The Hard Shoulder

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: JusticeHow big of an issue is Justice for this election? And how can things be improved?Joining Kieran to debate is Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice and Fine Gael General Election candidate for Meath East, Jim O’Callaghan, Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson and General Election candidate for Dublin Bay South, Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú and General Election candidate for Meath West and Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin candidate for Dublin South Central.

Things are heating up as each constituency enters the final furlongs for the general election, but eyes will be on some constituencies as they might be able to give a good sense of the national picture.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, joins Kieran to give us a sense of these bellwether consistencies…

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to try different brands of prawn cocktail, crisps or otherwise!

Howard Lutnick, the Vice-Chair of Donald Trump’s transition team, will now lead the US Commerce Department.You may or may not know him, but what could this mean for the global economy and Ireland?Emma Howard is an Economist with TU Dublin, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

There is a plentiful range of herbal teas and infusions out there that promise so many health benefits, but which are true?Jenna Logan Clement & Pekoe’s Resident Tea Sommelier, joins Kieran to discuss some of the choices, and what the real benefits are.

It’s International Fraud Awareness Week, and we’ve teamed up with Bank of Ireland to help educate and inform how to protect our online profiles and land the simple message: Stop Think. Check.Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss.For more information, see: bankofireland.com/security-zoneIn partnership with Bank of Ireland.

There are many seats to be filled in the General Election, and based on current polling numbers, we are likely to see a good return of Independents in the Dáil.Is this something to be concerned about? Or will the Independents possibly be a stabilising factor to whoever ends up in the hot seat?Joining Kieran to discuss is Michael McDowell, former Senator, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice.

The weather outside is frightful… and that means commuting can be too!Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been out asking commuters about their recent experiences as winter takes its hold, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

In this election there has been much talk about the cost of living crisis, the housing crisis, too many teachers in the Dáil crisis, but little chat about the climate crisis.Is this not a big issue for voters?Joining Kieran to discuss is Oisin Coughlan, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Ireland and Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

It's time for Kidstalk! The kids from South City Community National School Dublin chat to Henry McKean about the General Election, and what they would like to see get done.

Sharon Horgan of ‘Bad Sisters’ fame has been doing the rounds for their new season and sparked some interest when she introduced the Irish phrase “Gee” on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to an audience who had never heard it before.So what are other Irish slang and phrases we adore, and why do we Irish have so many sayings?Joining Kieran to discuss is Edward Hayden, TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer at SETU and Claire Ronan, Broadcaster.Image: Apple

It's time for ‘Henry's Front Bench', where Henry McKean meets an election candidate on a park bench and has a chat.Today, Henry is in Tralee to talk with Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae.

Pricewatch, a column in The Irish Times, has been gripping readers for 20 years, as it is the place where consumers can find the best value for their money.The creator of the column, Conor Pope, who is also the Consumer Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Times, joins Kieran to discuss all things buyers, businesses, scams, and his renowned journalistic career!

This week, Kieran was joined by RTÉ Broadcaster Dave Fanning to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!Favourite Book: 1234 Beatles in Time by Craig BrownHonourable mention: Thomas Hardy – Mayor of CasterbridgeCurrently Read: David Hepworth  - A Fabulous Creation: How the LP Saved Our Lives

Sweden has sent out millions of pamphlets advising residents how to prepare for possible war. This is while Finland has launched a new website on preparedness, as the war between Russia and Ukraine grinds on.The move follows the Nordic neighbours dropping decades of military non-alignment to join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022…Freelance Journalist Philip O’Connor, who’s based in Sweden, joins Kieran to discuss.

Today is International Men’s Day, and rather than focusing on toxic masculinity, which is covered quite often in the media, Kieran is joined by a panel to talk about ‘positive masculinity.’Michael Harding Author and Columnist with the Irish Times and Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo join to discuss.

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: Housing.What are parties promising, and how can issues with supply and cost be solved?Joining Kieran to debate is Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Candidate for Dublin North West, Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson and General Election Candidate for Dublin Mid West, Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal and Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central and Spokesperson on Finance and Health.

As the various political leaders get briefed on the topics of tonight's RTE Leaders’ debate,  will you be watching?Many of those who avoid politics throughout the year may well consider tonight’s debate a ‘cannot-miss’. Why is that?Kieran is joined by Broadcaster and Journalist Stefanie Preissner and later by Lorcan Nyhan from the Communications Clinic and Comedian Jim Elliott to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie to discuss potty training, and how best to ease the transition from nappies.

County Clare has been included in Condé Nast Traveller's list of the 25 best places to visit in Europe, and features alongside Marseille and Vienna!Condé Nast notes traditional Irish music as a selling point as well as County Clare becoming the hub of a grassroots revival of other skills, and an inspiring example of ecotourism along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.Joining  Kieran to discuss all the amazing things about Co. Clare are proud Clare people Marcus Horan, former Munster Player and country music star and Presenter of Country Music Hits on Today FM, Clodagh Lawlor.

US officials are saying that President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike Russia.What impact could this have on the war in Ukraine? And should we be worried about Russian vessels in the Irish sea?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jason Corcoran, journalist and Russian analyst, and Donnacha O’Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that on Friday, November 29th, voting will take place for the general election.But, what issues are facing students at this current moment, and what do they want to see resolved?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jenny Maguire, Student Union President of Trinity College Dublin.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist and Audience Editor for The Independent  and Niamh O'Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

This day two weeks we will be going to the polls, and all sectors of society are looking to see what party will deliver for them. We've heard from the publicans, the farmers, and plenty of others, but what about the hairdressers. What are the customers telling their hairdressers they want to see come out of the election? Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been visiting salons right across Dublin today to find out...

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Kieran was joined by Dave Moore, presenter of The Dave Moore Show on Today FM to discuss his new book 'Dave's Bad Jokes'.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean met TV presenter Gráinne Seoige in Kylemore Abbey, to discuss running in the General Election for Fianna Fail in Galway West . Henry sent this report from a park bench.  

Now that we're coming into the Christmas season Kieran was joined by Alexandra Ryan, CEO and Founder of Goss.ie and Brian Lloyd, Entertainment Journalist to debate if there is still a need for Christmas adverts.

Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of SUAS Aerospace, plans to launch rockets from the west coast of Ireland, where his company will operate two commercial spaceports, by next year.Rory is convinced this project will be worth billions, and is therefore opportunistic for Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss Trump’s picks for cabinet when he begins his presidency next year, and why Democrats aren’t happy about them.Image: Reuters, AFP

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: the cost of living.With it being an issue for the majority of voters, how will the candidates tackle it and reduce costs?Joining Kieran to debate is Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin & Party Spokesperson on Finance, Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Southwest,Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator, Spokesperson on Justice and General Election candidate in Dun Laoghaire and Kate O’Connell, Community Pharmacist, Former TD and Independent General Election candidate for Dublin Bay South.

Former MP and Olympian Sebastion Coe has been out canvassing for the role of President at the International Olympic Committee. One belief they have said is that the protection of female sports is important, which suggests that transgender athletes may not be allowed to compete in female categories.Is this fair, and would female Olympians welcome this change?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Olympian, Sharron Davies.

It's time for ‘Henry's Front Bench', where Henry McKean meets an election candidate on a park bench and has a chat.Today, Henry meets former Justice Minister and now independent candidate, Alan Shatter, in Dublin Rathdown.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to try different offerings of prunes!

The CEO of Hugg, Fiona Tuomey joined the show to speak about the lack of support for children's mental health...So, how can we reform children's support services in this country?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Paediatric Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in UCD, who spent 16 years working in Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Over the coming weeks, politicians will be canvassing, knocking from door to door, and you may be left facing a politician cluelessly, unsure of what to ask them.Dr. Jennifer Kavanagh, Lecturer in Constitutional Law at South East Technological University, joins Kieran to discuss what you should ask a politician when they land on your doorstep.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to discuss how Donald Trump has appointed tech mogul Elon Musk to head a new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in the United States, and what impact that may have.Image: AFP

In the lead up to the General Election, the Hard Shoulder is doing the Campaign Trail Tracker, a daily update of what you need to know before the big voting day on November 29th. It can be hard to keep up with all the news. This is your daily catch-up.Today, Kieran discusses more reports of poster vandalism, and accusations of mudslinging between parties.

The civil case taken by Nikit Hand against Conor McGregor has been ongoing in court today. Nikita Hand has taken a civil action against Conor McGregor and James Lawrence, claiming she was sexually assaulted in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.Today, Conor McGregor took the stand and gave evidence.Frank Greaney, Newstalk Court’s Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss.

Fiona Tuomey founded HUGG, Ireland’s national suicide bereavement charity, following the death of her 11-year-old daughter Milly by suicide in 2016.She joins Kieran to discuss the impact suicide has and the importance of suicide prevention.

1 in 10 people in the UK have admitted to not cleaning parts of their homes in more than a year. A survey commissioned by Febreze Fabric Refresher found that the most neglected places are behind and under furniture, inside drawers and curtains.Associate Professor Dr. Amalia Scannell, Microbiologist and Food Biotechnologist in the UCD Institute of Food and Health, joins Kieran to discuss why we should be more thorough with our cleaning.

The average cost of renting a home is almost €2,000 a month, an increase of 43% on pre-pandemic prices. That’s according to new research by Daft.ie.To discuss, Kieran is joined by James Murphy, a Landlord in Meath, Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald and Naoise O’ Faogain, a Dublin-based renter and representative for the tenant's union CATU.

68% of people have never switched their current account according to a new Credit Union survey…To answer some of your questions regarding the ins and outs of switching accounts, Kieran is joined by Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

We’re sorry to tell you this news, but Instagram is dead! That is according to Aisling Bonner, Co-Presenter of Fully Charged on Spin 1038, who says that the app is nothing like it used to be.She joins Kieran to discuss why.

The RSA have launched their plans for World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims ahead of the official day on Sunday, November 17th.Laura Rice, daughter of Alan Rice who died in a road traffic collision in 2021, joins Kieran to discuss how important it is for communities to come together and remember those who are lost...

This week, Kieran was joined by Playwright Amanda Brunker to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) are considering significant reform to the Leaving Certificate in an effort to curb the anxiety and pressure which final exams are causing students.Current changes under consideration are that there would be a single English and Maths exam, and that students would undertake a project worth 40% in both subjects to make up marks.Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Skehan, former TU Dublin Lecturer and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies.

In the lead up to the General Election, the Hard Shoulder is doing the Campaign Trail Tracker, a daily update of what you need to know before the big voting day on November 29th. It can be hard to keep up with all the news. This is your daily catch-up.Today, Kieran discusses newly-released manifestos, and claims in Kerry that election posters have been stolen, and even burned.Also, today is the last day to register to vote. If you haven’t already, go to checktheregister.ie before the date rolls over!

Prince William has been named as the sexiest bald man of 2024, according to new research.But, how do you become a sexy bald man?Joining Kieran to discuss and share their own stories is Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney and Hugh Keenan.

For the first of the big debates for the General Election on the Hard Shoulder, today’s focus is on infrastructure.How will the candidates vying for votes aim to improve public transport, roads and public amenities?Joining Kieran to debate is Roisin Garvey, Deputy Leader of Green Party, Spokesperson for Rural Development and Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Green Party Candidate for Clare, Cian O’Callaghan, Deputy Leader of Social Democrats and candidate in Dublin Bay North, Micheal Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland Candidate for Roscommon-Galway and Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fail Councilor for Palmerstown-Fonthill and Candidate for Dublin Mid-West.