Valentine's Day, Today FM presenter Louise Cantillon joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss some of the most famous loved up couples in the spotlight...
Minister dismisses a new state agency ‘would speed things up’ for housing refugees
With 75,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, and warnings that 17,000 Ukrainians may be left with nowhere to go by the end of March, the Government seems to be under increasing pressure to accommodate more refugees. Joe O’Brien, Minister of State for Community Development, Integration & Charities, and Green Party TD for Dublin Fingal joined Kieran in studio to discuss...
The Bank of Mum and Dad 'one of the largest lenders in the country'
The Bank of Mum and Dad hands over a whopping 13.9 billion pounds a year to grown-up children in the UK every year. This begs the question here in Ireland. What is the general consensus? As parents do we think passing on wealth is the way to go or is it 18 and you’re out on your own? Kieran was joined by CEO of OnlineApplication.com, Karl Deeter and Barry McDonald, Estate Agent and Spokesperson for the REA group to discuss…
'We should be concerned too' - Calls for review of Dáil's Chinese manufactured cameras
Leinster House is now at the center of a growing concern over privacy, as the Dáil’s use of Hikvision security cameras has caused concern amongst TDs. The cameras, which are manufactured in China, have already been linked to security risks in Britain and the U.S, with Australia banning the technology from its government buildings. Kieran was joined by Green Party spokesperson for Justice, TD Patrick Costello and Journalist with the Sunday Times and Times Ireland Editor, John Mooney. Good evening ...
Ireland Gateway to Europe: 'We are born distributed leaders in Ireland'
Ireland Gateway to Europe will be heading to the States at the End of March – but what is the initiative and what role does it play in Ireland’s economy? Kieran was joined byRobert Mac Giolla Phadraig, from Ireland Gateway to Europe and Jason Sherlock, Director of Development of the DCU Educational Trust to discuss...
Increase in social welfare benefits 'the best way' to support vulnerable households
Social Justice Ireland says that additional cost-of-living support must include an €8 per week increase in core social welfare benefits, rather than another universal energy credit. Kieran was joined by Michelle Murphy, who is Research and Policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland and Fine Gael Senator, Barry Ward to discuss…
'We need to see some money spent' on quality of defence in Ireland, expert warns
There are growing concerns over Garda shortages in the country and fears that this may invite criminality. According to the Irish Independent, 42 stations in the country have no permanent garda attached to them. Kieran was joined by Defence and Security Expert, Declan Power to discuss…
Ireland's First Radio Station
Today marks World Radio Day. Ireland's first radio station, 2RN, was broadcast from Denmark St, where the Ilac Centre is today. Douglas Hyde opened 2RN with a rant about how you're only Irish if you speak it. Newstalk's Simon Tierney joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
‘My way is the best way!’ - Henry finds out if DIY causes lovers quarrels
According to a new survey Putting together flat pack furniture, cleaning the bathroom and painting rooms are the most argument inducing DIY tasks. Henry McKean has been to visit one infamous DIY furniture store to see how much of this survey holds true...
You Are What You Eat: Valentine's Day Aphrodisiacs
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to discuss some aphrodisiacs to serve on Valentine's Day...