The Hard Shoulder

Sir Keir Starmer is officially the new Prime Minister of the UK after his Labour party secured a massive majority in the election with 412 seats secured.What was the cause for such a swing and what does this mean for the UK and the conservatives?Stanley Johnson, Writer, former MEP and environmental campaigner and father to Boris Johnson and Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern join Anton Savage to discuss.

An American mum has gone viral on TikTok for charging another parent €15 to cover the expenses from a playdate their children had! But is this so strange? Do you find yourself hosting most of the playdates?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out getting opinions from the public, and joins Anton Savage to discuss.

Following the elections, the Conservative Party in the UK has lost their majority leadership, and Labour’s Keir Starmer will be the new Prime Minister.But who is he exactly, and what will his cabinet look like?Anton Savage is joined by Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and host of the ‘Political Fix’ podcast to discuss.

Teacher and journalist Jennifer Horgan writes that “There is no doubt that Irish drivers are becoming more aggressive, faster, and nastier” Anton Savage is joined by Jennifer, who wrote that in the Irish Examiner, as well as driving instructor Brenda Bolger.

A recent survey for Gen Z’ers has found out some things that they don’t like doing in the office. These include never wanting to turn their cameras on in Zoom meetings, and having their lunch choices questioned. Is Gen Z really a nuisance in the office? And how do we deal with their demands… or should we?Anton Savage is joined by Damien McCarthy, Managing Director of HR Buddy and Newstalk's Alex Rowley 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.He joined Anton Savage to have a heated debate following the aftermath of the first Presidential debate between Biden and Trump, and why there are serious considerations for Biden quitting due to his health, as well as Trump's criminal case.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has re-opened the debate regarding GAA GO after reaffirming his stance that Gaelic games should not be behind a paywall. To discuss, Anton is joined by Jamesie O'Connor, Former All Ireland winner with Clare and Seán Kelly, Former GAA President and Fine Gael MEP.

It's the fourth of July today which means celebrations will be kicking off all across the US!Anton is joined by Sinead Conlon, a Mayo woman living in NYC and Patti Shields,Chairperson of Democrats Abroad to discuss what it means to witness it and celebrate it when away from home.

The Committee on Drugs took place earlier today examining the citizen assembly on Drugs recommendations for decriminalisation.Joining Anton to discuss is the chair of the meeting, Senator Lynn Ruane.

A new report on our attitudes to climate change has found that despite being aware of climate change and its importance, we do not want to change our own behaviours and we will always suit ourselves at the end of the day.What are these climate barriers stopping us from changing our lifestyles?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is journalist Matthew Joyce and Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

Today saw another rise in corporation tax, which might just set the way for a potential giveaway budget this autumn.Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform joins Anton Savage to discuss.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Anton Savage to compare different varieties of cordials, sure to spice up any plain glass of water!

Comedian David O’Doherty is bringing his witty and enjoyable show ,Tiny Piano Man, to Vicar Street this weekend!He joins Anton Savage to discuss what to expect, and of course, make a few jokes along the way.

If you can believe it, singer and actress, Lily Allen has started selling photos of her feet on OnlyFans!Fans can subscribe to Lily’s page for a sum of £8 a month. How much money is being spent on this, and what’s it like to be a creator?To discuss, Anton Savage is joined by Andy Lee, an OnlyFans creator from Dublin.

Revolut intends to enter the Irish mortgage market as early as next year. Will this work out? And what are the potential consequences for customers?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Brendan Burgess, founder of consumer website AskAboutMoney.com.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined guest host Anton Savage for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses how some companies like Apple are blaming EU red tape limiting tech innovation. They say they won't be able to fully roll out their 'Apple Intelligence'.

Barring a miracle, a Labour landslide expected when the UK goes to the polls in tomorrow’s general election.To discuss, Anton Savage is joined by Adam Boulton, Political Commentator and Former Sky News Political Editor and Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK's Immigration and Justice spokesperson.

In a poll, more than 80% of work from home staff admit that they had the TV on while working. It’s a large percentage, but how accurate is it? Does everyone have a bit of a doss when at home?Newstalk’s Henry McKean joined Anton Savage to share what he has heard.

Today marks 100 years since Irish was made compulsory in our schools.This has often come with criticism – but should we encourage young people to speak more Irish?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Hazel De Nortúin, Founder of Cafe Glic in Ballyfermot, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Reporter for Live 95 and Diarmuid Lyng, Owner of Wild Irish Retreats.

Now, over three quarters of people are unwilling to pay a higher price for more sustainable products, according to a survey by Pennies.But do you need to break the bank to be sustainable and are there affordable and environmentally friendly options out there?Broadcaster, Meghan Scully, joins Anton Savage to discuss.

Simon Cowell, X-Factor creator and manager for many musical acts including One Direction and Westlife, is looking for a new boy band here in Ireland.He joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss why.If you think you could be in Simon’s next band, auditions are taking place on the 28th and 29th of July in Dublin. Check out simonneedsyou.com

Labour Leader Keir Starmer has suggested that if he is Prime Minister he’ll wrap up work on Friday at 6pm.How realistic is this and can a politician find a reasonable work/life balance?Pat Rabbitte, former Labour Leader, joins Anton to discuss.

Author of ‘Someone in the Attic’ Andrea Mara joined Anton Savage to put her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf this week!Favourite Book: Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear by Elizabeth GilbertHonourable Mention: The Chimney Sweeper’s Boy by Ruth RendellCurrently Reading: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

Social Democrats Founders and former Leaders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy have announced that they will step down at the next general election.They both join Anton Savage to discuss why.

Violent offenders must be rehabilitated if we are to end the scourge of violence against women, so wrote former Senator Máiría Cahill in the Sunday Independent.She joins Anton to discuss this viewpoint.

Waning housing demand may set the country on course for an oversupply problem in the coming years. That’s according to a new report published this morning by the ESRI.John McCartney is Director of Research at BNP Paribas Real Estate joined Anton Savage to discuss.

You might have heard on Newstalk Breakfast that Dublin has dropped in the Economist's annual Global Liveability ranking.How has living in Dublin become for some communities and do we need to ensure we have a safer Dublin?Two people who have had negative experiences: Ednan Hameed, taxi driver and Mustafa Aker, Turkish man living in Dublin join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Ronaldo has been criticised for crying after missing a penalty in the Euros last night. This got us thinking, are men allowed to openly show their emotions?Newstalk's Henry McKean was out asking about it, and joins Anton to share what he's heard.

Dublin City Council is due to discuss the city's transport plan during its full meeting later. This follows calls from Minister of State Emer Higgins for the plan to be postponed.Joining Anton Savage to discuss the viability of the plan, and its potential economic impact on Dublin is Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Keith Gavin, Chairman of Irish Parking Association.

Did you know that comedy is not recognised as an art in the Arts Act of 2003? That means comedians can’t get funding from the Arts Council. Comedian Ailish McCarty has been trying to amend this, and joins Anton to discuss.

Wimbledon kicked off today and has gotten off to a slightly underwhelming start according to guest Jenny Claffey, the former pro tennis player.She joins Anton to look at today’s key takeaways.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Anton is joined by Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to discuss what we should pack when bringing our kids on holiday to keep them healthy.

Waste management services warn that the charges on green bins could be increased in response to financial losses due to the Deposit Return Scheme. According to the Irish Independent, these companies are worried that annual losses could amount to €15 million.  In response to this development, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central, Bríd Smith, has argued for the privatisation of waste management services to end, due to financial greed.She joins Anton to discuss.

“Our national parliament is now less powerful and less sovereign — which gives Irish voters less direct say over how we are governed.” So writes David Quinn in the Sunday Independent.He joins Anton, as well as Bobby McDonagh, Former Irish Ambassador to the UK & EU, to discuss.

From HBO, to Netflix specials and now tiktok and instagram reels - comedy has changed a lot in recent years.But are internet comedians and online funnymen making stand up worse or better?For international Joke day, Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden finds out.

Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail Emer Higgins said she will ask Dublin City Council to pause the upcoming transport plan that is due to come into effect next month because of concerns about the impact it could have on jobs and retail sales in the city.She joins Anton Savage to discuss.

The Vatican has enforced a strict dress code for employees in St. Peters Factory to cover visible tattoos and piercings...Should we still be asking employees to cover tattoos?Joining guest host Anton Savage is HR and Employment Law Expert from the HR Suite, Caroline Reidy, Owner of Wildcat tattoo studios, Dolores Murray and Chief Political Writer of Spiked Online, Brendan O'Neill.  

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

From a career that began at the age of sixteen alongside Serena Williams to his career peak at the US Open and Wimbledon in 2011, Limerick born Conor Niland, former professional tennis player joins Kieran to discuss his new book, 'The Racket', which delves into the world of elite tennis. 

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to showcase various ways to improve your food when cooking!

That’s right, Taylor Swift isn't the only superstar in town this weekend! Shania Twain is in Malahide Castle, The Saw Doctors are on in Fairview Park and on the other side of town, Longitude is taking place in Marley Park.Joining Kieran to run through all the events in the capital this weekend is Today FM’s Shelly Grey. 

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…

Apparently, one in 20 people have walked out on a meal at a restaurant without paying, and it seems on the rise according to a UK survey.Sarah is a waitress and apparently knows all about this. She joins Kieran, as well as Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland to discuss how much of a problem it is in Ireland.

Taylor Swift has landed in Dublin and her long awaited Eras tour will kick off in the Aviva this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.To discuss the buzz around the concerts, Kieran is joined by a panel of Taylor Swift super fans!Newstalk Producer Sean Reidy, Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn, Independent Columnist, Mary McCarthy and Mary’s daughter Alex all join!

US President Joe Biden has come under fire after an alarming performance against Donald Trump in their first election debate last night.Joining Kieran to dissect the display is Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac Polling Analyst and former NBC journalist, Bob Mulholland Democratic Party Strategist based in California.

Kieran’s guest has just about recovered from last year’s challenge for the Lust for Life mental health charity, but Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, is embarking on yet another gruelling challenge to raise even more money for the charity. “The Rising 2024” will see him really test his limits physically and mentally, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you think you could be Ireland's next big influencer? According to a recent survey, 60% of Irish adults under the age of 35 want to be an influencer. So, what is the reality behind the glamour, the brand deals and the PR events?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Rob Kenny, influencer and Owner of Rob Kenny PR.

It's Pride Week this week, and celebrations are getting underway across the country!Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss why Pride still matters.   

Tonight, round one of the US presidential debates kicks off on CNN, with Donald Trump facing Joe Biden.What’s the play for the two hopefuls, what should you expect and what should you look out for?To give more information and to preview the debate, Kieran is joined by Jeff Kuhner, Host of The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston and Ed Flynn, Boston District 2 City Councillor... 

Do you eat chicken with your pasta and drink your cappuccino after midday?Well, if so, you are guilty of some of the common faux pas that annoy Italians!Kieran is joined by Luca De Marzio, owner of the Dublin-based Italian restaurant Rosa Madre to discuss some of those food crimes.