The Hard Shoulder

As the General Election nears, most people want to know what the next government will look like. The seat count of each party won't be known until about Sunday, but predictions can be made!Joining Kieran to make those predictions is Professor Aidan Regan, a professor of politics at the School of Politics and International Relations in UCD.

There have been claims on TikTok that the average couple speak to each other for only 30 minutes a week... that breaks down to about 4 minutes a day! Is there much truth to this?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dating and Relationship Expert, Francis Kelleher and Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton.

With one week left until the General Election, many of you will be deciding who you want to put in the Dáil for the next 5 years…One person who won’t be voting, because she is not allowed to, is Teresa Buckowska, who is a Polish-born writer, and Migrant Rights Campaigner.She joins Kieran to discuss.

With Ireland’s population ageing at a faster rate than almost any other European country, the Central Bank of Ireland’s governor Gabriel Makhlouf has said that people need to be working past 65, and that policies incentivising this should be considered.Joining Kieran to discuss is Economist at TU Dublin, Emma Howard People Before Profit TD for Dublin South-Central, Bríd Smith and Sinéad Brady, Career Psychologist & author of ‘Total Reset’.

Bluesky might have come across your radar recently as many people have fled X, formally Twitter, for pastures new.But, is it in danger of becoming an echo chamber? That’s the thoughts of Columnist with the Sunday Independent, David Quinn, who joins Kieran to discuss.

A large rock in Earth’s orbit, known as a ‘mini moon’ is set to pull away on Monday, and not return for 30 years!But, what exactly is a ‘mini moon’, and where did it come from?Space Commentator Leo Enright joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Chartered Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley to discuss ‘emotional regulation’ for children.

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 on multiple benches to speak with four ‘New Irish’ candidates: Sivakumar Murugadoss, Independent candidate for Meath East,  Manju Devi, Fianna Fáil candidate for Fingal East, Monaa K Sood, Green Party candidate for Kildare South, The Greens and Dr Monica Oikeh, Green Party candidate for Cork South Central.

COP 29 wrapped up in Azerbaijan yesterday.Delegates at COP 29 reached a deal to provide developing countries with $300 billion a year to cope with the effects of extreme weather caused by climate change.But is COP useful? Or should we get rid of it all together?Environmentalist and Journalist, George Monbiot, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: United Nations

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: Health.With it already being the second biggest area of spending from the government, how can the health sector be improved?Joining Kieran to debate is Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health and Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Wicklow, Hazel Chu, Green Party General Election candidate for Dublin Bay South, Edward McManus Aontú candidate for Dublin North West and Dean Mulligan, Independents 4 Change candidate for Fingal East.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Nikita Hand has won her lawsuit against MMA fighter Conor McGregor over an alleged rape in Dublin in 2018, with the High Court jury awarding her €248,603 in damages. Ms Hand also sued McGregor’s friend, James Lawrence of Rafter’s Road in Drimnagh, for allegedly raping her after McGregor left the hotel, but the jury did not find in her favour in relation to him.To give further reactions to this case and to discuss statements from Ms Hand and McGregor, Kieran is joined by David Hall, CEO of Sonas Domestic Violence Charity.

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 Tipperary to talk with Independent TD, Mattie McGrath.

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…

The High Court has been found in favour of Nikita Hand and has awarded damages from Conor McGregor to her after finding that she was assaulted by the martial arts fighter in the Beacon Hotel.Dr. Elaine Byrnes from the School of Psychology at DCU and Noeline Blackwell, Human Rights Lawyer, Consultant and Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance join Kieran to discuss.

There are articles constantly reporting on the different ways we can improve the quality of our sleep. Taking magnesium supplements is supposedly one of the techniques we can adopt.Tom Coleman, Health Scientist and Sleep Coach, joins Kieran to discuss how exactly we can enhance the quality of our sleep.

You might have seen this on Twitter: an issue raised by Maia Dunphy around prepaid parking which led to her elderly father being forced to wait two hours for help…Writer and Broadcaster Maia Dunphy joins Kieran to discuss.

Galway chef, restaurateur and author, JP McMahon, is calling for the government to pay more attention to the food industry during their political campaigns. He believes the Irish food sector is at risk of being industrialised, and food should be added to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.JP 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 President Biden giving the green light to Ukraine to launch American missiles at Russian targets - and what implications this could have to further conflict. Also, they discuss Matt Gaetz withdrawing from Trump’s bid for Attorney General.Image: Reuters

Exclusive figures shared with Newstalk have revealed that 12,722 children with additional needs have been waiting on HSE waitlists for more than six months for assessments…Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of “Resilience: Lessons from Sir William Wilde on Life After Covid”, Brendan Kelly and Director of Neurodiversity Ireland, Nessa Hill.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.  

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

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