The Hard Shoulder
7,245 episodes — Page 136 of 145
RTÉ airing Queen Elizabeth's funeral is 'over the top' - Cllr Ring
RTÉ have confirmed it will broadcast coverage live from the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday. Kieran was joined by Nial Ring, Dublin City Councillor and former Lord Mayor and Noel Cunningham, Ambassador for The Harvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal to discuss...
Bonnie Greer on the monarchy, democracy and her connection to King Charles
Bonnie Greer, author, playwright, columnist with the New European joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the events commemorating her death in the past week...
ESB 'simply can't' use profits to offset cost of energy for customers
The ESB group tripled its after-tax in the first half of the year reaching €390 million, amid customers facing soaring costs for energy bills. Should these increased profits be used to offset costs incurred by other electricity suppliers? Paul Deane, research professor at University College Cork joined Kieran on the show to discuss...
Shortall: Abolish 'inhumane' charges on cancer patients
Yesterday on The Hard Shoulder, Kieran spoke to Linda Bowdler, a mother-of-five with Stage 4 terminal cancer. Linda spoke to Kieran about the financial strain having cancer has had on her family. Roisin Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats joined Kieran on the show to discuss scrapping inpatient charges for cancer patients and those suffering from other illnesses. Dr Ilona Duffy, Monaghan based GP, also joined Kieran to discuss the possible symptoms of bowel cancer...
The History of Bus Lanes
Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to chart the history of bus lanes...
'Binge drinking is a serious issue in Ireland'
A lot of Irish people are in denial about their drinking habits, with many “binge drinkers” not realising they are drinking dangerous levels of alcohol. A published report from the Health Research Board, concludes that that two in three individuals fail to recognise when their consumption of alcohol is at an excessive level. Kieran was joined by Sheena Horgan, CEO of Drink Aware , to discuss...
Hollywood’s All-Time Casting ‘What Ifs’
What happens when films have to be recast on the fly? How might your favourite movies and lead characters looked had they been cast differently? To discuss some of Hollywood’s all-time casting “what ifs”, Kieran was joined by John Fardy, presenter of Screentime on Newstalk...
Varadkar's 'comments were not helpful' - Commission on Taxation
John Mark McCafferty, Member of the Commission on Taxation and CEO of Threshold joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to respond after Leo Varadkar said parts of their report were out of the Sinn Féin manifesto...
What will happen to money in the United Kingdom?
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth the Second is happening on Monday, with the mourning period continuing up until that day. Soon after that, final decisions will be made surrounding the currency, and the changing of notes depicting the Queen’s head, to King Charles III’s head. Peter Oakes is a business consultant, formerly of the Central Bank, joined Kieran on the show to discuss the process...
'It is going send businesses over the edge' - VAT rate for hospitality sector set to increase
The special VAT rate for hotels, restaurants and pubs is set to be hiked as part of the Budget. The 9% has been in to support the hospitality sector since the pandemic began. Reports suggest that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe thinks it’s time to bring things back up to 13.5%. Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, chairperson of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and JP McMahon, chef, author and restaurateur in Galway joined Kieran to discuss...
Data Protection Commissioner 'confident in reasoned and rational' fine on Instagram
Helen Dixon, Data Protection Commissioner joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the latest fine of €405m imposed on social media site Instagram, for their breach of GDPR in relation to children...
Mother-of-five with Stage 4 cancer says 'financial strain is really detrimental'
Linda Bowdler is living with Stage 4 incurable cancer and she joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to tell him about the struggle she has in paying charges for cancer treatment. Kieran was also joined by Rachel Morrogh, Director of Advocacy with the Irish Cancer Society...
Viral TikTok energy drinks are 'pure sugar and pure caffeine'
Young people on TikTok are going viral by blaming energy drinks for their heart problems. It comes a few weeks after the Welsh government floated the idea of banning sales of these drinks to under-16s on health grounds. Kieran was joined by Ciara Wright of Glenville Nutrition to discuss...
EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat
Kieran was joined by Bobby Kerr, presenter of Down to Business on Newstalk from Austin, Texas at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat...
The Best of Royal TV and Film
Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files on Spin 103.8 joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the best royal TV and movies...
'We need to move towards the continental model' - The reality of retrofitting your home
Retrofitting has become a focal point of recent discussions on energy efficiency measures. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Brendan Donlon to discuss the process of retrofitting his home…
LED billboard 'totally unbearable' for residents
Complaints have been flooding in all week in Rathmines over a new billboard with LED lights. Apparently the light is so bright people are struggling to sleep. Diana O’Dwyer lives next to it and she joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder alongside Ian Lumley, who is the Head of Advocacy with An Taisce...
Property price growth 'still unsustainable' at 1 per cent
According to CSO figures released today, the rate of increases in property prices have fallen again. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Seamus Coffey, economics lecturer at University College Cork and Conor O’Connell, Director of the Irish Home Builders Association...
Do people still use fountain pens?
Yesterday, King Charles visited Northern Ireland and ran into a spot of bother with a leaky fountain pen. It begs the question, does anyone still write with a fountain pen? Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Liz Maguire Creator and curator of Flea Market Love Letters...
Donohoe's 'experience would be wasted should he be removed' - Shane Ross
As we head towards the end of the year, the time will come for Leo Varadkar to become Taoiseach, but also the plan is for Michael McGrath to become the new Minister for Finance. This will likely mean that Paschal Donohoe has to also step down from his position as President of the Eurogroup. Shane Ross is the former Minister for Transport joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss..
Schools 'won't compromise children's health and safety' - Calls for extra funding to cover energy bills
With winter coming, school's considerations around heating and electricity in their classrooms are coming into sharper focus. There have been calls for extra funding in this month’s budget through increased capitation rates or ancillary grants. Kieran was joined on the show by Paul Moroney, Scartlegen National School, County Kerry and Noel Loftus, Principal, St. Attracta's National School, Ballaghaderreen discuss the realities of the situation on the ground…
'My quality of life was gone' - 55pc increase in Eating Disorders last year
Figures have shown there was a 55pc increase last year in the number of people attending support services at Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. Early detection and effective treatment are the best chance at recovery, unfortunately, depending on where you live, access to certain services can vary. Kieran was joined by Harriet Parsons,Psychotherapist and training and development manager at Bodywhys, Dr Kielty Oberlin, Eating Disorder Recovery Coach and Cormac Ryan who is recovery from an eating disorder…
Wellness: Cycling to Work #MyCommuteNT
Claire McKenna, Presenter of 'Alive and Kicking' cycled into studio and joined Kieran to discuss how she found her new commute...
Ukraine offensive causing 'panic in the Russian ranks'
Ukraine has said it aims to liberate all of its territory. They’ve driven Russian forces back in the northeast of the country in a rapid offensive. However, they have called on the West to send more weapons in order to back them up. Kieran was joined by the former British army officer and diplomat, and CEO of Henderson Risk Group, Duncan Bullivant...
You Are What You Eat: Energy Saving Cooking
Aisling Larkin TV Chef and mindful eating coach joined Kieran to take a closer look at energy costs in the kitchen and tips and tricks how to save money when cooking...
Murphy: 'Energy is something that should be a public utility'
According to Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD, it’s time to nationalise energy providers in Ireland. Deputy Murphy and Cormac Lucey, economics commentator with The Sunday Times joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
'All and every effort' should be made to keep Donohoe as Eurogroup president
Taoiseach Micheal Martin told Ciara Kelly this morning on Newstalk Breakfast that Michael McGrath will become Finance Minister, in the cabinet reshuffle in December. It will mean that Paschal Donohoe will lose the presidency of the Eurogroup. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Stephen Kinsella, Professor of Economics and head of department at University of Limerick...
'It's not acceptable that there's any house empty' - Amsterdam to fine vacant home owners
Amsterdam, like Ireland, is struggling with a housing crisis of its own. Over 800,000 homes are rumoured to be needed by 2030 to meet demands. In Amsterdam fines may be imposed on those who own dwellings that aren’t being used. So can we learn something from the Dutch approach? Wim de Waard is a housing expert in Amsterdam, and he joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder to discusss...
Gardaí to be trained in Japanese martial art
Gardai are set to follow the lead of their Japanese policing counterparts by incorporating the ancient martial art of Taiho Jutsu into their training… To learn more about this, Kieran was joined by Scott Langley, Chief Technical Director at Hombu Dojo Karate International, based here in Ireland...
'People are trying their best' - EPA says Ireland missing targets for recycling plastic
The Environmental Protection Agency says that Ireland is falling short on its targets when it comes to plastic waste. However, we are achieving high levels in the case of the likes of glass, paper and metal, but plastic is a struggle. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Mindy O’Brien, who is Coordinator with VOICE of Irish Concern for the Environment and Claire Downey, who is Policy and Research Director with the Rediscovery Centre...
'I was 100 per cent clueless until we had our kid' - Comedian Jarlath Regan
Comedian and podcaster Jarlath Regan, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss parenting and his new podcast called ‘Honey You’re Ruining My Kid’, with his wife and child behaviourist, Tina Regan...
'This is only going to get worse' - The worst bottlenecks in Ireland
All next week here on Newstalk we're getting into the cars, buses, trains, trams and headphones of pedestrians and cyclists as they go about their commute. On The Hard Shoulder Kieran was joined by Richard O'Donoghue Independent TD representing County Limerick, Emmet Kerrigan Owner of All About Kombucha in Galway and Motoring Journalist Geraldine Herbert to discuss the country’s worst bottleneck areas...
Inheritance tax increase 'is taking money out of people's pockets' - Richmond
There should be a “substantial” reduction in the amount of money parents can leave to their children tax-free. That’s according to the Government-appointed commission on taxation and welfare. Kieran was joined by Neale Richmond, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown and Colette Bennett, economic and social analyst with Social Justice Ireland to discuss...
Young people emigrating for 'a better quality of life'
National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), reveals more than seven in 10 adults aged between 18 and 24 years old are looking at the possibility of moving away from Ireland because they believe working overseas offers them better prospects in life. Kieran was joined now by Aleesha Wiegandt, a final year student in UCC and Conor Brummell, who is currently working in Brussels...
McGrath: 'Leaders will have ample time' to decide next Finance Minister
Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Public Expenditure and Reform Minister, Michael McGrath from the Fianna Fail Party Think-In, to discuss the energy crisis and the rising cost of living ahead of the Budget in two weeks time...
Should the smoking age be increased to 21?
Health experts are calling to raise the smoking age to 21 in an effort to reduce the number of young people taking up smoking. A new report from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland claims that smoking is on the rise among teenage boys and, after “decades of progress,” tobacco reduction is now stagnating in Ireland. Kieran was joined by John Mallon Forest Spokesperson and Dr. Brendan O'Shea Assistant Professor of General at Trinity College and Spokesperson for the Kildare faculty for the ICGP to discuss...
Cuffe: 'Increase in energy prices will not go as high as has been feared'
EU Energy Ministers met today in Brussels to try and come to an agreement on the way forward to help reduce the impact of the current energy crisis. Ciaran Cuffe is Green MEP for Dublin, and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to give an update...
'Today is about what can we do to change these statistics'
Today is international Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder day. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or FASD is a term for a series of developmental disorders that are caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. Ireland is the third worst country in the world for alcohol-related birth defects because of women drinking during pregnancy. Kieran was joined by Professor Maeve Eogan, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin to discuss...
How to make your CV stand out
A TikTok on how to make the best CV has blown up online. Erica Rivera is a Chicago-based senior recruiter at Google – a company notorious for their interview process. Her TikTok goes over the things you really shouldn’t put on your CV. Jane Downes, Founder of Clearview Coaching Group and author of ‘The Career Book’ joined Kieran to tell us the best ways to make a good CV...
King Charles III reign 'bound to be different'
Ahead of King Charles III being proclaimed King at the session council tomorrow morning, Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Simon Jenkins, author and columnist with The Guardian to discuss...
'This is nanny state overreach' - Dutch city bans meat ads in public spaces
A Dutch city will become the first in the world to ban meat advertisements in public spaces in a bid to reduce consumptions and greenhouse gas emissions. Should we adopt similar measures in Ireland to combat climate change? Eddie Punch, General Secretary with Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association and Caroline Rowley, Director of Ethical Farming Ireland joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
Ahern: 'She's been a true leader of her people'
Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern to discuss the passing of Queen Elizabeth II...
'We've lost that unifying figure' - John Simpson
John Simpson, World Affairs Editor with the BBC joined Kieran on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II...
The Best TV Nobody's Watching: The Americans
Our three part series on the best TV nobody's watching continues today with Cuán Ó Flatharta, Presenter of Splanc on Newstalk. Cuán joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder with his final pick, 'The Americans'..
Bacik: "We want to see a cap on childcare costs"
The Labour Party Think In took place today in Wexford, Ivana Bacik has said that €4m would be an appropriate figure to spend in this years budget. Ivana Bacik, Leader of the Labour Party joined Kieran on the show to discuss childcare costs, energy and transport...
'It's been a remarkable reign' - Richard Aldous
Richard Aldous, expert in 20th Century British History joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to reflect on her 70 year reign thus far...
The Search for Ireland's Favourite Hymn
The search for Ireland’s favourite hymn is underway in ahead of the National Ploughing Championships in County Laois this month. Maeve Mahon, who is part of the team putting together the search for the favourite hymn, and Nuala Kelly, Director of the Laois I.C.A. Choir joined Kieran on the show...
'We have to ensure there is a level playing field' - Leaving Cert Reform
The CAO round one offers were issued today. There were three courses where students with 625 points the maximum number of points, were not offered a place. It begs the question, should the leaving cert as we know it be reformed? Kieran was joined on the show by Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Columnist and Miriam Duggan, President of ASTI to discuss...
Idris Elba turns 50
Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of the Bellissimo Files on Spin 103.8 joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to chart the career highlights of Idris Elba as he turns 50...
The Best TV Nobody's Watching: For All Mankind
Our three part series on the best TV nobody's watching continues today with Cuán Ó Flatharta, Presenter of Splanc on Newstalk. Cuán joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder with his second pick, 'For All Mankind'..