Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

We have all had to pay for plastic bags while doing our shopping over recent years, but on a recent shopping trip, Kieran’s guest refused to pay for a bag and instead carried his shopping to the car…Joining to discuss is Presenter and Director, Killian O’Sullivan.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.This week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Anton Save to try different offerings of herbal tea!

According to figures from Ebay, Irish people are far more likely to regift this Christmas than any other European country.  So, what is the art of regifting and how do you make the most of it this festive season?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Pat Kane, Sustainability Advocate and Founder of Reuzi.

Is Ireland in a much better state than some believe? Will we have another Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition – not because of a lack of choice, but because they’ve earned our vote?Former Ambassador and Consultant Commentator Daniel Mulhall has been tweeting his opinion, and joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Newly-elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes was suspended from the party over shares that he sold from a company linked to the Israeli Defence Forces. There is now pressure for him to resign, should he?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP and chair of the Development of Palestinian Relations at the European Parliament…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss why satirical news outlet The Onion was rejected in their bid to purchase Alex Jones’ InfoWars…

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney recently wrote in the Irish Independent questioning whether or not teachers should be called by their first names. So, should we drop the sir’s and miss’?Well, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been gathering thoughts from the public, and joins Anton Savage to share what he’s heard.

Northern Ireland have made the decision to ban puberty blockers indefinitely for under 18s.Is this unfair to members of the trans community, and should it looked to be reversed? Or, should we follow in Northern Ireland’s footsteps and ban it in the Republic?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Ronan Mullen, Independent Senator and Jude Copeland, LGBTQ Advocate and Activist.

All this month the Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2024’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.One incident was more shameful than others when anti-immigration protests at the former Crown Paint factory on Malahide Road in Coolock turned into rioting...Fianna Fáil Councilor for Artane/Whitehall, Racheal Batten joins Anton to discuss.

Over the past few months, the only time you might’ve heard about Lebanon is in relation to a breaking news story. But, Anton’s next guest was born there and has returned regularly, writing books about his travels.Joining the show to discuss is Dom Joly, the Comedian and Travel Writer.

A nightclub in the UK has raised a few eyebrows with its quirky policy on smartphone use.The Amber Nightclub in Manchester has implemented a strict rule that you must cover your phone’s camera with a sticker to enter with the idea to stop phone use and increase enjoyment and immersion in the event.Is this a good idea, and should Irish nightclubs follow suit?Guest host Anton Savage is joined by Ed Smith from Today FM and Becca Fisher, Music Journalist at DMG to discuss.

Paul Howard, Journalist, Author and Comedy Writer joins Jonathan Healy this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite Book: Trainspotting – Irving WelshHonorable Mention:Me Cheeta: The Autobiography - James LeverCurrently Reading:Our London Lives by Our London Lives by Christine Dwyer Hickey

The mother of two boys who are being held in by their father in Egypt is pleading with An Taoiseach Simon Harris to bring her case up to the Egyptian President during his state visit this week…Mother Mandy Kelly joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Dr Ronan Glynn, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Ireland, and current Health Sector Lead at EY Ireland, was writing in the Irish times about the healthcare debates taking place across the country, and believes we are too focused on the wrong things.The problem solving within the HSE is for immediate issues, rather than long term problems…Ronan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.

The New Zealand government has proposed banning greyhound racing from 2026 – the reason being that the percentage of dogs injured in races remains significantly high.New Zealand's greyhound racing industry has long faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the welfare of the animals, with three reviews on the industry over the past decade all recommending major changes.Does Ireland need to look at a similar ban?Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy Rae and Katie Corcoran of Greyhound Awareness Cork join Jonathan to discuss.

 Christmas shopping is in full swing and many presents are being purchased online. So how do the parcels get to us, and what kind of pressure is on those delivering them?Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting those who are sorting through the millions of packages arriving into the country.

Newly elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has confirmed this afternoon that his shares in Palantir were only sold in July of this year - contrary to what he had said in his Dublin City Council ethics disclosure…The shares were worth almost €200k.He has been suspended from the Social Democrats parliamentary party.For more on this story, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail.

Google has released their ‘Year in Search’ for 2024 – which brings together data from every user to find out what the biggest topics were on the minds of the public. Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to go through the hottest searches of the year is Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor and Weekend Magazine Columnist at the Irish Examiner.

The next guest has decided to step back from politics, mere months after she was one of the front runners to be leader of the Green Party. Pippa Hackett is Green Party Senator and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and joined Anton Savage on the Hard Shoulder...

Yesterday Syrian armed groups moved into Damascus seizing the capital and forcing Bashar al-Assad to leave for Russia. The news was met with cheers and celebrations around the country. Irish-Syrian journalist Razan Ibraheem joined Anton Savage on the Hard Shoulder programme to give her reaction...