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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 13min
Is Irelands defence strong enough for the European presidency next year?
Is Irelands defence strong enough for when we take on the European presidency next year? After a number of suspected Russian drones were spotted near the flight path of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Ireland's ability to protect global politicians has come into question.Pat was joined on the show by Naomi O'Leary, Europe correspondent for the Irish Times to discuss further.
Dec 10, 2025 • 13min
Australia became the first country to ban social media for under 16’s
Yesterday, Australia became the first country to ban social media for under 16’s. Here in Ireland, we are on route to introducing an age verification system through a digital wallet took that will restrict access to social media for under 16’s. Pat discusses this further with Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O Donovan.
Dec 10, 2025 • 8min
Green Scene: How living with dogs may influence our microbiome
How living with dogs may influence our microbiome and our mental health and how we might share the same behaviours. Also we hear about the new approaches to deal with forever chemicals. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.
Dec 10, 2025 • 11min
Cars are steadily becoming longer, wider and heavier
Critics call it "carspreading". In the UK and across Europe, cars are steadily becoming longer, wider and heavier. Consumers clearly like them – a lot. Big cars are seen as practical, safe and stylish, and sales are growing. So, why are some cities determined to clamp down on them and are they right to do so?
Dec 9, 2025 • 10min
Australia to implement a minimum age for social media
Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent brings us the details.All with thanks to Renault.
Dec 9, 2025 • 16min
How badly is a Cork task force needed?
A planned taskforce dedicated to the revival of Cork’s city centre was included in the programme for government In October, Tánaiste Simon Harris repeated his desire that a taskforce for cork be urgently introduced, adding that when he was Taoiseach, he had established a Dublin city centre taskforce which had resulted in clear benefits for the capital. Last week Mr. Harris explained that there would be no task force for cork city in 2025. How badly is a Cork task force needed? Pat asked Catríona Twomey, Volunteer coordinator Penny Dinners and also Colm Burke, Fine Gael Spokesman for Cork.
Dec 9, 2025 • 8min
The quest for love new relationship trends
Trending on Tik Tok and Instagram the wabi sabi trend for authenticity and imperfection. The bird theory bids for connection and the dating till your hating.Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and Co-Host of The Tough Love podcast tells us about the new online relationship trends.
Dec 9, 2025 • 11min
Private landlords continue to sell up in droves
No matter what new rental law the Government introduces, private landlords continue to sell up in droves. The latest figures from Sherry Fitzgerald show that for every three landlords who sell, only one new landlord is entering the market. Private landlord Michael Houghton recently wrote about a mentality shift he had where he lost the quiet guilt he held on to for being a private landlord. Michael chatted to Pat this morning.
Dec 9, 2025 • 14min
Updates on Storm Bram
The entire country is now under a Status Orange weather warning as Storm Bram makes landfall. We get the latest on the storm with Cathal Nolan, Founder, Ireland’s Weather Channel, Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent, Irish Independent and Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager, DAA.
Dec 9, 2025 • 12min
The 49 day Prime Minister is back!
The 49 day Prime Minister is back! Liz Truss has launched her new YouTube Show, The Liz Truss Show, where she promises to expose those who brought an end to her premiership in 2022. Enda Brady reviews
