The Hard Shoulder

Concerns have been raised over safety on public transport, it comes as a number of Fianna Fail members have asked the public for their view on the issue. Jim O’Callaghan, Fianna Fail’s Justice spokesman and TD for Dublin Bay South, joined Kieran to discuss what can be done to make public transport safer for users.

The annual rate of inflation rose to 9.1% in June, its fastest rate in 38 years. Over two thirds of that increase is made up of higher transport and housing costs, which include gas and electricity. Economist Jim Power joined Kieran to discuss what this means for us and what lessons have we learnt from when this happened in the 80s.

Love Island is the reality TV show that sweeps the nation every summer. Cathy Press, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, specialising in domestic and sexual violence and abuse related issues with children and young people, joined Kieran to discuss if the show is suitable for teenager's.

A new public lido could replace the plans for Dublin’s white-water rafting project. It would include a 50-metre, a sauna and changing areas. Mark Dempsey, Ice Sea Swimmer and Campaigner for Corbally Baths, joined Kieran to discuss if there should be more public pool's around Ireland.

Barbara Iweins, decided while she was in the process of moving house, that it might be a good opportunity to catalogue her possessions. This thought eventually became a massive 5 year project to photograph every single thing she owns,all 12,795 individual objects, from a comb to a Lego brick. She joined Sean to discuss how this project is now the subject of her new book, entitled Katalog.

The one and only Harrison Ford turns 80 today. Best known for his roles as the smuggler Han Solo in the Star Wars movies and archaeologist extraordinaire Indiana Jones, Rory Cashin Entertainment Editor at Joe.ie, joined Kieran to look back at his iconic career.

A new public lido could replace the plans for Dublin’s white-water rafting project.It would include a 50-metre, a sauna and changing areas.Derek Kelly, Manager of the Council’s Dockland’s Office joined Kieran and Kieran O’Donnell, Limerick Fine Gael TD who has been involved in the campaign to reopen the Corbally Baths, to discuss the project.

The Government has won a motion of confidence in a Dáil vote. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar joined Kieran with his reaction to the vote and to look forward at what the priorities will be for the government when they return from summer recess.

Geoffrey Roberts, Emeritus professor of history at UCC, a member of the Royal Irish Academy and a specialist on Russian and Soviet foreign and military policy, joined Kieran to discuss his thoughts on the war in Ukraine. He told Kieran it could be time for western nations to use their morals and secure the best possible deal for Ukraine as the war is unwinnable.

This interview contains language and descriptions some listeners may find disturbing. The scenes in parts of Northern Ireland during so-called celebrations for July 12th are akin to the Ku Klux Klan. That's according to commentator Joe Brolly, who was speaking on The Hard Shoulder after an effigy of the region's First Minister-designate Michelle O'Neill was placed on a bonfire. The PSNI say they are aware of the incident and are investigating. There has also been condemnation of the appearance of election posters and Irish Tricolour flags on fires. Joe Brolly described some of the scenes Kieran on the show. "For too long all of this has been tolerated, and it's very important to call it out. "We've lodge members singing about a murdered Catholic girl, and feeling confident enough to put that video out there. "Bandsmen yesterday smashing up a house in the university area, in front of the police, throwing a wheelie bin through the window. "Signs on all of the mega bonfires saying 'Kill all Catholics, kill all Taigs.

Today and tomorrow is Amazon Prime Day where customers are able to benefit from a wide range of discounts. With Amazon's presence growing in Ireland, Kieran was joined by Ruth Roberts Co-owner of Cogs the Brain shop, Niall Bodkin Founder of the E-Commerce Association of Ireland and Jenny Darmody, Deputy Editor of Silicon Republic, to discuss what it means for the smaller independent retailers and how to do they plan on competing with the big giant.

From Billy Ray to Bowie there have been plenty of iconic mullets down through the years, and now it seems the mullet is back in fashion. Irish rugby international Shane Byrne joined Kieran and barber Aidan Coogan, owner of Neighbour Threat, on Fade Street, to discuss what is so magical about the mullet.

The Government is to maintain the current TV licence but has says it will overhaul the system to ensure it is more equitable, relevant and sustainable. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, joined Kieran to discuss the publication of the report of the Future of Media Commission, which was tasked with examining funding models and challenges for the media sector.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney has got cabinet’s approva that will see military spending in Ireland increase to €1.5 billion a year by 2028.This is the biggest military investment in the history of the state, and Kirean was joined by Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell and Joe Murray, Co-Ordinator at Afri, Action for Ireland, to discuss if it is necessary.

The new Love Island season is on and with so many of us tuning into the new season, Kieran was joined by Hughie Maughan former contestant at Big Brother UK and Dancing with the Stars at RTE, Ray Shah former The Big Brother contestant and Shannen Reily McGrath former Love Island Season 3 contestant, to discuss what life is life for those who take part in reality TV shows.

Conspiracy, is a new book written by Tom Phillips and John Elledge which explores the greatest conspiracy theories ever, new and old. Kieran was joined by Tom to discuss how the book also teaches us how not to fall for conspiracy theories and how we can start trusting the hard evidence.

The issues at airports here at home and lost baggage continues, musician Andy Irvine and Peter Le Bas, CEO of Le Bas International, joined Kieran to discuss their experiences of using the airport.

Irish products like Clonakilty sausages and Sudocrem are cheaper in British supermarkets than in Irish ones, despite being made here. Damian O’Reilly, Lecturer in Retail Management at Technological University Dublin, joined Kieran and Cormac Lucey, Economics Commentator with the Sunday Times Ireland, to discuss why Irish consumers are paying more.

The Dail is heading for recess this week, TD’s wont be back sitting in the chamber until the 14th of September. Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD, joined Kieran and Regina Doherty, Fine Gael Senator, to discuss if the break is to long.

Turfcutting has long been a part of rural Ireland and people have used it to heat their homes for centuries. However, next week Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan will publish draft proposals banning the commercial sale of turf, meaning you won’t be able to buy it online or in a retail setting. Jackie Flannery, from the Irish Rural Association joined us on The Hard Shoulder.

If the weather forecast is anything to go by, the sun will be shining down on us this weekend and no sunny outdoor excursion is complete without an ice cream cone to cool us down while also satisfying our sweet tooth. TV Chef and Mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin is back and this week we’re looking at what makes the 99 so irresistible to us here in Ireland.

Gardai in County Wexford are investigating a possible sex-tortion case involving approximately 200 women. They've found themselves on a 'list' by a faceless Snapchat account, which claims to hold their explicit or personal images. Sinn Fein Councillor for Wexford, Tom Forde was contacted about these images a number weeks ago by some of the women involved and joined us on the show.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris – who is today announcing the roll-out of €17.2 million in capital funding to respond to the growing demand for apprenticeships joined Emmet Oliver on the show.

What a weekend of sport we have in store. Wimbledon is set to come to a close over the weekend, Dublin versus Kerry is part of the All Ireland semi-final weekend and in rugby, Ireland takes on New Zealand in Dunedin in the much anticipated Second Test. Nathan Murphy from Off The Ball previewed the weekend in sporting action.

Deputy cabinet secretary in the PM's office, Koichiro Matsumoto spoke of the anguish felt by the Prime Minister in the aftermath of Shinzo Abe's Death. Brian Gaynor, Irish journalist based in Japan joined Emmet Oliver on the show.

Sinn Fein have confirmed they’re going to lodge a motion of no confidence in the government this week. Mary Lou McDonald is the party leader and she joined Emmet Oliver on the show.

George Monbiot environmental campaigner and Guardian columnist, joined Emmet to discuss his new book ‘Regenesis -Feeding the World Without Devouring The Planet’.

Boris Johnson has resigned as Conservative leader, after a series of cabinet ministers told him he had lost the support of the party. Emmet was joined by Bobby McDonagh Was Irish ambassador to the UK when Boris was London Mayor, Tim Walker Former colleagues at the telegraph & Author of Bloody Difficult Women and Cindy Yu Broadcast editor of The Spectator, to discuss how a change of PM could affect Ireland.

After Donegal TD Joe McHugh’s resignation of the Fine Gael Party Whip last night, the government officially has 79 votes, with the opposition on 80.This has resulted in motions of no confidence being mooted for next week from Sections of the Opposition. Neale Richmond, who is Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, and Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, joined Emmet to discuss if its time for this government to come to an end.

Today is World Chocolate Day and Emmet was joined by founders of The Proper Chocolate Company in Glasnevin, Kellie and Patrick Marjolet, to mark the day.

Boris Johnson has resigned and in a week’s time the UK will have a new Prime Minister. Emmet was joined by Antoinette Sandbach Former Tory MP and former member of the 1922 Committee, Tom Baldwin Former Governmental Special Advisor and Lucy Fisher Chief Political Commentator Times Radio, to discuss what is next for Boris and also the British government.

Many believe that spreading out exercise is better then only exercising on weekends but, according to new research that might not be so. Siobhan Byrne, Director and owner of Body Byrne Training joined Emmet to put the case forward for those who save their work outs for the weekends.

The resignations of Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak in the UK yesterday have cast major doubt on the future of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Ann Widdecombe Former Conservative MP, joined Emmet to discuss what the future could look like if Boris resigns.

Jack Lambert Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at UCD School of Medicine and Oonagh Carr, a long Covid patient, joined Emmet to discuss long covid and the challenges it can present to those who suffer with it.

Max Dickins was choosing a best man for his wedding he realised he had nobody to ask. He then learned he wasn’t the only one struggling with male friendships. He joined Emmet to discuss male friendship and the process of writing “Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have a Friendship Problem."

After a number of cabinet resignations, LBC presenter James O'Brien joined Kieran to discuss what the future holds for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy has today recommended that both parents of children born via international surrogacy should be recognised for the first time under Irish Law. Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD and chair of the Oireachtas committee on International Surrogacy, joined Emmet and Ranae von Meding, mum of two girls born through reciprocal IVF with her wife, to discuss the on going issues facing families with children born through surrogacy.

According to a new survey for the Irish League of Credit Unions, back-to-school expenses are leaving parents in debt on top of the rising cost of living. One of those costs include, the price of school uniforms. Siobhán O’Neill-White, from parenting website Mams.ie joined Emmet and Eric Nelligan Secondary School Teacher in St Munchins College, to discuss if it is time to standardised uniforms across the board for children.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid have resigned from Boris Johnson's government. Emmet was joined by Presenter Shelagh Fogarty, to discuss if this could mean the end for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The metrolink has got the go-ahead. It’ll link north of Swords, stopping at the Airport and then go all the way to Charlemont Street in the South of Dublin. Eamon Ryan, the green party leader and minister for Transport, joined Emmet to discuss how this will benefit Dublin and the rest of the country.

Minister for transport Eamon Ryan has given the go-ahead for planning permission for Dublin’s MetroLink. It’s thought it will be up and running in the early 2030’s. Paolo Carbone, Head of Public Transport Capital Programmes Transport Infrastructure Ireland, joined Emmet to discuss why it seems Ireland is so slow when it comes to getting large projects up and running.

Limerick is 7th, Cork comes 5th and Dublin tops the list for having the highest congestion levels across cities in Ireland and the UK. Sadhbh O’Neill, a lecturer in climate policy and politics at DCU's School of Law and Government, and Keith Gavin From the Irish Parking Association, joined Emmett to discuss if its time to bring in a congestion charge.

In 4 counties in Ireland, Dublin, Meath, Sligo and Wexford waiting lists for childcare run up to 2024. In just 7 counties of 26, childcare providers will have space by the end of this year. Mary Seery Kearney, Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on Children, Mary Moloney, from Crann Support Group and Elaine Dunne, Federation of Early Childhood Providers, joined Emmett to discuss the on going issues facing the childhood sector.

A new report has found that most complaints made to the taxi regulator relate to passengers paying too much for fares, while many complained about smells and cleanliness. Research conducted by the National Transport Authority found a total of 439 issues were reported to the oversight body so far this year. Taxi drivers gave their reaction to reporter JJ Clarke.

Extending current fuel rebates beyond budget day, another round of the €200 energy credit, and an autumn welfare bonus will all be part of the €6.7bn budget package that is some of what has today been found out is in the summer economic statement. Ossain Smyth, Minister of State at the department of Public Expenditure and reform, joined Ged Nash, Labour party’s finance spokesperson, and Emmett to share their reaction to what is known so far about the statement.

Emmet was joined by Philip Ryan, Irish Independent’s Political Editor, Michelle Murphy Research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland Cliff Taylor Columnist with the Irish Times, to discuss the summer economic statement.

Last week parents of those ages 9 – 11 months in Dublin West received a letter from the HSE stating that due to unprecedented staff shortages, their child’s routine developmental assessment would not be taking place. Broadcast Journalist and Mum of two Rebecca Horan, joined Emmet and Dr Susan Kent, Associate Professor of Nursing, Midwifery and Community and Public Health at DCU, to discuss

A new survey from AA Ireland has suggested that just over a third of people would be open to making the switch from fuel to electric cars - with fuel costs being a major reason. Paddy Comyn, who is the head of Communications at AA Ireland, joined Emmet and Philip Nolan, who is motoring correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail, to discuss if electric vehicles are the future.

Chaotic scenes at Dublin Airport are continuing this weekend with Aer Lingus canceling 25 more flights to and from Dublin Airport across Friday and Saturday. There are even reports of vomit on the floor, overflowing bins and no paper in the toilets. One passenger whose luggage was lost is Nikolas Vidovic and he joined Anton Savage on the show along with Kieran O’Donnell, Fine Gael TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

They say you are what you eat but how much do you know about the food you are eating. TV Chef and Mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin joined Anton Savage to take a closer look at some of the foods we eat, today we are talking about rosemary.