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
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Nov 24, 2025 • 8min
The US and Ukraine are to continue working on peace plan
In this engaging discussion, Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, shares his insights on the evolving US–Ukraine peace plan. He outlines the challenges of negotiating with Trump's unpredictable diplomatic style and the current violent stalemate. Rogers suggests that Ukraine may have to cede some territory to achieve a settlement, while also weighing the potential for Western guarantees to secure a deal with Russia. Despite some progress, he reflects on whether the current moment is truly the closest to peace.
Nov 24, 2025 • 7min
Is nimbyism at the heart of the Irish planning system?
Shane Dempsey, Director General of the Association of Consulting Engineers Ireland, shares his insights on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles in infrastructure. He discusses how regulations slow down project timelines despite Ireland's capable engineering sector. Dempsey highlights the challenges of multiple agencies managing infrastructure and emphasizes the need for collective action to drive reforms. He also compares Ireland's public-good designations with more effective systems abroad, underscoring the potential for accelerated delivery when legal frameworks align with political will.
Nov 24, 2025 • 9min
"Dublin isn’t a bargain bucket tourism destination"
Trevor White, founder of The Little Museum and a prominent voice in Irish tourism, discusses Dublin's reputation as a travel destination. He highlights the city's over-reliance on North American tourists, noting the rise in local visitors post-renovation. White argues that Dublin can offer value through quality experiences while contrasting it with over-touristed cities. He emphasizes the need to showcase cultural assets and defend Dublin's vibrant identity, all while recognizing unique attractions like his museum's quirky artworks.
Nov 24, 2025 • 16min
The concerning number of teens opting for weight loss jabs
In this engaging discussion, Professor Donal O'Shea, HSE's National Clinical Lead for Obesity, dives into the alarming rise of teenagers choosing weight loss injections. He outlines the effectiveness and limitations of GLP-1 medications, emphasizing the dangers of using them for vanity. The conversation reveals how social media pressures push teens toward unsafe online purchases, with potential health risks. O'Shea insists that only those at medical risk should seek these treatments, highlighting the stigma and societal expectations surrounding body image.
Nov 21, 2025 • 24min
A look back on the new stories of the week on the Friday Forum
A look back on the new stories of the week on the Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Bay South, Senator Laura Harmon, Spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Disability, Labour, Cork South-Central, Cork City South West and Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin TD for Mayo.
Nov 21, 2025 • 11min
A damning official report on the handling of Covid 19 by UK Government
The UK government acted “too little, too late”, according to a damning official report on the handling of Covid 19. We get the details of the report findings with The UK government acted “too little, too late”, according to a damning official report on the handling of Covid 19.
Nov 21, 2025 • 7min
Friday Food: A classic Irish stew as the cold nights set in
Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel Gareth Mullins talks through a classic Irish stew as the cold nights set in.
Nov 21, 2025 • 15min
Enoch Burke is still at large after the High Court order
Enoch Burke is still at large after the High Court ordered him to return to prison for the fourth time. Gardai believe he’s hiding in his family home in Castlebar and have made multiple calls to the house, but Enoch still hasn’t presented himself. We get the latest on this with Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent Shane Phelan.
Nov 21, 2025 • 16min
We dissect Trump’s twenty eight point peace plan for Ukraine
Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor Politics, School of Law and Government, DCU and Author of Unfinished Empire joined Pat this morning to dissect Trump’s twenty eight point peace plan for Ukraine.
Nov 21, 2025 • 12min
What are stablecoins?
You’re likely to have frequently heard of the cryptocurrency bitcoin in the past number of years…but what about ‘stablecoins’? Aave is the world’s largest decentralised finance lending network and has just received a license from the central bank to trade here and across Europe. Tech Editor with The Irish Independent Adrian Weckler explains.
