The Pat Kenny Show Highlights

Backlash brewing from some TDs on inheritance tax for childless couples. Taoiseach is in Tirana for the European Political Community on Friday – the political version of Eurovision. Newstalk’s political correspondent Sean Defoe joins us to discuss calls to reform the current inheritance tax and more. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will not travel to Turkey today for peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It comes after Putin himself first floated the idea of a Turkey peace meeting. Donncha Ó Beacháin Professor of Politics, School of Law and Government, DCU discussed this further with Pat.

Building Dreams in the Dublin Mountains This week on Garden Stories, we meet a man who took a winding path home and found a way to turn design, craftsmanship and a touch of geometry into a thriving garden business. Pat spoke to Seamus Daly Founder of Geodesic Domes.All with thanks to Tirlán.

In cinema, some directors burst onto the scene with a film so iconic, so culturally seismic, that it seems certain they’re destined for greatness. Then nothing or worse a spectacular unraveling. Lisa Cannon brings us some extraordinary examples where the promise of genius gave way to artistic exile, industry politics, or sheer bad luck.

Long waiting lists for the driving tests, Ford fire risks and why The European Union’s plan to phase out sales of gas and diesel cars by 2035 could be in trouble. All to discuss with Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator.

The first of the two Eurovision semi-finals took place in the Swiss city of Basel last night; Henry McKean joins us with all the highlights.

This Sunday the 11th of May a new state-of-the-art hospital will open in Valencia, Spain. This new hospital will be able to accommodate patients waiting on orthopedic treatments in Ireland as part of the EU Cross Border Directive. Speaking to Pat this morning was Paul Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare Abroad and also Lisa Corcoran, Fitness Instructor, Maynooth, Co. Kildare  who recently had a operation. 

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is tasked with supporting the most vulnerable in society. But what is its full remit? Does it meet up to what it is supposed to do? All to discuss with Kate Duggan, Tusla CEO.

Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland discusses chocolate and how the compound that is lethal to dogs might be healthy for humans and lab grown chocolate. Also we hear about a new universal anti-venom for snake bite.All with thanks to Repak.

Tax cuts and cost of living measures are all unlikely in this year’s budget if no deal is reached between the US and the UK on tariffs. Harry McGee Political Correspondent, The Irish Times explains all to us this morning.