Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

A little later this evening, Alison Spittle will be doing some devious debating and answering the question… what would a United Ireland look like if it really did happen?Others taking part in this mischief will be comedians from North and South of the border and one from across the Irish sea for good measure including Neil Delamere, Oliver Callan, Ashley Storrie and John Meagher.Together, the panel will be asking all the questions you want answered from flags and road signs to anthems and crisps; and putting together a fantasy football league of how they see it all playing out.Alison joins Kieran to discuss.

Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of Environment, Climate and Energy, has said that data centres had used up all spare electricity capacity, and it was necessary to prioritise demands.The comments come just days after Taoiseach Micheál Martin once again talked up the importance of data centres and AI and criticised critics of the government’s expansion policy…So, do we need to manage our energy needs for the sake of data centres?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan, and Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan.

Calls to National Rape Crisis Helpline 24-hour helpline surpassed the 20,000 mark for the first time last year…A record-high of 22,700 calls were logged, which is an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, of those seeking support for sexual violence across the country.The figures are contained in the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s annual report for 2024 and Chief Executive of the DRCC, Rachel Morrogh joins Kieran to discuss.1800 77 88 88 - 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline

One of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, who is wanted in Ireland to face charges of murder and involvement with a criminal gang, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates.Sean McGovern has been on a Defence Forces military aircraft, and has been due to land today.Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent Paul Williams join Kieran to discuss.

Stephen Bartlett, Host of the Diary of a CEO Podcast and Dragon Den star stated that he didn’t like one of his job interviewees because he was wearing a suit, but is it wise to follow his example?Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse and Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise join Kieran to discuss.

There is news every day of more devastation in Gaza…Gaza's civil defence agency said today that the latest Israeli attacks have killed 44 people, including 23 in a strike on a home in the centre of the Palestinian territory.Kieran is joined by one of those treating patients in a hospital in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza.Dr Tom Potokar joins the show.Image: Reuters

B&Q has been forced to issue an apology after a third-party seller on its site claimed a bathroom cabinet was so “easy to assemble even if you’re a girl”...It is awkward timing for B&Q, considering they’ve just launched a campaign to champion women in trades.So, is there still a continued problem with stereotypes when it involves gender and DIY?Roisin Murphy, Artist and Lecturer in Interior Architecture at Griffith College and Laura De Barra, Author of Gaff Goddess, Decor Galore and Garment Goddess, joins Kieran to discuss.

You might find yourself sitting for hours on end, whether for work and for pleasure, leading to back and neck pain! So, how should you deal with it?Chiropractor Paul Bradley joins Kieran to give his top tips.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how not to forget things!

The academic year might only be finishing up, but students are already raising concerns around the obstacles facing them for next year.The lack of accommodation has seen students having to make 8-hour round trips to attend their chosen college course, while there is still uncertainty around the fee structure for next year…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jenny Maguire, Trinity College Student President, and joining to discuss the US pause on student visas is Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss Google’s new announcement of AI agents, that you can use for tasks like online shopping.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team appeared before an Oireachtas Media Committee today.Joining Kieran to discuss what was covered is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Media Committee and Labour TD for Tipperary North.

40% of treatment for drug problems last year were for cocaine, with a 400% increase in women seeking treatment.Have our attitudes to drugs changed, and is it now becoming more normalised?Kristy Morrison Keating has spoken out online of her own struggles with cocaine and the prevalence among your people. Kristy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Music Journalist with Extra.ie, Becca Fisher.

According to new research from CBRE, Ireland is the most highly educated country in the world.Ireland is the only nation listed in which a majority of adults aged 25–64 have a bachelor’s degree or higher.Has education transformed the country?  And if so, is it for the better?Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and Mark Henry is Communications and Marketing Manager at TU Dublin they join Kieran to discuss.

Customers are now being offered a buy now pay later option when buying low-cost items such as clothes brands like Very or take away through Deliveroo.But could this lead to people ending up in unnecessary debt?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

She’s been on our screens for decades now, giving parenting advice to parents around the world who need it…Supernanny Jo Frost joins Kieran on The Hard Shoulder!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran Cuddihy to give his travel recommendations for Gen S, AKA, seniors!

A meeting between the ESRI and the Oireachtas Committee on Housing to discuss housing supply for the coming year has just finished up.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock.

The food safety watchdog is proposing a measure that would see all food premises publicly display signage to show the level of cleanliness and food safety standards of the business.How would the roll out work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland and Gail Carroll, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance at the FSAI.

Gordon D’Arcy, former Irish International and co-author of ‘Let’s Play Rugby!’, joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!