The Hard Shoulder

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.

Robbie Williams is coming back to Dublin in August of next year. Henry McKean met him at a press conference in Croke Park today, and joins Kieran with all the details, plus Robbie’s comments on Liam Payne and Oasis.

The Australian Government has introduced new legislation which would put a social media ban in place for those under 16 years of age. The legislation would give the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram a year to put in place methods to restrict younger users – is this the correct solution to the harms of social media? And should Ireland follow suit?Joining Kieran to discuss is Broadcaster, Wendy Grace and Cyberpsychology Lecturer in IADT, Nicola Fox Hamilton.

Today the Examiner has reported that people are using Netflix and social media while driving the car…The warning has come from Inspector Fergal O’Donovan, who is in charge of roads policing in Cork.What needs to be done to crack down on dangerous road users?Kieran is joined Brenda Bolger of the Bolger School of Motoring to discuss.

From the new age games like wordle to the old classics like sudoku, we all love a cheeky brain game to pass the time.But, how good are these games for your brain, and why do we love to complete them?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian Robertson, Clinical Psychologist, Neuroscientist and Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Psychotherapist and author, Iseult White to discuss breaking bad habits, such as nail biting and nose picking. For what reasons do kids pick them up, and how can you stop them?

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch has confirmed that he will be running in this upcoming election in his local constituency of Dublin Central.But, with his current record, and recent arrest in Spain for alleged money laundering offences, can he even run?Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World and host of the Crime World Podcast joins Kieran to discuss.

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 details Michael O’Leary’s comments on teachers, Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch’s plans to run and more.

With a General Election looming, if you haven’t already, tomorrow is the last day you can register to vote.Joining Kieran to let you know how you can register is Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of An Comuisiún Tohcháin, Ireland’s Independent Electoral Commission.

Do you have a neighbour or property in your community that is failing to cut that hedge or keeping their property in a terrible state?Angie Baily, Fine Gael Councillor for Tralee has called for private property owners to be fined for untidiness. She, along with Maura Healy-Rae, Independent Councillor for the Killarney Municipal District, join Kieran to discuss.

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at soup for the winter, and why it doesn’t have to be boring!

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…

The firing gun has officially been shot today as the Dáil has dissolved, meaning General Election 2024 is on.What are some of the issues which will be at play, and how will the parties look to secure your vote over the next three weeks?Joining Kieran to discuss is Alison O’Connor, Broadcaster and Columnist with the Sunday Times and Pat Leahy, Political Editor at the Irish Times, as well as Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie asking the public for their opinion.

The International Air Transport Association is cracking down on people who “gate lice”, AKA people who don’t adhere to the official boarding lines and start their own queues.Why do we do our own things when it comes to queues, and not adhere to proper etiquette?Jim Elliot is a Comedian and long-time queuer, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Dáil has officially dissolved as Taoiseach Simon Harris kicks off the next General Election, with November 29th marked as voting day.So, what can we expect, and what do voters want to see changed? Kieran is joined by Political Editor with the Sunday Times, Hugh O’Connell to discuss, while Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie reports.

It's official, the General Election will take place on November 29th.After weeks of speculation, Taoiseach Simon Harris announced the date of the General Election yesterday evening.Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin, joins Kieran to discuss what is to come as Taoiseach Simon Harris dissolves the Dáil on Friday.

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) has been banned by the Israeli government from operating on their soil and in occupied Palestinian territory. Why was this decision made?Dana Erlich, Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss this and more, including the proposed Occupied Territories Bill, and Trump’s potential impact on peace in the Middle East.

During the US election, CNN and ABC had 30 second ad breaks of silence, orchestrated by the meditation app ‘Calm,’ which allowed viewers to have a few moments of serenity during the chaotic time.Michael Ryan, a Yoga Meditation Teacher, famously Michael D. Higgins’ Yoga Teacher, joins Kieran to discuss how important meditating is in modern life.

The €9m spend on mobile phone pouches for schools will not be a one-off investment and will cost an additional €2 million a year. That’s according to documents received under a freedom of information request from Sinn Féin.Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin and Party Spokesperson on Finance and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies join Kieran to discuss.Image: Yondr

While promoting his new film Tom Hanks described being 35 as “That time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down and your bones start wearing off…”Is it true? Is 35 where we reach our peak? Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Producer of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast from The Irish Times, Aideen Finnegan and Comedian Steve Cummins.

With Trump successfully winning the race to the White House - what are the thoughts from supporters and otherwise outside Trump Tower in New York City? Kieran Cuddihy has gone there to find out!Image: Trump Tower New York

Earlier in the week, Radio Host on WBAI New York, taxi driver and veteran John McDonagh said on the show that despite what the polls were saying, Donald Trump would win this election…John joins Kieran along with Kirtsten Fleming, Features Columnist for the New York Post, to discuss following Trump’s comeback victory.

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.He joins Kieran to discuss Trump’s decisive victory in the presidential race, and what’s next for the United States of America.Image: Reuters

With Donald Trump set to become the 47th President of the United States, what are the reactions from voters in each candidates’ home states of Florida and California?Newstalk Reporters Josh Crosbie and Barry Whyte are on the ground, and join Kieran to share what they have heard.

Donald Trump has won the election for President and has secured all branches of the US government, but what are the concerns of those who live in the US?Joining Kieran to discuss are the Co-Hosts of The Irish Stew Podcast, Martin Nutty and John Lee and Shelley Quilty-Lake, an Attorney from Wexford.Image: Reuters

Donald Trump has won the race to become the 47th President of the United States.Joining Kieran to discuss how Trump has one, and in turn, how Harris has lost is Benny Avni, Foreign editor at the New York Sun, Ellen Iones, News reporter for VOX and Ciaran Staunton, Co-Founder of END SEPSIS & Co-Founder of Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.Image: Reuters

Kieran is joined by one of Ireland’s best authors for the Election Special in New York City. You know him from books such as Apeirogon, TransAtlantic and Let the Great World Spin. He’s been living in the Big Apple for over three decades.Colum McCann, Irish Author and Founder of Narrative 4, joins Kieran to discuss.

The election polls and votes are still well under way, but one impact the result could have is on how businesses might be able to conduct operations.So, what president would be more promising for business, and how does an administration affect the markets?Kieran is joined by Tanya Young Williams, Owner of Tanya’s Luxury Fashion Boutique and Gemma Allen, Director for USA market at Irish firm Mason Hayes and Curran and Freelance Writer for Forbes and Nasdaq.

Alan Dershowitz is one of the most notable lawyers in America, who has worked with some star clients such as Mike Tyson, Julian Assange, Jeffery Epstein, but most known for representing OJ Simpon.Kieran sits down with Alan in his home in New York City to get his thoughts on the US Presidential Election.

US Election Day, November 5th, is finally here.Joining Kieran to provide insight on this pivotal day is Neil Vigdor, Reporter at the New York Times and Kirsten Fleming, New York Post’s Features Columnist.Image: Reuters