Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Boris Johnson's memoir ‘Unleashed’ is set to be released next week, but Kieran’s guest has gotten his hands on an early copy.Joining Kieran to discuss what it contains is London Correspondent for The Irish Times, Mark Paul.

The 4th of October marks the 20 year anniversary of the murder of Rachel Callaly, who was killed by her husband Joe O’Reilly.As possible parole hearings are on the horizon, Rose Callaly, Rachel’s mother joins Kieran to discuss.

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that train services in Dublin will go back to the previous timetable from the 14th of October.While the new timetables had increased some intercity services, it ultimately led to congestion and knock-on delays on routes.Iarnród Éireann has acknowledged the disruption, apologised to customers and spokesperson Barry Kenny has said they "got it wrong".Joining Kieran to discuss if this was the right move is Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition.

On Tuesday, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers announced the government's budget and went against the advice of the budgetary watchdog The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.Seamus Coffey, Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Lecturer in Economics at UCC, joins Kieran to discuss the decisions made.

The government has come into criticism over the past 48 hours for its decision to allocate €9 million in the Budget for equipment to store students’ phones during the school day.Minister for Education Norma Foley joins Kieran Cuddihy to respond and discuss. She also discusses the passing of former minister Mary O’Rourke, and the controversy surrounding the SPHE course in schools following a ‘whistleblower’ story.

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 compare different kinds of meat! Well, ones you don’t put in the fridge…

Following news of an earthquake off the coast of Donegal, Kieran is joined by James Grannell from the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, who is a Seismic Network Data Analyst to tell more about it, as well as other earthquakes in Ireland.

Yesterday in the budget, the government announced that the free IVF scheme is to be expanded to include donor-assisted IVF and to assist couples experiencing “secondary infertility”.But, do these measures go far enough for couples seeking IVF treatment?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr. John Kennedy, Medical Director at Thérapie Fertility and IVF patient Leslie Buchanan.

Well known Cork chip shop Jackie Lennox's is closing its doors after 73 years. Established in 1951 on the southside of the city, it fed generations of families.Newstalk’s Henry McKean visited and met owner Brian Lennox, who says it's like a death in the family. He sent in this report.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the phone pouches being used in schools, as well as Free Now’s ridiculous new ‘technology fee’...

While Budget 2025 took up most of the news yesterday, multiple Israeli missiles hit Beirut overnight... Joining Kieran with the latest news is Freelance Journalist in Beirut, Clotilde Bigot.Image: Reuters

With Budget 2025 making all the headlines, a lot of the stories are being favourable to the Government. However, joining Kieran is Alan Shatter, the former Minister of Defence and Justice & Equality, who is now the Chairperson for the Inheritance Tax reform Campaign. He discusses his issues with this budget.

Most people would admit to scrolling on their phone around their family or their partner. But, a recent article in the Guardian highlights how it can cause tension between people – possibly affecting those relationships.Comedian Jim Elliott and Columnist and Audience Editor at the independent, Saoirse Hanley join Kieran to discuss.

Darragh Higgins is almost 13 yrs old and has been left in limbo regarding his scoliosis treatment. His spine is currently at a 120 degree curve…His mother Keara is speaking out to give a voice to Darragh and get him the help he deserves, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The government has come into criticism for its decision to allocate €9 million in the Budget for equipment to store students’ phones during the school day. Is this really the best use of education funding?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Conor Murphy, English Teacher in Skibbereen and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies.

You’ve heard today’s Budget 2025 from the government coalition, but what would the opposition do if they were in the hot seat?Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin TD and Housing Spokesperson joins Kieran to discuss his reaction to the announcements.

Normally, listeners send in their thoughts at home via texts, but on a special day like the reveal of next year’s budget, it seems right to hear from some listeners directly.Kieran is joined by listeners Barbara Taylor, Tracey Carroll and Matthew Murphy to discuss their thoughts on Budget 2025.

Following the detailing of Budget 2025 today, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers joined Kieran to discuss the plans of the budget further.

For budget day, Kieran is joined by a panel of experts to break down the most important aspects of Budget 2025, particularly, how the tourism industry has seemingly been ignored.He’s joined by Catherine Flanagan, IITIC Director and CEO of the Visitor Attraction Sector, Conor Skehan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC to discuss.

With today being the big reveal of Budget 2025, there’s a lot to dig into. For a breakdown of its content Kieran is joined by a panel of experts from across a wide field to discuss. Topics include benefits for families and tax.He’s joined by Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC, Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Emmet Oliver, The Hard Shoulder’s Business Correspondent.