The Hard Shoulder
7,245 episodes — Page 145 of 145
Republican Overseas Sarah Elliott on gun control in America
The National Rifle Association is pressing ahead with its annual convention today, with the likes of Donald Trump set to attend. The event will be held in Texas just four hours from the site of the school shooting. Sarah Elliott, spokeswoman for Republicans Overseas UK joined Kieran to discuss what happened this week. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Is Ireland Gay Friendly?
Kate Brennan Harding DJ and Broadcaster joined Kieran to discuss if Ireland is gay-friendly and her experiences in society. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Elderly man on hospital trolley for five days
An elderly man was on a hospital bed for 5 days in University Hospital Galway In Ireland. The man is 74 years old. What does that say about the Irish healthcare system? How did we get here? Elaine joined Kieran on the show to explain her father's story. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"I felt that some of her innocents was lost."
On this evenings Hard Shoulder Kieran spoke to listener Brian, who was in touch with the show after being upset by the way his daughters teacher spoke to her about the Texas school shooting. Brian described his daughters concern as she relayed what the teacher had said to her parents and how he worried some of her innocence had been taken from her. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Short term memory loss from afternoon sex!
A man turned up at hospital A&E with short-term memory loss that was brought on by daytime sex with wife. Consultant neurologist at James’ Hospital and Professor at Trinity joined Kieran to discuss if short term memory loss really can be brought on by sex. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"We have bounced back much quicker than other countries."
The latest Labour Force Survey from the CSO has shown that the number of absences from work has fallen to its lowest level since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also shows that the number of people in employment increased by 12.3% to over two and a half million. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar joined Kieran to discuss Irish employment and issues with gun culture following this week's tragic school shooting in Texas. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"Their income might rise significantly but they still receive supports."
According to a new report from the ESRI, the percentage of households renting in Ireland rose from 18% to 29% over the past 20 years and just over half of those renting are in receipt of some form of State support. Seamus Coffey Economist at University College Cork and Former Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council joined Kieran to discuss the report and the on going issues facing renters. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"It's only a problem if you ignore it!"
Thousands more homes around Ireland could have the cancer-causing Radon gas than was first thought. Especially in the West of Ireland. There’s been such a huge concern around this that the website that was launched this morning on which you could check if your house was affected has crashed. And was down for hours. Senior Scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency David Fenton joined Kieran to explain what that could mean. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"There is a major problem with passports in this country!"
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney is in front of the Dáil this afternoon, as a debate will take place over the passport controversy. Politicians across the country have been inundated with complaints from the public about delays in the system. Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway joined Kieran to discuss on going issues within the system. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Minister Helen McEntee on US school shooting
The US President Joe Biden has questioned why anyone would need a gun like the one used in Texas yesterday - other than to kill someone. 19 children and two teachers were killed in a massacre at a school last night. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee joined Kieran to discuss the situation.
Anthony Daniels on 45 Years of 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'
As Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope celebrates it’s 45th Anniversary today, Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Anthony Daniels, the actor who played C3PO in all the Star Wars films...
Shooting survivor Ron Barber on the Texas school shooting
Ron Barber was a former staff member in US Congress, and was shot twice in Tucson in 2011. He spoke to Kieran on Wednesday's edition of the Hard Shoulder to give his reaction to the school shooting in Texas.
Texas Shooting: 'These small communities are extremely resilient'
19 children and two teachers were murdered by a gunman who opened fire at a primary school in Texas yesterday. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Ali Bradley, Independent Journalist in Texas at the scene and Frank Smyth, Author of ‘The NRA: The Unauthorized History’...
Should Boris Johnson now resign over PartyGate?
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he has taken full responsibility for the revelations that have come out of the Sue Gray Report today. Kieran spoke to journalist Enda Brady and former Conservative MP Edwina Currie about the details of the report, and whether this affect Johnson in any way.
"I've seen him 50 times!"
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band will be playing the RDS in May 2023. Tickets are on sale this Friday and and one superfan who cant wait to get a ticket is superfan Anton Martin. He joined Kieran to explain why he thinks Bruce has stood the test of time and why even after seeing him 50 times he cant wait to make it 51. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Daithi O’Shea
Daithi O’Shea Presenter of The Today Show and the Rose of Tralee joined Kieran in the Republic Of Work studio in Cork to chat about everything from the show to his love of Cork city. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"I'm down hundreds of euro worth of expenses!"
The passport office have said there’s no backlog in applications as long as you haven’t made any mistakes in your application. However lots of listener have been contacting the show to share stories of applications being rejected over what they believe are false errors. Kieran was joined by two listeners who spoke about the difficulties they have faced while applying for a passport. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"We really have to fight for what we want!"
This week hospitals will see tens of thousands of medical procedures and appointments cancelled due to strike action by medical scientists. The MLSA warned that if no progress was made they would continue Industrial action today and tomorrow. Newstalk reporter Mairead Cleary spoke to some of those striking today and, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients Association joined Kieran and Dr Fergal Hickey Consultant in emergency medicine at Sligo University Hospital about the pay discrepancies and career development issues. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"The person who counts the pennies ends up with a conviction."
New figures from the Courts Service, released under Freedom of Information here on Newstalk, show that nearly €2.6m was paid into court poor boxes over the last 2 years. Mick Barry, People Before Profit TD for Cork North-Central, and Catriona Twomey, co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners joined Kieran to debate if they are still useful part of the judiciary service, or whether they should be scrapped. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"It's less hassle for them to sit on a vacant site!"
Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said that the Government is planning to introduce a vacant property tax in Budget 2023 which could impact on an estimated 137,000 properties. A vacant designation would be based on data collated by the local property tax. Fergus O’Dowd Fine Gael TD for Louth joined Kieran to discuss what impact a tax would have and why so many houses lay vacant while the country battles through the housing crisis. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"I would pull into the forecourt and sleep until morning!"
A Fianna Fáil Senator has said he has been forced to sleep in his car because it is “impossible” to get a hotel room in Dublin. Roscommon Senator Eugene Murphy told Kieran he has slept in his car twice in the recent months and said he knows of a number of other Oireachtas politicians who have dealt with the same problem. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"It's getting a reputation as an airport to avoid!"
Dublin Airport has faced criticism in recent weeks because of the long delays passengers are facing when travelling through the airport. Kieran spoke to listener Jenna Golden, who went through Dublin Airport this weekend about the delays she faced and Businessman Declan Ganley about how considering Shannon airport could help alleviate delays. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"Thatched cottage insurance has gone through the roof & finding a thatcher is like finding a needle in a haystack."
That was Matt Whelan and Phil Doran, two thatchers giving their view on the Thatched Cottage crisis. There are only 1,000 thatched cottages left in the country. Some owners can’t get cover or are being quoted up to €8,500 and can’t afford it so switch to a metal roof. There is now only one insurance company offering cover meaning some Irish owners could lose everything in a fire or storm. How important are thatched cottages for our history, heritage and tourism and what would it mean if they all disappeared? Henry McKean has been out and about for us visiting thatched cottage owners and he joins us now.
Reverse Puberty
Menopause is something that all women will go through, and yet we know so little about it. Comedian Anne Gildea has based a whole new show around it and she joined Kieran to explain the best way to think about menopause is to think of it as 'reverse puberty'. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Should all Guards carry tasers?
Arming all frontline guards with tasers is one of the issues being discusses at the Garda Representative Association Conference over the next few days. Tasers are currently available only to specialist units such as the emergency response unit, armed support units and the special detective unit. Dr Pat Leahy, Former Assistant Commissioner joined Kieran to discuss if all frontline Guards should be armed with tasers. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
NI Protocol - What does a trade war look like?
Martina Lawless, Associate research professor at the ESRI joined Kieran to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol and what a trade war would look like. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Sleep apps to cure insomnia
Kieran was joined on the show by Anne Marie Boyhan, Holistic Sleep Expert, founder of the Sleep Care Company and Author of the 'Sleep Journal' to discuss how sleep apps can cure insomnia. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
TV and Film should be a career to aim for
Lord David Puttnam TV Director joined Kieran to discuss why TV and Film should be a career for you to aim for. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Bicycle hub employing the homeless
A bicycle repair initiative that helps people recovering from addiction officially opened a new facility in Dublin today." Frontline Bikes is to receive more than half a million in funding to expand its services." Our reporter Josh Crosbie was at the new centre in Bluebell in Dublin today and spoke with those involved... Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Career breaks for women
Kieran was joined by Rhonda Doyle, Director of Operations at Schneider Electric Ireland to discuss career breaks for women. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Brian Gleeson on the multi-award winning play 'Constellations'
Brian Gleeson who is currently performing in the Gate in Nick Payne’s multi-award-winning play ‘Constellations’ which runs until June 2nd joined Kieran on the show. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Former Finish PM on Finland joining NATO
Alexander Stubb, Former Finish Prime Minister joined Kieran on the show to discuss Finland's decision to apply for NATO membership marking a major shift in European geopolitics. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Construction jobs gap worsening
Brian Nolan Assistant General Secretary of the Connect Trade Union joined Kieran to discuss the construction jobs gap worsened by ‘reluctance to get out of bed for 7am’. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"It's people who buy expensive clothes to wear only once."
The hit reality TV show Love Island has dropped I Saw It First and Missguided after facing public backlash for promoting fast fashion whilst on air over the summer. The ITV show has penned a deal with Ebay to kit out this year’s contestants in preloved clothing. Geraldine Carton is Co-Founder of The Useless Project and Justin Cox Executive Producer of Dying to Clothe, A major feature length documentary on the human and environmental cost of the fashion industry joined Kieran to discuss the impacts of fast fashion. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Students, workers and pensioners take part in cost of living protest
Protest at the Dáil
"Some are quoting 500 euro a day!"
Summer holiday season is well and truly upon us, and with that comes the huge demand for car rentals. Motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert joined Kieran to discuss why prices have skyrocketed, with some costumers been quoted up to 10,000 euro for a car for 3 weeks in July. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Is the whip fit for purpose?
The Green Party has suspended and removed the party whip from TDs Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello. The parliamentary party agreed the sanctions after the pair voted against the Government in the Dáil last night. Denis Naughton Independent TD and Eoin O’Malley Social scientist and columnist with the Sunday Independent joined Kieran to discuss if the whip system is too rigid. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"Losing even one bit of nature has a knock on effect."
A Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss opened this weekend. It’s attempting to help Ireland’s climate and biodiversity emergency that was declared three years ago. Dr. Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabháin, Chair of the Citizens the assembly joined Kieran to explain how they will look into the threats of biodiversity loss and how to reverse it. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Diversity in Sport
Anxiety or fear of experiencing discrimination are the biggest barriers preventing people from ethnic minorities and the LGBTI community getting involved in sport. That’s according to new research from Sport Ireland, which is today launching its new diversity and inclusion policy. Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers joined Kieran to discuss what needs to be done to diversify sport. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
US PGA Championships
Off The Balls Joe Molloy joined Kieran to preview the US PGA Championships. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"We have trapped working mothers in a cycle of shame."
Many parents have felt guilty about dropping our kids off at a childminders so they can go back to work. Working parents also often wonder to what degree their absence is felt by their children and, if it will impact them later in life. Lara Bezelon Professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law and the Author of ‘Ambitious Like A Mother’ joined Kieran to explain why she feels that parents who go back to work and invest in a career are actually benefiting their children and teaching them valuable life lessons. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Should communion classes be extracurricular?
Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney joined Kieran to argue that non-religious parents should come together to demand children no longer take First Communion classes as part of the school curriculum, demanding instead that communion-related activities be reserved for extracurricular activities. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"The trust has been eroded."
There have been reports that in the wake of Liz Truss’ announcement yesterday of an overhaul of the Northern Ireland protocol, US President Joe Biden will be sending delegates for Brexit talks. Former United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Mick Mulvaney joined Kieran to discuss if the US should be getting heavily involved. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
"We need to look at an alternative to hotels to accommodate Ukrainian refugees"
It’s being claimed that housing Ukrainian refugees in Irish hotels is damaging tourism here. Almost 29,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland to date, with 19,826 of those requiring accommodation. And the majority of that 19,826 are being accommodated in many hotels around the country. Our reporter Barry Whyte has been to Killarney, where almost 1,000 Ukrainian refugees are being accommodated in hotels, to speak to people working in the Tourism industry there...
"There is a sense we are reneging on what we agreed!"
The Tanasite has said the British Government is “all take and then they try and take somemore”. LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty presenter joined Kieran to discuss Northern Ireland protocol and asks how the Irish can be expected to trust British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.