The Hard Shoulder
7,516 episodes — Page 149 of 151
"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.
"Full time workers should be able to live with dignity!"
The Government has announced plans to replace the current minimum wage with a new 'living wage'. Starting next year, it will be phased over the next four years, until it matches to the Living Wage of 2026. The living wage will be set at 60% of the median wage in any given year which, in 2022, would be €12.17 an hour. Kieran was joined by Robert Thornton Member of the Living Wage Technical Group and Senior Research and Policy Officer at the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice and Neil McDonnell Chief Executive of ISME, to discuss if this is enough to combat the rising cost of living.
"He was probably the most high profile Irish person.."
MMA star Conor McGregor is never far from the headlines and last week it was reported he has purchased a pub in Howth. He is already actively involved in the hospitality sector and Newstalks deputy business editor Gavin McLoughlin joined Kieran to discuss this various business ventures.
Should Dublin have a food market?
On last weeks show we discussed calls for a Lisbon style food food market in the city of Dublin. The Hard Shoulder received a statement from TimeOut, in which their Co-CEO has apologised for not coming to Dublin yet, saying it would be ‘a great city’ to have one. Independent Councillor, and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke joined Kieran to discuss why Dublin has yet to see one and what a food market could mean for the city.
"Conditions are so bad we are losing 400 to 500 doctors a year!"
Junior Doctors in Ireland have voted overwhelming for strike action. Over 97% of them voted for it because they say they work long hours with deteriorating working conditions. John Cannon Chair of the NCHD Committee joins Kieran to discuss what can be done to turn the situation around.
"The protocol is doing what it should be doing!"
Boris Johnson has said he wants to change the Protocol section of the Brexit deal to make it easier for some goods to move between Britain and Northern Ireland. The EU has said it would break international law. Kieran was joined by Stephen Kelly Chief Executive of Manufacturing Northern Ireland and Tina McKenzie, CEO of Staffline Recruitment and Chairperson for Policy for the Federation of Small Business in the UK about how much difficulty the protocol is causing trade in the local area.
"I've gone three or four weeks without buying shopping.."
Last week the CSO confirmed that inflation had reached a 38-year high, rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are making it difficult for families to survive in Ireland. Kieran was joined by Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Workers’ Rights, Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Louise O’Reilly, Kevin Mcpartlan, CEO of fuels for Ireland, Dr Karina Doorly, Research Area and Coordinator for the Tax, Welfare, and Pensions team at ESRI and Tracy Hayde, a single mother of one now to discuss what can be done to ease the financial burden people are facing.
"The plot is kind of pointless!"
Presenter of Screentime John Fardy join Kieran to review 'Jurassic World Dominion' the latest in the Jurassic Park franchise.
"We need a left wing coalition, we need somewhere to live!"
Born and raised in Donaghmede, singer song writer Damien Dempsey has become one of the most popular and celebrated voices in Ireland. He joined Kieran for this weeks Thursday interview to chat about his life, career and what needs to be done to address the social issues facing the country.
"I have expected an overdose case everyday of my working life."
After a spate of brawls in Cork, it’s been suggested that Ireland’s first supervised injection centre for intravenous drug users should be piloted in Cork. Chris Luke is a consultant in Emergency Medicine and Claire Nash is the owner of Nash 19 Restaurant, they joined Kieran to discuss the need for,and impact a center would have on the area.
"It will continue to rise next year and the year after.."
Interest rates will rise by 0.25% in July, and we’re going to see potentially a larger rise in September, that’s according to the European Central Bank today. Brendan Burgess from Ask About Money.com and John Fitzgerald, Adjunct professor in the Department of Economics in Trinity College.
"Their contracts are being breached...their mental health is been affected.."
This year we have already lost 400 doctors to Australia. That figure doesn’t include those who head to New Zealand. All the while we have waiting times in A&E departments and GPs offices piling up. Dr Eoin Murphy NCHD Committee for the Irish Medical Organisation joined Kieran to discuss the reasons so many health workers are leaving and what can be done to make the HSE a more attractive employer.
"The city is crying out for this!"
Dublin is full of beautiful unused buildings, and with so many retail shops leaving the high street, Gary Gannon TD for Dublin Central and Michelle Jackson From The Novel Traveller.com joined Kieran to discuss if food markets could be a way of using the space and enriching Dublin's culture.
"People being transferred as if they were livestock."
The reaction to 150 Ukranian refugees have been placed in direct provision has been described as ‘shocking’. Bulelani Mfaco, spokesperson for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, joined Kieran to discuss if this reaction is different to how people have previously reacted to the other groups who are currently living in direct provision, and dealing with the challenges that presents.
Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion made a surprise appearance at the National Biodiversity Conference whose slogan is 'Act Now for Nature.' But The Irish Wildlife Trust and Extinction Rebellion feel it's been 20 years of action plans and very little done to deal with the wildlife and biodiversity crisis. They want a biodiversity act to legally require the government to take action on their own plans. Henry McKean went to Dublin Castle to report on the days events.
ET turns forty!
Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of the Bellissimo Files on Spin joined Kieran to mark the 40 year anniversary of the release of classic eighties movie ET.
Could we see a return to working from home?
According to reports people will be ordered to work from home in the event of a major fuel crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, under secret Government emergency plans. Michael McNamara Independent TD and Senator Barry Ward joined Kieran to discuss if workers would be equip to spend another period of time working from home and how it could impact the workforce.
"A holiday home was the only option for our family."
Just two weeks ago, the Department for Housing released figures that indicated that just over 10,000 people were in emergency accommodation. One of those who is experiencing the housing crisis for herself is Independent TD for Clare, Violet-Anne Wynne, she joined Kieran tp share her story.
Sinead Kennedy 'Zoo live'
Sinead Kennedy joined Kieran to talk all things ‘Zoo Live’, RTE One’s new show hitting screens this week live from a purpose built studio in Dublin Zoo’s African Savanna.
"People are using cocaine for weight control!"
Irish young adults have the second highest rate of cocaine use in Europe. That’s according to stats released today by the Health Research Board. They also found that nearly 20% of of 15- to 24-year-olds had used illegal drugs in the last year. Michael Guerin, senior addiction therapist at the charity organization Cuan Mhuire joined Kieran to discuss some of the reasons why we are seeing such a high amount of drug use.
Switching Banks
Record numbers of new AIB bank accounts have been opened this week as people make the move from KCB and Ulster Bank. Daragh Cassidy Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie and David McWeeney KCB Customer joined Kieran to discuss how easy it is to switch banks and if banks are trying to make it easier for consumers.
Wellness - Cancer Clinical Trials
Claire McKenna, Presenter, Alive and Kicking, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder for her weekly look into the world of wellness. This week she discussed cancer clinical trials.
"We are using these kids like guinea pigs!"
The Junior Cert is set to begin tomorrow, for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Jen Hogan, journalist, author and columnist with The Irish Times thinks It shouldn’t be going ahead after the level of disruption these young students have had to their education, she joined Kieran to explain the focus should be on getting kids familiar with school and socializing again.
Does marathon running age you?
According to new research if you’re aged over 40, training for a marathon could age your body by a decade. Dominic Munnelly, Sports Scientist & Personal Trainer joined Kieran to explain the science behind this and share his tips for anyone who is thinking about or currently training for a marathon.
The end of iphone chargers?
Apple products and other smartphone manufacturers will have to use the same charger under a landmark deal provisionally approved by European lawmakers. Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss how chargers for just iphones could soon be a thing of the past.
"I don't know how our government can leave us like this!"
Last week saw Health Minister Stephen Donnelly say that an upcoming Assisted Human Reproduction bill was “not originally envisaged to include international surrogacy”. He also said: “And it would be law by now if we hadn’t stopped it.” Campaigners took exception, and after an overwhelming response, Kieran was joined by Dora and Amy, who have been directly affected by the current status quo.
"Words like liar..dishonorable...misleading..."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clung to power after successfully winning a no-confidence vote. Lord Robert Hayward, A Conservative Peer, former MP and political analyst joined Kieran to discuss what state his leadership been left in and, where it leaves his party.
"The prices associated with travelling to a game are hard for families."
Roscommon, Clare, Mayo and Kildare are all heading to Croke Park on Saturday for Round 2 of the All Ireland Senior Football Championship. It’ll be part of a double header that will be shown on Sky Sports. Former Mayo player Austin O’Malley joined Kieran to discuss why we are seeing so many empty seats in Croke Park and if the GAA needs to address inflation and a younger generation of fans.
Brolly: 'It's very depressing - I hope the Hartes are not too distressed by it'
A video has gone viral today of a group of people mocking the death of Michaela McAreavey. The PSNI and Orange Order are investigating, with the video being condemned from all sides. Joe Brolly, columnist with the Sunday Independent, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
"Our children matter" - Surrogacy groups hurt by Health Minister's comments
The Assisted Human Reproduction Coalition has described a comments by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly about legislating for International Surrogacy as "extremely disappointing." Cathy Wheatley from Irish Families Through Surrogacy joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the comments and the future of surrogacy in Ireland...
The Thursday Interview: Sinead Gleeson
For the Thursday Interview, Kieran was joined in studio this week by author Sinead Gleeson.
The Pod Couple: Phoning it In
Time now for ‘The Pod Couple’. Sarah Madden from Newstalk Breakfast and Darren Cleary from GoLoud Selects joined Kieran on the show as ever, and this week focused on ‘Phoning It In’
More suspected cases of hepatitis are found here
The number of cases of an unknown mystery form of hepatitis has risen to 12, with a second child needing a liver transplant. GPs and pediatric consultants are aware of the increase in cases. Dr. Phil Kieran from Cork joined Kieran on the show.
How divided is America?
An article in the Irish Times caught my eye - ‘Is the United States headed for Civil War’? It’s a pertinent question as the US heads towards midterm elections, halfway through a Joe Biden presidency, that has just come off the back of the presidency of Donald Trump. A book that delves into the question of America’s division is ‘This Will Not Pass’, co-authored by, Alex Burns of the New York Times who spoke to Kieran on the show.
Women shouldn't pee in the shower
Following on from Sean Moncrieff and Henry Mckean's report about peeing in the shower Kieran was joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist to discuss if women should pee in the shower.
Tax cuts to be a priority for the 'squeezed middle'
Tax cuts are to be made a priority in the budget later this year for the 'squeezed middle' which will also include reduced childcare costs according to Tánasite Leo Varadkar. Regina Doherty, Fine Gael Senator and Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst with Social Justice Ireland discussed what exactly needs to be done to help those who are struggling.
Top Gun takes in a record $156 million dollars at the U.S. box office over the holiday weekend
Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 Tom Cruise classic starring has smashed Memorial Day records to take $156 million dollars at the U.S. box office over the holiday weekend. Tom Cruise’s first-ever $100 million opening weekend – but what are the other movies that have topped the box office down through the years and were actually they any good? Film Reviewer, Deirdre Molumby joined Kieran to chat through some of the top-grossing films of all time
Costs soar for Corks flood defence scheme putting it in doubt
Jim Healy, Chair of the Meadowbrook Residence Association in Glanmire, and Ger Keohane, Independent councillor in Cork City both joined Kieran to discuss the soaring construction costs that could put Corks flood defense scheme in doubt.
What does the Depp v Heard trial mean for victims of domestic abuse?
The Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial has been followed all around the world with opinions coming from everywhere. But while Johnny Depp was on trial, so was the way domestic abuse is spoken about in the media. What has global attention meant for the victims of domestic abuse that are watching? Ellen O'Malley Dunlop Former Chair of the National Women’s Council joined Kieran on the show to discuss.
Rail services around Ireland need improving
Peter Feeney from West on Track and Dr. Ciara Murphy a rail user in the South East both joined Kieran to discuss Irelands train services.
"Food banks are not the way society wants to go!"
We’re hearing daily about how things are become more of a struggle when it come to food prices and production. Marie Cronin, Food Bank Volunteer and President for the East Region of St Vincent de Paul joined Kieran to discuss how the need for food banks has increased and how cost of living has affected those who are really struggling.
"We have no need for a monarchy!"
A series of anti-monarchy billboards have been described erected in the UK ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend. The Reading-based campaign group Republic are responsible for the billboards and their spokesperson Graham Smyth, joined Kieran and former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond, to discuss if its time to abolish the monarchy.