Newstalk Breakfast
Newstalk
Newstalk Breakfast brings you all the news you need to set you up for the day – from politics, business, sport, entertainment and everything in between. Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly have all the stories that matter, every weekday from 7-9AM. 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 17, 2025 • 3min
Fianna Fáil's presidential review discussed by parliamentary members
A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate. The review, and Micheál Martin’s future as leader of the party, was discussed by parliamentary members last night. We discuss all this with Mary Regan, Irish Independent Political Editor.
Dec 16, 2025 • 4min
Peace talks continue between the US and Ukraine
Ukraine’s top peace negotiator said Monday that U.S. and Ukrainian officials had achieved “real progress” in the second round of peace talks in Berlin aimed at ending Russia’s war. We heard from Patrick Bury, Defence Expert at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst.
Dec 16, 2025 • 6min
A call for the expansion of voting rights to Irish people living abroad
Today, the Oireachtas will consider a petition calling on the expansion of voting rights to Irish people living abroad. A referendum to offer voting rights to Irish citizens living outside the Republic was postponed way back in 2019, but should it be reconsidered? All to discuss with Emma DeSouza, Writer, Political Commentator and member of VotingRights.ie.
Dec 16, 2025 • 5min
What is the vacant above the shop grant?
Housing Minister James Browne will update Cabinet today about the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which would provide up to 140,000 euros to help people turn spaces above shops into homes. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects.
Dec 16, 2025 • 9min
The long-awaited review of Fianna Fáil's presidential election campaign
The long-awaited review of Fianna Fáil's presidential election campaign was submitted to the party leader Micheál Martin last night. Under the review's terms of reference Mr Martin will share its findings with the members of the parliamentary party after he has considered the report. With more on this Sean was joined by Malcom Byrne, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow-Wexford.
Dec 16, 2025 • 8min
Should we have mixed or single-sex schools?
The government has launched a survey asking responders if they prefer mixed or single-sex schools. While the results have yet to be published. Ireland, which has had a long history of single-sex schooling is bound to yield interesting results. We discuss further with Barbara Ennis, Principal of Alexandra College and Simon Lewis Primary School Principal and podcaster.
Dec 16, 2025 • 4min
European Commission to water down ban on combustion engines
The European Commission is expected to reverse the effective ban on the sale of engine-combustion cars. This change is due to take place from 2035 after pressure from automakers across the EU. We discuss further with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent.
Dec 16, 2025 • 4min
Over 200% increase in cocaine related deaths across 10 years
There was a 259 per cent increase in deaths by cocaine poisoning between 2013 and 2022, according to the latest research by the Health Research Board. Joining Sean to discuss more is Dr Suzi Lyons, Head of National Health Information Systems.
Dec 16, 2025 • 6min
President Trump sues BBC
US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking at least 10 billion dollars from the BBC over a documentary that edited his 2021 speech to supporters ahead of the US Capitol riot. We get the latest on this with David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with the Guardian.
Dec 15, 2025 • 4min
In a cross-county relationship where should you spend Christmas?
Where to spend Christmas when you and your partner hail from different counties? We are joined now by Cork-native Fionnuala Jones, Broadcaster and Podcaster,
