The Hard Shoulder
7,257 episodes — Page 143 of 146
"I don't know where I will be living come the end of July.."
The Tenant Sentiment Survey released today showed that 54% of those surveyed will still be renting in 2027 and 1 in 5 people are unable to access social housing. CEO of Threshold and former Head of Social Justice and Policy with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul John Mark McCafferty joined Kieran and Ciara Walsh, who is struggling to find a home to rent, to discuss the impacts of the ongoing housing crisis.
"This is an opportunity to review what we have done in the past 20+ years."
The central statistics office preliminary data from this year’s census showed that Ireland’s population has topped five million for the first time since 1851 and is now at the highest level it’s been since before the Famine. Kieran was joined by Jill O’Mahony Sociology Lecturer at South East Technological University, Yemi Adenuga Fine Gael Cllr in Navan originally from Nigeria and Adrian Kavanagh Lecturer in Maynooth Department of Geography, to discuss what we can learn and how we can use census data.
"Adding more money to this could fuel inflation."
Economic growth is set to continue but challenges lie ahead with inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and tight labour markets, that’s according to the latest ESRI report. Alan Barrett, CEO of the Economic and Social Research Institute joined Kieran to discuss what could be a rocky economic road ahead.
Should we give 16 year old's the vote?
TD are debating a bill this evening which proposes a referendum on reducing the voting age to 16. Thomas Pringle, the independent TD who initiated the bill, says he would like to see the referendum held alongside the local and European elections in 2024. Caillum Hedderman, Student and Vote at 16 Advocate and Noel Howard, Spokesperson for Social Care Ireland joined Kieran to debate if its time to lower the voting age.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
Kieran was joined by Journalist Jamie Bartlett author of 'The Missing Cryptoqueen’ the wildly successful podcast, that has been turned into a book.
Nazi sa Ghaeltacht
Investigative journalist Kevin Magee, joined Kieran to discuss his new documentary investigating why Dr. Ludwig Mühlhausen, a Nazi spy, was living in Donegal in 1937. "Nazi sa Ghaeltacht" will be aired tonight on TG4 at 9:30pm tonight.
"I want to give my son an education but I can't."
Michelle Lynch was in touch with the show to discuss the issues she is having with the school place that has been offered to her son. Michelle's son is 12 years old and autistic, he is finishing primary school on Tuesday and has no place in his own town to start secondary school. She explained to Kieran how the place that has been offered is to far to travel and the only other option is to homeschool her son.
"He is a very very good looking man, that helps a lot!"
From One Direction to a sold out, global solo tour, Harry Styles is taking the music and fashion scene by storm. Pat Carty, Writer for Hot Press Magazine and Broadcaster, joined Kieran to look back at his rise to stardom.
"An ordinary basic hotel is costing €350 to lie down for one night!"
The tourism minister Catherine Martin has spoken in the Dail over the high costs currently being experienced in the sector. Daragh Cassidy From Bonkers.ie and Pat Dawson CEO of the Travel Agents Association joined Kieran to discuss what can be done to cut costs within the sector.
How can we boost Irish speaking in the country?
Foras na Gaeilge has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage the use of Irish in communities outside of Gaeltacht areas. Blathnaid Treacy Television & Radio presenter, joined Diarmuid Lyng, Owner of Wild Irish Retreats, Hazel De Nortúin, Founder of Cafe Glic in Ballyfermot and Kieran to discuss what can be done to boost Irish speaking across the country.
Apprenticeships - what do they offer?
Last year, there were record numbers of students applying for apprenticeships with 8,607 people taking the vocational route. With this years Leaving Cert results due in the upcoming months, Kieran was joined by Jessica Kelly, Apprentice butcher at the Village Butchers in Ranelagh, Dylan Bradshaw, Owner and Creative Director of Dylan Bradshaw and Eoin Caverly, Aer Lingus Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Apprentice, to discuss the many career opportunities that can come from trade routes.
Crocs - Hot or Not?
They are the marmite of the fashion world, Crocs are firmly back in fashion and Laura Mullet Fashion Expert for RSVP Magazine and TV Stylist joined Kieran with her take on if Crocs are hot or not.
"They have admitted now to being wrong for ten years at least!"
World Rugby have today announced an extension to their concussion stand down period Players will now face an increased stand-down period of 12 days if they have a history of concussion or are removed from a match with obvious concussion symptoms. Dr Barry O’Driscoll, former medical adviser to World Rugby joins Kieran to discuss if these new protocols go far enough.
What are organisations doing in response to issues around trans athletes in elite sport?
Swimming's world governing body FINA voted this week to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competitions. They are also creating a working group to establish an "open" category for them in some events as part of its new policy. Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Reporter for The Guardian, joined Kieran to discuss the latest move from a sporting organisation in response to the growing conversation around transgender athletes competing in sport.
"We are hearing harrowing stories from people.."
There was more controversary today in the Dail over cost of living with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald directing strong words at Taoiseach Micheal Martin about the governments response to the issue. Kieran was joined by Sinn Fein TD and business spokesperson Louise O'Reilly, to discuss her constituents concerns and what can be done to assist those who are struggling.
Five Years since Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach
Five years ago today Leo Varadkar took the reigns as an Taoiseach. As we prepare for him to take over again later this year, Kieran was joined by John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail, to look back at he’s achieved in that time, and what we’re likely to see from him in the future.
Tipperary Deaths
The results of a post mortem on the bodies of two elderly people found dead in Tipperary is due today. The two bodies were found yesterday, and are thought to have been there for up to a year. Sheila Naughton, Head of News for Tipp FM and Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link joined Kieran to discuss rural isolation and the need for communities to keep connected.
"There is this myth that its uneconomic to build higher but it's not true."
There’ve been over 700 objections to a 16 storey development at the former Dundrum Shopping Centre. Anne Coughlan, Chair of Imagine Dundrum and local councillor and Karl Deeter Financial Advisor joined Kieran to discuss why there are still so many objections to planning projects, at a time when the country is in desperate need of more housing.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Home DIY
Newstalk has teamed up with Ronseal for Fix it Fortnight – two weeks of top DIY tips from the best experts in the field. Kieran was joined by Kevin Moran Owner and Project Manager of Kevin Moran Builders, Aoife Rhattigan creative director of Restless Design and Katrina Carroll Known on Instagram VintageIrishKat, who shared their dos and don’ts of tackling a DIY project at home. It’s all with thanks to Ronseal, get your garden Summer Ready!
"Follow the light it will add value."
Newstalk has teamed up with Ronseal for Fix it Fortnight – two weeks of top DIY tips from the best experts in the field. It’s the perfect time to get the garden summer-ready, give the house a fresh lick of paint or look-into that extension you have been talking about for years. Architect and TV presenter, Dermot Bannon joined Kieran to discuss adding value to your home and, if an extension is the best way to do that. It’s all with thanks to Ronseal, get your garden Summer Ready!
"People were afraid for their lives throughout that time!"
There has been a sharp rise in the number of young adults who are suffering in terms of their mental health after the Covid pandemic. Around 40% of young men and 55% of young women are classified as ‘depressed’ according to the ESRI. Anne Kehoe, Clinical Psychologist and President Elect of the Psychological Society of Ireland joined Kieran the challenges the pandemic has posed and some of the issues around supports that are available for people who are struggling.
"It's a piece of artwork for people's enjoyment."
An mural painted on the front of a house in Dublin has been ordered to be taken down by An Bord Pleannala.The painting of two ballerinas wearing boxing gloves is apparently out of scale with the façade of the Victorian home and could even impact the value of the properties nearby. Kieran was joined by Solus, Irish Street Artist and painter of the mural, and Ray Yeates City Arts Officer, to discuss if murals should be a celebrated part of city design.
"People are mask jaded!"
More calls today for the return of facemasks over the past few days, with Minister Stephen Donnelly not ruling it out. Dermot O’Leary, general secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union joined Kieran to discuss how his member's feel about higher covid numbers and a possible return to masks.
"You are more disarmed on a phone call!"
According to a survey of Office Workers, 75 per cent of them want to ban phone calls in favour of using email or social media. It was also reported that more than three in four respondents admitted to frequently ignoring calls. Julie Jay Comedian and Valerie Cox Journalist and Author joined Kieran to discuss why the phone call has fallen out of fashion and if they might soon become a thing of the past.
Arrested Russian spy studied at Trinity college
A Russian spy who spent four years at Trinity College is at the center of international controversy. Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov spent years creating a fake identity before being uncovered in the past few days after applying for a position at the International Criminal Court. John Mooney is the security correspondent with The Times Ireland Edition and The Sunday Times and joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder.
What can we expect from the US open over the weekend?
The preeminent golf event, the US Open started yesterday and will run until Sunday. Round 2 began today, with Rory McIlroy and Adam Hadwin impressing in round 1. Fionn Davenport, Co-host of the Golf Weekly podcast at Off the Ball joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.
Watergate 50th Anniversary and the mark it has left on us
50 years ago this week, police in Washington DC arrested five men for breaking into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee. What followed was the unraveling of a web of scandals that ultimately ended Richard Nixon’s presidency. Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder.
Minister Darragh O'Brien - "Housing policy is not a disaster"
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the Housing crises and the cost of living.
Can you BBQ in the rain?
The sun may not be shining but we are going to do our utmost to make it feel like summer here on The Hard Shoulder. Holly Dalton, Director of Conbini Condiments and Chef joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.
Bill Browder to lobby for an Irish Magnitsky Act
CEO and co-founder of the investment fund Hermitage Capital Management, Bill Browder who will be the subject of a hearing next Tuesday at the Oireachtas Justice committee of the Irish Parliament joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.
UHL ‘grossly overcrowded’ - HIQA
Inspectors visiting University Hospital Limerick found the emergency department to be ‘grossly overcrowded – this was after a visit in the days leading up to St Patrick’s Day this March. We spoke to Sean Egan, the director of Healthcare Regulation with HIQA, the Health Information, and Quality Authority, and he outlined some of the issues they found. Professor Brian Lenehan, Chief Clinical Director, UL Hospitals Group , and Maurice Quinlivan, Sinn Fein TD for Limerick joined Kieran on the show to discuss the HIQA report.
Why are there so few fines for dog fouling?
New figures released today show that just one fine was issued for dog fouling in Dublin City since 2019. Why is there such low enforcement rates, and what can then be done about the issue of dog fouling? Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party, Hazel Chu, and Independent Councillor for Thurles, on Tipperary County Council, Jim Ryan both joined Kieran on the show.
"I feel we are at bursting point and it's going to crash!"
Taste of Dublin is back to its full pre-pandemic capacity at Dublin’s Iveagh garden’s this weekend. Chef, author and restauranter JP McMahon will be at the NEFF Taste kitchen and he joined Kieran to chat about the festival and the challenges facing the hospitality industry.
"His record as a boss is mixed to put it mildly!"
Elon Musk is still planning on taking over Twitter and today he is doing a Q&A with all the staff. Adrian Weckler,Technology Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Kieran to discuss what we can expect and what we know so far.
"We are all struggling along with this in the dark!"
The cost of the new National Children’s Hospital is set to go above the €1.7 billion already agreed by Government. The Head of the Development Company isn't able to say by how much and furthermore the project won’t be completed until January 2024. Catherine Murphy, TD for Kildare North and Co-Leader of the Social Democrats and Paul Davis, Lecturer in Supply Chain Management and Public Procurement at DCU, joined Kieran to discuss the impacts of the spiraling cost.
"One jab lead to another and another!"
Sean Defoe Newstalk Political Correspondent joined Kieran to discuss a heated exchange in the Dáil today between Tánaiste Le Varadkar and Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty.
Should all urban golf courses be turned into parks?
A suggestion made first on social media that all urban golf courses should be relocated and the land used to allow for housing and the development of public space. Paddy Smyth Former Fine Gael Dublin City Councillor and Gary Murphy Former European Tour golfer joined Kieran to debate if moving golf courses outside of cities would be a better use of public space.
Pixar Movies
Sarina Bellissimo, Presenter of The Bellissimo Files on Spin 103.8, joined Kieran to take a look back at some of the best Pixar movies to mark their latest release "Lightyear."
"Stigma is in every part of life when you live with obesity."
Earlier this week on The Hard Shoulder, Kieran discussed the stigma that surrounds obesity, how it can stop people from getting the healthcare they need, and even stop them progressing in life as they should. Bernadette Keenan, patient advocate and member of Irish Coalition of People Living with Obesity, joined Kieran to discuss how she has dealt with stigma and the assumptions that are made about people living with obesity.
"Hotels in Dublin are destroying it for the rest of the country!"
A Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism met today to discuss the rising cost of tourist accommodation. Denyse Campbell, President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Anthony Gray and Owner of Eala Bhán Restaurant in Sligo and Chairman of Sligo Tourism joined Kieran to discuss what these prices mean for the future of tourism.
Bloomsday 2022
Tomorrow marks the centenary of James Joyce’s Ulysses There will be readings, performances and exhibitions taking place across the city today to mark the occasion and the legacy of the book. Katherine Lynch, actress, comedian and singer and grandniece of Bloomsday founder, Patrick Kavanagh joined Kieran to share her enthusiasm for the festival.
"I don't think the government realize the hurt, the hardship or the pain people are going through!"
According to a new AA survey, fuel prices are continually rising with the cost of fuel increasing by €11 in just two weeks, Michael Healy-Rae, Independent TD and Gerry Loftus, Leader of The Rural Ireland Organisation joined Kieran to discuss the impacts of such high costs on rural communities.
"There is absolutely no appetite to reopen the terms of the protocol!"
The EU has resumed legal action against the UK following the publication of the bill that would overturn the Northern Ireland Protocol. David O’Sullivan, the former Secretary General of the European Commission and Head of the EU’s Foreign Service, joined Kieran and Deputy Editor of The Newsletter Ben Lowry, to discuss their reaction to the on going situation.
"People appreciate the way of life in Galway!"
According to a new survey Galway and Cork are Ireland’s top destinations for people who have relocated due to remote working. Kenny Deery, CEO of Galway Chamber joined Kieran to discuss why he thinks the Galway way of life is so appealing.
Who is to blame for Ireland's housing crisis?
Opinions have come from everywhere today about whether or not President Michael D Higgins should have spoken out about the current housing crisis. Everyone is however, unified in the belief that the situation needs to be addressed urgently. Bill Clear Social Democrats Kildare Councilor and Lorcan Sirr DIT Housing Professor joined Kieran to discuss what is preventing us from making real changes in the housing market.
"Some people prefer a harder mattress, some people need a softer one.."
New research out from the University of Cambridge suggests that we should all be aiming for exactly seven hours’ sleep, from our thirties to old age. Barbara Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge joined Kieran to explain the science behind a good nights sleep.
"Irish people are very similar to Polish people."
According to a report in the Sunday Times, Polish immigrants are leaving Ireland in thousands over the past three years. Once the biggest minority group attracted by an open labor market and better salaries than in their native country are now moving back home, where economy is booming. Anna Sochanska Ambassador of Poland in Ireland, joined Kieran and Lukasz Kozlowski, Polish national, who recently left Ireland back to Poland, to discuss the reasons why people are leaving in such high numbers.
"I don't believe as President that is his job!"
President Michael D Higgins has called Irelands housing crisis as a “disaster” and “a great, great failure." The President was opening a new housing service for young adults in Kildare when he spoke about the ongoing housing crisis. Fergus Finley Columinst with the Irish Examiner, and Shane Coleman Newstalk Breakfast presenter, joined Kieran to debate if his comments overstepped his presidential position.
"The most terrifying moment was watching the fire climb and climb!"
It is 5 Years to the day since the tragic scenes at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London, where a high-rise fire broke out in the 24-storey block of flats. The fire claimed the lives of 72 people and left a lasting impact on the community. Kieran was joined by Grenfell Tower survivor, Tiago Alves , and Yvette Williams MBE Justice 4 Grenfell Campaigner, to look back at the tragedy and the ongoing fight for justice.
"Its not just as simple as 'eat less, exercise more' for many people!"
A doctor has raised a question in The Irish Times about the words we use when it comes to obesity and if they can create a stigma. Helen Heneghan, Consultant Surgeon at St Vincent’s Hospital and spokesperson for The Irish Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and Tara Logan Buckley, who is a clinical psychologist, who specialises in the area of obesity, joined Kieran to discuss if the words we use when it comes to weight can have a negative consequence.