Lunchtime Live

Does smoking seem to be becoming fashionable for young people?The dangers of smoking are well known at this stage, but there are a number of young, influential celebrities, including Ireland’s own Paul Mescal, who continue to smoke.There has been an increase in the amount of smoking on TV shows and in movies; of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, all except ‘Barbie’ feature smoking.What do you think? Are we in danger of having smoking being seen as ‘cool’?Andrea is joined by Entertainment Journalist Sarina Bellisimo, Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn and more to discuss.

From placement to painting them, how can you give your radiators a more prominent place in your house?Well, the Home Squad are here to chat about heating your house, but stylishly!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty to discuss.

The long-awaited General Election has finally been called: it will happen on November 29th.The Taoiseach will ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dáil tomorrow.So, what do you need to know now?Joining Andrea to discuss what we can expect, and how you can register to vote if you haven’t already, is Newstalk Political Correspondent Seán Defoe.

Have you ever been told that there is a minimum 2 item purchase in a shop? Gordon posted about his experience lately when trying to buy a candle in Rituals in Kildare Village. Gordon joins Andrea, along with Stylist Laura Mullet, Damian O'Reilly, Lecturer in Retail Management at TU Dublin and more to discuss.Image: Kildare Village

Listener Siobhan Cunningham got in touch with the show about her story of a cardiovascular misdiagnosis.She joins Andrea to discuss, along with Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director at The Irish Heart Foundation.

From the arrival of Big Bird to a Christmas favourite, 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday.Image: Disney

A new report from the Garda Síochána Inspectorate recommends that gangland informants who provide valuable intelligence on organised crime should be permitted to commit criminal offences in certain circumstances.What do you think about this approach?Should informants be allowed to get away with some crime if they are feeding information to the police?Joining Andrea to discuss is Nicola Tallant, Host of the Crime World Podcast & Investigations Editor with the Sunday World, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Niall Spelman, former Assistant Governor of Wheatfield Prison and more.

Last week, Peter McElroy from myUKpension was on the show to discuss how you might be eligible to claim a UK pension. So many people sent in questions, that he joins Andrea again for this week’s Ask the Expert!

Can you make yourself into a morning person?Sleep Expert Tom Coleman has tips on how to make those early mornings a little brighter, and joins Andrea to discuss.

With the required 270 Electoral College votes passed, it is all but confirmed that Donal Trump will be returning to the White House as President of the United States.So, what are your reactions, did you stay up late for coverage, and is it anything you expected?Andrea is joined by Americans living in Ireland and Irish living in America to discuss reactions, as well as Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler.Image: Reuters