Newstalk Breakfast

How important are financial matters when choosing a romantic partner?  All to chat with Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker at Love HQ Matchmaking.

The Government has been warned of the danger of overheating the economy with its planned €9.4 billion spending increase in the Budget next month by the Economic and Social Research Institute. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.  

Catherine Connolly, an Independent politician and presidential candidate, joins the discussion to share her vision for Ireland's future. She passionately outlines her commitment to peace, climate action, and community support. Connolly addresses her controversial views on Israel and Palestine, condemning both Hamas and Israeli actions. She emphasizes the necessity for a United Ireland and highlights the significance of the Irish language. Additionally, she discusses gender inclusion and the importance of self-identification in shaping progressive policies.

Tens of thousands of US visitors are travelling to Ireland this week for an NFL game in Croke Park on Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Minnesota Vikings in the first-ever regular season game in Ireland. Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with fans and those who play American football here at home.

There has  been a 24% increase in the number of drink driving offences caught in the first half of this year.  That’s according to new data from the Central Statistics Office.    So why is the message not ringing through to motorists, and what more needs to be done?   All to discuss with Meghann Scully, Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster.

We need to do more to protect clean air in towns, villages, and cities across Ireland. That’s the message from the Environmental Protection Agency as it publishes it’s latest Air Quality report  Speaking to Ciara this morning was Niamh Connolly, Senior Scientific Officer in the Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance Unit at the EPA.

In the wake of Maria Steen’s failed bid to get on the ticket for this year’s presidential election, Independent Ireland is now calling for a referendum to change the nomination process for future elections.  Jonathan discussed this further with Michael Collins is Leader of Independent Ireland and a TD for Cork South-West.

Now, 24 players entered Slane Castle three weeks ago, and last night we saw Kelley, Oyin and Vanessa emerge victorious as the very first winner of the Traitors Ireland.  The show has taken the nation by storm, but did the series finale deliver, and why was the series so iconic? Faye Louise Brennan, who made it all the way to the penultimate episode joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

HSE has 'no capacity or funding' to help people quit vaping.  Ciara and Jonathan discussed this further this morning on the show.

A Dáil debate today will discuss legislation around young people vaping, as the HSE lacks capacity or funding for those wishing to quit.  Ahead of this, Labour TD and Spokesperson for Health Marie Sherlock has called on the Minister for Health to ‘step up’. Marie spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.