The Hard Shoulder

Dáil Éireann is set to return tomorrow, with a new Government and a fresh agenda set out by their Programme for Government.But, how did the programme come to be, what compromises did they have to make and what goes into governmental talks?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ossian Smyth, Minister of State for Communications and candidate for the Trinity College panel of the Seanad election and Craig Hughes, Political Editor with the Daily Mail.

Presenter and Architect Dermot Bannon joined Kieran Cuddihy this week to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

A recent survey has looked into what home appliances different generations use. It found that Gen Z-ers were more likely to see the coffee machine, and air fryers as ‘must-haves’ when compared to older generations.Joining Kieran to discuss and be Gen Z’s representative in this debate is Aoife Rooney, the Assistant Editor of the Weekend Magazine at the Irish Independent.

Donald Trump is still dominating the agenda following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States yesterday.With talk about taking back Panama, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, much has been said about what impact this presidency may have on not only American politics, but also global politics.BBC World Affairs Editor, John Simpson, joins Kieran to discuss.

We get texts on a whole range of topics, but all through the month of January, you have been getting in touch to ask for advice on electricity and gas contract renewals. In that vein, Kieran is joined by Head of Communications with Bonkers.ie, Darragh Cassidy, to discuss the best ways to keep your costs down!

The state appeal against the leniency of Cathal Crotty sentence is due to take place this week, but victim Natasha O’Brien isn’t holding out any hope regarding the hearing…Natasha joins Kieran to discuss, as she awaits the coming appeal this Thursday.

Some accents are stereotyped to be more likely to commit crime, a survey in the UK has found.Is there any truth to this in Ireland, do we judge solely based on accents? And, on the opposite end, can a posh accent help you get away with crime?Henry McKean has been out asking the public in his own accent, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It has been about 24 hours since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America…He’s started withdrawing from climate deals, has vowed to take Panama back, and his friend Elon Musk has been in hot water over what many have deemed a Nazi salute.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe is still in Washington D.C., and joins Kieran to look back at what has happened, and shares what he's heard from people on the ground.Image: Reuters

Israel has confirmed that it has released over 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of the first hostage exchange, as agreed in the ceasefire agreement between the state and Hamas.Is this the stage now for peace in the region, and what lies ahead for the two states?Maoz Inon is an Israeli Entrepreneur and Peace Activist who lost both his parents during the October 7th attacks. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Today is 'Blue Monday', which is supposed to be the most miserable day of the year, but forget that!Kieran is joined by Newstalk Producer Dee King to discuss reasons why we shouldn't be so down on this day.

Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America.What will his second term mean for Ireland?Tech Entrepreneur and Broadcaster Mark Little joins Kieran to discuss, and Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins to give reactions from the ground in Washington D.C.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Caroline Robbins, Chair of the GP Committee of the Irish Dental Association and owner of Kiwi Dental in Carlow joins Kieran to discuss dental decay in children, and setting up good routines…

With Donald Trump now officially the 47th President of the United States, Kieran is joined by Colum McCann, Author and Co-Founder of Narrative 4 and Jerry McDermott, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts to discuss the road ahead, as well as react to his opening speech.Image: Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool

An survey by Eir found that children on average are getting their first phones at 9 years old! Is this too young, and when is it okay for a child to get a phone?Henry McKean has been out asking that question, and joins Kieran to discuss.

With Donald Trump being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States today, Kieran is joined by ‘West Wing’ actor Richard Schiff to discuss the man, as well as what we could anticipate for his second term.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe also joins Kieran from Washington D.C. to discuss what the feelings are on the ground there.Image: Reuters

The theme of Christmas really seemed to be one of illness – you couldn’t speak to anyone without exchanging stories of when and how you were sick over the holidays. This has continued into January. So, why is this happening?Joining Kieran to discuss the reasons behind the spike is Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist and owner of the ‘totalhealth’ pharmacy and podcaster of the ‘WonderCare Podcast’.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at all the ways you can use buttermilk in your recipes!

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

Today, the Israeli security cabinet recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal.A full cabinet meeting is taking place, with ratification meaning that the deal could take effect as early as Sunday… but, what will the future look like for this conflict?Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project and former Israeli Peace Negotiator joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

What does Bob Dylan, Fred Astaire, Elon Musk, Madonna and all of the Beatles have in common? They’re subjects of upcoming biopics!How has this happened, and why has Hollywood suddenly turned to this genre?Olivia Fahy, Editor of Geek Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss.

In preparation for the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, people are looking back to inaugurations of the past... Mark Kirwan, an Irish man who worked as a Washington D.C Metropolitan Police Officer, including for inaugurations and during the January 6th riots, joins Kieran to reflect.Also joining Kieran to discuss his predictions for the inauguration ,and for Trump’s upcoming Presidency is former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

According to research, children who are polite and do their chores are the most likely to be the favourite of their parents!Is there truth to this? Who is your favourite child, and are you the favourite?Henry McKean has been out asking the famous question, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 Joe Biden’s final days in office, and commenting on the work he has done in his term.

You might be scrolling on X/Twitter today and seeing a lot of these scam ads featuring current Taoiseach Simon Harris with fake news headlines. All of them are the same format, same font and use similar images…To explain what’s going on exactly, Kieran is joined by Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor for the Irish and Sunday Independent.

An Israeli cabinet meeting expected to give the final approval for the ceasefire and hostage release deal has been delayed, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on the deal.It comes as there has been renewed hope of a deal being done.So, when should we see a result?Bel Trew, The UK Independent's Chief International Correspondent and Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, join Kieran to discuss.

US President Joe Biden gave his final address last night as he sets to leave the office after only a single term in the Whitehouse, ahead of Donal Trump’s inauguration this Monday.So, what will Joe Biden’s legacy be when it’s looked back on?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Harry Browne, Journalist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Media at TU Dublin, Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner and Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin.Image: Reuters

A recent survey by the cashless tipping provider Paynt, with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, showed that cashless tips rose by 74% in December, and that 83% of businesses that use cashless tipping report higher tips received. But, what does this say about the way we tip?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

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

It’s more than white smoke now, as an agreement on a new Government has now been made.Minister for Public Expenditure, Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe, joins Kieran to discuss this new formation, and the next steps.

With the new formation of the Government official, it's all but certain that Michael Healy-Rae will become a Junior Minister for Agriculture, continuing the political legacy of the Healy-Rae family.Henry McKean is in Healy-Rae country: Kilgarvan in County Kerry, and joins Kieran to share the reactions of the locals there. And, by pure chance, Michael Healy-Rae joins Henry and Kieran to discuss the news!

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joined Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover!This week, she discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that he plans to fire the “low performers” from his company Meta next month, and why this seems to be a turn to a worrying culture shift in the tech industry, in the wake of Donald Trump’s election to President of the United States.

Kieran’s guest is back in Ireland for his new tour: ‘Lately’, and will be in the 3Olympia in February for 3 special shows.Des Bishop joins the show!

With the new government formation official, so comes with it the Programme for Government, laying out what they plan to do.Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent, joins Kieran to go through the biggest things to know from the document.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding small talk at the office? Well, you're not alone! New research shows that for younger workers, face-to-face chats are becoming a thing of the past, with many opting for digital communication even when sitting right next to their colleagues.A quick DM on Teams or Whatsapp might lower the stakes for rejection, but what does it mean for the future of workplace bonding and relationship building?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Saoirse Hanley, Audience Editor with the Irish Independent and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, as well as Frances Kelleher, Dating and Life Coach…

As the white smoke emerges from government buildings, all the focus seems to be on the Programme for Government, who got what role, and how many ministries each of the parties received. But, not as many people have focused on what the people want to see.To give an insight into what they want to see included, Kieran is joined by Conor Skehan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic and a Columnist with the Sunday Independent, and Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist.

With Government formation seemingly at an end, and the Programme for Government being finalized, many are wondering what items will be included in the document. While many are calling for the Government to commit to the Occupied Territories Bill, others are more skeptical.Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson, joins Kieran to discuss this new Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Regional Independents Government, as well as the Bill.

Joining Kieran this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf is Newstalk Presenter Anton Savage!

Yesterday, a discussion was had over the medicalisation of mental health.This was after Tony Blair made a statement saying people are unable to cope with what he considers the everyday “ups and downs” of life, without a label or treatment for a mental condition. A sentiment shared by Brendan Kelly, who was on the show.James Reilly, former Minister for Health and a practicing GP, joins Kieran to discuss why he disagrees with Tony Blair.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael as well as Regional Independents have seemingly ended government negotiation talks as of today.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central join Kieran to discuss and give the latest information.

There are some basic skills you should know: from changing a lightbulb, cleaning your car or swapping out a tire. But apparently, some don’t have all those skills!A new study from Halford suggests that Gen Z forgo the DIY jobs in favour of hiring others to do it…Peter Finn, also known as Pete the Builder and Interior Architect Róisín Murphy join Kieran to discuss.

Is Ireland anti-NATO?That’s been the feeling by some, especially outside of Ireland, after Michael D. Higgins called any calls for increased military spending “appalling”.Shashank Joshi, the Defence Editor of the Economist, joins Kieran to discuss.

How much time will you spend in a coffee shop working or studying? Is it more time than you should be spending, or is it a special place to get work done?Henry McKean has been asking the public after a few too many coffees, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has spent millions to try to reverse his biological age, and has a new documentary on Netflix, mapping out his journey.As he constantly reviews his regime, the question more generally is ... how far has science taken us in our quest to live as long as possible?Roger Highfield of the London Science Museum joins me now.Image: Netflix

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, joins Kieran to answer your parenting questions!

As Holyhead prepares to open back up again, Irish hauliers are trying to take steps to guarantee a closure of this level never happens again. The Irish Road Hauliers’ Association has now called on the Government to buy a berth in the Port.Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Hauliers’ Association, joins Kieran to discuss.

Are we too quick to place labels on mental health? Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was speaking on the Jimmy’s Job’s of the Future Podcast, and raised concerns about “over-medicalising” the 'ups and downs' of life…Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Kieran to discuss.

Dancing With The Stars is on Irish screens currently, with Kieran’s guest being one of those gracing the dance floor!Kevin Dundon is Chef and owner of Dunbrody Country House Hotel, and joins the show to discuss his experience so far.

As we move into the 6th day of the Los Angeles wildfires, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Tens of thousands of acres have been burnt, and over a hundred thousand people have been evacuated.Joining Kieran to give the latest updates from the ground is Peter Bowes, a Reporter from BBC North America, and to give their personal experience, Reb Kennedy, Irish Music Producer, former regular of the Late Late Show, and close friend of Imelda May.Image: Reuters

The School Meals Scheme continues to be rolled out across the country – this means 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will soon be eligible for the programme.But, is it worth the time and resources?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Trina Golden, Principal of Owenabue Educate Together National School in Carrigaline, Cork, as well as Broadcaster Wendy Grace…