The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.Listen and subscribe to The Pat Kenny Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
The latest on the Presidential race for the Áras
14 would be presidential candidates pitched themselves to Kerry County Council yesterday and Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin battle it out for the Fianna Fáil nomination later today.Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent for Newstalk and Host of the 'Let Me Explain' Podcast joined Pat to bring us the latest on the Presidential race.
Sep 9, 2025 • 8min
Hundreds of Chinese millionaires approved for Irish “golden visas”
Hundreds of Chinese millionaires have been approved for Irish “golden visas” since the scheme was shut two years ago, after applications in train at the time of closure were kept open despite concern about weak controls. Arthur Beesley is current affairs editor of the Irish Times and joined Pat with the story.
Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
Construction activity continues to fall
For the fourth consecutive month, work on the countries' housing projects has declined. According to AIB’s latest construction purchasing managers index, construction activity fell to 45.9 in August, which is quite below the key breakeven level of 50. It comes as housing targets will be missed for every year of government, according to officials from the Department of Housing.Pat Kenny was joined by Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) to discuss.
Sep 9, 2025 • 9min
Tech with Jess Kelly
Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Presenter of Tech Talk joined Pat Kenny with the latest on all things tech and answered listeners questions.
Sep 9, 2025 • 10min
Israel’s defence minister warns Gaza city of 'mighty hurricane'
Israel’s defence minister warns Gaza city about the subject of “mighty hurricane”. Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Sep 9, 2025 • 9min
UK Labour on the search for a new deputy leader
Angela Rayner last week resigned as deputy leader of the UK Labour party along with her government positions following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty. The race to succeed her as deputy leader is now underway. George Parker, Political Editor, Financial Times joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
Cecelia Ahern on her new novel 'Paper Hearts'
Most famously known for her debut novel ‘P.S I love you’. ‘Paper Hearts’ is set in rural Ballybeg in County Wicklow. The main character Pip feels like she’ll never be able to reach her dreams again when she becomes pregnant at sixteen during a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable. After years of shame and neglect, her world opens up again, but first, there are a few major plot twists that she has to get through first to find her happy ending. Author Cecila Ahern joined Pat on the show to discuss her latest novel.
Sep 9, 2025 • 9min
Principal who would favour two extra teachers over free school meals
School principals have to face budgeting decisions every school year… but what if you were faced with the decision between free school meals or two new teachers, which would you choose?Well, that is one decision that has been taken out of the hands of Robert White, principal of Scoil Íde Naofa in Kildare, who has lost a teacher in this year’s allocation — a teacher he says he would prioritise over the allocation of free school meals in his school.Robert White, Principal, Scoil Íde Naofa, Kildare joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.
Sep 9, 2025 • 19min
New report highlights Irelands unmet needs for the older population
Ireland is one of the fastest-growing ageing countries in Europe but new research highlights how we lack in social and health care needs for older people. That’s according to TILDA, the Irish longitudinal study on ageing which found that many older adults remain undiagnosed for conditions and depression is nearly not reported at all but loneliness levels have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA joined Pat Kenny on the show to tell us more about the report.
Sep 9, 2025 • 9min
Why so many foxes are in our cities
Why are there so many foxes running wild in our urban areas and what should we do when we see them? Dr Colin Lawton from the University of Galway joined Pat on the show to discuss how foxes are getting more and more comfortable in our towns and cities.
