The Hard Shoulder

The Hard Shoulder has been to Cork to meet candidates for the European Elections, last week we heard from Dublin – this week we are in Athlone to cover the rather sizable constituency of Midlands North-West. The constituency was a four-seater, but this election will see it grow to five. To discuss why they are running, as well as their platforms, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by: Luke Ming Flanagan Independent MEP and candidate in the European Elections Peadar Tóbín TD and Leader of Aontú and the party’s candidate for the European Elections  Maria Walsh - Fine Gael MEP and one of the party’s candidates for the European Elections

Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Dáil has officially recognized the state of Palestine.Joining Kieran to discuss this and the broader conversation is Irish Musician and part of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), Liam Ó Maonlaí.Image: IPSC

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone, which gives host Kieran Cuddihy the chance to see some of the sites in the town, including Athlone Marina!He speaks with Joe Grennan, the manager of the Marina, to learn more.Image: Westmeath County Council

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone on the beautiful Shannon River. One issue that persists for many of those who live near this river is the proposal of a Shannon to Dublin Pipeline. This project would see water used from the Shannon to help supply Dublin and surrounding areas with the necessary water for building, business and consumption in the future.  Donal Whelan from the River Shannon Protection Alliance and Mannix Flynn Independent Dublin City Councillor join Kieran to discuss. 

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has proposed a new plan that will see EV charging points every 60 km on Irish motorways.  Is this a good idea? And how realistic will it be until we see it rolled out?  Shane O'Donoghue, Editor of completecar.ie, joins Kieran to discuss.

The good weather has started rolling in, which means people are out and about making the most of it. One way is running, which seems to be more and more trendy.  But, what are some important things to consider to make sure you are running safely and not risking injury or harm down the line?David Gillick, Former Irish Olympian joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that cost-of-living measures will be front and centre of this year’s budget. He was speaking at the annual National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle today, which brings various stakeholders in government and society together to discuss the upcoming budget. Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, joins Kieran to discuss.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Caroline Robbins, Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association and Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow joined Kieran to discuss taking care of a child’s teeth at home.

A new chocolate bar from Holland & Barrett has come under scrutiny after it claims to help soothe some symptoms of menopause.  Some have accused the bar of ‘menowashing’ and unfairly targeting vulnerable women.  Loretta Dignam, CEO & Founder of the Menopause Hub, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Holland & Barrett

Overnight, Israel attacked a camp full of displaced Palestinians in Gaza... at least 30 people were killed, and dozens were injured.Kieran is joined by Zak Hania, an Irish-Palestinian man who was trapped in the Gaza Strip for 7 months and returned to Dublin earlier this month to discuss his experience, and share his thoughts on the conflict.

By popular demand, Kidstalk is back! Newstalk’s Henry McKean met the boys of O’Connell Primary, North Richmond Street in Dublin 1. The kids give their thoughts on the European and Local elections.

Kieran’s guest has been calling for changes to the requirements for ISL interpreters in schools. Her two children Pippa and Jack are profoundly deaf and she worries they will fall behind if they don’t get sufficient support... Kieran is joined by Emma Dooley O'Gorman to discuss.

The National Economic Dialogue has been underway in Dublin Castle today - a stakeholder conference where recommendations will be made for next year’s budget.  Should we have more support for our cost of living crisis? Or are we still even in one?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor of Economics at DCU, Edgar Morgenroth and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry.

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

Nationwide has a special mini-series coming up on the 27th of May, marking 100 years of O’Connell Street since its renaming 100 years ago this May.  Kieran is joined by Anne Cassin, RTÉ TV presenter, to talk about what the brand new Nationwide series is all about!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about Spanish tapas like Patatas Bravas, Salmajero and Croquettas!

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 International Criminal Court have ordered Israel to halt its military assault on the city of Rafah, citing "exceptionally grave" conditions. For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by Freelance Journalist in Israel, Hannah McCarthy...

RTÉ’s 2fm has seen an exodus of presenters over the last period, with stars such as Doireann Garrihy, The 2 Johnnies and now, Jennifer Zamparelli.  What is happening in the station? And is this a sign of things to come? Joining Kieran to discuss is Keith Walsh, Former RTÉ 2fm Presenter and Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

After losing the past two Champions Cup finals, Leinster will hope to make it third time lucky as they take on French giants Toulouse in this year’s final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Kieran is joined by Devin Toner, former Leinster and Ireland player and Tania Rosser, Head Coach of the Leinster Women’s team, to discuss Leinster’s chances.

We have all been aware of inflation the last few years but one of the side effects of this is… Shrinkflation! Well Ritz crackers are the next beloved snack to be a victim of shrinkflation… The number of crackers has reduced 30% however the price stays the same! Kieran is joined by Consumer Affairs Correspondent and Pricewatch Editor with The Irish Times, Conor Pope and Co-Presenter of Fully Charged on Spin 1038, Aisling Bonner to discuss.Image: Brett Jordan

In the lead up to the Local and European elections, we're going to be out and about with candidates as they are on the campaign trail.This week, Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie spoke with some candidates who are running in an election for the first time.

A Louth Councillor, Pio Smyth is calling for a dog DNA database to be created so we can crack down on dog fouling! Joining Kieran to discuss is John Fulham, Public Engagement Manager at the Irish Wheelchair Association, Dave O'Reilly Greystones Tidy Towns Chairman and Dónal Ryan from the City Vet in Limerick to discuss the issue.

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 claim that the Department of Justice were ready to shoot him during his 2022 raid, and why Democrats and Republicans alike are furious with the ICC for their arrest warrant on Netanyahu.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner, it’s hard to avoid the words ‘interest rate’. But how do you know if you’re getting the best possible rate?To talk about this, and the importance of shopping around we have teamed up with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Sinead Ryan, Journalist and presenter of the Home Show here in Newstalk joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest has not seen her two sons in two years… Mandy Kelly’s sons Zayn and Kareem, who are now 5 and 3, were taken by her estranged husband to his home in Egypt back in April 2022. Mandy’s case has been backed by the Taoiseach, and she today met with Children’s Ombudsman Niall Muldoon. She joins the show to share her story.

Newstalk's own Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. This series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week, Simon brought a selection of barbeque sauces!

There have been many reactions to Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine as a state. One person who has been calling for this for a long time is actor and musician Steve Wall.He joins Kieran to give his reaction…Image: Kathrin Baumbach

A leak from the UK has led to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing a new general election for the 4th of July.Joining Kieran to discuss what this means is London-based Journalist, Enda Brady...

Everyday the issue of immigration is being discussed on the airwaves and on our screens. We see the quotes ‘Ireland is Full’ and ‘Close our borders’ on a continual basis, with many now using this as their platform for upcoming elections.What impact is this having on migrants who call Ireland home for the last 5, 10 or 20 years?Kieran’s guest Linda was born in Uganda, but has lived in Ireland for over 20 years, contributing to society and living her life. She has been in Ireland longer than she lived in Uganda, and yet is made to feel like she does not belong here.She joins the show to share her story.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses the new 4 foot tall robot you can buy for 16 grand. Is that remotely worth it?She also gives tips on Trello and recommends the NYT Daily podcast.Image: Unitree Robotics

The Europa League Final kicks off at 8pm tonight in the Aviva Stadium with Atalanta and Leverkusen going head-to-head.  But who will raise the Europa League trophy? Newstalk reporter Sheila Naughton is speaking from the event…

There have been calls by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore to get rid of best before dates on food as it leads to food waste. Is this a fair idea? And what do best before date actually mean?Shelly Grey, Presenter Today FM and Dietician joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris announced that Palestine will be recognised as a state by Ireland.Joining Kieran to debate whether or not this is the right choice is, Political Commentator, Adam Boulton and People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett...Adam also comments on the announcement of a general election in the UK of the 4th of July.

Now it is just over 2 and a half weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections.   Last week the show had on many of the candidates in the Ireland South Constituency – this week we have turned our attention to the Dublin Constituency. We heard from Brendan Ogle, Ciaran Cuffe and Sinead Gibney on Monday, and today it is the turn of Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil candidate and a sitting MEP, Clare Daly the Independent Candidate and sitting MEP and Daithí Doolan, the Sinn Féin Dublin City Cllr and the party’s candidate.

Earlier today Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced Ireland will be recognising Palestine as a state... So what is the reaction to this news across the pond?  Joining Kieran is Former Chief of Staff for Donald Trump and Chair of Actum Global Consultants, Mick Mulvaney.

Outside the O'Reilly Hall is an encampment protest of about 100 tents organised by the students of UCD, showing solidarity to Gaza. Former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, a member of Ireland's Jewish community, wanted to engage with the students but found it difficult. Newstalk's Henry McKean went along to see how Alan got on.There are strong views in this report, some might disagree with. 

Hair loss can be a problem for both men and women, and is very emotionally taxing when it happens... Joining Kieran to discuss how we can deal with hair loss is Trichologist and owner of Trua and Remi, Claire Fullam.

UK research found that only thirty per cent of families commit to a traditional pocket money routine...So what is the best routine anyway? Should we be giving our kids money every week, or should they work for the few bob they want?Kieran is joined by Adrian Barry from OffTheBall and Aoife Lee, parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie to discuss.

Newstalk’s own Pat Kenny joins Kieran on The Bookshelf to discuss his favourite book, ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’ by Tom Wolf.

You may have heard that a 73-year-old man with a suspected heart condition  died and 30 were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit turbulence.But, what exactly is turbulence? And should you be scared of it?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Cabin Crew for an International Airline & Host of the ‘Bad Air Hostess’ Podcast, Paula Gahan.

Ireland needs another quarter of a million homes, but can the government bridge the gap?The Minister For Housing Darragh O’Brien is with Kieran to discuss the new Housing Commission report and what needs to be done to reach housing targets...

Happy International Tea Day! International Tea Day means giving recognition to tea and the people who work in the tea business.Kieran is joined by Jenna Logan, Clement and Pekoe’s Resident Tea Sommelier to introduce us to new tea most of us have never heard of before from places all around the world...

Yesterday on the show we spoke to Sophie Cole, a teacher in Cork who spoke to us about how she was attacked in her classroom...  To follow on from that discussion, Kieran is joined by Collette Butler, Principal of Cara Junior School, a mild to moderate ASD school.

With local and European elections around the corner, we’re keeping voter turnout on the mind.Young people will no doubt be weighing up their options at the moment, but there is a preconception that young people aren’t engaged enough to vote in June. Leon Diop, writer, founder of Black and Irish Organisation and Social Inclusion Activist and Calvin O’Brien, Co-host of ‘Talking Bollox’ join Kieran to discuss.

A local election candidate for Artane-Whitehall in Dublin Linkwinstar Mattatil Matthew was forced to take down election posters on Friday night after being harassed, intimidated and subjected to a barrage of racist abuse.  Linkwinstar Mattatil Matthew is with Kieran to share his story…

Comedian PJ Gallagher becomes a mental health warrior in a new RTÉ documentary called ‘Changing My Mind’, which explores mental health in Ireland. It’s airing on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Monday 20th May at 9.35pm.Kieran is joined with PJ to delve into his personal experiences, insights and the powerful message PJ Gallagher hopes to spread about mental health awareness.

The business lobby group IBEC has called for an “immediate pause” to the implementation of Dublin City Council’s transport plan  Kieran is joined by some business owners in the city: owner of Skechers stores around the country and Asics on Henry Street, Paul Gallagher and Sales Manager at Sweeney & O’Rourke, catering showroom located on Pearse Street, Paul Woodborne.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Kieran to discuss how to protect your children’s skin in the sun.

Now it is just over 2 and a half weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections.   Last week we met many of the candidates in the Ireland South Constituency – this week we are turning our attention to the Dublin Constituency. We will here from more of the candidates later in the week, but today Kieran is joined by:Brendan Ogle - Independent Candidate in the European Elections.  Sinead Gibney - Social Democrats Candidate in the European Elections.Ciaran Cuffe - Green Party MEP and Candidate in the European Elections.